Welcome to Australia!

Wow. Getting to Australia was both the longest individual flight, along with the longest connecting flights I've experienced yet.  16+ hours gate to gate trans-Pacific flight time from Los Angeles to Melbourne on the east coast followed 90 minutes of connecting time later by a five-hour cross-continent flight to Perth on the west coast. 21 hours in the air.  We left on Saturday night from LA, crossed the international dateline somewhere past Hawaii, and landed on Monday morning around sunrise in Melbourne, only to then fly into the early afternoon to Perth. The flights were comfortable and enjoyable for how long they were, but a bit exhausting as well.  This afternoon our smaller group (we assembled at LAX) is meeting up with the larger group attending this conference and heading over to check in to our hotel.  Then we've been the afternoon and evening off to explore and/or relax and refresh as we see fit until the conference actually begins tomorrow morning.  With so little free time, I'm not going to just hang out at the pool or bar like some of my groupmates are...I'm off to do some exploring! 

 

 

 

 

 

My visit to Rottnest Island wasn't as long as I may have wanted due to our arrival in Perth and ferry schedules, but it was worth it to visit! It's a great day-destination when visiting Western Australia, and Perth. There's so much to do to stay active or relax, from tons of water activities, tours, hiking, biking, birding, and more! Plus it's home to the world's friendliest mammal, the Quokka.

After Rottnest, I went to Cottlesloe Beach and joined many dozens of locals gathered to simply enjoy the sunset. Picnics and lawn chairs and blankets were spread out everywhere on the surrounding hills, as families and small children played in the water or on the sand building sandcastles. It was a great first-day introduction to this beautiful side of the country!

 

 

I'm Heading Down Under!

I have wanted to be able to go visit Australia since 1984 when Blair, Jo, Natalie, and Tootie - along with Mrs. Garrett, all went there during the "Facts of Life Down Under" episodes of The Facts of Life. It has always been a far-off, magical kind of place. Shortly after that "Crocodile Dundee" hit theatres, and the mystique only grew. 

 

  

When I got into the travel business, I knew that selling far-off lands was part of the gig, but also something that I needed to be better versed in.  Last year at GTM West, I met with the Australia Tourism Board and another vendor specializing in Down Under vacations, and the desire grew once again. When I was invited to attend Corroboree 2019 I became ecstatic.  And now here I am... about to depart on my flight to the Southern Hemisphere for the first time!  I'm so excited to able to attend this Conference, as well as experience for myself some of the wonders of two of the territories within that amazing country/continent.  I'll be in Western Australia for the first part of the conference, and then my smaller group from the conference will be heading north to the Northern Territory for our familiarization trek. I'm sure there will be a number of posts and things shared over the coming week and a half, but for now, the next 16+ hours are the journey there, and thanks to crossing the international dateline as we head west, we'll jump ahead a day. I'm excited about all that lies ahead and hope to be able to share some really cool stuff along the way. 

 

Oh the Places You'll Go...

Oh, the places I go to meet with clients! I've said it before and I'll say it again...not every client meeting happens in an office or at Starbucks! . Yes, she's very much alive, btw. Just happens to spend her days with some less than lively folk.

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.

A Travel Agent's Work is Never Done.

I'm getting ready to head out to the airport for a week's conference in South Florida, and am busily trying to finalize some fabulous trip quotes for some great people before I leave. So many wonderful adventures to be enjoyed, and destinations to discover and explore! I love being busy, and I love helping people explore our great big beautiful world! Where can I help you discover something new?

#travelconcierge #exploretheworld #landvacations #cruiseplanners #morethanjustcruises #travelwhileyoucan #tomorrowisnotguaranteed

A Little Appreciation Goes a Long Way!

I love helping people put together amazing trips, and making fantastic memories. It's always nice to hear things went well afterward, too. Especially by hand-written card, instead of by email.

#exploretheworld #traveldeep #makememories #ilovehelpingpeople #travelconcierge #romancespecialist #thankyousareawesome #icanshowyoutheworld #cruiseplanners

13Brittny Foga, Scott Hammer and 11 others

Resevations Now Open for Celebrity's Newest Ship - Celebrity Edge

Celebrity Edge sets sail on Dec. 16, 2018. Reservations opened today for this amazing new ship, that will revolutionize cruising once again. Contact me at 317.776.1733 for info and pricing or www.icanshowyoutheworld.vacations. Alternating between the eastern and western Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, this new ship shouldn't be missed.

Thank You, Jimmy Fallon, For Recognizing Our Worth!

 

“Of course I use a travel agent. Travel agents get you the best rooms and the best rates. I was friends with a travel agent growing up in Saugerties, NY; I’ve used a travel agent my whole life. I don’t even know how to book my own trip.” - Jimmy Fallon

I enjoy his positive enthusiasm and energy with his show. He cracks me up many times with his different sketches and ensemble musical bits, and when I saw this in an article promoting the new "Race Through New York starring Jimmy Fallon" attraction opening at Universal Orlando this spring, I was delighted. It's always nice when people recognize the value and service that TA's provide. DIY really is for crafting projects like you see on Pinterest - not for experiences utilizing potentially thousands of your hard-earned dollars. Professional Travel Agents are like your own travel concierge and work hard to ensure you have a fantastic experience and really do treat every trip request as if it were for their own family (at least I do). Thanks

Jimmy Fallon

for the shoutout! Those of us in the industry appreciate positive comments like this.

Ireland Here I Come!! A Compilation of Thoughts About The Trip - Day One...Travel & Arrival - Before the FAM Begins

February 3, 2017 @2:07 pm

I'm off to see the wizard, the wonderful...no, wait, I'm not headed to Emerald City but to the Emerald Isle! Look out Dublin, Limerick, Cashel, Cork, Killarney, Foynes, Adare, Bunratty and Offaly because here I come!

As shared from my Facebook posts, be warned my friends, for instead of political banter and heavily skewed opinions your feed may be interrupted for some beautiful scenery and images throughout the next week. I'm sure you'll be sad to see them instead of the muck and mire from left and right, but it's my job and I have to report on what is going on in the world. 😎 Note: I am going to be only posting on Facebook during this trip but will be compiling what I post here into a few entries with multiple segments pieced together.

Always Something New Whenever I Come to NYC

I enjoy staying at different places when I come to the city to be able to enjoy different experiences and be able to have a list of recommendations for clients coming to New York. This time I stayed in Yotel at 10th & 42nd. It is an excellent value and conveniently close to the theatre district. Just a short walk to the Convention Center, and the subway. The cabins are small but efficient. It's sleek and modern, with both Japanese and European influences. The elevator plays hip and fun music, and there's a robot in the lobby to help store your luggage for later in the day departures.

My view this morning as I finish getting ready for the day, packing for my flight home later, and then venture out for a supplier meeting and more. I've never had a room with a view of the river before, so this has been pretty cool, but as I look at the Hudson River and think about flying home from LaGuardia, all I can think about is Sully and the crazy but safe landing on the river. I've flown out of LGA numerous times since that crash years ago never even giving it a thought, but since watching the movie about it this past summer with Matthew, that's what has come to mind every time I've looked out this window this trip! I would never have thought about it before that birds could take down a plane. Who knew?! Oh well, no worries here, it's just so real being here, looking at the river and flying from the same airport. I know that when it's my time and God is ready to take me home it'll happen regardless of where I am or what I'm doing and I have zero control over it... So no fear in traveling for me. It's just more the movie geek in me coming out, as many disaster movies are so fake it's ridiculous...but that one was real. . If you haven't watched it, do so. It's cool but intense.

 Following my vendor lunch meeting, I tried something else new to me...I ventured to the "top of the rock"...Rockefeller Center that is. The view to the north over Central Park was amazing! To the south is the Empire State Building (which I've previously been to the top of), and downtown.

And then it was back to LaGuardia for my flight home, back to Indiana, at least for 3 nights until the next big adventure! The Chicago and New York Travel Shows are now done, and the follow-up begins with all of the leads, and the bookings continue. These shows can be grueling long hours, but the business generated is well worth the physically taxing nature of the events that they are. Next up comes the LA Travel & Adventure Show in 3 weeks. I am absolutely looking forward to that one...but my first visit to the Emerald Isle comes first! I love traveling, but tonight I get to sleep in my own bed and love on my family. Hurray for being home once more!

Where Might I Help You Go Next?

It's another busy day here at the New York Times Travel Show! Family Reunion cruises, The Galapagos, Spain, and Alaska have been my hot topics this morning as I have been helping people plan some amazing trips. Where might I help you go next?

#morethanjustcruises #yourLANDandcruiseexperts #itsvacationplanningtime

It's Been a Full Day!

 

It was a very long day here in NYC booking great vacations for people! Hot topics of the day included Alaska, Bermuda, Sandals resorts, and European River cruises. I'm excited with the results thus far and looking forward to another great day tomorrow. After the show, it was great to eat in one of my favorite places here in the city - Junior's Restaurant, where I enjoyed an enormous roast beef sandwich. After such a big meal, the cool night air feels great as I walk back to my hotel for a little rest before the show starts again tomorrow. Good night from Times Square!

The Internet & Travel Shows are for Looking...but TRAVEL AGENTS Are for Booking!

We're all set up and ready for a great weekend event! The hall is filled with so many amazing destinations and vacation opportunities from every continent on display this weekend at the show... but the best part is, I can help plan your amazing vacation to any of them! The internet and travel shows are for looking, but agents like me are for booking!!

#vacationtime #starttheplanning #CruisePlanners #Morethanjustcruises

It's Time to Get On a Plane Headed East

 

I'm looking forward to a great few days in NYC with friends and colleagues as we meet new clients and sell some fantastic vacations at the New York Times Travel Show. If you're in NYC this weekend, stop by and see me!

It's always fun to be in the city. I always see/do at least "one new thing" when I visit...can't wait to see what it is this time ( other than the Travel Show, of course).

If You Guessed the Emerald Isle, Then You Were Correct...

Ireland. Ding, ding, ding...for all those who guess it, you are correct. Ireland is where I'm headed in less than two weeks and I'm so excited! I've sent many wonderful clients there in the past, and now I go to experience it myself to be able to send even more people to the enchanting Emerald Isle. Experience with a destination is definitely better than google!

Chicago Travel Show Has Been So Busy!!

Time for another great day at the Chicago Travel & Adventure Show! Cuba, Europe, Cruises, Walt Disney World, and Hawaii, plus a Destination Wedding were all the hot topics yesterday...excited to learn where else I can send today's guests. If you're local, come see us! Next weekend is New York City. It's (always) the vacation booking season!

The Excitment is Building for My Next Big Adventure

Today I leave for Chicago to get ready for the annual Chicago Travel and Adventure Show. Next Thursday I leave for New York for the New York Times Travel Show. The following Thursday, I leave on a great new adventure! A new-to-me destination that has been enchanting visitors and residents alike for centuries with its rolling green hills, scenic coastal drives, windswept valleys, and tumultuous history. It's not a beach-goers paradise, so definitely not in the Caribbean or South Pacific, but it does have beaches and beautiful ocean vistas, it's just not known for its beaches. I can't wait to share it with you live!

Goals for 2017

One of my goals for 2017 includes visiting four new countries. In just 3 weeks I get to enjoy a great new adventure and knock that goal down by one. I'm so excited! Where oh where will I go this time?

Say Hola to Cuba in 2017

Who's ready to cruise to Cuba? In 2017 you can cruise into Havana on Norwegian Sky with an overnight stay....oh, and did I mention Open Bar is included??

Currently, only May sailings are open for booking, but more will come. Don't delay - book today before the prices start to increase. Call me at 317.776.1733 to get YOUR sailing booked.

Beaches Turks & Caicos From Above

My friend & colleague, Russ, captured this image of the resort on his flight off the island this afternoon. What a great shot! Key West Village with the blue roofs, Italian Village with the red roofs to the left of Key West; Caribbean Village with the light roofs to the left of Italian; and French Village with the grey and red roofs below the Caribbean.

#beachesturksandcaicos