Lomas Hospitality has something for everyone in Mexico
June 9, 2025Las Vegas Lands Another Major Sporting Event: WWE WrestleMania 42
June 11, 2025
Featured in the June 2025 issue of Stroll the Dunes Magazine…
If you’ve ever daydreamed about your next vacation – or that once-in-a-lifetime adventure – you’ll want to get to know Melissa Beers and Ron Opher!
BEST TRAVEL AGENCY
Their motto -“Let’s Make Memories” isn’t just a tagline. It’s a promise. In 2025, My Journey Begins Travel was named Best Travel Agency in the Myrtle Beach Herald Readers’ Choice Awards – a reflection of their commitment and customer-first approach. This Myrtle Beach-based travel agency was built on a foundation of personal experience, professional passion, and the desire to help others turn dream trips into unforgettable memories.
MEET THE COUPLE HELPING YOU MAKE MEMORIES AROUND THE WORLD
Melissa, a lifelong Carolina girl, and Ron, a Pennsylvania native, met in Myrtle Beach in 2015 and tied the knot in 2023.
With Melissa’s two sons and Ron’s three daughters, they formed a modern-day Brady Bunch–and even welcomed
Dewey, their goldendoodle, named after Dewey Beach, Delaware.
Together, their blended family and shared love for exploration inspired the creation of My Journey Begins Travel. They started the company in 2019, right before the pandemic disrupted global travel. But instead of letting it stall their dream, they persevered and emerged stronger – fully committed to helping clients navigate the new travel landscape.
A PASSION FOR TRAVEL, PERSONALIZED FOR YOU
Melissa brings years of experience planning Disney vacations and turnkey trips, such as cruises and all-inclusive resorts. Ron, a seasoned entrepreneur, thrives on planning customized travel experiences. His background in service-based businesses and his attention to detail make him the go-to for creating tailor-made adventures. Their combined approach is simple but powerful: “We listen carefully. We ask the right questions. And we make sure everyone in a travel group gets what they want out of their experience,” Ron says. From solo getaways to multi- generational vacations, Melissa and Ron take pride in offering:
•. Travel consulting & concierge services
•. Cruise, Disney, and resort bookings
•. Customized itineraries and cultural trips
•. Group travel, weddings, reunions & honeymoons
• Booking assistance and support from start to finish
ROOTED IN THE COMMUNITY
My Journey Begins Travel is more than a business–it’s a part of the Grand Strand community. Ron serves as an
ambassador for the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and volunteers with SCORE, a mentorship group
supporting local business owners. The duo is active in BNI, The Big Mixer, and other networking groups that champion
small businesses. They also enjoy giving back by sponsoring prizes and supporting fundraising events for local organizations. In their downtime, you might spot them singing karaoke with friends at Café Vincenzo’s or checking out the live music scene around Myrtle Beach.
WEATHERING THE STORM OF COVID-19
Like most in the travel industry, the business came to a halt during the COVID-19 pandemic. But instead of closing up shop, Melissa and Ron used the downtime to learn, innovate, and build tools for the future. “We came out of it better than we went in,” Melissa says. “We launched a robust, searchable website with curated travel content to inspire and guide travelers.”
Their resilience paid off.
In 2025, My Journey Begins Travel was named Best Travel Agency in the Myrtle Beach Herald Readers’ Choice Awards –
a reflection of their commitment and customer-first approach.
BIG PLANS FOR THE ROAD AHEAD
The couple continues to expand their services and looks forward to helping even more travelers explore the world.
Two growing areas of focus include:
- Destination Travel to Myrtle Beach: From beach weddings to arranging accommodations for guests
and planning bachelor/bachelorette parties and honeymoons, they’re excited to welcome inbound travelers. - Affinity & Group Travel: Cruises booked over a year in advance allow Melissa and Ron to offer excellent rates
and perks for groups–neighborhoods, business groups, family reunions, or friends scattered across the globe. Group leaders can even qualify for reduced or free travel once thev reach a certain size. “We’re always looking for motivated people to help coordinate groups.” Ron says. “There’s so much potential – and so
many memories waiting to be made.”
FEATURED IN STROLL THE DUNES – TRAVEL TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS
Their advice for local residents?
•. Plan early. Cruises are already booking into 2027, and early bookings usually get the best prices and availability.
• Don’t wait. That bucket-list trip won’t plan itself. Start now and turn dreams into reality.
•. Think small, too. They’re not just for the “trip of a lifetime.” Weekend getaways, girls’ trips, or even solo escapes–they help with it all.
WHY BOOK WITH A LOCAL TRAVEL AGENT?
Though My Journey Begins Travel is a locally owned, mom-and-pop business, they’re backed by Travel Planners
International–a national host agency. That means they can offer perks like onboard cruise credits or special
pricing that most DIY travelers won’t find online. Best of all, they’re not a franchise. They call the shots, customize the service, and advocate for their clients – especially when a trip hits a snag or a special request needs personal attention. “We don’t stop at the phone bank. If a client needs help, we go to management-level support with
our vendors.” Melissa explains.
LET’S START YOUR JOURNEY
Whether you’re planning a romantic retreat, a group adventure, or simply want guidance from experts who truly
care, My Journey Begins Travel is here for you.
FEATURED IN STROLL THE DUNES – SEE A COPY OF THE ARTICLE BELOW.
ALL PHOTOS WERE TAKEN BY OR OF MELISSA BEERS AND RON OPHER AND ALL RIGHTS ARE RESERVED.
