It's a Great Big Beautiful World! Let's Discover it Together

Tuesday, March 16, 2021

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!

  

 

 

Monday, March 15, 2021

Vaccinated & Ready to Travel?

 

Then It's Time To Book a Trip With Your Trusted Travel Advisor!

 

Are you about "done" or "over" this whole covid pandemic and the assorted stay-at-home situations facing many Americans?  After more than a year of "two weeks to flatten the curve", it's time to start living your life again and making memories. While we still might not be able to travel abroad due to assorted travel restrictions, there are many GREAT options to discover the USA while waiting on international borders to reopen!  Here are just a few options to consider.  All of these are things that any member of our team of travel experts can help you book. 

 

Beach Rentals | Mountain Cabins | Escorted Tours | Hawaii | Alaska | Rail Vacations | Ski Trips | Theme Parks 

 

PLUS!  We have a number of fantastic SHARED GROUP TRAVEL EXPERIENCES available that you could reserve as well.  These shared travel experiences are specific date-departure packaged itineraries with a limited number of seats available. They feature destinations both domestic and international, where you'll discover fascinating places coupled together with a rich full complement of cultural and culinary experiences. And the best part is that you could make some new friends along the way.  Each experience title is a link to learn more! 

 

Saturday, March 13, 2021

Destination Universal Orlando!

Home of some amazing attractions, experiences, and themed adventures, Universal Orlando is a fabulous vacation option. Check out the attached video to see how they're doing things in the current environment as the covid pandemic hits the one-year mark.
 
 

 
 
There's so much to see and enjoy while maintaining the social distancing stuff too. I love helping guests discover the worlds of Harry Potter and so much more at Universal Orlando! 
 
 
Want to talk about booking your family's Universal vacation? Call, email, or message today!  
 

Friday, March 12, 2021

Milestones Need Commemorating... vlog entry about celebrating through Travel

As shared today from my FacebookLive video while driving to my covid vaccine shot appointment number one.  I've got some milestone clients departing very soon for Aruba and St. Lucia, and love helping people commemorate through travel, and would love to help you make your travel dreams come true and celebrate your special anniversaries, birthdays, reunions, and more!  Let's chat about how and where you want to celebrate! 





Thursday, March 11, 2021

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!)
 

Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Destination Florida! Summer Vacation Plans Await

Itching to travel but not yet ready to go too far? Want to have some beach & fun? Then be sure to visit the state where the sun always shines: Florida! You’ll never run out of activities and adventures in this tropical paradise. From the beautiful beaches to the amazing theme parks; the awesome natural wonders to the cultural and culinary delights; from the links to the clubs...Florida has something for everyone year-round!

Whether you're thinking of staying in a lush tropical resort, beach condo, a cute bungalow somewhere near the water, or at one of the many incredible vacation homes available to rent, I can help!


Or perhaps you want more thrills and fun at Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World...I can help with that too. Don't let the agency name fool you...we are SO MUCH MORE than simply cruises.

 

I love helping people find amazing adventures and experiences to create memories for a lifetime through land vacations, as well as cruises. Want to know more? Just ask!  

Monday, March 8, 2021

Go Active Itinerary Suggestion:  CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRY

 

ITINERARY SUGGESTION:  CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRY: Napa & Sonoma Vineyards, Redwoods & Pacific Coast

Legendary vineyards. Soaring redwood forests. And the dramatic Pacific coast. This is Northern California. And for you, it's a fantastic week and an incredible journey. Wine tastings and gourmet meals enlighten your palate. Stunning scenery invigorates. And top-notch spas relax and rejuvenate... all in one remarkable place simply known as the Wine Country.
 
 


 
There are 24 possible itinerary departures from April to November 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!
 
Learn more about other biking and active adventures on our dedicated page! 
#travel #adventure #tourism #vacation #exploremore #discovertheusa #supportsmallbusinesses #travelagent #theinternetisforlookingbuttravelagentsareforbooking #bicycletouring #bicycling #biketours

Update to My New Adventure

Previously I shared about having an Etsy shop for some adventure-inspired and Wood Badge-inspired creations. I've moved to a new location through Shopify, and have expanded the selection a little bit, with more new things coming soon (some in production and others just needing to be photographed and uploaded).

 

Currently, there are two primary collections of goodies - FOR YOUR HOME and MEMORIES OF GILWELL, each with subcategories such as:

  • Coasters to Protect Your Surfaces
  • Ornaments for Your Tree
  • Pillow Shams to Dress Up Your Space
  • Magnets for Your Fridge
  • Adventure (or Gilwell) Inspired Watercolors
  • with more things to come soon

 

I invite you to take a look by clicking the image below. You might find something you like for yourself, or for someone else special in your life.


Sunday, March 7, 2021

Did You Know We Can Book That For You?  HAWAII LAND-BASED ADVENTURES

RELAX IN THE ISLANDS! HAWAII!

Home to the world’s most active volcanoes, the only royal palace in the U.S., and the welcoming aloha spirit - Hawaii is like no place on Earth! Discover the glimmering ocean, emerald valleys, and golden sands; get lost in the spiritual beauty of the hula and find out how the warmth of Hawaii’s people wonderfully complements the islands’ perfect temperatures. We invite you to explore the Islands of Aloha to find your own heavenly Hawaii experiences. Aloha.

 

 
There are six major islands to visit in Hawaii: Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and the island of Hawaii! Each island has its own distinct personality, adventures, activities, and sights. We invite you to explore the Islands of Aloha to find your own heavenly Hawaii experiences.
 
Whether for your first visit, or one of numerous returns, as a Hawaii Destination Expert, I'd be thrilled to help you discover the wonderful island life that is Hawaii. The islands are open for visitors, though the covid restrictions differ by island, so when you trust me to plan your Hawaiian getaway, I'll be sure to let you know the important details you'll need to enjoy your experience!
 
Intrigued? Ask me! Know someone who might be interested? I love helping people get out & explore with land-based vacations and Hawaii is one of my favorite destinations to send guests to discover!  For more about Hawaii, visit my dedicated Hawaii page on the website. 
 
#travel #adventure #tourism #vacation #exploremore #supportsmallbusinesses #travelagent #theinternetisforlookingbuttravelagentsareforbooking #getbacktonature #beachgetaway #beachvacation #hawaii

Friday, March 5, 2021

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




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

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Did You Know We Can Book That?  ALASKAN RV RENTALS 

IT'S A DIFFERENT KIND OF ALASKAN CRUISE...EXPLORE BY RV!

 


 
The pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the cruise industry with Canada banning large ships in their waters until February 2022. But that doesn't mean that the people in the great state of Alaska need to suffer through another year of economic turmoil. Land vacation opportunities in Alaska are open and plentiful! Getting out and discovering this amazing destination by RV is your opportunity to really cruise in a different manner, at your own pace! Here the top five reasons you should consider an Alaskan land-based RV vacation...
 
  1. 1. Plenty of wide-open spaces that only Alaska can provide. Alaska has open spaces like no other. Within its half a million square miles, there are 33,904 miles of shoreline; three major mountain ranges; 12,000 rivers, and a state population of just over 731,000 people. That equates to 1.3 persons per square mile!
  2. Peace and relaxation. When was the last time you took a vacation? In the US, only about 45% of people actually use their well-earned vacation days. And this is way better than any quarantine at home could ever be!
  3. Safety among the wild. Of its geographic makeup, 60% of Alaska is devoted to national parks, wildlife refuges, and protected lands. Within these boundaries, habitats and wildlife are able to grow and thrive with little impact from humans.
  4. Time with family. Build family memories that will last a lifetime. Alaska is unique in that it brings the adventurer out in all of us – 1 to 99!
  5. Privacy - away from it all. When you RV Alaska, you have the option to get away from it all. See birds instead of tweets. Enjoy handmade items instead of headlines. And there’s no instant replay, so be ready to view a different type of live stream in real-time.
Intrigued? Ask me! I love helping people get out & explore with land-based vacations and definitely ALASKA vacations!
 
 

Monday, March 1, 2021

Did You Know We Can Book That? SCUBA VACATIONS

Few trips or experiences can compete with the underwater adventure and beauty of a scuba vacation!  Check out this experience in Hawaii, just one of many that we can help you book around the world in some of the best dive locations. 

 

 

SCUBA DIVING WITH MANTA RAYS & MORE IN HAWAII

 
The Big Island's volcanic underwater topography filled with lava tubes, arches, and craters is a diver's wonderland.
Kona is located on the Big Island of Hawaii. Offering a week of liveaboard scuba diving along the western coast of the island at favorite sites. The yacht ventures far from the reach of day operators to beautiful South Point, the southernmost tip of Hawaii.
 
 
The Kona liveaboard experience operates out of downtown Kailua-Kona. Kona liveaboard scuba diving in Hawaii begins Sunday morning and ends Friday afternoon when the yacht returns to port.
- Average of up to 27 dives on 7-night charters (multiple day and night dives)
- Average water temperature: 72 – 80F, 22 – 27C with thermoclines
- 3-5mm wetsuit and hood is recommended year-round
- All dives are from the yacht. 
Dive tours available year-round.
 
Love Scuba diving but have already been to Hawaii? Check out these other incredible international dive tours available:
 
The Bahamas | Belize | Cayman Islands | Costa Rica | Galapagos | Indonesia | Maldives | Palau | Philippines | Red Sea | Roatan | Sri Lanka | Thailand | Turks & Caicos and more   
 
There's a video for each one of these locations on my Scuba page within my website
 
Interested? Let me know your travel dates and number of travelers and let’s get you booked! I love helping people get out & explore with all types of adventurous experiences!
 
#travel #adventure #tourism #vacation #exploremore #supportsmallbusinesses #travelagent #theinternetisforlookingbuttravelagentsareforbooking #getbacktonature #gounderwater #scuba #scubadiving #diving #oceans #discoverhawaii #hawaiiunderwaterlife #konahawaii

Sunday, February 28, 2021

Group Travel Experience - America's Music Cities - AVAILABLE NOW!

We Have Another Shared Group Travel Experience to Consider! AMERICA'S MUSIC CITIES 

 
 
This October enjoy a finger-snapping, toe-tapping time on a tour of America’s most famed musical cities – New Orleans, Memphis, and Nashville this October on an incredible escorted tour of some of the American music landmarks.  This is an air-inclusive experience from IND, but the air gateway can be modified if needed, for a small additional fee. It's a Shared Group Travel Experience that currently has EXTREMELY LIMITED AVAILABILITY, so be sure to RESERVE YOUR SEAT SOON!

 
Check out these Trip Highlights: French Quarter | Choices on Tour | Swamp Tour |Mardi Gras World | Jazz Revue | Graceland | West Delta Heritage Center | Ryman Auditorium | Grand Ole Opry Show | Country Music Hall of Fame | Historic RCA Studio B | Hands-on Chocolate-making Lesson
 
 

#travel #adventure #tourism #vacation #exploremore #supportsmallbusinesses #travelagent #theinternetisforlookingbuttravelagentsareforbooking #americasmusic #musiccities #escortedtours #DiscoverTheUSA

Time for a Land Vacation?

After a year of covid, if you're ready to get out and explore once again, I'm ready to help you plan your next adventure. Now booking, land trips all across the USA (including theme parks, cabins, beach vacations & condos, Alaska, Hawaii, & much more), along with cruises for when they start sailing again. Caribbean & Mexico getaways and all-inclusive resorts too!


PLUS! We have a number of exciting curated shared group travel itineraries that you could join including US National Parks, Colorado Rockies, America's Music Cities, New York City Holidays, and others.

Don't delay, reach out today by email, phone, or through the website.


Saturday, February 27, 2021

Did You Know We Can Book That?   BEACH VACATIONS & RENTALS

SAND AND WATER!
 
If your dream vacation includes plenty of sun, sand, and water…we’ve got a wide range of great options for you across the country! How does overlooking the water sound? Or being just down the road from the saltwater with your own freshwater pool or hot tub to enjoy when not at the beach. Whether a condo, vacation home, bungalow, or luxury villa at or near the beach is your idea of the perfect vacation, then reach out and give us the opportunity to help you plan it this year. From simple to complete luxury we’ve got connections for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 bedrooms, and depending on location, even more!
 
You might only think of us as just a cruise agency because of the name, but we truly are SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST CRUISES!
 
 
Here's just a sampling of where we can find a beach vacation rental for you:
 
Hawaii | Myrtle Beach | Naples | Cape Cod | Santa Barbara | Destin | Holden Beach | Gulf Shores | Pismo Beach | Sanibel | Port Aransas | Clearwater | Hilton Head | Panama City | Newport Beach | Marco Island and many more
 
Intrigued? Ask us! We love helping people get out & explore with land-based vacations and vacation rentals!
 

#travel #adventure #tourism #vacation #exploremore #supportsmallbusinesses #travelagent #theinternetisforlookingbuttravelagentsareforbooking #getbacktonature #beachgetaway #beachvacation

FacebookLive... I Need Some Help...

 As shared via FacebookLive this morning... I need some help, please! 




Friday, February 26, 2021

Did You Know We Can Book That?  MOUNTAIN CABINS & RENTALS

How about a nice, somewhat remote, woodsy getaway this year? How does a cabin, condo, lodge, mountain home, chalet, bungalow, or luxury villa sound? Whether for just yourself or the whole clan, we can help reserve your woodsy lodging from coast to coast. From traditional inns and hotels to 1, 2, 3 Bedrooms, and more, we've got you covered. PLUS RV rentals in Alaska, too! You might only think of me as a cruise guy because of the name of the agency, but we are SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST CRUISES.
 
Here's just a sampling of where we can find a vacation rental for you:
 
Gatlinburg | Mammoth Lakes | Sun Valley | Aspen | Adirondacks | Park City | Lake Tahoe | Branson | Petoskey | Whitefish and many more
 
 

Intrigued? Ask me! I love helping people get out & explore with land-based vacations and vacation rentals!  You can learn more about what we can do and request a quote on our dedicated Mountain Cabins & Rentals page.
 
 
 
#travel #adventure #tourism #vacation #exploremore #supportsmallbusinesses #travelagent #theinternetisforlookingbuttravelagentsareforbooking #getbacktonature #woodsygetaway #cabininthewoods #mountains #mountainvacation

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

 

Monday, February 22, 2021

Group Travel Experience - Colorado Rockies with National Parks & Historic Trains - AVAILABLE NOW!

Adventure lovers...we've got another incredible opportunity to explore this beautiful country of ours in the very early fall (late September early October). It's a Colorado Rockies tour, complete with National Parks and historic trains. This one is also a little shorter in duration than our National Parks tour posted earlier. There aren't very many seats left on the train...so if this one appeals to you and you'd like to get out and explore a nice part of the western US this year...sign up soon!

  

Check out these Trip Highlights:  Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado National Monument, Grand Junction, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, Arches National Park, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Mesa Verde National Park (UNESCO), Choice on Tour, Royal Gorge Route Railroad, Garden of the Gods
 
 
 
#travel #adventure #tourism #vacation #exploremore #supportsmallbusinesses #travelagent #theinternetisforlookingbuttravelagentsareforbooking