Sonya Thomas
Kansas City, Missouri Travel Agent
SJM Travels, an independent agent with Inteletravel, FL, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
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Travel and Curated Experiences Enthusiast
Aruba is full of blue skies and amazing beaches
I have been a travel agent since September of 2022. I have embraced the opportunities to expand my travels as well as work with a variety of clients who have entrusted me with their adult-only, family friendly, all-inclusive, and group travels.
For me, travel has been a wonderful way to celebrate the big and small occasions in life. The experiences that I curate are intended for the "budget-conscious" as well as the "spare-no-expense" traveler. I endeavor to serve each client as if I were planning every detail with the same level of care that I take to create my own.
As a travel enthusiast who was introduced to the freedom of travel much later than most, it is one of the many reasons why I love assisting travelers of all experience levels on their personal journey to explore and enjoy the world.
International Destinations that my clients and I have loved include:
- Aruba*
- Dominican Republic
- Dubai
- Jamaica
- Mexico
- South Africa
- St. Kitts and Nevis
Cruise experiences include:
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Royal Caribbean
- Virgin Voyages*
*Personal Favorites
Recent group travel experiences:
- • A relaxing island get-a-way for a wonderful group of 37 from 5 states and 2 countries complete with transportation, al fresco dining, spa sessions, and excursion services
- An international birthday celebration for 16 enthusiastic singles and couples from across the United States who enjoyed historical tours, thrilling dining, entertainment, and cultured shopping
- Epic Caribbean cruise for an adults-only experience for 34 travelers from 6 states who had a non-stop, action packed dance, dining, and sun-drenched beach affair
I am excited to continue working with clients in a way that not only makes them happy that they chose me but also that they continue to choose me because of my creative flare, attention to detail, and ability to capture their vision.
Certifications:
- Cruise Lines: MSC, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Virgin Voyages
- Locales: Dubai, Orlando
- Properties: Hyatt Inclusive Collection, Marriott Hotels and Resorts
- Variety: Centrav - Airfare Consolidator, Uplft - Travel Funding
Affiliations: Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
Training Status Designations as awarded by InteleTravel:
- Dream Maker
- Vacation Builder
- Travel Genius
My Areas of Expertise
The Best Trip EVER!
Reviewed By Ree Ree - GV, MO | Traveled to St. Kitts ~ St. Kitts and Nevis ~ Caribbean
Simply AMAZING! Sonya's attention to detail was on point. She handled everything flight res, payment setup, ride to and from airport for all location, helped with paperwork, flight changes, checkin and more. All with sense of calmness. I cannot believe that I was contemplating whether I should pay for this service.. I am SO glad that I did she took all the stress out of all things before, during, after traveling. Worth ever bit and more!!! I will keep using her services. I will recommend to all my friends and family.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Sonya Thomas responded:
I am happy to have met your expectations. It was great working with you. I look forward to it in the future!
I am happy to have met your expectations. It was great working with you. I look forward to it in the future!
Best trip taken Eva
Reviewed By Best trip taken Eva - Atlanta, GA | Traveled to Dubai ~ United Arab Emirates ~ Middle East
She was so organized and knowledgeable. She was very present and lead all activities with class and excitement. I enjoyed Ms. Thomas as she was professional and calming when receiving anxious calls and requests from me. The absolute best!!!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Sonya Thomas responded:
It was a pleasure working with you and your husband. Amazing couple! See you soon!
It was a pleasure working with you and your husband. Amazing couple! See you soon!
The Trip was Top Tier! Simply The Best!
Reviewed By Malaika LeRae - Phoenix, Arizona | Traveled to Dubai ~ United Arab Emirates ~ Middle East
Sonya was prompt, courteous, professional, easy to reach regarding question or concerns. She's extremely informative, and very detail oriented. The entire trip from start to finish was beyond enjoyable. My husband and I can’t compliment her enough for this fabulous experience! Sonya does everything with the smile and she aims to please her clients.The “Thank You Card “and hand held fan was an unexpected gift that came packaged beautifully and as classy as the woman that gave it to us.
Sonya, cheers to you for all you do! I am happy to recommend you to my friends and family for their next vacation.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Sonya Thomas responded:
Thank you so much for your kind words. I am really happy that everything met, and some things even exceeded, your expectations. I can't wait to work with you again soon.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I am really happy that everything met, and some things even exceeded, your expectations. I can't wait to work with you again soon.
A dream trip
Reviewed By Rhonda - Kansas City, Missouri | Traveled to Dubai ~ United Arab Emirates ~ Middle East
Sonya was very easy to work with for me. She provided information that was helpful about the trip throughout the process. I traveled alone, but connected with an amazing group of people who were part of our travel group. The activities were educational, interesting,and fun. Sonya provided an excellent tour itinerary. She even gave a welcome gift! I look forward to booking another trip with SJM.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Sonya Thomas responded:
It was a pleasure working with you! I hope to do so again soon!
It was a pleasure working with you! I hope to do so again soon!
A spiritual high in Dubai
Reviewed By Yes we did it - East Saint Louis Illinois | Traveled to Dubai ~ United Arab Emirates ~ Middle East
Sonya was amazingly fun. She was on top of her game every step of the way. From the initial starting point to the final bus trip to the airport everything was done in a professional manner.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Sonya Thomas responded:
Leslie, you are such am amazing client! I look forward to working with you again and again!
Leslie, you are such am amazing client! I look forward to working with you again and again!
A Dream Vacation
Reviewed By Ms.Zee - Kansas City, Missouri | Traveled to Dubai ~ United Arab Emirates ~ Middle East
Sonya did an excellent job, putting together an itinerant that allow us a variety of activities to enjoy.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Sonya Thomas responded:
Thank you for allowing me to provide excellent service during your vacation!
Thank you for allowing me to provide excellent service during your vacation!
The trip was great!
Reviewed By Denise from KC - Kansas City Missouri | Traveled to Dubai ~ United Arab Emirates ~ Middle East
Sonia was The Perfect Host. Both caring and attentive to my needs and concerns as a first time travel alone client. She was very gracious inviting and very knowledgeable of things that I was unsure of. I would absolutely recommend her to family and friends for any of their travel needs.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Sonya Thomas responded:
Thank you Denise for trusting me with your 1st solo travel experience! It was my pleasure to serve you and I look forward to working with you again.
Thank you Denise for trusting me with your 1st solo travel experience! It was my pleasure to serve you and I look forward to working with you again.
The Dubai Experience
Reviewed By Dark Kent Photography - Phoenix, Arizona | Traveled to Dubai ~ United Arab Emirates ~ Middle East
Such a professional at her craft. This was our first experience in working with her and we are definitely going to work with her again. I will pass her information along to my family members as well so that they are in the loop whenever she plans an excursion abroad.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Sonya Thomas responded:
Thank you soo much. I appreciate working with you and look forward to future opportunities!
Thank you soo much. I appreciate working with you and look forward to future opportunities!
Dubai 2024
Reviewed By Denise Walker - Phoenix, AZ | Traveled to Dubai ~ United Arab Emirates ~ Middle East
My experience with Ms. Thomas was absolutely amazing This is the 3rd trip with Ms. Thomas and it was amazing like the previous trips . She continously communicated details regarding the trip. Ms Thomas made sure we were busy with activities throughout the trip. She made sure everyone hadtransportation from and to airport. If you need a travel agent please consider contacting SJM Travels.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Sonya Thomas responded:
Thank you for being such a loyal client! It is always a pleasure working with you!
Thank you for being such a loyal client! It is always a pleasure working with you!
Best Trip Ever!!!
Reviewed By J.Heard - Atlanta, Ga | Traveled to Dubai ~ United Arab Emirates ~ Middle East
Sonya did an awesome job planning "The Dubai" trip. Everything from airport transportation to hotel check-in was smooth. All the planned activities were fun, including a few surprises. Sonya definitely exceeded my expectations and we will be touring with her in the future!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Sonya Thomas responded:
Thank you, Jason! My goal is to always exceed my clients' expectations! I look forward to the next adventure!
Thank you, Jason! My goal is to always exceed my clients' expectations! I look forward to the next adventure!
Dominican Daze did not disappoint!
Reviewed By Tramaine - Kansas City, MO | Traveled to Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
I haven't had much experience with a travel agent, but Sonya, hands down, went above and beyond to create one of the most memorable vacations I've ever had.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Sonya Thomas responded:
Thank you! I love to hear that you had a great vacation. I look forward to working with you again, soon!
Thank you! I love to hear that you had a great vacation. I look forward to working with you again, soon!
Everything was planned and executed flawlessly
Reviewed By Andrew - St KItts | Traveled to Saint Lucia ~ St. Kitts and Nevis ~ Caribbean
Sonya was very detailed in the planning process and always had her clients best interest at heart.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Sonya Thomas responded:
Thank you, Andrew. It was great working with you!
Thank you, Andrew. It was great working with you!
First Time Cruisers
Reviewed By Emma - St. Louis, MO | Traveled to Bahamas ~ Caribbean
Let me lead with I am extra when it comes to details and operating in excellence. Let me follow up by saying Sonya did not disappoint. Sonya was recommended to me by a good friend, also a travel agent, who was unavailable to assist me at the time.Sonya was professional, called me right away and we worked out the details. This trip was for my granddaughters high school graduation and her best friend. Due to their senior year activities, jobs and sports schedule, we had a very narrow window. . . ONE specific week to be exact. Sonya was able to find a trip that accommodated us and kept us on budget. Since this was my first cruise, I had loads of questions. Sonya answered them all and never made me fell like I was a bother. That was May 2023. Here we are May 2024 and I am going on a second cruise with my husband. You already know who I called. Lol #MyForeverAgent
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Sonya Thomas responded:
You have been soo amazing to work with! You can call me anytime! #MyForeverClient
You have been soo amazing to work with! You can call me anytime! #MyForeverClient
SJM Travels DID THAT cruisin' style!!!!
Reviewed By Steve W - Kansas City, MO | Traveled to Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
It was definitely a pleasure working with Sonya on my first Virgin Voyager Cruise (1st of more to come). Sonya made sure that she kept us informed of all the important dates/deadlines for the trip. Even coordinating things on the cruise itself to make sure that the group had the opportunity to meet each other and create new memories with new friends. The personized gifts that she gave each passenger upon arrival was truly the cherry on top of an amazing experience. I would definitely recommend her as your travel agent to create a truly unique and unforgettable experience. Thank you so much Sonya!!!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Sonya Thomas responded:
Thank you for the review! It was my pleasure working with you and the group for the cruise. More adventures to come!
Thank you for the review! It was my pleasure working with you and the group for the cruise. More adventures to come!
The Best Cruise Experience Ever!!!
Reviewed By WHJR - Kansas City, MO | Traveled to Bahamas ~ Caribbean
Sonya Thomas of SJM Travels exceeded our expectations as a travel agent. From planning to execution, her attention to detail was impeccable. She recommended the adult-only Dominican Daze cruise by Virgin Voyages, which was a hit! Sonya explained all inclusions, from amenities to the Sailor Loot for onboard shopping. She ensured a seamless experience with the Virgin Voyages bracelet for purchases and cabin access. Her communication was stellar, and she made us feel secure. The cruise was phenomenal, with non-stop entertainment and surprises, including a personalized gift in our cabin. I highly recommend Sonya for her professionalism, knowledge, and passion for travel. You'll gain a new friend for all your future travel needs.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Sonya Thomas responded:
Thank you for taking time to complete this review. I appreciate your kind words. More than that, I and am thrilled that you had a great time on the cruise! I absolutely look forward to working with you in the future to meet your travel needs!
Thank you for taking time to complete this review. I appreciate your kind words. More than that, I and am thrilled that you had a great time on the cruise! I absolutely look forward to working with you in the future to meet your travel needs!
Fantastic
Reviewed By KC - Raymore Mo | Traveled to Saint Lucia ~ St. Kitts and Nevis ~ Caribbean
From start to finish all was done in excellence
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Sonya Thomas responded:
Thank you Kenya for our review! I am pleased to hear that you enjoyed your trip. I look forward to working with you in the future.
Thank you Kenya for our review! I am pleased to hear that you enjoyed your trip. I look forward to working with you in the future.