Adventurers planning the perfect spring break trip would do well to look into 2 Cousins Travel. Charlena Kendrick and her cousin, Paula Beatty, have a passion for travel that has made them the go-to people for travel advice among friends and family. They know where the best lodgings are, the cheapest times to book a flight and how to make the most of the destination. More than a decade ago, the cousins started their own agency, 2 Cousins Travel, to help aspiring nomads find their way.
“Our friends and family would say, ‘Where are you going next? We want to come!’ So we started planning trips every other year. Our agency is now internationally accredited, and we have grown to have a total of five agents,” said Kendrick.
Kendrick lives in Indy but helps clients plan trips to destinations near and far. Some of the trips she is currently planning include treks to Dubai, Thailand, Paris, Costa Rica and South Africa, and a group trip to the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans. Kendrick said there is a relaxing spring break vacation for every budget.
“Planning ahead is key. Obviously, I would suggest finding an accredited travel agent. The key thing is to first establish a budget so that a travel agent can work with you. They are good at knowing and preparing for all the little hidden costs that you may not be aware of or know of,” said Kendrick.
For travelers who want to venture overseas, travel agents often offer low-cost monthly payment plans leading up to the date of departure. Kendrick points out that there are plenty of locations to visit close to home.
“There are a lot of things to do locally or within a day’s drive. There are amusement parks or the Indiana Dunes. You can explore Louisville, Cincinnati and local campgrounds. Four hours away from us is an absolutely great zoo that is of no cost in St. Louis,” said Kendrick.
In addition, she says a “stay-cation” can be just as rejuvenating as a weekend getaway.
“Take a weekend and be a tourist in your own city. Most people born in Indianapolis may not have been to the (Indianapolis) Motor Speedway; they may not have been to the top of the monument. So find a hotel downtown that serves breakfast, and eat as much as you can! Get out there, catch the bus, see lots of things.”
Kendrick says, regardless of the destination, all people should make exploring the world a priority.
“Travel is one of the best ways to invest in ourselves. It’s rejuvenating and educational. There’s so much of God’s creation out there, and when you see it for the first time, it’s awe inspiring and thought provoking. It allows us to reconnect and give something back to ourselves.”
For more information on 2 Cousins Travel, call (855) 822-6874 or visit 2cousinstravel.com.
