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Packing  and Travel Tips, Check List, and More
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Frequently Asked Questions
Glossary of Travel Terms
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Travel Protection Basics


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Classic Travel Celebrates Another Anniversary!

CLASSIC TRAVEL
Celebrates 31 Years
!

May 1, 2011 marked the 31st anniversary for Classic Travel! It's hard to believe that much time has passed. Over the years we have been through several buildings, challenges and hair styles but what remains constant are the friendships and memories
> More

Classic Travel Inc.
4767 Okemos Road, Okemos, Mi 48864
Phone: (517) 349-6200, Toll Free: (800) 643-3449, Fax: (517) 349-6656
e-mail info@classictravelusa.com also see Contact Us and
Careers


Featured Destination

Alaska
With Princess Cruises!

AlaskaPrincess has received bragging rights for the 5th year in a row for being voted “Best Cruise Line in Alaska” by Travel Weekly.

Princess’ Alaska program has over 40 years of experience in offering Gulf of Alaska, Inside Passage sailing, and many cruise tour options. Their 2012 season offers 7 ships including 3 ships sailing the Inside Passage.  Travelers can choose from 122 voyages and 20 different cruise tour options.

Please call Classic Travel for more details on any of Princess’ Alaska sailings.  Alaska is a short season so call soon and consider an upgrade to a balcony cabin to enjoy the pure beauty Alaska has to offer on your own private balcony.


Featured Travel news

The Joy of Travel ShowThey're Back!!

Joy Thrun, President of Classic Travel, and cohost, Tom Thrun, are back on the air in a new television show, “The Joy of Travel” brought to you by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. The show airs daily on CAMTV on the 7’s (7 a.m. and 7 p.m.) featuring special guests, current travel news, hottest destinations, and travel tips. Check your area channel listings so you can tune in to The Joy of Travel!

Miss the Show? Watch it on-line now!


With the new GOGO Worldwide Vacations’ MyTime Program you will have a unique experience that invites you to enjoy your vacation more than ever before. 

Seasoned Classic Traveler, Frank Stephenson, has revisited Egypt and compiled a list of great tips. See Frank's article EGYPT TRAVEL TIPS in our Tips and Tidbits. 1/27/11

Experienced world traveler, Sara Metz, explains why using Classic Travel can save your vacation and why you should avoid the nightmare of trying to book your trip on-line.  Read her review " Why I Bother With a Travel Agent". (posted 1/11/11)

If you're traveling this Holiday, don't miss these helpful Airport Security Holiday Travel Tips. (posted 11/19/10)


Join a Classic Travel Group


Register today for the Association of Chairs of Departments of Physiology 2011 Annual Meeting in Playa del Carmen, December 1-4, 2011.
See details for The Wedding Celebration of Jordan Hitchcock and Amanda Miller on February 11, 2012.
Join the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine 2012 Seminar in the Sun in Punta Cana, March 3-10 2012.
See details for The Wedding Celebration of Megan Reese and Seth Hively on March 17, 2012.

MHA Reisurance Company is meeting in Costa Rica
on May 5 - 9 2012. Call to reserve your space today!
See details for The Wedding Celebration of Kate Venn and Dave Barber on May 10, 2012.
Join us on the Marina’s “Enchanted Journey” from Rome to London on Oceania Cruises, May 22– June 6, 2012.

New Reviews of Great Travel Destoinations 

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
Caribbean Cruise

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
Savannah – Georgia’s First City
by Linda Dolecki
There is no other city quite like Georgia’s first city, Savannah. Located in the heart of Coastal Georgia’s Low country, Savannah is a city of rare natural beauty of azaleas in bloom and oaks draped with Spanish moss. >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 first 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

Punta Cana 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

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
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

See all our reviews in Been There Done That


_

Joy Thrun on corporate travel

Hot Specials Update!
1/18/12

YES, you could spend hours trying to see if there are any REAL deals, OR you could check our web site weekly and review the best deals as identified by the experts at Classic Travel





point GOGO Worldwide Vacations’ MyTime Program (3/24/11)
point Why Bother with a Travel Agent (1/11/11)
point Airport Security Holiday Travel Tips (11/19/10)
point Holiday Travel: More Options, More Value
by Joy Thrun 10/5/10
point

Delta Eliminates Award Redemption Fees for Frequent Flyers (6/4/10)

point The Loss of Todd Thrun (5/21/10)
Delta Goes Cashless on North American Flights (11/11/09)
Mind Body and Soul by Joy Thrun (10/9/09)
New Domestic Checked Baggage Fees:
Northwest, Delta, United, Continental and US Airways 7/25/09)
Hear Joy Thrun's radio interview about new nonstop flights from Lansing.(6/16/09)
Joy Thrun addresses the Swine Virus - hear the radio interview (4/29/09)
Return on Investment by Joy Thrun 4/16/09
Kid Friendly Mexico? by Joy Thrun 3/27/09
Where in the World is Our Dollar Strong? by Joy Thrun 10/8/08
Classic Travel President featured in Lansing Business Monthly (PDF 7/25/08)
New Passport Requirements Delayed - Proof of Application Required (6/7/07)
Corporate Travel Management Equals Cost and Time Management (1/5/07)
Airport Security Update: TSA Adjusts Liquid Ban (10/20/06)
New Passport Requirements for U.S. Citizens to Mexico, Caribbean, Bermuda (10/3/06)
Security Levels Raised to Red and Orange. Restricted Carry-on Policies (8/10/06)
bullet British Airways Revises Baggage Policy
Joy Thrun Appointed to Better Business Bureau Board of Directors
Smoke and Mirrors -
A Note From the President on Corporate Travel Services
Northwest changes "Wait until your row is called" boarding.
The Toronto Star Reports the Value of a Travel Agency - "Brick vs. Clicks"
New TSA Screening Procedures Announced
Ban on Lighters in Airports & Planes Begins

CT Partners with MFD to Provide Bereavement and Medical Emergency Travel Services

Joy Thrun Featured in the Lansing State Journal
British Airways Moves Terminal at Detroit Airport
Classic Travel Partners with Pray Funeral Home to Provide Bereavement Travel Arrangements
New study shows that Agents get the Lowest Fares
Duty Free Allowance Increased
Gift Certificates Gift Packages Holiday Greeting Card