With 2023 chocked full of fun trips to interesting places, the First Service Bank Travel Club has announced another “wonderful’ slate of excursions scheduled in 2024.
The exciting destinations range from Hawaii and the Wild West to Charleston and the Biltmore Estate at Christmas, according to First Service banker Ina Standridge, who has served as the director of the travel club since 2018.
“The trips in 2023 have been wonderful,” said Ina, noting that the scenery particularly in the Canadian Rockies – was breath-taking. “I’ve never seen anything more beautiful.” She added that the travelers were also humbled on the “great” Washington, D.C., trip which included time spent at Arlington National Cemetery.
“I think the trips planned in 2024 are going to be wonderful, too,” she said.
In addition to the travel club’s multi-day trips, one-day excursions will be announced soon.
Ina said travel club members don’t have to worry about the planning or logistics associated with a trip. “You don’t have to worry about where to stay, where to eat, where to park or transportation, which you would if you were on your own,” she said. “They just sit back and relax while forming new, lifetime friendships with others on the trip. I find it a great privilege to be the one taking care of them.”
There is a lot of interest in next year’s trips and spots are filling up. To learn more about these exciting trips and to make a reservation, contact Ina Standridge at 501-514-2340.
“They are filling up fast. If anyone is interested in going, they should call me as quickly as possible.”
Charleston, SC.
The Travel Club will kick off its 2024 trips with Charleston, SC, planned April 21-27.
The trip features motorcoach transportation with six nights lodging, including four consecutive nights in the Charleston area. The package also includes ten meals, six breakfasts and four dinners.
Travelers will enjoy a guided tour of the city, visit the historic Charleston City Market and take part in a relaxing harbor cruise. There will also be a visit to the famous and historic Middleton Place and a tour of a historic Charleston home. A guided tour of a historic Charleston plantation is also planned.
The price is $1,050 per person, double occupancy.
Pioneer Woman/U.S. Marshals Museum
Travel club members will enjoy a two-day trip titled "Journey to Pioneer Woman and United States Marshals Museum" June 3-4.
Ree Drummond, also known as The Pioneer Woman, is an American blogger, author, food writer and television personality. She stars in her own television program, also titled “The Pioneer Woman,” on The Food Network which began in 2011. In 2015, Drummond launched a "homey lifestyle" product line of cookware, cutlery, appliances, clothing and outdoor living items. She lives at the Drummond Ranch in Pawhuska, OK.
“Join us and embark on an unforgettable journey through America's heartland with our exclusive two-day tour,” said Ina. “This immersive experience promises to captivate your senses and take you on a remarkable adventure filled with history, scenic beauty and delectable cuisine.”
Trip highlights include motorcoach transportation and entrance to the U.S. Marshal Museum in Fort Smith. Travelers will enjoy a scenic drive to Pawhuska, OK., where they will explore the downtown for unique shopping opportunities.
Club members will embark on the Roaming the Osage Tour of Pawhuska, which includes Osage Hills, Tallgrass Prairie, the Drummond Ranch, and more,” said Ina. “We will discover the natural beauty and history of the area.”
The price is $550 per person, double occupancy, and includes a one-night stay in Downtown Tulsa. Two meals are included – a delectable brunch experience is planned at The Pioneer Woman Mercantile and a heartwarming homestyle dinner at Calico County in Fort Smith.
Yellowstone and the Wild West
The First Service Bank Travel Club will venture to the Wild West – which includes Yellowstone National Park – on a trip planned July 12-18.
“Step into the heart of the American Wild West in this enthralling seven-day tour that offers a mix of natural splendors, rich history and thrilling adventures,” said. Ina. “From the mesmerizing geothermal wonders of Yellowstone National Park to the rustic charm of Jackson, WY., this journey will immerse you in the diverse beauty and culture of the American West.”
The journey begins in Salt Lake City, the historic “City of Saints,” where travelers will enjoy a delectable welcome dinner and explore the city’s key highlights before heading north to settle in the quaint town of West Yellowstone.
Trip participants will dive deep into the wild terrains of Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, and experience the iconic Old Faithful Geyser. They will enjoy a Yellowstone Wildlife Safari and learn about the region's fauna at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. Club members will drift along the tranquil waters of the Snake River and soak in the beauty of the Tetons.
The trip includes a stop at Park City, where travelers will relive the 2002 Winter Olympics and stroll down the city’s historic streets.
The price is $3,875 per person, double occupancy, which includes airfare, three-star accommodations, meals and expert-guided tours.
“Join us in this unforgettable expedition and discover the American Wild West's untamed beauty and vibrant history,” Ina said.
Hawaii
First Service travelers will embrace the “Aloha” spirit on a leisure tour of three Hawaiian Islands October 6-15. Club members will enjoy three nights each in Oahu, the Big Island (Kona) and Maui.
Trip highlights include a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial on Oahu and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island along with a tour of a coffee farm in Kona to learn about the coffee bean’s journey from tree to cup.
“Our club members will uncover the beauty, culture and traditions of all three islands on this fabulous trip,” said Ina Standridge.
The 10-day trip includes 13 meals, nine breakfasts and four dinners. The price - $5,999 per person double occupancy - includes roundtrip airfare from the Little Rock airport, inter-flights from Honolulu International Airport, air taxes and fees/surcharges and hotel transfers.
Biltmore Estate/North Carolina
The First Service Bank Travelers Club will head east to North Carolina on a trip planned November 3-8.
“Join our Travelers Club and embark on a captivating journey to experience the magic of Christmas at the Biltmore Estate and the picturesque city of Asheville, NC,” said Ina. “Immerse yourself in the allure of the city and the splendor of the Biltmore Estate Mansion on our exclusive Asheville tour!”
During the motorcoach excursion to Asheville, the group will explore the opulent Biltmore Estate, renowned as America's largest privately owned residence. This vacation package also grants access to Biltmore's brand-new Antler Village, a delightful destination for shopping, dining, historical exhibitions and much more.
Additionally, the club will enjoy a guided tour of Asheville, celebrated for its Art Deco architecture, and behold the grandeur of the St. Lawrence Basilica, a cherished historic gem on the National Register of Historic Places. There will also be a guided drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway and visits to the famous Folk Art Center and Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center.
The cost is $915 per person, double occupancy, and includes five nights of lodging, including three consecutive nights in the Asheville area. Eight meals are included as well as a guided tour of Asheville and a full-day visit to the Biltmore.
