It's a funny thing how people come into your life. In 2010, I escorted a group to New York City to enjoy all the wonderful sights and sounds of the Christmas season.  In the group were a mother and daughter pair that were friends of other mutual friends.  During our journey by train to and from New York, I was able to chat with them both and by the time we got home, felt like we were old friends.  For the past ten years, my dear friend Christina and her husband Roger have been a constant presence in the Solutions Travel family.  While they have participated in many group trips, we have also ventured off on our own on a river cruise in Europe, to  Key West and numerous other locations along the way.  

Over the last few months, Christina has started a blog titled "Let's Just Go" to highlight their travel and the recent purchase of their new RV.  Since Corona Virus has put a halt to traveling with their RV, Christina has taken the time to share some great content on her blog.  This past week, we sat down together, via Face-time and talked about why you should use a travel professional.  

This past Wednesday, May 6, 2020 was National Travel Advisor Day and Christina picked that day to publish the blog, highlighting what I love most....all things travel.  While I will openly talk about all the topics she touched on, I thought it would fun to share her post and you may learn something new about Solutions Travel as well. To read the blog, please follow this link: https://letsjustgo247.com/category/traveling/

​You can also follow her Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/letsjustgo247/

If you have never used a travel agent and are curious about how I can help you plan your next adventure, please reach out by email or phone.  I am always happy to chat about all things travel!

​Until next time! 
Courtney 

Photo of me and my friend Christina taken at Royal Caribbean's private island Labadee!  Photo credit: Mike Roggmann

​

I've been thinking about air travel these last few weeks and looking forward to the day where we can fly the "friendly" skies again.  While air travel can certainly bring out the best in people, what I have found it that it often brings out the worst.  Flying the "friendly" skies has often turned into a stressful situation where many of your fellow passengers leave their manners at home.  

Just this week, Mike and I confirmed our first post Corona Virus flight for September, for our annual trip to Maine.  More about our love of Maine, especially the lobster, in another post.  When booking the flights, I was so excited to be planning an adventure but it also got me thinking about what will be different about air travel when we head to the airport.  

I gathered up some of my must have travel items and also some items that will now be mandatory when we begin to travel again.

Face masks....they are now part of our "new normal" and while many people don't see the need to wear them in public, many airlines have now said you will have to have one to board their flights.  Jet Blue, United Airlines, Delta Airlines and American Airlines will begin this new practice next week.  It will be interesting to see if any fights break out at the gate due to the new policy.  

Back up battery....I have often traveled with this little lifesaver and will certainly have it in my backpack for future trips.  While there are plugs available for charging in the airport, having your own device that only you have come in contact with is a plus.  

Tissues, hand sanitizing wipes and Clorox wipes......all three have been part of my travel staples for years.  And while I will admit that I haven't always wiped down my tray table, that will go into practice for all flights moving forwards.  

​So when it is time to take to the "friendly" skies prepare for your trip by putting together you must have kit.  It helps to be prepared! 

Stay safe and continue to wear your masks!  

Until next time! 
​Courtney

When I opened Solutions Travel in 2005, I couldn't imagine how much I would love escorting groups.  Since 2006 we have offered a group trip each year and traveled to the most amazing destinations. Highlights include: Alaska, Bermuda, New England and Canada, many islands in the Caribbean, Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, Ireland, Canadian Rockies and Glacier National Park, the Grand Canyon,Zion National Park, Bryce National Park, Italy, England and Scotland.  

Along with experiencing these amazing destinations, I have gained wonderful clients along the way. Many traveling on multiple groups and have become part of the Solutions Travel family.  

This year Mike and I were so excited to escort our annual group on a Rhine River Cruise in Europe.  A few years ago we enjoyed a river cruise with dear friends and were so excited to share this experience with our clients.  I often advertise a group trip 12 - 14 months in advance and had clients that had been excited for this adventure for well over a year.  And in the blink of an eye, Corona Virus swooped in and changed life as we all know it.  Not only did travel come to an abrupt halt, we were asked to stay at home, social distance from our friends and family and for some odd reason begin to hoard toilet paper!  

While disappointed that we would not be able to travel this year, I was thrilled that the entire group decided to move the trip to 2021.  So, now the countdown begins again.  Only 397 days to go!  

If you have followed our website or social media, I had previously teased a group cruise in October 2021 in the Mediterranean, visiting ports in Spain, France and Italy.  For now this has been put on hold and we will revisit this itinerary at a later date.  

For anyone that may be interested, there is space available to join our Rhine River adventure in May 2021.      I have updated the brochure today with the new dates and details, so hop over to our promotions page for a link to the brochure. Traveling with a group provides you a fully escorted trip with someone there to assist with any needs that may pop up along the way.  It is also a great way to meet new friends and not feel like you have to navigate this great big world on your own.  

While I know that at this very moment travel may the furthest thing from your mind, I encourage you to think ahead about where you want to be next year.  If a group trip isn't for you, then determine what is next on your bucket list and working on turning that dream into a reality. 

Until next time! 
​Courtney 

Scroll down to see a few of our group adventures in Scotland, Alaska and Bonaire! 

Does anyone else wonder where the month of January went?  This year is off to a great start and I love that I can continue to work with clients to turn their travel dreams into a reality. 

So far in 2019 we have clients that will experience:

• Cruises in the Caribbean and Mediterranean
• All-inclusive stays throughout the Caribbean
• A paddleboat cruise down the Mississippi River
• Family vacations at Walt Disney World, Disneyland and Universal Studios
• Escorted tours in Ireland
• River cruises throughout Europe
• Destination weddings in the Caribbean
• Custom European vacations
• Adventures in Costa Rica
• Self drive and escorted vacations throughout the United States

So, where will 2019 take you? 

If you are still looking for that perfect vacation destination and have no clue where to start, reach out by email or phone to chat. 

We are excited to sail away this coming weekend with a group of clients on Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas to the Eastern Caribbean.  If you follow us on Facebook, check the page next week for updates from our adventure. 

Once we return from our Caribbean adventure, I will be finalizing details for          our 2020 group trip.  I am thrilled to be partnering with Avalon Waterways                 for a seven night river cruise on the Rhine River. There is a teaser                          on our promotions page!

Until next time!
Courtney

Photos are from my recent trip on the Oasis of the Seas in October with family!  Wake view is one of the best views and the boardwalk on the Oasis of the Seas      is amazing! 

I've been thinking a lot lately about experience and how I bring that to my clients.  I am often asked to find the lowest price or offer lower end properties that may not be the best fit for my clients and frankly, I just don't want to offer that type of experience to my clients.  While everyone wants a great deal (myself included), paying the lowest price often doesn't provide the best experience. 

This year has given me the opportunity to work with many clients traveling to Europe, which I love!  What I love the most is when they are traveling to destinations that I have been to and I can offer them personal suggestions for excursions, restaurants and places to shop.  I have clients that are currently planning a trip to Prague and Budapest and I am so excited for the adventure they have ahead of them.  Torn between a day trip to Vienna or Bratislava has my mind running with suggestions to offer since we visited there several years ago on a river cruise.  I can't wait to tell her about the oldest schnitzel restaurant in Vienna! 

If you have ever traveled with one of our groups, you know that I want each trip to offer special experiences along the way.  During our English and Scottish Discovery Group last month, I added tickets to the Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo in Edinburgh and high tea at Harrods in London, two memorable highlights from the trip for sure. 

Next time you are starting to plan your vacation, think about the experience you want and how you want to feel not only while you are on vacation but when you return. 

Until next time! 
Courtney

Below is a picture from the Royal Military Tattoo in Edinburgh. 
Truly a bucket list experience!

I'm not quite sure where the first quarter of the year has gone.  All three months flew by in a flash of making travel plans and sending clients to amazing destinations in our great big world.  As April kicks into gear, I have numerous families and couples traveling for Spring Break this week and can't wait to hear all about their adventures when they return. 

I have had several clients share photos from recent adventures and thought I would post a few here.  First up are the Shaw's, who recently traveled on a Panama Canal cruise on Princess Cruises.  They enjoyed lovely ports of call, beautiful scenery and enjoyed the newly refurbished Caribbean Princess ship. 

Next up are the Edwards and Buttery families that traveled to Iceland to chase the Northern Lights.  This is experience is high on my bucket list!  They enjoyed a four night stay in Reykjavik and Akueryri that included touring of these areas and several nights of guided light spotting.  They saw the lights and photos just couldn't capture what they experienced.  Sharing a few photos of the beautiful landscapes they enjoyed during their adventure! 

Before we get too far into the busy spring and summer season, think about your bucket list and the next destination you are ready to check off.  I am here to help in turning that dream into a reality!

Until next time! 

Courtney

It is the day after Christmas and it is back to work for me.  I hope everyone was able to enjoy their holiday with family and friends.  We had a lovely week leading up to Christmas with a visit to Florida to enjoy a few days in Ft. Lauderdale followed by a two night cruise from Miami. In Ft. Lauderdale, we enjoyed an afternoon air boating in the Everglades.  Talk about a bucket list experience!  It was so much fun! 

In Miami, we were guests of MSC Cruises for the naming ceremony of the MSC Seaside.  I'll provide a full recap of the ship and naming ceremony in a separate post once we have had time to download photos from our cameras. 

The week after Christmas always has me thinking of the new year ahead and all there is to come.  Currently, at the top of my things to come list is a remodeled office!  Mike graciously offered to re-paint my office and once that is complete I can't wait to hang some new artwork.  I think this will be a great way to chase away some winter blues!  I look forward to hosting clients in the office again soon!

 A few updates to share:

• Our 2018 English and Scottish Discovery Tour still has space available.  This is an exclusive nine night tour through Scotland and England.  Don't miss this bucket list adventure!
• I have put together a day trip in April 2018 to tour the new Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC.  This will be a fun filled day exploring the museum along with some free time to explore the National Mall.   
• Spring break vacations are only three short months away.  If you haven't made plans but want to get away during this busy travel time don't delay.  Call or email me for help in planning. 
• January begins wave season, which is one of the best times for cruise deals.  If cruising is part of your 2018 or 2019 travel plans book early to ensure the best prices, best cabins and extra amenities. 
• Thank you for making 2017 my best year yet!  I am grateful for the continued support and referrals that are sent my way on a regular basis. 

Wishing you a wonderful New Year ahead! 

Cheer!  Courtney and Mike

Fall is my favorite season and I can't believe that in two days the month of October will be here!  I am ready for crisp mornings, cooler days, all things apple and Halloween! 

Every week as I write my to-do list for the week ahead, I always include blog somewhere near the bottom.  As the last few months have flown by I have yet to make it to the point in my to-do list to complete this task.  While being busy is a great problem to have, I also have the desire to share travel information and what has been going on in the office here. 

So here are a few updates to share.....

• Our annual trip to see Glorious Christmas Nights in Richmond is now on the promotions page. 
  
• Last month I was invited to join the Better Business Bureau as an accredited business.  What an honor for my small business to be selected for this recognition. 
  
• Sales for our 2018 English and Scottish Discovery group trip are in full swing. Space is starting to become limited for this trip. Full details are on the promotion page and you don't want to miss this bucket list experience!
  
• I am already pondering ideas for our 2019 group trip. If there is something at the top of your bucket list, I am always interested in suggestions.
  
• Now is the best time to be thinking about spring break and summer 2018 vacations.  Don't wait until the last minute to lock in the best rates and availability. 
  

As we jump into Fall, get out there and enjoy this beautiful season! 

Until next time....Courtney