Village Travel, originally located in Round Pond, moved to the lower level of Damariscotta Center, 157 Main St., in December 2014.
Ruth Etheridge, 59, owner and travel consultant of Village Travel, worked from her home in Round Pond for eight years before the move.
“I wanted a bit more exposure,” Etheridge said. “A home-based agency doesn’t get walk-in traffic.”
Etheridge was born and raised in the Damariscotta area, graduating from Lincoln Academy and waitressing and working various jobs until she was 40.
“I went to Mid-State College in Auburn, and got my (associate degree) in travel and tourism,” Etheridge said. “I’ve been a travel agent for 19 years.”
Before owning her own company in Round Pond, Etheridge worked for travel consulting companies.
“The companies both closed and I started my own business,” Etheridge said.
Etheridge knows travel websites are becoming more popular.
“I offer a personal service,” she said. “I’m there if something goes wrong. Websites aren’t personally there for their clients.”
Etheridge said examples of what could go wrong include flights being canceled, and hotels not being as advertised.
Etheridge personally travels frequently, and knows the Caribbean Islands well.
“I’ve been on many of the cruise lines and travel often,” Etheridge said. “I think I’ve gone on 30 different cruises.”
Outside of work, Etheridge stays busy with her family and the community.
“I am married, have two grown daughters, and four grandsons, and I belong to the chamber of commerce,” she said.
Office hours are staggered, though Etheridge is open Monday through Friday.
Village Travel has a Facebook page. For more information, call 563-8747. “I always welcome new customers,” she said.
