“You deserve to enjoy the trip you worked so hard for. Let me help you make it unforgettable.” — Kendra Williams
When you meet Kendra Williams, owner of Sunset Escape Travel in Troy, you don’t just meet a travel agent—you meet a travel advocate. With warmth, wisdom, and a beverage bell (yes, really—ask her about it), Kendra has turned a love of travel and service into a thriving business built on heart, hustle, and community.
Her standards are sky-high, and her commitment to service? Unmatched.
This isn’t your average franchise story. This is a local woman rewriting the rules of what it means to be both a small business owner and a trusted guide in helping others explore the world.
What started as a dream has become one of the fastest-growing, community-rooted travel agencies in the Metro East.
Entrepreneur Finds Her Calling in Custom Travel Planning
When the company she worked for shut down unexpectedly, Kendra didn’t immediately see entrepreneurship as the answer
“I asked myself over and over: What am I supposed to do with my life?” she recounts.
It took a conversation with a close friend to ignite her next chapter.
“She told me, ‘You and Jeff keep talking about how you want to travel the world. Why not help other people do the same?’”
That idea stuck—and so did Kendra’s determination.
After taking travel courses and researching franchises, she and her husband Jeff—an Army veteran—discovered Dream Vacations, a company known for empowering veteran-owned businesses. With a military-friendly buy-in and world-class training, it was the perfect fit.
Their joint venture officially launched in September 2021. With Kendra as the heart of the operation and Jeff bringing beverages and support (he bought her a bell), the pair dove headfirst into training, business planning, and networking.
Award-Winning Veteran- and Woman-Owned Travel Agency Serving the Metro East
Before signing the franchise papers, Kendra submitted a heartfelt application for Dream Vacations’ Veteran Franchise Giveaway. She poured her heart into the presentation, including candid bloopers from their intro video.
“Our business development rep told us, ‘You have to include those. It shows who you are.’ So we did,” Kendra laughs.
They won—saving thousands in franchise fees and marketing costs. More importantly, they gained the confidence that this dream was real.
“We’re With You Wherever You Go”
Sunset Escape Travel’s tagline isn’t just catchy—it’s a promise.
“We’re with you before, during, and after your trip. If something goes wrong, I want my clients to know I’m here,” says Kendra.
“I’ve had clients call me at 3 a.m. because they missed a driver, lost a passport, or panicked in a new country. I keep my phone next to me for that reason. That’s what makes us different.”
Kendra’s attention to detail is legendary. One of her favorite projects was planning a luxury European tour for a family of five. She coordinated over 60 individual elements—from private transfers to restaurant reservations.
“I build each trip like I’m going on it myself. I don’t outsource it. It’s harder work, but it saves my clients money and gives them something no package tour ever could: personalization.”
Kendra’s Top Travel Planning Tips
Whether you’re dreaming of Disney or headed for a honeymoon in Italy, here are Kendra’s essential tips:
1. Start Early—But Not Too Early
“You don’t need to book your whole trip two years in advance. But 6–9 months out gives us enough time to find great options, especially for peak seasons.”
2. Don’t Assume You Know What You Need
“So many people think they can use a passport card to fly internationally—it’s only for land and sea travel. These little details matter, and we make sure nothing gets missed.”
3. Use a Travel Advisor Who Cares
“There’s a difference between booking travel and planning it. I don’t just send you a link—I learn about you. I get to know your needs, your vibe, your vision. Then I make it real.”
4. Budget Isn’t Just About Price—It’s About Value
“I’ve booked $80,000 trips and $800 getaways. The dollar amount isn’t what matters—what matters is maximizing what you get for it.”
5. Ask for Help—Even for the Simple Stuff
“One of my favorite clients calls me just to book her flights because she can’t see well and doesn’t trust the internet. That’s what we’re here for.”
“I want people to feel like they have someone who truly has their back,” Kendra says. “Travel is personal. It’s emotional. It’s the payoff for your hard work. You deserve to enjoy it—and not be left hanging if something goes wrong. We are with you—before, during, and after your trip.”
Want to Plan Your Dream Trip?
Website: sunsetescapetravel.com
Facebook: Sunset Escape Travel
