Select Traveler Summer 2024

BUFFALO SCORES BIG | BASEBALL TOUCHSTONES | ROAMING IN IRELAND

comes

chilling on

CALIFORNIA’S COAST naturally

Discover the Enchanting Wonders of Wisconsin on your next Group Tour

Wisconsin, the Badger State, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. From the majestic shores of Lake Michigan to the rolling hills of the Driftless Region, this Midwestern state offers a wealth of experiences for group travelers. Immerse your group in the rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty that make Wisconsin a truly unique destination. Our expertly curated group tours provide an in-depth look at the state's most iconic landmarks, charming small towns, and outdoor adventures, ensuring your group creates lasting memories.

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For itinerary assistance contact Wendy@circlewisconsin.com

Traditions of Ireland

affinity

MATTERS

Ilearned a lot about being a group leader in March when I organized an outing to the Ark Encounter for my church in Bardstown, Kentucky. Like many churches today, ours is struggling with attendance, especially with 20- and 30-somethings. I’m chairing a committee that is trying to create more opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy each other’s company.

The Ark Encounter is an hour-and-ahalf drive from Bardstown, so I chartered a coach from Free Enterprise for the trip. We took 27 people, including two of our youth, and worked with Eddie Lutz’ sales staff at the park. Some of you know Eddie well from his sponsored events at many of our conferences.

Using a coach was the right thing to do, because it was much easier to meet at the church and go as a group. I think our no-show factor would have skyrocketed that day if we had tried to carpool our way up there. But the coach was expensive for a one-day trip.

I noticed that some of you made that observation at our breakout session in Buffalo a few weeks ago. More than one planner said current coach prices had made day trips harder to pull off. I can see why. My church subsidized part of the coach expense to encourage a successful first trip. I marketed the trip with newsletter articles, posters and speaking opportunities at several services. And I “encouraged” everyone with free doughnuts from our local bakery, which may have been the smartest thing I did. We had a festive lunch at the park’s busy restaurant after touring the Ark, which allowed people to break into smaller groups and compare notes on the Ark Encounter’s depiction of Noah’s massive undertaking.

We had a great time, and everyone wants to know where we’re going next, so you may hear from me again sometime about another foray into the world of leading group travel. I admire and respect what all of you do for your groups after my first opportunity to encourage happy travelers to get “back on the bus.”

Mac Lacy — Publisher

Email me anytime with your thoughts at maclacy@grouptravelleader.com.

checking in

BRITNY AVERY

Specialty

Sales Manager

EXPERIENCE GRAND RAPIDS

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN BRITNY AVERY

Experience Grand Rapids is the official destination marketing organization for Kent County and Grand Rapids, Michigan, and promotes the area for vacations, conventions and meetings. It is the only community resource devoted to marketing the destination by raising visitor awareness of the region’s brand characteristics: craft beer, music, family fun, outdoor recreation, art and culture, and food.

BIRTHPLACE: South Haven, Michigan

EDUCATION: Grand Valley State University, bachelor of science in hospitality and tourism management

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY: Experience Grand Rapids, specialty sales manager (2021 – present); Build-A-Bear Workshop, chief workshop manager and district talent coordinator (2014 – 2021); South Haven/Van Buren County Convention and Visitors Bureau, intern (2016)

FAMILY: Avery is close with her parents and siblings. She has a younger sister and brother. Her brother is married and recently had a baby boy.

HOBBIES: Avery loves reading, going to the beach, game nights with friends and family, and playing basketball.

Britny Avery enjoys showing travel planners sites around Grand Rapids (left) and visiting other destinations, such as Niagara Falls (right) at tourism conferences.

BY REBECCA TREON

Britny Avery’s career in tourism began in an unlikely place: her college job at a Build-A-Bear in a suburban mall.

“Build-A-Bear is all about creating experiences,” Avery said. “So whether it was a happy experience or you were helping someone make a bear for something that they were absolutely heartbroken about, it was all about creating that experience for them.”

That emphasis on delivering guest experiences would prove invaluable when she took her current role as the specialty sales manager at Experience Grand Rapids.

Early Opportunities

Tourism has been part of Avery’s life since her childhood. She grew up in South

Haven, Michigan, a quaint tourist destination on the shores of Lake Michigan known for its beaches and outdoor recreation.

When it came time for college, Avery didn’t stray too far from home — she attended Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, about an hour’s drive away. During college, she not only worked at Build-A-Bear but also discovered that she wanted to pursue a career in tourism. She majored in in hospitality and tourism management.

The university’s hospitality program required students to choose a concentration within the broader travel industry — tourism, lodging, food and beverage, or event planning. They had to take classes in each area of emphasis, then choose a focus. Avery chose tourism.

The program required students to have three internships. For one of those, she was able to return to her roots by interning at the South Haven/Van Buren County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“That internship gave me a taste of what it’s like to work in a visitors bureau, even though the South Haven/Van Buren County CVB is significantly smaller than where I’m working now,” she said. “It was a lot of fun. South Haven is a great little city, and most of the businesses there thrive on the summer season because it’s a beach town. My job was marketing, so I helped develop a calendar of events that we gave to our hotel partners. The other piece of my job was to be the visitor concierge as people came in — it was always fun to tell people who had never been there about the options they had while visiting.”

Another of Avery’s internships was working with the younger crowd aboard a Carnival cruise ship. Among her duties was creating daily activities for kids on board and keeping them entertained.

“We planned activities for the kids on three- and four-day cruises — we would generate games and engage them with interesting things and change and adapt if something wasn’t working,” said Avery. “It was a cool experience, and I’d recommend it to anyone who’s interested in getting into cruise lines.”

A Windy City Detour

Avery had intended to start her career in the tourism industry right after graduating college in 2017 but found it difficult to break into the industry in her area. But an opportunity emerged at Build-A-Bear, where she had continued to work throughout college. After she graduated, the company offered her the opportunity to run a store in Chicago, and Avery felt up to the challenge.

“I was offered the opportunity to move to Chicago and take over the store on Navy Pier,” she said. “I lived in Chicago for three years and ran the store, but I was also the talent coordinator for our district.”

Avery was enjoying living and working in Chicago when the pandemic turned everything upside down.

“I would have stayed in Chicago — I really enjoyed it,” she said. “But it was so emotionally taxing being there during the pandemic. You couldn’t leave your apartment; you weren’t allowed to go out to the park. I could only leave my 900-square-foot apartment for emergencies or to go grocery shopping. So when our district manager gave me the opportunity to move home, I jumped on that chance.”

No Place Like Home

The move back to Michigan allowed Avery to reconnect with family and friends. It also gave her an opening to refocus on pursuing a career in tourism.

“I started looking at anything in the hospitality industry that I hadn’t applied for,” she said. “Coming back to Michigan was always my plan — maybe just not as soon, but it was definitely the right move. About a year later, a friend sent me a link to the job at Experience Grand Rapids, and here we are today. I feel very lucky to be here because for me, this is where Grand Valley University is, and it feels like everything has come full circle.”

In her role as a specialty sales manager, Avery works with tour

planners and operators, primarily for group tours. But she also works in the wedding, family reunion and small military reunion markets.

“I really do love my job,” said Avery. “It’s always fun when you’re meeting with planners and you get to see them get excited about what you’re excited about, then help them put their ideas together about all the attractions and the experiences they can have. My absolute favorite part of my job is getting to meet people from all over — not just the United States but the world.”

Another thing she loves about her job is getting to go to travel trade shows — she attends about 12 each year that are geared specifically toward group travel. There, she meets with tour planners and group leaders to sell Grand Rapids as a destination and tell them what they can experience there. Her monthly trips have the added benefit of helping Avery get closer to one of her personal travel goals — visiting all 50 states.

“I’m slowly crossing those off my bucket list on these trips,” she said. “But it doesn’t count unless I stay overnight. I have to leave the airport, see the city and experience it. I love the sightseeing portion of the trade shows — the destination gets to show off their area. I’m just really enjoying this chapter of my life.”

DESTINATION

faves

1. South Haven, Michigan: “Grand Rapids is my favorite, but I love going home. Not only is it a great beach destination, but I also get to walk the streets where I grew up and experience all the shopping, festivals and charm of South Haven.”

2. Germany: “I visited in 2017 and had a wonderful time. I loved the food, beer, architecture and German culture. I hope to go back!”

3. Universal Studios: “I love Harry Potter and diving into the worlds Universal creates. It makes you feel like you’re a part of your favorite book turned movie or movie in general. Not to mention, the rides are always a blast.”

connection Select Traveler Conference has wings

UNEXPECTED BUFFALO EXCEEDS ALL EXPECTATIONS

BY MAC LACY

Nearly 200 travel industry delegates, hosts, speakers and guests converged in Buffalo, New York, for the 2024 Select Traveler Conference. Held March 17–19, the conference was a spirited gathering that kicked off on St. Patrick’s Day and celebrated a growth year ahead for domestic and international travel destinations.

Two busy marketplace sessions provided several hours of group travel meetings, as buyers and sellers met to discuss itineraries for the remainder of 2024 and future years.

“We have about 20% new buyers this year, and our travel industry delegates have full books of appointments,” said Select Traveler Conference general manager Jennifer Ferguson. “Buffalo is a very easy city to enjoy, and Patrick Kaler and Michael Even have led an enthusiastic Visit Buffalo/Niagara team as our hosts for this superb event.”

“Buffalo’s greatest asset is its people,” said Kaler. “We are

“Buffalo is a very easy city to enjoy, and Patrick Kaler and Michael Even have led an enthusiastic Visit Buffalo/Niagara team as our hosts for this superb event.”

— JENNIFER FERGUSON SELECT TRAVELER CONFERENCE

truly a city of good neighbors. Over the past 12-15 years there has been a renaissance here on our waterfront, canal side and inner harbor. Arts and culture in Buffalo have been revitalized, and our culinary assets have grown immensely. From our famous beef on weck and Buffalo wings, to fine dining in notable restaurants, Buffalo has grown foodie fans throughout the world.”

The signature event of the conference was Buffalo’s reception, plated dinner and entertainment by youthful Irish dancers from Buffalo on St. Patrick’s Day evening at its Admiral Room at the Marin. The resplendent Buffalo venue hosts dozens of weddings, corporate outings and gala events each year.

Major meal and event sponsors included Collette, James B. Beam Distilling Company, U.S. Tours, Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino and Explore Branson. A dozen additional sponsors promoted their companies or destinations at gatherings in the

conference theater or on branded conference items like apps, phone chargers or name badges.

Nearly 40 travel planners for banks, chambers of commerce, alumni groups and other upscale organizations attended a two-hour breakout session designed to identify trends and marketing ideas for buyers. The session was managed by Donna Olson of Partners Bank in Spencer, Wisconsin, and Pam Cox Previte of Tumbleweed Tours in Spring, Texas.

Olson summed up the travel activity represented at the conference well.

“Next month, we’re headed to Savannah, Charleston and Asheville with 25 travelers; we are looking at a trip this summer to Branson and Eureka Springs; and we’ll take 30-35 this September to Nashville for the 100th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry. I’m also making plans to take a group on a Switzerland rail trip very soon.”

ALL PHOTOS BY MAC LACY

Buffalo highlights, left to right: Dinner friends; staff with Unexpected Buffalo

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Consider a reboot

In many cultures, deserts are considered spiritual places. Jeff Wozer could probably get onboard with that. In the desert of Utah’s Canyonlands National Park, Wozer realized his life was more cluttered than calmed by his preoccupation with his laptop.

“I was admiring a desert vista and realized how liberating that setting was,” he said. “I realized that I had lost my focus. I was a comedy writer and freelance writer, and I was missing my deadlines for the first time in my life. I realized my laptop had become more a distraction than a work device.”

Wozer began clearing away the digital fog around him and started sharing his revelation with audiences across the country, as he did in Buffalo, with Select Traveler Conference delegates.

“I’m no doctor, but I think it’s fair to say that conditions like attention deficit disorder, obesity, sleep disorders and other health problems aren’t helped any by our constant attention to our phones and computer screens,” he said. “I believe shutting them off and getting outdoors regularly is a great remedy for most of us.”

A few thoughts Wozer shared:

• We now, on average, spend three hours and 54 minutes on our phones per day.

• We now, on average, spend two hours and 22 minutes per day on social media.

• Wear a watch.

• For better sleep, get your phone out of the bedroom and use an actual alarm clock.

• Use gray scale on your phone for less jarring interruptions.

“I believe shutting [screens] off and getting outdoors regularly is a great remedy for most of us.”

— JEFF WOZER

Jeff Wozer presentation

James B. Beam booth

Cheers!

Happy delegates

Buffalo evening event

Frank Lloyd Wright home tour

What delegates are saying

TRAVEL PLANNERS

“We just got back from Iceland, and our group loved it. We had a few diehards who got up at 2 a.m. to see the Northern Lights, but I didn’t. What an amazing place Iceland is. We’re doing a trip called Bluebonnets and Painted Churches in Schulenburg, Texas, next month.

“We’re doing Washington, D.C., in June, and we’re sharing a coach with another group and taking 32 between us to Montana in August. We’re going with Go Ahead Tours for a Paris City Stay trip right after the Olympics this summer, and in November we’ll take a group to Asheville Christmas in North Carolina.”

— PAM COX PREVITE TUMBLEWEED TOURS, LLC SPRING, TEXAS

“I was a middle school teacher and started my student travel company in 2022. We work with Bud Geissler of GroupCollect and use his company’s technology. I specialize in four-day, three-night student trips for eighth-graders. We started with groups from the Dallas/Fort Worth area, but we’re also handling groups in other states now.

“More parents come along now since COVID. Since COVID, close to 25% of our passengers will be parents. Some of my tour guides joke that the parents now are more trouble than the kids, but it’s not a problem. We do a lot of Washington, D.C., New York and Boston trips.”

— OTTO VERHULST TRIPSU FORT WORTH, TEXAS

“We’re taking a group to St. Joseph, Missouri, next month. We have 18, and that trip is still growing. We’re taking 20 to Eureka Springs after that. We budget for 15, and after we reach that number, we generate some extra money we can use at Buccee’s or somewhere else for fun with the group.

“We’re taking 36 to Iceland with Mayflower in the fall, and that trip will grow until August. We’re taking at least 15 on a Blue Danube river cruise with Viking this summer. We’re doing a Tulip Time trip with U.S. Tours in 2025 that includes a river cruise on AMA Waterways.”

—INGRID MAY/FRAN SYLVESTER PUTNAM CITY RETIREES TRAVEL CLUB OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA

“We’re going to the Outer Banks and the Virginia Beach International Tattoo in April. We’ll take about 30. We’re doing that with Country Coach, a company I met at the Going On Faith Conference. In June, we’re taking about 32 to Mackinac Island with U.S. Tours. We spend two nights on the island and go up to Sault St. Marie.

“We’re going with U.S. Tours on a Blue Moon Over Kentucky trip in July with 25 people. And we’re taking 25 with Amazing Travel Tours on their Inns and Coves of New England trip after that. I’m taking 27 to Ireland and Scotland with Go Ahead Tours in the fall, and then taking 14 to Iceland in October with Mayflower Tours. I love your magazine and your website, too. You offer great resources for planners.”

— ALICE ORTIZ OUR PLACE TOURS GREENWOOD SPRINGS, MISSISSIPPI Talking business

What delegates are saying

TRAVEL COMPANIES & DESTINATIONS

“2023 was our best year ever at Collette, and we’re running 30 percent above that in 2024. Our refund policy during COVID earned us a lot of goodwill. We just cancelled the rest of our Israel trips for 2024 due to the conflict there and we’ll refund those payments, too, unless the customer wants to re-book on another trip. Our Footsteps of Paul trip featuring Ephesus has been a popular alternative for many of those customers.

Our small group itineraries for 18-24 travelers are the fastest growing segment we have. I like to say those are small tours with big experiences. They are for our travelers who have done it all.”

— JIM EDWARDS COLLETTE PAWTUCKET, RHODE ISLAND

“Colorado is our number one seller, and we run an upscale trip. We’ll run 5-6 of those this year and take maybe 200 travelers. We stay at the Cliff House in Manitou Springs. Another popular trip for us is our Mountain Rails and Appalachian Trails. We go to Pittsburgh, West Virginia, and Washington DC.

We’re running a Switzerland trip this year that includes Zurich, Lucerne, Mt. Pilatus, and Lugano. We use trains and first-class coaches. We’ll take 25 on that trip this year. Our trips are immersive – we like our customers to fully enjoy a city or region instead of just hitting the highlights and moving on.”

— MARK WARTHER AMAZING TRAVEL TREASURES NEW PHILADELPHIA, OHIO

“We’re making groups a priority at James B. Beam Distillery. Anywhere from 25 to 250 works well for us. We can custom curate something for a group if that’s what they want. Our restaurant, The Kitchen Table, is a very popular

option, so 70 percent of our groups will come in for a drink or a meal there.

We’re already a staple for bourbon trail packages from nearby companies like Mint Julep or Pegasus, and we’re here at Select Traveler to offer our services to major tour companies that attend this conference. We sponsored a luncheon here to gain the visibility we’re looking for.”

— JASON BETTS

JAMES B. BEAM DISTILLING COMPANY CLERMONT, KENTUCKY

“We specialize in European itineraries, and our hallmarks are superior value and personal touch. We like to use smaller, family-owned hotels across Europe and we have European tour managers for our trips. We use customer reviews to enhance our trips and tweak itineraries. We sell to tour operators and group leaders, not to the general public.

I’m at the Select Traveler Conference to learn as much as I can about these buyers because I know many are traveling internationally. Europe is what we do and the demand for it right now is very high.”

— PATRICK MCINTYRE IMAGE TOURS GRAND RAPID, MICHIGAN

“Groups spend the whole day in Eureka Springs and come to our show in the evening. They visit the Christ of the Ozarks statue, the Tabernacle, and do the Holy Land tour. Many of them come over from Branson. We’ll double the number of groups this year over last year, up to 300. We draw groups of all ages — youth, seniors, Amish and

Mennonite groups. Our older groups come when school is back in – September and October. We get lots of youth groups in the spring and summer.”

— RAY HENDON GREAT PASSION PLAY EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS

“Our group business to Savannah is strong — we’ll do 1,000 coaches in 2024. We’ve gotten very good response from the FAM we did with you all last year. Three attendees have already booked trips with us.

We’re a high-end destination, so Select Traveler and Small Market Meetings make sense for us. We also do a lot of bachelor and bachelorette groups. We’re strong with groups in their 30s, with the LGBTQ market and with older groups as well.”

— ANJULI KING VISIT SAVANNAH SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

“We have six coaches coming for the eclipse in April. We’re here to sell to Select buyers our tour packages for Prestonsburg with Paintsville and Pikeville in Kentucky. We have four/five day packages that include Jenny Wiley State Park and the Mountain Arts Center. They showcase Kentucky’s Appalachia region and Highway 23, our country music highway.”

— JENNIFER HORSLEY PRESTONSBURG TOURISM COMMISSION PRESTONSBURG, KENTUCKY

Marketplace appointments

the world’s #1 bourbon

KLEIN

A statue of legendary Cubs broadcaster Harry Caray outside Wrigley Field in Chicago

Game day at Fenway Park in Boston

Old-Timers Day at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown

A historic photograph of the Kansas City Monarchs at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

COURTESY CHICAGO CUBS

A spring training game at CoolToday Park in Northpoint

TRAVEL FOCUS

Dugout Destinations

Baseball has built its own bucket list

BY CYNTHIA BARNES

”People ask me what I do in the winter when there’s no baseball. I’ll tell you what I do: I stare out the window and wait for spring.”

Rogers Hornsby, a legendary professional player and coach, summed up many fans’ feelings well. Fortunately, baseball sites around the country allow them to immerse themselves in their fa-

vorite sport both in and out of season. Whether you’re a diehard fan or just someone who enjoys a sunny afternoon watching the “boys of summer,” these legendary ballparks, museums and spring training spots are great places to soak in America’s favorite pastime and should be on everyone’s itinerary.

CLASSIC STADIUMS

FENWAY PARK

BOSTON

Boston’s Fenway Park, the oldest in the majors, still operates much as it did when the Red Sox played their first game there on April 9, 1912. The Red Sox (who won the very first World Series in 1903) celebrated Fenway’s opening by bringing home the trophy again later that year. Distinctive for its 37-foot left field wall (known as the “Green Monster,”), the stadium — along with Wrigley Field — still operates using a manual scoreboard.

Visitors can enjoy a number of experiences at the park, which operates tours throughout the year, rain or shine. But during baseball season, groups can opt for a variety of pregame tours where they can meet Wally the Green Monster, the team’s official mascot, or take some swings in an official MLB batting cage. The Take Me To Fenway tour lets groups of two to 20 tour with an official Fenway Park tour guide. For an unforgettable occasion, the Ultimate Monster package offers up to 27 guests seating in a VIP section on top of the Green Monster wall; a private pregame VIP tour, complete with a trip onto the field during batting practice; a hosted pregame reception; catering

(including lobster rolls and clam chowder) throughout the game; and Red Sox jerseys.

Boston is a highly walkable city, and Fenway is located near cultural gems including the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, as well as the serene trails of the Fens, and the iconic 2.5-mile Freedom Trail. mlb.com/redsox/ballpark

WRIGLEY FIELD CHICAGO

Another iconic baseball sanctuary, “the Friendly Confines” of Chicago’s Wrigley Field are rich in history. Its ivy-covered outfield walls have witnessed more than a century of baseball, including a legendary losing streak that was snapped in 2016 with the Chicago Cubs’ first World Series win since 1908. Built in 1914, the park has played host to ski jumping and circuses — the “elephant gate” in right field was actually sized to permit pachyderms to enter. In 1988, the park installed lights that permitted night play — 40 years after every other team had electrified.

Visitors can tour the Friendly Confines from March through November. On nongame days, guided tours may visit the seating bowl, press box, bleachers, visitor’s clubhouse, Cubs’ clubhouse and dugout. Participants also get the chance to step on the field. Game day tours can’t visit the clubhouses, but visitors can take a crack at the indoor batting cage. Hospitality options include party

A photo op at Mesa’s Sloan Park, the spring training home of the Chicago Cubs

suites and patios throughout the park — including the famed bleachers — with delicious ballpark fare including world-famous Chicago dogs. For a different view and a distinctive experience, groups may rent one of 11 unique rooftops along Waveland and Sheffield avenues and watch a game the way locals used to.

The Wrigleyville neighborhood is packed with fun sports bars like the iconic Cubby Bear, a fan favorite since 1953. Or groups can enjoy barbecue at Smoke Daddy or tacos at Big Star before taking a short walk east down Addison to admire great views of Lake Michigan. mlb.com/cubs/ballpark

Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park

Chelsea Bridge

Blue Whale of Catoosa

BY

Huntsville, Alabama offers group tours lots of exciting options. From art to history, and even outer space, the Rocket City is a fun and unique place for your group tour participants!

exhibit about trading cards

MEMORABLE MUSEUMS

NATIONAL BASEBALL HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM COOPERSTOWN, NEW YORK

Contrary to popular belief, Civil War hero Abner Doubleday didn’t actually invent baseball in Cooperstown, New York. Baseball as we know it is a variation on many older bat-and-ball games, including rounders and cricket. But Cooperstown shows its pride in the sport all the same and is the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

Opened in 1939, the museum is billed as “Baseball’s Spiritual Home” and boasts an enormous collection of memorabilia that documents pivotal moments and the game’s influence both on and off the field. Rotating exhibits explore key themes in baseball, and the Hall of Fame immortalizes the sport’s storied characters, from players to managers, umpires and executives.

Visitors will find three floors of exhibits and artifacts including the cap worn by Jackie Robinson in 1955 when

An

at the National Baseball Hall of Fame

the Dodgers defeated the Yankees to win their first World Series championship; a bat used by Babe Ruth in 1927; and the uniform worn by Atlanta Braves legend Hank Aaron on April 8, 1974, when he earned his 715th career home run to break Babe Ruth’s record. Private tours are available and can be made even more special by choosing the Artifact Spotlight Program, which allows groups to see a selection of artifacts tailored to their favorite teams while a member of the staff shares the story behind each of the items. baseballhall.org

NEGRO LEAGUES BASEBALL MUSEUM

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

Baseball did not avoid the shame of segregation, and by 1900 African American players such as Moses Fleetwood Walker and Bud Fowler were forced to leave the professional teams they had previously played for. An organized league was formed in 1920 in Kansas City for Black players, and Black baseball bloomed across the country, as well as in Canada and Latin America. Second baseman Jackie Robinson — a star of the Kansas City Monarchs — was signed to the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, marking the beginning of Major League Baseball’s integration.

The storied history of black baseball lives on at Kansas City’s Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, which features hundreds of photographs, artifacts and film exhibits integrated with a timeline of baseball and African American history. nlbm.com

SUNSHINE AND SPRING TRAINING

SLOAN PARK MESA, ARIZONA

While Chicago is still encased in cold, summer comes early in Arizona. The Phoenix metro area is home to the spring training grounds of the 15 teams that make up the Cactus League, which was formed in 1947. The cactus roster includes the Chicago Cubs, who practice at a 140acre mini-Wrigley on the grounds of a former golf course. Sloan Park, which opened in 2014, has 9,200 fixed seats and 4,200 lawn seats, along with party decks and luxury suites. Food trucks lined up behind center field add a fun touch and, of course, fans can get an authentic Chicago-style hot dog. On game days, they can request complimentary custom messages on the Sloan Park Marquee — perfect for a group’s souvenir photos. Tours, hospitality and other group experiences are customizable.

Sloan Park is just around the corner from great museums, gardens and historic sites. The Valley of the Sun is home to nine other spring training stadiums where baseball-loving groups can catch lots of games (and some rays) while enjoying the winter-busting warmth of the desert. mlb.com/cubs/sloan-park

COOLTODAY PARK

NORTH PORT, FLORIDA

The Atlanta Braves opened their state-of-the-art spring training stadium in 2019, making it the newest facility in Florida’s Grapefruit League. North Port is about 45 minutes south of Sarasota and one hour north of Fort Myers. The stadium’s outfield is similar to the Braves’ home stadium in Truist Park and has 6,500 fixed-seat stadium seats and 2,500 general admission spots, along with terrace and patio suites. A tiki bar and restaurant are open for lunch and dinner throughout the year.

Tours can include on-field access, a walk through the press box, and a visit to the Braves’ dugout. A VIP experience offers guests an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at Braves players, coaches and personnel preparing for spring training games, with early entry to the ballpark to watch the team take batting practice on the field behind home plate and access to the climate-controlled Legends Club with complimentary food and beverage.

North Port is the only city in Florida with an entire forest inside its city limits — the 8,000-acre Myakka State Forest. Groups should also visit Warm Mineral Springs, which maintains an 85-degree temperature year-round and has one of the highest mineral contents in the world. Visitors who enjoy beaches with their baseball will find some of Florida’s finest about a 30-minute drive away. cooltodaypark.com

Watching a spring training game from the lawn at Sloan Park

STATE OF MIND

Pacific Panoramas

BY RACHEL CRICK

COURTESY SF TRAVEL

San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge is one of California’s most iconic landmarks.

Central California has a cache of bucket list items, especially along the coast.

Iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and centuries-old Spanish missions await travelers and their cameras. Towering redwood forests and twice-annual whale migrations remind travelers of nature’s majesty. If it’s an experience they’re after, a group can drive along the iconic Highway 1 for coastal views at sunset, visit a host of wineries or even try their hand at surfing. And fresh seafood and bountiful produce paired with perfect wines to give visitors a perfect taste of the Pacific Coast.

A group trip to central California’s shoreline, from San Francisco to Santa Barbara, promises a rewarding combination of cultural, natural and culinary offerings that will leave groups wanting more.

SAN FRANCISCO

San Francisco, the hilly, vibrant city on the coast is synonymous with its most famous landmarks, from an island that once housed a notorious prison to the massive red-orange suspension bridge that easily identifies the city’s skyline. Any sightseeing tour of San Francisco isn’t complete without a tour of Alcatraz Island or a trip to the Golden Gate Bridge, but the city has even more to offer.

It’s a culturally rich, artsy city, which makes stops at museums such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art a must. There’s also the Mission District, full of outdoor murals decorating alleys and storefronts spanning several blocks. Its performing arts scene consists of a medley of theater, comedy and dance shows; groups can finish an evening by catching a show at any one of its theaters, jazz clubs and comedy clubs.

Groups will also enjoy Chinatown, the oldest and largest outside of Asia, where the buildings are graced with dramatic pagodas, bright colors and hanging lanterns overhead. They can roam its 30 blocks on their own, get signature Chinese eats at hole-in-the-wall restaurants and visit tea rooms. If their visit overlaps with holidays such as the Lunar New Year, groups are in for a lively festival and many cultural displays.

Another way to explore San Francisco is through its famous culinary scene, featuring several Michelin-star restaurants, many wineries and some hidden gems. Secret Food Tours are a popular way for smaller groups to explore the city, district by district, to experience their rich culture and even richer food, from the authentic Italian joints on the North Beach to Latin American food in the Mission District.

sftravel.com

COURTESY SF TRAVEL

COURTESY SF TRAVEL

A mural in San Francisco

Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO

SANTA CRUZ

When they hear “Santa Cruz,” most people instantly think of the beach. After all, this central California coast city is known as the birthplace of mainland surfing in the U.S. But as well-known as the beaches along this 29-mile county are, they are far from Santa Cruz’s only attraction. On the other side of the beach, visitors will find towering redwood forests, bucolic agricultural lands, and a rich arts and culture scene.

“It’s part of our culture, but we’re more than just the beach,” said Christina Glynn, communications director for Visit Santa Cruz County. “Most of our land is taken up with agriculture and state parks, so we have a lot of natural beauty.”

There’s no shortage of ways for groups to enjoy the sunshine and sand. They can start with surfing lessons or sailing in Monterey Bay, where they can glimpse aquatic wildlife. For inland adventures, groups can head to Big Basin Redwoods State Park, which has been protecting the giant redwoods since 1902, making it California’s oldest state park. The park has an accessible, mile-long hiking trail, so all can enjoy these majestic trees.

Other ways to experience local culture include succulent or terrarium workshops at the Little Shop of Horticulture, picking berries at any one of the you-pick farms in the

area, and wine tastings at a local winery. The county is also famous for its farmto-fork cuisine, with seasonal menus and local ingredients a staple at every restaurant. Shadowbrook takes visitors by cable car up to the restaurant, where they can enjoy fresh seafood, slow-roasted meats, seasonal vegetables and fine wines. Right on the water, Ideal Bar and Grill is located on the Santa Cruz Wharf. Guests can dine on seafood dishes such as clam chowder and stuffed salmon or enjoy a variety of down-to-earth dishes.

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“Most of our land is taken up with agriculture and state parks, so we have a lot of natural beauty.”

—

CHRISTINA GLYNN, VISIT SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

COURTESY VISIT SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

COURTESY VISIT SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

A cable car at Santa Cruz’s Shadowbrook restaurant

Surfing in Santa Cruz

SANTA CRUZ

SAN FRANCISCO

SANTA CRUZ

SAN LUIS OBISPO

SANTA BARBARA

MONTEREY COUNTY

Monterey County encompasses a variety of seaside regions and communities across a 99-mile stretch of coastline, including Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea and Salinas. Each of these has its own personality. In total, the county has over 225 vineyards and 82 wineries, hundreds of boutique shops, and several local parks and natural landmarks for groups to explore. They can hop from community to community, enjoying scenic drives along the way, including the 17-Mile Drive, a famous stretch of road along the coast between Monterey and Carmel.

“A lot of visitors find themselves very inspired by the scenic beauty in the area,” said David Cater, business development executive, travel trade at See Monterey. “It’s a combination of all the great different things about California.”

In Monterey, groups can visit the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, home to over 550 species of marine life. A two-story sea otter exhibit and a three-story kelp forest exhibit are among the most popular attractions at the aquarium; there’s also decks with ocean views for visitors to whale watch.

Just south of Monterey, Carmel-by-theSea, sometimes simply called “Carmel,” is a stunning fairytale village founded with artists in mind. With its dozens of art galleries and workshops and the Carmel Mission Basilica, a historic mission church, it’s an arts and culture haven. Carmel is also a culinary hotspot in Monterey County, with nearly 50 eclectic restaurants.

In Salinas, at the southern tip of the county, the National Steinbeck Center is a museum dedicated to celebrated author John Steinbeck. It’s one of the largest literary museums in the country and has exhibits dedicated to Steinbeck’s works and his lasting literary legacy. Groups visiting Salinas Valley can visit Pinnacles National Park or take a wine or agriculture tour of the region with Ag Venture Tours. seemonterey.com

SLO CAL

The 80 miles of coastline stretching between Monterey County and Santa Barbara is occupied by San Luis Obispo County, affectionately nicknamed SLO CAL. Its coast includes a variety of beaches and 26 micro-climates, meaning groups don’t have to travel far to experience both tide pools on rocky beaches and a day of surfing on warm, sandy beaches. It’s also home to some of California’s most famous dunes, plenty of vineyards and a variety of wildlife, including whales, sea otters and sea lions on the coast.

“SLO CAL has some incredible biodiversity that will take folks out of their day-today and slow things down,” said Lisa Belsanti, vice president of communications at Visit SLO CAL. “It’s definitely a place to reset. Because of the immersive experiences, folks walk away having really spent time together.”

Some of these immersive experiences entail exploring the sustainable, farmto-table philosophy of the region, such

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Shoreline in Monterey County

Capitola Village in Santa Cruz County

COURTESY SEE MONTEREY

COURTESY SEE MONTEREY

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Carmel Mission in Carmel-by-the-Sea

MONTEREY

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SLO CAL

as tours of its many wineries. Or, for a more unique tasting experience, Kiler Ridge Olive Farm gives olive oil tastings. There’s a downtown farmers market in San Luis Obispo on Thursday nights that offers a mix of fresh produce and street food from over 100 vendors. And there are dozens of additional farms where groups can observe how everything from honey to oysters are farmed. Even dinner can be interactive. Etto Pasta Bar, a Tin City restaurant, makes its own pasta in-house and offers demonstrations for groups.

Some of the region’s most popular attractions for tours include Hearst Castle, an opulent 60,000-square-foot castle built by journalism founding father William Randolph Hearst; Sensorio, an illuminated, dynamic art installation with 100,000 lights; and Covell Clydesdale Ranch, a nearly-2,000-acre Clydesdale horse ranch, the only one in California. slocal.com

SANTA BARBARA

Santa Barbara is often called the American Riviera, thanks to its year-round Mediterranean climate and its easygoing way of life.

“Santa Barbara has a lot to offer in a very small footprint,” said Beth Olson,

director of sales at Visit Santa Barbara. “The ocean and the mountains are within 15 minutes of each other, and downtown and the beach are right on top of each other.”

Once occupied by the Chumash tribe, the area was settled by Spanish in the 19th century, before changing hands between Mexico and the United States. Its mix of heritage influences everything from the city’s architecture to its festivals and events. Trolley tours of Santa Barbara let groups explore its culture at sites like Old Mission Santa Barbara. They can also tour any of Santa Barbara’s collection of museums and botanical gardens.

Any group coming to Santa Barbara should relish its culinary scene, almost exclusively made up of local gems rather than chain restaurants. The Lark serves elevated dishes like hanger steak, buttermilk fried chicken, crispy Brussels sprouts and line-caught crudo, with unexpected pops of flavor. El Paseo serves classic Mexican dishes with an upscale outdoor setting. Wine is also big part of Santa Barbara’s story, with both an urban wine trail and vineyards surrounding the city as far as the eye can see. Tours and tastings are an exceedingly popular group activity.

The outdoors also plays a large role in

“The ocean and the mountains are within 15 minutes of each other, and downtown and the beach are right on top of each other.”

— BETH OLSON, VISIT SANTA BARBARA

COURTESY VISIT SLO CAL

BY JAY SINCLAIR, COURTESY VISIT SANTA BARBARA

BY BEN HERNDON, COURTESY VISIT SANTA BARBARA

Hearst Castle in San Simeon

Kayaking on Channel Islands

National Park

Horseback riding on the beach in Santa Barbara

Avila Beach in SLO CAL

SANTA BARBARA

Emerald Adventures

IRELAND LIFTS ITS TRAVELERS’ SPIRITS

BY DIANA BOCCO

Cradled by the Atlantic Ocean and steeped in centuries of history, Ireland is the perfect destination for both adventurers and history lovers. The lush and vibrant Emerald Isle offers rolling hills, dramatic cliffs and enchanting castles. From the mystical ruins of ancient stone circles to the medieval streets

of Dublin, Ireland’s rich history is around every corner.

Whether it’s exploring the rugged beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way or uncovering the secrets of Ireland’s ancient east, groups visiting will be drawn into a world where history, landscape and culture blend perfectly.

The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare are among Ireland’s most photographed natural wonders.

can’t miss

Cliffs of Moher

Perched on Ireland’s rugged west coast, the dramatic Cliffs of Moher offer breathtaking views across the Atlantic Ocean. The natural beauty and grandeur of the cliffs make them one of Ireland’s most photographed and visited natural attractions. Visitors can walk along the cliff tops from the visitor center to O’Brien’s Tower, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the Galway Bay, Aran Islands and Maumturk Mountains. The area also offers several hiking trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging treks, each presenting an opportunity to spot local wildlife like puffins and razorbills. Nearby, the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience includes interactive exhibits that highlight the cliffs’ geology, history and the rich biodiversity of the region.

Dublin

Ireland’s capital is rich with history, culture and nightlife. From the historic Dublin Castle and the halls of Trinity College to the vibrant exhibitions at the National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin offers a perfect blend of ancient and modern Irish life. For those looking for an eclectic mix of pubs, galleries and boutiques, the cobbled streets of Temple Bar are always buzzing with energy. For literature enthusiasts, the James Joyce Centre and the Dublin Writers Museum offer a look into the lives and works of Ireland’s literary giants. The bustling Grafton Street provides ample shopping opportunities, from luxury brands to unique local crafts, making it a must-visit for those looking to take a piece of Dublin home.

Galway

Known as Ireland’s Cultural Heart, Galway pulses with artistic energy, a lively street life and a touch of deep-rooted Celtic heritage. The city is renowned for its array of festivals that span the arts, food and music, reflecting the lively spirit of its residents. Cafés and pubs brim with the sounds of traditional Irish music, while the scenic Galway Bay provides a tranquil backdrop. For a taste of local crafts and gourmet treats, the weekend bustling market by St. Nicholas’ Church has plenty to offer. There’s also the Salthill Promenade, perfect for a stroll and perhaps even joining locals in the tradition of jumping off the Blackrock diving board.

Located not far from Cork, Blarney Castle is one of Ireland’s most iconic attractions. This storied fortress offers a unique rite of passage: kissing the Blarney Stone, which is said to grant the kisser the “gift of gab.” After the kiss, visitors can tour the castle’s beautiful gardens and serene walkways.

Often referred to as the Irish potato pancake, boxty is a beloved staple in the Irish diet. Made from a mix of grated raw potatoes and mashed potatoes mixed with flour, milk and occasionally a raising agent, it can be served fried, boiled or baked. Boxty is versatile and can be enjoyed at any meal, paired with everything from smoked salmon and cream to a simple dollop of butter.

Located off the coast of Wexford, the Saltee Islands are a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, especially bird watchers. The islands are one of the most important bird sanctuaries in Ireland, with a large variety of seabirds — including puffins, gannets and Manx shearwaters — making their homes there. The islands are accessible by a short boat ride and offer a perfect escape into nature and a chance to see these birds up close in their natural habitat.

Ireland is famous for its whiskey, making it a must-have souvenir for any visitor — and brands like Jameson, Bushmills and Redbreast offer a range of flavors and ages to fit every taste. Groups can visit a distillery or the Whisky Museum in Dublin to see the production process firsthand, then grab a bottle or two to enjoy back home. This makes for a perfect souvenir that captures the spirit of Ireland in every sip.

States of the Arts

BY PAULA AVEN GLADYCH

A floral mural in Quincy

“Muskegon Rising Together”

Dream House in Cedar Falls

A Janesville history mural

Creativity is king in these Midwestern destinations

The Midwest’s small towns are big on art. America’s heartland is full of quaint towns and urban centers peppered with beautiful and imaginative art installations. Groups will want to explore these five art-centric destinations to drink in the variety of murals and sculptures, as well as enjoy festivals, local architecture and museums dedicated to the arts.

Janesville, Wisconsin

Founded in 1836, Janesville, Wisconsin, prides itself on being a destination for those interested in history, art and architecture. The community features seven historic districts with perfectly preserved buildings and homes dating back to its earliest days. It has 2,448 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The city is well known for its public art, from murals to sculptures. Groups can follow the city’s Public Art Trail, either on their motorcoach or as a walking tour, to find the best art in the city. Currently, the city has 27 murals, many of them created during its annual Art Infusion event in September. The 2024 event will feature guest artists creating murals, a chalk art competition and a makers market that includes demonstrations of different art forms, including pottery.

Barn quilts are very popular in the Midwest, and Janesville and Rock County have more than 50 displays of the artform. The best part about visiting these art installations is they are open to the public all year round.

Groups interested in the performing arts can work with Janesville Convention and Visitors Bureau to book seats at Janesville Performing Arts Center to see everything from stand-up comedians and local theater productions to professional touring companies in the facility’s main auditorium.

Several artisans in the area will work with groups that want to make art. The Glass Garden, a stained-glass studio, hosts smaller groups for art classes, including stained-glass and glass-cutting courses.

JANESVILLECVB.COM

Muskegon, Michigan

Muskegon, Michigan, sits on 26 miles of pristine Lake Michigan shoreline and has a thriving arts scene and a love of historical preservation.

The city boasts a fantastic public art collection that transforms its streets and trails into a free art exhibition. There are nearly 60 artworks, some dating back to 1892, that showcase the evolution of art in the area, and 13 museums featuring American and European artists and traveling exhibitions. In the summer, the Lakeshore Art Festival attracts artists and art enthusiasts from the region. Other festivals celebrate Juneteenth as well as the area’s Irish, Greek, Latino and Polish heritage.

The Muskegon Museum of Art offers guided tours of its collection of more than 5,000 installations and temporary exhibitions. The museum is in the midst of a major expansion and will soon unveil the Steven Alan Bennett and Dr. Elaine Melloti Schmidt Pavilion to highlight the works of women artists.

Architecture enthusiasts can get a taste of Muskegon’s history through tours of the Hackley and Hume Historic Site, which features restored Victorian mansions. Muskegon Tour Company offers a public art tour, and several art galleries in town offer workshops and classes for groups.

The West Michigan Symphony delivers a classical music experience, while historic theaters present local plays and Broadway shows.

VISITMUSKEGON.ORG

A gallery at the Muskegon Museum of Art

Lucas, Kansas

The town of Lucas has officially been designated the Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas. Grassroots art is created by self-taught artists in unique mediums. The small town of 350 residents is a major destination for lovers of grassroots art. The Garden of Eden is a whimsical property created out of Kansas limestone, including a log cabin made from limestone logs. Every door and window in the cabin is a different size, and the woodwork is unique to each room.

Outside, the artist built biblical scenes out of concrete, such as Adam and Eve holding up an arbor. Down the street, another Lucas resident has built postcard scenes of her favorite travel destinations — including Mount Rushmore — out of concrete.

The Grassroots Art Center features art by 25 people. The works are made from limestone, metal, wood, paper and even trash. There is a limestone sculpture of a church with people and pews inside, and a large limestone covered wagon with mules. Another gentleman built a life-size car and motorcycle out of pull tabs taken from old soda cans.

Even the town’s public restrooms are considered grassroots art. Called Bowl Plaza, the facilities were designed to look like a toilet tank with two curved benches in front to mimic a toilet seat, all covered in mosaics. The World’s Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest Versions of the World’s Largest Things is an eclectic museum in Lucas that features miniature replicas of some of the country’s kitschiest attractions, such as the world’s largest ketchup bottle or largest ball of yarn.

LUCASKANSAS.COM

An architecturally unique home featured on Quincy’s East End Walking Tour

Quincy, Illinois

Quincy, Illinois is known for its diverse and historic architecture, from Victorian and Neoclassical to modern, situated in four National Register Historic Districts. It also has 24 murals, ranging from faded paintings of yesteryear to more modern themes. Travelers with an affinity for history and architecture can take a self-guided East End Walking Tour, which highlights 12 properties.

Groups that want to tour the inside of these historic homes can book a tour through SeeQuincy that allows them to tour two to four of the homes on the East End Walking Tour. All of these homes are private residences, and the homeowners lead the tours.

The East End is also home to two museums: the Quincy Museum, which is housed in the Newcomb-Stillwell Mansion, and the Quincy Art Center.

The city also has Mural Find and Dine, a 10-mile trail that winds through the riverfront and downtown areas of Quincy highlighting “ghost” murals that have been weathered by the years, as well as newer pieces commissioned as part of revitalization efforts. With each mural, a local restaurant or bar is listed. SeeQuincy offers free bike rentals for visitors to explore the trail on wheels.

The Midsummer Arts Faire is an annual event that celebrates the visual, musical and culinary arts in Quincy. It is held the fourth weekend in June at Washington Park downtown and offers a juried fine-art exhibition and sale, live entertainment, food and hands-on activities for all ages.

SEEQUINCY.COM

A decorative plate showcasing Lucas history

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QUINCY AREA CVB

PHOTOS COURTESY LUCAS, KS, COC

Sculpture at Miller’s Park in Lucas

BY ELLIOT

Cedar Falls, Iowa

Cedar Falls, Iowa, is a smaller community of 40,000 residents that is a center of art and culture in the state. It is home to the University of Northern Iowa, which is a huge presence in the community and adds to its arts and culture scene.

The city commissioned its first piece of public art in 2000 and has installations scattered along the city’s main street and throughout the community. Currently, the city is working on adding art installations to its hiking and biking trails and waterways.

Hearst Center for the Arts is an art center that features work by local artists, filmmakers and writers. It also has a beautiful sculpture garden. The center offers group art classes. Three Pines Farm works with creators to offer classes in cooking and crafts. It also hosts Feed and Field dinners in its vintage barn.

The second weekend of September every year, Cedar Falls hosts ARTapalooza, with local and regional artists selling everything from sculpture and paintings to jewelry and paper art. The show is a juried event that includes many fun activities.

Cedar Falls Community Theatre at the historic Oster Regent Theatre offers great community theater, and the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center stages traveling shows, Broadway musicals and local symphony performances.

The Ragged Edge Art Bar and Gallery displays the works of local artists and is a quirky place to enjoy craft cocktails and live music. CEDARFALLSTOURISM.ORG

ARTapalooza in Cedar Falls

Pictured: Rotary Botanical Gardens ©Marsha Mood Photography

going places

WITH ASHLEY RUNYON

The Time is Right to Offer an International Trip

You have taken your group all over the U.S., and now you’re considering expanding your travel club’s offerings to include international tours. Some of your customers have traveled overseas, but many haven’t, and now they are asking for guidance. Where do you begin?

A lot of planning goes into creating a tour for your group, and there are even more things to consider when traveling internationally. If you haven’t done much international travel, taking a group abroad can seem intimidating. Visiting some countries may require certain vaccinations, visas or other special measures. So how do you navigate the process and make your customers feel confident about joining your journey?

Here are the basic steps involved in planning your group’s first international trip.

IDENTIFY YOUR IDEAL DESTINATION

Selecting a manageable destination can help ease your group’s entry into international touring. Travel planners often choose Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Europe for their first international tours. It helps to survey your travelers to find the destinations on their bucket lists. For your first few international trips, choose countries that get

the most votes. Surveying your travelers will also generate interest in possible upcoming international trips. It’s a good idea to keep your survey results to refer back to when planning the following year.

You might also consider tours that offer more than one country to visit, such as a London, Paris and Rome tour or a river cruise. Whatever the destination is, make sure it has a lot of interest.

CHOOSE YOUR TRAVEL STYLE

Once you select the destination, it’s time to decide if you’ll be taking a land tour or a cruise. I wrote about cruising, and finding the right cruise for your group, in the spring issue of this magazine, and I suggest going back and reading about it if you are leaning toward a cruise. But, what if you are interested in a land tour?

Land tours can help your travelers feel more immersed in the culture of the country you are visiting. Each day, you wake up on land around the culture you are visiting, and you walk out of your hotel to meet local people and dine locally. Land tours leave you feeling immersed in the culture.

While land tours might cover as much territory as cruises, there is still a lot that you can see and do. You can visit more than one country by taking a train or flying. A notable difference between land tours and cruising is that people often feel cruising is more relaxing. At the same time, land tours provide more education/immersion.

Ashley Runyon tosses a coin in Rome’s Trevi Fountain during a group tour in Italy.

Ashley Runyon is a longtime bank and travel club planner. She lives in Ashland, Kentucky, with her family of six.

PICK THE RIGHT PARTNER

After selecting your travel style, it’s time to choose a vendor. Unless you are experienced with international group travel and have extensive knowledge of the places you’ll be visiting, you shouldn’t try to organize the entire trip by yourself.

No matter where you’re headed, there are multiple vendors offering trip packages there. However, not all travel companies have group departments. You’ll save yourself some headache if you limit your search to companies that have a long track record of working well with groups. There are many vendors that might say they can create something for a group but do not necessarily specialize in groups.

There are many benefits to working with a company that specializes in groups. These vendors have encountered just about every group travel challenge imaginable and know

how to solve them. They work with hotels, venues, restaurants and guides that know how to serve groups well. Some operators even have group air departments that can assist you in arranging your international flights.

RELAX AND ENJOY

Don’t let the idea of planning international travel overwhelm you. There’s no need to be intimidated. Offering international tours can be a great way to grow your travel club and keep your frequent travelers who have seen it all engaged. International trips can be very educational and give travelers insights into other cultures. Travelers can create amazing memories through their experiences and understanding of how others outside our country live.

Choose a destination you think will be a good fit for your group and has a large amount of interest. Determine if you want a relaxing cruise or if you want to get more immersive and stay on land. Find a vendor that works for you and your group. If they show hesitation in providing a tour for a large group, move on and find someone who specializes in groups.

Once you decide on these things, you will find that the hard part is over. Your vendor will help you with the rest, and all you will need to do is promote and enjoy your tour.

Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island

Mount Rushmore

Glacier National Park

Mackinac Island