Ashton Marshall

Florida Travel Agent Specialist

Known as The Sunshine State, Florida is the southernmost continental state in the United States, enjoying more than 230 days of sunshine each year. Bordered by Alabama to the west and Georgia to the north, Florida offers a diverse blend of coastal charm, cultural richness, and world-class attractions.

The northwestern stretch of Florida—commonly referred to as the Panhandle—features beautiful Gulf Coast destinations such as Pensacola and Panama City Beach. The capital city, Tallahassee, anchors the region and is home to both Florida State University and Florida A&M University, a distinguished HBCU. Visitors can explore historic landmarks, a vibrant college-town atmosphere, and notable military sites, including the National Naval Aviation Museum. With deep historical roots, this region is an excellent stop for travelers interested in U.S. and state history.

Traveling east, visitors will reach Jacksonville in Duval County, one of Florida’s largest metropolitan areas. Just south lies the nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine—renowned for its preserved Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and centuries-old fortresses.

At the heart of the state, Central Florida is best known for its world-famous theme parks and thriving tourism industry. Orlando, one of the most visited cities in the United States, is home to Walt Disney World Resort — including Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios — as well as Universal Orlando Resort, featuring Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and the newly opened (2025) Epic Universe. Additional attractions include SeaWorld Orlando, LEGOLAND Florida, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

For those seeking experiences beyond the theme parks, International Drive (I-Drive) offers a lively mix of entertainment, shopping, and dining. Visitors can enjoy attractions such as Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Fun Spot America, The Orlando Auto Museum, and more. Both I-Drive and Downtown Orlando are known for their upbeat “fun brunch” culture—weekend brunches featuring small bites and live DJs. Don’t miss a stroll through Pointe Orlando or a ride on the 400-foot-tall Orlando Eye, offering 360-degree views of the city. Just outside Orlando, additional attractions include Gatorland and Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales.

Beyond its family attractions, Orlando reveals a sophisticated side, boasting over 50 golf courses, three MICHELIN Key hotels, 59 MICHELIN-recognized restaurants, and premier shopping destinations such as Disney Springs and The Mall at Millenia. Central Florida is also home to the University of Central Florida (my alma mater!), the largest university in the country, and hosts hundreds of conventions each year — contributing to the region’s reputation as a hub for innovation, hospitality, and business.

South Florida—often called SoFlo or the Gold Coast—encompasses Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties. This vibrant tri-county region blends Caribbean, Latin, and American influences, reflected in its cuisine, music, and year-round cultural festivals. Visitors can experience signature events such as Calle Ocho Festival, Jazz in the Gardens, Miami Carnival, Ultra Music Festival, and Rolling Loud Miami.

Miami, the state’s southernmost major city, offers a dynamic mix of art, entertainment, and luxury. From the iconic shores of South Beach, lined with historic hotels and landmarks, to the colorful street murals of Wynwood, Miami is a global hub for creativity and nightlife. Each December, Miami Art Week and Art Basel attract art enthusiasts and collectors from around the world.

Florida’s natural beauty is as compelling as its cities. The Everglades National Park spans 1.5 million acres of subtropical wetlands and is the only place on Earth where crocodiles and alligators coexist. Visitors can explore this ecosystem on airboat tours, through wildlife preserves, or along scenic walking trails. Across the state, travelers will find numerous state parks, freshwater springs, zoos and safaris, botanical gardens, and marine sanctuaries showcasing Florida’s unique biodiversity.

Extending from the southern tip of the state, the Florida Keys offer a relaxed island atmosphere connected by the scenic Overseas Highway. Key West, the southernmost point in the continental United States, features historic charm, coral reefs ideal for diving and snorkeling, and breathtaking sunsets that perfectly capture Florida’s laid-back spirit. 

Florida isn’t just a destination for young families or retirees. Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, relaxation, or celebration, Florida provides endless opportunities to create lasting vacation memories at all life’s stages!

Aruba Travel Agent Specialist

“One Happy Island,” Aruba earns its reputation through year-round tropical weather, a warm multicultural atmosphere, and more than 42 miles (68 kilometers) of stunning coastline. Locals often say that if it rains, it won’t last more than a few minutes—a testament to the island’s consistent sunshine.

Most visitors arrive via Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA), where travelers pay a modest $20 USD Sustainability Fee. This small contribution helps maintain the island’s infrastructure and sewer systems—a minimal price for such a picturesque and surprisingly affordable Caribbean destination.

Listed on many travel bucket lists, Aruba is compact and easy to explore, stretching roughly 20 miles long and six miles at its widest point. Adventurous travelers can circle the island via Route 1 in under three hours—just remember to drive on the right side of the road!

For those seeking more adventure, a 4x4 or UTV is ideal for navigating Aruba’s rugged desert terrain. Numerous guided tours and private rentals allow visitors to explore beyond the main roads— drifting through dusty pastures, through caves, across natural bridges, and past landmarks such as the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, established in 1872. Open-air bus tours often include stops at the California Lighthouse, Alto Vista Chapel, and Arikok National Park, with lively guides and even onboard DJs creating a fun, interactive experience.

It may come as a surprise that this tropical paradise is also classified as a desert island. Aruba’s arid landscape is dotted with cacti, aloe vera plants, palm trees, and native succulents, blending desert beauty with turquoise ocean views. The contrast makes it a haven for all types of travelers—from thrill-seekers cliff diving into seaside caves to beach lovers unwinding beneath fiery Caribbean sunsets.

Try snorkeling or scuba diving to discover the SS Antilla German German freighter scuttled sunken in World War II. The island’s highest point, Mount Jamanota, rises 620 feet (189 meters) above sea level, offering sweeping views of the island’s terrain. Another landmark, Hooiberg—Dutch for “haystack”—is a volcanic formation at Aruba’s center and one of its most recognizable features. Climb to the top for panoramic views, and on clear days, you may even spot Venezuela’s coastline less than 30 miles (48 kilometers) to the south.

Although geographically close to South America, Aruba is a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, sharing sovereignty while maintaining its own government. Neighboring Curaçao, located 70 miles (113 kilometers) southeast, shares a similar cultural blend.

Aruba’s rich history and diverse influences have created a truly multilingual society. Locals—known as Arubans—typically speak Dutch and Papiamento, a Creole language blending Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, and English. Thanks to the island’s education system and proximity to Latin America, most Arubans are quad-lingual, comfortably speaking Dutch, Spanish, English, and Papiamento. Travelers from all countries, including the Netherlands, must present a passport for entry by air.

Cultures blend through cuisine, where Dutch, Latin, and Caribbean flavors harmonize. A must-try breakfast staple is the Dutch pancake—light, thin, and deliciously customizable. Visit Linda’s Dutch Pancakes in Noord, a local favorite famous for generous portions and a relaxed, European-style atmosphere. Like many breakfast-only eateries, it closes around 2 p.m., but true to island life, service is never rushed—making it the perfect place to slow down and savor your morning.

Head to Downtown Oranjestad, the island’s colorful capital. Try to catch the main of at least 4 permanent “I Wind Creek Casino. Visitors can also explore the Historical Museum of Aruba, the Archaeological Museum, or attend the lively Bon Bini Festival every Tuesday evening to experience local music and dance.While the official currency is the Aruban Florin (AWG), U.S. dollars are widely accepted, making travel easy for visitors from the United States. Despite its luxurious beaches and upscale resorts, Aruba remains remarkably affordable, with plenty of mid-range and casual dining options. Try local favorites like The Sexy Shrimp or Pelican Pier for fresh seafood and beach side views.

Eagle Beach, one of Aruba’s most famous stretches of sand, is a lively hub for beach goers, diners, and nightlife enthusiasts. Many restaurants and bars are open-air, allowing guests to enjoy warm breezes, live music, and ocean views late into the night.

Whether you’re savoring a leisurely seaside meal, embarking on an off-road adventure, or toasting with friends at a beachfront bar, Aruba welcomes every traveler with open arms, endless sunshine, and a genuine spirit of joy that lives up to its name—One Happy Island.

Chicago Travel Agent Specialist

Centered in the heart of the Midwest among the 48 continental states, you’ll find Illinois — the 21st state, founded in 1818. As the sixth most populous U.S. state and home to over 21 million Americans, Illinois’ history is deeply rooted in agriculture, architecture, and the music shaped by American migration. It’s the birthplace of Walt Disney, home to the first McDonald’s, and boasts more nuclear power plants than any other state. Yet, about 76% of Illinois’ land is dedicated to farming, with roughly 71,000 (95%) of those farms being family-owned. The state ranks among the nation’s top producers of corn, soybeans, and even Christmas trees.

And then there’s Chicago "The Windy City"— the city where I was born and will always call home. In my book, Chicago is the incomparable gem of Illinois and, honestly, the best city in the world! Yes, you can never go wrong bringing a light jacket for an evening out Downtown.

Chicago is one of those U.S. cities that feels larger than life. Founded by a Haitian man, Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, in the late 1700s, it’s easy to forget that Chicago is just one city within Illinois. Before the pandemic, Chicago welcomed more than 60 million tourists annually, and even today, it attracts over 50 million visitors each year — both domestic and international. Tourism contributes billions to the local economy, drawing travelers for business, leisure, food, and world-class entertainment.

If you’re looking to spend some of your own tourist dollars, downtown Chicago is the perfect place to start. Along Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile and State Street, you’ll find hundreds of retailers ranging from luxury brands to local boutiques. The Magnificent Mile stretches 13 blocks and is home to more than 450 stores, the 100-story John Hancock Center (don’t miss the 360 CHICAGO observation deck), upscale hotels, renowned dining, and museums.

The greater metro area, known as Chicagoland, includes surrounding towns that, while technically outside city limits, play an essential role in the region’s identity and culture. To dive into Illinois’ rich history, visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, the state capital. There, you’ll learn how waves of migration — including Polish, Italian, Chinese, Mexican, and Southern Black American communities — helped shape the diverse culture reflected in Chicago’s food, music, and architecture today.

In Northern Illinois, travelers can venture through the historically industrial city of Rockford or head to the Illinois Railway Museum in Union — the largest railway museum in North America. Thrill seekers can make their way to Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor in Lake County, just south of Milwaukee. The park covers 273 acres of rides and attractions, including classics like the Raging Bull and American Eagle wooden roller coaster, plus ocean-sized waves at the Surf Lagoon — all in the heart of the Midwest.

If you plan to explore the Chicagoland area, be prepared for some traffic — Illinois ranks seventh in the U.S. for the longest average commute times. Still, it’s worth every minute once you arrive.

Every summer, Chicago comes alive with world-famous events like Lollapalooza in Grant Park and, in 2025, the NASCAR Cup Series race returned to that same iconic downtown park. If a love for fashion brings you to the city, Chicago Fashion Week in early fall is the perfect time to stroll the streets and explore downtown attractions like The Bean (officially Cloud Gate) in Millennium Park or Navy Pier, which stretches gracefully along the Lake Shore Drive coastline. Explore its 50 acres of restaurants, event venues, and arcade games, and catch the summer fireworks from the Centennial Wheel, offering another stunning 360° view of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.

One thing to remember: the pizza most commonly eaten by locals in Chicago is actually “tavern style.” It’s thin-crust, square-cut, and loaded with authentic Italian flavor — but of course, the famous deep-dish pizza is also a must-try, especially for cheese lovers. And don’t leave the city without a bag of Garrett Popcorn — their legendary Chicago Mix (a blend of cheddar cheese and caramel) is irresistible. With seven locations in downtown Chicago alone and more than 50 worldwide, it’s an easy and delicious souvenir.

Whether you’re visiting for business, sports, or studies — home to over 100 post-secondary institutions — or cheering on the Bulls or Blackhawks, Illinois has something for everyone. So pack your bags and come experience your next unforgettable travel moments in the Land of Lincoln — and, of course, in the City of Big Shoulders.