309 West Union Ave.
Bound Brook, NJ
732-469-1525
Blithe Travel Celebrates 60 Years in Travel
Family-Owned Company Continues to Help Plan the Vacations and Adventures of Dreams
Happy anniversary, Blithe Travel! Blithe Travel is a local family-owned business offering tailor-made travel services with a personal touch- and it is turning 60! Phyllis Blythe opened Blithe Travel on Lincoln Blvd. in Middlesex in April 1964 then moved it to Main Street in Bound Brook across from Loree’s Drug Store. When Hurricane Doria hit the area hard in 1971 and flooded all of the stores, she knew she had to move north. Since February 1977, Blithe Travel has occupied the space at 309 W. Union Ave at the corner of Vosseller Ave.
At the height of the travel business boom, Blithe Travel employed 6 agents and an office manager in the office. Half of its business came from corporate accounts like GAF and Union Carbide. “But with the movement to create travel departments in-house, our focus shifted to leisure travel – especially cruises, destination weddings, and larger family gatherings,” commented co-owner, Phyllis Blythe.
“As we celebrate our 60th anniversary this year, Mom and I are so grateful for the continued support of our long-time clients (and later generations) who trust us with their dream getaways. Our highest priority is to make unforgettable experiences for each individual whether it be an exotic adventure or a simple warm weather retreat,” says co-owner Kendall Blythe. “Over the years we have built strong relationships based on our knowledge and expertise and that has kept people coming back and sending referrals. The best advertising is word of mouth.”
Blithe Travel is an active member of the Cruise Lines International Association and Travel Leaders Network. They are accredited by the International Air Transport Association and sit on the
board of the NJ Chapter of Skål International. Kendall is the immediate past president of NJ Skål and currently serves as its Secretary/Treasurer. Phyllis and Kendall’s combined experience has contributed to Blithe Travel’s reputation for providing a wide range of travel services to meet anyone’s budget.
“Our industry has had many challenges in the last 25 years from 9/11 to COVID. We are so resilient because travel is just such an essential part of life. A lot has changed – especially in keeping up with technology- but there is still an essential role for travel advisors when the options out there for the public are so overwhelming. The internet is for looking and a travel advisor is for booking! We can find you exclusive fares and save you time,” adds Kendall.
Blithe Travel is a family-owned travel agency that specializes in cruises, the Caribbean, and European travel. They can guide you through the process of choosing an escorted tour, a customized independent itinerary, or a relaxing vacation on a beach. They are located in Bound Brook and the office is open Tuesday and Thursday afternoons or by appointment. Visit them online at www.blithetravel.com or on their Facebook page. Stay tuned for an Open House later this year! Contact Kendall at: kendall@blithetravel.com.