EcoTourism – Helping others through Travel

As I have traveled with my children, I have made a point of helping them recognize and hopefully appreciate the life they have been blessed with.  We have met so many in other countries who have so much less than we have.  When we travel, we always try to leave our mark on the region in any way we can.  We always try to buy souvenirs from the local people rather than the “Made in China” shops.  We talk to the local children and sometimes bring them small gifts like pencils, coloring books and toothbrushes.  We donate when possible to local schools.  These opportunities abound in many areas of the world if you just look for them.

Volunteer Travel and EcoTourism is fast becoming popular both with those who are well-traveled, as well as with the younger millennial generation.  The skills and experiences guests have during their travels will create memories they will have forever, and may help shape their lives for years to come.

“Travel changes people, and people change the world. As an agent of change, you have the power to change people’s lives for the better every single day.”  Bruce Poon Tip – founder of G Adventures

G Adventures main focus is Sustainable Travel by creating travel opportunities that minimize the impact travelers have on the destinations they visit by promoting sustainable solutions and economic growth for communities.  They work with the Planeterra Foundation, the Born Free Foundation, National Geographic and the Jane Goodall organization to provide opportunities all over the world that help with animal welfare, disaster relief, rural community projects and using local guides for tours so the funds stay local.

At G Adventures, you can choose to head off on your own to explore independently, or you can be part of a small international group.  You can stay in a local house or hotel, or sleep under the stars for a more tranquil setting.  You may travel by tuk tuk, rickshaw, camel, train – variety abounds.

If you want to step off the beaten path and try something out of the ordinary, I can help you find the opportunity that works best for you.  Together we can make the world a better place.

Michelle Jackson

Travel Adventures by Michelle

210-858-6399

michelle@traveladventuresbymichelle.com

www.traveladventuresbymichelle.com

Mix Business with Leisure

Remember the phrase:  “Don’t mix Business with Pleasure”?  This phrase is not so true anymore.  In fact, it is quickly becoming a common occurrence.  So much so that it now even has a name – Bleisure! 

In a report by GBTA (Global Business Travel Association), it is reported that 37% of business travelers extended their work trip into a leisure vacation.  GBTA finds that Bleisure travelers took 7 work trips this past year.  44% took their families along.

Are there benefits to enjoying Bleisure travel?  Absolutely.  Those who take Bleisure trips are found to work more effectively, enjoy less stress during business travel, and relax more while away from home.  They also realize the benefits of spending quality time with their significant other or their families.

Kelly Phillips, senior VP of Global Engagement and Strategic Accounts for Hilton states, “Business travel is a lifestyle for many of our guests and we’re seeing a growing desire by these travelers to add a leisure component to their trip and experience the destination beyond the meeting room.”

Imagine spending some extra time in Seattle visiting the amazing restaurants they have in the area, or enjoying the beaches of Florida on an extended Bleisure trip.  Where will you be traveling next?  Let me help manage your business and leisure trip and imagine yourself on your next stress-free Bleisure vacation.

Michelle Jackson

Travel Adventures by Michelle

210-858-6399

michelle@traveladventuresbymichelle.com

www.traveladventuresbymichelle.com

The Changing Face of Travel

     Traveling has changed so much over the last several decades…or has it?  We all assume that traveling is completely different from 30, 40, 50 years ago.  And while it’s true that we can get where we want to go faster and easier, travel habits tend to be pretty much the same as in the past.

    Typically, people still travel once or twice a year for pleasure, although the length of time we tend to travel has increased.  One of the biggest changes I see changing is how and why we travel.  We used to travel for events…weddings, funerals, family reunions, and although we still do that, now I find that people are traveling to really see the world, learn about different cultures, make new friends, try different foods, and come home with an experience.

   
    We’ve all heard stories of that friend who backpacked through Europe after college graduation, or wandered through South America with just what they could carry.  With the popular TV show, The Amazing Race, we have had the opportunity to see interesting parts of the world and experience the culture of that region.  So it’s not surprising that I have requests for similar types of vacations, although with a little more planning and comfort.

    One of the travel growth trends I have seen is in group travel.   Although I still book the honeymoons, anniversaries, and family vacations, it seems that the trend is to travel with others.
 
    Family vacations now have turned into family reunions.  Honeymoons and anniversaries now tend to include extended family.  The biggest increase I find are in niche groups.  Girlfriend Getaways are common, and even sometimes a guy’s trip.  Businesses are getting into the game as well, with company incentive trips, business conventions, and seminars abroad.

    One of my biggest niche groups is quilting cruises.  I organize approximately 6-7 quilting cruise retreats annually, sailing to various destinations.  The quilters spend their days at sea creating works of quilted art, and their time in port exploring the destination.  I hire an educator who provides a newly designed quilt kit, and teaches the students new techniques.  This has lead me to art workshop cruises, quilters traveling to festivals in London, photography trips, etc.

    Whatever type of travel you are interested in, I am here to help make it easy and stress-free.  Call me for a free consultation.

What's on your Bucket List?

     We all have one.  Some of us have it written in detail.  Others have it in our minds.  Some of us haven’t yet figured out what should be on our list.  Regardless of where it is, we all have that list of things we want to do, places we want to see and people we want to meet during our lifetime. 

     One of the items I had on my bucket list for a long time was to visit Ireland.  I always imagined it would be beautiful and interesting to learn of the history, especially since I have some Irish blood in me.  My travels took me there last year and I still think of it often as one of my treasured memories.  The people and the country were even more breathtaking and memorable than I ever pictured.  I can’t wait to return again and enjoy the laid-back energy of the people there, and the clean and picturesque scenery of the country.

     So, where do you want your travels to take you?  Iceland has become one of the more popular destinations lately.  It is somewhere I never really thought I would want to visit, but with so many of my friends and clients planning vacations there, it has really begun to intrigue me.  Here are a few of the highlights and reasons to visit Iceland:

• ·         Everywhere you turn, there is beauty:  Glaciers, waterfalls, lava fields, rainbows.  The scenery is beyond imagination and as one person put it, straight out of the movie Narnia.

•       You can see the Northern Lights:  Those of us in the southern part of the United States don’t really ever get to see this phenomena, but in Iceland, you feel you are almost close enough to touch them.
•       Geothermal Spas:  The Blue Lagoon is probably the most well-known and popular.  Only 30 minutes from Reykjavik, you can enjoy the powder-blue heated waters and experience the soothing, warm, mineral-rich lagoon.

•      The culture and history of this region is so interesting.  Learn about the early Vikings, their voyages, their traditional way of living, and even some of their superstitions.

Whether it’s Ireland or Iceland or somewhere else, let me help you cross something off of your bucket list.

Michelle Jackson

Travel Adventures by Michelle

210-858-6399

michelle@traveladventuresbymichelle.com

www.traveladventuresbymichelle.com

ALASKA – A TRUE GETAWAY

My first cruise to Alaska was in 2004.  It had always been on my Bucket List, but I had no idea how much I would love this part of the country and how many times I would return.  I have been to Alaska about 10 times and look forward to my (almost) annual pilgrimage.  There’s something to be said about leaving behind the heat of summer, and the daily stresses of life and entering this serene, peaceful, and cool weather world.

    

What is the best way to see Alaska?  There are several options to choose from, but to enjoy the most relaxing and well-planned trip, cruising is truly one of the best choices.

CRUISING:  Cruises are a great way to see Alaska’s glaciers, mountains, and marine wildlife, as well as its small towns that seem almost untouched by the rest of the world.  Roundtrip cruises depart from either Seattle, Washington or Vancouver, British Columbia.  Either option allows you to experience a different lifestyle than you may be accustomed to.  Seattle offers the urban vibe, with great restaurants, a busy and interesting waterfront, and views of Mt. Rainier.  Vancouver is known for its beautiful scenery, fabulous Asian cuisine and Stanley Park is one of the best parks I’ve ever been to.

CRUISE AND LAND:  Cruise and Land Journeys offer you an even more intense view of Alaska.  Cruises are one-way, usually between Fairbanks and Vancouver.  Add on the land portion from 3 – 10 additional nights and visit Denali National Park, Talkeetna, Alyeska, Seward, Anchorage, and more.   Try your hand at gold-panning; enjoy the 360-degree views on a rail journey; watch for wildlife; and relax and rejuvenate at the base of Mt. Denali (formerly Mt. McKinley).

                               

A highlight of all of my trips to Alaska will always be my Helicopter Icefield Tour while in Juneau.  I had never been in a helicopter so that was cool in itself.  It became even better as we soared over several mountain tops, viewed glaciers from above, and finally landed on a glacier, where we were able to explore this amazing feature of Alaska on foot.  I will never forget this awesome experience.

If you have never been to Alaska – Go!  If you have already been there – Go Again!  It’s an ever changing world and one that shouldn’t be missed.

Let me help you plan your next adventure!

Michelle Jackson

michelle@traveladventuresbymichelle.com

210-858-6399

COME BACK WITH A STORY!

Picture this – You return from your latest vacation with the family and the first thing you want to do is tell everyone all about your adventures, and of course there are many waiting anxiously to hear. 

We all have stories of our trips, some more colorful than others.  The funny thing is that the bumps in the road seem to become the moments that made your trip memorable.  I asked my 3 younger kids to tell me which trips were their favorites, and I was pleasantly surprised by their answers.  Here are a few of them:

From my 22 year old daughter: 

• Remember that time the fire alarm went off in the hotel and we had to go outside and watch   the firemen in their gear
• Snorkeling with the turtles in St. Thomas
• Cruising through the Panama Canal – I got to spend so much time with you (Mom)

From my 15 year old son:

•  Snorkeling with the turtles in St. Thomas
• Seeing the Buffalo Crossing at Yellowstone
• The cool heated toilets in Japan – they even talked to us.

From my 13 year old daughter:

•  Making new friends in the Kids Club on my first cruise
• Snorkeling with the turtles in St. Thomas4Fishing in Ft. Lauderdale

As you can see, I think a trip back to St. Thomas should be planned soon.  So, what are some of my most memorable trips?

 

• Getting lost in the maze of alleys in Venice, Italy – and the gelato!
• Walking on a Glacier in Alaska
• That trip when I totally forgot to pack underwear
• And of course, snorkeling with the turtles in St. Thomas with my kids

Just as your past vacations have amazing memories, your future trips will also have memorable moments.  Those will become the things you and your children, friends, family will talk about, laugh at, and maybe even cry over for years to come.   

What do you want your next vacation to look like?  Wouldn’t it be great the next time someone asks you about your trip to say, “I will never forget the time…”  Plan your next vacation keeping in mind what types of memories you can create for yourself, your family, your friends, etc. 

You’ll have an amazing vacation and…

You’ll have the stories to prove it!

I’d love to help you plan your next amazing adventure!

Michelle Jackson

michelle@traveladventuresbymichelle.com

210-858-6399

Why Use a Travel Agent?

One of the most common questions I am asked is, “What are the benefits of using a travel agent?”  How many times have you needed a question answered in regards to your taxes, golf tee times, or even your phone bill and had to play the touch tone game, when all you want is to talk to a person.  In this day where modern technology seems to be replacing real live humans, there are still times where talking to a person considered an expert in their field is appreciated.

A travel agent provides knowledge, experience and expertise while guiding travelers through the maze of options available on that huge world-wide web.  As well as helping you plan a customized vacation, a travel consultant can save you time, money and frustration.

Consider the following reasons why a travel consultant can be invaluable:

1.        Customized Travel Planning

Your first thought is, “I really want to go somewhere, but I don’t know where.”  A travel consultant can help steer you in the right direction with qualifying questions such as:

                                                               i.      Do you prefer time at the beach or in the mountains?

                                                             ii.      Do you want to stay in just one place or visit several locations?

                                                            iii.      Where have you already been and what’s on your bucket list?

These questions help to determine which type of vacation best suits your needs and wants.  Remember that a travel consultant can also help you with the small details, like finding a good hotel, finding the right excursions for your family, knowing where to shop for that perfect souvenir, travel insurance and more.

2.        Troubleshooting

We’ve all heard those “stories” of the vacations that went wrong.  And Murphy’s Law – they always go wrong on a weekend, holiday, or late at night.  When you’ve booked your trip through a travel consultant, consider me your safety net as I can help you deal with your travel emergency and put you in touch with the right people.

3.       Experience and Education

There are many who call themselves travel agents.  Look for the consultants who have some education and training in the field, who travel regularly and can share first-hand knowledge, who may be a specialist in your areas of interest, whether it be ocean cruising, river cruising, resorts, or specific destination.

Consider Travel Adventures by Michelle when planning your next getaway!