Christmas Travel & Tours

Located on the US-17 Bypass in Myrtle Beach, Christmas Travel & Tours is a long-standing, full-service travel agency owned and operated by Donna Christmas. With a history reportedly spanning over two decades, this agency has established itself as a local option for those seeking assistance with everything from cruise bookings to complex international trips. However, a deep dive into its public perception reveals a business with a dual identity: one of a helpful, budget-conscious local planner, and another mired in recent controversy that potential customers should be aware of.

Services and Specializations

Christmas Travel & Tours positions itself as a traditional, full-service tour operator. According to its official website, the agency handles a wide array of travel needs for both leisure and corporate clients. This includes booking cruises, arranging all-inclusive vacations at popular resorts like Sandals and Beaches, and planning trips to destinations such as Disney. The name of the agency is derived from the owner's family name, not a specialization in holiday travel, which is a common point of confusion for newcomers. The agency's scope of services also extends to more granular travel needs, such as securing airline tickets, arranging car rentals, and coordinating charter buses for group travel. This suggests a capacity to manage complete custom itineraries from start to finish, removing the logistical burden from the traveler.

The Positive Customer Experience: Personalized and Budget-Friendly Service

For many years, the reputation of Christmas Travel & Tours was built on positive word-of-mouth and reviews praising its personalized touch. Several clients have highlighted owner Donna Christmas's dedication and expertise. One older review specifically notes, "Ms. Donna is great. She really tries to stay within your budget." This sentiment is echoed in other testimonials featured by the agency, where clients praise her for going "beyond and above what most travel agents do" and for being knowledgeable about destinations. This level of hands-on travel consultation is often what draws clients to a brick-and-mortar agency instead of online booking engines. Testimonials mention successful coordination for church groups and even accommodating last-minute additions to travel parties seamlessly. This points to a flexible and client-focused approach, which is a significant asset in the travel planning industry. The positive feedback consistently revolves around reliability, friendliness, and a commitment to meeting the financial and logistical needs of the client, painting a picture of a trustworthy and competent travel planner.

Recent Criticisms and Controversies

Despite its history of positive feedback, the agency's public image has been significantly impacted by a series of recent, highly critical reviews. These newer comments shift the focus from travel services to the owner's alleged off-duty conduct. Multiple one-star reviews from 2024 claim that the owner has posted divisive and "hateful comments on Facebook towards conservatives." These reviewers express a strong reluctance to support a business whose owner they perceive as holding extreme political views that are hostile to their own. This has created a clear dividing line in public perception, with some potential customers stating they would actively avoid the agency for this reason.

Furthermore, one of these critical reviews raises a tangible business concern, questioning why anyone would "use one that doesn’t even have a valid website address. Sounds very scamming to me." While research confirms the website is, in fact, operational, it is stylistically dated. This perception of an invalid or unprofessional online presence, combined with the political controversy, can create a sense of distrust for new clients who rely heavily on digital first impressions. For a modern travel agency, a professional and easily accessible website is crucial for establishing credibility. These negative reviews collectively suggest a potential risk for clients who prefer to keep business and politics separate or who are wary of the agency's online professionalism.

A Closer Look at the Agency's Operations

What to Expect When You Engage Their Services

Based on the available information, engaging with Christmas Travel & Tours likely means working directly with its owner, Donna Christmas. The business model appears to be centered on direct, personal interaction. This can be highly beneficial for travelers who need detailed vacation packages or have specific requirements that are difficult to manage through automated systems. The agency's ability to handle various components of a trip—from flights and car rentals to full cruise packages—makes it a potential one-stop shop.

However, the customer experience appears to be polarized. On one hand, you have clients who have used the service for years and report excellent, budget-friendly results. On the other hand, the recent influx of negative feedback tied to non-business activities presents a significant reputational challenge. A prospective client must weigh the potential for personalized, expert service against the concerns raised in recent reviews.

Operating Hours and Accessibility

Christmas Travel & Tours maintains fairly standard business hours. It is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays and offers limited hours on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The agency is closed on Sundays. Its physical location on a major bypass in Myrtle Beach makes it accessible for local residents seeking an in-person consultation.

Conclusion: A Tale of Two Reputations

Christmas Travel & Tours presents a complex choice for prospective travelers. The agency's longevity, coupled with a portfolio of positive reviews praising its personalized and budget-conscious planning, speaks to a foundation of quality service. For those seeking a dedicated travel planner who can expertly craft custom itineraries and navigate the complexities of group travel, the historical performance of this agency is compelling.

However, it is impossible to ignore the recent and severe criticisms that have surfaced. The allegations of political commentary on social media have alienated a segment of the potential customer base and introduced a non-travel-related factor into the decision-making process. While the claims about the website's validity are unfounded, the dated design may not inspire confidence in digitally-savvy travelers. Ultimately, the decision to work with this travel agency will likely depend on what a customer values most: the potential for a long-standing local expert's personal touch or the desire to avoid businesses entangled in public controversy.