What was supposed to be a dream vacation allegedly turned into a costly lesson for dozens of travelers who trusted a Long Island travel agent with their money.
Tavia Thomas, the owner of Destiny Travel NY, was arrested on January 6 and charged with multiple felony counts after police say she collected tens of thousands of dollars for trips that were never booked. According to the Nassau County Police Department, the alleged scheme dates back to 2024 and involves several separate groups of victims.
Investigators say that in July 2024, Thomas accepted $35,753.98 from nine people for a Royal Caribbean sailing. When the group arrived at the Bayonne, New Jersey, port, staff informed them that the cruise they were booked for did not exist. That same month, police allege Thomas took $5,000 from two clients for a destination wedding tied to an ALG Vacations resort, but the venue was never secured, and no refunds were issued.
In September 2024, another client reported paying $10,034.16 to arrange a Dominican Republic birthday trip for 50 family members. Authorities say accommodations were never paid for, and the family never received their money back.
Thomas was charged with three counts of third-degree grand larceny, three counts of first-degree scheme to defraud, and two counts of fourth-degree grand larceny. She pleaded not guilty at her arraignment in Hempstead.
Destiny Travel NY, founded in 2016, advertised luxury destinations and group travel planning. Online reviews and records from the Better Business Bureau show multiple complaints accusing the agency of taking payments without delivering services, contributing to an F rating.
