About

It all started with a love and passion for travel.

Founder Louis “Lou” Black, began Avondale Travel in Jacksonville, FL, where it rapidly became one of the largest travel agencies in the United States. In 1974, Lou sold Avondale Travel, but decided to keep one location. Fast forward to 2013, Lou’s only daughter, Leigh Elizabeth, decided it was time to live out her dream of one day running the agency. Being a family-owned and operated business, Leigh wanted to ensure Lou’s legacy will live on forever as she worked to rebuild the company.

Today, Avondale Travel is driven by the vision to offer concierge, white glove service and access to experiences that travelers cannot find elsewhere. Avondale Travel has become the go-to place for exceptional worldwide travel experiences for all.

In-House

Leigh Elizabeth Israel
Leigh Elizabeth Israel

Owner

Meet Leigh Elizabeth
Sandy Harbison
Sandy Harbison

Managing Director

Meet Sandy
Dan Beschloss
Dan Beschloss

Vice President of Industry Relations

Meet Dan
Kyra Fox
Kyra Fox

Director of Corporate Travel

Meet Kyra
Lindsey Harrell
Lindsey Harrell

Luxury Travel Advisor

Meet Lindsey
Kristin Kirk
Kristin Kirk

Administrative Coordinator

Independent Contractors

Patty Fields
Patty Fields

Luxury Travel Advisor, Group Travel Specialist

Meet Patty
Sue Hartley
Sue Hartley

Luxury Travel Advisor

Meet Sue
Laura Jones
Laura Jones

Luxury Travel Advisor

Meet Laura
Cindy Webb Payne
Cindy Webb Payne

Luxury Travel Advisor

Meet Cindy Webb
Kayla McEvoy
Kayla McEvoy

Luxury Travel Advisor

Kim Morgenstern
Kim Morgenstern

Sea New Places, an Independent affiliate of Avondale Travel

Meet Kim
Gayle Sackel
Gayle Sackel

Sea New Places, an Independent affiliate of Avondale Travel

Meet Gayle
Erika Wallace
Erika Wallace

Luxury Travel Advisor

Meet Erika
Jeannie Wyllie
Jeannie Wyllie

Luxury Travel Advisor

Meet Jeannie

It was a trip of a lifetime

Avondale Travel planned our magical honeymoon to Iceland. It was a trip of a lifetime and we couldn't have asked for a better honeymoon. Rosemary and her colleagues made the planning process easy. They also made sure that breakfast, tours and transportation were all included. We will definitely be using Avondale Travel in the future.

Amanda

It blew my mind

Avondale Travel is the best place to book all your travel. I needed assistance on booking my trip and walked into Avondale Travel and met with Kyra unexpectedly. I provided all my information and contacts and she booked everything for me and the trip was outstandingly great! It blew my mind for the locations and round-trip cost. Thank you, Kyra!

Sandra

Thanks so much for helping us

What a fabulous three days you arranged for us! The hotel in Eugene was perfect - we had great fun in that city. Then Bella Collina - WOW!!!! It was absolutely perfect, gorgeous, lush - and Sherwood the innkeeper was a hoot! Do not hesitate to recommend either places! Thanks so much for helping us, and hope you had a wonderful time on your journeys as well!

Susan

You guys ROCK!!!

Our season has, unfortunately, come to an end. We just wanted to THANK YOU both for all of your work you provided to our players and staff this summer. All the hotels you all chose for us were PERFECT. We appreciate all the research and time you invested to make our road trips worry-free. You guys ROCK!!! What a fun and wild ride; cannot wait until next year! Please stay healthy and safe.

Team Armada