PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Outside, the sun has faded over the sweeping desert horizon. But inside The Sphere, you’re completely immersed in another dimension, reveling in waves of sound and emotion. 

A phenomenal high-resolution LED display literally wraps up, over and around you. Of course, the audio is out of this world. You can feel it pulsing from head to toe. Who could sit through this? Not you! It’s The Eagles live and you’re on your feet singing along with “Hotel California,” “Take It Easy,” “Desperado,” song after hit song from your private, all-inclusive suite with the best seat in the house.

This isn’t just a concert. It’s a Bucket List event. And you’re living it.

Even better? You have days ahead to explore Las Vegas before heading home. No stress. No logistics. Just joy, luxury, and unforgettable memories.

This is the kind of unforgettable experience that Departure Depot curates—effortless, extraordinary, tailor-made travel.

Inspiring a New Era of 55+ Travel

Departure Depot believes travel should be seamless, and enriching—especially for the 55+ community. The mission is to empower active adult travelers to explore the world with ease, confidence, and connection. 

Whether it’s an island-hopping cruise, a concert under the stars, or a wine-filled weekend getaway, Departure Depot is redefining what it means to travel well after 55, by providing customized all-inclusive experiential travel, including:

• Luxury resort stays
• Live concerts and performances
• Cruise adventures
• Sporting events and golf getaways
• Food and culinary explorations
• Seasonal festivals and special events 

These all-inclusive, curated excursions take the angst out of travel and leave only the best parts—memory making and fun. 

Journey of a Visionary

Before founding Departure Depot in The Villages, Douglas Colson spent years behind the scenes of the travel industry, working with global booking giants like Priceline and Expedia. He mastered the systems, learned the secrets of wholesale resort inventory, and built relationships with elite cruise lines and hospitality brands.

“The light bulb moment came 15 years ago,” Douglas recalls. “I realized I knew where to find all the wholesale travel inventory—resorts, condos, cruises—and I wanted to use that knowledge to serve the 55+ community in The Villages.”

In 2018, he launched Lifestyle Cruise & Tours, curating unforgettable group trips. One major breakthrough came when Jimmy Buffett’s team asked him to help promote their new cruise line. 

“We did 71 departures in three years, and I personally joined 69 of those,” says Douglas.

Building on that success, in 2024 he launched Departure Depot—a boutique travel company offering white-glove, experiential trips tailored for active adults who crave adventure without hassle. This endeavor was the final piece of the puzzle that truly represented all of the different travel styles under one brand, bringing together his vision for seamless, adventurous, and personalized travel experiences.

“Fifteen years ago, there weren’t a lot of curated, experiential Bucket List travel opportunities in The Villages. I went on a quest to find the cool stuff and make it available. We spent a lot of time evolving into who we are. This was a niche and there’s a demand for our services in the 55+ community,” says Douglas, who was born and raised in Leesburg. 

Being a well-versed world traveler gives him a definite edge in planning curated travel journeys.

“I’m doing exactly what I would want to do if I were retired—and I’m loving every minute of it,” Douglas says. “These moments matter. You only have so many healthy, active summers left. Don’t put it off. Go have some fun—you’ve earned it.”

Concierge-style travel experiences 

Departure Depot is more than a travel agency. It’s a concierge travel hub with a storefront in Wildwood, Florida, and a robust online booking platform. Their unique model combines insider access, personalized service, and unbeatable value.

You can make an appointment to meet with expert advisors in person. Join the monthly “Let’s Travel” Info Sessions or plan a custom trip over coffee.

“People want face-to-face interaction so that’s why we opened a retail location,” says Douglas. “If you’re planning on taking an African safari, you’re not going to book this online. You want to talk with someone about all the details.”

Thanks to long-standing industry contracts, Departure Depot offers over 4,000 resort condos worldwide at prices not available to the public. From private group getaways to once-in-a-lifetime solo adventures, every trip is curated to reflect your interests.

Customized Trips

Want to travel with your club, church group, or circle of friends? Just describe your dream trip. Departure Depot can design a custom experience based on your vision.

If you’re an independent explorer, their self-service model empowers travelers who love to chart their own course. Browse and book on the website with access to resort inventory, flight deals, and travel insurance—all backed by support from the concierge team. 

“We specialize in curated group travel for discerning travelers and small groups of around 36 people,” notes Douglas. “We bundle the entire experience end-to-end with a thoughtfully crafted itinerary that has the perfect balance of exploration, comfort and connection. We’re not about prepackaged tours. Each journey is thoughtfully designed, all-inclusive, and stress-free—just show up and enjoy.”

Become a Travel Ambassador

Do you love traveling and connecting with others? Departure Depot is seeking 15 to 20 trip ambassadors to host unforgettable journeys and earn complimentary travel.

“We’re also looking for independent travel agents to help us grow our portfolio of experiential travel products,” says Douglas. “If you’re organized, passionate, and inspired, let’s talk.”

Discover your next adventure

Ready to turn your next vacation into the experience of a lifetime? Drop by Departure Depot’s travel lounge in Wildwood or browse curated trips online. Just bring your dreams—they’ll handle everything else.