Select Traveler July August 2022 by The Group Travel Leader, Inc.

THE MAGAZINE FOR BANK, ALUMNI AND CHAMBER TRAVEL PLANNERS

select T R A V E L E R

FOUNDING CITIES |

READERS’ FAVES

OLD WORLD USA

AMERICA’S best bridges span

generations

SP I R I T TRAVEL

PLANNER JULY/AUGUST 2022

THE MAGAZINE FOR BANK, ALUMNI AND CHAMBER TRAVEL PLANNERS

select T R A V E L E R

VOL.29 NO.4

JULY/AUGUST 2022

SPIRIT

AMERICA

Photo by Tim Ervin, courtesy Maryland Office of Tourism

contents editor’s checking in: perspective: MICHAEL

GATHER & GO

listings:

SPIRIT OF AMERICA

8 10 30

MAC T. LACY CHARLES A. PRESLEY BRIAN JEWELL HERBERT SPARROW DONIA SIMMONS ASHLEY RICKS RENA BAER KELLY TYNER KYLE ANDERSON SARAH SECHRIST

LUNDQUIST

toolbox:

HANDLING INFLATION

ON THE COVER: San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge is among the most iconic landmarks in the United States. Photo by Maurizio Rellini

cities

going places: HEALTHY TRAVEL

KYLE ANDERSON

888.253.0455

DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING

K YLE@ GROUPTR AVELLE ADER.COM

Founder and Publisher Partner VP & Executive Editor Senior Writer Creative Director Graphic Designer/Circulation Manager Copy Editor VP, Sales and Marketing Director of Sales and Marketing Controller

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12 america’s 20 T H AT M A D E U S

I N T E R N AT I O N A L H E R I TA G E

readers’

FAV O R I T E D E S T I N AT I O N S

Select Traveler, the Magazine for Bank, Alumni and Chamber Travel Planners, is published bimonthly by The Group Travel Leader, Inc., 301 East High Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40507 and is distributed free of charge to qualified travel program directors throughout the United States. All other travel suppliers, including tour operators, destinations, attractions, transportation companies, hotels, restaurants and other travel-related companies, may subscribe to Select Traveler by sending a check for $49 for one year to: Select Traveler, Circulation Department, 301 East High Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40507. 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. NAME OR ADDRESS CHANGES: If your copy of Select Traveler should be mailed to another manager in your organization, or if you personally know another travel director who is not receiving Select Traveler, please send your correction to: Select Traveler, 301 East High St., Lexington, Kentucky 40507, or call (859) 253-0455.

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Whether it’s learning about the natural world in Decatur and Gulf Shores, the past and future of space exploration in Huntsville, visiting sights where Rock ‘n Roll hits were made, or the history of the Civil Rights Movement, we can supply you with itineraries for several group tours. Trouble is...deciding which tour to take first. We’ll keep adding to the list, you just keep coming for new adventures. www.alabama.travel To learn how your group can experience Alabama, contact Rosemary Judkins at rosemary.judkins@tourism.alabama.gov or 334-242-4493.

perspective E D I T O R ’ S

have some friends I want you to meet. In nearly two decades working in travel journalism, I’ve been privileged to visit hundreds of incredible places around the world. But even more fascinating than the places I have traveled are the people I have met along the way. That’s all about to change. I’m excited to tell you about the debut of “Gather and Go,” a new podcast from our team that’s dedicated to helping you plan, promote and lead better trips. Each episode of the podcast will feature a conversation with one of the many creative, innovative and engaging friends I’ve met in the tourism community. In our first episode, I talk with Terry Dale of the United States Tour Operators Association about traveling during difficult times. You’ll also hear conversations with leaders such as Jaclyn Leibl-Cote of Collette, Erik Wolf of the World Food Travel Association, Patrick Smith of Ask the Pilot and many more. This is a podcast you won’t want to miss. We’re going to talk about the expanding role of cultural experiences in tourism, building resilient travel brands, leveraging technology to reach new markets and other ideas that will help you design better travel experiences. In addition to these featured conversations, you’ll also get travel news you may have missed, as well as travel tips from our team and updates on events, FAM tours and other special projects we’re working on. And you’ll want to stay tuned to the end of each episode for “The Hot Minute,” where I’ll give you my unfiltered take on issues impacting tourism every day. If you’re already a fan of podcasts, you can find “Gather and Go” wherever you listen to your favorite shows. If you’ve never downloaded a podcast before, don’t worry — you can hear every episode online at grouptravelleader.com/podcast. The first several episodes are available now. Join us for “Gather and Go,” and let’s take your travel organization to the next level.

This is a guest column from Brian Jewell, executive editor of Select Traveler. Contact him at brianj@grouptravelleader.com.

Brian Jewell 6

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MICHAEL LUNDQUIST DIRECTOR OF SALES, EASTERN REGION

MAYFLOWER CRUISES AND TOURS LISLE, ILLINOIS Mayflower Cruises and Tours started in 1979, offering group excursions to

checking in W I T H

M I C H A E L

L U N D Q U I S T

destinations around the world by rail, cruise or guided coach tours. Providing life-enriching travel to Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, Central America, Australia and New Zealand. Born: Iowa City, Iowa Education: Bachelor’s in communications from the University of Memphis Employment: Lundquist has been in the travel industry for 19 years. He has worked for tour and cruise operators with a global reach, has owned his own travel agency, and for the past four years, has worked as one of three nationwide directors of sales for Mayflower Cruises and Tours. Family: Lundquist has two kids, Georgianna and Reily, plus a husky named Hugo. While Mayflower is headquartered in Lisle, Illinois, Lundquist works from his home office in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Hobbies: Beyond travel, Lundquist likes to stay active with snowboarding, soccer and basketball. He also enjoys writing poetry and other genres of creative writing.

Michael Lundquist’s career in travel has taken him from his home office in Winston-Salem to exotic destinations such as the Taj Mahal.

BY REBECCA TREON

t the age when many people are worried about whom to take to prom, Michael Lundquist was getting his first exposure to international living. As a student at Darrow School, a boarding school in upstate New York, he shared classes and living space with students from around the globe: Japan, Korea, South America, Europe and beyond. Lundquist befriended a Japanese student who invited him home to visit his family in Kyoto for two weeks over summer break. “That experience made me interested in travel — it was pretty mind-blowing,” he said. “There weren’t too many 17-year-old kids walking along the streets of Kyoto back in 1996, and we even had a personal translator with us.” During those formative years, Lundquist was on the soccer team and was active in the school’s theater programming. He was the singer and

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bassist for bands his friends would put together and ultimately landed at the University of Memphis for a degree in communications and film. Another of Lundquist’s hobbies was snowboarding, which he had to abandon, at least temporarily, while living through Tennessee’s mild winters. “I loved working in film, and I thought I had a lot of potential there, but nobody was hiring the next big director,” said Lundquist. “I decided that as soon as I graduated, I was going to move to the biggest city that’s close to some kind of mountain so I could go snowboarding.”

MOUNTA I N MI LE ST ONE S

Lundquist ended up settling on a move to Denver, where his brother was attending school. From there, he waited tables and thought about what his first real adult career move would be. He did temp jobs to scrape by and was placed with a local travel agency.

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“I’m personable and I like talking to people,” said Lundquist. “I had computer skills and other skills that the agency needed. I ended up in the call center of Group Voyagers Incorporated, a Globus brand that works in group travel. I came in to fill a role as a temp but moved into working in group sales.” After working with groups, he became a group supervisor and loved working with the agents, especially one he got to know well who was located in West Virginia. The agent invited him to France to help with a student group tour, which really solidified he would make a career in the travel industry. He was making his mark in the company, too, building a reputation for being easy to work with while having the trait of being detail oriented — a key skill when planning group travel. “I started thinking about how much I loved working in travel, so I moved over to the sales and marketing side of things, and I was successful at that,” said Lundquist. “I ended up moving to South Carolina and became a business development manager for Globus and covered the Southeast, focusing specifically on groups — bank travel — and began working a lot of conferences.”

To date, Lundquist has visited 23 countries and 49 states and doesn’t plan to slow down anytime soon. “I’ve been able to have a great career where I learn about different cultures and see the different ways people live, and it’s just been amazing.”

Exploring Machu Picchu

Arriving in Split, Croatia

T HE RO AD H O M E

Lundquist was eventually promoted to national sales manager, where he managed more than a dozen representatives all over the country and was able to move back to his hometown of WinstonSalem, North Carolina. “I always said I would never, ever come back — it was just kind of a dead place,” said Lundquist. “But then they started revitalizing the downtown, which I always thought had great potential, but growing up there was just nothing going on. But they started to revamp everything, so I decided I should move my family there.” It was shortly after his move to Winston-Salem that Lundquist decided he wanted to try running his own travel agency and tour company. With a group focus, his independent agency offered unique tours with historic elements. “I tried to focus on ancient history, which was something I was interested in, inspired by the trip to Peru where I saw pre-Columbian art and sites,” said Lundquist. “On every trip, I would include things like Stonehenge but also some off-the-wall sites, too.” Lundquist’s days as a stand-alone operator lasted about two years, but ultimately, it was too difficult to be a one-man show in such a competitive environment. Before he shuttered his doors, though, he already had an offer from Mayflower on the table.

T HE M AYFL O WE R C O M PA C T

“It worked out as having perfect timing — that was in 2018, and Mayflower had just gotten bought out and was looking to expand, and they knew I had led a sales team before,” said Lundquist. “They’re 100 percent group-sales focused, and I loved the trips they were selling and the product, so I was really excited to take the position.” Now, Lundquist sells luxury river and ocean cruises that go beyond whatever an all-inclusive could ever offer, including butler service and top-shelf drinks. Groups travel by yacht to destinations like Antarctica on a 100-passenger vessel, the likes of which are typically privately owned. The company also organizes national park tours, Christmas market tours and holiday specialty tours, among other options. “This is like my job when I ran my own company but better,” said Lundquist. “I tried with my own business, but there were costs that were really adding up. There were so many things that were a struggle for me, and it’s great to have a marketing team again with people I can go to when I need things. I’ve been with them ever since.”

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D E S T I N AT I O N

faves

1. Peru — “We had a meeting in Peru that really opened my eyes; I hadn’t been exposed to South America at all. I didn’t know what the food was going to be like, and they have 400 varieties of potatoes. They have all of this ancient architecture — Machu Picchu was great, and we saw the Sacsayhuaman, which is just amazing.” 2. Israel — “I had the chance to go to Israel with the Israeli Ministry of Tourism, and that trip blew me away. I’ve always been into religious texts and that was amazing — our itinerary really brought parts of the Bible to life.” 3. Split, Croatia — “My great-grandfather came from Croatia, so I had always wanted to see Split. Even though it’s a small area, it’s just an amazing country, and on that trip we went to Croatia, Slovenia, and ended in Vienna. Split has the ‘Game of Thrones’ aspect, and historically speaking, Emperor Diocletian moved the Roman Empire’s headquarters there — there’s not a more quaint, beautiful or inspiring place I’ve ever been.”

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T R A V E L

T O O L B O X

don’t let rising prices ground your group

BY BRIA N JE W E LL

nflation is driving the cost of travel to dizzying heights. Affinity group coordinators planning trips for 2023 and beyond are seeing the effects of inflation in everything from airfares to motorcoach rental rates, hotel prices and attraction admissions. And with the price of fuel continuing to rise, travel could be even more expensive next year than it is today. There’s no way to eliminate inflation’s sting entirely, but savvy planners can take steps to minimize its impact on their trip prices and their travelers. Here are some ideas and alternatives that can help you keep your group going even when rising prices threaten to make travel impractical.

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LOC K I N PR I C ES Many tour companies publish pricing for their most popular tour products a year or more in advance of departure, which means they work with hotels, transportation companies and other vendors to lock rates well before you start booking trips with them. That means there’s a good chance your favorite tour operator set rates for 2023 before inflation became an issue earlier this year. If you’re planning trips for next year, now is the time to reach out to those providers and begin making arrangements. You may be able to lock in the company’s current rates for your customers so they don’t have to pay higher, inflation-adjusted prices later on.

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TRY DIFFER ENT DES T I NAT I O NS The cost of travel is being pushed up by high fuel prices and expensive hotel rates, both of which are rising faster than the rate of inflation. Some of this is due to pent-up demand, as people who delayed travel during the pandemic are determined to make up for lost time. To mitigate this price pressure, you can look for less expensive destinations. This might mean places closer to home, where you can bus instead of flying. Or it could entail finding off-the-beaten-path destinations that are less crowded — and have less expensive hotel rooms — while still offering great visitor experiences.

C ONS IDER A C R UI SE MAX IMIZE EXC HANG E R ATES

Cruises are popular vacations

While inflation has been difficult at home, there is some

in their own right — some people

good news for travelers: The dollar is particularly strong right

love nothing more than a vacation

now, trading well against foreign currencies. This creates

at sea or a weeklong ramble down

opportunities for groups that travel internationally to find af-

a European River. In addition to their

fordable trips to countries where Americans enjoy favorable

inherent appeal, though, cruises

exchange rates. Some exotic destinations, particularly places

pack additional economic value.

in Central America and South America, may offer an attractive

Since cruise lines provide accom-

alternative to higher-priced destinations in Europe or Asia be-

modations,

cause American travelers can get more for their money there.

and sightseeing, they are often able

Shorter flights will also help keep prices down.

to employ economies of scale to pro-

transportation,

meals

vide a more attractive price for a vacation than a land-based package of similar duration. Planning a cruise for next year may help you offer a desirable group travel product at a relatively affordable price point.

AD JU ST YOUR INC LUS IONS If your travelers are sensitive to the sticker price of the tours you offer, it may be advantageous for you to look for ways to keep those prices steady by making changes to the product you offer. There are numerous ways to do this: You could shave a day or two off your typical itinerary; downgrade hotels to use more affordable properties with fewer amenities or in less desirable locations; or pare back the number or quality of included meals or attractions during the trip. This gives cost-conscious travelers an opportunity to save money while still allowing big spenders to pay for premium meals and experiences during free time.

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By K. Huff, courtesy PHLCVB

Philadelphia’s National Constitution Center

A LANDMARK

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ENJOY ICONIC CITIES ALONG INTERSTATE 95

BY JILL GLEESON

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ick the right spot, listen carefully and it’s almost possible to hear the steady, strong heartbeat of a blossoming America still tender but no less assured for its youth. After all, this country has managed to retain many of its historical sites, places where it was born and continues to grow, sometimes gently, sometimes with undeniable pain. Many of these sites are located in cities up and down the coast of the Mid-Atlantic so chock full of landmarks it would be possible to spend at least a week exploring each one of them. But why settle for just one city, when you can build the ultimate historical tour for your group by visiting several?

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Conveniently strung together like sparkling gems along Interstate 95, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Williamsburg, Virginia, are the cities that made us. They provide not only an inspiring look at our nation’s past but perhaps a peek at our future, too. PHILADELPHIA: FOUNDING FATHERS FIRST While Williamsburg is about a half-century older than the City of Brotherly Love, it makes sense to begin any historical road trip through the Mid-Atlantic’s coastal cities in Philadelphia, long billed as “The Birthplace of America.” Established in 1682, it’s where our Founding Fathers drafted and adopted both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

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By K. Huff, courtesy PHLCVB

The Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia gives visitors an expansive look at the people and events that led to the country’s founding.

An iconic symbol of freedom, the Liberty Bell is also here and available to visit, along with the Betsy Ross House (said to be the site at which she sewed the country’s first flag) and statesman and scientist Benjamin Franklin’s grave. It all adds up to a total of 67 National Historical Landmarks, with many packed into Philly’s federally administered Independence National Historical Park, otherwise dubbed the “most historic square mile in America.” Before it moved to Washington, D.C., the country’s capital was located in Philadelphia for about 10 years. The city offers so much history in such a relatively small area that it “makes it very easy for groups,” said Annie Jirapatnakul, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau’s global tourism sales and services manager. “They can get dropped off in one location and walk around the historic district.” As for tour guides, she added, “Centipede Tours is one of the popular ones because their guides will dress up in historic garb and walk around the city or hop on the bus.” Whether hanging out with a Ben Franklin look alike or not, groups will definitely want to visit Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There, events including the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the first formal act in securing America’s freedom, forever changed the world. The National Constitution Center delves into the hallowed document, also endorsed in Independence Hall, that laid the foundation for the nation. Meanwhile, groups can choose from private, themed tours around subjects like how women impacted the American War for Independence at the Museum of the American Revolution.

Courtesy PHLCVB

Valley Forge National Memorial Arch

It may be hard to tear your travelers away from these show-stoppers, but give it a try. There are loads of fine Philadelphia historical sites flying a bit under the radar that are worth a visit. In the historic district, the President’s House ingeniously uses the footprint of America’s first executive manse to explore the contradiction between Washington’s belief in personal freedom and his ownership of enslaved peoples. And Fort Mifflin, where members of the Continental Army were able to delay the redcoats long enough to allow Washington’s troops to dig in at Valley Forge, makes a fine last stop in the city. Sitting on the west bank of the Delaware River, it’s a stone’s throw from I-95. DISCOVERPHL.COM ON THE ROAD AGAIN Before heading south to Washington, D.C., consider a detour to Valley Forge National Historical Park, a quick 45-minute drive northwest from Philadelphia on Interstate 76. It’s famed as the site of the 1777-78 winter encampment of Gen. George Washington’s Continental Army, which helped turn a band of rag-tag militias into a cohesive fighting force able to defeat the British. Or, make a pit stop in Baltimore, about an hour north of D.C. on Interstate 95, depending on traffic. Be sure to check out Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, the citadel that successfully defended the city from the British navy during the War of 1812, thus inspiring Frances Scott Key to write “The Star Spangled Banner.”

By Robin Miller, courtesy PHLCVB

Liberty Bell in Philadelphia

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PAST AND PRESENT MERGE IN WASHINGTON, D.C. The seat of our nation’s government for more than two centuries, Washington, D.C., is where history happens “every single day,” according to Theresa Belpulsi, vice president of tourism, sports and visitor services with Destination DC. As such, it can be difficult for leaders to decide which attractions their groups should visit — the city beats out even Philadelphia with a whopping 75 National Historic Landmarks. Belpulsi recommends taking a look at Destination DC’s list of curated itineraries for inspiration. They zero in on subjects like Black History, Prohibition and Lincoln’s legacy, with stops everywhere from the new Black Lives Matter Plaza, which was made a permanent monument late last year in the wake of the national movement’s D.C. protests, to the J U LY / A U G U S T

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Courtesy washington.org

The United States Capitol

Courtesy washington.org

The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Courtesy NARA

cottage in which President Lincoln penned much of the Emancipation Proclamation, finally freeing (most) enslaved Americans. Belpulsi said there are many sites everyone simply must see in D.C. Although the White House hasn’t yet reopened for tours, the Capitol Building has. Not only beautiful, it’s also home to the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives and is the site of a multitude of historically important events. Belpulsi also suggests paying a visit to the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights at the National Archives Museum, adding, visiting “the National Mall, obviously, and walking up to the Lincoln Memorial are musts.” “There are some significant things that happened there, including Martin Luther King Jr. giving his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech on the stairs,” she said. “And then the King Memorial is steps away on the National Mall.” For groups interested in doing a deeper dive into history, consider booking a walking tour through the Guild of Professional Tour Guides of Washington, D.C. Fans of “Camelot,” will especially enjoy a Kennedy-themed Georgetown tour that includes stops at the church JFK and Jackie worshipped in, as well as Martin’s Tavern, where he proposed to her, and several of the couple’s homes. Or, have your groups take a turn through (or, even better, stay at), the luxurious Willard Hotel. First expanded in 1850 from a series of row houses built in 1816, the Willard has sheltered many of the nation’s biggest movers and shakers. President Lincoln stayed there in the week preceding his inauguration due to threats of assassination; President Grant could often be found hanging out in the lobby during his White House tenure; and The Emancipation Martin Luther King Jr. made the final edits to his Proclamation at the “I Have a Dream” speech at the hotel. National Archives WASHINGTON.ORG

The original United States Constitution on display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

Courtesy NARA

“THERE ARE SOME SIGNIFICANT THINGS THAT HAPPENED THERE, INCLUDING MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. GIVING HIS ‘I HAVE A DREAM’ SPEECH ON THE STAIRS. THE NATIONAL MALL, OBVIOUSLY, AND WALKING UP TO THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL ARE MUSTS.”

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— THERESA BELPULSI, DESTINATION DC

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HEAD OUT ON THE HIGHWAY Before getting back on the interstate, you might want to travel the aptly named George Washington Memorial Parkway for 15 miles to Mount Vernon, Virginia. The bucolic estate of the nation’s first president, it features not only the historic mansion but also gardens, outbuildings, a museum, Washington’s tomb and more. Richmond, Virginia, a bit more than two hours south from D.C., makes a great historic detour groups are sure to love, too. Orator and patriot Patrick Henry gave his impassioned “Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death” speech, which helped speed the Colonies toward revolution, at St. John’s Church in the city. The church still stands, as does Henry’s home, Scotchtown, where he crafted his legendary speech. Both are available for tours.

Courtesy Richmond Region Tourism

A Patrick Henry interpreter in Richmond

WILLIAMSBURG: COLONIAL AMERICA COMES ALIVE Offering an immersive experience thanks to the 301-acre Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area, Williamsburg, Virginia gives groups an opportunity to not only learn about life in one of America’s most historically important cities but also actually experience it. Named Virginia’s capital in 1699 after the statehouse in Jamestown burned down a year previously, Williamsburg quickly morphed “into the center of political, religious, economic and social life in Virginia, which was the largest and most populous of the British colonies in America,” said Visit Williamsburg CEO Victoria Cimino. “It also became a center of learning thanks to the College of William and Mary [the second oldest college in America, founded in 1693],”

Courtesy Colonial Williamsburg

A garden dance party at Colonial Williamsburg

Cimino added. “Presidents Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe and John Tyler were notable attendees. Additionally, Gen. George Washington assembled the Continental Army in Williamsburg in 1781 for the siege of nearby Yorktown and the winning of American independence.” Today, the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area is known as the largest living museum in the nation, with costumed interpreters interacting with visitors amongst 88 structures both original to the period and reconstructed. Some reenactors portray everyday artisans practicing trades; others portray notable figures like George Washington. And there are plenty of experiential adventures available specifically to groups in Williamsburg, ranging from a historic (and rowdy) pub crawl complete with an interpreter leading the way to joining a Colonial military drill under the guidance of a “militia sergeant.” Want to give your group a chance to check out a less-explored corner of Colonial Williamsburg? Be sure to stop at one of the area’s fine museums. For maximum fun, drop by the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum. One of the largest such institutions in the country, it is filled with whimsical examples of three centuries of American folk art and features more than 7,000 paintings and sculptures. An evening ghost tour also provides plenty of diverting entertainment. There are a wealth of companies investigating spooky doings in Williamsburg, but Colonial Ghosts can take any size group while not only dishing up thrills and chills but delving into the history of the area as well. They also offer extended tours that visit the College of William and Mary. VISITWILLIAMSBURG.COM

The Folk Art Museum at Colonial Williamsburg

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Courtesy Colonial Williamsburg

TODAY, THE COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG HISTORIC AREA IS KNOWN AS THE LARGEST LIVING MUSEUM IN THE NATION, WITH COSTUMED INTERPRETERS INTERACTING WITH VISITORS AMONGST 88 STRUCTURES BOTH ORIGINAL TO THE PERIOD AND RECONSTRUCTED.

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Courtesy Richmond Region Tourism

A performance at Richmond’s Historic St. John’s Church

Historic ships near Williamsburg

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Courtesy Visit Williamsburg

TAKE THE LONG WAY HOME Williamsburg is one-third of America’s Historic Triangle, three cities connected by the scenic 23-mile Colonial Parkway that were home to dramatic events dating back to the days before independence from Britain was won. As such, it just makes sense for your travelers to pay them a visit before heading home. Jamestown, site of the first permanent English settlement, includes two attractions that shouldn’t be missed. Jamestown Settlement is a re-creation of the 1607 colony, while Historic Jamestowne boasts an archeological dig and a museum filled with fascinating artifacts. For a deeper understanding of the decisive battle that ended the American Revolutionary War, groups can take a tour of the Yorktown Battlefield with a park ranger and stop by the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.

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DISCOVER NORTH AMERICA where tradition comes alive.

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Courtesy Cincinnati USA

Tulips in Holland, Michigan

Courtesy Holland CVB

Hoffbrauhaus in Cincinnati

Courtesy Cincinnati USA

Cincinnati’s Roebling Bridge

THE WORLD AT

HOME

ENJOY INTERNATIONAL CULTURES IN THE USA

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tching to go abroad but not able to get there now? Great news: You can visit some amazing international destinations without a passport. Thanks to a bevy of American cities with international heriage, groups can feel transported to the Caribbean, Europe and even Asia while traveling within our own borders. Read on for the best events, attractions and food opportunities in cities that will transport group travelers while staying right here in America. CINCINNATI, OHIO There’s no bigger Oktoberfest in America than the one in Cincinnati, Ohio. Imbibing isn’t the only way to experience German culture in the Buckeye State, but it’s certainly an op-

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tion. Take advantage of German heritage tours to explore Cincinnati’s legacy of German-influenced beer and breweries. Or savor Deutschland-inspired foods like sauerkraut, Limburger cheese, sausages, soft pretzels and strudel at one of the city’s many festivals and restaurants. Finally, round out your time in Cincinnati by exploring a historically German neighborhood. Oktoberfest is a favorite event for groups visiting Cincinnati. Oktoberfest Zinzinnati showcases the rich German heritage of southwest Ohio, as well as a sampling of German-style music, dance, food and beer. First held in 1976, the event hosts more than 575,000 attendees every year. Expect dachshund races, lederhosen costume contests and the “Gemütlichkeit Games” built to entertain with beer-barrel races and the beer-stein carry. Other German festivals in Cincy include Glier’s Goettafest, Christkindlmarkt and Bockfest.

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Courtesy Choose Chicago

Greek Islands Restaurant is one of many Greek eateries in Chicago, a city brimming with international heritage.

You can get great German grub any time of the year, however. Multiple restaurants feature Cincinnati’s rich German heritage, like Hofbrauhaus, Mecklenburg Gardens, Wunderbar, The Lubecker and Kreimer’s Bier Haus. Cincinnati is one of the cities making up the “German Triangle,” sonamed for its high concentration of German-American residents. That history can still be seen in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. OTR is a vibrant place once home to the German working class whose stunning brick structures date back to the early 1800s. Just outside downtown, OTR is one of Cincy’s hottest neighborhoods, with parks and fountains, music halls, breweries, restaurants and Findlay Market — Ohio’s oldest farmer’s market. Other landmarks of German heritage include the Tyler-Davidson Fountain, forged in sister city Munich, and the Roebling suspension bridge. CINCINNATIUSA.COM

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Courtesy Visit Tampa Bay

Kissing Savannah’s Blarney Stone

Chinatown in San Francisco

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA No need to go all the way to Ireland to kiss the Blarney Stone — you can tap into the luck of the Irish in Savannah, Georgia. Several historic variables (involving Colonial opportunities, the Great Potato Famine and the Civil War) came together, making Savannah an increasingly attractive place for Irish immigrants over a period of about 100 years, resulting in the city’s decidedly Irish heritage. Catch a glimpse of just one of Savannah’s many green-dyed fountains in March and you’ll know the big event the city is prepping for: St. Patrick’s Day. Dressed in their finest Kelly green, parade-goers celebrate the city’s Irish community in the biggest St. Patty’s Day parade in the nation outside of New York. If your group loves sports, you may want to plan to attend a Gaelic game through the Savannah Gaelic Athletic Association. Teams take on rival cities in games of hurling and Irish football. To get a sense of the spirit of Ireland in Savannah, visit one of its many Irish sites. Start with the beautiful Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. The cathedral has many ties to Savannah’s Irish community — namely, its headquarters for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and hosts the Mass of the Feast of St. Patrick. Self-guided tours are available, except on Sundays. Groups always appreciate walking tours, and there are multiple available year-round. Learn even more about the influence of Irish Americans

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Courtesy the Blarney Stone of Savannah

A Tampa Cuban sandwich

Courtesy San Francisco Travel Assoc.

TAMPA, FLORIDA If you’ve ever wanted to see and explore Cuba for yourself, head straight to Tampa, Florida. A Cuban cigar industry took root in Key West in the mid-1800s. However, Tampa’s freshwater and access to a railroad made it a more attractive place to do business. That meant the Cuban cigar industry would move to Florida’s Gulf Coast in a little Tampa neighborhood called Ybor City, and its immigrant workers followed. Today, Ybor City is full of culture that’s been passed down through families since 1885. For the best Ybor City cigar history and authentic Cuban culture experience, take the official Ybor City Walking Tour. Guides will take groups through a two hour-tour of the most significant sites. Then pay a visit to the newly opened J.C. Newman Cigar Factory and Museum. Groups will be able to view Cuban torcedores make hand-rolled cigars just as they did back in 1885. In addition to cigars and Cuban culture, Ybor City is also known for its nightlife. Stroll down Seventh Avenue and see an array of eclectic restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Plus, the Josi Marit Park, dedicated to the memory of the firebrand who led the Cuban resistance against Spain, was the only piece of Cubanowned property in the United States until the opening of the Cuban Embassy in 2015. Visit this park owned by the people of Cuba at the corner of Eighth and 13th streets. VISITTAMPABAY.COM

Courtesy Visit Tampa Bay

HOLLAND, MICHIGAN When immigrants from the Netherlands founded a town in Michigan in 1847, they believed living in America would fulfill their long-held dreams of economic and religious freedom. Instead, the land promised nothing but hard times, challenges and mosquitoes. They weren’t expecting the amount of hard work that awaited them, but they triumphed over adversity like so many others in the stories of Americana. Despite their obstacles, these Dutch-Americans eventually succeeded in a new town they lovingly named Holland. Today, the top attractions in Holland are Windmill Island, Dutch Village, the DeKlomp Wooden Shoe Factory, the Holland State Park and the Holland Museum. Groups also enjoy Tulip Time, a festival with a nearly 100-year history. Tulip Time begins the first Saturday in May each year and runs through the following Sunday. BoatWerks is the sole lakefront restaurant in town, boasting an excellent patio for sunset views. And the Beechwood Grill is another group-friendly option for evening dining. For quaint scenery, dine in historic downtown. HOLLAND.ORG

An Ybor City cigar maker in Tampa

in Savannah by visiting Father Whelan’s gravesite, Emmet Park, the William Jasper Monument and the Old Fort Neighborhood. Plus, Savannah has its own Blarney Stone. Kiss the stone at Cohen’s Retreat, a tasty eatery in town. VISITSAVANNAH.COM CHICAGO The Great Chicago Fire was a major turning point in the Windy City. What isn’t so often known is the demand for jobs rebuilding the city attracted Greek immigrants to the area. Lucky for everyone who loves gyros and mujadara, Greektown is a vibrant neighborhood in Chicago celebrating Greece’s Old-World traditions, right in the Midwest. Groups enjoy the National Hellenic Museum, the premium museum founded in 1983 to preserve and share Greek culture, history and culture. To be transported among the bleached white buildings and azure blue water of Santorini, visit during Greek heritage events like Greek Independence Day, Greektown Restaurant Week, or the Taste of Greektown festival. And anytime you visit, you’ll find Greektown restaurants with a tempting menu and robust history. That’s because many restaurants have been passed down in family lineages for decades. Find your next delicious meal at a pillar of the community like Greek Islands, Spectrum Bar and Grill, 9 Muses Bar and Grill, Artopolis Bakery and Cafe, Athena Restaurant, Mr. Greek Gyros, Zeus Restaurant, Meli Cafe and more. Expect to see something new each time you visit Greektown. The neighborhood has a lively arts committee that puts on new outdoor exhibits like paintings and sculptures along Halsted Street. GREEKTOWNCHICAGO.ORG

Spa

SAN FRANCISCO Time Magazine called China Live one of the best places in the world in 2018. Michelin-starred Empress by Boon restaurant serves a Cantonese menu daily. And two-time James Beard award-winning Mister Jiu’s restaurant provides fresh Chinese fusion food. The best part? These dizzyingly delicious Chinese restaurants aren’t abroad. They’re in San Francisco’s Chinatown. Chinatown is one of the most intensely distinct neighborhoods in America, with a serious sense of place thanks to its high concentration of immigrants from China, who were drawn to the U.S. during California’s Gold Rush. (Trivia night tidbit: It’s the most densely populated neighborhood west of New York City.) In addition to incredible food, visitors love people-watching in Chinatown. If you prefer more structure to your day, there are myriad walking tours to try. Some of the best times of year to visit Chinatown are during the Chinese New Year Festival and the Autumn Moon Festival. The Chinese invented fireworks more than 2,000 years ago. The Chinese New Year Festival celebrates this history with a dazzling fireworks display to end the nighttime parades. In 2022, the Chinese Historical Society of America launched “We Are Bruce Lee: Under The Sky, One Family,” a multimedia collaboration showcasing the career of the legendary martial artist and Chinese American Bruce Lee. Plus, the society has reopened its doors in Chinatown with upgraded galleries and new exhibitions and programs. SFTRAVEL.COM

Eat

Sleep

318 Howard St • Greenwood, MS • 662.453.2114 • thealluvian.com

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By Steve Grider, courtesy Louisville Tourism

By J. Moses, courtesy Louisville Tourism

Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory

Churchill Downs in Louisville

READERS RESPOND CONFERENCE ATTENDEES NAMED A FEW USA FAVORITES

BY KATI HYER

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hey say variety is the spice of life, and there’s nothing truer about the myriad cultures, atmospheres, and things to do flavoring destinations across America. At this year’s Select Traveler Conference, we asked our travel planner attendees to name destinations they plan to visit with their groups in the coming years. Their answers read like a list of America’s greatest hits, from New Orleans in the South to Anchorage in the North and many other popular places in between. Read on to discover the one-of-a-kind experiences, group-friendly attractions and new offerings in five of our readers’ favorite destinations.

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LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY The greatest two minutes in sports may belong to Churchill Downs, but Louisville’s draw for groups is practically endless. Bourbon City invites visitors to make their way through town with winning food, drinks and attractions. Whet your whistle downtown, where an abundance of bourbon tours, experiences and bars have turned Main Street into the Wall Street of Whiskey. There are plenty of things to enjoy even if your group isn’t interested in spirits-soaked attractions. The city’s second draw is culinary: Louisville chefs have developed their own canon of food with ethnic and Southern fusion offerings. Local favorites like eggs benedict, Derby pie and pimento pizza grace plenty of menus, but expect mashups like

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By Paul Broussard, courtesy New Orleans CVB

Beignets and café au lait are required snacks for groups traveling to New Orleans, one of Select Traveler readers’ favorite cities to visit.

BRANSON, MISSOURI If you’re not blown away by a trip to Branson, you’ve gone to the wrong one. The Live Entertainment Capital of the World is a vacationer’s dream destination that puts group interests center stage with more than 100 live entertainment venues, not to mention outdoor adventures and family-friendly attractions. Pyrotechnics, LED lights, acrobatics and dozens of instruments — that’s not a sampling of features from multiple shows, it’s a glimpse of one of most popular shows in Branson: The Haygoods.

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Enjoying the outdoors near Anchorage

Courtesy Mackinac CVB

Ziplining in Branson

Courtesy Branson CVB

NEW ORLEANS Life’s always a party in New Orleans. With French, Spanish, African and American influences seasoning the city’s culture, the Big Easy is as varied as the gumbo it’s known for. Music, sports, a vibrant art scenes, festivals and food, food, food — this rowdy, sophisticated and cosmopolitan town is a place like no other. It would be a disservice to this culinary paradise to start a trip in the land of jambalaya and etouffee without a feast. Don’t miss a French Quarter beef po-boy sopping with au jus, or try a largerthan-your-stomach seafood platter. Finish off with a beignet and chicory coffee at the Cafe du Monde by Jackson Square. As for attractions, group favorites are everywhere. Try riding the streetcar or booking specialty walking tours. The Crescent City is home to one of the finest museums in the country: The National World War II Museum. And while there’s nothing quite like the raucous evenings of Mardi Gras, there are celebrations all year like the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Speaking of music, the Birthplace of Jazz boasts some impressive clubs. Trumpets, clarinets and trombones serenade crowds on just about any corner, but your ears will be in for a treat at Preservation Hall. The treasured jazz venue has remained mostly unchanged since the 1960s. It’s simple to get outdoors in the Big Easy, too. Fly over the bayou on an airboat tour or roar with the crowd at a Saints game. And City Park is ready to explore. It’s home to Botanic and Sculpture Gardens, the New Orleans Museum of Modern Art and plenty of other things to see and do. The city’s latest attraction is Vue Orleans, a rooftop observatory offering a 360-degree view of the city. NEWORLEANS.COM

By Jody O. Photos, courtesy Visit Anchorage

collard greens topped with kimchi, too. As for attractions, many groups visit Churchill Downs. The track is connected to the Kentucky Derby Museum, which gives visitors a look at the legacy and tradition of Thoroughbred racing. Another signature experience awaits at the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. Visitors can immerse themselves in America’s favorite pastime by admiring Babe Ruth’s bat and testing their pitching speed. Top off your group’s time in town with a pilgrimage to the Muhammad Ali Center, which honors the Louisville-native boxing champion. Looking for new things to do in Derby City? Louisville is known for its authentic steamboat, the Belle of Louisville. Joining her ranks is a sister steamer the Mary Miller, whose name nods to America’s first female steamboat captain, also from Louisville. Board either cruise for great food, drink and storytelling, like ghost story tours that will spook the bowtie right off your neck. GOTOLOUISVILLE.COM

Michigan’s Mackinac Island

Six talented siblings have thrilled audiences in this family show for three decades, with no sign of slowing down. Sight and Sound Theatre brings entertainment of Biblical proportions to audiences during every show. The faith-based company performance Old Testament and New Testament stories on a bigger-than-Broadway stage. Computerized graphics, 40-foot sets and live trained animals are just a few of the elements groups can expect at a Sight and Sound show. At Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater, audiences are wowed by pitch-perfect tribute artists during the Legends in Concert show. Where else can you see Sinatra, Elvis, Michael Jackson and Aretha Franklin? Shows may get your group’s blood pumping, but it’s the call of the outdoors that will fuel them with adrenaline. Branson is in Missouri’s Ozark region, where the verdant scenery is replete with springs, waterfalls, caves and the Lake of the Ozarks. Fishing, ziplines, boating and go-karts are options too. “Groups are coming back to Branson in a big way to enjoy our soft adventure options with Dogwood Canyon at the top of the list,” said Lenni Neimeyer, director of leisure group sales for the Branson Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Other attractions frequently found on Branson group itineraries are Titanic Museum Attraction, Showboat Branson Belle and the new Aquarium at the Boardwalk. EXPLOREBRANSON.COM MACKINAC ISLAND, MICHIGAN The only indication of time passing on the Jewel of the Great Lakes is the coming and going of horse-drawn carriages. Accessible only by ferry (a fun pilgrimage in its own right), Mackinac Island, Michigan, seems happily stuck in time. The town promises

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the perfect atmosphere to unplug and unwind. That’s because on this island, which is 80% state park, there are no cars, no chain hotels and no modern-day worries. Instead, your guests will enjoy serene sailboat-dotted vistas, friendly hospitality and fudge made the old-fashioned way. “Groups love coming to the island and taking advantage of our horse-drawn lifestyle,” said Tim Hygh, CEO of the Mackinac Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Cars have not been allowed on the island since 1895, so horses and bicycles are our preferred modes of transportation.” Most visitors spend their time hiking, biking, playing golf and shopping. Trek to Fort Mackinac, a military garrison built in 1782 with a fascinating history, and explore other treasures within the state park. Rental shops abound to outfit visitors to bike the island’s more than 70 miles of trails. Golfers can tee off at the Jewel Golf Course, and the island is brimming with shops downtown, on Market Street and at Surrey Hill. Some of the more popular things for groups to do are the famous narrated carriage tour of the island, Mission Point Resort, a butterfly house and the iconic Mackinac Island Lilac Festival. On an island where time stops, “newness” is a bit antithetical to their culture. But hoteliers are always creating new packages for visitors to enjoy, like daycations offered by local resorts. MACKINACISLAND.ORG ANCHORAGE, ALASKA Take a walk on the wild side in Anchorage, Alaska. The largest city in the largest state features a union of natural splendor and vibrant urban life. Accessible via direct flight from a

dozen major airports, the city delivers scenery, culture and modern amenities. An undeniable draw to the southern Alaska city is the chance — nay, guarantee — to encounter wildlife and nature. Moose amble around city bike paths, beluga whales swim along the Cook Inlet coast and black bears mosey through hillside berry patches. Groups enjoy the Alaska Zoo (the only one in the state) or the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. To experience the mountains and stunning scenery only found in the Last Frontier, book tickets to ride the Alaska Railroad. Plus, nowhere else in America do you get this close to glaciers. Charter tours by floatplane, on a cruise or via ATV. If you’re not feeling a glacier landing, try a fishing trip, summer dog sledding or bear viewing. Culturally, Alaska is home to a rich legacy of Native American peoples. Anchorage’s Alaska Native Heritage Center shares their stories through exhibits, dance and more. Travel planners can arrange private tours to explore authentic Native dwellings. The Anchorage Museum is a hit for art and culture aficionados. On display are masterworks of Alaska Native art and designs. Private group tours, guided by a docent, can be arranged. As for recently added offerings in Anchorage, new or reopened hotels provide upgraded rooms and signature amenities for guests to enjoy. The Westmark Anchorage now features balconies with views of the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet for every room. And Alaska’s first-ever Nordic Spa at Alyeska Resort is open. It features indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy pools and a Scandinavian-style sauna. ANCHORAGE.NET

Our Storied Past

Your Next Adventure

812-936-3418 • vflwb.com

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•

#MyFrenchLick •

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Cook

AT THE VIKING COOKING SCHOOL From the novice to the experienced cook, an array of students including kids, moms and dads, business professionals, and friends come to attend our classes each year. If you appreciate the pleasure of great food, Viking Cooking School is the place to indulge your passion. Our culinary spirit keeps us on the cuttingedge of all things food and inspires us to constantly evolve with seasons and cooking trends. Select from classes such as ethnic cuisine, basic techniques, baking, vegetarian, cocktails and dinner parties. Teambui ld ing • Faci l i t y rentals • Suppe r clubs B r idal showe rs • Boa rd meet ings • Bi r t hday pa r t ies Hol iday pa r t ies • Luncheons • Date n ight s

866. 4 51.675 0 o r 662 . 4 51.675 0 t heal luvian.com/vcs

FR E NCH LI CK, I

OUR STORIED PAST... YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE. The beautiful resort community has been welcoming guests for over 100 years! It’s the perfect destination, with gracious hospitality, ultimate luxury, and an unforgettable experience. FRENCH LICK RESORT

French Lick Resort invites you to meet history and experience the luxury of two world-class historic hotels. French Lick Resort Resort fulfills any type of vacation getaway dream.

WILSTEM WILDLIFE PARK VISIT FRENCH LICK WEST BADEN West Baden Springs, Indiana • 812-936-3418 visitfrenchlickwestbaden.com Brandy Ream • brandy@visitfrenchlickwestbaden.com

Enjoy 1,100 rolling acres at this ranch that includes: Zip-lines and Upclose Elephant, Giraffe, Sloth, and Kangaroo Encounters. Along with a Safari Drive-Thru.

FRENCH LICK SCENIC RAILWAY

French Lick Scenic Railway offers tours through parts of the Hoosier National Forest, the Burton Tunnel, and past limestone outcroppings. They also feature several themed excursions during the year.

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ALABAMA

SWEET HOME ALABAMA POWERFUL AND MEANINGFUL GROUP TOURS Today’s travelers desire experiences that speak to the core of their individuality. Let me help you create tours that resonate with your groups and result in sales for your company. BIGGEST, BEST AND TOP ATTRACTIONS

Showcase your groups the world’s largest space museum, motorcycle collection, see America’s mounds that were once our largest prehistoric community and tour America’s Amazon - the Mobile Delta.

SOUL OF THE SOUTH - MUSIC EXPERIENCE GROUPS LOVE

Groups can visit Muscle Shoals recording studios, experience gospel in our churches and sing “Sweet Home Alabama” in our fun and unique music halls.

ALABAMA’S U.S. NATIONAL PARK SITES

Skip the crowded west and tour Alabama’s U.S. National Park sites for nature and history: Little River Canyon, Russell Cave, Horseshoe Bend, Tuskegee Airmen, Birmingham Civil Rights, and Freedom Riders.

ON SACRED GROUND - RELEVANT AND IMPORTANT

In Alabama group tours can see where Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. made history while also visiting America’s only memorial to racial terror and learning about Dr. King’s letter from Birmingham Jail.

BEACH AND BAY GET - AWAYS ARE MADE FOR GROUPS

Gulf Shore’s sunset cruises and strolls along sugar white sand; Mobile’s Mardi Gras Park, historic downtown; and Dauphin Island’s globally important bird migrations all make for relaxed outdoor tours. ALABAMA TOURISM DEPARTMENT 334-242-4493 • alabama.travel Contact: Rosemary Judkins • rosemary.judkins@tourism.alabama.gov Courtesy Cultural Tourism DC

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ATLANTIC CITY, N E W

J E R S E Y

OUR BOARDWALK, YOUR STORY Experience the excitement in a city with no limits. Tax-free shopping, world-class dining, stimulating nightlife and action-packed gaming in one spectacular destination. BOARDWALK

Historic, wooden and seven miles long; Stroll the wooden way by foot, bicycle, the legendary rolling chair or watch the tram car please!

STEEL PIER

The Steel Pier will channel your inner youth with amusement rides you’ve loved as a kid and a chance to win that big stuffed animal you’ve dreamed about.

BEACH

Bask in the glowing sun, take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean or stroll along the white sandy beach to find the perfect seashell. At the famous and FREE beaches of Atlantic City, adventure awaits.

ABSECON LIGHTHOUSE

The majestic Absecon Lighthouse stands at 171 feet tall and boasts as New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse. Climb until you can’t climb anymore because the 228 steps are worth the views at the top.

LITTLE WATER DISTILLERY

Little Water Distillery is Atlantic City’s first and only craft distillery to produce whiskey, rum, vodka and gin. With tours and tastings, it’s the perfect site to find your new beloved spirit.

TOUR ATLANTIC CITY 609-318-6097 • touratlanticcity.com Contact: Heather Colache • hcolache@meetac.com

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going places W I T H

A S H L E Y

TAY L O R

TRAVEL OFTEN BY TRAVELING HEALTHY

eeping a healthy lifestyle can be challenging at home and feel downright impossible when you’re traveling. But when you and your group travelers are getting ready for your next trip, you can take some steps ahead of time to ensure your upcoming adventures don’t derail your health journey. You’ve been taking care of yourself lately with regular exercise and a better diet, but you just booked a tour and know from experience you don’t usually make healthy decisions. A lot of tours include a lot of food stops, from meals to snacks, and you enjoy treating yourself to some delicious bites along the way. And sometimes on tours, you sit a lot when traveling from city to city. Touring days often begin early or end late, which limits your time for going to the gym. You may come home from a trip of too much food and too little exercise regretting the decisions you made. But healthy travel is possible, and you can help the travelers in your group prepare for healthy trips by following these steps.

GET YOUR STEPS IN

When you receive the itinerary for an upcoming, take note of the times your days begin and end. A lot of tours provide a tentative schedule. A tentative schedule can allow you to plan for time in the gym, and just about every hotel or resort has a gym. Make sure you pack the proper clothing for the environment and a different pair of shoes to work out in. If you plan to do laps around your hotel, you might want a long sleeve shirt if it’s going to be cool outside. When you arrive for your stay ask the front desk where the gym is located and when it’s open. Then make sure the health-conscious travelers in your group know those hours. Research your hotels prior to the trip so you’ll be aware of the amenities provided. Swimming in your hotel pool is a convenient way to exercise without giving up too much of your fun time.

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Some resorts offer yoga, aerobics or other classes. Call ahead and ask your hotel or resort if there are walking trails nearby or what is offered for exercise. Many hotels and resorts have options to allow you to stay fit while traveling — just ask! Each day of your trip is likely to be different. Some days you might walk enough to have more than your daily amount of steps. Most itineraries indicate walking tours, or you can ask your tour company which days you and your group should prepare for a lot of walking.

EAT SMART

Of course, many people’s favorite part of travel is eating! When traveling, you get to experience different foods — and usually a lot of them. Trying foods from a new area can be a lot of fun and create long-lasting memories, and a food tour or culinary adventure can be a highlight of your next trip. And they don’t have to leave you bloated and uncomfortable. Prepare in advance by checking your itinerary to see what meals are included. Try the healthier option at some meals, and when you’re on your own for a meal, choose a healthier option. Don’t just settle for what’s convenient — be willing to ask around for healthier food and walk a little bit farther to find it. Keep in mind your breakfast decisions often set the tone for the rest of the day. So, when you walk into the breakfast room, avoid heavier foods such as biscuits and gravy and instead opt for some eggs and fruit. Encourage your travelers to do the same. Eating a healthy breakfast starts you out right for the day. You won’t feel bad when eating your next meal, and it helps you make better decisions as the day continues.

CUT YOURSELF SOME SLACK

When you’re trying to live a healthy lifestyle, travel can feel like a weight-gaining trap. But you can travel in a healthy way and still enjoy exercise and healthy meals. Staying healthy on the road requires planning, mindfulness and flexibility. But it also requires

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ashley taylor Ashley Taylor is a longtime bank and travel club planner. She lives in Ironton, Ohio, with her two daughters.

you to allow yourself to indulge from time to time without feeling guilty about it. And when you’re leading a group, keep in mind your choices will impact their travel experiences. Sometimes, you may need to eat what they’re eating to help them enjoy their experience as much as possible. You might not be able to eat and exercise as we do at home while traveling, but with a bit of effort, you can make some healthier choices. Don’t forget, it’s OK if you don’t always make the healthier choice! Travel guilty free — the gym will always be waiting when you return home.

Ashley Taylor recommends light meal choices and a high activity level for staying healthy on the road.

PUT MEANING

Travel with Purpose Across North America. As travelers, we all want rich, authentic, and meaningful travel experiences. As travel professionals, we want to ensure we use travel as a force for good. Through the

ON THE MAP.

Meaningful Travel Map of North America, visitors can connect to locally owned social and environmental impact experiences and opportunities, unique and hands-on cultural experiences, products, and services.

www.meaningfultravelplatform.org/main/map Pictured: Take a cooking class with The League of Kitchens, to build cross-cultural connection and access to traditional cuisine.

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