Tidwell + Co. Travel Advisors, LLC

11/20/2025

Passport processing times remain low if you need to apply or renew. Most adult U.S. passport holders can renew entirely online. One important tip - Be sure to ONLY apply through the official site (travel.state.gov/renewonline) to avoid being scammed into paying more or sharing your personal information with third-party sites. If a passport site ends in “.com” or “.org” it is NOT the official site. Always look for “.gov” in the url before starting your application.

11/16/2025

✨ A little travel agent truth… ✨

Most people genuinely don’t realize this:

Travel agents don’t get paid for quotes, research, planning, emails, or advice. We don’t work for the airlines, resorts, cruise lines or disney as hourly employees.

We only get paid AFTER your vacation actually happens — and only if we are the ones who book it.

So when someone comes to me for all the expertise…
✨ comparing cruises or resorts
✨ breaking down dates and pricing
✨ explaining tickets and travel details
…and then books on their own?

That means I worked for free.

If you choose to work with a travel agent, the kindest way to support us is simple:

✨ Communicate openly with what you are looking for. Do you want the best price? The best experience? The most luxurious resort? The cheapest ship, even if old?

✨ Most experienced agents can spot someone a mile away if they are price shopping other agents. If you are price shopping or working with an agent, I will kindly bow out. I don’t compete.

✨ Let us book the exact same deal you found online with the cruise line (same price + personalized service). My absolute FAVORITE clients are the ones that say “I know I can book it, but I’d love to support you.”

✨ Don’t ghost if your plans change. If i provide detailed quotes several times with no response, l will stop responding to your requests.

Small businesses feel every bit of your support — your loyalty truly matters. 💗✨

To the families who trust me with your vacations… THANK YOU!

You’re the reason I do this job with my whole heart. 💕✨

07/25/2025

Passport PSA: Online Passport Renewal is super convenient, and you don’t need to mail anything in! Just don’t try to travel on your current passport while waiting for your new one. We automatically cancel your current passport while processing your renewal. Learn more about how to renew online at travel.state.gov/renewonline.

07/18/2025

Call me when you’re ready…🏝️

Amanda Tidwell, Owner/Agent
☎️903.272.6956 (call or text)

07/14/2025

Passport PSA: If you report your valid passport lost or stolen, we immediately cancel it. You cannot use it for international travel even if you find it later. If you want to travel after reporting your passport lost or stolen, apply for a new passport using Form DS-11. Learn more at travel.state.gov/loststolen

06/05/2025

We issue Travel Advisories with Levels 1 – 4. Level 4 means Do Not Travel. This level is assigned based on local conditions and/or our limited ability to help there. These places are dangerous and you may be putting yourself at extreme risk by visiting.
The Travel Advisories for the following countries are currently Level 4 - Do Not Travel:
⛔ Afghanistan
⛔ Belarus
⛔ Burkina Faso
⛔ Burma
⛔ Central African Republic (CAR)
⛔ Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
⛔ Haiti
⛔ Iran
⛔ Iraq
⛔ Lebanon
⛔ Libya
⛔ Mali
⛔ North Korea
⛔ Russia
⛔ Somalia
⛔ South Sudan
⛔ Sudan
⛔ Syria
⛔ Ukraine
⛔ Venezuela
⛔ Yemen
Find the travel advisory for your destination at travel.state.gov/destination

05/20/2025

The school year is coming to an end & many of you are asking me about beach conditions in/around Cancun. Depending on where you choose to stay in Mexico, the water will look completely different.

Stinky, rotting sargassum does not make for a fun beach vacation! Here’s an update as of this afternoon (red dots = HEAVY presence).

Remember - if you are going to Cozumel you MUST book accommodations on the West side of the island to avoid sargassum. Isla Mujeres will always be one of my top recommendations in the summer months to avoid this issue.

Call or text me if you need help making summer travel plans. It’s not too late!

Amanda Tidwell, Owner/Agent
☎️(903) 272-6956

03/18/2025

Do you know when your passport expires? Even if it’s valid now, you might not be able to travel if it expires within the next six months. If you have an international trip coming up, always check the entry requirements for your destination at travel.state.gov/destination to avoid being denied boarding or turned back around at customs.

02/14/2025

You can follow your heart when choosing a life partner, but when it comes to choosing a travel partner, watch for flags.
Here are some of ours. What are yours?

12/25/2024

Merry Christmas to all our favorite clients & travelers! 🎄🎁 Thank you for your continued friendship and support in 2024! May your holidays be filled with joy, laughter, and plans for the next great adventure!

11/02/2024

03/30/2024

🌟 Announcement: Regarding Planning Fees 🌟

To my valued clients and friends, I wanted to take a moment to address something that’s been on my mind lately. As some of you know, I recently implemented planning fees for new clients to ensure I can continue to provide the highest level of service to each and every one of you. It was a tough decision, but a necessary one to maintain a healthy work-life balance and uphold the quality of service you deserve.

Out of appreciation for my existing clients, I made the decision to waive these fees for you. Your loyalty means the world to me, and I want to continue serving you without any additional financial burden.

However, seeing past clients enjoying vacations that I may have quoted without any commitment is disheartening. Charging planning fees wasn’t an easy step for me, but it’s essential to ensure fairness and respect for both parties involved.

The planning fee isn’t just about finances; it’s a commitment from both sides. It’s a way to ensure that each client is as serious about working with me as I am about working with them.

Please understand that while I don’t want to impose fees on existing clients, the actions of a few are impacting the experience for others. Requesting quotes and then booking elsewhere not only takes up my time, but also undermines the trust and respect in our professional relationship.

Family is important to me, just as it is to you. Achieving a balance between work and personal life is crucial, especially after the lessons learned during the challenges of Covid.

So, I kindly ask for your cooperation and understanding. Let’s continue to build meaningful and respectful relationships, ensuring that each interaction is valuable and mutually beneficial.

For now, I will not charge fees to existing clients, but I ask for your respect so that I can continue to do so.

Thank you for your continued support and loyalty. 💞

Amanda Tidwell, Owner/Agent
Tidwell + Co. Travel Advisors, LLC
☎️ 903.272.6956
📧 [email protected]