** Editor's note: We are thrilled to welcome Expedia Cruises to our family of sponsors! Here, we introduce you to Jim and Mary Villamana, your neighborhood travel experts whose passion for adventure and love for unique destinations inspired the duo to launch Expedia Cruises in Brookfield.
Mary, a native of Newtown and Jim, originally from Ridgefield, opened Connecticut’s first Expedia agency in early 2019 at 67 Federal Road in Brookfield.
Through their agency, Expedia Cruises, Jim and Mary make it easy to scratch those dream destinations off your bucket list. Whether you're planning an overseas adventure or a getaway closer to home, they offer everything you need—from vacation packages and all-inclusive resorts to coach and rail tours, home and villa rentals, travel insurance, flights, hotels, car rentals, activities, and excursions.
Here, we chat with Mary about her passion for travel, what it's like to own the state’s first Expedia agency, and her favorite travel tips for unforgettable adventures.
Q: If you could teleport to any destination right now, where would you go and why?
A: Antarctica, we've always wanted to go but it's not easy to get to. The destination is truly an adventure never to be forgotten! It's an immersive experience with dramatic landscapes including glaciers and icebergs and the opportunity to experience wildlife in their undisturbed natural habitat.
Q: What’s the most adventurous trip you’ve planned for a client?
A: It was an African safari. The trip started in Cape Town, a paradise full of exquisite scenery and beautiful beaches. Some of the many activities they got to choose from included wine tastings, shark diving, whale watching, and an encounter with African penguins. From there they flew to Kruger National Park where the safari began. Some of the animals that they got to experience in their natural habitat were elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, rhinos, giraffes, hippos, and zebra. This once-in-a-lifetime experience concluded with a visit to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Q: You recently partnered with Viking Cruises to raise funds for Ridgefield nonprofit A.C.T. of Connecticut. Can you tell me about this?
A: ACT of Connecticut is a treasure for the local community and offers Broadway-caliber entertainment in our backyard. Viking Cruises focuses on culturally immersive experiences with an emphasis on the Arts; they believe in supporting the Arts and making a difference and so do we! We partnered with Viking and co-sponsored a raffle for a free Viking cruise. This was a big success as we proudly raised almost $20K for ACT of Connecticut!
Q: What fueled your passion to open Expedia Cruises?
A; Travel has always been our passion. As Jim and I became empty nesters, we got serious about owning a travel agency. We were especially attracted to being a part of Expedia, one of the world’s largest travel companies. We soon discovered the many benefits that Expedia Cruises offered including a very comprehensive support network, advantageous pricing, strong reputation, and access to many travel suppliers. In 2018, we took the plunge and opened a brick-and-mortar full-service Expedia Cruises travel agency in Brookfield, CT. It’s a win/win for us to help people find and plan their dream vacation and provide us with opportunities to travel the world!
Q: Anything you wish I asked?
A: Yes! “How does one become an Expedia Cruises Vacation Consultant?”
We have over 35 Vacation Consultants on our team, most of whom are new to the travel industry. We are always seeking individuals who are passionate about travel and looking for either full or part-time work. It's a great opportunity for a retiree or individual seeking a second career with a flexible work-life balance. You can work anywhere where there is an internet connection, and we provide comprehensive training and support along the way.
So… where to next? Contact Mary and Jim here and start packing!
Expedia Cruises is located at 67 Federal Road, Suite 104, Brookfield, CT 06804. Visit their brick-and-mortar location where you can meet Mary and Jim, or give them a call at (203) 429-5589 for assistance with planning your next adventure!