About Trips Unlimited
For over 20 years, Trips Unlimited was a leader in the travel industry in New Orleans, creating unforgettable experiences for travelers near and far. Founded by the Sanders family, the company built a reputation for exceptional service, expertly crafted itineraries, and a passion for bringing people together through travel. In 2020, as the world came to a standstill during the pandemic, the Sanders family made the difficult decision to retire and close the business.
Now, Trips Unlimited is back.
Ryan Sanders, grandson of the original founders, is honored to revive the company and bring group travel back to New Orleans. With a deep-rooted love for the industry and years of experience in transportation and tour operations, Ryan is leading Trips Unlimited into an exciting new era.
With our dedicated team, we’re once again offering unforgettable journeys across the world, with expertly planned motorcoach tours departing from New Orleans. Whether you're exploring iconic cities, breathtaking landscapes, or hidden gems, we handle the details so you can enjoy the adventure.
We can’t wait to travel with you—welcome to the new Trips Unlimited!
Ryan Sanders, CTP – Owner & President
Ryan Sanders has been immersed in the travel industry for as long as he can remember. As a child, he was stuffing catalogs into envelopes for his grandparents at Trips Unlimited, laying the foundation for a lifelong passion for travel and hospitality.
His family’s legacy in transportation runs deep—Ryan also plays a key leadership role in the Motorcoach Family of Brands, one of the nation’s premier bus companies. But before stepping into leadership, he spent six years on the road as a driver, gaining firsthand experience and a true appreciation for the industry from the ground up.
Beyond his family business, Ryan has served in leadership positions with several organizations, including a recent stint on the Board of Directors for the National Tour Association. His strategic mindset and deep industry knowledge make him a respected voice in the travel and transportation space.
A self-proclaimed “numbers guy,” Ryan has an uncanny ability to crunch figures on the fly—so much so that he's often called "Rain Man" by those who’ve witnessed his quick mental math skills. Owning a tour company has always been his dream, and he’s honored to relaunch Trips Unlimited, carrying forward the tradition of exceptional travel experiences.
With his signature perfect haircut, an unwavering love for Ole Miss football, and a commitment to excellence, Ryan is proud to lead the next chapter of Trips Unlimited.
Diana Harkins - Reservationist
If you’ve ever called Trips Unlimited, chances are you’ve been greeted by the friendly voice of Diana! Based in St. Louis, she handles reservations with warmth and efficiency, making sure our travelers are ready to embark on their next adventure. A devoted mom, grandma, and wife, Diana loves connecting with our customers and helping them plan unforgettable trips.
Jake Akins - Website Developer
The creative mind behind our website, Jake ensures that Trips Unlimited stays at the forefront of digital travel planning. Originally from Georgia, Jake has embraced life in New Orleans and brings his tech expertise to our online presence, making it easier than ever for travelers to explore, book, and experience the world with us.
From behind the scenes to the front lines, our team is dedicated to making your travel dreams a reality. We can’t wait to help you plan your next adventure!
Frances Manzitto - VP of Marketing & Development
At Trips Unlimited, we’re thrilled to have Frances Manzitto leading the way as our Vice President of Development and Marketing. Frances joined our team in January 2024, bringing with her an impressive 35 years of experience in the travel industry. Her journey began as a college freshman working at the front desk of a hotel, and her passion for travel and hospitality has only grown since.
Before joining Trips Unlimited, Frances served as the Director of Tourism Sales for Visit Clarksville, where she played a pivotal role in promoting the region as a must-visit destination. Now, she uses her expertise to meticulously plan all our tours and oversee marketing efforts, ensuring our customers have unforgettable travel experiences.
Frances is not just a travel expert—she’s also a proud wife to Fred, mom to three daughters, and Nana to two grandchildren. Outside of work, she’s a die-hard Georgia Bulldogs fan, a creative spirit who loves crafting and painting, and someone who finds peace at her home near the ocean in Coastal North Carolina.
Dedicated to the travel industry, Frances serves on the Board of Directors for the National Tour Association, a role she also held from 2015 to 2018. Her bucket list dream? Exploring the lush landscapes and rich history of Ireland to connect with her ancestral roots.
Frances’ passion for travel, family, and creativity inspires everything she does, and we’re honored to have her as part of the Trips Unlimited family.
Amy DeFrancesco - VP of Sales
At Trips Unlimited, we’re thrilled to have Amy DeFrancesco as our VP of Sales! Amy joined us in August, bringing not just 30 years of sales expertise but also a knack for making every trip feel unforgettable. Before coming aboard, she spent 10 successful years with Drury Hotels and served on the board of Destination Greater Pittsburgh from 2020 to 2024, proving she’s as passionate about travel as we are.
Amy’s story is one of dedication and heart—whether it’s to her career, her family, or her favorite teams (she’s a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs fan!). She’s married to her Sicilian husband, Joe, and together they’ve raised five amazing kids and enjoy the chaos and joy of being nanny to seven grandkids.
When she’s not crafting sales strategies or brainstorming the next big adventure, you can find Amy with a book in hand, toes in the sand, dreaming of her bucket list trip to Sicily—her ultimate destination to dive into her husband’s roots.
Amy’s energy, love for travel, and genuine excitement for life are the perfect match for Trips Unlimited. She brings a personal touch to everything she does, making every trip a little more extraordinary. Let Amy’s passion for exploration inspire your next adventure!