Select Traveler Fall 2023

I’ve been trying to figure out how two findings from our breakout session during the Select Traveler Conference in Branson, Missouri, in March relate to one another. At first glance, they seem contradictory.

• 82% of buyers in the room said that managing a travel group is harder today than it was five years ago.

• 63% said they enjoy managing a travel group more today than they did five years ago.

How often do people enjoy something more when it has become harder to accomplish? There’s no doubt the first finding was driven by the pandemic and its aftermath. Everything about travel became more difficult during and after COVID because of delays of various kinds, social distancing, border closings and travelers’ general fear of the unknown. Aspects of travel, like hotel stays and restaurant experiences can be negatively affected by reduced staff-

ing and new standards of service.

So, given all that, why would a significant percentage of planners say they enjoy managing travel groups more than they did five years ago?

First, I think most of the buyers in that room in March were ecstatic to be traveling again. They repeatedly talked about pent-up demand. It’s been a huge relief to be able to manage travel for groups again after two to three frustrating years for them and their travelers.

Second, it’s likely they are working with the most enthusiastic travelers from their groups. Some of their previous group members have opted out. Others aged out. My guess is that these planners are left with their most gung-ho travelers.

And third, I think they may be taking smaller, more manageable groups to bucket list destinations right now. Managing a trip to Iceland or Australia isn’t as daunting after you’ve been told for two years that those destinations are off the table.

Hats off to all of you who are enjoying your roles more despite the work. Somehow, travel is always worth it.

Mac Lacy — Publisher

Glittering lights; nonstop action it’s

Atlantic City!

BY VICKIE MITCHELL

Here are two things tour groups need to pack for a trip to Atlantic City: good walking shoes and multivitamins. New Jersey’s top tourist destination keeps people on the go, and not all the action is at its nine glittering casino resorts.

Of course, each of those mammoth properties has plenty of entertainment, much of it free. Window shopping — or shopping for real — at fanciful shops. Live music, often by local talents, in lobby bars. Elaborate, deeply landscaped pools for tranquil gatherings.

The resorts also bring in high-powered acts and shows well-worth the required ticket.

Diana Ross has played at the Hard Rock . The Fifth Dimension have performed at Resorts Gladys Knight took the stage at the Borgata. Laughter always pours from the Atlantic City Comedy Club at the Claridge Hotel, which doesn’t have a casino.

Five miles of fun on the boardwalk

Step out of the resorts and find five miles of fun — restaurants, bars, live music, shops

— on the city’s famed wooden boardwalk. The Wheel , at 227-foot-tall is easy to spot at The Steel Pier, which juts out from the boardwalk to the sea. Six people fit in each of the 40 climate-controlled gondolas. At night, The Wheel and its 14,500 lights put on a show. Amusement park rides on the pier entertain kids and adults. Who can resist a turn on carousel horses, a rough ride in bumper cars or a dizzying spin in giant teacups?

Down the way, the 13,000-seat arena at the historic Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall , once home to the Miss American Pageant, brings in Janet Jackson, Lady Gaga and other legends as well as events like the Atlantic City Comedy Festival

Outdoors rocks spring to fall

From May through October, Atlantic City is busiest, with outdoor activities on the beach, bay and beyond. Fireworks sponsored by the Tropicana launch from the beachfront each Saturday evening during the summer. Thirty area golf courses, including the Atlantic City Country Club, host to six USGA championships, attract golfers. Surfing lessons, beachfront yoga, parasailing, deep-sea and calm-water fishing and sunset cruises and dolphin boat tours get people out on the beach and bay. Groups of 25 or fewer can book the Atlantic City Tiki Boat for a private cruise around the bay with drinks served from its bar.

And Atlantic City is always adding new adventures. On June 30, Spiegelworld , a live entertainment company with shows that combine adult comedy, acrobatics and music, opened a new production called The Hook in the resurrected Warner Theatre at Caesars. Groups can have dinner on-site at Superfrico before or after the show, which is staged every day. On July 4, the largest beachfront waterpark in the world opened at the Showboat Hotel with a dozen slides, a lazy river and a surf simulator as well as an adults-only enclave with a swim-up bar, cabanas and manicure stations. It’s just one more item to add to a nonstop itinerary in Atlantic City.

checking in

WITH MARGIE ZIEBER

MARGIE ZIEBER

Travel Coordinator

FARMERS STATE BANK

CAMERON,

MISSOURI

Farmers State Bank has been a locally owned community banking staple in Missouri since it first opened in 1915, but its travel club is a recent development, launched by Zieber in 2015. The Farmers State Bank Travel Club is for any account holder over the age of 50 and includes the member’s guest, regardless of age or bank status. The travel club takes monthly day trips and roughly eight overnight trips every year, including domestic and international destinations, plus mystery trips designed to surprise travelers.

BIRTHPLACE: Pearl River, New York EMPLOYMENT HISTORY: Zieber has worked for Farmers State Bank for 38 years. She started as a bookkeeper in 1985, working her way to mortgage originator before starting the travel club in 2015.

FAMILY: Zieber has been married to her husband Mike for 40 years, and they have three children, Mandy, Jeff and Amy. They have one granddaughter named Emma and two dogs, a Cockapoo named Stewart and a Shiba Inu named Baxter.

HOBBIES: Zieber loves to travel but was also a Girl Scout Leader for over 20 years and just retired from the organization in 2021.

BY REBECCA TREON

Margie Zieber claims to be boring.

“I’ve lived here in Cameron [Missouri] since I was 12, and my husband has been here since birth,” she said. “We’re like, very boring — we started our jobs at 18 and just stayed with them. He had 30 years in and could have retired, but he stayed another five years before he retired at 53. Now he goes on every trip with me.”

If working nearly every role from bank teller to mortgage lender over a 40-year span in a locally owned community bank with eight regional branches sounds less than exciting, Zieber’s creation of the Farmers State Bank Travel Club has more than made up for it. Since then, Zieber has traveled from the ruins of Machu

Picchu in Peru to the Eiffel Tower in Paris and from Mount Rushmore in South Dakota to the Indian Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico. With all this globetrotting, her favorite destination is usually the one she just visited.

“Lots of times, my favorite trip is the one I just got home from,” she said. “I’ll think, ‘I had so much fun with that group of people — man, that was the best trip!’ And on the next one, I’ll say, ‘Man! That was the best trip!’”

Mystery Machine

Not all of the travel club’s destinations are glamorous and far-flung, though. There are day trips every month to small towns in the region to discover hidden gems like a recent trip to North Platte,

Margie Zieber, clockwise from left: with Farmer’s State bank travelers in the Dominican Republic; with her husband Mike in Venice; with her adult children.

Nebraska. Some trips keep travelers in the dark — these mystery overnight tours use the element of surprise to delight travelers. Zieber got the mystery trip and other ideas at a Select Traveler Conference.

“At first I was overwhelmed [at the conference]. I had like 60 interviews with different people telling me their ideas and why to go to their town or hotel, and at that time I was so new I thought we’d never even do an international trip,” she said. “But from there, everyone who is in this position in other banks is so willing to share their knowledge that it has really helped me tremendously. They’ll tell me what worked for them, what destinations they went to and what they planned. Getting to know other people in this profession has really helped, and I’ve made some great friends.”

All Access

One of Zieber’s top priorities is to make the trips financially accessible to everyone. That’s why she designed the Farmers State Bank Travel Club to have very few limitations — being over 50 and having some type of bank account or service are the only requirements.

“We’re a very small community in Cameron — the population is 8,000 people, and the Cameron branch is one of our biggest branches,” she said. “We try to do something for everybody, from a motorcoach trip that is a couple hundred dollars to a bucket-list type trip. We just want to include everybody.”

The Best-Laid Plans

Zieber doesn’t have a website or send out a newsletter for her travel club. Instead, she hosts bimonthly dinners that highlight upcoming destinations. At the dinners, Zieber also gets ideas from attendees on where they’d like to go and builds her trips from there. After almost 10 years, members have become friends and enjoy traveling together.

“Sometimes I’ll do a little questionnaire to see what people are interested in, or sometimes people say, ‘I want to go to Hawaii, it’s my 50th state,’” she said. “We’ll create a trip and say we need at least 20 people to make this trip happen, and before I know it there are 36 people signed up. Even though the travel club is word of mouth, we are a community bank with branches in small towns. Now our members really are like a club — they’ve made friends with each other, so if one person says they’re going, someone else will say ‘I want to go!’ So, we don’t have an issue filling our trips.”

1. New York City: “I love the energy of Times Square and the lights of Broadway. I think of seeing the Statue of Liberty for the first time and of all of the people who have entered this country through Ellis Island.”

2. Alaska: “Between the excitement of getting a glimpse of wildlife and the beautiful scenery, you’ll never want to go home.”

3. Rhine River cruising: “You can explore castles and vineyards, beautiful villages and charming towns in the heart of Europe and only unpack once. It’s all right there.”

BY BRIAN JEWELL

yourmaycarry-on make you a hero

The key to solving your next travel crisis may be in your carry-on.

We all hope for smooth trips, especially when we’re leading groups of travelers. But no matter how well you plan or how good your travel partners are, little hiccups and emergencies are still bound to happen from time to time. Fortunately, you can prepare for them by keeping a few necessities in your bag.

You already know the importance of having your ID, medications and other essentials on hand when you travel. By adding a few items to your carry-on and keeping them there from one trip to the next, you can be the hero who comes to your customers’ rescue when they face a travel issue or emergency. Here are a handful of things to bring whenever you take a group out on an adventure.

charging cables

In an era when we all depend on our smartphones for communication, information and entertainment, running out of battery power can cause a panic. Most people use their phones more on the road than at home — taking photos, using navigation apps, etc. — so their phones are likely to run low on power faster than normal. To help solve this problem, keep a handful of charging cables for Apple and Android devices on hand that you can share with people throughout the day. And if you really want to be prepared, carry a fully charged power block as well.

shipping labels

From time to time, you or someone in your group might want to buy a travel souvenir that is too big or unwieldy to take home in a suitcase. It’s good to be prepared to ship it using your organization’s FedEx or UPS account. Before your next trip, put two or three pre-printed, pre-paid shipping labels in your bag. Then, when the need arises, use those labels to ship souvenirs home. Ask the shopkeeper to box the item, then drop the box at your hotel’s front desk and schedule a pick-up with your carrier. You can settle up on shipping charges later if need be.

first-aid supplies

If someone has a minor injury on your trip—like a skinned knee or a small cut—you’ll want to have supplies on hand to help patch them up. Ideally your motorcoach or hotel will have a first- aid kit, but you should also have some simple first-aid supplies in your own bag like bandages, gauze, alcohol swabs and burn cream. It can also be helpful to have over-the-counter pain relievers and antacids in case someone in your group needs them. If you’ll be outdoors a lot, bring extra sunscreen and bug spray.

hard copies

emergency cash

Most travelers use plastic to pay for the majority of their travel expenses these days, and you probably do as well. If you and your wallet ever get separated though, that reliance on credit cards could bite you. To guard against this, keep a separate stash of cash — and maybe an emergency-only credit card — in your travel bag. A few hundred dollars will probably do the trick, giving you, or a group member you are helping, enough currency to cover expenses for a couple days until a replacement card arrives.

Electronic devices make it possible to store reams of data on a phone or computer. But if your device’s battery dies or you are in a situation where you need to access info quickly, it can be helpful to have hard copies on hand. Before you leave on a trip, print copies of the most critical information to carry with you. This can include itineraries, trip rosters (complete with emergency contacts), rooming lists, travel partners’ contact information and more. Having hard copies of this information will make it easier to find and use when you’re flustered or in a hurry.

connection

Here’s to Buffalo

ONE OF AMERICA’S COOLEST CITIES WILL HOST SELECT TRAVELER CONFERENCE

BY RACHEL CRICK

What’s the most interesting thing you’ll encounter in Buffalo?

A brewery in an abandoned grain silo? Korean barbecue-flavored chicken wings? A Salvador Dalí painting?

New York’s second-largest city is full of surprises. This city, cloaked in rustic charm, has been buoyed of late by a resurgence in cuisine, culture and entertainment. The Buffalo Niagara region honors history as it ushers in the new and exciting, with repurposed buildings, brilliantly restored architecture and a thriving arts scene.

“Everybody has an idea of what they think Buffalo is; they think it’s just this Rust Belt city,” said Patrick Kaler, president and CEO of Visit Buffalo Niagara. “But it’s really a city that’s full of arts and culture and architecture.

“Everybody has an idea of what they think Buffalo is. But it’s really a city that’s full of arts and culture and architecture. We’ve been going through a complete renaissance.”

— PATRICK KALER, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF VISIT BUFFALO NIAGARA

An image from the “Unexpected Buffalo” ad campaign

BY DREW BROWN

BY ED HEALY

We’ve been going through a complete renaissance.”

Buffalo Niagara will host the 2024 Select Traveler Conference, March 17-19 at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo Hotel and Conference Center, where attendees will discover what gives the city its magic and momentum.

ARTS AND CULTURE

Buffalo’s crown cultural jewel, the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, recently underwent an expansion that added 30,000 square feet of exhibit space. It has one of the top 20 contemporary art collections in the world with works by artists that include Jackson Pollock, Clyfford Still, Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keeffe, Salvador Dalí and Mark Rothko.

Docent-led or self-guided tours can focus on special ex-

hibits, highlights of the collection or a combination of the two. The museum’s mix of cultures, media, styles and artists ensures every visitor’s interest is piqued.

Buffalo also is home to the Burchfield-Penney Art Center, which houses the largest collection of works by American painter Charles Burchfield as well as other contemporary American artists. In addition to its art museums, the city’s galleries, colorful murals and works of public art decorate the city and contribute to its visual art vibe.

With 22 professional theater companies, Buffalo also has a rich performing arts scene. Groups can catch a Broadway performance at Shea’s Performing Arts Center, a historical, baroque theater in the heart of the city. During the summer, the theater company Shakespeare in Delaware Park performs Shakespeare plays in an outdoor amphitheater.

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY VISIT BUFFALO NIAGARA

Buffalo region highlights, clockwise from left: Shea’s Buffalo Theatre; Buffalo Guaranty Building and Interpretive Center; the iconic Niagara Falls; a downtown mural

Beyond visual and performing arts, Buffalo is known for its special events, from fairs and festivals to parades and concerts. The Erie County Fair, National Buffalo Wing Festival and Dyngus Day are just a few of the city’s most cherished special events; each showcases a special facet of local culture.

“When Select Traveler is here in March, that will coincide with St. Patrick’s Day, and we have one of the top five St. Patrick’s Day Parades in the country,” Kaler said.

ARCHITECTURE

First settled in the late 18th century and formally established in 1832, Buffalo’s long history is apparent in its impressively varied architecture. Design fanatics and history buffs will delight in architectural styles that span several centuries.

“Architecture is very important to our destination,” Kaler said. “We have examples of three prominent American architects, as well as the first female architect in the U.S.”

Perhaps the most prominent architectural attraction is the Darwin D. Martin House, the largest and most complete restoration of a Frank Lloyd Wright site. The Martin House sits on a 1.5-acre estate with multiple buildings and outdoor spaces in the architect’s signature style. There are seven Wright sites in and around the city.

At the Guaranty Building and Interpretive Center, groups can see the work of Louis Sullivan, an American architect known as “The Father of Skyscrapers.” This early example of a skyscraper, 13 stories tall, was once the city’s tallest building. It is admired for its ornamental terra cotta façade.

The Richardson Olmsted Campus is an opportunity to see the work of Henry Hobson Richardson, father of the Richardson Romanesque style, which evoked medieval European architectural features. This Romanesque building, once the city’s insane asylum, resembles a castle rather than a medical facility. Tours are offered of the historic 40acre campus.

Other architectural marvels include the Ellicott Square Building, Buffalo City Hall and the Hotel at the Lafayette, designed by the first female architect in the U.S., Louise Blanchard Bethune.

WINGS AND MORE

Where would pub fare be without Buffalo? As a hub for some of the tastiest casual cuisine in the country, Buffalo’s culinary contributions are hard to overstate.

“Our food scene is very popular because we’re well known for buffalo chicken wings; we just call them wings,” Kaler said.

A Buffalo Wing Trail with 14 restaurants and pubs offers tasty and distinct takes on wings, from spicy to smothered in strange sauces — think loganberry barbecue and even peanut butter and jelly. In addition to wings, Buffalo-style pizza, fish fries, sponge candy, ice cream and hot dogs each have their own trails for foodies to follow.

“Our food scene is very popular because we’re well known for buffalo chicken wings; we just call them wings.”

— PATRICK KALER, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF VISIT BUFFALO NIAGARA

Resurgence Brewing Company

For a fantastic meal, groups can head downtown to Chef’s, serving Italian favorites for a century. Chef’s is famous for its spaghetti parmesan, but the menu has plenty of Italian pasta dishes, salads, sandwiches and cuts of veal and chicken.

For fine dining, Hutch’s offers French Bistro dishes with an American twist. What’s on its menu? Grilled seafood and prime steaks and delicacies like oysters, steak tartare and lamb chops.

In recent years, Buffalo’s craft beverage scene has kicked into high gear.

“We have a very robust craft beer scene as well as several distilleries,” Kaler said. “What sets ours apart and helps with the storytelling are the buildings they’re in.”

RiverWorks Brewery is located in Buf-

Classic Buffalo wings

Painting a Buffalo mural

PHOTOS BY DREW BROWN

falo RiverWorks, a waterfront entertainment district set among remnants from the city’s manufacturing past. Built in abandoned grain silos, the brewery has a restaurant and options for entertainment, like ziplining, live music, silo climbing and a high ropes course.

Resurgence Brewing Company is also popular for group outings. The brewery, taproom and beer garden are in a historic building that was once home to EB Holmes Machinery Company. About 5,000 gallons of beer are brewed in the remodeled space each week. In-house seasonal beers and ciders and brunch are among its options.

WATERFRONTS

Buffalo is a Great Lakes city, located on the shores of Lake Erie where the lake flows into the Niagara River. The Buffalo River and the Erie Canal wind in and around the city, so there’s no shortage of waterfronts or water activities.

Waterfront parks can make for interesting sightseeing and picnic destinations. The largest park on the water, LaSalle Park, is at the conjunction of Lake Erie and the Niagara River with water views, walking paths and greenspace. Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park, also on the water, is home to three decommissioned naval vessels—two ships and a submarine—that are open to tour. At Buffalo Lighthouse Park, groups can tour the city’s 1833 lighthouse.

South of the city, the Tifft Nature Preserve is a 264-acre nature preserve adjacent to Lake Erie, and its ponds and cattail marshes are a haven for wildlife, especially migrating birds. Birding, hiking and snowshoeing are its most popular activities, and guided walks through the preserve are also offered.

The schooner ship Spirit of Buffalo offers a sunset cruise on Lake Erie. Voyages can include dinner or whiskey, wine and craft beer tastings. A narrated cruise with Buffalo Harbor Cruises travels through the Erie Canal, harbor and the city. Kayaks can be rented for paddles through the canal for an up-close look at the city.

While in Buffalo, it makes sense to travel 20 miles to see Niagara Falls, one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. On the falls’ American side, waters spanning 1,075 feet plummet 190 feet with 280 tons of force. The falls draw crowds from near and far with their stunning beauty and power.

“Our visitors come for the arts and culture, the architecture, the food and the special events,” Kaler said. “But they’ll also come to Niagara Falls because it’s so close.”

SWING BY AND SAY HELLO. BUFFALO:

What kind of place is Buffalo? It’s fun, historical, delicious, outdoorsy, sportsloving, diverse, and creative. And it’s an easy, welcoming, and affordable place to visit If all that sounds unexpectedly great, that’s because Buffalo is. We can’t wait for you to see for yourself at Select Traveler Conference (March 17-19, 2024). Until then, find out more at MeetBuffaloNiagara.com .

Strolling Chicago’s Magnificent Mile

Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive

Radisson Blu at the Mall of America

A Mall of America coaster

A Rodeo Drive boutique

Inside the Sak’s flagship store in New York Sak’s Fifth Avenue

A Magnificent Mile shopping experience

Bring Plastic

Every group has its shoppers

BY ABI BERWAGER SCHREIER

Shopping and travel go hand in hand. Add fun activities and history, and travelers will have an even more fabulous time. High-profile retail destinations are more than places to shop, with history, architecture, dining and entertainment as well as shopping, often at

high-end stores that sell distinctive luxury items. Whether travelers want to take in the architecture and history of The Magnificent Mile in Chicago or ride a roller coaster between stops in shops at the Mall of America, they’ll get more bang for their buck when they visit these five shopping destinations.

THE MAGNIFICENT MILE CHICAGO

The architecture, history and shopping options at The Magnificent Mile in Chicago are dazzling. Between Lake Michigan and the Chicago River in the Michigan Avenue District, the Mile has the best and most luxurious shopping experiences in the city.

Initially started as a revitalization project, the construction of the Magnificent Mile nearly came to a halt after the stock market crashed in 1929. In 1947, real estate developer Arthur Rubloff launched an extensive promotional plan to revitalize the district. His goal was to renovate the existing buildings and make the area a must-see destination. Rubloff called his project “The Magnificent Mile,” but the name didn’t become official until it was trademarked in 2001.

Today, more than 450 retailers are strung along this strip: major department stores, flagship stores, shops featuring international designers, boutiques, jewelers, high-end technology retailers, stores focused on travel needs and luxury hotels. And the best part? The district has maintained its original character and Rubloff’s vision.

“As a result of its concentration of luxury stores and hotels, the Magnificent Mile has become a popular destination for wealthy shoppers from all over the world,” said Denise Chudy, director of marketing and communications for The

Magnificent Mile Association.

Shoppers even find boutiques for four-legged family members, where they can purchase supplies, accessories, treats, leashes, carriers and fashions for their pets.

“The Magnificent Mile offers a unique collection of highend global brands, like Gucci, Hermes and Louis Vuitton, as well as smaller luxury boutiques, selling everything from high-end cosmetics to bespoke suits,” Chudy said. themagnificentmile.com

RODEO DRIVE BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA

Rodeo Drive just screams California dreamin’ and luxury, with three blocks of high-end shops housed in striking buildings designed by Peter Marino, Frank Lloyd Wright, Rem Koolhaas and other legendary architects. It’s a street packed with art and culture, home to more than 100 leading international brands inside immaculate shops, a boulevard that’s synonymous with old Hollywood glamor, “Rodeo Drive is among the most iconic, luxury fashion destinations in the world, bookended to the north by the famous ‘pink palace’ — the Beverly Hills Hotel — and to the south by the legendary Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons hotel, which has been featured in several Hollywood movies, like ‘Pretty Woman,’” said Lyn Winter, owner and founder of public relations firm Lyn, Inc., and executive

producer for Rodeo Drive - The Podcast.

Travelers from around the world are drawn to the celebrated and majestic, palm-lined street in Beverly Hills to experience its ambiance, luxury shopping, fine dining, historic landmarks and the possibility of a celebrity sighting.

Visitors can shop at Rolex, Jimmy Choo, Prada, Vera Wang, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany and Co., Gucci, Fendi, Chanel, Burberry, Dolce and Gabbana, Alexander McQueen, Cartier and more. When travelers need a break from their shopping excursions, they can relax at one of the luxury boutique hotels along the way.

rodeodrive-bh.com

MALL OF AMERICA BLOOMINGTON, MINNESOTA

The Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, isn’t a regular mall with stores and a food court — it’s an experience. The largest mall in the Western hemisphere not only has 500 world-class stores, but also features an amusement park within its 5.6 million square feet.

“From leisure group tours and family reunions to industry conferences and student groups, the Mall of America truly offers something for everyone,” said Samantha Sommers, tourism account executive for Mall of America.

When they aren’t in the stores, taking advantage of taxfree shopping on clothing and shoes or dining in one of the

“This year’s group picture will look a lot better from here.”

mall’s many restaurants, groups can solve puzzles at the Escape Game, try axe-throwing at the Fair on 4 and learn from experts on marine life at Sea Life. The Mall of America also offers tours with flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends. Customized group tours are also offered. mallofamerica.com

FIFTH AVENUE NEW YORK CITY

For a memorable New York window shopping experience, travelers must visit Fifth Avenue, the city’s most famous shopping street.

Fifth Avenue is also known as Millionaire’s Row because of the expensive private residences that lined the avenue north from 34th Street during the Gilded Age. Vanderbilts, Astors, Carnegies and other elites owned the mansions at the time. The neighborhood’s high concentration of wealth lured luxury retailers to serve these well-heeled residents.

Today Gucci, Prada, Tiffany and Co., Fendi, Louis Vuitton and other high-end designers have flagship stores on Fifth Avenue, where shoppers can visitors can peruse luxury brands as they people-watch.

Of course, shoppers won’t want to miss Saks Fifth Avenue, one of the most prestigious high-end department stores in the world, with 10 floors dedicated to luxury items. In addition to stores, Fifth Avenue is also home to world-famous

museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum. The street stretches from Lower Manhattan to Harlem, and a stroll up its length takes visitors past Rockefeller Center, the Flatiron Building, The New York Public Library, Central Park and Bryant Park.

visit5thavenue.com

GALLERIA VITTORIO EMANUELE II MILAN, ITALY

For international shopping destinations, look no further than the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, Italy. It is Italy’s oldest shopping gallery and a major landmark, noted for its glass-vaulted double arcades, which cover the street that connects Piazza del Duomo to Piazza della Scala. Within that galleria are some of Milan’s oldest shopping destinations.

Along Via Monte Napoleone and Via della Spiga, visitors will find the famous La Rinascente department store, which sells everything from top fashion brands like Dolce and Gabbana, Prada and Gucci to home appliances.

When hunger hits, shoppers can dive into gourmet delis selling prepared meals, meat and cheese spreads and, of course, wine, in the Mercato di San Lorenzo, one of Italy’s oldest markets. The Corso Buenos Aires shopping district is home to big names like Bulgari and Versace.

yesmilano.it

B oar dwalk Li g h ts & W i n te r fe st Vi rg i n i a B e ac h & N o r fo lk

3 Days | N ove m b e r - D ec e m b e r

I t ’s a w o n d e r f u l t i m e o f t h e y e a r. T h i s t o u r h a s t w o g r e a t H o l i d a y L i g h t d i s p l a y s a n d w i t h o ff - s e a s o n r a t e s i t p r i c e s n i c e G i v e u s a c a l l , g i v e u s y o u r d a t e s , g i v e u s a c h a n c e t h i s t o u r i s g r e a t !

Five

BY ELIZABETH HEY

BY MINH QUAN, COURTESY NM TOURISM DEPT.

New Mexico never fails to make a powerful impression, with its stunning landscapes, centuries of history, rich cultural tapestry and cutting-edge technology. From mountainous Los Alamos to Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Las Cruces and Ruidoso, discoveries are around every corner. New Mexico’s many distinctive hotels and lodges add to the Southwestern experience, blending Native American, Mexican, Spanish and American Western influences. Here are some of the top destinations to include on your group’s next adventure in the Land of Enchantment.

LOS ALAMOS

Los Alamos’ beginnings are forever tied to the top-secret Manhattan Project during World War II. The new movie “Oppenheimer” retells the chilling details of the project that in 1943 summoned scientists from around the globe to live in this untamed city and develop the first atomic bomb. The Los Alamos History Museum on Bathtub Row’s guided tours include the homestead-era Romero cabin and stories about the giants of 20th-century science.

The Bradbury Science Museum also explores the Manhattan Project, as well as Los Alamos National Laboratory’s current and historic research related to defense and technology, through some 60 interactive exhibits. In keeping with this high-tech hub, the 12-day Los Alamos ScienceFest in July brings interactive science demonstrations, food and live music to downtown.

Nearby, Bandelier National Monument preserves the story of the ancestral Puebloans who carved homes into its canyon walls and built kivas of stone more than 11,000 years ago. The fully paved Pueblo Loop Trail meanders alongside some of the largest cliff dwellings in North America. For the adventurous, climbing 140 feet up ladders to Alcove House is a must. During high season, mid-June to mid-October, visitors must take shuttle buses into the park. For another outdoor adventure in the Jemez Mountains, guided, ranger-led hikes and van tours focus on wildlife, geology and history at Valles Caldera National Preserve, which protects the third-largest super volcano that ever erupted in the United States.

“Los Alamos’ most surprising characteristics are the combination of history and jaw-dropping vistas of snowcapped mountains, mesas and canyons that weave through the area,” said Nicole Barker, media relations manager for the New Mexico Tourism Department.

SANTA FE

Artsy and eclectic, Santa Fe embraces New Mexico’s cultural past and present. Gallery-hopping can be an all-day affair or

COURTESY NEW MEXICO TRUE

COURTESY SKI APACHE

Bandelier National Monument

Summertime on the slopes at Ski Apache near Ruidoso

a shorter jaunt during the Friday night Art Stroll on famous Canyon Road. Throughout the summer, the acclaimed Santa Fe Opera performs in its open-air venue just outside of town.

Museums feature varied art forms. Meow Wolf, an immersive contemporary showcase of artists, stretches the imagination. On Museum Hill, the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture and Museum of Spanish Colonial Art tell the story of indigenous Native Americans and Spanish settlers, while the Museum of International Folk Art holds the world’s largest collection of its kind. Santa Fe’s most visited attraction is the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, which showcases the famous painter’s artwork and shares details about her life. “Plans are underway to renovate a larger building across the street to add more gallery space with a tentative completion date in 2026,” said Joanne Hudson, public relations manager for Tourism Santa Fe.

One block away, the Santa Fe Cooking School hosts private events, chef’s dinners and guided food tours that highlight top restaurants. During demonstration and hands-on classes that focus on Southwest cuisine, students learn local cooking techniques and regional lore. Educational and entertaining, classes last about three hours and include a full meal.

In the Santa Fe Railyard District across the street from Native American-owned Hotel Santa Fe, the Santa Fe Farmers’

Market hosts more than 150 farmers and producers from northern New Mexico. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, it’s the place to buy artisan breads, sample Southwest fare or find culinary products for souvenirs. Next door, the Santa Fe Artists Market takes place on Saturdays, and the Railyard Artisan Market on Sundays rotates vendors weekly.

ALBUQUERQUE

Albuquerque’s beginnings can be experienced in Old Town, which dates to 1706 and predates the United States by four generations. Today, winding streets beckon with more than 150 boutiques and restaurants, anchored by the San Felipe de Neri Church. On the edge of Old Town, across from stunning Hotel Chaco, local culinary entrepreneurs sell their creations at artisanal food hall Sawmill Market, housed in the converted Paxton Lumber warehouse. A demonstration kitchen features chef events and dinners alongside outdoor spaces with yard games, yoga and live music. After dinner, visitors can catch the sunset over the city and mountains at Hotel Chaco’s rooftop patio and bar.

Woven into the city’s cultural fabric is the tradition of flamenco. Tablao Flamenco at Hotel Albuquerque has year-round flamenco performances and four-course, regionally inspired dinners. At Casa Flamenca, groups can opt for a performance by the artist-in-residence from Spain or a

dance class. June’s Festival Flamenco Albuquerque reigns as the largest flamenco event held outside of Spain.

With the Sandia Mountains as backdrop, Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm is a natural escape, with 25 acres of lavender fields, stately cottonwoods and gardens. Its restaurant, Campo, touts one of the Southwest’s purest field-to-fork menus. Honey, stone fruits, figs, eggs, greens and vegetables are grown in a 1934 Lord and Burnham greenhouse. Lavender products are sold in the farm’s boutique.

“A must-do is the Sandia Peak Tramway, which ascends to just over 10,300 feet for amazing cityscape views,” said Barker. “At the top, riders have the option of hiking or dining and enjoying a drink from Ten 3, which is a great spot at sunset.”

LAS CRUCES

Rimmed by the jagged Organ Mountains, Las Cruces is a mere 40 miles from the nation’s southern border. Its rich agricultural history is rooted in 400 years of wine making and the region’s famous hatch chilis. Here, the Lescombes family has crafted wine for six generations. DH Lescombes Winery and Bistro hosts private tastings and wine tours at its estate near Lordsburg. The “Walk of Flame” Green Chile Trail showcases 14 stops for noshing and dining. The New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum details the state’s 3,000-year-old agricultural history on 47

COURTESY NM TOURISM DEPARTMENT BY WILL GARD, COURTESY VISIT LAS CRUCES

Shopping in Albuquerque’s Old Town

Basilica of San Albino in the village of Mesilla

BY ELIZABETH HEY

acres with hands-on demonstrations and rows of farm implements.

Now part of Las Cruces, the historic village of Mesilla was part of Mexico until 1854. Its traditional plaza is bordered by more than 40 shops and galleries, and the bells of the 1855 Basilica of San Albino have been rung by the same family since the 1870s. At New Mexico State University, visitors find one of the world’s largest collections of Mexican retablos, as well as a collection of petrified wood, fossils and geological artifacts.

The Las Cruces International Film Festival brings excitement for four days in April. “Las Cruces is a hub for moviemaking,” said Barker. “Visitors can rub shoulders with movie makers and film stars.”

Wednesdays and Saturdays, the Farmers and Crafts Market encompasses seven blocks of Main Street. First Friday Fine Art Flea Market hosts approximately 100 vendors, food trucks, live entertainment and usually a car show. Farther flung for day trips, White Sands National Park is the world’s largest gypsum dune field and can be seen from space.

RUIDOSO

Surrounded by mountains and the Lincoln National Forest, Ruidoso is a yearround destination for outdoor activity. Ten minutes from town, Grindstone Lake is popular for hiking, with 14 miles of

trails as well as biking, fishing, watersports and disc golf.

Four golf courses, including The Links at Sierra Blanca at 6,900 feet, offer a worthy challenge. At the Native American owned and operated Ski Apache, one of the nation’s southernmost ski resorts, 11 lifts zip skiers and snowboarders up mountains that receive more than 15 feet of annual snowfall. In summer, the resort offers hiking, mountain biking, zip lining and gondola rides to the top of 11,500foot Sierra Blanca.

Back in midtown, streets are lines with boutiques, local wineries and breweries, coffee shops and eateries. Browsing the art galleries makes a great way to spend an afternoon. In summer, Saturday’s “Free Music in the Streets” features live performances, while venues, such as the Tall Pines Beer and Wine Garden, have live music most weekends. Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts schedules music, film, dance and comedy performances and has the Southwest’s largest private collection of glass sculptor Dale Chihuly’s works.

“What distinguishes Ruidoso is that people feel immersed in nature, because the town is surrounded by forest,” said Barker. “Town center is a great place for group down time because people can wander, explore and enjoy shopping and dining in a laid-back atmosphere.”

Events include July’s Mescalero Apache Tribe Ceremonial and Rodeo, with arts and crafts, dance performances and a parade. October’s Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium is lively, with Old West storytellers and musicians; chuckwagon cookoffs and cowboy competitions; displays by artists and craftsmen; and Western swing dancing. newmexico.org

A class at Santa Fe School of Cooking

RUIDOSO LAS CRUCES

ALBUQUERQUE

LAS ALAMOS

SANTA FE

Santa Fe

BY ELIZABETH HEY

Downtown Ruidoso

Albuquerque’s Sawmill Market

The Real Deal

ST. JOSEPH ILLUSTRATES THE AUTHENTIC WEST

BY ELIZABETH HEY

Legend and lore intertwine in St. Joseph, Missouri. Named a top 10 Western Town by True West magazine some years ago, St. Joe’s cast of outlaws and upstanding citizens has created an intriguing past and present.

Jesse James and the Pony Express riders made their mark here. Contemporary personalities and prominent businessmen have roles in the city’s colorful story, recounted in today’s museums and sites on the Missouri River.

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY ST. JOSEPH CVB

St. Joseph’s Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art showcases American artwork from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.

PONY EXPRESS NATIONAL MUSEUM

More than 150 years ago, the Pony Express established its headquarters in this pioneer town. For those interested in westward expansion, the Pony Express National Museum tells the story of the system that connected the West to the rest of the country before the telegraph was invented, preserving the history of a communications network that lasted 18 months in the 1860s. A map of the route highlights different stops. Groups can stay for lunch and entertainment by reenactor Miss Lizzy. Next door, the Goetz family, who helped established the Pony Express National Museum, created the Goetz Museum and 1923 Pony Bar, which preserves the area’s German-American story in a restored barn.

“The museum is believed to be at the location of the original Pony Express stable, and the museum’s director does a great job retelling their story.” said Christian Mengel, director of communications and marketing for the St. Joseph Visitors Bureau. “Visitors can see where the Pony Express began and Jesse James died, all within two blocks.”

THE PATEE HOUSE MUSEUM

The Patee House opened in 1858 as a luxurious four-story brick hotel. It served as a stagecoach stop and Pony Express headquarters. Today, the National Historical Landmark is a museum that pays homage to Western history.

“Visitors are always impressed with the size and memorabilia contained in this museum,” said Mengel. “People can easily spend two full days here if they want to read and see everything.”

A 1920s-style service station in the museum showcases a Model T Ford. Visitors can climb aboard the last locomotive to ride the Hannibal-St. Joseph railway and view the 1870 Union Star depot. The Buffalo Saloon serves sarsaparilla and popcorn. Recreated Main Street includes Walter Cronkite’s father’s dentist office, a 1941 handcarved, hand-painted working carousel and the Buchanan County jail gallows. Also on display is George Warfel’s “Westerners on Wood,” a collection of more than 40 lifesize portraits of famous Old West personalities including Jesse and Frank James.

INFAMOUS JESSE JAMES

Jesse James’ was assassinated in 1882 in his hillside home at 1318 Lafayette Street — a spot James picked out where he could be aware of anyone approaching. Living under an alias, his children had no idea of his notorious past. On that auspicious day, James was adjusting a picture inside his house when Bob Ford took aim. The bullet hole in the James’ wall commemorates the fateful moment.

At the time of his death, the home stood two blocks north of its current location, and a monument marks the site. Visitors can tour the home, which has been moved directly behind the Patee House Museum. James’ widow and two children stayed at the Patee House hotel for several nights after his death.

The room where Jesse James was killed

An exhibit at the Pattee House Museum

Jesse James House

Arriving at the Pony Express National Museum

Inside the Pony Express museum

ROBIDOUX ROW MUSEUM

Robidoux Row Museum makes an excellent starting point for history tours. Fur trader Joseph Robidoux founded St. Joseph and in the 1850s, he built seven connecting row houses to serve as temporary homes for new settlers. Robidoux lived here for about 10 years until his death in 1868. The four houses that survived have been restored, and one includes Robidoux’s personal quarters and some of his possessions, period furniture and a replicated wintering room for a pioneer family.

ART COMMEMORATING THE PAST

Located in the Albrecht family home and built by the founder of the Western Tablet Company, maker of Big Chief tablets, the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art recounts the American experience through art. Its notable collection of 18th, 19th and 20th-century pieces include portraits by Gilbert Stuart and landscapes by Albert Bierstadt and Edward Hopper. There’s also a first edition of George Catlin’s “North American Indian Portfolio,” published in 1844.

The Albrechts’ 1935 Georgian mansion was one of the nation’s first to incorporate central air, an underground sprinkler system, Formica counters and automatic garage doors. Group tours of the home can include a catered lunch in the café; programs can be held in various rooms, including a 144-seat auditorium.

“It’s a modern art museum and historic house rolled into one,” said Mengel. “The Bradley art library and speakeasy is original to the home and a spot people really enjoy.”

The historic Pony Express stables

Robidoux Row Museum

Exploring the Albrecht-Kemper Museum

Pura Vida

COSTA RICA HAS BUILT A GLOBAL FOLLOWING

BY DIANA BOCCO

Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean in Central America, Costa Rica is a medley of biodiversity, history and culture. Home to more than 5% of the world’s species, the country and its rainforests, volcanoes and coastal ecosystems are an eco-tourist’s dream.

Pre-Columbian tribes were already thriving in what would become Costa Rica by 5000 BC, a presence that can still be felt in the indigenous Boruca masks and gold artifacts found in the country’s museums. By

the 1500s, the Spanish had established their first colony in Costa Rica —remnants of the Spanish colonial imprint are evident in the baroque and renaissance architecture of the larger cities.

For today’s visitors, the vibrant Tico culture, a blend of indigenous, Spanish and Afro-Caribbean influences, is what truly captures the heart. The national philosophy of pura vida, translated as “pure life,” isn’t just a saying — in Costa Rica, it’s a way of life and a testament to locals’ unwavering warmth.

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY COSTA RICA TOURISM BOARD

Irazu Volcano National Park near Cartago preserves one of several scenic volcanos in Costa Rica.

can’t miss DESTINATIONS

San José

In Costa Rica’s bustling capital of San Jose, traditional charm and contemporary elegance meet. From humble beginnings in the late 18th century, the capital has become a busy hub with a rich cultural tapestry. Its many museums — the Gold Museum, the Museum of Costa Rican Art and the Jade Museum for a start — provide a glimpse into the city’s past with artifacts and stories of ancient civilizations. Mornings can be spent strolling Avenida Central to experience the city’s lively marketplace; evenings should be filled with live music or a visit to the National Theater.

Arenal

At the heart of Costa Rica’s northern lowlands sits Arenal, a region best known as home to the majestic Arenal Volcano. Here, travelers can unwind in the therapeutic hot springs, hike the trails of Arenal Volcano National Park or zip-line through the lush jungle. The crystalline waters of Lake Arenal, at the foot of the volcano, offer chances to windsurf, kayak and go boating. Nature lovers can follow the Arenal Hanging Bridges, a series of suspension bridges through the heart of the rainforest, and come face-to-face with yellow-throated toucans and Capuchin monkeys.

Manuel Antonio

Imagine a place where lush green rainforests meet cotton-white beaches. That’s Manuel Antonio National Park. This conservation area and beloved beach destination on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise, home to sloths and myriad of bird species. Coral reefs draw snorkelers and divers, while sun-worshippers bask on pristine beaches. Well-marked trails allow for self-guided adventures, but guided group tours, led by knowledgeable locals, offer the advantage of helping visitors fully appreciate the park’s rich biodiversity.

Travelers can get a taste of Costa Rica’s renowned coffee culture on an immersive coffee tour. As one of the world’s top coffee exporters, Costa Rica boasts numerous “cafetales,” or coffee farms, and many offer a behindthe-scenes look at their coffee-growing techniques and flavor profiles. Starbucks sources some of its coffee from Hacienda Alsacia, a coffee farm on the slopes of the Poás Volcano. The gourmet Café Britt farm, minutes from the San José airport, also welcomes tours.

Gallo Pinto, Costa Rica’s national dish, is the ultimate savory campesino (rural farmer) comfort food. Simmered black beans served with soft white rice and rich, fragrant spices, Gallo Pinto is a popular morning feast, often served alongside fried or scrambled eggs. Enjoy it in a bustling city restaurant, a beachside shack or a rural “soda” (a mom-and-pop open-air restaurant).

signature EXPERIENCE hidden TREASURE

A hidden jewel in the bustling heart of San José, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum is a treasury of the country’s rich past. This often-overlooked gem houses an extensive collection of over 1,600 hand-carved gold artifacts dating back to AD 500, including animal figurines, amulets, earrings and the famous “El Guerrero” (The Warrior), a life-sized gold warrior figure adorned with gold ornaments. The museum offers a unique window into the sophisticated craftsmanship and cultural practices of Costa Rica’s pre-Columbian societies.

The brightly colored, hand-painted wooden oxcart, or “carreta,” is a keepsake that embodies the spirit of Pura Vida in every brushstroke. Oxcarts were once the primary vehicle for transporting coffee beans, and through these carved, miniature replicas, carretas live on as symbols of the country’s rural heritage and national pride.

An aerial view of the beach at Nosara

going places

WITH ASHLEY TAYLOR

It’s Hard to Argue with Group Travel’s Benefits

As an affinity group travel planner, you may frequently encounter people in your organization who wonder if group travel is right for them. They might be skeptical about it, and that’s understandable. So how do you educate them and convince them that group travel is a positive experience?

A few years ago, Judy and Sam walked into my office. They said they had always wanted to go to Branson and had seen the Branson trip flyer in our bank lobby. They were interested in where we were visiting but did not think they would like traveling with our group. I listed every place we would see on our trip and asked if there was anything on their list that wasn’t on ours. They both agreed we hit all their points of interest. So I asked them to tell me why they were hesitant to try group travel.

Judy explained they didn’t know anyone from our bank and had never traveled by bus. I explained the benefits of group travel. Here are the selling points I used.

1) You get to travel without making the hotel arrangements.

When they book solo trips, people are often unsure about which hotel is best for them and how far it is from the places they want to visit. Researching and securing the appropriate activities, hotels and transportation takes a lot of time. When you travel with a group, someone else takes that out of your hands. Your tour planner knows the best hotels and chooses one with the ideal location. Your tour planner does extensive research to ensure everything is of the quality you deserve.

2) Group travel alleviates the stress of planning and executing the trip.

When you travel with a group, the itinerary is prepared in advance. Tour planners don’t just check availability and book activities. They also map out everything to ensure the daily itinerary flows well, with enough time to travel to each location. Creating an itinerary can be a very stressful part of booking a trip on your own. With group travel, someone with more experience takes care of everything for you. You can pack your bags stress-free, knowing it has all been planned for you.

3) Traveling in a group is safer.

Your tour planner has researched the areas you will visit and knows the safest routes. Your tour director always looks out for you and notices if you are not at check-in. Members of your travel group also look out for each other. I cannot tell you how many times I or another passenger has noticed that someone left an item behind and was able to grab it. The tour director often checks before leaving to make sure everyone and their possessions are with the group.

4) Group travel can save you money.

Travel planners often get discounts when purchasing for groups and they can pass those savings on to you. When you purchase your trip with your affinity group, notice what is included. It is not just your hotel and transportation. With group tours, you often get many meals, entrance fees and guided tours as well.

5) Meeting new people and making new friends is my favorite part of group travel.

Over the years, I have watched so many friendships start from a conversation across the aisle on a motorcoach. You already have things in common with those you are traveling with. You are from the same area and are interested in the places you are traveling to. As a former bank travel planner, I watched strong bonds form between solo travelers and between couples who went on trips together. Traveling with someone is very intimate; even the most introverted person can create friendships through shared travel experiences.

Group travel brings like-minded people together, creates many shared memories and forms an intimate bond that only those present can share. It takes away the stress of planning, saves you money and is safer. It allows you to skip the booking and go straight to the packing.

Judy and Sam decided to come along on my Branson trip. And just as I had predicted, they met another couple on the trip and became friends. Their friendship didn’t end with the Branson trip; they go to dinners with each other and often travel together.

They now always choose group travel and realize how much more enjoyable travel can be when they do it with other people.

Ashley Taylor is a longtime bank and travel club planner. She lives in Ashland, Kentucky, with her family of six.

Find your pura vida in Costa Rica

Pura vida is so much more than its English translation: “the simple life,” It’s an attitude, a celebration of life in the moment. Experience what pura vida means to you.

Is it getting up close to lush forests, stunning waterfalls, ancient volcanoes, and endless coastlines? Diving into a paradise teeming with exotics plants and incredible animals? Discovering the way of life from the local people?

Good news: It’s all within reach when you book a guided tour with Collette.

Find Your Journey

SMALL GROUP EXPLORATIONS

Costa Rica: A World of Nature

12 days | 23 meals

Average of 16 travelers

From thrilling water journeys to ethereal jungle expeditions, explore the essence of Costa Rica.

CLASSIC

Tropical Costa Rica

9 days | 14 meals

Average of 33 travelers

Savor breathtaking beauty and fine sandy beaches on an unforgettable trip to a tropical paradise.

To learn more, visit gocollette.com, call 844.445.5663, or contact your local travel agent