Neighborhood Shop: Carousel Travel Offers 30+ Years of Experience

Looking for a family-friendly place to take your family on vacation in 2012? Or, are you in search of an exotic locale for some New Year adventure? Whatever your travel desires may be Joan Fries of can make them a reality.

An avid traveler herself, Fries toured all 48 states by the time she was 9 years old and has visited all five continents. She caught the travel bug from her parents and the rest, as they say, is passport history.

Located on 39281 Grand River Avenue in Farmington Hills, Carousel Travel is a full-service agency founded in 1978.

“You definitely have the advantage of experience when you come here,” said Fries, who prides herself on being a travel connoisseur who can help customers get the best deals for fun, safe and relaxing trips.

For instance, those seeking to escape the cold days of winter can take advantage of special January deals to places such as Cancun, Mexico or the Dominican Republic, as well as various cruise packages.

“We look for the best deals—always,” Fries said. “If someone is flexible, we can check things for them.”

Despite all the travel services online, Fries says that word of mouth and attention to detail has kept her in business for more than three decades.

“I grew up in Farmington Hills; I went to Farmington schools. This is a great community with great access,” said Fries.

The agency is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call 248-477-8200 or check them out on Facebook.