Ames’ Trusted Travel Advisors — Leisure Trips Made Simple

Planning a trip should feel exciting—not overwhelming.
If you’re tired of juggling travel sites or unsure what’s actually worth booking, we’re here to help.
At Allied Travel, we make vacation planning easy for Ames-area travelers.
Here’s what we take care of:
Let’s take the stress out of your next getaway—schedule your free travel-planning session today.
What Our Leisure Travel Services in Ames Include
Why Now Is the Right Time to Start Planning
The best trips start early — especially for Ames travelers. Planning ahead means better pricing, more flight options out of Des Moines International, and far less stress.

With 40+ years of experience helping Iowans travel, our advisors know the ideal times to book, the seasons that sell out fastest, and how to secure the best value for your trip.
Start planning today and make your next Ames getaway effortless.

Meet Yen Stonehocker — Leisure Navigator
With over 30 years in the travel industry, including 22 years with Allied Travel, Yen Stonehocker helps travelers in Ames and nearby communities take trip ideas and turn them into plans that feel doable.
Whether you already have a destination in mind or are still trying to figure out what kind of getaway sounds best, Yen helps you sort through the options and build a trip around your time, budget, and travel style.
From resort stays to more detailed vacations with flights, hotels, and extras to coordinate, she helps make the whole process feel easier to manage.
“Be adventurous and travel to places you’ve never been!”
— Yen Stonehocker
Real Stories from Our Happy Travelers
“My husband and I were connected to Allied Travel through a friend and we could not have been happier we did. Outside of booking our own flight, they helped us find our hotels and activities while in Hawaii for our honeymoon. When one hotel put us in a different room than what we paid for, Allied Travel was on top of it and had the situation worked out within an hour…at 11 pm CST. Not being someone that enjoys trip planning, we will absolutely utilize their services for future trips!”
“Just returned from a trip to London & Paris that Allied Travel helped us plan. They arranged flights, hotels and train links. Their travel specialist was very accommodating and was happy to help us keep searching till we found the hotels we wanted. These ended up being nicer than we expected. This is the second time we have used Allied Travel to help us arrange a trip to Europe. We plan on using them again for future overseas trips.”
“Our wedding was perfect! We had around 40 family and friends at our wedding in Cancun. That was a lot of coordinating! Thankfully Allied Travel took all of the stress and worry off of our plates! They really allowed us the opportunity to enjoy our wedding and our honeymoon at another resort! The hardest part will be deciding where we want to go next! Allied Travel will do all of our resort and vacation planning from here on out! Thank you again!! 5 Stars, A+, 10/10, truly the highest praised rating available!”
Leisure Travel FAQs for Ames, IA Travelers
What are leisure travel services in Ames, IA?
Leisure travel services help Ames, IA travelers plan vacations focused on relaxation, adventure, sightseeing, family time, or special occasions.
Allied Travel helps travelers coordinate personalized vacation experiences that match their interests and travel goals.
Leisure travel may include:
- Beach vacations
- Cruises
- Resort stays
- Family getaways
- Romantic escapes
- Guided tours
The goal is to make vacation planning easier while helping travelers enjoy their time away.
What types of leisure vacations can Allied Travel help Ames travelers plan?
Allied Travel helps Ames travelers plan a wide variety of leisure vacations throughout the United States and around the world.
Popular vacation options may include:
- All-inclusive resort vacations
- Ocean cruises
- River cruises
- Family vacations
- Couples getaways
- Adventure travel
- Guided tours
- Multi-destination trips
Whether travelers want to relax, explore new cultures, or celebrate a special occasion, Allied Travel can help coordinate the details.
How does Allied Travel help Ames travelers choose the right vacation destination?
Allied Travel helps Ames travelers narrow down destination options based on travel preferences, budget, interests, and desired experiences.
Recommendations may be based on:
- Travel style
- Budget range
- Activities and attractions
- Travel dates
- Group size
This personalized approach often helps travelers discover destinations they may not have considered on their own.
Can Allied Travel help Ames travelers plan trips from Des Moines International Airport?
Yes. Many Ames travelers begin their vacations through Des Moines International Airport, and Allied Travel can help coordinate travel plans around available flight options.
Travel planning may include:
- Flight coordination
- Vacation packages
- Cruise departures
- Resort travel arrangements
- Transportation planning
Coordinating travel details together can help create a smoother vacation experience from departure through return.
Why should I use Allied Travel for leisure travel planning instead of booking online?
Allied Travel helps Ames travelers move beyond endless online searches by providing personalized recommendations and professional travel guidance.
Rather than comparing hundreds of options alone, travelers can receive assistance with:
- Resort comparisons
- Cruise options
- Destination recommendations
- Vacation package planning
- Travel logistics
Many travelers find that working with a travel advisor saves time and provides greater confidence when making vacation decisions.
Can Allied Travel help plan family vacations and multi-generational trips?
Yes. Allied Travel helps Ames families plan vacations that accommodate travelers of different ages, interests, and activity levels.
Family travel planning may include:
- Family-friendly destinations
- Resort recommendations
- Multiple accommodations
- Activity suggestions
- Transportation coordination
Whether traveling with young children, parents, or grandparents, Allied Travel helps organize vacation details so families can focus on spending time together.
Can Allied Travel help with romantic getaways, honeymoons, and anniversary trips?
Yes. Allied Travel helps Ames couples plan romantic vacations for honeymoons, anniversaries, vow renewals, and special celebrations.
Popular options may include:
- All-inclusive resorts
- Adults-only resorts
- Ocean cruises
- Tropical beach destinations
- Luxury vacation experiences
Allied Travel helps match couples with destinations and experiences that fit the type of trip they want to create.
How far in advance should Ames travelers start planning a leisure vacation?
For the best selection and availability, Allied Travel generally recommends that Ames travelers begin planning several months before departure.
Planning early may provide access to:
- Better flight options
- Preferred accommodations
- Popular cruise cabins
- Resort availability
- Promotional travel offers
Travelers planning holiday vacations, group trips, or peak-season travel often benefit from booking even earlier.
What details can Allied Travel coordinate for a leisure trip?
Allied Travel helps Ames travelers organize multiple parts of a vacation into one coordinated travel plan.
Depending on the trip, services may include:
- Flights
- Hotels and resorts
- Cruises
- Excursions and activities
- Transportation arrangements
- Travel recommendations
Managing several travel components together can help simplify planning and create a more organized vacation experience.
Does Allied Travel charge a fee for leisure travel consultations?
No. Allied Travel offers complimentary consultations for Ames travelers interested in planning a leisure vacation.
During a consultation, travelers can:
- Discuss vacation goals
- Explore destination ideas
- Compare travel options
- Ask planning questions
- Review potential travel budgets
This allows travelers to receive professional guidance and explore vacation possibilities before making travel decisions.