The Expedition of a Lifetime Awaits - Join Us in 2023

Antarctica is a world of pure amazement where immense icebergs and whales will leave you awestruck.

January 2023. The expedition of a lifetime awaits. I'm building an interest list now. Like or comment for more info as it becomes available.

ITINERARY SUGGESTION: Finland's Northern Lights

Looking for something different and exciting? How about joining in an adventure in February 2022 for the elusive Northern Lights and discover fascinating Finland with a small group of explorers?

Each year, during the winter months, travelers journey to Finland and venture out into the dark to see the magical but elusive northern lights. This natural phenomenon is the product of collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the earth's atmosphere, yielding spectacular results. Streaks of colorful light that change from white to pink to purple, and most commonly, to green, dazzle and move the open sky like it’s nature’s own dance party. It is known that the best time to witness the northern lights in Finland is from late September to mid-April when the nights are the longest. Well worth the pursuit, this is a truly remarkable light show that’s not to be missed.

These small group tours give travelers access to the world in a truly authentic way. On these active, immersive journeys, travelers connect with the cultures of the world on a deeper, more meaningful level in ways that are hard to replicate. The group size is kept small, allowing these journeys to be the most active, engaging, and rewarding experience possible.  With just 12-24 passengers, these are the personal adventures that today's cultural explorers dream of.

 

• Introduce yourself to majestic Lappish reindeer and meet Santa Claus himself.
• Lead your very own dog sled team.
• Spend the night in a glass igloo amid the Lappish wilderness.

Learn more and register here.

The Galapagos Islands Are Back!

This summer you can discover one of the world's most awe-inspiring places as The Galapagos Islands is opening up for visitors once again. Starting July 4, 2021, Celebrity's newest all-suite expedition ship, Celebrity Flora will be returning to the islands for discovery, following by Celebrity Xpedition starting on July 24, and then Celebrity Xploration on September 18. These amazing ships are already small ships with a small capacity, so the assorted health and safety protocols are easily implemented. Fabulous voyages of discovery lie ahead...will you be part of them? Reach out and let's get you booked. clingren@cruiseplanners.com | 317.776.1733

Open for US Visitors - KENYA!

DID YOU KNOW?

• Kenya is the birthplace of the safari. Home to the African BIG FIVE, the abundance of wildlife is comparable to nowhere else on Earth... and not just the big animals either - Kenya is home to 11% of the world’s bird population, with over 1100 different species of birds spotted there!

• Kenya boasts 51 National Parks/Game Reserves, and 10 Marine Parks/Reserves, plus 64 National Protected Areas as well!

• Kenya is a year-round destination. With average temperatures ranging between 62 – 82 F year-round inland, and a little warmer with some humidity along the coast, it makes for a fantastic travel experience any time of the year you choose to visit! Yes, there are two rainy seasons, but showers are often short-lived and make for dramatic game drives.

• Kenya is home to the world’s only snow-capped mountain on the equator – Mt. Kenya.

• Being situated along the equator, Kenya maintains a little more than 12 hours of daylight year-round, with the sun rising daily at 6:30 am and setting at 6:45 pm.

• Kenya offers 21 hyper-luxury lodges/camps and 77 luxury lodges/camps.

• Kenya’s capital city of Nairobi is the home of the world’s only urban National Park, located just 20 minutes from the city center.

• In the north part of Kenya, you’ll find the world’s largest desert lake, Lake Turkana, or the Jade Sea.

Kenya is open to US travelers and would make for a truly memorable experience for you and your loved ones. Having been to Kenya personally already, I can say that there's nothing quite like it in the world, and you won't find any friendlier people than you will in this East African jewel of a destination. When you're ready to start planning the adventure of a lifetime, please think of me to help you make it become reality. There are a few covid-related things to be aware of and know when planning a trip, but like every country, they can change between now and when you actually travel, so when you're ready to start planning, be sure to ask about them. You can learn more about this amazing place on my dedicated Kenya page on my website. There you can also submit your request to start the planning!

www.icanshowyoutheworld.vacations/kenya | 317.776.1733 | clingren@cruiseplanners.com

Also...check out this video about some of the wonderful experiences that await you when you visit Kenya.

NOW OPEN...Iceland! Welcoming Visitors Once Again in 2021

I'm pleased to say that ICELAND is once again open for travel! A place where you can descend into a dormant volcano one day, and snowmobile on a glacier the next. Where you can walk behind the plummeting waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss, and witness the blast of a mighty geyser from just a few feet away. In the winter, you could enjoy a private excursion into the darkness to search for the mesmerizing Northern Lights, dancing luminously in the sky above. And year-round, delight with a dip in the warm, misty-blue waters of the Blue Lagoon.

Iceland is welcoming both vaccinated US travelers and those with proof of antibodies. Reach out and speak with me by phone, email, or through my website to make your Iceland travel wishes a reality for your own independent travels in 2021 – or if you’d like to be part of a shared group travel experience, why not register to join my group in March 2022 to experience the wonders of the Aurora Borealis for yourself March 19-25, 2022.

www.icanshowyoutheworld.vacations/group/Iceland2022

clingren@cruiseplanners.com | 317.776.1733

Go Active Itinerary Suggestion: SAN JUAN ISLANDS, WASHINGTON

Suggested Itinerary - Multi-Adventure Vacation

Welcome to the San Juan Islands, where the summer sun shines, the sea glistens and the pace of life slows. Find your rhythm biking along quiet country roads, spend time kayaking in peaceful inlets and connect to nature hiking amid old-growth forests. A hidden gem of the Pacific Northwest, this natural playground is perfect for an active outdoor adventure. 

 

HIGHLIGHTS

• Behold postcard-perfect Pacific Northwest scenery as you ferry from island to island with the locals
• Bike through majestic fir and cedar forests, explore driftwood beaches, and savor the day’s fresh catch
• Sail on a wildlife cruise and keep your eyes peeled for the chance to spot whales from the open water
• Admire views of emerald islands, Mount Baker, and Canada’s coastal peaks from atop Mount Constitution 

 

There are 13 possible itinerary departures from mid-June to late September 2021. These 6 days, 5-night adventures are truly special!

 

Intrigued? Ask me! Know someone who might love this type of adventure? Share it with them!  I love helping people get out & explore with land-based vacations & active adventures of all kinds. Don't let the agency name fool you...we are SO MUCH MORE than just cruises!  I am a Backroads Certified Specialist, and would love to help you find the right active adventure for you!  

 

 

Learn more about other biking and active adventures on our dedicated page! 

#travel #adventure #tourism #vacation #exploremore #discovertheusa #supportsmallbusinesses #travelagent #theinternetisforlookingbuttravelagentsareforbooking #bicycletouring #bicycling #biketours #backroadscertifiedspecialist

Group Travel Experience - Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta - AVAILABLE NOW!

 

 

Up, up and away! This is an experience not to be missed! The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta has grown into one of the world’s most photographed events. Set in New Mexico, a place diverse in culture and scenic beauty, the Fiesta is simply one of the most spectacular displays of sound and color you are ever to witness.  Check out these amazing TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:  Balloon Fiesta, Old Town Albuquerque, National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Turquoise Trail, Santa Fe, Open-Air Tram Tour, Loretto Chapel, Santa Fe School of Cooking

 

We have limited availability for this incredible annual event, taking place this October, with an escorted tour of the surrounding area as well. Package pricing includes air from IND (but can be changed to a different gateway if desired...just ask!)

 

Learn more and register here

 

 

#travel #adventure #tourism #vacation #exploremore #supportsmallbusinesses #travelagent #theinternetisforlookingbuttravelagentsareforbooking #experiences #balloonfiesta #seeitforyourself

Christopher's GO ACTIVE Adventure Suggestions - WYOMING'S YELLOWSTONE & TETONS MULTI-ADVENTURE TOUR

WYOMING'S YELLOWSTONE & TETONS MULTI-ADVENTURE TOUR

 

The Tetons. Majestic peaks above, meadows, and glacial lakes below. And the Snake River winding through the valley. Yellowstone is one of a kind. Geysers really do erupt hourly. Sulfur-scented hot springs glimmer like jewels. Bison and elk are as common as tourists. As you hike, bike, kayak, raft and explore these epic regions, your experience will be just as spectacular.

 

HIGHLIGHTS

• Paddle through the twisting rapids of the Snake River with a professional white-water guide

• Bike a spectacular route beneath the jagged peaks of the Teton Range, one of the most beautiful car-free paths in the west

• Hike in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, a geologic wonderland and home of the park's biggest waterfall

• Experience thrilling sightings of wonderful wildlife in the air, on the water, and across the land—have your camera ready!

• Activity Level: 1-4

• 6 Days, 5 Nights | Starting at $4,099 pp double occupancy

• There are 16 available Trip dates for this tour in 2021 between June and mid-September.

 

WHAT'S INCLUDED? A LOT!

• Your Choice: Performance Road Bike, Touring Bike, Electric-Assist Bike, Carbon Bike, or Tandem Bike

• All breakfasts, 5 lunches, & 4 dinners

• Expertise & services of experienced Trip Leaders

• Snacks & beverages between meals

• Additional guides & experts from the region

• Van shuttles to support a variety of route options

• All gratuities at hotels & restaurants

• On biking & multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped titanium bike plus helmet & accessories

• Trailercycles, carriers, & kid-sized helmets for Family Trips

• Equipment & experienced guides for rafting as described

• Park & other entry fees

• Fares for trains, ferries, & other modes of travel

• Select coach transfers

• Baggage transfers & porterage

 

 

Intrigued? Ask me! Know someone who might love this type of adventure? Share it, please! I love helping people get out & explore with land-based vacations & adventures of all kinds. Don't let the agency name fool you...we are SO MUCH MORE than just cruises!

 

#travel #adventure #tourism #vacation #exploremore #discovertheusa #supportsmallbusinesses #travelagent #theinternetisforlookingbuttravelagentsareforbooking #kayaking #bicycletouring #bicycling #hikingadventures #rafting #raft

Group Travel Experience - America's National Parks - AVAILABLE NOW!

NEW GROUP TRAVEL EXPERIENCE AVAILABLE NOW.   

 

Which of my friends would like to experience an incredible adventure this year?  Our agency has just a few seats remaining for a truly remarkable incredible National Parks tour in August 2021.   Check out these Trip Highlights:  Scottsdale, Lake Powell, Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Choice on Tour, Zion, Salt Lake City, Jackson Hole, Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Parks, Old Faithful, Sheridan, Bighorn Mountains, Crazy Horse Memorial, Mount Rushmore

 

Learn more and register here

 

 

#travel #adventure #tourism #vacation #exploremore #supportsmallbusinesses #travelagent #theinternetisforlookingbuttravelagentsareforbooking

Where2Next: Discover the USA

From sea to shining sea - from California to the New York Island, From the redwood forest to the Gulf Stream waters... and everywhere in between...this land was made for you and me. At Cruise Planners, we are a full-service travel agency...able to help you with ALL your travel needs, as we are NOT just a cruise selling agency. As so many international destinations remain unavailable to visit, and cruising continues to be paused, discovering the wonders of America is a wonderful option for 2021, and I would love to help you do just that!

Mark your calendars and join us for a free and informative webinar and "virtual vacation" as we share a plethora of opportunities to discover the US this year! February 23 at 6 pm Eastern and again at 6 pm Pacific. There will be prizes, and you could get some incredible ideas to plan your family's vacation this year. 

Please register for the webinar here: tinyurl.com/r4rwzca3

Where2Next: Europe

Our Next Virtual Vacation Presentation is coming up! 

It's time for an adventure that the whole family can embark on! Join Cruise Planners with our partners, Tauck, Norwegian Cruise Lines, and Globus for a virtual trip to Europe, family-style. From stunning gardens and parks to exciting museums and zoos, there's plenty of fun, culture, and history for the whole crew to enjoy together. Indulge your travel passions and ignite new memories as a family in some of the most unique places in the world.

 

Register today and then tune in on January 20th at 5 pm EST/2 pm PST or a Cruise Planners® Exclusive booking offer, giveaways, and the grand prize announcement!

 

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/VirtualEurope

New Adventure Based on My Love of Travel!

As most of you know, during the past decade I have enjoyed sending guests all over the world as a travel agency owner. With the current pandemic and the lack of travel happening, I've gone through 10 years of adventures and have created some fun travel-inspired coasters from images I took (mostly) or from postcards I collected while on the assorted adventures (a few, but mostly my own photography though). I have more adventures and destinations not yet represented, but you have to start somewhere, right? A sampling of the images is displayed below. (I've also coupled these with my love for Wood Badge, and have a few Wood Badge-inspired items as well.)

I've sold a few sets by word of mouth, but have now taken them online have my own little shop. You might have a favorite destination that you enjoyed and would like to bring into your home, or you might find inspiration for a gift for a loved one, or inspiration to plan your next adventure. Either way, I'd love it if you take a look, and if you feel so inclined, to shop small and support our small business in this way.

 

Thanks for looking, and if you do purchase anything, our family will be very grateful.

Where2Next: Alaska

Greetings, adventurous friends! Your friendly neighborhood travel agency owner here to invite you to our next free virtual travel series event. Is ALASKA on your bucket list? Have you ever visited our 49th state? It's an AMAZING place that's great for exploration on land and sea for families, couples, and groups. I've been there more than once and can't wait to be able to return again! There's so much to see and do you can't go just once - it's definitely NOT a once-in-a-lifetime destination.

Join us for ALASKA: Discover the Last Frontier...which will take you on a virtual adventure through the wilds of Alaska. You can learn about the best places to catch sight of a whale breaching, how you can walk on top of a glacier and where to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis. And that's just a taste of all the amazing experiences Alaska offers you.

Be sure to register via this included link and tune in on October 21 at 5 pm to learn more about Alaska. https://tinyurl.com/VirtualAlaska

Where2Next Virtual Series: All-Inclusive Resorts

Introducing our NEW Virtual Vacation Webinar Series!  This new monthly series will feature an array of vacation possibilities for when the world opens up again fully for travel. 

Because Cruise Planners - Christopher Lingren & Associates is SOOO much #MoreThanJustCruises!

 

We LOVE our land vacation clients and especially love helping you find the perfect all-inclusive resort! Are you DONE with staying at home and ready to plan your all-inclusive getaway? We're ready to help you book it. Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic are welcoming visitors once again so you don't have to wait for 2021 to travel if you choose not to. But even if you do choose to wait, we can get you booked now!

 

PLUS be sure to join our Where2Next virtual vacation series to learn more on Sept 23rd at 5pm ET.  Win giveaways, tune in for a Cruise Planners® Exclusive booking offer, and one lucky attendee will claim the grand prize!

 

You can register at https://tinyurl.com/AllInclusiveEvent  

Remembering Alaska...Travel Memories

 This popped up in my Facebook memories today.  Man, this was an amazing experience 4 years ago. I LOVE Alaska. That was my last big adventure this year before this pandemic really changed everything this year, and 4 years ago this week I was there as seen in this memory. I can't wait to be able to go back. I love it in Summer and Winter. Now I need to see it in Spring and Fall too.

The Newest Travel Planner Magazine is Here - Digital Version

With 2020 basically a wash, are you ready to start on your 2021 vacation? The newest edition of our Travel Planner Magazine is hot off the digital press with the latest offers, specials, and promotions for a wide assortment of both land and cruise options which can be viewed right on my website. Remember...don't let the name of the travel franchise fool you - we book BOTH land and cruise vacations, and my team and I actually do book more land-based vacations than we do cruise-based, with a lot of our guests heading to Europe, Florida, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and Australia and the South Pacific each year! We are your LAND & Cruise Experts. We're grateful for the business that was booked for this year (sad it was mostly all canceled by COVID), and hope that you'll start planning with us for 2021 soon. Travel WILL resume. We WILL get beyond this virus. You WILL be able to enjoy traveling again sometime soon.

Click the link for your chance to win a 7-night cruise for two in a balcony!

View the Travel Planner: https://tinyurl.com/CPMagazineSummer2020

Travel is...Adventure!

Travel is...adventure, life-changing, powerful, happiness, love, freedom, and so much more! Travel is COMING BACK, and I'm absolutely ready for you when you're ready to book your next adventure whether on land, river, or ocean. Reach out to me and let's start planning together. 317.776.1733 or www.icanshowyoutheworld.vacations

26 Years of Adventure!

Happy Anniversary to my love. 26 years ago Julie and I were wed, kicking off a fun adventure that would be filled with ups, downs, twists, and a few loops that would rival any roller coaster. We've laughed, cried, fought, had fun along the way, and together produced three amazing offspring. From California to Michigan, back to California, and on to Indiana, we've had a pretty good adventure, but truly have only begun. We don't have any guarantees of tomorrow, but with God's help, another 26 years or more is on the menu. Pictured below, we're on the Disney Magic, from one mini-adventure several years back, just one of many within the grand scheme of our shared lifelong adventure.

Alaska in the Winter is SO WORTHWHILE!

A great big thank you to Greatland Adventures and Anchorage AWE for an amazing time north of Anchorage seeking out the Aurora Borealis! This was a fabulous familiarization trip to Alaska, and I am so grateful to have experienced it for myself. Wonderful memories of that late-night trek will be cherished for years to come!

Iditarod 48

Iditarod48 has kicked off with the ceremonial opening! The 50th running is in two years... Who'd like to experience it? I'd love to come back!