Lexington couple Dr. Christ and Heather Ticoras enjoy luxury travel. Their trips with Carson Travel during the past four years have exceeded expectations.
They travel three times per year, including an annual Caribbean cruise. However, their anniversary trip to the enchanting One & Only Pamilla Resort in Los Cabos, Mexico, now tops their list of vacation destinations.
“It was a once in a lifetime experience,” Heather Ticoras said. “It was a lot of pampering and very sophisticated. It was like we had a butler with us at all times.”
Ticoras described views on the Baja California Peninsula as breathtaking. “The whole landscape and beachfront on the Sea of Cortez were gorgeous.”
The Ticoras’ enjoyed relaxing poolside andbeachside at One & Only. “It defines luxury in my opinion,” Ticoras said. “We did venture out into the city for authentic Mexican food, but it is the resort that you want to stay at for its luxury and beauty.”
Carson Travel Owner Leigh Ann Arnholt CTA, MCC, made the connection to One & Only through the company’s participation in their partnership consortia, Ensemble Travel Group.
Until four years ago, the Ticoras family would book their own cruises and resort vacations. When planning became cumbersome, they decided to use Carson Travel.
“We told Leigh Ann our likes and preferences,” Ticoras said. “It was nice to hand over the headaches of trying to find flights and our destination.”
Ticoras appreciated Arnholt’s ability to understand each individual client and their needs. She has experience with customizing each trip to a client’s preferences.
Ticoras jokes that Arnholt helps keep her grounded during the trip planning processes.
“I want the most lavish room and Leigh Ann brings me back to reality by asking, ‘Is your husband going to agree?” Ticoras said.
The first trip Carson Travel designed created for the Ticoras family was to New York City. Arnholt booked the family’s flight and hotel.
Ticoras appreciates Carson Travel’s willingness to plan a portion of a trip or just individual excursions. “We just went for a college trip with my daughter, and it was nice to gain input on where to stay and what to do from Carson Travel,” she said.
For their resort and cruise destinations, Carson Travel plans the entire trip. Arnholt knows the family’s preferences for early morning flights, transfers and rental cars. She also lets the resort food manager know of the family’s dietary needs.
“Leigh Ann always does go the extra mile for us,” Ticoras said. “She’s good about following up and making sure certain amenities are taken care of such as letting the bellman know we like ice twice per day and turndown service. To me, those are the little details that matter.”
Next on the itinerary for the Ticoras’ is an Eastern Caribbean cruise in February 2019 aboard a Holland America ship.
“For my husband, a cruise is the ultimate vacation,” Ticoras said. “He turns off his cell phone and is worry–free for the 7 to 10 days. Putting, the cruise in his mind is the way to go.”
Christ and Heather will also board Norwegian Bliss for an Alaskan cruise in June 2019 with their five children.
“Everything has been positive as Carson Travel is client-oriented and willing to spend time learning the details of what people want,” Ticoras said.
Ticoras values Arnholt’s knowledge of the cruise lines and hotel chains. She said Arnholt also makes sure their passports are not out of date and organizes all documents in a nice folder.
“People have computers at their fingertips, but it’s nice to plan with an agent and have them complete our checklist for us.”
Contact Carson Travel to start your 3-Step Travel Planning Process today.
