Menno Travel – Next Travel

About Menno Travel

Menno Travel Service started in 1947 as the travel desk for Mennonite Central Committee in Akron, PA, for sending service workers abroad after WWII.

An increase in demand for travel services in northern Indiana in the early 1950s led to the opening of the Goshen office in the fall of 1953. The Goshen office became locally owned and managed in 1980. Long time managers Doug Risser and Geof Landis bought the company in 1995. Menno Travel Goshen has grown to be the largest agency in Elkhart County and one of the largest single office agencies in Indiana through diversification of services and products.

Menno Travel is a recognized national leader in the travel industry through involvement in industry associations. Menno Travel has grown through the acquisitions of Four Seasons Travel in Elkhart in 1997, Adventure Travel in Goshen in January 2005 and most recently Destinations Travel Service in Warsaw on December 19, 2011. On March 1, 2022, Menno Travel joined the Next Travel family of agencies.

As trends, technologies, and techniques continue to transform the industry, one thing remains: our dedication to each client. Each trip. And each possibility.

Meet Our Experts

At Menno Travel, we believe the strength of our company lies in the expertise of our dedicated team members. Discover the faces behind our company and explore the possibilities of working together to tailor your next vacation!

DESTINATION EXPERTISE:

Australia, The Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Mexico, USA

TRAVEL SPECIALTIES:

Family Travel, Honeymoons, Active & Adventure Travel, Couples Only Travel, River & Ocean Cruises, Beach Vacations, Guided Vacations

Erica embarked on her journey in the travel industry back in 2010, starting as a receptionist and sales assistant and later holding roles within the groups and incentive department. In 2018, she embraced the role of a vacation travel advisor, channeling her expertise to curate memorable travel experiences.

Erica holds certifications as a Certified Sandals Specialist and Destination Specialist for sought-after destinations such as Hawaii, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Italy. She has expanded her knowledge by completion of cruise courses for Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Viking. With a passion for exploration, Erica has found particular delight in Italy and Jamaica, considering them as her favorite vacations destinations to date.

Erica Davidhizar

Travel Consultant

Contact Erica Davidhizar

DESTINATION EXPERTISE:

Mexico, The Caribbean, Europe, Australia

TRAVEL SPECIALTIES:

Honeymoons, Family Travel, River & Ocean Cruises, Custom Vacations

Tricia embarked on her journey in the travel industry following her graduation from the Indiana Travel Academy in 1998. In 2005, she joined the team at Menno Travel, where she has flourished as a Certified Sandals Specialist, an Avalon Waterways Specialist, an Aussie Specialist, and an ACE (Aruba Certified Expert). Her expertise has led her to complete comprehensive cruise courses for Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean.

Tricia specializes in creating unforgettable experiences, especially in designing honeymoons, family getaways, captivating cruises, and magical Disney vacations. Tricia fondly remembers her river cruise along the Danube, multiple trips to Hawaii, and Punta Cana. However, her heart lies with Aruba, making it her favorite destination.

Tricia Gage

Travel Consultant

Contact Tricia Gage

Kami found her way to the travel industry after realizing that she wanted a career that combined helping others and her love of travel. She attended travel school to augment her journalism degree in the late 80’s and joined Menno Travel in 1996.

Kami has traveled to many places, but Montreal, Alaska with its raw beauty, and the French quaintness of Quebec City, top off her list of favorite North American destinations. International favorites include St. Lucia, Jamaica, France and Switzerland.

Every trip Kami plans is unique and tailored to each client and situation. She particularly enjoys planning honeymoons, vacations for families, and arranging global vacations with complex itineraries.

Kami Heckaman

Travel Consultant

Contact Kami Heckaman

DESTINATION EXPERTISE:

Italy, Ireland, France, Hawaii, Mexico, The Caribbean, Alaska, Australia, Africa

TRAVEL SPECIALTIES:

River Cruises, Custom European Itineraries, All-Inclusive Resorts, Adventure Travel

A travel advisor with Menno Travel since 1993, Maggie brings decades of experience and a passion for creating meaningful journeys. She is a Certified Travel Associate, an Accredited Cruise Counselor, a Certified Sandals Specialist, a Hawaii Specialist, and a Destination Specialist for the Caribbean, Pacific Rim, and Western Europe.

Maggie specializes in trips to Europe, river cruising, and unforgettable adventures to destinations like Alaska, Australia, and Africa. Some of her most memorable travels include exploring Italy and Ireland, sailing on a river cruise through France, and soaking in the natural beauty of Hawaii. Whether you’re planning a relaxing beach escape or a multi-country European journey, Maggie is dedicated to designing personalized vacations that match your travel dreams.

Maggie Lewallen

Travel Consultant

Contact Maggie Lewallen

DESTINATION EXPERTISE:

Mexico, The Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii

TRAVEL SPECIALTIES:

Honeymoons, Romance Travel, River & Ocean Cruises, Multi-Generation Travel, Celebration Vacations, Custom & Escorted Tours

Sondra began her career in travel in 1998, finding her professional home at Menno Travel in 2004. With a degree in Hospitality and Tourism, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Specializing as a Destination Specialist for Hawaii, Alaska, the Caribbean, and Mexico, Sondra’s passion for these locales shines through in her meticulous planning and tailored recommendations. Sondra holds the title of Certified Sandals Specialist along with various cruise specialist courses.

Sondra’s extensive travel experience includes destinations such as Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and the Grand Canyon. Her exploration doesn’t stop there; she is also well versed in cruises worldwide, including river cruise experiences. Sondra continues to create remarkable and personalized experiences that exceed expectations, making each client’s vacation a memorable adventure.

Sondra Pressler

Travel Consultant

Contact Sondra Pressler

DESTINATION EXPERTISE:

Europe, Asia, Central America, The Caribbean

TRAVEL SPECIALTIES:

Independent Travelers, Culinary & Wine Travel, Family Groups, Mission & Educational Travel

Francisco learned to love travel while crisscrossing the country in his parent’s minivan before GPS was a thing and maps were made of paper. After graduating from Manchester University with a degree in communications, he began a career in the restaurant industry that lasted over 20 years and taught him how to cook, how to adapt to obstacles, and a lot about how to make every client’s experience a great one.

He is thrilled to be transitioning into the travel industry at a time when (as recent empty nesters) he and his wife can really enjoy traveling together. Francisco’s travels have taken him to Western Europe, the U.K., the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica numerous times. Francisco looks forward to sharing his experience and expertise crafting customized itineraries to the great cities, locations, and undiscovered treasures of the world.

Francisco Ramirez

Travel Consultant

Contact Francisco Ramirez

Kimberly De Vincent serves as our Sales Assistant, managing phone inquiries and assisting walk-in clients. Her responsibilities include accounting, shipping coordinating, office inventory management, and document processing.

Kimberly’s travel experiences extend throughout the United States, with Kauai being her favorite destination. Her aspirations include exploring international destinations such as the Caribbean, Italy, Greece, and Japan.

Kimberly De Vincent

Sales Assistant

Contact Kimberly

Jill started her career in 1992, joining Menno Travel in 1997. Her expertise as a business travel manager includes her superb handling of complicated airline ticket exchanges. Her wealth of knowledge has made Jill the “go to” person in the corporate travel department for complex problem solving and general leadership. She is the backbone of the corporate travel department.

Jill has traveled extensively throughout the Caribbean to locations such as Belize, Mexico, and Bonaire in search of pristine scuba diving locations. Her all-around favorite travel location is the Hawaiian Islands.