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Our experienced Specialists have traveled the world over and compiled information that we think you'll find interesting and helpful. Select an area on the map or in the list on the left to see a list of Specialist reviews and information for that area. Scroll down to see a our most recently posted articles.


Newest Additions To Our Been There Done That Section:
Ireland Experiencing Ireland
by Rhonda Brooks

Dublin is one of the top Ten European Cities to visit. We were glad got the chance to experience the country that abounds with natural beauty and friendly people and can now appreciate why it is such a popular European destination. >More
A Must See - Edinburgh, Scotland
by Jamie Shannon
Edinburgh is one of those rare places in the world that combines traditional elegance with the diversity of culture and history. >More

Graves 601 Hotel, Wyndham Grand Collection Downtown Minneapolis
By Julie Schafer
Whether you are traveling to the Twin Cities for business or pleasure, you just can't help but to enjoy the fantastic customer service and amenities that the Graves 601 has to offer. The Graves 601 Hotel offers a great fitness center, Jewel Spa, full concierge service and 2 onsite restaurants.  Cosmos restaurant is the only restaurant in Minneapolis to have earned a coveted Four-Diamond Rating by AAA. >More

Stratford MSU Friends of the Theatre Stratford Trips
by Linda Dolecki
On September 9-11, 2011, forty people including four MSU students, set out from East Lansing for Stratford, Ontario to attend the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. >More

Pittsburgh-A great place for a meeting
by Leslie Sandin-Brink
If you are looking for the perfect place to hold a meeting or conduct continuing education the Wyndham Grand Downtown Pittsburgh is the hotel to hold your next event! >More

Chitown!
How to Have a Great Weekend in Chicago
by Jamie Shannon
Chicago has always been one of my very favorite places to visit. The great architecture, the food, shopping; the windy city has something truly amazing around every corner. >More

Alaska
50th Anniversary Alaskan Cruise
by Melissa Wesner

It was a very charming town. It was easy to get off the ship and walk to nice shops, or to get an excursion to the Mendenhall Glacier or whale watching or both!  More >
Santorini Traveling to Turkey & Greece
by Wing Dunham
Once inside we simply gaped at the beauty of the building. You can take pictures, but unless you have an extremely fine camera they'll most likely turn out under lit and good only for memories. > More
California Great Time in California
by Linda Dolecki
The weather was perfect, about 10 degrees cooler than the Los Angeles area, which was nice since it was 95 in LA.  Ventura Beach has a great walking trail that goes on for miles, so we got to see lots of water and beautiful scenery. >More 
London Extraordinary London
by Jamie Shannon
I had the luxury of having to call this amazing city home for a full six weeks which, if I am being honest, was far too short.  Nothing compares to London and its exhilarating atmosphere, the city always leaves you craving more. > More
Cruising Greece

The Perfect Mediterranean Cruise
by Sherry Schultz
We recently completed a twelve day cruise of the Mediterranean on the beautiful ship Celebrity Solstice.  Wonderful ship, fantastic itinerary. > More

Vietnam

Incredible Trip to Vietnam
A Note From Cindy and Larry Kindel
Larry and I want to thank you for arranging our trip and tour of Vietnam last January.  It was an incredible trip. > More

Incredible Hawaii
by Mo and Cheryl Jackson
It was absolutely incredible!  Honua Kai Resort was truly phenomenal - have never stayed at such a wonderful place, including Grand Wailea in Maui and Grand Hyatt in Kauai where we previously stayed.  Not even close! More>

Costa Rica The Perfect Trip to Costa Rica
by Nikali Luke
We would recommend CR to anyone who loves a little adventure and can handle some heat.  It combines action, wildlife, views and relaxation all into one amazing yet small country. > More
A Travel Agent's Tips for Traveling to Washington D.C.
by Jean Southwick May 25, 2011
You will be able to plan your visit productively if you know of any special exhibits.  When you enter most museums and building always go to the information counter as many times there are free tours available.  > More

A Great Trip to Mexico!
by Jean Southwick
Our time in Mexico came to an end way too soon.  We arrived home well rested, well fed, and confident that Mexico is still one of the best vacation experiences that you could have.  > More

Costa Rica Traveling to Costa Rica
A Note From Wing Dunham
Off to the jungle by van and then boat to The Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero. Lovely, w/pool, outdoor bar, and jungle all around. We had a small boat tour into the watery jungle and just gaped at how beautiful. > More
Costa Rica The Ideal Trip to Costa Rica
by Tom and Joy Thrun
Pura Vida’ is the Costa Rican equivalent of Aloha. Meaning ‘Pure Life,’ it is a greeting, a farwell and an attitude. The Costa Ricans or ‘Ticos’ are extremely knowledgeable and proud of their country. From its ecological treasures to the high standard of living and the fact that they have no military, Costa Rica is unique to the rest of Central America. > More
Europe Summer Fun in Europe!
by Rhonda Brooks

From the moment we arrived in the Old Town area where we were staying, we were captivated by the grand architecture and bridges found throughout the city and the narrow, winding medieval lanes that connected you from one spectacular view to another. > More
Punta Cana

The Perfect Hotel for a Destination Wedding or Meeting:
Excellence Punta Cana Resort and Spa

By Julie Schafer
A Travel Agent’s Recommendation
The service at the Excellence Punta Cana Resort and Spa is definitely the best I have ever experienced at an All-Inclusive resort.  From the moment you check in at the resort to the time you check out, they treat you like royalty.   > More

Hawaii Anniversary trip to Hawaii
by Barb Koonter
As the excitement of meeting was building, we all realized it was our 40th anniversary for all 4 couples.  Another big reason to celebrate! >More
Punta Cana Apple Vacations Fam Trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
by Jean Southwick
I inspected and walked the grounds of over fifteen resorts; all of which are all inclusive resorts ranging from a rating of 4 Apple thru 6 Golden Apple. >More

The Right Caribbean Cruise
by Diane Webster
The cruising experience is something everyone should try.  The trick is to find the right destinations and cruise line for you.  > More

Williamsburg in October
Williamsburg in October
by Marshall Cossman
October can be a wonderful time to go sightseeing. We went to Williamsburg this past October. The weather was perfect and the crowds lighter than they would have been during school breaks or summer. >More
Alpine Interlude Alpine Interlude
by Gordon Williams
...our Tour Director & driver were exceptional, and we could not possibly have been happier with the entire experience.  As a result, Elaine and I have decided that we would gladly go on any tour that Tauck hosts.  > More
Greece

Amazing Greece
by Nikali Luke
We had an amazing time – the sites, views, people, food, weather, amount of people… all were PERFECT. >More

Alaska Cruise Tips from our Celebrity Cruise to Alaska with Our Family
by Joy and Tom Thrun
Clothes and packing tips: It is a casual destination, so during the day it is battle gear and layering.  It can be 50ish in the morning, at night and when the ship is sailing. Then 70ish pushing 80 and warm if the sun it out. It can always rain or be foggy. > More
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic 2009
by Ann Cook

We left the freshly fallen snow in Lansing early in the morning and took the Michigan Flyer to the Detroit airport, arriving in the Dominican Republic at about 3:30 p.m. local time. The fi rst thing we saw as we disembarked the plane was the thatched roof of the airport, which immediately set the mood for a tropical island getaway. >More
Spring Break in Paris!
by Rhonda Brooks
What is most impressive is the array of colors and the presentation of each shop’s display giving you the feeling you were looking at a setting for a portrait. >More
Rio de Janerio - Anniversary Celebration
by Tom Thrun

The first thing that strikes you when you arrive in Rio is the stunning physical beauty of the place. The azure blue Atlantic lapping the world famous beaches framed by emerald green mountain peaks, it looks just like all of those brochures! >More
Enter The Encore - Las Vegas
by Diane Webster
Las Vegas is always evolving.  We've been going for over 30 years and it's never the same.  If you were in Vegas a few years ago, you were in a city that doesn't exist anymore. You have to go back - you'll be amazed.  >More

Greek Islands Cruise
By Marshall Cossman
A Greek islands cruise! A wonderful trip developed by the triumverate of Classic Travel, Oceania Cruises, and us.
In late August this year my wife and I embarked on the Insignia for a 12 day voyage of the Greek islands. >More

The Perfect Trip to Ireland
by Joy Thrun
With my years of experience of selling this destination, accumulating feedback and experiencing the country first hand I can help you decide on the perfect trip for you. >More
Punta Cana Take the Cure in Punta Cana
by Diane Webster
An open air, beautifully appointed lobby greeted us, complete with fountains, welcome cocktails and real flamingos in the surrounding pounds. It was like a dream! >More
Egypt
by Marshall Cossman
What is so amazing is the number of temples and pyramids. The areas they cover and the size of the structures are awesome. The ingenuity to carve and assemble them is beyond belief. Thousands of workmen did all this. >More
Cruising the Mediterranean
by Marshall Cossman
If this sounds too good to be true, it's not. It's called “Cruising.” We've been doing it for 20 years and haven't tired of it yet. Our favorite cruise line is Royal Caribbean, and they've earned it. > More
Sea Cruise
byJack and Peggy Vitek
So almost 50 years later, I finally got to take my gal on a sea cruise as the kick off into retirement. And as the song implied, the adventure would be wonderful and it was. > More
National Geographic eco-tour of Belize and Guatemala
by Marshall Cossman
In February, 2008, my wife and I took a 10 day National Geographic eco-tour of Belize and Guatemala. It was educational, exotic, and we had 17 other tourists with us who were most interesting. > More
Exotic Vacations: Hiking Haleakala
by Terri Shaver
There are exotic backpacking trips, and then, there are EXOTIC backpacking trips! There are places covering the world that may vie for the most exotic, but we think we've found one of the top 5, AND it's in the United States! >More
Lessons of Italy
by Diane Webster
It's a delightful paradox that a place that embraces all things new in fashion is so steeped in history. In Rome you walk through history – even if you're not looking for it. > More
Irish History Paper Proposal
by Colin Maguire

Irish history is, at times, inexorably intertwined with British invasion and intrigue. As my preliminary research has suggested, this holds true for my descendants. > More
South Africa - Beyond The Safari
by Tom Thrun
South Africa is becoming increasingly attractive to Americans, as the awareness spreads that the country is not only about safaris and wildlife but also the cosmopolitan pleasures of its sophisticated cities...>More
River Cruising - The Romantic Rhine
by Joy Thrun
The Rhine is a beautiful river with castles and wineries at every turn. Like all the main river routes in Europe, world history comes alive. >More
Puerto Vallarta Mini-Travel Log
By Joel Lowy
PV is, at least in the old town area, a small town. Rarely, (and mostly in the “big touristy places”) did the smile feel like part of the job. But even then taking time for a bit of a jaw (as a Texan friend said) generally broke the ice. > More
Hawaii: Traveling with the Family
By Marshall Cossman
One of the pleasures of life is watching your children grow into adulthood. Another is the opportunity to vacation/travel with them. >More
Libya: A New Beginning in the 21st Century
By Jack Vitek
In April 2004, the US government lifted travel restrictions to Libya, a ban in place for 20 years. I flew into Tripoli on the day the ban was lifted...
> More
Contiki Trip to Europe
by Lauren Rebrovich
Well if you are between the ages of 18-34 and want to travel abroad but do not want to go alone then check out Contiki. More >
 
Germany, Austria and Czech Republic -- By trains, planes, and automobile
By Julie Schafer
As our first visit to these beautiful Eastern European countries, we decided that we wanted to see as much as humanly possible in the amount of time we had. So our whirlwind trip began with a plane, and then a train and finally an automobile…. >More
Western Mediterranean Cruise
By Keith and Audrey Wilson
The main attractions in Barcelona are the various buildings designed by the architect, Gaudi whose fame actually added his name to our language. We visited the site of his church which was not only gaudy but was so much so it was an attraction.
>More
The Iberostar Bavaro in the Dominican Republic
By Eric and Beth Pulver
We've just returned from the beautiful Iberostar Bavaro in the Dominican Republic! What a great vacation! It was very relaxing and a great getaway for us. > More
Alaska in Winter
By Shari Pulver
We had a great time in Alaska in the winter.  We hired an off-duty Princess bus driver to drive us around in our rented SUV. 
>More
Washington DC - A “Star-Bangled” Destination
By Tamara Corrie
Our National Anthem – we all know it, we've all sung it or heard it sung at sporting events, but I will never hear it the same way since our family vacation to Washington DC. >More
Bhutan
By Dr. Puretz
Every direction provided a panorama of mountains, lakes, streams. The ever present prayer flags remind one of the Bhutanese devotion to Buddhism. We engulfed ourselves in the culture and customs...>More
Riviera Maya...Get good advice
By Joy Thrun
The resorts are awesome and there are options in all price ranges which is why you need a good travel agent to help you pick the best resort for your needs.
>More
The Southern Charms of Nashville
By Diane Webster
I learned something on my trip to Nashville --I'm a country girl at heart! I wasn't prepared to fall in love with Tennessee – but I have to tell you, unless you have a heart of stone, it's hard not to love the Southern charms of Nashville. >More
Alaska
By Tom Thrun
He flew us to a place called Glacier King. On one side was the Juneau Ice Field, the size of the state of Rhode Island, on the other side there were three glaciers all fed by this enormous mass of snow and ice. We were in the middle of nowhere a world away from any sign of civilization. >More
Los Cabos - Such a Lovely Place!
By Diane Webster
We've been to different locations throughout Mexico and the Caribbean, but Los Cabos is unique. Those rainless days that travelers pray for are the norm here, so what you see is a landscape that includes miles of diverse and interesting Cacti. I found it intriguing and beautiful. >More
Eastern Mediterranean Cruise
By Keith and Audrey Wilson
The roots of the City of Ephesus go back to 6000 BC to the Neolithic Age. During 1050, immigrants from Greece began to populate the city and the city of today was established in 300 BC by Lysimachos, one of the generals of Alexander the Great. >More
Discover St. Kitts
By Dick and Susan Young
If you have ever considered a trip to  the Caribbean, I would highly recommend the quaint little island nicknamed St. Kitts, named after Christopher Columbus. > More
St. Kitts:  A Caribbean Pearl
By Joy Thrun

If it is beaches, food and stunning topography you like for your tropical vacation than St. Kitts definitely fits the bill.  This volcanic island has lush covered peaks with gorgeous vistas at every turn.  > More
Jamaica - Home for the Holidays
By Tom Thrun
But, for a real Jamaican experience you might want to try one of a handful of remaining "original" Caribbean resorts. The kind of property that exudes that old Jamaican elegance from years gone by. The Grand Dam of these resorts is Half Moon Resort .. > More
New Zealand – The Ultimate Honeymoon Adventure
By Julie (Simon) Schafer
Where else can you spend your first few weeks of wedded bliss soaring high in a hot air balloon or jumping off a side of a mountain together? >More
Puerto Vallarta - Make Time for Paradise
By Diane Webster
Not only is it beautiful, but it's a “name-your-type-of fun” place. You can just relax and enjoy the stunning scenery; go in search of nature; or go off the ‘thrill scale' with activities that will keep your adrenaline peaked.. >More
The Ice: Polar Adventure to the bottom of the Earth
By Jim Graves
So you ask, why would I choose to travel nearly 10,000 miles to such a remote, desolate, cold and harsh place as the interior of Antarctica? Consider for a moment the unique features of this far-off land. > More
The Four Queens - The Queen Mary 2
By Tom Thrun
I fell in love with transatlantic and family travel all at the same time. It was 1962 and my father had arranged to take our family to Europe aboard the Queen Elizabeth from New York to France and return on the Queen Mary.
> More
Las Vegas - Look At Me Now!
By Diane Webster
I expected to see changes, but in Vegas, lakes are created, palaces built and new worlds erected in a mere eight years time. If you haven’t been to Las Vegas in a while, you simply must go. > More
THE MALTA EXPERIENCE
By Diane Webster
"The Malta Experience" is the title of a movie shown in Valletta to acquaint visitors to the island and its history. It is also the phase we adopted to describe our trip. Once you have visited these beautiful islands, the experience is one that will affect you for the rest of your life. > More
LA DOLCE VITA
By Tom Thrun
At the Excelsior Hotel in Rome, a very wise (and well connected) concierge told me, "Roma keeps you alive!" Well you are right my friend, but I would like to take it one step further, travel keeps you alive. > More

For a complete list of reviews, select a destination from the list on the right our click an area on the map above.


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