James Firestone, Travel Agent in Laurel, MD

James Firestone

Laurel, MD Travel Agent

James Firestone

Laurel, MD · 12 Years of Experience

Jaunts By Jim LLC, an independent agent with Nexion, LLC, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(11)
100% Recommended
First visit to Italy as an adult and I had a terrific time. Food, wine, views, friendly people were all as advertised and it was a... Read More >
About
Reviews
Certificates & Awards
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Alaska, Mexico, Italy, Bermuda, France

Interests:

Bucket List, Cruises, Groups, Escorted Tours, Pickleball

Suppliers:

Marriott Hotels, Royal Caribbean, Avalon Waterways, Norwegian Cruise Line, Globus

About Me

Cruise, Tour, and Group Travel Expert

I am the Founder, Owner, and a Travel Advisor with Jaunts By Jim, an affiliate of Nexion Travel Group (part of Internova Travel Group, with 1000+ travel advisors in 80+ countries). This scale and our extensive network of travel suppliers ensures your access to all the best travel promotions.

In addition, Travel Leaders Network as our consortium provides additional perks, such as pre-arranged group blocks with special pricing for certain cruises. 

I started formally selling travel in 2014, after decades of being the primary travel researcher and arranger in my family.  

My personal and business travels have taken me to 47 states including Alaska and Hawaii, Canada and Mexico, Bermuda and Bahamas, 20 Caribbean islands, and countries in Europe and the Mediterranean region. 

I am a member of American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) and Cruise Lines International Assn. (CLIA).

I have a speciality in cruising, having earned the Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC) certification, and a certificate in river cruising, from CLIA. But I also have expertise designing and arranging a variety of custom air and/or land-based itineraries. This could include escorted tours, hotels and resorts, luxury trains, rental cars, and limousines.

In addition, my academic background in Meteorology provides you with a unique advantage — insights on where to travel and when — to increase your odds of experiencing favorable weather and avoiding disruption. 

I have the experience to assist you whether you are:

·      retired and working on fulfilling your bucket list

·      a group looking to travel together (e.g., family reunion or special occasion, special interest, sports such as tennis or Pickleball)

·      a sun worshipper looking to escape winter by going to an all-inclusive resort in the tropics

·      a couple or solo traveler wanting to join an escorted tour, or explore on your own

·      anyone interested in finding the perfect ocean or river cruise for a relaxing vacation

·      all these situations and more

So what makes me and Jaunts By Jim stand out from the pack? Simply, it’s incredible attention to detail, the thoroughness of communications and follow up, and instead of an order taking approach, a consultative one which listens closely to your needs to help tailor the perfect vacation experience. 

Helping you fulfill your travel dreams, to make lifetime memories, is my #1 priority!

And I supplement your savings with a “Jaunts Rewards” program, providing additional savings for first-time customers, for referring others, or for traveling in a group. Reach out for all the details.

You need, and deserve, a relaxing and memorable vacation more than ever, so why wait? 

I look forward to working with you. Let's talk soon!

Testimonial

Overlooking the port of St. Lucia
Overlooking the port of St. Lucia

“Wow!  Our European trip was the best!... Every thing you recommended- every detail was awesome!... Thank you so very much. It was a very special trip for us.”

 -        Sandy S., Columbia MD

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
11 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 11 reviews

Tuscany and Beyond!
Reviewed By Ed K. - Livermore, CA USA | Traveled to Tuscany | Italy | Europe
First visit to Italy as an adult and I had a terrific time. Food, wine, views, friendly people were all as advertised and it was a memorable vacation. We began planning almost a year in advance and Jim was so helpful to make us aware of the things we needed to consider and planned our logistics which was no small feat considering there were 10 travellers departing from all over the US. He took into account budget requirements, airline preferences and layover times to take those complications off of our shoulders. He also planned for our group to break off and go to other cities in Italy, providing lodging guidance and in our case drivers to get us to the South. Highly reccommend Sorrento as a destination and the Sorrento Hilton as an excellent place to stay while there. One last point, one of our party was late in arriving to Italy and needed to find alternate methods to reach our Tuscany location, she contacted Jim and he was able to help her with lodging and transportation guidance. He went over and above for sure. Thank you Jim, I will not hesitate to contact you for future travel assistance and will tell others about Jaunts By Jim!
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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My First Trip To Europe
Reviewed By Barb k - Ellicott City, MD | Traveled to Abruzzo | Italy | Europe
Jim made my planning easy and seamless. He went above and beyond coordinating not only my plane, train and hotel reservations, but also include information that I could give to my son, who lives in Switzerland, so he could meet me and book seats next to me for my trip through the Alps. Jim responded promptly to my multiple emails and text and seemed to work 24/7. He made my planning trip stress free and I felt completely supported the entire way!!!
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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A Life Saver
Reviewed By Well traveled traveler - Santa Monica, CA | Traveled to Florence | Italy | Europe
My flight was delayed by 4 1/2 hours to Rome. My ride had 4 others and a dinner over 3 hours away by car! Because I was so late I got left behind! Jim was able to book a hotel near the airport and booked my train tickets so I could get picked up at the closest train station to our Villa in Radda! I missed the dinner, but was able to sleep well without any worries as Jim saved the day and gave me my peace of mind. Thank you Jim!
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Amazing First Travel Experience
Reviewed By Arozanski23 - Frederick, MD | Traveled to Alaska | USA
My wife and I have never had the opportunity to travel together. We have also never taken a cruise, so this was a major undertaking on our part. We are mega first-timers. Jim's help, and insightful guidance made the process of booking easy. He explains everything well. Travel felt easy, and we had an absolutely great time. We would absolutely travel again, and if the opportunity arises, work with Jim to plan said vacation. An absolute pleasure to work with. THANK YOU JIM!
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Wonderful trip!
Reviewed By A&A - Maryland | Traveled to Danube | On the River | At Sea
We worked with Jim to plan our first European river cruise for our 25th anniversary. Jim provided outstanding support throughout the entire process and handled all aspects of the entire trip smoothly and efficiently. He made sure that we had all the information we needed before traveling and provided sound advice every step of the way. We had an amazing trip and are already considering plans for future adventures! We highly recommend Jim's services and would not hesitate to work with him again.
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Certifications & Awards

ASTA is the leading global advocate for travel agents, the travel industry and the traveling public.It is the world's largest association of travel professionals.Our members include travel agents and the companies whose products they sell such as tours, cruises, hotels, car rentals, etc.Expand your world. Go with the pros.
Member, Cruise Lines International Assn. (CLIA)
CLIA Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC)
CLIA RiverView Certificate

Client Testimonials

Las Vegas + Hawaii cruise
"Jim planned every detail. The trip was a masterpiece."
Sandy B., New York
Magic in Tuscany!
"We took a Gate 1 tour from Monticatina to Naples Italy! It was fabulous . Gate 1 did a wonderful tour with added adventures a long the way! We had a surprise stop at the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo. Pope Leo had just been selected! This trip was soo wonderful! Jim Firestone our friend and travel agent had sealed the deal to it being such a blessing! This was not a good time for me .. I had just lost my brother and Jim had to rearrange flights and cancel hotels and without his help not sure I would have went but he took care of everything and I’m so thankful! He is extremely knowledgeable and from the beginning of the booking to all the changes! He is the best!"
Sandy S., Maryland
Caribbean group cruise
"Our extended family used Jaunts by Jim to organize our group cruise for 17 of us. There were a few in our group that used a friend to purchase their cruise. Jim took that in stride and helped us to navigate what we needed to do to keep our group organized. In my opinion he went above and beyond to help us to have a fun trip. We will use him again for our future events."
Chet C., Maryland