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ABOUT

BEYOND THE CROWDS

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Hi there!
I'm Kathie Snyders and here is a bit about me!

As the oldest of 5, I have always had to break ground and figure out how to make my way in the world.  I pushed my way through school and received a masters degree in Math (with an emphasis in Computer Science) which I used to start my career as a software developer. That experience gave me the skill to be constantly looking for potential future problems -> which turned out to be very useful as a travel agent.

Fun Fact: In college, I was a referee for ladies flag football. 😲

 

And my claim to fame is as a rocket scientist working on projects such as the Flight Telerobotic Servicer (which helped build the Space Station) and Magellan (the Venus orbiter). 

 

While still working full time as a programmer, I started working as a travel agent doing small trips for families.  In 2013, my travel advisor work picked up and I started specializing in Ireland and Scotland (including Outlander tours to Scotland).  Then in 2018, I was able to change careers and became a full time travel agent and travel agency owner.

Beyond the Crowds started as a blog which I converted to a website for this boutique travel agency specializing in personalized and unique travel experiences which take you beyond the typical tourist destinations. Beyond the Crowds is a division of A Happy Place Travel LLC.

 

Let me help you escape the ordinary and help you find the extraordinary experiences that await.​​​

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500+

 CLIENTS SENT ON   VACATION 

15+

 YEARS OF 
TRAVEL EXPERIENCE 

1000+

 WORLDWIDE TRAVEL PARTNERS 

Meet the Team

Kathie and Laura complement each other's travel styles and personalities.  Both of us will work together to make your dream trip a reality.

Kathie Snyders
Kathie Snyders
Owner & Travel Agent

Kathie loves cool weather, Ireland, Scotland and River Cruising.  Her hobbies include golf, hiking and knitting.

Laura White
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Assistant & TA in Training

Laura loves warm weather, beaches and ocean cruising. Her hobbies include swing dancing and cross stitch.

Forest Road

FROM OUR CLIENTS

Nice words that
have been said about us

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"The itinerary is great.  I keep telling my friends that a customized trip via a specialist travel agent is the way to go, especially for an unfamiliar destination.  I could not have replicated this by myself or with some large travel agency.  Thank you again. "

Patrick, Ninety Six SC

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READY FOR YOUR NEXT VACATION?

3 STEPS TO YOUR NEXT BEST VACATION

1

CONSULTATION 

Clients are invited to schedule a complimentary consultation session to facilitate the travel advisor in understanding their preferences and aspirations, laying the groundwork for a collaborative journey towards fulfilling their vacation dreams.

2

PLANNING 

Together, the travel advisor and clients embark on the planning phase, meticulously curating every aspect of the vacation, from accommodations and transfers to dining options, excursions, and activities, ensuring a bespoke and unforgettable experience.

3

ENJOY

The travel advisor takes charge of all the details, working with a supplier to meticulously plan and book every aspect of the vacation for the clients. This enables them to relax and fully immerse themselves in the experience, knowing that every aspect of their trip has been expertly taken care of and they have 24/7 support while on their trip.

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