Celebrating 50 Years!

 

 

 

Emily Hicks, Owner

 

In 1973, my father, John Hicks founded Going Places, Inc., booking travel in Baltimore’s Eastpoint Mall. Eventually, I started working in the travel business as a summer job because my father wanted at least one of his kids in the business - and the summer job just never ended. Today, about 30 years later, I now run the family business to continuously provide dream vacations for our customers.

I take the opportunity to travel at any chance that I get - I have been to 6 continents and just need to visit Antarctica to complete all 7!

My favorite destinations to visit would have to be the Cayman Islands, Africa and Australia. I love booking any kind of trip for clients, especially safari and adventure trips.

I also love to scuba dive, sky dive and hike. I have hiked Machu Picchu, Mount Kilimanjaro, Patagonia and the mountains of Malasia!

 

 

Effie Karabelas, Travel Specialist

I joined the travel business because I always wanted to travel. When I was young I wanted to be a Flight Attendant, but then I realized it wasa bit like being a waitress in air. So, a Travel Agent was something more up my field. And I have never looked back since. 35 years in the business and counting!

I have an Associate's Degree in Travel & Tourism from Essex Community College as well as a Business Degree.

I love travelling to the Caribbean, but I would say Europe would be my top favorite for travel personally, and the Caribbean as my favorite to book.

People say I am very patient and thorough. A fun side fact about me: I teach Greek dancing and I love sports!

 

       

Keri Luise, Travel Specialist

 

In June 2020, among all of the madness of COVID, I started working with Going Places after graduating college. I started here as a Social Media Manager and Office Assistant. I began learning the ropes of the travel business and was helping to let the world know travel was still going to be possible one day and Going Places Travel Agency is still here!

It has been a unique experience and I truly enjoy learning the business and building relationships with clients to find the perfect vacation fit!

I have always had a passion for travel and had the fantastic opportunity to study abroad in Prague, Czech Republic for 4 months. While I was there I was able to travel around to Poland, Hungary, Spain, Germany, and visit some family in Italy. Since then, I have also experience wonderful trips to Mexico, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Iceland and Portugal! And of course, there are still many more places on the list to come!

I'm encouraged to see new places and enjoy helping others create experiences that they will always remember.  I enjoy booking Disney trips, all inclusive vacations to the Caribbean and organizing group bookings to make it all as easy as can be for our clients.

 

Lisa Ziembo, Travel Specialist

 Before I even started my career as a Travel Specialist I was actually going college for my Nursing prerequisites. Emily from Going Places was my travel agent for a few years - I would come in and start talking to other clients while we waited and eventually Emily offered me a part time job as her assistant.

Since I loved to travel so much it seemed like a great idea to get discounts, and then 6 months later I was given my own desk and started booking trips. The rest is history....

I was a missionary’s daughter so I was blessed to travel a lot at a young age.

If I had to pick a favorite travel destination it is a close tie between Santorini, Greece and Budapest, Hungary.

I love what I do! I love being able to tell someone about a place I've been or seen that they might enjoy as well - for example the Széchenyi Chain Bridge in Budapest, the canals in Venice, or the fog settling on the Austrian side of the Swiss Alps.

My top 3 Bucket List trips are Swings of Bali, the Great Wall of China, and to ride the Trans-Siberian Railway.

"Seeing something once is better than hearing about it a hundred times.”

 

 

Torey Anderson, Travel Specialist

Before I got into the travel business, I had been traveling with a group of friends to all-inclusive resorts and had several people reach out to me for travel advice. I eventually met Emily from Going Places and within minutes she suggested I sell travel for her.

My favorite spot to travel and book is Unico 20°N 87°W Riviera Maya Mexico.

I have a great ability to coordinate and book large groups, as well as work with my clients to find a resort that fits all of their needs and wants.

I am all about travel and love Resorts with party atmosphere!