First Service travelers have seen some impressive sights and enjoyed top-notch entertainment this year on one-day trips and multi-day excursions.

More than 60 bank travelers have taken advantage of the first few trips planned in 2023, according to Ina Standridge, who has served as the director of the travel club since 2018. Marilyn Battles is the assistant director.

“We have had some great times,” said Ina, adding that she has received a lot of positive feedback about the trips that have taken place as well as those that are planned. “Members really seem to enjoy traveling with the club!”

Ina said different aspects of the travel club are appealing, but affordable pricing is among the top reasons for participation. The club also provides an opportunity to travel with fewer hassles. There is no need to worry about how to get somewhere or where to eat, sleep or park. “You just sit back, relax and enjoy the trip,” Ina said.

Another top reason customers choose the First Service Travel Club is to meet new people. “They enjoy the trip and are making lifelong friends,” Ina said.

The first extended trip of the year for First Service Travelers took place in April to Washington, D.C. Club members traveled by motorcoach for the six-day trip, which included guided tours of war memorials, monuments, Capitol Hill and the Smithsonian, and a tram ride through Arlington National Cemetery. Travelers also visited the Museum of the Bible and George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate and garden.

“Washington, D.C., was amazing,” said Ina, adding that time spent at Arlington National Cemetery was a definite highlight of the trip. Club members were able to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Changing of the Guard, an elaborate ceremony that happens every hour on the hour from Oct. 1 through March 31, and every half hour from April 1 through Sept. 30. FSB travelers also saw the Audie Murphy Gravesite, one of the most visited at the cemetery. An actor, he was one of the most decorated American soldiers in history.

On the first one-day trip in May, the Travel Club enjoyed a performance of “Queen Esther” at the Sight & Sound Theatre in Branson, MO. Members experienced one of the most riveting Bible stories of the Old Testament with magnificent sets, special effects and live animals in an original stage production. 

Ina has taken a travel club group nearly every year to the Sight & Sound Theatre and all the shows have been “awesome” productions. “This year’s was probably the best of all the shows I have seen,” she said. “It was just fabulous.”

In early June, First Service Travelers headed to Nashville, TN, for the second extended trip of the year. 

Members traveled by motorcoach for four nights in the Nashville area, which included two shows and guided tours of Nashville and Belle Meade historic site and winery. Travelers also enjoyed the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Grand Ole Opry Behind the Scenes Tour with performances by Carrie Underwood and other great artists, the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, the Johnny Cash Museum and the Patsy Cline Museum.

For more information on the club and upcoming travel opportunities, call 501.514.2340 or visit firstservicebank.com/about/travelers.