It’s a new year, which means new goals and new experiences. Whether you want to spend more time outdoors, immerse yourself in the unfamiliar, or take that long-awaited family vacation, now is the time to start planning. Travel is a great way to accomplish any of these goals—from wellness retreats to cultural adventures. But planning a full trip yourself can be intimidating.
Where do you even start?
Activities, lodging, costs, travel guidelines—there’s so much to consider. And finding someone to help you sort through it all can be just as overwhelming.
What if you end up paying someone to plan a trip that doesn’t match your needs? That’s where Superior Travel comes in. Not only will they help create a stress-free, cost-effective plan, but they will ensure it’s your getaway—crafted specifically for the year and experiences you want.
What Is Superior Travel?
In service since 1967, Superior Travel is a family owned travel agency based in Genesee County and operated for three generations. With decades of industry connections, global knowledge, and hands-on experience, the team offers far more than cookie-cutter travel packages. They know that neither experiences nor memories are one-size-fits-all. Superior Travel specializes in tailoring trips to meet each client’s unique needs, sparing them the endless online searches and overpriced, generic vacations.
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- Seychelles
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- Peru
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- The Netherlands
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- The Sahara
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- New Zealand
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- Kyoto
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- Indonesia
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- Italy
Head of Operations Ingrid Ream emphasizes this approach. Her journey at the agency began in 1979, eventually leading her to take over 15 years later.
“I wore many hats over the years,” she says, “including marketing, accounting, and human resources.” Combined with extensive international travel, she has used these experiences to teach her team how to present the beauty of each destination—and how to think creatively so clients experience it in the way that suits them best.
Paving the Path for You
You might wonder what sets Superior Travel apart from planning your own trip or using another agency. Cost is one factor. Alongside their commitment to personalized service, Superior Travel’s global connections help them find exceptional deals on the activities and experiences you enjoy. Planning alone means spending hours searching, comparing, verifying travel information, and hoping the deal you found is reliable. Superior Travel eliminates this stress—and often saves clients money in the process.
But saving money isn’t the only advantage; their expertise also eases the burden of planning. Superior Travel gets to know your needs and interests, then uses its decades of experience to provide thoughtful recommendations—not only about destinations but also how to handle setbacks.
“There is much more to planning a trip than hitting buttons on a website,” Ingrid explains. “It’s the knowledge of how to remedy issues such as schedule changes, flight cancellations, knowing your consumer rights as a traveler, and knowing tips and tricks to avoid problems.”
Superior Travel knows how to address every challenge that could stand between you and a successful journey.
They also provide resources to help you avoid issues in the first place, especially in today’s unpredictable travel environment. Their website’s Resources page is filled with helpful information—from passport and visa guidance to travel warnings and TSA updates.
Ingrid Ream oftentimes travels the world with her daughter Madison Schmitt to stay on top of everything travelers need to know.
Ingrid Ream’s son Alec Schmitt and his coworker Diane Roberts are traveling companions to bring a vast amount of experience and knowledge to Superior Travel.
Why navigate endless forms and conflicting advice when you can rely on someone with the expertise at their fingertips? Superior Travel pairs comprehensive knowledge with a personalized approach—making every adventure more enjoyable, efficient, and unforgettable.
New Year, New You
With these resources available, why not use the new year as a chance to explore more than just new destinations? Travel is more than reaching a place—it’s an opportunity to enrich your life. Whether you want to get fit, pick up a new hobby, plan a destination wedding, or simply break out of your routine, traveling can be exactly what you need.
Ingrid believes the best path forward is any experience that helps you “get away from your mundane routine and live outside of your box.”
Seeing history firsthand, engaging with new cultures, trying foods you’ve never tasted—these experiences change your worldview. As Ingrid notes, “All of it will change your view of life at home, and you’ll often gain a new appreciation for things you have been taking for granted.”
Superior Travel isn’t just about offering new sights—it’s about helping you rediscover your sense of home, perspective, and possibility.
Journeying Onward
Ingrid Ream expresses deep gratitude for her team:
- Diane Roberts, her longtime travel companion and coworker since 1986
- Independent contractor Katie Zito, with more than 30 years of experience
- Her son, Alec Schmitt, who followed in her footsteps to become general manager and now part-owner
- Her daughter, Madison Schmitt, the newest team member, bringing a wealth of international travel experience
“The foundation of a successful business is people like you!” Ingrid says, thanking clients for their loyalty and trust.
Everyone at Superior Travel is ready to help you discover something new this year. So—what journeys will you take?
Superior Travel has two locations in Genesee County:
- 222 N. Main St., Davison
- 115 S. River St., Fenton (next to Ciao Italian Bistro)
To learn more, visit superiortravelinc.com. To make an appointment (all visits are by appointment), head to the Contacts page and choose the method that works best for you.
