Looking to explore the South this summer or even take a staycation in your hometown, April Flowers Chambers, an experienced travel agent based out of North Carolina is here to help. Learn more about this travel aficionado and her journey to being a small business owner as well as her top tips to plan your summer getaway.
Name :
April Flowers Chambers
Title :
Franchise Owner / Vacation Specialist
Company/Org :
Dream Vacations – Chambers Travel and Tours
Hometown :
Statesville, NC
Alma Mater :
University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Georgia School of Professional Psychology
Favorite thing about being southern:
The food and culture for sure.! I love the rich food and culture in the South. There is nothing like family gatherings after church on Sundays.
What is your personal life motto:
“Love is in the details” – Oprah Winfrey. I have made this the motto of my travel agency. If you can add personalized details to a travel experience that are meaningful to that client, then you have created a wonderful memory.
What is the most challenging professional obstacle you have had?
The transition from the healthcare industry into entrepreneurship has been very challenging. However, I am enjoying the new challenges and look forward to the future.
Who is your favorite character a “Different World”?
Dwayne Wayne. I love his ability to be funny, smart, and sensitive all at the same time.
If you could do any job, what would that be? This one! I have worked in corporate settings as well as healthcare for most of my professional career. Even though those careers were challenging, the one thing that I loved about them was the ability to help people. As a travel consultant, I am still able to help people. I help them create personal travel experiences that are fun and meaningful.
Who do you wish you could meet?
Maya Angelou. I would love to have had the opportunity to absorb some of her wisdom.
What would your best friend say is the best/most annoying quality about yourself?
Once I am comfortable, I love to talk. I love being around people. That can be my best and my most annoying quality.
What advice would you give your younger college self?
Love yourself, be confident in who you are.
Where can we connect with you?
My business is home-based, so I generally meet people at their homes, office, favorite meeting place, or virtually. I am located in Charlotte, North Carolina. My contact information is as follows:
Phone: 980-999-2227
Toll-Free: 888-720-7027
Email: achambers@dreamvacations.com
5 Tips for Planning a Vacation
1)Planning.
Ever feel like you need a vacation from your vacation? Planning is key to balancing between relaxation and vacation activities. When deciding on where you want to visit in the South consider your interest and the amount of time you will be vacationing. There are a wide variety of vacation options available. In the South, we have mountains, beaches, historic homes and gardens, golfing, spas, wonderful amusement parks, and more. There is something for everyone. That is why I feel that it is important to narrow it down, so it doesn’t become overwhelming.]
2) Time of year.
The time of the year you will want to visit will be largely determined by your interest. Generally speaking, the weather is usually warmer and more humid than some other parts of the country. However parts of the South do experience all four seasons, so be sure to be mindful of the time of year you want to travel when planning your vacation. I always recommend dressing in layers when visiting most destinations.
3)Lodging.
When visiting the South, I recommend looking at options such as bed and breakfast (B&B’s) and resorts for lodging. The B&B’s can give you a more intimate and personable experience. There are a number of B&B’s throughout the South in small towns as well as larger cities. The resorts can be very luxurious. They often have golfing, tennis, multiple on-site restaurants, and wonderful spas that are perfect for a girls getaway or a romantic weekend.
4)Food.
Food is the staple in any good Southern vacation. The South specializes in good down home comfort foods. The presentation varies from a hole in the wall restaurant to a gourmet five-star experience. So be sure to research the area you will be visiting for restaurant options. A food option that is often overlooked when traveling are food festivals. These are popular in the South especially in smaller towns and more suburban areas. Be sure to carry cash as some restaurants and festivals still do not have options for other forms of payment.
5)Transportation.
Should I rent a car? That is a question I get often when people are asking for travel advice. I recommend traveling by car whenever you are visiting anywhere in the South. As the public transit systems do not tend to be as developed as some other parts of the country. Travel destinations tend to be more widespread not allowing for easy travel using other forms of transportation. Also, rental car rates can be reasonable in most cities.
Images by Amanda Caldwell Photography
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