Beyond the Magic Travel Co began with a shared dream between a father and daughter who have always believed that travel is one of life’s greatest gifts. What started as family vacations filled with careful planning, late-night research, and unforgettable memories slowly grew into something more. Friends and loved ones began turning to us for advice, itineraries, and insider tips — and we realized that the joy we felt planning our own trips was something we could share with others. Built on a lifelong love of exploring new places and creating meaningful experiences, our agency was born from the desire to turn that passion into a way to help other families make memories of their own.

about us

Brittany Cochran

Travel Associate

Bradford Neff

Co-Owner

Brad Neff is a retired Navy submariner with a distinguished 31-year active-duty career, including command of the ballistic missile submarine USS PENNSYLVANIA (SSBN-735)(BLUE) and multiple worldwide deployments. His service took him across the globe, from circumnavigating the world to transiting the Panama Canal and crossing the intersection of the Equator and International Date Line. Following his naval career, Brad continued serving the nation for seven years as a Department of the Navy civilian on the Chief of Naval Operations staff at the Pentagon. Outside of travel, he races his 2002 Corvette Z06 (C66Racing) in the National Auto Sport Association Super Touring 2 class. Brad’s passion for travel began early, and before joining the Navy he had already visited over half of the U.S., along with Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, Fiji, and several European countries. Through a lifetime of service, racing, and personal travel, Brad has now explored all 50 states, five continents (with Africa and Antarctica still on the list), and more than 40 countries.  

Dara Thompson’s love of travel began long before it became her career. Growing up in a Navy family, she was raised with a sense of adventure, curiosity, and an appreciation for the world beyond her own backyard, thanks to her dad’s service. Her professional journey, however, initially took a different path. Dara earned a dual degree in Forensic Science and Biology from West Virginia University and went on to spend five years working for the Virginia State Police, where attention to detail, organization, and problem-solving were essential every single day. It was during this time that travel planning entered her life unexpectedly — and instantly felt like home. What began as a random opportunity quickly became her dream career. Today, Dara is a seasoned travel advisor with five years of experience and millions of dollars in travel booked. She has personally traveled to 49 states, five continents, and more than 20 countries, blending real-world experience with expert planning to help clients travel with confidence and ease.

Dara Thompson

Co-Owner

Every boutique agency is built on passion, trust, and the people who make the magic happen- and ours would not exist without Crystal. As our Administrative Director, Crystal was instrumental in forming our agency and laying the foundation that allows everything else to shine. 

For Crystal, travel isn't about checking places off a list- it's about connection. With 31 cruises under her belt,, she's a true cruise expert, but what truly sets her apart is her belief that travel is a way to slow down, be present, and invest in the relationships that matter most. She brings care, precision, and heart to every detail, ensuring each journey is meaningful long after you return home. 

Crystal Connors

Administrative Director

Brittany Cochran

Travel Associate

Brittany's love for travel is rooted in the joy of experiencing it alongside her family. As a mom of two, she has made countless memories exploring the magic of Walt Disney World, setting sail with Disney Cruise Line and experiencing the excitement of Universal Orlando Resort. 

For Brittany, these destinations are more than vacations- they are the backdrop for laughter, connection, and unforgettable firsts. From watching her children see Cinderella Castle for the first time to enjoying sunsets at sea, she believes the most meaningful trips are the ones that bring families closer together and create memories that last long after returning home.

Every great journey begins with the right guide.

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