Business name: Cruise Planners

Address: Based out of her home office in Sandy Hook

Owner: Liz Davies

Business background: Cruise Planners celebrated its officially ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Chamber of Commerce of Newtown on Friday, January 26, at the Edmond Town Hall.

Prior to cutting the ribbon, owner Liz Davies spoke to the crowd of community members who were gathered around to tell them about her decision to become an American Express Travel Representative with Cruise Planners.

Fifteen years ago, she moved to Sandy Hook with her husband Steve and their two children, Jennifer and Jimmy, and dedicated her time to being a stay-at-home-mom.

"Before we had children, I worked in various sales-related fields which included television advertising sales, high-end retail sales, and travel sales. Working in travel was the most enjoyable area of sales for me, because I had always loved learning about new places and new cultures," Ms Davies said. "I had a passion for travel and had already journeyed quite a bit both domestically and internationally at that point in my life."

Now that her children are older - her daughter Jennifer just graduated from Skidmore College this past May and her son Jimmy is a junior at Newtown High School - she says it is time to start a new chapter of her life.

When researching travel career options, she found Cruise Planners and felt it was the right opportunity to become a franchise owner.

Business focus: Cruise Planners is the nation's largest home-based travel agent franchise company in the travel industry. It not only specializes in cruise packages, but also land vacations.

"For both groups and individuals, we sell all types of land tours worldwide, all-inclusive resort vacations, destination wedding packages, safaris, eco-tours, and Disney packages - just to name a few options," Ms Davies said.

Cruise Planners helps alleviate many of the stresses that arise from planning an entire vacation, like taking care of booking airfare and hotels.

Ms Davies explained, "At Cruise Planners we can offer you many benefits such as: customized vacation packages for any occasion, lifestyle, or budget; access to exclusive travel deals and additional amenities through the American Express Travel Affiliation, including the American Express Pay with Points Program; competitive rates on hundreds of cruises and land vacations due to Cruise Planner's top producer status with every major cruise line and many major travel partners; and expert advice and insider tips from a travel professional."

Cruise Planners is an American Express Travel Services Representative agency, and both American Express card holders and non-card holders can enjoy these special programs.

Important to know: Ms Davies says she is excited to start Cruise Planners in Newtown and hopes to help many local families with their specialized travel and vacation plans.

"I love the travel industry because it is a fun and exciting business. There is so much to do and see in this beautiful world," she said. "It's a pleasure to help people experience the joy of travel."

Near future promotions and seasonal specials: There are promotions for all types of travel opportunities happening throughout the year and they can be found by visiting Ms Davies' website, calling her at the number below, or signing up to receive a free weekly e-newsletter from Cruise Planners.

"These specials usually offer discounted rates, free or discounted amenities, and/or upgrades only available through Cruise Planners," Ms Davies said.

Website: eadtravel.com

Social media: facebook.com/eadtravel

Phone: 203-270-1225

E-mail: liz.davies@cruiseplanners.com