Select Traveler Winter 2023

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T R A V E L E R A L A B A M A B R I N G S I T | E V O C AT I V E V I C K S B U R G

| W I L D , W E L C O M I N G K E N YA

discovering the

DANUBE’S

ACCESS UNLOCKED: AFRICA

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Europe WINTER 2023

ACCESS UNLOCKED: AFRICA

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discovering the

DANUBE’S

Europe WINTER 2023

LOUISVILLE is filled with unique and one-of-a-kind attractions and a Southern Style and “Spirit” all its own.

Discover unforgettable experience in

LOUISVILLE - “the Gateway to Bourbon Country”!

BOURBON TRAIL & DERBY TRAINIING CAMP

Horse Racing Class 101: "Hats, Bets & Juleps" 4 Days | Spring & Fall Race Season

Sponsored by Drury Hotels, this tour features a full day of racing at Churchill Downs, where you learn about Kentucky Derby traditions and history. Then there are four separate Bourbon experiences, this is like a Derby Prep School. You learn how to Place Bets, make Mint Juleps, everything you need to know before you come back to Louisville for the real Derby.

LOUISVILLE’S JACK O’LANTERN SPECTACULAR with the Kentucky Derby Museum 3 Days | October 2024

The Louisville’s Jack O’Lantern Spectacular has become a “must-see” event of the Halloween season. Stroll the winding paths of Iroquois Park where the majestic woods are filled with more than 5,000 carved pumpkins in themed settings. This also includes the Derby Dinner Playhouse, a ghost tour at the Conrad-Caldwell House and Halloween Hatitude at the Derby Museum.

LOUISVILLE’S REINDEER RACING

A Luxury Holiday Tour at The Brown Hotel 3 Days | November-December Come, experience Christmas in Louisville with two luxurious nights at the Brown Hotel. This trip is filled with Christmas Cheer with visits to both the Frazier Museum and the Louisville Slugger Museum, and their special Holiday exhibits. Plus, to make your holiday memorable, we’ll let you join in all the reindeer games at the Derby Museum. Ho Ho Ho, you gotta Go.

Call US Tours, we can package a unique Louisville trip for your group.

304-485-8687

USToursAmerica.com

MOBILE IS FOR

Outdoors

Pick your path and pace. Explore our natural oasis.

T H E M AGA Z I N E F O R B A N K , A LU M N I A N D C H A M B E R T R AV E L P L A N N E RS

T R A V E L E R WINTER 2023

VOL.31 NO.4

Cruising the Danube

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BY MAC LACY

contents

ON THE COVER: The Danube runs through Regensburg, a scenic and historic city in Germany.

Photo by Christian Back.

checking in:

toolbox:

state:

going places:

TOM WHITE

TRAVEL PRESENTATIONS

ALABAMA

HOLIDAY TRAVEL MAGIC

24 Historic VICKSBURG

28 River

CRUISING BASICS

8

10

18 KYLE ANDERSON

DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING

MAC T. LACY CHARLES A. PRESLEY BRIAN JEWELL HERBERT SPARROW RACHEL CRICK DONIA SIMMONS ASHLEY RICKS RENA BAER KYLE ANDERSON BRYCE WILSON SARAH SECHRIST

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Founder and Publisher Partner VP & Executive Editor Senior Writer Staff Writer/Project Coordinator Creative Director Graphic Designer/Circulation Copy Editor Director of Sales and Marketing Advertising Account Manager Controller

selecttraveler.com

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32 Colorful

KENYA

859.253.0455

KYLE@GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM

Select Traveler, the Magazine for Bank, Alumni and Chamber Travel Planners, is published quarterly 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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affinity M A T T E R S

I

’m looking forward to heading up to Buffalo, New York, in March. Visit Buffalo/Niagara is hosting our Select Traveler Conference, and our opening day

takes place during their St. Patrick’s Day celebration on March 17. That event is widely considered to be among the best St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in America.

I’m not Irish and I’m not Catholic, but I absolutely love being around people who are celebrating their heritage in boisterous downtown settings. For me, it feels like being adopted for a day.

In September, my wife and I and friends were lucky enough to be in Salzburg, Austria, on the weekend they celebrated their patron saint, St. Rupert.

The streets were filled with Salzburgers,

stylish people in my life. Entire families were decked out in traditional Austrian dress, and it was a blast just to be among them for the music, the sausages, the beer and the camaraderie.

That’s the way Buffalo residents love their city. They love the Bills, their arts organizations, their craft breweries, their Buffalo wings and the city’s authentic neighborhoods. When I discovered the late Tim Russert, the widely respected political commentator, was a Buffalo native, it made perfect sense. He personified the very best characteristics of that city.

Unless you have somewhere else to be on St. Patrick’s Day, I hope to see you with us, out on the street in Buffalo, on March 17.

and I’m not sure I’ve ever seen more

Mac Lacy — Publisher Email me anytime with your thoughts at maclacy@grouptravelleader.com.

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checking in W I T H

TOM WHITE VP of Leisure and Convention Sales

VISIT MOBILE

T O M

W H I T E

Tom White enjoys a moment on Alabama’s gulf beaches (left) and at Mobile’s Carnival (right).

MOBILE, ALABAMA

Visit Mobile is a destination marketing organization located in Mobile, Alabama. Its primary mission is to promote tourism and attract visitors to the city and its surrounding areas. Visit Mobile engages in various marketing and promotional activities to showcase Mobile’s attractions, events and cultural offerings. Through these efforts, the organization aims to boost tourism, enhance the local economy and showcase the unique experiences available to travelers in the Mobile region.

BIRTHPLACE: Nuremberg, Germany EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in sales and sales management, Western Governor’s University EMPLOYMENT HISTORY: After spending a decade at Shoe Carnival, White embarked on a career in tourism, which took him to Capital Trailways Charters, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Yedla Hotel Management Company and then Visit Mobile.

FAMILY: White has been married to his wife, Michele, an elementary school teacher, for 20 years. They have three children: Nick, 26; Jack, 15; and Madison, 7.

HOBBIES: White loves going to the beach and saltwater fishing. And as a certified sports official, he loves officiating sports, especially lacrosse, football and basketball.

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BY R EB ECCA TR EO N

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om White’s father was an Army helicopter pilot whose career took the family to Nuremberg, Germany, where Tom was born. Though the family had stints in Clarksville, Tennessee, and Miami, they later moved to Tybee Island in Georgia, which White considers his hometown. After high school, White went to college and then straight into retail, spending the next decade as the general manager and later regional manager at Shoe Carnival.

“That experience actually helps me a lot in my current career in hospitality and tourism, because I developed a good understanding of customers and their wants and needs and how to fulfill them,” said White.

Into Orbit After working for a charter bus company for a time, White became head of sales and outreach at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, where he stayed for two decades.

“We had people coming in from all over the world to be part of the largest attraction in the state of Alabama,” said White. “That really helped on a national and global level of my career, because we did all kinds of different things, and the diversity of managing all those sales and outreach efforts helped me grow.”

Twenty-five percent of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center’s business was international, and their popular weeklong space camps attracted 50,000 children each year. White helped organize special

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events, including gatherings and dinners for anywhere between 100 and 900 guests.

Inside Hotels When COVID hit and everything shut down, White was faced with an important decision.

White had been at his job for 20 years, and though he says that the time flew by, he knew he was ready to take on a new challenge.

“I went to work for a hotel management company — whose corporate office was based in Huntsville — as their corporate marketing director,” said White. “I learned from the inside a lot about the lodging side of travel and tourism and how it affected conventions.”

The patchwork of White’s career — retail sales and management, working for a motorcoach company, working within a highly popular attraction drawing thousands of visitors and working with hotels — were all preparation for the next step.

The space center allowed him to work with food and beverage directors to understand how those pieces work during a convention; he has seen the set up and tear down of major events; and he had worked plenty of after-hours shifts. The motorcoach company helped him understand transportation, and the hotel helped him understand the workings of room blocks and room rates.

“I’ve kind of done it all! I like the travel and tourism industry and I like the people in it,” said White. “I like the challenge and I like to

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see the growth of something. I’m good at it. Once you find what you like and what you’re good at, you just need to run with it.”

Gateway to the Gulf Earlier this year, White accepted an offer to join Visit Mobile as the vice president of leisure and convention sales. He moved his family from Huntsville to the southernmost part of Alabama.

“Each of my experiences helped me to do the next job better,” said White. “I had been considering the possibility of moving to a new city prior to coming here, but I hadn’t found a destination that fit my needs that had the type of opportunity I was looking for. Then the Visit Mobile opportunity came along, and it was a combination of exactly the job I wanted to do — managing and selling meetings and conventions as well as leisure group tourism — and the potential growth of the city, which is very exciting.”

Change is on the horizon in Mobile. Their airport is being torn down and a new airport is being built near the downtown area; the convention center is being remodeled; and the city is still building on its 300-year history. Among recent developments is the new Africatown Heritage House, which is now open and is drawing a lot of visitors.

“People haven’t recognized the greatness of what Mobile is,” said White. “It has a historic feel with live oak trees and waterways. It very much reminds me of my hometown on Tybee Island. When I was interviewing, we talked for like an hour just about how great it is living in Mobile — we hadn’t even talked about the job yet. There’s just so much to Mobile — it really is incredible.”

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sharpen your presentation skills

BY BRI A N J E WE L L

A

re your travel presentations as successful as they could be?

For affinity organizations, travel presentations are a crucial element of the trip sales process. Whether they take place in person or online, these presentations give you a chance to highlight the amazing places your group will visit on upcoming adventures. They also offer fantastic opportunities to close sales and gather registrations.

But lackluster presentations can hinder your sales success.

Whether you’re new to affinity travel or you have been giving travel presentations for years, here are some tips from public speaking experts that will help you take your travel talks to the next level.

tell stories Think about the most memorable public presentation you ever heard — it probably featured a compelling story, right? Stories help speakers forge emotional connections with their audiences and draw listeners into the content. You can do the same with your travel presentations. If you have already visited the place you’re talking about, tell a story about a fun or unexpected experience you had there — and don’t shy away from using some suspense or humor to hook the audience. If you haven’t been there yourself, borrow a blockbuster story from somebody who has.

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use real media You’re probably already using media like photos and videos in your travel presentations, and for good reason — images can communicate destination appeal in ways that words never will. But if you’re relying on stock videos or postcard-perfect photos to illustrate your destinations, you’re missing opportunities to connect with your audience. Your travelers have likely already seen polished images of the places your tour will go, but they haven’t seen the real-life photos you or other travelers have taken there. Including some DIY media in your presentations increases trust and helps your listeners picture themselves in that place.

prepare and practice According to public speaking expert Eva Daniel of the Speak Shop, the No. 1 mistake speakers make is waiting too long to start preparing their presentations. Without enough prep time, speakers end up stressed and flustered, and they don’t have time to practice the presentation in advance. Daniel says speakers should practice the whole presentation in front of a real person to calm their nerves and work the kinks out. (You

own your ending Ending presentations by taking questions is a practice as old as public speaking itself. But it’s also a missed opportunity. The end of

can hear more of Daniel’s travel presentation tips on a recent

your presentation is the most po-

com/podcast.)

entire talk, so don’t leave it up to

episode of our podcast Gather and Go at grouptravelleader.

tentially powerful moment of your the audience to decide what that ending will be. By all means, include a Q&A toward the end of the presentation. But after the questions, come back with one more

focus on feelings

short piece of content — an incredible photo, the ending to a story

Organizing a trip involves a lot of logistics, and as an affinity travel

you started earlier or an amazing

planner, handling the logistics is a big part of the value you offer to your

secret about the destination. End

members. But this doesn’t mean you should spend a lot of your presenta-

strong, then answer more detailed

tion time covering the details of your trip. People don’t really care what

questions one-on-one.

day they’ll be visiting what site, and most aren’t too concerned about how many meals will be included each day. Instead, use your presentation time to communicate how this travel experience will make them feel. That’s how they’ll really perceive value.

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tales from the sky deck Tasting and toasting on the Danube

BY M AC L ACY

Hungarian Parliament Building from Fisherman’s Bastion

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PHOTOS BY MAC LACY UNLESS NOTED

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O

n a splendid Danube River cruise filled with celebratory meals, we had our favorite lunch standing up.

Surrounded by hundreds of Austrians dressed in stylish lederhosen, dirndls and jackets for Salzburg’s Rupertikirtag festival, we enjoyed sausages served on toasted buns, with spicy mustard and a dash of paprika, washed down with Stiegl beers. Without argument, we gathered against the coarse wall of the vendor’s kitchen, embraced the pageantry swirling around us and relished our trip.

Eight of us from Bardstown, Kentucky, cruised on Avalon Waterways’ Envision from Budapest, sailing westward through Vienna and the Wachau Valley, before driving north to Prague. Including extensions on both ends, we had 11 days to enjoy Europe and caught this romantic region during a run of remarkable weather.

Envision passengers enjoying Budapest PHOTO BY KIM LACY

Budapest

The Budapest Marriott, where Avalon guests overnight, overlooks the Danube. Its terrace and riverfront rooms offer sweeping views of the Hungarian capital’s Castle Hill across the river. The hotel is a five-minute riverfront walk from the city’s landmark Szechenyi Chain Bridge and showcases some of Budapest’s most revered sites, so much so that time spent checking in feels like burning daylight.

We’d flown for about 24 hours when we arrived, so we chilled with drinks in the Marriott for an hour. But as tired as we were, we couldn’t resist a walk to Chain Bridge to Magyar Museum, Budapest get our bearings. Budapest is two cities, Buda and Pest, but that’s inconsequential. The Danube separates them and Chain Bridge unites them. The huge stone span was constructed over a decade in the mid-19th century.

We joined the throngs crossing Chain Bridge and surveyed both skylines. Budapest’s riverfront is spectacular, from the stately Hungarian Parliament Building on the Pest side to the Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion built high above the Danube on the Buda side. We picked an outdoor restaurant, Panorama Terasz, where we enjoyed a spirited dinner later that evening.

The following day, we took two guided tours. We sampled the city’s goulash, acacia honey and strudels on a foodie tour and spent time in Budapest’s massive Central Market Hall. With food and produce vendors on the ground floor and textile vendors upstairs, the colorful market encompasses a city block.

We boarded the Envision the Stephanplatz in Vienna A group in Budapest next day, met our crew and made way toward Vienna, Austria.

Evening meals aboard the Envision were like dinner parties that no one had to host. Our servers always had recommendations for wines and entrees and never missed an opportunity to refill a glass. Since we often went our separate ways, these five-course affairs were perfect for comparing notes and claiming bragging rights.

PHOTO BY STEVE POTTS

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PHOTO BY STEVE POTTS

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Vienna

“In Vienna, we love our indulgences and luxuries,” said our culinary tour guide as we walked to the subway. “I was born here, and my family emigrated to Tucson, Arizona, when I was 12. As soon as I graduated, I came back here to live. Economist magazine recently named Vienna its most livable city in the world.”

Vienna is a European capital for music, waltzes, operas, architecture and art. But it is also a city of sausages, and cheese sausage is their signature snack. Only in Vienna is it customary for formally attired patrons of the Vienna State Opera to finish off an evening of Mozart with cheese sausage and mustard on a roll, enjoyed beneath a canopy of streetlights.

Our group toured its Ringstrasse, a neighborhood of largely Baroque architecture, which includes the opera house, city hall, parliament building, and stately gardens and parks. The city’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Four of us left the ship following dinner for an evening on the Stephanplatz, the beautiful, boisterous square named for the city’s immense St. Stephen’s Basilica.

A culinary tour in Vienna

Exploring a Wachau vineyard

Durnstein and the Wachau Valley

The sun was rising over a nearby farm, so I left the ship in Durnstein and stole a moment for myself. Of all our stops, Durnstein, Austria, was the most rural, and several of us had previously decided to conquer the trek to its medieval castle.

The Envision’s activities director had years of youthful advantage on us and didn’t mince words. “This is not a walk,” he said, smiling. “It’s a hike. We should be able to make it up to the castle in about 25 minutes.”

We walked into Durnstein and climbed the steep trail to the castle. Many local legends can’t withstand scrutiny, but this castle can. Richard the Lionheart, an English king in the 12th century, was captured during the Third Crusade by Duke Leopold V of Austria and imprisoned there for several months.

The panoramic views of the Wachau Valley were worth our effort. The Danube dissects the scene, and forested hills climb from both banks. The Wachau Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, acclaimed for its unspoiled beauty and for ancient vineyards carved from its hillsides over centuries. Stone walls create terraces for the vintners to work from and are meticulously maintained.

The vineyards remain active today, yielding acclaimed white wines, primarily Reislings and Gruner Veltliners.

PHOTO BY KIM LACY

“In Vienna, we love our indulgences and luxuries... Economist magazine recently named Vienna its most livable city in the world.”

A Vienna street musician PHOTO BY STEVE POTTS

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A Salzburg youth PHOTO BY KIM LACY

A Salzburg mother and daughter PHOTO BY KIM LACY

Buying art in Salzburg

Salzburg

Wachau Valley from Durnstein Castle

On the coach to Salzburg, I smiled when our guide mentioned that crowds might be large due to Oktoberfest that weekend. The celebration was actually their Rupertikirtag festival that honors their patron saint, St. Rupert, but the result was the same.

Salzburg, for many Americans, is synonymous with the film, “The Sound of Music,” and our guide handled that with a dry humor that made those sites fun for everyone.

He said the average Austrian doesn’t realize what an iconic film that is in America.

We toured Mirabell Gardens, where several scenes of Maria with the children were filmed, before crossing the Makartsteg padlock bridge (where loves are pledged) to stroll down an old town street, Getreidegasse. Mozart was born there, and his home still stands as a five-floor museum. The Getreidgasse storefronts maintain medieval signage above their doors that identified cobblers, post offices, farriers and others for residents who could not read.

Our guide took us as far as Hohensalzburg, the medieval fortress overlooking the city. Never besieged, the structure is largely intact, and the self-guided tour is excellent. We hoped to have a beer in its alpine beer garden, but the weather didn’t cooperate.

Several members of our party stopped in the old town to purchase watercolors from a street artist. Afterward, we found our sausages and beers and celebrated with the locals.

At dinner on the Envision that evening, our friend Mark said, “You know, they seat everyone for dinner at one time on this ship and offer all of us great service. It’s impressive.

These servers make everyone feel special night after night.”

Envision passengers with Salzburg locals W INT ER 2023

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A day on the Danube

We had what I’d call a river day as we neared Passau and Regensburg, Germany. A spirited cornhole tournament was held, and while two Bardstown teams joined the fray, a couple of guys from Virginia and Wisconsin won.

They and their wives met on a tour a few years ago and have been traveling together ever since.

The chef prepared a “Sky Grill” lunch on the top deck, and everyone gathered for grilled burgers, pasta salad and a beer. It was an outstanding meal in a pastoral setting. We were docked in Engelhartszell, a tiny town in Austria, beside a golden church. Many cathedrals on the Danube were painted this regal yellow, which was a highlight of Baroque architecture that reflects the wealth of God. The most striking example we visited was the Melk Abbey, near Durnstein.

Another friend, Vicky, suggested Avalon could add some river commentary to their app for cruising time. “If I knew I could put my earphones in and learn something about a castle or church we were passing, I’d definitely do it,” she said.

Cornhole onboard

A Prague musician

Passau at sunset

PHOTO BY STEVE POTTS

Regensburg

Regensburg, Germany, is one of the Danube’s best stops. It’s a university town filled with students, most of whom live in its medieval core, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Landmarks include its Stone Bridge, old town’s Roman-built architecture, several churches and what many consider to be the world’s oldest continually operated restaurant, Wurstkuchl, or “Sausage Kitchen.”

We entered via 900-year-old Stone Bridge, which is limited to pedestrians and bicyclists. Regensburg’s cobblestone streets encourage pedestrian traffic; motorists are few and defer to walkers and cyclists.

Our cruise director gave us meal tickets for Wurstkuchl, and we were invited inside to have sausages and sauerkraut in an 800-year-old dining room just off the kitchen.

A busy terrace outside offers great views of the Danube and Stone Bridge.

PHOTO BY MAC LACY

Windowsill in Engelhartszell

Sausage Kitchen, Regensburg

PHOTO BY STEVE POTTS

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river cruise

Staromestske Square, Prague

K U D O S

PHOTO BY KIM LACY

A stateroom on the Envision

COURTESY AVALON WATERWAYS

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ravelers hear that a primary reason to take a river cruise is you pack and unpack once. That’s true, but based on our Danube cruise with Avalon Waterways, I can think of several reasons I’d offer first:

Charles Bridge statue, Prague

A Sky Grill lunch on the Envision

Prague

Avalon’s Blue Danube Discovery cruise with extensions includes three world-class cities in Budapest, Vienna, and Prague, our final stop. The “City of 100 Spires” is the capital of the Czech Republic, or Czechia, and has its own vibrant riverfront on the Vitava River. Its Charles Bridge is an art-filled landmark, built in the 14th and 15th centuries, where street painters set up shop and travelers admire 30 Baroque statues. The original statues created in 1683–1714 have been preserved elsewhere and replaced with replicas.

The Prague Marriott that Avalon uses was ideal for walking into the heart of its old town. We got our bearings and could be at Staromestske, the old town square, by walking several blocks. Prague’s timeless timepiece, its medieval Astronomical Clock, holds court there and was built initially in 1410. Massive and ornate, it draws a crowd each hour to observe its ancient mechanical wizardry. At the top of the hour, the parade of the Apostles begins, only to be countered by the death knell of a humorless skeleton.

Prague Castle stands on a hill on the opposite side of the Vitava from its old town square. It, too, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, in part for being the largest castle complex in the world. Its oldest structures date to the 9th century. We spent the morning of our last day touring it, then spent our final afternoon enjoying the labyrinthian streets of old town Prague.

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• The ship’s crew was delightful. From the captain, cruise director and chef, to the housekeeping and foodservice staff, the crew of the Envision was courteous and engaging. Most of us prepaid our crew’s tips and chose to give some additional gratuities anyway — they were that good.

• The Envision was immaculate. From bow to stern, the ship was a first-class way to travel. The décor was contemporary, the staterooms were stylish, the sky deck was always clean, and the lobby was efficient.

• The food was great. The ship’s chef told me he regularly leaves the Envision to source local produce like saffron or vegetables. His soups were exceptional, and he said most took 8-10 hours to prepare. Choices for entrees and desserts were the hardest decisions we made all week.

• The complimentary happy hours were always festive but never taken advantage of. Travelers enjoyed sharing stories but were always attentive during the cruise director’s preview of the following day’s activities.

866-821-2752 GLOBUSFAMILYGROUPS.COM

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Space and Place

BY TOM ADK I N SO N

Groups can retrace the steps of their musical heroes at Muscle Shoals Sound Studios.

COURTESY MSSS

Pursue your passion in delightful Alabama

A Saturn V rocket display at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville

THE MUSIC OF THE SHOALS

COURTESY HUNTSVILLE/MADISON CO. CVB

A

meandering trip through Alabama, starting in the music mecca of Muscle Shoals and ending on the Gulf of Mexico at Mobile, is almost like Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates: “You never know what you’re gonna get.”

One thing is certain, however: The surprises are delightful.

This particular itinerary includes the music of the Rolling Stones and Linda Ronstadt, a burger and a beer in an Appalachian cave, rocket ships, spectacular waterfalls, real tigers, a baseball museum that appeals to sports and history buffs, a gigantic statue of a Roman god, peach ice cream, a riverboat cruise and a sobering stop at the site where the last kidnapped and enslaved Africans landed in America.

Rattlesnake Saloon near Tuscumbia

Up in the northwest corner of Alabama is the Shoals, a collective name for four cities (Florence, Sheffield, Tuscumbia and Muscle Shoals) that are united by music and divided by the Tennessee River. There’s no doubt you’ve heard music from the Shoals, and you can immerse yourself in it by touring two recording studios and a tribute museum.

At FAME Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals, you can soak in the soulful memories of Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding and other stars who created 350 million recorded or published cuts in this very unassuming building. Nearby in Sheffield is the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, often simply called 3614 Jackson Highway. This was home to the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section (also known as the Swampers), and the parade of artists who recorded here includes Cher, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Leon Russell, Linda Rondstadt and dozens more.

The Alabama Music Hall of Fame in Tuscumbia honors scores of people connected to Alabama’s musical heritage. Among them are Nat “King” Cole, Hank Williams, W.C. Handy (father of the blues), the Louvin Brothers, Tammy Wynette, Jimmie Rodgers (the father of country music), Lionel Richie, Percy Sledge, Emmylou Harris and, yes, the country music group Alabama.

A lodging tip: The Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa in Florence is one of the area’s biggest properties, and its 360 Grille delivers a commanding view of the Tennessee River. Listen for live music at the Swampers Bar. A dining tip: Time your tour for a burger and a beer — and probably some live music — at the Rattlesnake Saloon just west

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Noccalula Falls in Gadsden

An artifact at the Negro Leagues Museum in Birmingham COURTESY ALABAMA MOUNTAIN LAKES

BY TOM ADKINSON

MUSCLE SHOALS of Tuscumbia. What you’ll remember most is the location. It is tucked underneath a gigantic rock overhang, meaning that your hosts are welcoming you to a cave.

ROCKETS, WATERFALLS AND TIGERS

Head east from the Shoals for Alabama’s most visited attraction: the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, a hit from the day it opened in 1970. NASA’s Artemis II mission, the first crewed trip to the moon in more than 50 years, is planned for 2024, and you can learn about the roots of America’s space exploration efforts here. You’ll marvel at the gigantic Saturn V rocket (one of only three in the world), especially when comparing it to the cramped quarters of an Apollo lunar landing craft.

While the moon is more than 225,000 miles away, you can turn your sights just 75 miles east to enjoy some of Alabama’s Appalachian terrain and a collection of accessible waterfalls.

John Dersham, president/CEO of DeKalb Tourism in Fort Payne and a noted nature photographer, enjoys steering visitors to places such as 104-foot-tall DeSoto Falls in DeSoto State Park, Little River Falls in Little River Canyon National Preserve and Noccalula Falls in Gads-

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den. A north-to-south roll to see all three covers only about 60 miles and delivers memorable photographs.

A shopping tip: Before getting to waterfall country, consider stopping in tiny Scottsboro at Unclaimed Baggage, the nation’s only retailer of lost luggage. Airlines don’t lose many bags forever, but some are never claimed, and their contents end up here.

What can you find? Absolutely anything someone might pack — newly purchased clothes, binoculars, Kindles, AirPods, jewelry, and even wedding gowns.

Between Little River Falls and just off Interstate 59 is a place where you can quote a line from Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz.” It goes like this: “Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!”

The line is logical at the Tigers for Tomorrow, a rescued animal preserve on Untamed Mountain. Really, that’s where it’s located. It is home to eight species of big cats (definitely lions and tigers), black bears, brown bears, wolves, coyotes, hyenas and foxes, plus several more benign animals such as Hansel and Gretel, who are capybaras, the world’s biggest rodent.

Tigers for Tomorrow is a walk-around attraction, and it exists for more than providing safety for the carnivores. Environmental education and conservation are key parts of its mission.

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A ROMAN GOD AND BASEBALL IN BIRMINGHAM

Birmingham’s modern economy — big in health care, higher education and banking — almost obscures its industrial past as a steelmaking city nicknamed the “Pittsburgh of the South.” However, the city offers a conspicuous reminder of its history.

High on Red Mountain is a towering statue of Vulcan, the mythological Roman god of fire and forge. Italian sculptor Giuseppe Moretti designed the 56-foot-tall figure to represent Birmingham in the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, and Vulcan came home afterward. He resided at the Alabama State Fairgrounds for decades before relocating to his mountaintop perch in 1939.

Today, the compact but highly informative museum tells Birmingham’s steelmaking history, and a trip to the observation deck of the statue delivers a panoramic view of modern Birmingham in the valley below.

One of Birmingham’s prides is Railroad Park, a 19-acre greenspace in the middle of the city. It is a perfect place for tour participants to stretch their legs and check out attractions such as baseball’s Negro South-

ern League Museum, which is adjacent to the city’s minor league baseball stadium.

You don’t need to be a fan of baseball to appreciate the Negro Southern League Museum. Yes, it is about baseball, but its deeper story is a look at American life through sports. Birmingham was a major player in the nine major Negro leagues that operated from 1920–63. One of the museum’s exhibits explains that the previously white Birmingham Barons were Alabama’s first integrated professional sports team, well before the state’s schools, lunch counters and college football teams accepted minorities.

Italian sculptor Giuseppe Moretti designed the 56-foot-tall Vulcan statue to represent Birmingham in the 1904 World’s Fair.

Tigers for Tomorrow

PEACHES AND A RIVERBOAT CRUISE

Heading south from Birmingham puts you in the middle of an Alabama culinary treat — peach country. Chilton County, where Clanton is the county seat, is the epicenter for everything peachy, and you don’t have to drive through during harvest season to have a sweet time.

A multi-faceted family business called Peach Park is a popular stop right along Interstate 65 in Clanton. Of course, it has peaches (usually May through Labor Day, with many varieties that ripen at different times), but it is just as famous for peach ice cream, handheld peach pies and peach cobbler.

Peach Park opened in 1984, and it premiered its peach ice cream in 1988. The second generation of the Gray family keeps churning out ice cream and serving “Peach Pit Bar-B-Que,” peach preserves, peach bread and more. Remember to have a big supply of napkins if you get a bushel for the motorcoach. They’re juicy.

You can keep food foremost in your thoughts with an Alabama River dinner

Vulcan on Red Mountain in Birmingham

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COURTESY GREATER BIRMINGHAM CVB

A memorial to enslaved Clotilda passengers in Mobile’s Africatown Montgomery’s Harriott Riverboat COURTESY EXPERIENCE MONTGOMERY

Artifacts at Africatown Heritage House

COURTESY VISIT MOBILE

Fresh peaches in Chilton County

cruise through the heart of Montgomery, Alabama’s capital, aboard the Harriott II riverboat. The two-hour trip features a plated meal, with inside seating on the first and second decks. The menu changes through the year. Check to see whether your cruise offers baked chicken, barbecue chicken, St. Louis-style ribs, fried catfish or another entrée. At holiday time, the dinner is sirloin steak and skewered shrimp.

The Harriott II offers two-hour daytime trips as well, with two climate-controlled decks and outdoor seating on the top deck. Sundays have the special treat of a Blues Cruise that showcases local blues entertainers.

BY CHRIS GRANGER, COURTESY AL DEPT. OF TOURISM

The Clotilda was the last ship to bring enslaved Africans to the United States, a fact made worse because its arrival was in 1860, more than 50 years

COURTESY VISIT MOBILE

A SOMBER STOP IN MOBILE

A north-to-south Alabama tour usually ends on the white sands of the Gulf of Mexico at Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, but plan a stop in Mobile at the Africatown Heritage House, a purpose-built place to tell the story of the Clotilda.

The Clotilda was the last ship to bring enslaved Africans to the United States, a fact made worse because its arrival was in 1860, more than 50 years after the importation of slaves was outlawed. The Clotilda carried 110 men, women and children.

Some of the survivors lived into the 1920s, and they and their descendants created the community of Africatown.

While the focus of the Africatown Heritage House is on the 110 human beings at the center of the story, there is also interest in the Clotilda itself. The slave traders had the ship taken up the Mobile River, burned and sunk to hide their treachery. Roughly two-thirds of the ship lay buried in mud until the wreckage was publicly identified in 2019, furthering efforts to tell the stories of its kidnapped passengers. The museum opened in 2023 for individual visits, and group tours will begin in 2024.

after the importation of slaves was outlawed.

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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.

Visit www.alabama.travel

To learn how your group can experience Alabama, contact Shawna Faniel at shawna.faniel@tourism.alabama.gov or 334-353-1907

Mississippi Majesty G R AC I O U S V I C KS B U RG S H A R E S I TS STO R I E S W E L L

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ike a bejewelled queen atop her throne, regal and lovely Vicksburg sits high on a bluff overlooking the mighty Mississippi River.

It’s a prime position that has brought much change-making drama to this Mississippi town of 20,000, but there is more here to greet group travelers than century-old homes. Along with long-loved

offerings like the National Military Park and a rich diversity of tour homes, Vicksburg now features two newer downtown institutions that sparkle as brightly as gems in a crown.

Travel planners would do well to allow time for their groups to explore sites from the city’s dynamic present, as well as its profoundly historic past.

V I S I T V I C K S B U R G.C O M

COURTESY VISIT VICKSBURG

BY J ILL G LEES O N

Built in 1856, Duff Green Mansion served as a hospital during the Civil War and is now open for tours.

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Vicksburg National Military Park

COURTESY VISIT VICKSBURG

HISTORIC TOUR HOMES

Founded in 1811, Vicksburg blossomed into a bustling center for commerce thanks largely to its location on the Mississippi. Wealthy citizens built handsome residences, each more grand than the last, and a number still remain as tour homes. Two of the finest, Anchuca Historic Mansion and Inn and Duff Green Mansion, are just a block from one another in Old Town Vicksburg. Planners can arrange a drop-off at the former, giving groups the opportunity to stroll the charming neighborhood, lined with brick streets and lit by gas lanterns, on the way to the latter.

Anchuca was home to Joseph E. Davis, brother of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, who is said to have given a speech from the structure’s front balcony. Groups can take guided tours and even enjoy an elegant tea on the property, which dates to the 1830s, that includes sampling goodies made in-house by Anchuca’s owner, a professional baker.

Duff Green has an equally notable past. Built in 1856, it served as a Civil War hospital and was visited by Union General Ulysses S. Grant.

“During the tour, the guide explains what it would be like to be invited to a party prior to the siege,” Gatian said.

“So, you see the main dining room where the formal dinner would have taken place, the ballroom where Jefferson Davis once danced, and the ladies’ parlor and the gentlemen’s parlor. It’s wonderful.”

COURTESY VISIT VICKSBURG

A critical Confederate river port during the Civil War, Vicksburg was the site of a long, bloody siege by the Union Army that raged from May 18 to July 4, 1863. When the city finally fell, its loss split the South in two, delivered control of the Mississippi to the North and contributed to the Confederacy losing the war. Today, the 1,800-acre park, which was established in 1899, is the state’s top attraction, said Ashley Gatian, sales and marketing manager for Visit Vicksburg.

“They welcome almost half a million visitors per year, and they are very well-versed in working with groups.”

Licensed step-on guides are available to lead two-hour, battle-centric tours through some of the key attractions in the park. They include the USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum, featuring the restored vessel and plenty of historical artifacts; 20 miles of reconstructed trenches and earthworks; the pre-Civil War era Shirley House; and Vicksburg National Cemetery. Or groups can focus on the sculptures and architecture in the park, estimated to be worth a whopping $4 billion to $5 billion. The Art of Commemoration tour dives deep into the story of some of the more than 1,400 monuments and memorials that grace the park’s landscape, honoring the soldiers and sailors who fought on both sides of the history-making campaign.

COURTESY NPS

VICKSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK

Anchuca Historic Mansion

Exploring downtown Vicksburg

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COURTESY VISIT VICKSBURG

Catfish Row Museum

CATFISH ROW MUSEUM

The Catfish Row Museum only debuted a few years ago. But like any particularly vibrant venture, it continues to expand and evolve. In June, the cultural institution cut the ribbon on a new demonstration/teaching kitchen, a continuation of its mission to showcase and explore Vicksburg’s diverse cultural heritage. Recent events there have included a demonstration of native cooking by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, as well as an exploration of the slow food concept by Nick Wallace, renowned Mississippi chef and winner of the Food Network shows “Chopped” and “Fire Masters.”

Meanwhile, the museum continues to host impressive rotating exhibits, from a recent Smithsonian traveling examination of democracy in voting to in-depth looks at Black history, women’s history and Vicksburg merchants.

Set within the Christian and Brough Building, which was constructed in 1905 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Catfish Row Museum is “a great addition to our historic downtown,” said Gatian. “It’s a free museum to tour. I feel certain the owner, Linda Fondren, would be happy to meet with groups, as long as they book in advance and request a talk with her. There might also be a possibility of setting up something in the kitchen, depending on if a chef is available.”

“The museum tells the story from the Black perspective.

Charles opened it in 2021, so it’s actually our newest attraction. He’s fantastic — he loves to welcome groups.”

— ASHLEY GATIAN, VISIT VICKSBURG

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Charles Pendleton

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Battlefield implements on display

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Vicksburg Civil War Museum

VICKSBURG CIVIL WAR MUSEUM

The Vicksburg Civil War Museum, which also boasts a convenient downtown location, is an expansive storefront attraction with thousands of artifacts on exhibit that were culled from the private collection of owner Charles Pendleton. Unlike most other institutions throughout the country detailing the horrors of slavery and the War Between the States, “the museum tells the story from the Black perspective,” Gatian said. “Charles opened it in 2021, so it’s actually our newest attraction. He’s fantastic — he loves to welcome groups.”

Visitors can expect to be deeply moved by the museum, the exhibits of which begin with framed copies of succession letters drafted by 11 Southern states. Other highlights include a huge array of weaponry, such as cannons and artillery shells; the furnished enslaved person’s wood cabin, which Pendleton transported in pieces from an area farm and reassembled in the museum; and a 52nd United States Colored Infantry enlistment paper. Many of the signatures are simple Xs, indicating those brave souls willing to fight to death for their freedom were often unable to read or write.

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An American Cruise Lines riverboat

COURTESY AMERICAN CRUISE LINES

The sun deck on American Cruise Lines vessel

COURTESY AMERICAN CRUISE LINES

COURTESY AMERICAN CRUISE LINES

Sipping and sailing on an American river

COURTESY VIKING

A Viking ship cruising the Rhine in Germany

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An Avalon ship sailing through Siem Reap in Cambodia

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An Avalon Panorama suite on the Mekong River

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Decked Out River cruises have reimagined vast inland destinations

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ometimes thinking small delivers the bigger view.

That’s the reward planners can bet on with river cruises. Gentle, intimate vessels may not boast the arena-sized entertainment of their cruise ship cousins, but these travel-sized ships mean passengers get up-close views of life via

waterways where bigger vessels dare not enter.

Unlike large-ship cruising, days on a river cruise tend to be more structured and curated. The only choices planners have to make are the waterway, the time, and the river cruise company. Here is a smattering of group-friendly ideas sure to delight in Europe, the U.S., and farther afield.

EUROPE River cruising originated in Europe after World War II, and for good reason.

The waterways cutting through the continent offer access to fairy-tale castles, medieval cities and destinations synonymous with romance.

River cruise ships in Europe are roughly the same long, flat shape and size, as all boats have to pass under the same bridges and fit through the same locks — limiting their size and therefore the number of passengers. There may be a small fitness center, plunge pool or deck for lounging.

Many companies provide ground transport to the ship, especially if booked with airfare. Once onboard, the daily routine includes an overview of the itinerary to prepare passengers for what can be a tightly packed schedule. Operating like an escorted bus tour, most operators provide a choice of two excursions per port. Travelers pick between a slower-paced walking tour or a more active excursion like biking or hiking.

For most lines life on board is all-inclusive, from meals to drinks and gratuities. As for accommodations, while each room will have a window, and some a balcony or terrace, all river ships share docking ports in Europe. So while at the port of call, views may be blocked by a neighboring ship.

Travel planners should consider companies such as Viking, Scenic, AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways and Tauck River Cruises.

The Aqua Nera sailing on the Amazon River

THE SEINE A river cruise on the Seine will take travelers from Paris to Normandy and back, in one of the most treasured stretches of France. Many begin their cruise with a few days in the City of Lights before embarkation. Then, spend two days docked in Le Havre, a strategic port city and focal point of WWII. Tour the Route des Abbayes by bus to take in ruins of medieval monasteries and contemplate what the beaches of Normandy witnessed. Day five brings passengers to Rouen, where mustsees on a walking tour include the cathedral.

THE RHINE Starting in the Alps, the Rhine winds its way northward through picturesque towns in Austria, France, Germany and the Netherlands. A typical itinerary begins in Amsterdam, where any visit would be remiss without a canal cruise tour.

In Rudesheim, Germany, the gateway to the Rhine Gorge and the middle Rhine Valley famous for its castles, plan to catch a lift in a cable car to the Neiderwald Monument. At the summit, view the vineyards and enjoy a local Riesling tasting. A day in Ludwigshafen, Germany, will offer a Heidelberg excursion or hiking tour. Cap the cruise off with a tour of Strasbourg, France, the gem of Alsace.

THE U.S. Small ship cruising in the U.S. punches above its weight — especially on the Columbia and Snake rivers and the Mississippi River and coastal waters around New England.

Small ships in the U.S. look a little different than their European counterparts. They tend to be paddlewheelers, yachts or small ships with multiple decks hosting fewer than 200 people on board. Room sizes range from 150 to 300 square feet.

Typically, river cruising in the U.S. includes meals, snacks, beverages, gratuities and basic excursions. Evening entertainment might include performances by local artists. Often, the itinerary begins the night before the ship leaves the dock with a pre-cruise hotel stay. Unlike on European river cruis-

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es, passengers are not wedded to the ship or group, and venturing off to explore alone is normal.

For domestic river cruises, check out American Cruise Lines, American Queen Voyages, UnCruise Adventures and Viking River Cruises.

THE MISSISSIPPI American culture is on full display on the Mississippi. You can cruise its length or consider a lower Mississippi cruise spanning Memphis, Tennessee, to New Orleans. Start with a tour of the blues in Memphis, then look to Cleveland, Mississippi, to explore the sleepy town’s contributions to music.

On day two, explore Vicksburg, Mississippi, to consider a significant Civil War battle site. Spend a day in St. Francisville, Louisiana, an antebellum town with hundreds of sites on the National Register of Historic Places. Stop at Nottoway Plantation to peel back the complicated layers of the state’s history.

Finally, disembark in New Orleans to play, eat and explore.

THE COLUMBIA AND SNAKE RIVERS Small-ship cruising on the Columbia and Snake rivers invites passengers to take in the same magnificent sunsets and sunrises witnessed by Lewis and Clark. The expedition almost always begins in Portland, Oregon. Spend the precruise day in the city or visit Mount St. Helens. The unhewn spirit of the West can be glimpsed on the second day in Astoria, Oregon, the oldest settlement west of the Mississippi.

Step off the boat the next day in one of the nation’s richest wine regions and learn about the pioneering spirit of those who took the Oregon Trail in The Dalles, Oregon. Spend the final day eating, sightseeing and tracing the footsteps of Lewis and Clark in Spokane, Washington.

COASTAL NEW ENGL AND New England cruises are largely all-inclusive, but check ahead of time to be sure. Not all of these routes include a pre-cruise hotel stay. Begin the trip in Providence, Rhode Is-

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THE DANUBE Traversing 10 countries from Central Europe to the Balkans, itineraries along the Danube almost always stop in Vienna; Bratislava, Slovakia, and Budapest, Hungary. A typical Danube itinerary begins in Regensburg, Germany. Before embarkation, enjoy a tour of the rare German city that wasn’t disfigured by war. Day two brings passengers to Vienna to tour the Palace of the Hapsburgs. On day three, explore Passau, Germany, a Bavarian town, with a hike to the Veste Oberhaus, the city fortress dating back to the early 1200s.

The following day dock in Bratislava and explore the baroque city. End the journey in Budapest with a tour, a piano recital at the Institute of the Blind or a Jewish History walking tour.

land, and explore three centuries of American history. The next day, be transported to the backdrop of Moby Dick: New Bedford, Connecticut. Enjoy the Whaling Museum excursion or an Acushnet Harbor cruise. Move on to Nantucket, Massachusetts, and its idyllic shores, and explore Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, full of neatly painted Colonial homes.

Enjoy the “Avenue of the Mansions” in Newport, Rhode Island, and visit Battleship Cove in Bristol, Massachusetts.

EXOTIC A river cruise to faraway places can be a lovely way to experience a vastly different and new destination while maintaining the ability to retreat to the safety and security of a modern and well-furnished cabin.

Many of the vessels serving these exotic destinations offer familiar amenities, including a restaurant, lounge deck, outdoor pool, modest gym and library. Where they differ is in their design. Many of these river cruise ships boast sharp angles, dark colors and natural textures like wood and leather on the exterior. Some, like the Aqua Nera in the Amazon, are designed to blend in with the jungle around them. Transfers, gratuities, airfare and drinks outside of mealtime are not typically included in these river cruise options. Excursions vary broadly according to the destination and cruise line. Check with AmaWaterways, Aqua

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Waterways, Avalon Waterways or Viking River Cruises for more information on exotic river cruises.

MEKONG RIVER Cruising along the peaceful Mekong River will take travelers on a vibrant, authentic journey through Cambodia and Vietnam. Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, embark and enjoy a welcome dinner onboard. Day two brings passengers to Sa Dec, Vietnam, with a visit to a local produce market. On the third day, take a trishaw ride to view a craftsman’s workshop. On day four, explore Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and walk into the Royal Palace and National Museum. View a Buddhist blessing ceremony on the fifth day in Oudong, Cambodia, and visit a silk village and local school on day six. At the end of the week, take a walking tour of Angkor Ban, one of the last remaining traditional villages in Cambodia that wasn’t razed under the Khmer Rouge in the 1970s.

THE AMAZON The Peruvian Amazon beckons to travelers aboard a river cruise in the heart of the world’s most dense and biodiverse landscapes. Embarkation takes place in Iquitos, Peru. Each day, excursions, presentations and discovery trips lead passengers ever deeper into the magic of the Amazon. Swim with pink dolphins, hike after dusk to spot nocturnal species or spend the day in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve in Peru to view macaws, parrots and falcons.

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Celebrate Africa K E N YA R OA R S A S A N E XOT I C D E S T I N AT I O N

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any anthropologists believe our ancestors emerged from the Great Rift Valley, and this cradle of humanity continuously tops travelers’ bucket lists. Welcome to enchanting Kenya, where the spirit of Africa comes alive and adventure is complemented by once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Kenya’s remarkable wildlife is undoubtedly its crown jewel. The country is the world’s leading safari destination, with 40 national parks and wildlife reserves offering a wealth of protected areas where lucky nature lovers can witness the big five (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and African buffalo), along with hundreds of other species that

roam freely among the nation’s dramatic landscapes.

But Kenya offers much more than just breathtaking megafauna. English and Swahili are the official languages, but more than 60 others are spoken, reflecting a diverse population that includes most major ethnoracial groups found on the continent.

Its major cities are vibrant urban centers that mix modernity and tradition, both African and European, with bustling local markets and five-star luxury hotels. On the 882 miles of coastline bordering the Indian Ocean, white sand beaches are fringed by swaying palm trees, and marine reserves abound with another big five: whales, seals, dolphins, sharks and sea turtles.

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY ASILIA AFRICA

BY K ATI HYER

Game drives at safari camps are highlights of tours in Kenya.

can’t miss DESTINATIONS The Maasai Mara

This iconic game reserve offers an unforgettable safari experience into the heart of Africa. The raw and beautiful landscape is a photographer’s dream, a mosaic of acacia trees and rolling hills where blood-red sunsets sink below the savannahs. Each year millions of wildebeest, antelope, zebra and other creatures plunge across the Mara River, attempting to evade lions and other predators as they cross crocodile-infested waters. It’s one of the world’s quintessential wildlife experiences and also offers an opportunity for cultural interactions with the proud Maasai. With their dramatic red robes and long, elegant spears, this semi-nomadic and pastoral people are perhaps the most famous tribe in Africa.

Nairobi

Kenya’s capital is a kaleidoscope of attractions. An incredibly diverse city, Nairobi is home to people from all over the world, as well as activities including modern malls, traditional markets, and hiking trails, climbing and golf courses. The National Museum of Kenya offers a glimpse into the country’s history. At the Nairobi National Park, visitors can enjoy a safari and spot local wildlife.

For a more cultural experience, visit the house of beloved “Out of Africa” author Karen Blixen, now a museum surrounded by beautiful gardens. For a unique experience head to the elegant Giraffe Manor, where some of the hotel’s long-necked residents may join you for breakfast.

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EXPERIENCE

For an unforgettable experience, rise well before dawn and climb aboard a hot air balloon. Lift gently into the air as the sun rises over the savannah, where wildlife are beginning to stir, or ascend gracefully from the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the continent’s tallest mountain. Afterward, enjoy an elegant champagne breakfast celebrating your flight.

unforgettable F L AVO R

Swahili for “roast meat,” nyama choma (usually goat or beef) will appear at most festive celebrations, often accompanied by slabs of ugali.

Made from cornmeal, this polenta-like staple is a starchy favorite. Kenya has a large Indian population, and rich coconut curries (wa kupaka), often made with chicken or shrimp, are also popular.

hidden TREASURE With white sand beaches and palm trees, you might think you’re on the coast.

Instead, you’re relaxing on Takawiri, one of Africa’s most unspoiled islands. Takawiri is located in Lake Victoria, the source of the Nile and also the second-largest freshwater lake in the world.

Lamu Island

Lying just off Kenya’s far north coast is a string of five islands known collectively as the Lamu Archipelago. With archaeological and historical interest and great natural beauty, these islands are perfect for a tranquil beach holiday. On Lamu Island, the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site presenting a fusion of African, Arabic, Indian and Persian architectural styles organized around narrow winding streets. Snorkel or dive, swim with dolphins, or cruise on a traditional dhow in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean.

favorite SOUVENIR

While the entire country is awash in lovely handmade souvenirs, don’t come home without crafts made by the Maasai tribe. Travelers love colorful Kazuri beads made into neckpieces, bracelets and earrings.

Other favorites include wire baskets and traditional blankets woven from soft cotton or wool.

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It’s Easy to Brighten Your Travelers’ Holidays

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oliday-themed travel is popular among groups, and there are ways to make it extra special.

Most travel planners don’t need much help selling holiday-themed tours. Customers enjoy those Christmas-inspired tours to destinations all decorated for the holidays. However, after years of touring, how can you take it to the next level?

It may be difficult to keep all travelers cheerful for the entire tour, but try these ideas to make this year’s holiday tour even better.

Cheerful Greetings Make greetings extra special! Arrive at the pick-up spot early to hand out coffee and hot chocolate to guests as they arrive. If there are multiple pickup stops, build in time to make a surprise stop at a local cafe and have a hot drink waiting. Get the tour off to a great start with a warm tummy!

Also, help travelers get in the holiday spirit with some popular Christmas-themed music as they arrive.

Make greeting them extra cheery and let them know up front there will be some surprises this year. This creates anticipation for the next stop. Travelers will be singing along to tunes and wondering what is in store for them next.

Gifts Galore Make your stops extra special with a gift! As travelers take their seats on the bus after each stop, announce they have a gift waiting for them. Build the price of gifts at each stop — even if they’re only worth a little bit — into

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your budget. A gift themed with the stop will make it even more special. Ornaments, postcards and mugs are popular gifts for meal stops. Try sweet treats or snacks on nonfood stops. Combining them with a cookie, fudge or even caramel corn will make the stop even more memorable.

Hotel Surprises Make hotel stays extra special with an in-room surprise!

What could make an experience more special than a milkand-cookie delivery to a guest’s room? Try to arrange inroom gifts with the hotel in advance, or deliver them in person after the group arrives. Try to deliver the surprise as soon as the group arrives, as some people go to bed early. If it is late at night, consider passing the milk and cookies out as travelers walk into the lobby. If so inclined, try dressing up like Santa or Mrs. Claus when delivering the milk and cookies or hire a local Santa or elf to do it for you.

Holiday Entertainment Make farewell night extra special with entertainment! One group’s favorite surprise was visiting a local church to hear an excellent choir sing. Try contacting the convention and visitors bureau in the place you’ll be visiting and find out if local choirs perform for visitors. Often, school or church choirs will perform for a donation. Or add a violinist or guitarist to the farewell dinner night. Be sure and hire someone who can play many Christmas tunes and be present to greet the guests with music as they arrive.

What’s better than favorite Christmas tunes being played while dining?

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bio

Ashley Taylor is a longtime bank and travel club planner.

She lives in Ashland, Kentucky, with her family of six.

Ashley Taylor has taken groups on memorable holiday tours throughout Europe and the United States.

Enchanted Goodbye Make your goodbye extra special with kind words and one final surprise! As the tour comes to an end, make your way through the bus, asking your travelers what their favorite moments were. Then end your tour with a nice Christmas poem or story. That’s right! Read to your travelers a nice short Christmas story. After reading to them, pass out one last gift. For this gift, I suggest having fun.

Go to your local dollar store and purchase random gifts and wrap them. Pass out the gifts and have everyone open them on the bus before arriving home. Laughter is a great way to end your tour; everyone could always use laughter!

The holidays are such a fun time to travel. Everything is decorated and towns put extra care into making things look nice. Communities host events and create fun activities for locals and tourists alike. You can create an even better experience by adding extra care to your holiday tours.

What little surprises or extras can you add to your tour as you look ahead to your holiday season? When in doubt, ask yourself: What can I do to make this experience more special?

TAKE A ROAD TRIP TO SIKESTON

Santa’s Village

Yule Log Cabin Wreath Shop

Enjoy great restaurants, shopping and fun events!

Holiday Events

Holiday Open House - Nov 10-11 Christmas Tree Lighting & Parade - Dec 1 Santa at the Depot - Dec 2 Santa's Village - Dec 1-31 Christmas Church Tour of Scott Co. - Dec 15

Attractions

Yule Log Cabin (100's of decorated trees) Historic Downtown District River Ridge Winery Sikeston Depot Museum Lambert’s Cafe & much more!

tourism@sikeston.net for details and amenities

@visitsikestonmo

W INT ER 2023

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AFRICA In Swahili, “safari” means “journey” and to you, it will mean that and so much more. Game drives across serene plains and sprawling grasslands.

The best part? It’s all within reach when you book a guided tour.

SMALL GROUP

SMALL GROUP

EXPLORATIONS

SMALL GROUP

EXPLORATIONS

EXPLORATIONS

Wilderness of Southern Africa: Safari by Land & Water

African Safari: Kenya and Tanzania

The Plains of Africa

15 Days • 33 Meals

15 Days • 38 Meals

Journey through Southern Africa from its wild plains and dry woodlands to rivers and lakes on a true safari adventure by land and water.

In the shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro, embark on 12 lively safaris to seek out the diverse wildlife that call Kenya and Tanzania home.

Enjoy Kenya's scenic vistas and magnificent wildlife as you traverse the African plains, where unparalleled experiences greet you at every turn.

14 Days • 33 Meals

Collette has been an expert in Africa for more than 3 decades.

To learn more about these tours and all of our Africa programs, visit gocollette.com/africansafari, call 844-445-5663 or contact your local Travel Advisor.