For Business Or Pleasure?

I have been very blessed to have been able to take three international mission trips so far in my life.  One to the Philippines and two to Romania. My trips to each place were beyond amazing and I highly recommend mission trips.  But happens when things don't go as planned? For example, on my last Romania trip, while putting together a new bed for the new facility for Forget-Me-Not Ministries , a team leader stepped wrong and broke her leg.  It was horrifying.   We all went into high alert and at-the-ready to do whatever we needed to do to get her well enough to travel home.  Thank God for our local guide, Attila.  He knew people.  He knew the system (Romania was still very much a communist/bribing environment in some areas). And there was no modern hospital within 100 miles.  Nerves were frayed, and we didn't know what to do - except call the travel agent. While Attila was taking care of our team lead getting medic...

One of my favorite types of travel is a good Road Trip! My first road trip was with my grandparents cross country from Indiana to Washington (state). I was 15 with a drivers permit.  My papaw was a former truck driver and taught me the "real rules of the road." We visited really cool places along the way like Mount Rushmore, Devils Towers, and Old Faithful.  And we stayed in some not so cool places that my papaw remembered being different "back in the day."  My love for road trips continues to this day.  I go any chance I get to explore places I've never been yet.  Along the way I've found 5 things that make a great road trip. #1 - The vehicle Unfortunately the only state I know you can rent a JEEP is Hawaii. So, the perfect vehicle aside, if you are renting a car make sure you get one that meets your needs.  Is it just you?  Drive what ever you want, baby!  (or what your bank account can handle...lol). If you have a family of 10 - you'll...

I started as a travel agent with Special Needs Vacation By V to be able to focus on giving my corporate clients full service for their off-site trainings and retreats. But make no mistake, with my love for travel it wasn't a hard move to make at all! I have been super blessed to have the travel experience I've had so far through my past careers, ministry involvement, and pure pleasure.  Out of over 100 cities/places across the world, here are my Top 5. This was HARD to do... #5 - The Grand Canyon This was a moment of pleasure on a business trip to Las Vegas.  I got on a helicopter adventure over and into the Grand Canyon.  Amazing full day adventure with a dude ranch, horseback riding some trails, and helicopter back to Vegas.  The sheer grandeur is unforgettable. #4 - San Diego Another business trip.  This time, on a beachfront hotel watching the morning routine of our awesome Navy forces.  That might have swayed me a little ;-).  The beac...

As a new travel agent there is a LOT to learn.  Where to start?  My favorite location other than Disney...Ireland, of course!  My personal experience with CIE Tours celebrating my 30th birthday (a handful of years ago) was an amazing experience and I am proud to be able to help other experience what I did!  I still remember Joe, one of our guides, that took amazing care of all of us and walked me through how to navigate my extra days beyond the tour time.  From every location to every moment of food & entertainment, I fell in love with Ireland!  Who wants to go?