This might be the most popular question I get asked.  I guess people assume that the reason I decided to start a travel business is so I could travel for free.  The answer in a nutshell is:  No!
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There are a lot of perks in this business; free travel doesn’t happen to be one of them.  We do get offers for FAM trips and cruises (FAM = familiarization); but we still pay a reduced fare for those trips and cruises, plus taxes and fees and transportation to and from the departure/arrival point.  We may “earn” a cruise with some of our cruise lines, by completing hours/weeks/months of training online – but again, we have to pay taxes and port fees, as well as transportation to and from the ship and all excursions, etc., while onboard.  So, no, we don’t get to travel FREE (i.e., nothing out-of-pocket).

​We do, however, get some pretty cool perks:  we’re invited to ship visits where we can tour the ship and enjoy a nice lunch in the Main Dining Room with others in our industry, while we learn what’s new with that cruise line or ship.  We’re invited to Trade Industry luncheons, seminars, and Trade Shows where we learn more about our travel suppliers.  We get invitations to fun receptions and parties sponsored by various travel partners.  These “perks” are great fun, help us build and foster relationships with our suppliers and others in our field, and are informational.  They are definitely one of the parts of my business that I enjoy.
But, no:  we don’t get to travel for free.  

​Actually, the only times we use the word “FREE” is when we refer to the number of unpaid hours we spend studying and taking exams to be certified as a professional travel advisor, learning about all of the suppliers, their promotions and how to book with them, how to operate and market our business, and basically, how to be a small business owner (some of that training is free, but anything beyond the basics has an expense).   Or the number of unpaid hours we spend researching, quoting, refining and booking travel for our clients.  Our suppliers only pay us for booking travel – if the client doesn’t book, all those hours are unpaid.  Or the “free” gifts we leave for our clients in their cabin or hotel rooms. Or the months we go “salary free” because we don’t get paid until our clients travel.  That means, if you book for 2021, we do the work now but don’t see a commission until you’ve completed your travel.

​When I re-read this, I think “WOW!  Why would anyone want to go into the travel business?”  But the truth is, most of the professional Travel Advisors I know start their business because of their passion for travel; they want to share the adventures, the experiences, the memories with everyone.  There’s so much to see and experience in this great big world!  “It’s a big world out there.  Go explore!”

Do you book your own travel -- or do you use a Travel Professional?  If you don't use a professional, why not?  Let us know in the comments section below!

One of the biggest headaches travelers face when flying is the dreaded layover.
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When I was in the Navy, I frequently flew out of Norfolk and, for some reason, I always had a layover in Pittsburg or Cleveland.  LONG layovers!  Not much to do for those hours of waiting.  Drove me bonkers!
 
Since I also flew overseas fairly often, I soon learned to take advantage of those long layovers by heading out to explore the city where I landed.  One of my absolute favorite layover adventures was when I was enroute to Bahrain:  a “Layover Escape” that included a Canal Cruise and Walking Tour through the city.  What an amazing experience!

The sightseeing cruise allowed us to experience traditional Dutch culture, folklore and craftsmanship with stops in several villages.  We enjoyed amazing views from our vantage point on the canal. A professional guide shared the rich cultural tapestry of Holland, as we cruised through Holland’s beautiful countryside and discovered tulip-filled meadows and studied the amazing Dutch architecture. We also had an opportunity to visit the villages and towns of Edam, Marken, and Zaanse Schans, and enjoyed a pleasant balance of guided walking tours and leisurely free time.

 “Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” – Andre Gide

Unlike many of its neighboring countries, Bahrain has only small stores of petroleum. Its economy relies on processing crude oil from its neighbors and, more recently, the country has benefitted from an increase in tourism.  Manama, the country’s chief city, port, and capital (and where I was stationed) is located on the northeastern tip of Bahrain Island.
 
During my tour there, I found Bahrain to be an interesting juxtapose:  on one hand, a strikingly modern city, relaxed and cosmopolitan; on the other, the epitome of a poverty-stricken island.  The people of Bahrain remain conservative in their lifeways, and that is apparent throughout the island.  Manama is a favorite destination for visitors from neighboring Saudi Arabia; on weekends, crowds of Saudis converge on the city to enjoy its restaurants and bars. But I also observed a stark contrast to the modernization of the city – wealth vs. poverty, living hand-to-hand with one another.  Many roads and sidewalks were in such total disrepair that it was difficult to maneuver them.  From my room, I looked down on to an alley where children were living in cardboard boxes.  Looking a little farther out, I could see a beautiful see a beautiful villa, complete with lovely landscaping and a private pool. 

Traveling is all about creating great memories, right?  And what better way to keep those memories close to your heart than by taking pictures – every step of the way!
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I was a Photojournalist much of my Navy career. When I was a very young Sailor, I was photographing a flag officer’s change of command.  It was my first assignment of that magnitude and I was nervous!  During the pre-ceremony festivities the day before, the senior photographer had failed to check her camera to ensure she had film (yeah, back in the days of film!).  She shot the entire reception and, when the time came for her to turn her film in to the photo lab at the end of the evening, she was mortified to discover her mistake. 

It left a lasting impression on this very green photojournalist!  We had a seasoned chief photographer supervising the event and I guess she could tell I was a wee bit nervous!  Of course, she warned us to ALWAYS double check our cameras for film; but I remember to this day these words of wisdom: “If you take ONE good picture during the entire ceremony today, you’ll have succeeded in your job.  Just ONE great picture is all you need.”

The camera doesn’t have to be expensive:  Cameras don’t always have to be expensive to get the job done.  Surprisingly, phone cameras today take pictures that can honestly rival the quality of the most expensive digital cameras.  Many years ago, I was on assignment with a National Geographic photographer – he was shooting pictures and I was writing the story.  For grins and giggles, I brought a point-and-shoot camera to take pictures for my own scrapbook.  At the end of the day, we turned everything into the photo lab for development.  The next morning, we went through the photographs to see which we’d use for the story and the photographer pulled out a couple that he really liked – but said he didn’t remember shooting them.  Turns out, they were from the point-and-shoot that I had!  And they were good enough to run with our story!  You can take photographs that will transport you back to that wonderful time and place with a phone camera just as easily as an expensive digital.  Don’t be intimidated!

YO HO HO, and a Bottle of Rum!

About a year ago, my brother asked me to find him a bottle of Tortuga Vanilla Rum during one of our Caribbean cruises.  I’m not sure how he learned about this particular rum, but he was hell-bent on trying some.  For whatever reason, Tortuga Rum is not available for purchase in the United States – so the search was on.

On our first cruise, after Skip made his request, we checked the ship’s store and the Duty-Free shop at each of the ports we visited:  no go.  They didn’t sell Tortuga.  We stopped in Grand Turk and St. Thomas and checked around town – still a dud.  For the next couple of cruises, we kept checking and couldn’t find it.

Now you must understand something:  Dan and I almost ALWAYS buy rum on each of our cruises.  It’s our spirit of choice and the deals we get, both on the ship and on each island, are amazing!  But more on that later!

Many years ago, I had an opportunity to travel to Tangier, Morocco.  Although I had and have traveled to many different countries over the years, Morocco was an especially interesting and eye-opening experience.

Tangier serves as Europe’s gateway to Africa.  It’s an interesting blend of cultures and influences that are unique in Morocco.

Mention Tangier to any worldly traveler and you might get a startled look:  It was long considered a bit sleezy and, well, mysterious – partly because of its time as a semi-independent international zone that appealed to flamboyant travelers, artists and spies.  For many years, it had an unsavory reputation and visitors, while attracted to its seedy allure, didn’t tend to stay for extended visits!

In more recent years, however, things have changed, due to investments into the city.  There’s a new business construction, along with a new TGB train line to Casablanca.  But when I visited, things were still a little “iffy.”  It made for a totally exciting adventure!
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I took a very high-speed ferry from Spain to Morocco and arriving was, in and of itself, an experience.  We were greeted by locals hustling their wares – wading out to meet the ferry, selling everything you could imagine.  Even very small children met the boat and were so adorable, it was difficult to resist.

Dan and I love having new adventures when we cruise.  Seeing new places, sampling different cuisines, exploring new heights (literally and figuratively!) – it’s all part of the fun of traveling!
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One of our favorite cruise adventures was when we were in Cozumel.  Carnival Cruise Lines has a relatively new program where port calls have been extended on more than 750 voyages, providing guests with even more opportunities to experience and explore this diverse vacation destination. Many new excursions have been added as a result of the extended time in port, with several of these on the Mexican mainland. 

With an early morning arrival in Cozumel and a late “back on board” time, Dan and I were able to take a trip inland for a 3-part adventure.
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First, we traveled in an air-conditioned van to a small lagoon where we spent an hour or so snorkeling.  It was a beautiful; albeit a bit crowded.  But the snorkeling was awesome and the water amazing, so it was something we were happy to have experienced.

Anyone who knows me, or spends much time around me, knows that I have a living, breathing, constantly growing Bucket List.  And, with only two exceptions, my wish list takes me far from home … Europe, Asia, etc.  And even the two adventures that beckon closer to home, are still quite a distance and will require a lot of advanced planning, saving and packing. 
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But let’s face it:  we can’t always feed our hunger for adventure by traveling off to new destinations around the world!  So maybe it’s a good idea to think of things you can do right in (or near) your own hometown!

As a child, and a young parent, we would hop in the car on a Saturday morning and start driving.  No matter where we ended up, we would find a great adventure.  We didn’t have to pack, plan, or spend a lot of money.  We had a great time together as a family and saw a lot of country, attended many festivals, and shared quite a few humorous adventures.  Let’s see if I can help you look at your hometown through the eyes of a traveler – to help you see home in a new light!

1.  Take a tour of your home city – now, I confess:  I happen to live in the perfect city to explore (St. Augustine, FL).  It’s the oldest, continually inhabited city in the United States.  So, there are a LOT of tours available for exploration!  But every city has its’ own history, its’ own culture, its’ own attractions.  Do some research and take a weekend to explore by taking a local tour.  It could be a trolley ride, a winery, a boat cruise around your local waterway – whatever is available, look at your town as though seeing it for the first time.  I guarantee you’ll find something new!  I happen to be a real history buff, so checking out the history of ANY city absolutely fascinates me!  Or maybe you’re really into the Arts – check out a local museum or see if there’s an Art Fair on the calendar.  The possibilities are endless!

0 Days Viking Cruise | Budapest to Munich
MAY-SEP 2020 Departures ~ Cruise from $5,599 per person, plus Air from $999*

Every ten years, the city of Oberammergau, Germany comes together to present The Passion Play, about the trial, suffering and death of Christ. Now, you can witness this play as part of Viking Cruise Line's enriching 10-day cruisetour. Sail the fabled Danube, calling on medieval towns and grand cities. With beautiful scenery at every turn, plus The Passion Play, this journey is sure to inspire you.

A soul-stirring journey
Visit Budapest’s Castle District and cross the famous Chain Bridge. Explore Göttweig Abbey, one of Austria’s most revered monastic centers, and make dumplings with Wachau Valley apricots. See Europe’s largest pipe organ in Passau, or travel to Salzburg. Celebrate Vienna’s musical heritage at a concert featuring works by Mozart and Strauss. With medieval towns, grand cities and stunning scenery, this 8-day journey on the “Blue Danube” is one you are sure to love.
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Embark on an enriching Danube cruise. Call on vibrant Budapest, elegant Vienna, picturesque Regensburg and medieval Nuremberg before witnessing the iconic Passion Play in Oberammergau. Your journey ends with an overnight in Munich, the center of Bavarian culture.

ITINERARY:
Day One:  Budapest, Hungry:  Welcome to Budapest, capital of Hungary. Transfer to your ship from the airport.* After boarding, the afternoon is yours to relax or do a bit of exploring. Tonight, return to your ship for a traditional Hungarian dinner.

Day Two:  Budapest, Hungry:  Your morning begins with a panoramic tour of the Pest side of the city. Journey along Andrássy Avenue and see the 19th- and 20th-century mansions, National Opera House, Parliament Building and Chain Bridge. Stop in Heroes’ Square to learn more about Hungarian history, then cross the Danube to Buda’s Castle District. Visit Matthias Church and enjoy brilliant views of the Danube and the beautiful Hungarian Parliament building from Fishermen’s Bastion. Rejoin your ship in Visegrád for lunch as you cruise along the scenic Danube River. Enjoy a mid=afternoon Viennese coffee workshop, complete with apple strudel. ​ ​

A Remarkable Journey Through the
Canadian Rockies​

cture yourself onboard the world's leading luxury rail experience. From the moment you set foot onboard, the Rocky Mountaineer hosts will go above and beyond to make your journey as comfortable as it is unforgettable.

Custom-designed coaches provide you with panoramic views – or get a bit closer by stepping into the outdoor viewing area.  

Savor locally-inspired cuisine:  From Fraser River salmon to Okanagan wines, you will be delighted with delicious West Coast-inspired cuisine. Enjoy Northern Hospitality:  

From refilling your wine glass to sharing stories and helping out with special requests, your Hosts are dedicated to making your onboard experience as memorable as the scenery outside.