Oceans Abound Travel Agency

07/29/2025

🎉 I’m proud to share that I’ve officially earned my IATAN card for the 3rd year in a row! 🎉

For those who don’t know, the IATAN card is more than just a credential—it’s a recognition of professionalism, experience, and credibility in the travel industry. It’s issued only to travel advisors who consistently meet high industry standards, and maintaining it year after year is a reflection of the dedication I put into my work.

Having this card not only strengthens my reputation as a trusted travel advisor, but also opens doors to ongoing education, exclusive industry access, and resources that ultimately benefit you—my amazing clients. ❤️

To everyone who has trusted me with your honeymoons, family getaways, cruises, anniversary trips, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures—thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your trust and support are what allow me to do what I love and to continue growing in this incredible field.

Here's to more stamps in your passport, unforgettable memories, and dream vacations brought to life. 🌍✈️💙

07/22/2025

Beginning on January 27, 2026, Southwest is bringing on assigned seating with their new "Choose your seat. Elevate your experience." campaign!

How do we feel about this new change, especially after their most recent policy on charging for bags?

Discover our new assigned seating options that give Customers more flexibility when flying including extra legroom seats, preferred seats, and standard seats.

07/18/2025

🚨 Bucket List Alert! 🚨

If Japan has been sitting on your travel bucket list, it’s time to grab that pen and start checking it off! ✅

Join me, Helene with Oceans Abound Travel Agency, for an unforgettable Small Group Tour of Japan in April 2026 — perfectly timed to catch the beauty of cherry blossom season. 🌸

This isn't your average tour. We're talking must-see cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone, Hiroshima, and Osaka, paired with incredible cultural experiences, delicious food, and those wow-worthy moments you’ll be talking about for years to come.

Think:
⛩ Iconic temples & shrines
🪴Peaceful gardens & vibrant cities
🇯🇵 Local guides sharing insider stories
🍱Sushi, sake, and more ramen than you thought possible

Whether you’ve dreamed of riding a bullet train, seeing Mt. Fuji, sleeping in a traditional Japanese ryokan or standing beneath blooming cherry blossom trees, this is your sign to make it happen.

Space is limited (because small group = big fun, not big crowds) so don't wait too long to reserve your spot!!

📲 Message me for details or visit for more information: https://oceansaboundtravel.com/group-trips

Let’s make 2026 the year you finally say, “I’ve been to Japan!” 🥳

05/21/2025

Over a month ago, I had the chance to experience the magic of Iberostar Waves Quetzal y Tucan in the beautiful Riviera Maya 🏝—and it did not disappoint! So, of course, I grabbed Tim and off we went to this stunning stretch of Caribbean coastline for a stay that was equal parts relaxing and unforgettable....and, of course, I was still able to squeeze in time to work!! 💻

Imagine this: you're nestled in a lush jungle setting, surrounded by colorful peacocks 🦚, playful spider monkeys 🐒, curious iguanas🦎, and even adorable raccoons🦝 . Waterfalls add to the natural soundtrack, creating a true tropical escape. Then, just steps away, the jungle opens up to reveal a gorgeous beach —soft white sand, warm turquoise water, and gentle waves lapping at the shore.

☀️ Pure. Paradise. 🌴

We stayed in a Premium Room near the pool, with a peekaboo view of the ocean from our balcony. The bed was ridiculously comfortable (seriously, the sheets were like butter), and the bathroom was spacious and well-stocked. Bonus: there’s a filtered water station just outside the rooms to refill your tumblers—such a thoughtful touch!

The food? Delicious! Here are just a few standouts:

🍣 Bonsai Japanese Restaurant – fun and interactive, with a chef who transformed a rice “chicken” into a bowl of flavorful fried rice before our eyes!

🌮 Hacienda SmokeHouse – tacos, roasted meats, endless salsas, and fresh salads. So good!

🍤 Buffet – a mixed bag, but Asian night was a huge win with fresh sushi and seafood galore.

But my favorite part? The main pool:🏊‍♀️

*Huge with beach entry & multiple stair access points
*Gorgeous fountains & a spacious attached whirlpool bath
*Plentiful lounge chairs and attentive bar service
*Self-serve snack bars and a super cute ice cream shack
*An adults-only pool with a swim-up bar tucked into tropical landscaping for extra privacy

The staff were warm, welcoming, and genuinely cared about making every guest’s stay amazing. It made a big impression.

A few quick highlights:
🌴 Lush jungle-meets-beach setting
🏖️ Direct access to a beautiful stretch of soft sand and turquoise water
🛏️ Premium rooms with modern amenities
🍽️ Variety of restaurants + themed buffets
🏊‍♀️ Massive pool complex + adults-only section
💦 Refillable water stations throughout the resort
🧘‍♀️ Shared spa, gym, and tennis courts across both sister properties (Quetzal + Tucan)

👉 Heads up: The resort will be closed April–September 2026 for major renovations—so if you're thinking about booking, now is the perfect time to experience it before the updates.

Ready to plan your own escape to paradise?

Let me help you make it happen! I’ve been there, I know the ins and outs, and I’ll make sure your trip is just as magical. 🌺

Comment below or private message me for details!!

04/27/2025

Finally onboard the gorgeous NCL Escape for our Caribbean cruise!!! 🥰

Getting some Vitamin D!

04/19/2025

✈️ REAL ID Reminder! 🪪

Starting May 7, 2025, all U.S. travelers flying domestically will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of ID (like a passport book or passport card) to pass through airport security. Yes, a current passport is considered a REAL ID.

Don’t have your REAL ID yet? Now’s the time to get it — or make sure your passport is ready to go! ⏳

Avoid delays, extra screening, or being turned away at security. 😱

03/31/2025

Happy Monday, friends!! I'm ready for a full day of learning here at the Las Vegas Travel Agent Forum!! 😁

I'm here to learn, network, and grow—all so I can better serve my amazing clients with even more travel expertise and insider knowledge. 🌍✈️💼

The icing on the cake?? This is the view from my room at Paris Las Vegas!! 👀

03/30/2025

Back in the air again!! 🥰 This time, heading to Vegas for the Las Vegas Travel Agent Forum!!

I’m so excited to learn, network and hang out with some of my favorite fellow travel agents!! 😊

03/15/2025

Our first two days in Dublin, Ireland did not disappoint!!! 🥰

We’ve toured Trinity College, Book of Kells experience, Teeling Distillery, Little Musuem of Dublin and have seen some breathtaking churches, including St Patrick’s Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral. We’ve roamed around the Temple Bar area and Grafton Street (amazing shopping area)!

Ready for Day 3!!

03/12/2025

Say it isn't so!!! 🥺

Southwest Airlines has just announced that they are doing away with their "two free checked bags" policy that many of us have come to love about the airline as of May 28, 2025.

There are ways around this, however....Southwest says that it will continue to offer two free checked bags to Rapid Rewards A-List preferred members and customers traveling on Business Select fares, and one free checked bag to A-List members and other select customers. Passengers with Rapid Rewards credit cards will receive a credit for one checked bag.

So....will you continue to fly Southwest once this change has been made? Or are you a die-hard Southwest fan no matter what policies they change?

03/08/2025

🧳 🇬🇷 Greece Dream Trip: Cruise or Land Adventure? 🧳🇬🇷

If you could plan your ultimate trip to Greece, what would it look like? 🤩

💙 Cruise – Wake up in a new island paradise every day! 🛳️🏝️
🤍 Land Vacation – Immerse yourself in the history, culture, and food! 🏛️🍷

Now, let’s build your perfect itinerary! Tell me:
📍 Which cities or islands are on your must-visit list? Santorini, Athens, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes… so many choices!
⏳ How long would you stay? A quick getaway or a full-on Greek odyssey?
🌞🏛️ Are you all about fun in the sun or a history & culture deep dive—or both?

Drop your answers below! Let’s see who’s ready for an epic Greece adventure! 👇💬

03/08/2025

🌍✈️ Bucket List Showdown! ✈️🌍

Imagine you can check off ONE bucket list trip right now—but there’s a catch! You can only choose ONE from the list below! 😱

Which one are you picking? Comment which one (or THREE!) matches your dream trip! 👇👇👇

🏝️ Overwater bungalow in Bora Bora – Tropical paradise vibes 🌊☀️
🏔️ Exploring the Swiss Alps – Snowy peaks & adventure ❄️🏂
🛳️ Luxury cruise through the Mediterranean – Islands, history & endless views 🚢🇮🇹
🐘 African Safari in Kenya – Wildlife & breathtaking landscapes 🦓🌿
🎢 Epic theme park vacation – Thrill rides & childhood dreams 🎡🎟️
🏛️ Touring Ancient Greece – History, food & stunning coastlines 🇬🇷🍷

Drop your choice below & tag a friend who needs to go with you! 👇👇👇