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About Ellington Travel

Trusted travel planning since 1982.

A Trusted Travel Agency Since 1982

About Ellington Travel

Trusted travel planning since 1982.
Now continuing under Lisa Menard's leadership.

Founded

November 1, 1982

Ellington Travel was founded on November 1, 1982, and has been a familiar and trusted name in the Ellington community for more than four decades. Built on personal service, careful planning, and genuine relationships, the agency became known as a dependable hometown resource for honeymoons, cruises, family vacations, special celebrations, and once-in-a-lifetime getaways.

Through the years, the way people plan travel has changed, but the heart of Ellington Travel has remained the same: thoughtful guidance, trusted recommendations, and trips planned with care from beginning to end.

A New Chapter

A Message From Lisa Menard

✨ Ellington Travel: The Journey Continues ✈️

After much reflection and excitement, I am thrilled to share some very special news. Effective July 1st, I officially became the owner of Ellington Travel.

Ellington Travel was founded in 1982 by Judy Spielman, who built this agency with dedication and integrity. Since joining Ellington Travel in 2010 as a part time outside agent, I have had the privilege of working for Judy, whose integrity and kindness have made her a true pleasure to work with and learn from.

I am truly honored that Judy has entrusted me with carrying on the legacy she created. It is a responsibility I do not take lightly, and I am committed to continuing the personalized service and care that Ellington Travel has always been known for.

I also want to recognize my colleague, fellow agent, and dear friend, Lorna Shaker. Over the years, Lorna has been an incredible mentor, a constant source of encouragement, and someone who has generously shared her extensive knowledge and experience. Her friendship and guidance have played an enormous role in helping me reach this milestone, and I will always be grateful.

To Judy and Lorna—thank you for believing in me.

To my clients, friends, family, and everyone who has supported me throughout this journey, thank you for your trust and encouragement. I am excited for this next chapter and look forward to helping you create unforgettable travel memories for many years to come. Here's to honoring our past while embracing the future.

Ellington Travel... The Journey Continues. ❤️✈️🌍

"Ellington Travel has always been built on personal service. Lisa is proud to continue that tradition and help each client plan a trip that feels right for them."

A Personal Approach

Meet Lisa Menard

Lisa Menard, Ellington Travel

Lisa Menard brings warmth, patience, and personal attention to every trip she plans. Before pursuing her passion for travel full-time, Lisa proudly served the Town of East Hartford for nearly 32 years as a Police, Fire, and EMS Telecommunicator with the East Hartford Police Department, retiring as a 911 Communications Supervisor.

Throughout her career, Lisa developed exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, compassion, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. She brings those same qualities to every client relationship—listening carefully, anticipating needs, solving problems before they arise, and ensuring every detail is thoughtfully planned.

As a wife, mother, and grandmother, Lisa understands the importance of creating meaningful travel experiences that become lifelong memories. Whether she's planning a luxury Caribbean escape, an unforgettable family vacation, an Alaska cruise, a European adventure, a romantic honeymoon, or a milestone celebration, her goal is always the same: to create a seamless, personalized journey that allows her clients to relax and simply enjoy the experience.

Lisa believes that travel is about more than reaching a destination—it's about creating memories that last a lifetime. She is committed to providing the personal service, expert guidance, and genuine care that turn great vacations into unforgettable experiences.

Certifications & Travel Specialties
Travel AdvisorAtlantis AmbassadorSandals Elite AdvisorCaribbean & Resort TravelDisney – College of Disney KnowledgeCollette University AdvisorBermuda SpecialistAruba Certified Expert (ACE)Aruba Romance Specialist (ACE)Princess Academy – CommodoreViking Danube River Specialist

Why Travel With Us

The Ellington Travel Difference

Personalized Service

Every trip is planned around your unique preferences, interests, and travel style. No two Ellington Travel vacations are the same.

Expert Knowledge

With deep experience in cruises, resorts, and destinations worldwide, we know the right questions to ask and the right options to recommend.

Trusted Relationships

We maintain strong partnerships with cruise lines, resort brands, and tour operators — which means better value and VIP treatment for our clients.

Lifetime Travel Partner

From your first cruise or honeymoon to anniversary trips and family reunions, Ellington Travel grows with you over a lifetime of adventures.

Insider Knowledge

We know the questions to ask, the options to compare, and the details many travelers do not even realize matter. From room choices to cruise options to resort insights, we help clients benefit from experience-driven guidance.

Support When You Need It

If a problem comes up before or during your trip, you are not on your own. Ellington Travel is here to help with real support, real answers, and personal assistance when it matters most.

Experienced Guidance

With decades of travel planning experience behind every recommendation, Ellington Travel offers more than a booking — we offer trusted advice, thoughtful planning, and confidence throughout the process.

More Than a Booking Website

Unlike impersonal bargain-booking sites, Ellington Travel provides knowledgeable service, personalized recommendations, and a long-term relationship built on trust and care.

Destinations Worldwide

Cruises, resorts, and custom itineraries across the globe

Cruise Experts

Deep partnerships with the world's leading cruise lines

Personalized Planning

Every trip is designed around you, not a template

Let's Plan Your Next Adventure

Schedule a free consultation and tell us where you'd like to go. We'll take it from there.

Schedule a Consultation