The history of Travel Plus

When I was in second grade, I knew I was meant to explore the world. I grew up in Wisconsin, where I went to a small Catholic school, and let’s just say the diversity was… non-existent. I learned a different view of the world from the nuns who told us incredible stories of their adventures in exotic locations.

One lived in the Congo and told us about the dangerous tribes and how they had to lock the school for protection. Another shared her wild New Year’s Eve adventure in Bolivia, where she broke her leg jumping over a fire pit for good luck. These stories lit a spark in me. Then, at 16, a friend introduced me to Jimmy Buffett, and that sealed the deal—I was going to be a pirate and an explorer. Now, I look back and smile at a life well-lived.

I’m proud to say that some families have even entrusted me with their travel plans for three generations and call me their Dream Maker.

Fast forward to today, I’m still living the adventure I dreamed of. I’ve traveled to 107 countries, all 50 states, and 6 continents. For 40+ years, Travel Plus has existed to create incredible, once-in-a-lifetime adventures for our clients who become friends.

- Jim Szymanski aka “Travel Pirate”