The Group Travel Leader November December 2019

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2020 PREVIEW ISSUE

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 01 9

THE DIFFERENCE IS

SCENIC Truly All-Inclusive Luxury River Cruising

Scenic River Cruising, Rhine River Traveling with Friends

Scenic Enrich, Palais Liechtenstein

Scenic e-bikes

PRE-REGISTRATION

2021 RIVER CRUISES

NOW AT 2020 AVAILABLE PRICING Be first to reserve your group on our popular 8 Day sailings: Delightful Douro, Gems of the Danube or Rhine Highlights. Take advantage of this opportunity to book the best offers, suites and sail dates. $250 per person risk free, refundable deposit $1,000 per person savings or fly for $395.

Contact your Travel Professional, call our groups department at 844.572.3642 or visit scenicusa.com Terms and Conditions: Offer valid for new 2021 Group bookings only. Offers are based on number of cruise days, and exclude the land portion of the trip. All offers are subject to availability and may sell out. Scenic reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares and promotions at any time. Availability is correct at the time of publishing but cannot be guaranteed. A refundable initial deposit of $250 per person is required at the time of booking, with full payment required 90 days prior to departure. If air offer is selected, flights must be booked through Scenic, on our choice of airlines and are nonrefundable once ticketed. A secondary deposit will be required at the time of air ticketing. Offer expires upon the release of our 2021 Preview brochure or January 31, 2020 whichever comes first. This offer is not combinable with any other offer. Taxes & port charges are included in the price. Offer available to residents of the 50 United States only. Offer may be extended, canceled, or withdrawn at any time without notice.

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Amsterdam

Panama

Darién National Park Utria National Park

Cherbourg Douarnenez

Copenhagen

Kangerlussuaq

Colombia

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France

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Disko Bay Fridtjof Nansen Cape 10

Nuuk

Panama Canal

Belgium

Greenland

Cartagena

San Blas Islands

Netherlands

Bruges

Skjoldungen Fjord

Iceland

Reykjavik

Porto Lisbon

Portugal

Barcelona Spain

Seville

Prins Christian Sund

Iceland & Greenland Explorer Departing August 4, 2020 Reykjavik > Copenhagen 12 Days from $11,995 per person

Peru Salaverry

Málaga

Isla Guanape

Lima

Great Seafaring Nations

Panama & Colombia Discovery

Departing May 30, 2020 Barcelona > Amsterdam 12 Days from $10,695 per person

UP TO

1 TOUR CONDUCTOR CREDIT FOR EVERY 10 PAYING GUESTS (MAXIMUM OF 2)

Departing October 16, 2021 Cartagena > Lima 10 Days from $7,295 per person

- PLUS -

$150

PER PERSON SHIPBOARD CREDIT (GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE)

Contact our Groups Department at 844.572.3642 or visit sceniceclipse.com Terms and conditions: Offer available for new Group bookings only, on select itineraries. We offer Up to 1 Tour Conductor Credit for every 10 paying guests. Value of Tour Conductor Credit is based on Category D. Limit 2 Tour Conductor Credits per group. This offer is not combinable with any other offer. Taxes & port charges are included in the price. Offer available to residents of the 50 United States only. Offer may be extended, canceled, or withdrawn at any time without notice. Visit sceniceclipse.com for complete terms and conditions. 19_EC1002

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table ofCONTENTS VOL 29 | ISSUE 10

T R AV E L A L L I A N C E PA R T N E R S

6 EDITOR’S MARKS

T R AV E L G U I D E

NEWS

ADVENTURE OPPORTUNITIES

8 FA M I LY M AT T E R S

CITY TOURS

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FOOD EXPERIENCES WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS

Cruising for Groups

O N THE COVE R

Autumn brings a blanket of stunning color to the communities in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Photo by Denis Tangney Jr.

YANKEE

LE A R N T H E LO GI S T IC S OF PLANNING AND BOOKING GROUP CRUISE VACATIONS.

FEATURES

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Include these essential experiences on your next tour in of New England.

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LOUISIANA

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GAMING RESORTS

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MAC T. LACY CHARLES A. PRESLEY BRIAN JEWELL HERBERT SPARROW DONIA SIMMONS

Founder and Publisher Partner Executive Editor Senior Writer Creative Director

K E L LY T Y N E R 4

CHRISTINE CLOUGH KELLY TYNER KYLE ANDERSON DANIEL JEAN-LOUIS ASHLEY RICKS

Copy Editor Director of Sales & Marketing Account Manager Account Manager Graphic Design & Circulation

888.253.0455

KELLY@GROUPTR AVELLEADER.COM

The GROUP TRAVEL LEADER is published ten times a year by THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER, Inc., 301 East High St., Lexington, Kentucky 40507, and is distributed free of charge to qualified group leaders who plan travel for groups of all ages and sizes. THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER serves as the official magazine of GROUP TRAVEL FAMILY, the organization for traveling groups. All other travel suppliers, including tour operators, destinations, attractions, transportation companies, hotels, restaurants and other travelrelated companies may subscribe to THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER by sending a check for $59 for one year to: THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER, Circulation Department, 301 East High St., Lexington, KY 40507. Phone (859) 253-0455 or (859) 253-0503. Copyright THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of editorial or graphic content in any manner without the written consent of the publisher is prohibited.

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Light up the holidays for your group, with traditions shaped by our culture.

Out here our traditions are as bright as the bonfires that line the Mississippi River’s levees on Christmas Eve. Each family’s bonfire helps light the way for Papa Noel to travel up the river and leave presents for children who call Louisiana’s River Parishes home.

Explore the bonfires on YouTube

Watch “Experience Bonfires on the Levee #OutHere” to learn about this cultural icon.

VisitNOPC.com

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EDITOR’S T HE

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eople like us do things like this.”

Of all the observations that marketing guru and thought leader Seth Godin has made over the years, this may be his most astute. All decisions we make, especially buying decisions, are influenced by social factors. We all draw parts of our identities from the people we spend time with and the people we want to be like. We’re prone to buying the same things we see those people buying. Because “people like us do things like this.”

Understanding that your potential customers’ buying decisions are shaped by the social group they come from (or the group they’d like to be part of) can give you a lot of insight into how you plan, sell and run your trips. And as an industry, it can give us some collective insights, too.

When people travel alone, with a spouse or with a handful of close friends, they’re in charge of their itinerary, and they have complete control over their social interactions. They don’t have to talk to anyone besides their travel companions. They can choose to do only the things people like them do, and their travel choices reinforce the social identities they are already invested in.

Group travel, though, is an inherently social activity, and it creates unique vulnerabilities. When

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someone agrees to go on your tour, they’re giving up a lot of autonomy. Not only have they surrendered control of the itinerary, but they’ve also surrendered control of the cohort. They agree to travel in confined spaces with a large group of people, including many they may not know and some that may not be like them.

That’s why the group travel industry constantly grapples with problems of perception. Many of the customers you would love to reach are hesitant to join your trips. Because even though you see them as your ideal customers, they don’t see themselves as the kind of people who take bus tours.

And they’re afraid that if they step on the bus with you, they’ll be stuck with people they don’t like doing things they don’t enjoy.

But this challenge also brings an opportunity. Because every time you assemble a group of people and take them out on the road, you create a new “us.” And you get to decide what it does.

Over the days your travelers spend together on your trips, a new kind of shared identity emerges, and it depends largely on the activities you plan, the amenities you provide and the culture you propagate. If you follow the traditional playbook of group tours, you’ll reinforce the perceptions that skeptics have always had about this style of travel. But if you find inventive ways to showcase destinations, provide delightful experiences and create a sense of community among your travelers, you can change the narrative.

As you plan tours and recruit travelers, you have an opportunity to create a new “people like us” among your customers, and you get to define the “things like this” that they do. Some people may not get it, and that’s OK. Because the ones who do will become your biggest fans. And they’ll be the ones bringing their friends along on the next trip.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

ADVENTURE AWAITS IN LOUISVILLE Join Our Spring FAM Tour

Experience the colorful culture of Louisville in an unforgettable three-day FAM. Get an up-close look at one-ofa-kind attractions including the Kentucky Derby Museum and Churchill Downs. Plus, immerse yourself in an urban Bourbon experience unlike anywhere else in the world while getting a taste of our celebrated local food scene.

MAY 27 – 30, 2020 Space is limited RSVP date: February 1, 2020 Sign up now at grouptravelleader.com/louisville-fam

FAMILY MATTERS COLLE T TE ANNOUNCES SCH OL ARSHIP PROGR AM FOR SELECT TR AVELER CONFERENCE SALEM, Ohio — A recognizable name in the travel industry is making a sizeable effort to educate organizers of group travel and grow the group travel market. Collette, the global tour operator, has entered into an agreement with Select Traveler Conference to offer scholarships to group travel planners for first-time registration and attendance to Select Traveler Conference 2020.

Collette will sponsor the registration cost of participating group leaders to the conference. This unique program is a Collette effort to increase

group travel awareness through the education and networking model of Select Traveler Conference.

“Having Collette dedicate their resources to educating group travel leaders and choosing Select Traveler Conference as the partner is impressive and an honor,” said Joe Cappuzzello of Select Traveler Conference.

Select Traveler Conference has dedicated the past 25 years to serving bank travel clubs, university alumni programs, traveling chambers of commerce and leaders of upscale travel. The conference is held annually with about 450 del-

COLLETTE WILL SPONSOR FIRST-TIME TRAVEL PLANNER DELEGATES TO ATTEND THE 2020 SELECT TRAVELER CONFERENCE IN CHEYENNE.

By Dan Dickson

egates regularly attending from over 20 states.

Select Traveler Conference 2020 will be held at Cheyenne, Wyoming, March 22-24.

Group leaders accepted into the Collette scholarship program will receive conference registration, two nights lodging at Cheyenne’s Little America Hotel, all meals and receptions, sightseeing, seminars, marketplace and networking opportunities.

“This is an opportunity to experience Cheyenne as a destination and build your leadership skills and travel knowledge at the same time,” Cappuzzello said. “Visit Cheyenne will welcome Select Traveler Conference delegates and has assured us that the red carpet will be rolled out so that everyone has a great experience. In short, you get to live the dream of being a cowboy.”

Collette has celebrated 100 years of business and is a trendsetter in the travel industry and innovator in group travel, recognizing the value that group leaders bring in organizing travel groups.

If you are a group travel planner and would like to register and qualify for the Collette Scholarship Program to Select Traveler Conference, please contact Kacie Honeywell at 800-628-0993 or email to khoneywell@grouptravelfamily.com.

Collette Scholarships will be limited due to conference space limitations, so if you are interested in discovering Wyoming and experiencing Select Traveler Conference, call today.

AGRITOURISMWORLD SUMMIT DEBUTING IN 2020 SALEM, Ohio — Agritourism has caught the eye of the travel industry and AgritourismWorld, an organization of 3,500 farms, is developing an online educational tool to better educate the travel industry and farms on this growing trend. The AgritourismWorld Summit will debut in summer 2020 and will feature educational speakers and content geared to increasing agritourism.

AgritourismWorld is an online portal for its 3,500 farm members to reach and invite the public to visit farms and markets across America. It acts as a marketing tool for travelers interested in adding a farm visit to their travel plans. While AgritourismWorld

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is an established marketing tool for the farm, the AgritourismWorld Summit will bring training to farms as well as destinations, destination marketing organizations and convention and visitors bureaus with growing agritourism opportunities.

AgritourismWorld has sponsored an agritourism element at Boomers In Groups conferences for the past five years, and the online expansion will be the next step in serving farms and the travel industry nationwide. “We thank Boomers In Groups for the years of hosting Agritourism, and they really have put it on the tourism map,” said Charlie Presley, founder of AgritourismWorld.

The AgritourismWorld Summit will feature entry-level content free of charge to farms and the travel industry, as well as advanced levels of training, networking and feedback. It will focus on the marketing aspect of agritourism.

“We know how to help farms and destinations get tourists to visit the farms and, quite honestly, will leave the growing aspect to other experts,” Presley said.

To keep up to date on developments at AgritourismWorld, visit agritourismworld.com and follow its social media feed online at facebook.com/agritourismworld.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

GROUP TRAVEL FAMILY PASSES SOCIAL MEDIA MILESTONE SALEM, Ohio — Social media can be a potent form of communication. The Group Travel Family has just passed the 20,000 mark in its social media followers. The organization is dedicated to the well-being of the group travel industry and serves group travel leaders and travel planners of group travel.

“It’s exciting to be able to help 20,000 people plan group travel via social media,” said Jennifer Ferguson of The Group Travel Family. The organization uses social media as a networking and training tool to increase value to anyone organizing group travel. One example is a regular feature by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on chartering buses and ensuring safe travel habits. “This feature alone reaches 20,000 people who charter buses that take over 5 million people on tours every year,” Ferguson said.

The growth of The Group Travel Family social media reach has been organic, with an 8% annual increase.

“It’s pretty amazing that we have grown to be a group travel information outlet that reaches a targeted market of group travel planners,” said Ferguson.

As a member of the group travel industry, you can follow at facebook.com/travelgroups.

The Meeting for Bank, Alumni, & Chamber Travel Directors

Cheyenne, Wyoming March 22-24, 2020

selecttravelerconf.com

Call to Register Today:

800.628.0993

GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM

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JOIN US FOR A TRIP TO LOUISIANA IN APRIL

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ave you always wanted to experience the top attractions in western Louisiana? Are you looking for ways to learn more about trip possibilities in Louisiana and have a great time doing it? Do you have a few days to see Louisiana’s No Man’s Land region firsthand in April? Would you like to spend a few days with executive staff of The Group Travel Leader magazine while you’re at it?

If so, we have just the opportunity for you.

The Louisiana Department of Tourism is inviting up to 20 of our travel planner readBRIAN JEWELL (BOTTOM LEFT) AND KELLY TYNER (BOTTOM RIGHT) WILL ACCOMPANY ers to enjoy a five-day site inspection trip TRAVEL PLANNERS TO ENJOY THE CREOLE NATURE TRAIL (TOP) AND LIVE MUSIC IN LOUISIANA (BOTTOM CENTER). in and around its No Man’s Land region, April 22-26. Qualified travel planners will be Courtesy Louisiana Tourism guests of the Louisiana Tourism staff and will enjoy visiting the communities of Lake Charles and Natchitoches and several other parishes along the state’s western edge.

And once you get to Louisiana, all your expenses are covered.

“Join The Group Travel Leader’s executive editor, Brian Jewell, and Kelly Tyner, our director of sales and marketing, for this fun and educational site inspection trip to Courtesy Louisiana Tourism experience the best of Louisiana’s No Man’s Land,” said publisher Mac Lacy. “Brian and travel planners. Applicants will complete a brief travel profile that will be Kelly will accompany our Louisiana hosts on this trip and will be sharing used by Louisiana Tourism staff to select attendees. their travel experiences with everyone in attendance.

“Brian and Kelly will be highlighting the trip in real time on social media, and Brian will write an article on this tour for publication in The To submit your travel profile and request a spot on this exciting trip, go Group Travel Leader magazine,” said Lacy. “Tour participants will have to grouptravelleader.com/nomansland-fam and fill out your profile online. the opportunity to share their impressions and experiences about Louisiana To inquire by phone or to ask a question, call us toll-free at 888-253-0455 with our staff and meet some wonderful hosts from the state. It’s going to and ask for Kelly. be a lot of fun for everyone involved.”

Registration for this complimentary site inspection trip in Louisiana All accommodations, sightseeing, transportation and meals are included closes February 1, so don’t delay. once participants arrive in Louisiana. No travel expenses to and from Join Brian, Kelly and the Louisiana Department of Tourism for a wonLouisiana will be reimbursed. derful trip April 22-26.

This readership event and site inspection tour is limited to 20 qualified

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

FRONT STREET NATCHITOCHES, LA

end Resort

Cypress B Many, La

UNCOVER THE LEGENDS

Experience the legends and lore of Louisiana’s No Man’s Land in an unforgettable fourday FAM. Known as Louisiana’s final frontier, No Man’s Land was home to pioneers and diverse cultural groups such as Native Americans, Scot-Irish Settlers, the Spanish, and more. The result is a history and culture like no other. Travel the Creole Nature Trail, known as Louisiana’s Outback, which includes 180 miles of Cajun culture and natural beauty. Visit historic locations such as the haunted Gothic Jail in DeRidder and Melrose Plantation, which once was home to world-renowned folk artist Clementine Hunter. Walk the streets of Natchitoches, the oldest settlement in the Louisiana Purchase Territory.

Celebrate Louisiana’s sports accomplishments at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.

Uncover the legends and experience the culture of Louisiana’s No Man’s Land.

Space is limited, RSVP by January 31, 2020

grouptravelleader.com/nomansland-fam

LA Sports Hall of Fame Natchitoches, La

Creole Nature Trail

Gothic Jail Deridder, La

speed ahead

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GROUP LEADERS GET HANDS-ON SERVICE THROUGHOUT THE BOOKING PROCESS WHEN THEY PLAN A EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISE WITH EMERALD WATERWAYS.

Courtesy Emerald Waterways

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BY B R I A N J E W E L L

f you want to take a group of 50 people on a cruise, where do you start?

On the whole, cruising has never been more popular, and millions of people from around the world take cruises every year. And as the growth of the cruise industry continues, more travel groups are looking to ocean and river cruises to complement their lineup of land tours.

Most travel aficionados — including many group travel planners — have at least one cruise under their belts. But booking a cruise for yourself online or through a travel agent is a far different experience than arranging an entire cruise vacation for a whole group of travelers who are depending on you to deliver exceptional value and experience.

Whether you’re a professional tour operator looking to add cruises to your catalogue or a volunteer group leader interested in taking your community organization on a cruise, you’ll have to learn to navigate the ins and outs of group bookings and cruise planning. And to make matters more complicated, there is no standard procedure across the industry for handling group bookings — each cruise line has its own approach to group sales and operations.

To help you figure out the first steps for taking your group on a cruise, we spoke to representatives from three cruise lines with diverse positions and products. They help illustrate the range of booking processes and activity programs available to help you plan memorable cruise vacations for your travelers.

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SCENIC CRUISES AND EMERALD WATERWAYS: Full-Service Planning and Booking Among the fastest growing segments of the cruise industry is river cruising, which offers intimate trips on small vessels throughout Europe and other popular destinations.

Emerald Waterways runs cruises on nine rivers and actively promotes their offerings to groups, and sister company Scenic Cruises offers all-inclusive luxury sailings for highend groups.

If a group leader is interested in an Emerald river cruise, they’ll find that the company does all the heavy lifting in arranging a group booking.

“We do most of the work for you,” said Dave Lubchansky, group sales manager for Emerald and Scenic. “You contact the group department, and we talk about availability and the number of cabins you want. Then we send you a program agreement and ask you to sign and return it to us. There’s no real obligation — we just want to have it in writing, then we allocate the space so we can hold the cabins.

“We’ll hold the allotment for 30 days to give the group leader time to collect the deposits. If there are some cabins booked and they need more time, we can keep giving them more time as long as the cabins are available.”

After this, group leaders begin working with the line’s group operations team. Among its other services, this team manages the booking and payment details for the group. Each group member can book their desired stateroom and pay their balances directly, which means the group leader doesn’t have to get in the middle of the transaction or handle any funds.

“The only responsibility to the group leader is to encourage his guests to reserve,” Lubchansky said. “He can tell them to call us and book the reservation.”

The groups team also works with group leaders to arrange any special inclusions or activities during the cruise. Every Emerald cruise includes a sightseeing tour in each port visited, but groups can arrange for private tours or more extensive shore excursions. Beer, wine and soft drinks are included at lunch and dinner; group leaders can choose to include an upgraded drinks package for their travelers as well. Scenic has its own menu of special group opportunities.

Since river cruising is popular and space on vessels is limited, Lubchansky recommends group leaders start working well in advance of their desired travel dates.

“We’re accepting group travelers for 2021, and currently protecting them with the 2020 current prices,” he said.

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FINE DINING ABOARD THE EMERALD STAR

Courtesy Emerald Waterways

MSC SEASIDE

— E MER A LDWAT ERWA YS .COM — — SCE N ICUS A.COM —

Photos courtesy MSC Cruises GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM

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Courtesy Aramark

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE: Work with a Travel Agent With a long history of traditional ocean cruising, Holland America has proven a popular choice for groups, particularly in Alaska. Eva Jenner, vice president of sales, encourages group leaders to enlist the services of an experienced travel agent to handle the logistics of booking a group cruise.

“Travel advisors have been educated on our product, and they know how to book groups with us,” she said. “They can take all the bookings and payments and take that off the hands of the group organizer.

But the group organizer is responsible for ensuring the travel advisor knows what the group needs.

“Let’s say it’s a local church and they want to have services on board the ship. That’s absolutely possible, as long as they tell the travel advisor and our groups department. We can arrange for them to work with a pastor on board or set up a private dinner in one of our specialty restaurants.”

Travel advisors will consult with the groups department to set up any special requests regarding group dining, shore excursions or activities. They’ll also guide group organizers through the comp policy — Holland America offers one tour conductor credit

CRUISING ALASKA WITH HOLLAND AMERICA

Photos courtesy HAL

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A CLASSICAL MUSIC CONCERT ABOARD A HOLLAND AMERICA CRUISE

for each 10 passengers — and help them select perks and extras for the group from the company’s Group Advantage Program.

“Depending on the length of the sailing, they get points to use toward cocktail receptions, specialty dinners, bottles of wine — there’s so much to choose from,” Jenner said. “And we provide packages to take some of that planning off the group organizer’s plate and make things as easy as possible when they come aboard. We have wedding packages, wine and food pairing packages and others already put together.

The group leader can build their own packages too.”

Once all the bookings have been made, Holland America’s groups department arranges a call with the travel advisor and the group organizer to discuss any special needs the group has and plan logistics. The line call also offer customized shore excursions for groups, as well as exclusive space on its private island in the Caribbean, Half Moon Cay. Jenner said that professional tour companies, which have their booking and payment procedures, can work directly with Holland America’s groups department in lieu of a travel agent.

—HOL L A N DA MER IC A.COM —

MSC CRUISES: Choose Your Resource MSC Cruises, an ocean cruise line based in Europe, is quickly making inroads in the North American market. For group bookings, which require a minimum of eight staterooms, organizers can choose between a do-it-yourself online tool or a full-service group sales department.

“Groups can go to mscbook.com, where we have a tool called the Group Quotator,” said Claudia King McWilliams, the line’s vice president for the contact center and groups. “We make it fast and easy to get the groundwork covered when putting the group together. You can access real-time group availability and pricing and see all of our current promotions. You can instantly obtain quotes for the cruise and lock in rates. You can create a group booking on your own, then the Quotator creates a contract and emails it back to you.”

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Once the group organizer locks in the contract, they can sign up trip participants and collect credit card information from them. Then they use each passenger’s payment method to book their cabin on the cruise through the Quotator.

To access the Group Quotator, travel planners have to first has to register with MSC as a travel provider.

This comes with a significant benefit: Registered travel sellers qualify for a significant commission on each booking.

If all that sounds like too much work, MSC offers another option: Planners can work directly with the company’s groups department. This route doesn’t pay commissions, but it comes with a high level of service.

“If you want more personalized service, advice and guidance, simply call us,” McWilliams said. “Our group advocates are very seasoned representatives who know the ins and outs of MSC and all our itineraries.”

Regardless of which booking method a group leader uses, once the booking is complete the company’s groups department works directly with the trip planner to customize the group experience and take advantage of incentives.

“We offer a tour conductor credit for every 15 full-fare guests in the group,” McWilliams said. “And there’s another advantage called Amenity Points. These allow the group leader to customize the trip with extras.

Those can range from stateroom gifts and cocktail parties to WiFi packages or shipboard credits.”

—MSCCRU ISEUS A.COM —

GROUPS CRUISING WITH MSC CAN ARRANGE THE EMERALD PRIVATE MEALS IN SPECIALTY RESTAURANTS SUCH RADIANCE IN PORTUGAL AS ASIAN MARKET KITCHEN ON THE MSC SEASIDE. Photos courtesy MSC Cruises

MARKETING

support & guidance Collette offers a range of free, personalized marketing materials, including personalized flyers, group mailers, postcards and social media support. Partner with your local business development manager to effectively use these marketing resources to generate more success.

THE WORLD AWAITS WITH TOURS TO ALL SEVEN CONTINENTS. Call 844.445.5663 or your local travel professional now to learn about our booking offers.

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THESE EXPERIENCES BELONG ON

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BY J I L L G L E E S O N

hen you think about New England, chances are high that the first image that pops into your head — aside from Tom Brady tossing the football — is spectacular fall foliage.

But the region, bordered to the south by Long Island Sound and to the north by Canada, with the Atlantic Ocean and New York State serving as the eastern and western boundaries, offers groups much more than autumnal delights.

Groups traveling in New England will find abundant treasures: forested mountains that are wonderful for winter as well as warm-weather outdoor activities, rocky coastlines begging to be explored, history that stretches back to before the Revolution and oodles of great cultural attractions. And with an area only slightly larger than Washington, the region is easy to see by motorcoach, particularly when tour leaders can pack the itinerary with visits to some of the most charming locales in the country. From the bright lights of Boston to the pastoral pleasures of the White Mountains, these six spots are what Yankees might call “wicked good.”

TALL SHIPS AND HISTORIC BUILDINGS MAKE MYSTIC SEAPORT A FAVORITE CONNECTICUT ATTRACTION FOR GROUPS TRAVELING IN NEW ENGLAND. Courtesy CT Office of Tourism

BOSTON Boston is a bustling city of more than 685,000 residents, but it manages to seem much cozier, according to Stacy Thornton, senior manager, tourism sales for the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“Boston has that Colonial American charm, but it also draws influences from Europe, like its geography,” she said. “The footprint of downtown is really small. We encourage groups to see some things on foot, even if you’re on a motorcoach and want to use the bus to do a city tour.”

There are some iconic Beantown experiences that groups can’t miss, such as exploring the Faneuil Hall area. It includes the Cradle of Liberty, the hall

where the nation’s founders held meetings in the leadup to the Revolution, as well as Faneuil Hall Marketplace, filled with shops and restaurants.

Faneuil Hall is part of the Freedom Trail, 16 sites linked to the Revolution; groups may book tours of it, as well as Fenway Park, the country’s oldest ballpark, and universities like Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, which offer popular student-led tours.

Thornton also recommends that groups make time for visiting some of Boston’s lesser-known gems, like Time Out Market Boston, a food hall that recently debuted inside a spectacular 1929 Art Deco building. “And the Boston Public Library offers art and architecture tours for groups,” she said. “It was designed to be a place not only of learning, but of beauty. It’s stunning.”

BOST ON US A.COM

M YSTIC , C ONNECTICUT There are probably a few people left on the planet who haven’t heard of “Mystic Pizza,” the 1988 movie that put Julia Roberts on the path to superstardom. But you might not know it from the film fans who still regularly trek to the real-life restaurant. Groups who grab a “slice of heaven” will realize that the rom-com was shot on a set, but no one will come away from a visit to Mystic disappointed.

“Mystic has a lot of history,” said Randy Fiveash, director of the Connecticut Office of Tourism.

“It was founded in 1654 as a shipbuilding center because it’s close to the coast, and the Mystic River is right there. But it’s become known for its New England charm, as well as being home to two of the state’s most-visited attractions: the Mystic Seaport Museum and the Mystic Aquarium.”

Both the aquarium, where Beluga whales, African penguins and other exotic critters romp, and the museum, which covers 19 acres and features goodies like a re-created New England sea-

Artwork by Donia Simmons GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM

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THE STUNNING PORTLAND HEAD LIGHT

side village, specialize in hosting groups. Other great group attractions in Mystic include the 81-foot-long traditional sailing ship Argea, which operates May through October and may be privately chartered. Groups also might want to try their luck at Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun, resort casinos about 25 minutes from Mystic.

C T V ISI T.COM / M YST IC

By Cynthia Farr Weinfeld, courtesy VisitPortland. com A PORTLAND SEAFOOD DINNER

NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND For a look at well-heeled glamour, few cities equal Newport, Rhode Island, where some of the country’s richest families built palatial summer “cottages” in the 19th century.

Today, these homes are part of what makes Newport unique and such a great destination for groups.

“We have things that you just don’t see anywhere else,” said Discover Newport destination expert Pam Blauvelt.

“We’re the sailing capital of the world, so world-famous yachts are here all of the time. The International Tennis Hall of Fame is here — you can actually play on an historic grass court — and then we have the Gilded Age mansions.”

Groups can wander spectacular dwellings such as the Breakers, which was built by the Vanderbilts, at their own pace with self-guided audio tours. Afterward, iconic Ocean Drive, with 10 miles of spectacular views, awaits. More adventurous group members might want to try the scenic Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile path that overlooks some of the mansions’ back lawns.

Or, continue an exploration of how the other half lives with the Audrain Automobile Museum, which boasts more than 200 of the world’s most exotic cars and is set within a gloriously restored Gilded Age building. Groups might also want to take a harbor cruise aboard the Rum Runner II, which Blauvelt said was “an actual rum-running boat.”

DISCOV ER N EW PORT.ORG

FLUME GORGE COVERED BRIDGE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE Courtesy VisitPortland.com

NEW HAMPSHIRE’S WHITE MOUNTAINS

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STOW E , V ERMONT Although Stowe, which sits pretty seven miles from the base of Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont, may be best known for winter adventure, there’s more to this village than incredible skiing or even leaf peeping. That includes festive fun like visiting the von Trapp Brewing Bierhall Restaurant, where groups can not only sample Austrian-style lager but also discover more about the reallife family that inspired the film “The Sound of Music.”

Ice-cream-loving groups will have a taste for Ben and Jerry’s Factory Tour, and thrill-seekers will want to hop aboard the Gondola SkyRide at Stowe Mountain Resort.

“At every turn you’ll be in awe of something, whether it’s a fire-red tree or a view of Mount Mansfield,” said Stowe Area Association marketing manager Sharon Harper. “The village itself is such a vibrant little center, and there are also

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

events throughout the year that are very popular, like the Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival.”

Just be aware that groups may wish to return again and again. “Every time I left, I was planning when I would come back, to the point that I actually moved here,” Harper said. “It was really Stowe’s hospitality that did it. Everyone is so helpful and friendly. They want you to have a great time. And you will.”

GOST OW E .COM

PORTLAND, MAINE According to Bob Witkowski, creative director and media relations manager at Visit Portland, what makes this city distinctive is its absolute authenticity.

“Portland is one of the largest seaports on the East Coast in terms of tonnage,” he said, “and the active and working waterfront is exactly that. So many cities have taken their waterfronts and built condos and made them sort of inaccessible. But you can still go down to the pier and literally buy fish right off the boat here.”

Lobster lovers who want to learn more about crustacean procurement can help bait and haul traps aboard Lucky Catch Lobster Cruises. Should they snare anything, the Portland Lobster Company will cook their lobster for lunch. Speaking of food, Portland was named 2018 Restaurant City of the Year by Bon Appétit, and groups eager to explore its culinary treasures should book an afternoon with Maine Foodie Tours.

There are plenty of other good times for groups in Portland, from exploring the Portland Head Light, a legendary lighthouse commissioned by George Washington, to stopping by the childhood home of celebrated poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. For a different perspective on the city, groups can learn about local history aboard a vintage fire truck with a Portland Fire Engine Co. tour.

V ISI T PORT L A N D.COM

WHITE MOUNTAINS, NEW HAMPSHIRE Celebrated for its rugged mountains, including the highest peak in the northeastern United States, and idyllic settlements like Jackson, Franconia, Littleton and Sugar Hill, the White Mountains region “is a great destination for motorcoach groups,” said Kate Wetherell, operations manager

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for the White Mountains Attractions Association.

“Visitors can experience a little bit of everything: Our National Scenic Byways create the perfect itineraries to move buses around to unique attractions, quintessential New England Villages, covered bridges, waterfalls and scenic vistas.”

The 34.5-mile-long Kancamagus Highway, which stretches along Route 112 through the White Mountains National Forest, is one of the area’s most famed attractions. Spectacular in autumn, it’s begun “seeing an increase in motorcoach traffic during the first two weeks of June as visitors come to see spring wildflowers, specifically lupine in the Sugar Hill/Franconia area,” Wetherell said. “It’s a beautiful time of the year with a different type of color and less traffic.”

For locomotive-loving groups, the region features the only cog railroad east of the Rockies. The Mount Washington Cog Railway takes passengers on a gorgeous three-hour roundtrip ride to the summit, or groups can hop aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad vintage train, which departs from a Victorian station built in 1874.

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OMAHA for the

H O L I D AY S

If your group is able to visit the city during the holidays, expect to stay busy.

“We roll out the red carpet for guests at Christmastime,” Weishahn said.

“We do our best to help groups pack in as much as possible without running attendees ragged. People are often surprised at how much we have to offer.”

For those not able to travel to Omaha during the holidays, there are opportunities to enjoy the city’s rich cultural diversity year-round. “We have other itineraries that aren’t holiday themed, including Twelve Countries Without a Passport — focusing on all the different cultures in Omaha — which is one of our most popular sellers,” Weishahn said.

Here are some memorable events your group can experience when you visit Omaha during the holidays.

CHRISTMAS IN GERMANY Omaha’s German American society hosts Christmas in Germany, which celebrates traditional German holiday songs and dancing, as well as favorite German holiday fare. Guests can also shop for the perfect German-made gift at the on-site holiday market.

GERMANAMERICANSOCIETY.ORG

D ISCOVER A WO RL D O F CH RIS TM AS TR A D ITI O NS I N TH IS N EBR ASK A CIT Y

BY E L I ZA M E Y E R S FIREWORKS CAP OFF THE OMAHA HOLIDAY LIGHTS FESTIVAL. Photos courtesy Visit Omaha

I

n Omaha, the whole world comes home for Christmas.

Unique celebrations, distinctive decorations, beloved recipes and carols make the holidays memorable in this Nebraska city.

Your group can experience a whirlwind journey through beloved Christmas traditions from around the globe right in the heart of America’s Midwest thanks to Omaha’s culturally diverse Christmas Around the World holiday tours.

Events throughout the city allow visitors to experience the holidays as they’re celebrated in Germany, Greece, Ukraine, Ireland, Mexico and more thanks to Omaha’s rich cultural diversity. It’s even possible to step back in time to holidays of old with popular Victorian- and Renaissance-themed events.

Options for holiday experiences in the city range from large-scale stage performances of classics like “A Christmas Carol” to intimate behind-the-scenes tours of local businesses. Groups typically work with Visit Omaha’s group tour manager, Jessica Weishahn, to customize their two- to six-day itineraries.

“We have a Lithuanian bakery that’s a very popular stop, for example,” said Weishahn. “The owner makes traditional, Old World-style holiday tortes and offers a deep explanation of how her family immigrated to Omaha. She always books up that first week of December.”

“We average about 20 bus groups coming in [for the holiday tours] every year,” said Mark Rath, Visit Omaha’s director of sales. “There are a lot of different cultural experiences here. There are just so many different facets of Omaha. It’s a pretty unique city in that way.”

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MADRIGAL CHRISTMASSE FE ASTE Hosted by the Ibsen Costume Gallery, the Madrigal Christmasse Feaste, an annual Renaissance holiday event, is celebrating its 28th year and has welcomed more than 10,000 visitors for an evening of mirth and merriment. Attendees are treated to a multicourse meal befitting an old English castle — highlights include a spiced holiday wassail toast and Yorkshire pudding — along with performances of traditional holiday songs by the costumed Madrigal Syngers.

The show is typically presented during the first week of December only. This year’s performance dates are December 4-7. “It’s a very interactive experience,” said Weishahn. Guests get to be part of the performance.”

IBSENCOSTUMES.COM/MADRIGAL-FEASTE

CHRISTMAS IN GREECE Sponsored by Omaha’s historic St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, the annual Christmas in Greece tradition features Greek dancing and live music, as well as a Greek marketplace and boutique. Visitors can sample favorite Greek holiday foods and pastries and can even enjoy a visit from St. Nicholas.

STJOHNSGREEKORTHODOX.ORG

C H R I S T M A S AT U N I O N S TAT I O N Omaha’s Durham Museum hosts the annual Christmas at Union Station celebration, which runs throughout the holiday season. The event is home to the Midwest’s largest holiday Christmas tree as well as displays of holiday trees from around the world. Visitors can also enjoy frequent holiday concerts by local entertainers, school groups and choirs.

DURHAMMUSEUM.ORG

19 T H - C E N T U R Y H O L I D AY S Omaha’s General Crook House Museum, a historic Italianate-style residence built in 1879, hosts an authentic Victorian Christmas complete with period-appropriate holiday decorations, fresh cookies and hot cider.

Special activities include an afternoon tea with Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig — a nod to the festive party hosts from “A Christmas Carol” — that features costumed professional actors who lead a rousing sing-along of favorite carols.

DOUGLASCOHISTORY.ORG

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

I R I S H C H R I S T M A S AT B OY S T O W N At the restored 1920s home of Father Edward Flanagan, founder of Boys Town, guests can enjoy the feeling of an authentic Irish-style Christmas thanks to traditional decorations in keeping with Flanagan’s Irish heritage.

G I N G E R B R E A D O N PA R A D E This long-standing Omaha tradition will be moving to the Ramada Plaza Omaha Hotel and Convention Center this year, but the celebration of all things gingerbread remains the focus of this beloved holiday event, which annually draws more than 20,000 visitors. Guests can revel in hundreds of whimsical gingerbread creations made by members of the region’s Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

H O L I D AY P O I N S E T T I A S H O W More than 5,000 poinsettias fill the grounds of Omaha’s Lauritzen Gardens botanical center during the Holiday Poinsettia Show, which runs this year from November 23 through January 5. The marquee attraction is a 20-foot-tall Christmas tree made entirely from poinsettias. Guests will also want to stroll among the gardens’ model train displays and other festive decorations. On select evenings, visitors can enjoy a holiday light celebration as well.

LAURITZENGARDENS.ORG

A CHRISTMAS CAROL MUSICAL Each holiday season, the Omaha Community Playhouse, the nation’s largest community theater, presents the time-honored classic “A Christmas Carol” in a musical adaptation that takes viewers along with Scrooge as he journeys through Christmas past, present and future to find the true meaning of the season. This year’s performances run November 15 through December 23.

OMAHAPLAYHOUSE.COM

HOLL AND PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Every year Omaha’s Holland Performing Arts Center plays host to an array of seasonal concerts and special events sure to inspire holiday cheer. This year’s lineup includes Canadian Brass performing holiday classics, December 4; “A Gospel Christmas,” December 7-8; and the Omaha Symphony Physicians Mutual Christmas Celebration, which features a Broadway-style song and dance review that blends Christmas classics and yuletide fun, December 19-22.

OMAHAPERFORMINGARTS.ORG

O M A H A H O L I D AY L I G H T S F E S T I VA L For those who love the magic of holiday lights, the annual Omaha Holiday Lights Festival, set this year for November 18 through January 5, features light displays throughout the city’s Old Market arts and entertainment district and surrounding streets. In addition to thousands of white lights, visitors can enjoy holiday garlands, LED snowflakes, illuminated reindeer and festive window decor at businesses throughout the area.

HOLIDAYLIGHTSFESTIVAL.ORG

MADRIGAL CHRISTMASSE FEASTE

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BEYOND BACCARAT G A M I NG I S ON LY ON E OF M A N Y OP T IONS A T T H E SE C A SI NO R E SORT S REBECCA TREON

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he best casino trips involve much more than gaming.

Though the thrill of gambling is always a draw, the activity options are endless. Casino resorts are destinations in themselves, with shopping, spas and fitness offerings, pool decks, entertainment, dining and golf courses. Near the resorts, natural attractions feature water sports, snow sports, trails for hiking or biking, and activities coordinated just for groups. Many travelers on group tours will appreciate the variety of choices they have to explore both on and off the resorts during free time.

These five casino resorts offer every type of amenity imaginable, from live concerts to horseback riding. Travelers may want to take a chartered fishing boat into the Gulf of Mexico near Biloxi, Mississippi; shoot clay pigeons in West Baden, Indiana; peruse the art galleries of Santa Fe, New Mexico; hike the trails of Lake Tahoe, California; or dance the night away at a nightclub in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

With a balance between the fun group activities within the resort and the myriad options for lovers of the outdoors, these destinations offer enough options to keep groups entertained for days.

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FRENCH LICK RESORT

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FR E N CH LI CK , I N DIANA

Founded in 1845, French Lick Resort comprises two historic hotels. They were founded to draw visitors to its healing natural spring waters. The famed Pluto Mineral Bath is still a popular treatment at one of the two five-star spas at the resort.

“Our hotels offer unique activities for groups,” said Hilary Burton, sales system analyst. “We have veggie races, where teams build cars out of vegetables and race them; a culinary class with a chef; an Amazing Race-style scavenger hunt; bubble soccer; a selfie trail throughout the resort; wine and canvas; the Wild West Challenge with cowboy-themed activities; and group fitness options like yoga and 5Ks.” The casino offers table games like blackjack, craps, roulette and poker, plus slots and sports betting. The resort is home to four award-winning golf courses and several golf tournaments. There are nearly 10 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding backed up against the Hoosier National Forest, and there is a stable and bicycle rental on-site at the resort. The dual resorts have both indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, and feature an arcade with a bowling alley and video games. There are nearly 20 shopping options, from boutiques offering equestrian merchandise to artisan crafts. The numerous wide-ranging dining options include a steakhouse, a chef’s table in the kitchen, pool-side deli service and a pizzeria. A historic restored trolley and walking tours are a great way for groups to explore the resort’s history.

FR E NCHL ICK .COM

WEST BADEN SPRINGS HOTEL AT FRENCH LICK RESORT Courtesy French Lick Resort

BEAU RIVAGE SHOW

FALLEN OAK GOLF COURSE AT THE BEAU RIVAGE RESORT Courtesy Beau Rivage

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Courtesy Beau Rivage

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BEAU RIVAGE RESORT

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B I LOXI , M ISS ISS I PPI

Within walking distance of the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, Beau Rivage offers everything a group could want to experience at a AAA Four Diamond-rated destination. The resort has an award-winning full-service salon and spa and an outdoor pool that overlooks the Mississippi Sound. Its newest addition is a Topgolf Swing Suite with simulated golf, a fitting partner to its luxurious golf course, Fallen Oaks, which is open year-round.

“Gambling is just one little piece of the resort,” said Randy Whiteside, director of sales. “We want people to really experience the coast. They can take chartered fishing trips, sailboat cruises, a shrimping tour or ride a vintage paddle steamer.”

Gaming options include slots and a wide range of table games, including baccarat and poker. Within the resort, a dozen boutiques feature everything from fine jewelry to golf merchandise, making souvenir shopping convenient. Beau Rivage’s dining includes Italian, Asian, craft beer, a buffet and a steakhouse, among other options. The resort features three cocktail lounges, some with live music, to kick off or wrap up the evening and star-studded acts nightly, with headliners like Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Martina McBride and game shows such as “Family Feud.”

BE AU R I VAGE / MGM R ESORT S .COM

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HARD ROCK CASINO RESORT L AKE TAH O E , CA LI FO R N IA

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Lake Tahoe’s Hard Rock Casino Resort is lined with musically inspired artwork and rock-’n’-roll memorabilia like instruments and autographed artifacts from greats such as Elvis Presley and Christina Aguilera. Music lovers will jam to personalized playlists, Fender guitars for in-room jam sessions and iconic vinyl played on classic turntables.

Other in-room amenities include yoga gear and on-demand video instruction.

“Where our casino is located is just a block from Lake Tahoe, the Heavenly Gondola, and great skiing or hiking, depending on the season,” said Kelly Higgins, group sales manager. “We’re close to the best dining and shopping in Lake Tahoe, plus golf courses and spas.”

The Hard Rock Lake Tahoe is the only resort in the area with a pool and has partnered with other area resorts for golfing and spa options. The fitness center offers seasonal yoga classes in addition to fitness center staples like weights and treadmills. The Rock Shop offers rockers signature Hard Rock swag, and dining options are as wide-ranging as a grab-and-go coffee shop and Tahoe’s only raw bar. There are several lounge options, among them a sports bar, a steakhouse, a trendy cocktail lounge and a rustic bar that serves craft beer. Catch headliners, comedy acts and DJs at the resort entertainment venue Vinyl. Beyond the resort walls, there’s nothing on earth like the pristine scenery of Lake Tahoe. Options include hiking, biking, fishing, boating, horseback riding, downhill and cross-country skiing and even hot-air-balloon rides.

H A R DROCKC ASI NOL A K E TA HOE .COM

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BORGATA HOTEL CASINO RESORT

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ATLANTIC CITY, NEW JERSEY

For over-the-top luxury, the Borgata Hotel Casino Resort in Atlantic City won’t disappoint. All gaming needs are covered, from poker tournaments and table games to slots, and guests that favor sports betting will want to spend time in the new $12 million-dollar Moneyline Bar and Book. Partygoers will want to join the revelry at Premier Nightclub, which features world-renowned DJs; lovers of live music will hang out in the tequila lounge Gypsy Bar; and cocktail aficionados will enjoy any of the multiple in-house bars, including Long Bar, Level One Bar and the seasonal Borgata Beer Garden.

“The Borgata is a Vegas-style casino like you’d find on the strip,” said Liza Costandino, director of communications. “We have multiple restaurants run by celebrity chefs like Wolfgang Puck and Bobby Flay; five heated indoor and outdoor pools; Immersion, a two-story spa on the 32nd floor; boutiques; entertainment; and nightlife, in addition to the casino.”

The resort features two spas: The Immersion’s 16 service rooms offer floor-to-ceiling views for travelers to unwind, and Spa Toccare features a pool with gardens and a fitness center. Additional entertainment options can be found at the Music Box, an intimate entertainment setting, or the Event Center, a 30,000-square-foot concert hall. Both venues welcome popular musical acts like Luther Vandross, magic and medium shows, and comedy acts like Steve Martin and Martin Short. At the Comedy Club, the laughs from local comedians run nightly. The resort also features retail outlets, from fine jewelry and clothing to a wine shop and a Borgata-themed gift shop.

THEBORG ATA.COM

BORGATA’S PREMIER NIGHTCLUB Courtesy Borgata

BORGATA IN ATLANTIC CITY HARD ROCK CASINO RESORT IN LAKE TAHOE Courtesy Hard Rock Casino Resort

Courtesy Borgata

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SANTA FE’S TESUQUE CASINO

Courtesy Tesuque Casino

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TESUQUE CASINO

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SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO

Gone are the days of the casino floor being dark and dungeonlike.

Tesuque, Santa Fe’s newest resort, is surrounded by windows that overlook a scenic panoramic vista of the Tesuque Pueblo, which has inspired artists for decades. Local tribes contributed elaborate artwork to the casino and influenced the architecture at the resort. Tribal residents of the modern-day Tesuque Pueblo, where the resort is located, observe traditional holiday ceremonies and celebrations throughout the year, some of which are open to the public.

The gaming floor features 10 tables and 800 slot machines, plus sports betting. The on-site restaurant, the Cottonwood Kitchen, offers a spacious outdoor patio and an exhibition-style kitchen where guests can watch the culinary action.

“We’re the Santa Fe area’s newest casino, just seven minutes from the Plaza,” said Tim Brown, president and CEO of the Pueblo of Tesuque Development Corporation.

“We have live entertainment seven nights a week, and our casino features mountain views. We’re also close to attractions like Meow Wolf and the Santa Fe Opera.”

Tesuque’s accommodations are still being developed, but the resort provides an ondemand and regularly scheduled shuttle service to nearby hotels that are within minutes of the gaming floor. Santa Fe is known for its thriving art scene, its plethora of restaurants, historic churches, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and the annual Indian Market held on the Plaza. Nearby Bandelier National Monument offers beautiful hikes with dwellings and petroglyphs made by the Ancestral Puebloans that lived in the area hundreds of years ago. Within a half-hour drive from the resort, travelers can visit modern-day pueblos, known for their artisan handicrafts.

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Entertainment and excitement await in Atlantic City, including

our world-famous Boardwalk, the ultimate in tax-free shopping, award-winning dining, live entertainment, and great attractions, like the Absescon Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey. Experience an exciting getaway and create a lifetime of memories in Atlantic City.

Atlantic City Expert Heather Colache is available at 609-318-6097 or hcolache@meetac.com to make sure you enjoy Atlantic City as it was meant to be experienced. Call today to book your Atlantic City Experience.

Meet AC received funding through a grant from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism.

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Columbus group tours are designed to be as fun as they are intriguing.

Choose from a variety of guided tours and hands-on experiences, including

a visit to the newly opened National Veterans Memorial and Museum. For your group’s next memorable getaway, visit experiencecolumbus.com/tours.

HELLO FROM TAP’S NEW HEADQUARTERS

T

recently redesigned website, also check the scheduled departures and custom tour ideas. You’ll find everything, at tapintotravel.com.

TAP also continues to provide valuable education to the travel industry.

Join us each week, Tuesdays at 2 p.m. Eastern, to explore new tours and destinations live with a TAP Tour Operator host. These 30-minute webinars are

designed to provide detailed information so that you can understand the tour and how it will fit with your group’s travel desires. Review topics and sign up

at the “webinar” tab at tapintotravel.com. You can also catch these webinars on demand after the live date.

We’re helping you in other ways, too. Are you a travel professional with

ravel Alliance Partners

clients booking on your website? The TAP customized Tour Wrap is for you.

year of delivering diverse

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Partners) from across North America, with a global reach to destinations around the world. Our unique

It’s a great way to increase your global tour offerings by collaborating with adding this marketing tool to your website, you will receive higher commissions and never lose your clients.

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organizational structure is supported by the power of

partnership between TAP Tour Operators, suppliers

and travel buyers. The past year has been exciting as our new management company, Break the Ice Media,

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that are assessed annually to ensure the highest-quality experience for your clients.

The partners continue to bring unique and fresh

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2020 TAP TRAVEL GUIDE

Let Loose with Oklahoma’s Legendary Landmarks on Route 66 Looking for new novelties, nooks and crannies to explore? Guide your group off its usual beaten path to Oklahoma!

Meet Myrtle, a quirky, two-story-tall kachina doll at Elk City’s National Route 66 Museum. Then, wander ‘round the Arcadia Round Barn, a historic icon built in 1898. Next, blast off to Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios to see the space cowboy with a steely gaze.

And what better place to wrap things up than Tulsa’s East Meets West: Symbolic Route 66 Midpoint? Watch the past and present collide through these bronze statues depicting travel — by carriage and car.

Discover attractions, itineraries and more at TravelOK.com/Group.

DARE TO EXPLORE

BRYCE CANYON

BY E LI Z A M Y E R S Courtesy Western Leisure

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A DV EN TU R E SEEK ER S ENJOY THESE TA P ITIN ER A R IES

hen people leave their comfortable routines to step onto a plane, they venture into the unknown. They choose adventure over the everyday to walk through a European castle, stare at a geologic wonder or steer a train.

These bucket-list-worthy tours from Travel Alliance Partners take guests to different cultures, natural treasures and memorable experiences.

The excitement of each comes not from physically daring excursions but from the thrill of exploring some of the world’s most incredible destinations.

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EUROPE’S RIVERS AND CASTLES CUSTOM HOLIDAYS

Custom Holidays travelers step into the pages of a fairy tale on the company’s Europe’s River and Castles luxury river tour.

Groups will sail past castle after castle on a river cruise with partner AmaWaterways. The cruise journeys along the Rhine, Main and Moselle rivers past medieval European towns in Germany, France and Luxembourg, each with its own character, cuisine and scenery. Guests can immerse themselves in every stop, with plenty of time in port to relax or choose from several planned excursions.

Those wanting an active vacation can book bike rides at most stops.

Historic walking tours also reveal the history and heart of each destination.

Customers report that their favorite day involves sailing on the Rhine Gorge. The trip’s cruise director hands every passenger a map and points our approximately 15 castles along the way, some close to the boat.

Passengers can also opt for gondola ride over the vineyards of Rudesheim to the Niederwald Monument. After admiring the imposing statue, participants sample local wines and enjoy the stunning scenery.

During the Germany portion of the cruise, groups also learn the art of pretzel-making in Wertheim, sample Cochem’s famous mustard and discover the country’s ancient Roman past in Trier.

2020 TAP TRAVEL GUIDE

CALGARY STAMPEDE DENURE TOURS

A CLIFFSIDE MONASTERY IN GREECE

Courtesy Ed-Ventures

INCREDIBLE COPPER CANYON OF MEXICO FANCY-FREE HOLIDAYS

With snow-capped mountain peaks rising 8,000 feet above a tropical canyon floor, Mexico’s Copper Canyon is one of the largest canyons in North America. The gorgeous sight takes visitors’ breath away on FancyFree Holidays’ Incredible Copper Canyon of Mexico tour.

After a cruise on the Sea of Cortez and a stop at a pearl farm, groups arrive in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains at Alamos. Declared a National Historic Landmark, the town preserves its cobblestone streets and Spanish Colonial mansions. Dinner with traditional music, dancing and costumes introduces guests to the local culture.

After exploring Alamos, groups board the Copper Canyon Railroad for a journey known as the “train ride in the sky.” The train provides the only access to Copper Canyon’s untouched wilderness. The dramatic railway travels through 86 tunnels and more than 37 trestles.

Once groups arrive at Posada Barrancas, they watch a presentation on the culture of the Tarahumara indigenous group to learn about the seminomadic cliff dwellers who still call the area home.

The Copper Canyon Aerial Tramway descends into the canyon for unparalleled views. Travelers choose between hiking, horseback riding or simply relaxing, with great views of the canyon.

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Groups take home an authentic cowboy hat and memories of one of the world’s most famous events on DeNure Tours’ Calgary Stampede tour. The Canadian rodeo event features thrilling competitions such as the GMC Rangeland Derby, where 36 chuck-wagon drivers and 216 horses race for $1 million in prize money.

Onlookers stay on the edge of their seats watching the bold and skilled riders compete in barrel racing, bareback riding, tie-down roping and steer wrestling. Acrobatic dancing, musical performances and fireworks also add to the celebration.

Groups watch everything unfold from premium seats reserved by DeNure Tours. The tour also includes upclose bleacher seats for the Calgary Stampede Parade, one of the largest parades in the world.

Guests stay at a downtown hotel with easy access to local transportation around Calgary. The 10-day tour goes beyond bucking broncos with sightseeing in Calgary and the region.

On day four, guests venture out to Dinosaur Provincial Park, a rocky landscape that resembles the badlands.

Groups keep watch for birds and wildlife while learning about the dinosaur species that called the habitat home 75 million years ago.

Other excursions include a hike around Lake Louise; a gondola ride in Banff, Alberta; and a tour of Calgary’s Heritage Park Historic Village.

CANYON COUNTRY EXPERIENCE WESTERN LEISURE

Century after century, geological forces formed aweinspiring natural wonders in Utah and northern Arizona.

Because of their proximity, Western Leisure’s Canyon Country Experience visits eight extraordinary national and state parks in seven days.

The tour includes several bucket list destinations like the Grand Canyon National Park, Monument Valley and Arches National Park. Groups begin the trip in Las Vegas before heading to the legendary Grand Canyon National Park. The 1.2 million-acre park offers breathtaking views, wildlife and hiking trails.

From there, groups learn about the area’s Native American culture at the Explore Navajo Interactive Museum. Next, they visit Monument Valley, with an iconic landscape made famous by its appearance in scores of famous films and television shows. The evening ends with a presentation on Navajo culture, food and entertainment.

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A CANAL IN CORINTH

GERMANY’S COCHEM CASTLE

Groups then visit Arches National Park before taking a Sunset Jet Boat Ride on the Colorado River past red rock canyons. The tour stops for lunch next to ancient petroglyphs at Capitol Reef National Park before arriving at Bryce Canyon.

A tour of the unusual rock formations of Bryce Canyon is followed by time to explore Zion Canyon’s waterfalls and sheer red cliffs.

GREECE: IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF PAUL ED-VENTURES

Courtesy AMA Waterways

EXPLORING A GERMAN VILLAGE Courtesy AMA Waterways

Courtesy Ed-Ventures

To escape religious persecution, monks in 14th-century Greece climbed to heights where few would follow. They built monasteries in cliffside caves and other high places in Meteora. Groups visit these historic monasteries perched precariously on gray rock pinnacles on Ed-Ventures’ tour Greece: In the Footsteps of Paul.

The religious-themed tour will run as a custom departure in 2020 but can be repeated and altered by other groups. The tour follows the apostle Paul’s journey through Greece by stopping in various cities Paul visited while also including Greece’s other historic attractions.

Groups first explore Kavala, where Paul first landed in Europe. The tour includes stops at other places where he preached in Thessaloniki, Veria and Athens’ Mars Hill.

Historic churches also play a prominent role in the trip. For example, a walk through St. Demetrios Church in Thessaloniki showcases the church’s valuable mosaics and frescoes.

After the monasteries at Meteora, groups begin a three-day cruise of the Aegean Islands. Picture-perfect beauty captivates visitors at stops in Mykonos, Crete and Santorini.

A final visit to Athens allows guests to see the ruins of the Parthenon, the House of Parliament, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first Olympics were held.

#1 Scenic Train Ride!

Season runs Memorial Day weekend to mid-Oct Departs Antonito, CO and Chama, NM daily at 10:00am Group Pricing Available 1-877-890-2737 ~ www.cumbrestoltec.com/groups 32

2020 TAP TRAVEL GUIDE

A PERFECT STOP FOR THOSE HUNGRY FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT.

COPPER CANYON RAILROAD

VIKING

GROUP DINNERS

BIG LOST MEADERY & BREWERY

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DURHAM BUFFALO RANCH

From Thundering Herds to Plundering Hordes, Gillette, Wyoming has plenty to offer.

Photos courtesy Fancy-Free Holidays

TARAHUMARA VENDORS

MEXICO’S COPPER CANYON

THE FOODIE BUFFALO RANCH TOURS EXPERIENCE

OVER 70 RESTAURANTS

COAL MINE & MUSEUM TOURS

WORKING COAL MINE & GREAT MUSEUMS

Location, location, location. And food.

Just an hour from Devils Tower between Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone, Gillette and Wright are a dream stop-over destination for any motor coach tour. If you’re not licking your chops yet, we’re a regional up-and-coming food destination with gourmet food and drink to fuel your guests through their whole trip.

JUST AN HOUR FROM THE TOWER! For assistance with booking a tour contact:

Campbell County Convention & Visitors Bureau

Jessica Seders, Executive Director • jessica@visitgillettewright.com Christen Burette, DMO Sales Manager • christen@visitgillettewright.com 1810 S. Douglas Highway, Suite A • Gillette, WY 82718 • 800-544-6136 • 307-686-0040 visitgillettewright.com • www.facebook.com/VisitGilletteWright

SEE ALL THE TOURS, ACTIVITIES & DINING OPTIONS AT

VISITGILLETTE.COM 33

CANYON COUNTRY EXPERIENCE CALGARY STAMPEDE

Everyone remembers their first time driving a car, and their first time driving a train can be just as thrilling. Participants on Leisure West Tours and Cruises’ You Are the Engineer tour in Nevada operate a steam locomotive for an adrenaline-filled experience.

With one hand on the throttle and the other hand on the whistle, groups take turns controlling a powerful 19th-century locomotive. Participants feel the heat of the coal-banked fire and watch the steam fill up the sky as they operate the train.

Groups also take charge of a diesel locomotive for the sounds of steelon-steel and panoramic views on the Nevada Northern Railway.

The authentic experience requires participants to read the Nevada Northern Railway Train Service Rule Book and pass an open-book exam.

Groups divide up so everyone who qualifies takes turns driving either the steam or diesel locomotive. While one part of the group is guiding a train, the other will explore the rail yards on speeder cars or wander through the historic towns of Ely and McGill. The next day, the groups switch so that each participant gets a chance to drive both the diesel and the steam locomotives.

Courtesy Western Leisure

ARCHES NATIONAL PARK Courtesy Western Leisure

YOU ARE THE RAILROAD ENGINEER: THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE LEISURE WEST TOURS AND CRUISES

Courtesy Calgary Tourism

Peace of mind while traveling, don’t we all want that?

A HISTORIC STEAM ENGINE IN NEVADA

Travel should be fun and relaxing. But what if something happens... what if you or a family member becomes sick, your bags are lost or stolen or you need to cancel a trip due to an emergency? Keep in mind that your personal medical insurance provides little or no coverage while traveling abroad. On your next trip, protect yourself from the unforeseen with travel protection from Trip Mate.

A RAILROAD ENGINEER EXPERIENCE

Contact to your favorite travel professional for more information: 1.800.888.0432 • clientrelations@tripmate.com • tripmate.com

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Courtesy Leisure West Tours & Cruises

2020 TAP TRAVEL GUIDE

Historic Central High School, Little Rock

Garvan Woodland Gardens, Hot Springs

Bathhouse Row, Hot Springs

The Old Mill, North Little Rock

Clinton Presidential Center, Little Rock

COME FIND YOUR ARKANSAS

ArkansasGroupTravel.com

STREET SMART TRAVEL

A PICTURESQUE IRISH WATERFRONT

BY E LI Z A M Y E R S

F

rom a walk through an above-ground cemetery to an after-hours tour of a palace, city tours with Travel Alliance Partners tour operators fascinate guests. These itineraries go beyond the generic for a well-rounded look at each destination.

Groups can explore iconic cities that vary in size but retain their own distinct cultures, attractions and charm with these TAP tours.

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TA P MEMBER S OFFER INSIDER V IEWS OF CITIES HGTV’S FIXER-UPPER TOUR ADVANCE TOUR AND TRAVEL

Even before their marriage, Chip and Joanna Gaines felt an itch to remodel houses. By the time HGTV came knocking to make a reality show, they had renovated enough homes to have developed their farmhouse-chic style, which became incredibly influential in home design.

“Fixer Upper” was an instant hit when it aired in 2013. Advance Tour and Travel’s trip HGTV’s Fixer Upper Tour showcases the places featured in the home renovation program as well as other top attractions around Waco, Texas.

The first day of the tour starts with Spice Village, an eclectic shopping experience. Shoppers can wander through 30,000 square feet of more than 60 local shops that offer a wide variety of items.

The next day, participants depart on a driving tour of Waco past houses, shops and other sites featured in “Fixer Upper.” The tour ends at Gaines’ Magnolia Silos store for lunch and time to shop.

Participants can choose to head out on their own or to antique shop with the group at LaSalle Shoppes. Everyone meets for dinner at Vitek’s BBQ , a local favorite Texas barbecue restaurant that has appeared several times on “Fixer Upper.”

The April tour includes the Rootstock Wine Festival and a VIP dinner on the historic Waco Suspension Bridge. Groups can customize the four-day tour to add a tour of Dallas.

2020 TAP TRAVEL GUIDE

A HISTORIC CHURCH IN IRELAND

Photos courtesy Sports Travel & Tours

CAPITALS OF CENTRAL EUROPE IMAGE TOURS

Groups have exclusive experiences at the Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna, as they arrive after hours, without the crowds. During private tours, local guides share the history of the place, then give visitors time to wander on their own.

Travelers immerse themselves in palace life on Image Tours’ 16-day Capitals of Central Europe tour. History and modern culture blend together during five two-night stays in Old World Europe’s imperial capitals at Berlin; Vienna; Budapest, Hungary; Bratislava, Slovakia; and Prague.

At each capital, groups discover the city with an overview tour from a local guide, then get to choose whether to continue exploring on their own or join in on optional guided activities.

One of the most memorable of these optional tours is one to AuschwitzBirkenau, Poland. Though sobering, this Holocaust site stays with visitors because of its emotional and historical significance.

In Budapest, groups can join the trip to the city’s Parliament for insight into Hungary’s history and government. That evening, the optional Danube Dinner Cruise showcases the Budapest skyline.

Other possible tours include a trip into the Krakow Salt Mines, a full-day excursion to Melk Abbey and a Czech Folklore Show and Dinner in Prague.

BEST OF THE BIG EASY JOY TOUR AND TRAVEL

Live Cajun music welcomes guests to New Orleans on Joy Tour and Travel’s tour The Best of the Big Easy. The custom tour’s first dinner showcases music and Cajun food at Mulate’s for a lively evening.

Groups learn the history of the intriguing city on a tour of the Garden

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District, St. Charles Avenue and the St. Louis Cemetery, the oldest above-ground cemetery in New Orleans.

Next, guests walk into a world of color and sparkle at Mardi Gras World. Guides discuss the history of the parade, show various floats and teach groups how to make their own Mardi Gras masks.

A horse-drawn carriage turns back time for a guided tour of the French Quarter. The history continues at Oak Alley Plantation, a sugarcane plantation with well-kept grounds, self-guided exhibits and an imposing 1839 main house. Afterward, the wilder side of New Orleans comes out on a private swamp boat tour.

The next day’s activity is often voted as the favorite stop. The National World War II Museum tells the story of America’s war experience with interactive features and oral histories. BB’s Stage Door Canteen lunch and USO-type show uses songs and dances from the war era.

A steamboat ride down the Mississippi River ends the day with style.

MAKING MUSIC IN NASHVILLE: THEN AND NOW ON MUSIC ROW LET’S GO TRAVELIN’

Music is everywhere in Nashville, Tennessee. Songs spill out from restaurants, bars and even some museums for a toe-tapping experience.

Groups can feel the musical heartbeat of the city on Let’s Go Travelin’s tour Making Music in Nashville: Then and Now on Music Row. The custom trip follows the city’s growth into one of the world’s most musical cities.

Over 100 recording industry businesses still line the streets in the city’s historic area. Guests can see the places that shaped the early careers of pop artists like Neil Young and contemporary Christian artists like Amy Grant.

Even recent stars like Garth Brooks and Taylor Swift have ties to Nashville.

The tour explores Music Row at historic sites, such as RCA’s famed Studio B and Studio A. Nearby, the Country Music Hall of Fame highlights country music’s roots, stars and techniques. Groups can even record their own musical renditions at one of the site’s interactive exhibits.

NAVY VS. NOTRE DAME IN DUBLIN, IRELAND SPORTS TRAVEL AND TOURS

The longest continuous intersectional rivalry in college football is coming to the Emerald Isle on August 29, 2020. Groups can watch this exciting sports spectacle on Sports Travel and Tours’ eight-day Navy vs. Notre Dame in Dublin tour.

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Dublin’s Aviva Stadium will host the 94th match. The teams previously played in Dublin in 2012, when more than 35,000 people came from the United States to watch college football and witness the beauty of Ireland. The success of the earlier event led officials to choose Dublin again as a host city for 2020.

The guaranteed departure tour highlights the football game while also incorporating some of Ireland’s most stunning destinations and culturally significant sites. Groups spend two full days in Dublin touring the capital city’s major attractions, such as the Georgian Squares, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Phoenix Park and Trinity College.

Before the big game, participants explore the Guinness Brewery, founded in 1759. Visitors finish the tour sipping on a pint of Guinness while looking over the city at a 360-degree rooftop bar.

After the game, groups discover Ireland’s cultural treasures at the Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle, the Dingle Peninsula, the Cliffs of Moher and Galway City.

BOURBON STREET IN NEW ORLEANS Courtesy Joy Tour & Travel

MARDI GRAS MASKS

Courtesy Joy Tour & Travel

CHARLESTON AND SAVANNAH: SPRINGTIME IN THE OLD SOUTH SHENANDOAH TOURS EXPLORING KRAKOW

Courtesy Image Tours

The fragrance of magnolia and hibiscus fills the air on Shenandoah Tours’ Charleston and Savannah: Springtime in the Old South. Garden blossoms deck the two cities in color every April, making it a great time to visit.

www.kingscastletheatre.com | (417)334-2500 | 2701 W. 76 Country Boulevard | Branson, MO 65616 Group Sales Director - Dawn Formo: 843-626-7645 | dawn@spiritshowsusa.com

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2020 TAP TRAVEL GUIDE

Groups begin their five-day tour on a horse-drawn-carriage ride through the oak-lined streets of Charleston, South Carolina.

Architecturally significant churches and homes remain immaculately preserved throughout downtown.

Lunch and shopping at the old City Market builds in time to wander before groups head out to the Charleston Tea Plantation.

Participants explore the tea fields while learning how tea became ingrained in Southern culture.

Moss-laden trees, antebellum homes and museums fill the next day’s tour of Savannah, Georgia. An informative trolley ride rolls past the major attractions, such as the Juliette Gordon Low House, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and the Cotton Exchange.

Lunch at the Pirates’ House adds some fun before guests board the Savannah Queen Riverboat for striking waterfront views.

Afterward, groups troll the waterfront’s cobblestone streets for shopping, art galleries and restaurants. The tour ends with a day of gardens and history at Middleton Place plantation and Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.

MAGNOLIA MARKET IN WACO

Courtesy AdVance Tour & Travel

N I o S n i Only Mesa,

e c n e i r e p x E hen c t i K e v i t a A Collabor de for a m s l a ive me d and e r a Exclus p e r oup, p you. f your gr o t n o n fr plated i

Courtesy Shenandoah Tours

CHARLESTON’S BATTERY NEIGHBORHOOD

Contact Todd Read for custom group itineraries at (812) 280-8082 or Todd@GoSoIN.com

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GoSoIN.com | @GoSoIN

TASTE THE

DIFFERENCE

A LOW COUNTRY PAELLA

BY E LI Z A M Y E R S

Courtesy Wade Tours

F

TA P-DESIGN ED ITIN ER A R IES STA RT W ITH LOC A L FAVOR ITES

ood can tell you a lot about a place.

Museums and driving tours are wonderful, but there’s no travel experience more personal and impactive than getting to know a destination by sampling its signature cuisine.

On these Travel Alliance Partners tours, guests can discover the incredible culture and history of each region by dining on famously delicious food.

PHILLY FOOD TOUR ALL AMERICAN TOURS

When Italians ventured to Philadelphia in the late 19th century, the immigrant community began to miss their homeland’s cuisine. In response, shops to cater to the new population quickly opened on Ninth Street.

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Guests can taste the city’s Italian flavors on All American Tours’ oneday Philly Food Tour. The guaranteed departure trip explores the Italian Market and its more than 100-year history. A local guide walks groups through the market, where they can shop for a variety of fresh foods.

South Philly is considered a foodie paradise not only for its Italian roots, but also for its history of outstanding comfort food. Groups can sample some of the area’s hot spots at iconic restaurants like DiBruno Brothers, Fante’s Kitchen Shop and Anthony’s Chocolate House.

Participants can choose their own culinary adventure during a lunch on their own at Reading Terminal Market. The 114-year-old institution remains a vibrant public market with more than 75 independent businesses.

Groups can opt for a cheesesteak, a hoagie or another Philly favorite.

Afterward, visitors can walk through the 40-foot-high Chinese Friendship Gate at the entrance to Philadelphia’s Chinatown neighborhood. Groups can tour a fortune cookie factory to learn how the ubiquitous snack originated.

NEW YEAR’S IN VIEUX CARRE TALBOT TOURS

Guests can enjoy a Cajun buffet lunch in a 19th-century plantation cottage on Talbot Tours’ New Year’s in Vieux Carre trip. The tour explores the long-heralded New Orleans cuisine with stops in the city and the surrounding scenic plantations.

2020 TAP TRAVEL GUIDE

TAORMINA, SICILY

market and the Duomo, which comprises a Benedictine abbey, the Royal Palace and spellbinding mosaics. Next, groups wander through Erice, a charming medieval town where groups sample almond pastries.

Lunch in a salt museum, wine tasting in Marsala and lunch in a local farmhouse also entertain before visitors arrive at Taormina, one of the most popular towns in Sicily. Guides lead a walking tour of the town’s narrow streets past the ancient Greek Theatre, boutique shops and small restaurants. There are plenty of opportunities for gelato treats along the way.

From there, groups discover Siracusa’s Baroque buildings, Catania’s fish market and Mount Etna’s active volcano.

ALL THINGS CRABBY: MARYLAND’S DINERS AND DIVES MID ATLANTIC RECEPTIVE SERVICES

Groups begin the four-day tour at a quintessential Southern plantation: Oak Alley. After admiring the site’s alley of 300-year-old oak trees and mansion, guests can dine in the plantation’s cottage on a selection of Cajun and Creole dishes.

Participants spend New Year’s Eve at a gala in the Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel. Music, dancing, cocktails and scrumptious food carries travelers into the new year.

On New Year’s Day, the group meanders through the French Quarter.

An optional hop-on/hop-off tour takes guests to the area’s main highlights.

The third day offers groups a choice between a tour of the National World War II Museum and Pontoon Bayou Swamp Tour or the New Orleans School of Cooking and Mardi Gras World.

For those who want to bring home the skills to prepare their own New Orleans-style meal, the New Orleans School of Cooking presents a culinary demonstration with lunch.

The tour ends with a farewell dinner at one of the city’s finest restaurants: Arnaud’s.

Mid Atlantic Receptive Services offers Maryland’s culinary highlights and hidden gems on the seven-day tour All Things Crabby: Maryland’s Diners and Dives.

The tour begins in Baltimore, recently known as the location for the television show “Charm City Cakes.”

Groups start with a meat course at Chap’s Pit Beef, which originally opened in a compact shack. More than 20 years later, the restaurant attracts customers and frequent features in food-themed shows like “Man v. Food.”

The tour also includes Cross Street Market shopping, Baltimore’s Little Italy, the National Aquarium and a progressive meal in an eclectic Baltimore neighborhood.

The rest of the trip travels along Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

St. Michaels’ Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum highlights the area’s rich oyster- and crab-collecting history. On a boat cruise, passengers experience the crabbing culture themselves by grabbing a pot and catching crabs with a captain.

In Crisfield, visitors sample cake, cruise around Tangier Island and dine on a typical Eastern Shore lunch at Hilda Crockett’s. After a crab processing tour, the trip culminates with a meal at the Red Roost, listed as one of the largest crab houses in the region.

DELICIOUS SICILY DURGAN TRAVEL SERVICE

SOUTHERN PORCHES WADE TOURS

Life moves a little more slowly in Italy, which means people take more time for excellent food. Groups can delight in Italy’s heavenly meals on Durgan Travel Service’s nine-day Delicious Sicily tour.

Sicily has the highest value of travel in Italy because the cost is low, but the quality of food is legendary. Since the agriculture-based economy of Italy has linked Sicily’s cuisine with its history, the tour combines both for a satisfying experience. Diners enjoy healthful farm-to-table meals filled with fresh fish, meats and pasta.

The trip begins in Palermo for a stroll through the city’s well-known food

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Winding antebellum streets, moss-draped live oaks and cuisine that melts in the mouth entice visitors to join Wade Tours’ Southern Porches tour. The seven-day itinerary invites groups to experience the hospitality and authenticity of life along South Carolina and Georgia’s coast.

Guests stay in Beaufort, South Carolina, the secondoldest city in the state. The tour’s convertible minibus ensures 360-degree views and access to the area’s backroads. The vehicle uses a retractable roof when off the

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CULINARY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA

Courtesy Twin Travel Concepts

NEW ORLEANS

A CHEESESTEAK IN PHILADELPHIA Courtesy EAM Creative

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Courtesy Talbot Tours & Cruises

main roads so riders can smell the salty tidal air and feel the fresh breezes.

Beachcombing, ecotours and a lowcountry shrimp boil introduce participants to the area. At the Sea Island Center, a local storyteller interprets the region’s history.

To get an appreciation for South Carolina’s shrimping culture, groups visit shrimp docks, where a local shrimper demonstrates how to catch shrimp. The docks served as a filming location for the film “Forrest Gump.”

Once in Savannah, Georgia, a 90-minute driving tour showcases the town’s church steeples, Spanish moss and historic district. Other highlights include playing cricket at the Estate of Noble Jones, exploring the Port Royal Sound Foundation Maritime Center, riding in a horse-drawn carriage in Beaufort and searching for wildlife on Captain Dick’s Beaufort River Tour and Dolphin Watch.

FROM ROCKWELL TO ROCKEFELLER: ART, FOOD AND HISTORY TWIN TRAVEL CONCEPTS

The Hudson Valley and Berkshire Mountains in New York and Massachusetts feature prominently in American history. From the area’s opulent Gilded Age mansions to quintessential New England towns, a wide range of history and culinary delights await on Twin

2020 TAP TRAVEL GUIDE

Travel Concepts’ five-day tour From Rockwell to Rockefeller: Art, Food and History.

The trip begins with a tour of Kykuit, a Rockefeller estate along the Hudson River known for its remarkable gardens, art and history.

After a stop at the U.S. Military History Museum at West Point, guests return to elegant surroundings for a dinner at Rhinecliff Restaurant.

Along with dinner, Oliver Kita, a master chocolatier, presents diners with a special chocolate tasting.

The history lessons continue at the Vanderbilt Mansion and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. Guests end the day dining on a meal prepared by the great American chefs of tomorrow at the Culinary Institute of America.

At the Norman Rockwell Museum, visitors gaze at the world’s largest collection of Rockwell’s art. An in-depth tour gives visitors an overview of the famous illustrator’s life and inspiration.

On a day wandering through Massachusetts’ Berkshire Mountains, guests tour the Hancock Shaker Village for a look at a simpler lifestyle.

Interested groups can book a traditional Shaker dinner for a memorable experience.

AN AERIAL VIEW OF CHARLESTON

FRIED SEAFOOD IN THE SOUTH

A BLUE HERON IN SOUTH CAROLINA

Photos courtesy Wade Tours

hello

Huntsville, Alabama | huntsville.org

Get ready for your adventure in the Rocket City!

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CREATURE COMFORTS

AN ATLANTIC PUFFIN IN NEWFOUNDLAND

BY E LI Z A M Y E R S

F

TA P COM PA N IES OFFER GLOBA L A DV EN TU R ES

rom enormous polar bears to tiny, adorable puffins, wildlife encounters run the gamut. But no matter the animal’s size, the same excited hush quiets the group every time someone spots a new species on a wildlife tour.

Groups can travel in comfort to see polar bears, African lions, sandhill cranes, buffalos, puffins and more on these fauna-focused tours from Travel Alliance Partners.

ness this boldness as the animals sometimes come right next to tundra vehicles to peek inside.

The six-day Ultimate Polar Bear Adventure with Anderson Vacations explores Churchill, the polar bear capital of the world, for chances to look these massive creatures in the eye. Safe inside vehicles custom-made for the Arctic, groups can watch the bears waiting for the winter icepack to freeze on the Hudson Bay. The tour also explores the area at various historic sites such as Cape Merry. To feel one with the snowy scenery, groups ride on a two-mile dog sled excursion. If there is no snow, the dogs pull the sled on wheels.

Inside a warm tent, guests sample local berry jam, bannock and hot chocolate as they hear entertaining stories about the dogs.

All tours keep an eye out for the northern lights, since the night light show appears about 300 out of 365 days a year in Churchill. Groups end the tour in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

ULTIMATE POLAR BEAR ADVENTURE ANDERSON VACATIONS

CUSTER STATE PARK BUFFALO ROUNDUP SHEBBY LEE TOURS

Most wildlife tours try to sneak up on shy animals. Polar bears’ spot at the top of the food chain ensures a certain amount of confidence in their demeanor. In Churchill, Manitoba, groups can wit-

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American bison stand taller than most cars and weigh up to 2,000 pounds. Groups can feel the ground rumble from 1,200 buffalos running at the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup with Shebby Lee Tours.

The six-day trip features the yearly South Dakota event, which the American

2020 TAP TRAVEL GUIDE

FISHING SHEDS ON NEWFOUNDLAND’S AVALON PENINSULA

E xplore the Laurel Highlands and

tour four Frank Lloyd Wright creations, including his masterpiece, Fallingwater®, a newly inscribed UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Photos courtesy Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism

Bus Association awarded “Top Event” in 2015. The trip allows groups to watch cowboys and cowgirls brand, sort and vaccinate these magnificent beasts.

The tour also explores the area’s other highlights, such as Rapid City’s downtown, Deadwood’s gaming establishments and the historic 1880 Steam Train featured in many Hollywood films. The Buffalo Roundup Arts Festival offers entertainment, arts, crafts and buffalo burgers.

At the Crazy Horse Memorial, guests learn about the unfinished mountain carving dedicated to Native Americans. Groups also stand in front of the iconic Mount Rushmore for a day visit and evening lighting ceremony.

The tour ends at the Badlands National Park. The otherworldly landscape inspired early explorers to describe the lands as “hell with the fires burned out.” The worldfamous Wall Drug also provides a memorable shopping stop.

Visit us online for itinerary ideas, planning resources, and more at laurelhighlands.org or contact:

STACEY MAGDA Director of Tourism Development 724-238-5661 x111

TANZANIA AND THE GREAT MIGRATION SAFARI CTN TRAVELS

Groups can feel like they have walked on the set of a wildlife documentary on CTN Travels’ Tanzania and the Great Migration Safari. The game drive runs from December to early March as thousands of migrating wildebeests, Cape buffaloes and zebras gather in a spectacle not found anywhere else on the planet.

Safari rides come close to animals in their native environment. Elephants sometimes chase vehicles, and sightings of the Big Five game animals are common.

The 12-day tour starts in Lake Manyara National Park, where guests can enjoy views of the Great Rift Valley from their lodge. The area also preserves the Olduvai Gorge, where the remains of early prehistoric man and the oldest known human footprints were discovered.

Groups then enter the Serengeti for the wildlife migrations. Optional hot air balloons allow visitors to see sweeping views of the impressive wildlife event. A visit to the local Masai village reveals the local culture of the area.

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At the Ngorogoro Crater, guests see some of Africa’s most stunning wildlife havens. Visitors can relax at a hotel with views of the steep crater rim.

The day after arriving, groups descend more than 2,000 feet to the floor of the crater’s extinct volcano. The excursion normally includes wildlife sightings of pink flamingos and the Big Five. Tours of a local school, farm and coffee plantation show the human side of the region.

WINGS OF WILLCOX AND TUCSON ADVENTURE SOUTHWEST ADVENTURE TOURS

Tens of thousands of sandhill cranes fill the skies each winter in Willcox, Arizona. Southwest Adventure Tours’ Wings of Willcox and Tucson Adventure lets groups witness these majestic birds fill the skies with their six-foot wingspans and trumpeting calls.

Courtesy CTN Travels The tour focuses not only on the graceful birds but on the other ecological and cultural treasures in the area as well. Ornithologists consider southern Arizona one of the prime bird-watching areas of the United States because of its mix of species from the United States and Mexico.

Scenery also varies from rugged deserts to looming mountains over the course of the seven-day trip.

The trip runs in the winter for the sandhill and other bird migrations, such as hawks. Professional wildlife photographers and wildlife biologists PETROGLYPHS will accompany the group, which the tour operator limits in size so the IN ARIZONA SANDHILL CRANES ratio of guides to guests is 10 to 1.

The tour begins in Tucson, Arizona, with a visit to the Pima Air and Space Museum’s 350 historical aircraft. Participants also visit Tucson’s Courtesy Southwest Adventure Tours Courtesy Southwest Adventure Tours Aircraft Boneyard, Old Tucson Movie Studios and Adventure Park, and Mission San Xavier del Bac, and explore the outdoors at the area’s Saguaro National Park and Sonoran Desert Museum.

M Y R T L E B E A C H O C E A N F R O N T Groups learn the true story about the gunfight at the OK Corral on their trip to Tombstone, along with other Tombstone historic sites. The tour offers plenty of chances to admire the sandhill cranes, including at one site where participants can photograph the birds with the Dragoon Mountains as Voted most accommodating by tour groups. “Best in Hospitality” by Myrtle Beach Hospitality a backdrop.

ZEBRA AND WILDEBEEST HERDS IN TANZANIA

Top Ranked by TRipadvisoR.com

Association. Featuring 6 oceanfront pools (with hot tubs and heated pools), fitness center, and complimentary Hampton “On the House” hot breakfast buffet.

• Group rate: 10 rooms or more • Complimentary room (1 per 20 paid rooms; not available June 1st – September 9th) • Complimentary motorcoach parking • Luggage handling available • Dinner & Show packages available

www.Hampton.com or call 877-946-6400 and ask for our Sales Department 1801 South Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577/843-946-6400

60934-Hampton Inn Group Travel Leader Buyers Guide.indd 1

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CIRCLE NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR ATLANTIC TOURS

Three separate boat excursions serve as cornerstones of Atlantic Tours’ 13-day Circle Newfoundland and Labrador itinerary. On each, groups encounters a different element of Newfoundland and Labrador: whales and icebergs at St. Anthony, picturesque scenery at Gros Morne National Park and puffins at Bay Bulls.

For many visitors, the delightfully cute puffins stand out in the captivating tour. Only eight inches tall, the shore birds perch on cliff tops and bob on the water’s surface, much to travelers’ delight.

Whales, moose, caribous and other wildlife also endear guests to Newfoundland and Labrador,

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2020 TAP TRAVEL GUIDE

known for both their pristine wildernesses and hospitable people. The Canadian province has been called a mix of Irish culture and Alaskan natural beauty.

The trip embraces both sides of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Participants discover three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, Red Bay National Historic Site and Gros Morne National Park. Groups also visit Gander, the town that served as the basis for the hit Broadway show “Come From Away.”

On a tour of the quaint, historic town of Bonavista, groups discover the history of the town and learn about the difficulties encountered by lightkeepers at Cape Bonavista Lighthouse Provincial Historic Site.

The old seaport of St. John’s intrigues guests as North America’s oldest city and Newfoundland’s capital. Engaging city tours point out the town’s Victorian architecture, dramatic granite cliffs and panoramic view from Signal Hill.

Atlantic Tours offers 12 guaranteed departures in 2020, with more options as a custom tour that can be combined with trips to New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

A POLAR BEAR EXPEDITION IN MANITOBA Courtesy Lazy Bear Lodge

POLAR BEARS ON HUDSON BAY

WHALE WATCHING IN ATLANTIC CANADA

Courtesy Lazy Bear Lodge Courtesy Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism

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TRAVEL ALLIANCE PARTNERS We are a full-service receptive tour operator for the Midwest, and a custom tour planning operator for all the US and Canada. Our specialty is customizing that one of a kind, off the beaten path, outside the box itinerary that is exclusive to only your group. We try to AdVance beyond the ordinary from traditional group travel! Each itinerary we write is hand-crafted to best fit the specific needs of your group.

ADVANCETOURANDTRAVEL.COM

Canada’s premier tour operator of FIT, Escorted and Custom touring in Canada, Western US, Australia and New Zealand. Our Classic Tours incorporate all the popular destinations, attractions, and sites, while our Tours of Distinction features unique “off-the-beaten-track” destinations with immersive experiences for smaller groups.

ANDERSONVACATIONS.CA

From pre-planned, hosted, group motorcoach tours across the United States, to air, rail, and cruise tours, we help you to fulfill your dreams, to discover, and explore the world. A multitude of hosted, high quality group tours are offered annually ranging from one-day tours to multi-day adventures designed with exciting and unique attractions, great dining opportunities, and a friendly atmosphere.

TRAILWAYSTRAVEL.COM CTN Travels is a tour operator specializing in custom group tours. Our primary maket is bank travel clubs with a focus on senior and boomer travelers. Destinations are domestic and international.

We market to about 500 banks nationally. CTN Travels offers inbound receptive services to most all southern states.

CTNTRAVELS.COM

A Canadian owned and operated tour company that also owns a fleet of deluxe motorcoaches. For almost 60 years, we have been seeking out unique travel experiences in destinations throughout North America, Britain and Europe, and we have recently introduced some exotic destinations in Asia! All vacations feature a kaleidoscope of experiences designed to offer our guests a fun time with like-minded people.

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We operate the perfect all-inclusive tour packages and will serve your groups from our sales offices in NY, PA, GA, MO and TX. Our collection of domestic motorcoach tours are affordable and include 3,4 & 5-star lodging, attractions, meals and a full-time local guide.

These carefully planned itineraries have been tried and tested by satisfied groups for many years.

ALLAMERICANTOURS.US

We are Atlantic Canada’s most comprehensive tour operator. Our products include custom designed group programs; guaranteed departures; step-on-guides; cruise shore excursions; motorcoach and daily sightseeing tours. Core touring products include escorted vacations of the Maritimes and Newfoundland & Labrador while also operating tours throughout Canada, the USA and overseas.

ATLANTICTOURS.COM We specialize in tours of the Southwest and Mexico. We have an exciting lineup of new and unique multiple day tours, as well as individual, group and custom tours to thrill and delight the most discriminating traveler.

Our tours to Puerto Peñasco in Sonora are extremely popular and the most creative tour of the year award was awarded to us in Paris by the Gray Line Association for our “Border Crisis, Fact and Fiction.”

GRAYLINEARIZONA.COM Custom Holidays serves all of southeasten Michigan with local and long distance tours. We offer personalized service coupled with the best available components of a tour to make it cost effective for the individual. As a small tour operation, we give our clients very personalized service and we have a good number of repeat travelers.

CUSTOMHOLIDAYSONLINE.COM We are an award-winning European tour operator. We can customize a group’s tour to meet exact specifications and have a full slate of mostly or all-inclusive regional European vacations to choose from as well. Most domestic group and retail sales are through TAP Partners.

DURGANTRAVEL.COM 2020 TAP TRAVEL GUIDE

W W W.TA P I N T O T R AV E L .C O M We specialize in customized group tours to 6 continents. If you can describe your international tour, we can put it together for you. Our staff speaks several languages and have over 100 years of combined tour planning experience. We are a leading source of faith-based tours, events, and pilgrimages. We look forward to making travel dreams a reality!

ED-VENTURES.COM

Image Tours is an escorted Europe specialist and has been offering tours in Europe since 1939. Image Tours offers their signature 15day HEART OF EUROPE® tour. This is an excellent panoramic view of Europe for first time travelers as well as past travelers to Europe.

Image Tours is dedicated to the mantra of “Superior Value with a Personal Touch.”

IMAGETOURS.COM We arrange travel packages for groups, offer receptive services, and provide tour guides for Colorado and the Southwest.

Experiential tours for birding and geology have been two of our most popular. We custom-design tours for general sightseeing, high adventure, Railroads, geology, Eco-tours, agri-tours, and just about any other special interests.

With over 100 years of combined tour and travel experience, we offer outstanding travel experiences to the most sought-after destinations. Our itineraries give time to enjoy a vacation at a leisurely pace.

We provide first-class accommodations, many meals, quality attractions. Our customers continue to travel with us year after year. Come along and see for yourself!

FANCYFREEHOLIDAYS.COM We have been fulfilling travel dreams since 1985. Our primary area of expertise is customized group travel for the mature adult market. We desire to develop partnerships with our PPTP’s to create unique, exciting and affordable itineraries for our group travelers. We continue to add adventurous options to our tours as well as culinary experiences and more free time.

JOYTOURS.COM Full service quality and unique customized tours. Specializing in Tennessee and the Southern USA including Texas. We are the most fun and entertaining way to visit the South for a few days or a few weeks. Our Great Musicians and Storytellers will share the stories and their Southern Hospitality for your entire tour or just a few hours or a day. We have a lot of unique experiences to share with you.

LEISUREWESTTOURS.COM

LETSGOTRAVELIN.COM

Since 1985, we have been offering new and innovative itineraries to travelers who are looking for unique, authentic experiences. We want to connect you to new cultures and cuisines, fascinating people and out of the way places. We are dedicated to the idea that tours should go beyond just sightseeing. We believe that it’s all about having an experience that you will never forget and traveling from Main Street to the road less traveled.

We are the nation’s leading inbound operator to the Mid-Atlantic Region providing group products and services to tour and motorcoach operators visiting Washington DC, New York City, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, West Virginia, and Virginia. Our outbound company – Mid Atlantic Travel Tours, LLC – provides custom group travel, and promotes TAP Guaranteed Departures throughout the world.

MAINSTREETEXPERIENCES.COM

TAKEAFUNTRIP.COM

We are a receptive operator specializing in the historic and cultural heritage of the Great American West. We design and produce tour programs for other tour companies in the United States and Europe. Most tours are custom-designed to suit the needs of a particular client. A limited number of Vanishing Trails Expeditions are offered each year to the public at commissionable rates.

SHEBBYLEETOURS.COM

WWW.TAPINTOTRAVEL.COM

We offer first-class motor coach tours of the U.S. and Canada to retail and/or pre-formed groups. Our most popular destinations include Nashville, Pigeon Forge, Lancaster, Niagara Falls and New York City.

We provide receptive and tour planning services in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Most recently we began offering local small group craft beer and winery tours within our region.

SHENANDOAHTOURS.COM

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TRAVEL ALLIANCE PARTNERS We provide individuals and groups with scenic, photography, and adventure tours throughout the Southwestern US. Our specialty is that we focus on small group experiences. Usually between 14 and 25 passengers. We offer a wide range of multi-day tours and day tours from Las Vegas, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and other local areas adjacent to the National Parks.

SOUTHWESTADVENTURETOURS.COM

We are a full-service sports travel company, run by sports fans that strives for all-star performance with every package or tour we offer. Choose from Baseball Road Trips that cover all of the Major League Parks, Gridiron Getaways for pro and college football fans, major sporting events, or Hall of Fame Travel packages so you experience the pinnacle of success with your favorite player, coach or owner.

SPORTSTRAVELANDTOURS.COM

Sun Tours offers scores of tours from near to far, from New Mexico to exciting destinations around the world. We research each tour in the United States and Canada, on location. The itinerary is then fashioned, mindful of the interests of our clients. For our overseas tours we invest the same effort into choosing both an appropriate itinerary for each destination, and a good, reputable tour operator.

Packaged Tours of the West; Cities, National Parks and Scenic Coastlines. Our emphasis is on history, people, culture, festivals, entertainment and food. Tours are from five to nine days, upper three star hotels, except our New Year’s four and five star deluxe tours. We are also tour specialists to Kenya and Tanzania.

SUNTOURSUS.COM

TALBOTTOURS.COM

We are a multi-dimensional company with 71 years of experience in the travel industry, offering deluxe motorcoach transportation throughout the Midwest and other parts of the lower 48. We offer an annual group of multi-day escorted vacations throughout North America by coach, air, rail and cruise.

Twin Travel Concepts custom-designs group tour programs throughout North America. We are always looking for creative niche-market ideas. Currently we are focusing on garden groups and faith-based groups to augment our standard tours. Unique and creative is what inspires us.

TRISTATETRAVEL.COM

TWINTRAVELCONCEPTS.COM

Wade Tours & Travel, a family owned business since 1926, serving the Northeast offering single & multi-day tours across the continental US and Canada. We provide our customers a safe and comfortable way to travel with groups of any size with our fleet of modern, state-of-the-art coaches. We believe with passion that motorcoach travel is for everyone, sharing exciting destinations, and making memories to last a lifetime!

We are your “In-house” Group Department for the West. As a receptive tour operator, we take the hassles out of designing and running tours for your groups. Use us as your “in-house” department to customize, design, operate and deliver your group tours. With over 40 years of experience taking groups to the see the natural wonders of the west, we are your National Parks specialists.

WADETOURS.COM

WESTERNLEISURE.COM

LISA DOERNER

866-373-0790 WWW.TAPINTOTRAVEL.COM MARKETING@TRAVELALLIANCEPARTNERS.COM

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2020 TAP TRAVEL GUIDE

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