Zip lining in Alajuela Province, Costa Rica

Hi there! I’m Steve Thompson, co-founder and travel advisor with Little Red Thread Travel, a Dream Vacations franchise based right here in Gainesville. I’m a husband, proud dad of six (four girls and two boys), and a youth baseball and softball coach for the past eight years. If I can manage the organized chaos of twelve middle-school girls on the field, I can absolutely handle planning any trip in the world!

Travel has always been part of my story. Growing up, my family was big on adventures — from cruising and road trips to the Grand Canyon to relaxing in the Bahamas. It took a little longer to get our own large family exploring the world, but once we did, the travel bug bit hard.

My wife, Stacy, and I turned that shared passion into Little Red Thread Travel after seeing how much joy travel brought to our family. Now, we get to help others create those same unforgettable experiences — from destination weddings and romantic honeymoons to multi-generational family getaways and group travel for businesses and organizations. Whether it’s a team incentive trip, a family reunion at sea, or a bucket-list adventure, I love bringing people together through travel.

Our name, Little Red Thread Travel, comes from the ancient Chinese legend of the red thread — an invisible connection that links us to the people and experiences we’re meant to encounter. I believe that’s how I became the dad of my two amazing step-daughters from China… and how every client who finds us is connected through that same red thread of meaningful journeys.

No matter where that thread leads you — to a tropical beach, a European river cruise, or a quiet mountain retreat — I’ll handle the details so all you have to do is relax and enjoy the memories being made.