Ok. So here it goes. My first blog post. I guess the first thing I should do is answer a few questions. Who am I? What inspired me to open up a travel agency? And why on earth would I think anyone would care what I have to say?
My name is Melissa, the owner of Passports and Pineapples Travel Boutique. Travel has been my passion since I was a kid going to Disney every other weekend. Having worked a traditional job my entire life, I finally have the opportunity to turn that passion into something amazing. I can’t express enough how excited I am about this new venture. It combines my love of travel with my lifelong experience in the hospitality industry as an event planner and hotel sales manager. Because I’ve worked in restaurants and hotels for over 20 years, who better to help you plan the perfect vacation?
So, Passports and Pineapples? How the heck did I come up with that name? Ha!! Well, when it comes to going on my own vacations, I love buying pineapple themed gifts and accessories. I knew I wanted that to be the focal point in the name, but I felt it needed something else. As an event planner, I’m extremely gifted (haha) in creating kitschy names for events. I used that useless talent to add passports, and voila, Passports and Pineapples was born! I chose boutique instead of agency because the latter tends to have an expensive connotation. It’s important to me that my potential travelers know that my services, are for the most part, free. Suppliers like cruise lines and hotel companies pay commissions to travel agents, therefore, no need to charge. Fees would only be added for trips needing more time, research and/or elements that don’t incur a commission. You can read more about that in my FAQs page. (https://passportsandpineapples.com/faqs)
Although I am licensed to sell all types of travel, my two main niche markets are cruises and “off the beaten path” destinations. That leads me into this blog, Adventure is Sweet!! Playing off the pineapple in my company name, I decided to blog about my own “sweet” adventures. Eventually, I want to turn those adventures into tours that others can book through Passports and Pineapples Travel Boutique. This blog is going to focus on off the beaten path locations. I’m going to blend boutique hotels, local bistros and cultural excursions with the historical significance of a destination and take you on an adventure that embraces all the senses.
Now that you know who I am and why I’m so passionate about this new venture, I hope you’ll continue to join me as I take you on a journey beyond the destination.
If you have any suggestions for a blog location, leave them in the comments section. And don’t forget, Adventure is Sweet!
Excellent first blog!