Selected for 2021 GTM West!

 

Thrilling News!  I've Been Selected Once Again!

 

Travel will be back and in preparation for that, I've been accepted to participate in GTM West, the industry's premier networking event, happening September 17-19 in Tucson, AZ.  Global Travel Marketplace West is a boutique-style event that provides a unique and interactive platform for the best sellers in the business to connect with global suppliers. This is achieved through one-on-one appointments, countless networking opportunities, and small-scale boardroom presentations.

I’m more excited than ever to meet with suppliers to get travel started again. I’m ready to revitalize my business as well as make valuable connections and provide even better service to my wonderful clients.

 

Travel industry peers: looking to learn more? Feel free to reach out or visit gtmflagship.com!

 

#selected #traveliscomingback #traveladvisors #familytravel #destinations #GTMWest

Continuing Education Update - Active Vacations

More continuing ed taking place in my house recently.  For all your ACTIVE adventure vacations, I'm your guy as a newly minted Backroads Certified Specialist!  From biking/cycling trips to multi-adventures that also feature hiking, rafting, kayaking, and more.

 

 

I've added a page on my website about it as well where you might learn more.  Please feel free to share this info with anyone in your sphere who loves ACTIVE vacations and experiences! I would love to help them find some incredible options around the US and when international borders re-open, around the globe!

  

 

 

Travel is Coming Back!

I shared this as a FacebookLive today, but also want to add it here.  Travel is coming back, and our agency is booking once again!  Woo hoo!  

For some reason that I'm not sure about the video cut off, so I started again which is why there are two parts to it. Check out the two-part video to learn more, and about a special ask for a specialized travel experience...the Holy Land!  At this point, Israel is the fastest nation on earth to be vaccinated its citizens with about 30% of their entire population having been inoculated, and plans to have the entire nation taken care of by the end of May.  

 

Travel is Coming Back... Part 1

Travel is Coming Back... Part 2

Continuing Education Update - Virgin Voyages

 More continuing ed taking place in my house recently.  Never stop learning. Today I am the newest Certified Travel Professional with Virgin Voyages as a Certified First Mate!  I am absolutely ready to help you discover all that the world's first adults-only (18+) cruise line has to offer. 

#virginvoyages #seacademy

 

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.

So Much Has Changed in A Year

This memory popped up in my Facebook feed today, and wow, how much has changed in a year! Last year today I was interviewed for a TV segment on travel and business was booming. This year...not so much. Hopefully, travel can return sooner than later. There are so many places I've yet to explore, so many experiences yet to be enjoyed, so many mountains to climb, and so many time zones to go to sleep in.

But until then...it's Food Pantry Day. I'm excited to be able to go over and finish the prep work this morning so that our guests can receive some fabulous food blessings this afternoon. 

The Cancelations Continue

Last Friday the last of my summer client departures were canceled by the vendors. Today the fall break cancellations began, this time by clients. Oh, such fun. I "can't wait" to see how many more happen like that. So much fear has been instilled in people's minds because of this mess. 😔

Continuing Ed - Hospitality & Tourism Management

Using part of this crazy time to do some additional coursework and learning. This is one of the programs I've been working on. The other will still take a while but continuing education is important, and with all travel shut down yet for a while, it's a great time to get it done.

When You Decide to Travel Again...Please use a live person. Do NOT click a “book” button on a website, ever again

I cannot take credit for writing this, but it is a great message to share. For all my industry colleagues...you are warriors. Until we are traveling again

* * * * *

Travel and Tourism account for 330 million jobs - that’s 1 out of every 10 jobs around the world that are affected by tourism.

The travel industry has been dealing with the coronavirus since January... an additional 2 full months before it really impacted anyone’s lives here. And I️ know it will be the last industry to start up again since there is now so much fear installed in people’s minds of being on a plane, a cruise ship, a hotel, or even any crowded space.

We’ve stopped travel for production on movies currently being filmed around the world. Stopped travel for global concerts for our clients. Corporate travel for multi-million dollar accounts- all canceled. Sports entertainment travel, done. That’s all on top of the usual consumer leisure holiday vacations.

Travel agents only get paid when their clients travel. Many are not eligible for any sort of government loan, even with the small business funding that ran out (and will quickly run out again). Many haven’t had new trips booked now for months.

**I️ do beg you when you do decide to travel again - PLEASE use a travel agent. I️ don’t care who, or what company - were all on the same team. But please use a live person. Do NOT click a “book” button on a website, ever again.**

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!

We're Growing Again - Announcing the Addition of New Travel Advisors to the Team

Christopher Lingren, Local Cruise Planners Travel Agency Franchise Owner, Expands His Team Once Again

(NOBLESVILLE, Indiana) – Feb 19, 2020 – Christopher Lingren, Cruise Planners travel agency franchise owner, announced today he has expanded his team with two new agents, Tiffany Hufferd, of New Orleans, Louisiana; and Rob Doenges, of Fishers, Indiana. The local travel agency is part of Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative, the nation’s largest home-based travel agent franchise network. Lingren and his team of four travel advisors offer travelers exclusive pricing on a wide range of cruise and destination wedding packages, private cruise sales, as well as cabin upgrades. The team also offers special amenities such as shore excursions, discounted fares, travel gifts, and more. As a new Cruise Planners travel advisor, Hufferd is specializing in adventures in Southeast Asia, Australia, LGBTQ vacations, Destination Weddings, and Surprise Getaways; while Doenges is specializing in Cruises, Beach Vacations, Sports Travel, Theme Parks, LGBTQ vacations, and Woodsy Getaways.

  

“Everyone travels, and it’s important to use a trusted travel advisor to get the most value out of a vacation,” Lingren said. “As travel experts, my team and I take the stress and hassle out of planning all types of vacations for our clients. We make professional recommendations based on value, destination, group size, and seasonality, among other things to customize the best and most memorable vacation possible. Since Cruise Planners has achieved top producer status with every major cruise line and with many key travel partners, we have the resources and connections to provide our customers with the best value along with our expertise and personal touches.”

 

The cruising trend is always evolving and today’s cruisers are more diverse than ever. From the adventurous youth to the laid-back relaxed type, there is something for everyone. Many travelers are experiencing culturally immersive European river cruises, which is increasingly popular for savvy travelers. No matter the cruise line or destination, cruises offer a satisfying, convenient and value-oriented way to travel.

 

Many travelers are also opting to go on land-based vacations, enjoy all-inclusive resort stays, explore foreign countries on guided tours and experience high-adventure trips worldwide.

 

“As a Cruise Planners franchise, we sell complete vacation packages from exotic getaways to romantic retreats and culturally immersive European experiences to customized African safaris, Polar Expeditions, Alaskan adventures, and more, and of course cruises,” Lingren said. “Some people want to go on a cruise one year, then a land-based vacation the next – I offer a one-stop-shop for all things travel with trusted travel expertise and a personalized touch.”

 

As an American Express Travel Services Representative agency, Cruise Planners offers special programs for both American Express cardholders and non-cardholders, offering even more added value to vacationers.

 

About Cruise Planners

Cruise Planners, an independently owned and operated home-based franchise, is part of the American Express Travel Representative network and the nation’s largest home-based travel agent franchise company in the travel industry. Cruise Planners’ travel professionals independently book amazing vacation and travel experiences for their clients around the world. Cruise Planners franchise owner Christopher Lingren is based in Noblesville, Indiana with additional agents locally, as well as Reidsville, North Carolina, and now New Orleans, Louisiana, and Fishers, Indiana specializing in adventure and expedition travel. For more information, please visit www.icanshowyoutheworld.vacations.

 

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Continuing Education Update - Silversea Expedition

Each December I work on continuing education for the coming year. I've brushed up with Silversea, as well as adding Silversea Expedition Cruise Specialist to my resume. Where would you like to go? Do you consider yourself more of a Careful Traveler, or an Adventurous Explorer? If adventurous, then an expedition cruise is for you!

Selected for 2020 Family Travel Advisor Forum

 

  

As a trusted authority in the family vacation market, I've been hand-selected out of hundreds of travel advisors to attend the 2020 Family Travel Advisor Forum in January. During this exclusive event, I will be meeting with representatives from the most sought after family destinations, properties, attractions, and more to forge important relationships experience an array of the most sought-after properties in and around Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and strengthen my position to better serve all of my clients’ vacation dreams.

And, because I've been recognized as a leader in family travel, I'll be taking part in important idea exchanges with like-minded professionals who are committed to making their client's family vacation dreams a reality! Adding to the excitement, it's happening in Jamaica! So I'll be able to share more details with my clients on properties like Moon Palace Jamaica and experiences that can be had at places like Blue Hole and Konoko Falls!

 #selected hashtag#traveladvisors hashtag #familytravel hashtag#destinations hashtag#jamaica

Looking for a Change? Want the Chance to be an Entrepreneur and Be Your Own Boss as an Independent Contractor?

I'm looking to grow my team once again. I have a great commission-based associate opportunity for the right individual who loves to work with people to help them realize their travel dreams, while also having the opportunity to get out to learn and experience more of what our beautiful world has to offer. You can learn more about it here. I'm looking for someone who'd like to do it full-time, but also open to part-time. This would be a great role for someone who is in a life transition - perhaps about to retire or looking to make a change of careers. Perhaps you know a stay-at-home mom who wants something extra, or is considering returning to the working world after raising her babies. This isn't a "job", but a chance to be an entrepreneur and be your own boss as an independent contractor.

Those who have travel sales and/or general experience are preferred, but not having such experience won't automatically rule someone out, either. Location isn't important to me, so they don't need to live near me at all, and can be located anywhere within the United States.

If you or someone you know would be interested - let's chat!

Learn more: bit.ly/CP_JoinOurTeam

Continuing Education Update - Hawaii Destination Specialist

Always be learning. Updating my Hawaii Specialist designation tonight with in-person training with the Hawaii Tourism Authority. 

#hawaii #hawaiispecialist

Airport Art & Restaurant Walls

The Indy airport has great art and displays. I love this Corvette, and the Lotus, and the 2017 car. It's nearly Indy500 time!

#exploretheworld #indycars #corvette #indianapolis #indianapolis500

Heading south for some continuing education, ship inspections, networking with other travel professionals and executives, some face-to-face time with my associate, Liz, and of course a wee bit o' fun, too.

Here We Grow Again

Sometimes I share what I'm doing and most times I don't. Today I'm enjoying lunch with my friend, David Nicely, who I'm thrilled to announce will be joining my team and the journey that I've been on for more than five years now. David has a great love for adventure, and Disney, as I do. He and his family love Walt Disney World, and he's had great fun helping people plan amazing trips to the "Vacation Kingdom" many times. He brings a wealth of sales experience from his primary career and looks forward to jumping in and helping people create memories to last a lifetime. David becomes my third Associate, and I look forward to an exciting year ahead as he completes his CP training and he can get down to the business of making magic for families. It's so fun to look back over the past five+ years and see how far I've come with this travel adventure, and thank God for His continued blessings. David, Liz, and Rachel comprise a great team that I am blessed to lead.

A New Addition to the Team

I've said it before, and today I'm very excited to say it again...some days warrant a little more yippee than others! The last time I said something almost exactly like this was in the summer of 2013. That was when Rachel Brolsma joined my team. After a couple of frustrating fits and starts in 2014 and 2015 (and ultimately God's grace telling me that neither one was the right person at those times) - it is finally time to share that my team is growing again.

Liz Chriscoe is officially becoming my second Associate and will help us take this business of fun - planning amazing adventures and vacation experiences for wonderful clients and friends throughout the country to a new level. From day one I've marveled as God has blessed us in numerous ways with this business venture (one that seemed like such a paradigm shift for me all those years ago), and am very proud of the continual growth that we have experienced - both professionally and personally.

It was fun to watch Rachel grow and expand through this adventure of helping people with their vacation dreams, and now it will be fun to watch Liz get to experience it as well. Like both Rachel and I, Liz is a Disneyphile (Disney freak some might say), and is very excited to help people make their travel dreams come true. Unlike Rachel and I, Liz lives in North Carolina, not Indiana, so we'll miss out on some of the face-to-face opportunities, but we'll still be able to have a great time working together to help people create fantastic memories to last a lifetime.

Liz was highly recommended to me by a very special friend, Jimmy Whitesell, who I'm very honored to know and trust from within my vast group of Disney friends. I'm looking forward to the day to be able to make another announcement like this someday, but it's all in God's timing, not mine. For now, the big excitement is that Liz will officially begin her training with me, and then in early May will be heading to Ft. Lauderdale for a week-long intensive training session by the CP team. I'm very excited about this expansion!

Welcome to the team, Liz!

We're Growing! Adding my First Associate!

Three weeks ago today I shared a nice, vague post about how some days warrant a little more yippee than others. It was a bit mysterious some commented, but I wasn't ready to divulge much else at that time. I was excited in the moment and just had to share ...something. Today I'm finally ready and able to share my excitement - my news. God is good in so many ways, and throughout this journey that I've been on for the past two-plus years, full of its' ups and downs, I've seen how He has blessed this venture and the major life transition that I was going through from traditional employment to owning my own business was definitely something that He had for me. And that day three weeks ago really marked a special day in my life, and the life of my business - an incredible "up" if you will. One that I'd been praying about for a while. On that day, I got a very specific YES that was pretty special to me. The day itself was certainly not as special as the day that my lovely bride, Julie, agreed to become my lovely bride, but it was very special in that another great lady said yes to me. Not in a romantic sense, but in a business sense. It was on that day three weeks ago that she got back to me to respond with a resounding yes, she wanted to and was ready to join us on this exciting travel journey that Julie and I have been on for the past two-plus years. So today, after three weeks of paperwork and waiting for all of the various things that CP requires could be accomplished, I'm very excited to announce that I now have an Associate who will not only be helping grow our business but also expanding her own network and developing her own business as a part of my team! I'm very excited to announce that my new Associate is Rachel Brolsma, who is a very special lady within our church community, and absolutely someone that I wanted on my team once she expressed her interest. Like me, she is a Disneyphile (Disney freak some might say) and is very excited to help people make their travel dreams come true. Together with her husband, Tommy, and my lovely bride, we're excited to be branching out and expanding in this way. Rachel will now officially begin her training with me, and then will soon be heading to Ft. Lauderdale for a weeklong intensive training session by the CP team. I'm very excited about this expansion!