Magical Storybook Travels is honored for Innovation and Excellence at the 2018 Family Travel Association Summit in Bermuda

Last week, I traveled to Bermuda to attend the 2018 Family Travel Association Summit. Here, Travel Agents, Travel Suppliers and Destinations, and Travel Media Members spent three days collaborating about and celebrating efforts for family travel.

Monday evening, the Family Travel Association announced the FTA Honors, celebrating the dedication and innovation of FTA members who are helping families discover the power of travel and making travel more accessible to families all around the world. I was so proud to be counted among those honored that night.

I was honored for my work with Autism Travel, and for starting Spectrum Travel Social Story Videos, a production company that creates destination-specific autism travel social story videos. These social story videos help reduce anxiety for travelers with Autism going to a new destination, and help prep them for their upcoming trip.

Kristin Karst of AMA Waterways and Nicole Thibault of Magical Storybook Travels and Spectrum Travel Social Story Videos

Kelli Carpenter and Gregg Kaminsky were honored for their pioneering work in the L.G.B.T market at R Family Vacations.

Kelli Carpenter and Gregg Kaminsky of R Vacations

Erin Kirkland, author of AKontheGO.com, was recognized for her work on a program called “Read on the Fly.” Because of her initiative, there are 14 bookshelves in 7 Alaska airports, making travel easier for families, while also promoting childhood literacy.

Erin Kirkland of AKontheGO.com

Kristin Karst of AMA Waterways was selected as the 2018 FTA Person of the Year. AMA Waterways has been leading the charge of family-friendly river cruising, and Kristin has had a key role in developing those family-related initiatives.

Rainer Jenns, founder of the Family Travel Association, and Kristin Karst of AMA Waterways