by Classic Travel | Dec 20, 2018
Cruising Through the Christmas Markets on the Rhine Published December 20, 2018 by Sandy Hunt I have always been amazed at the photographs of familiar European cities transformed to sparkling Christmas Markets. Deciding it was time to see them in person and...Kara’s degree is in marketing from the University of Michigan but she began a second career in the travel industry in 2015. Having traveled extensively throughout New Zealand, Ireland, Iceland, the Caribbean Islands and Mexico, Kara is well versed in both adventure and leisure travel. She especially enjoys planning honeymoons and destination weddings, as well as multi-generational trips that the whole family will enjoy. Kara has stayed at many all-inclusive resorts with her own family, and can speak from personal experience and make personal recommendations. She is a Certified Sandals Specialist, Hawaii Destination Specialist and graduate of the Disney College of Knowledge. Kara believes that travel is an essential part of growing as a human, and she never visits the same destination twice as there are just too many new landscapes to explore and cultural experiences to be had.
Vicky has been in the travel industry since 1990 and with Conlin Travel since 1996. A native of Greece, she is an expert on Greece and the Mediterranean. As an international consultant, she enjoys planning tours and cruises throughout Europe, where she has visited numerous times. She is also well versed in Mexico and the Caribbean. Vicky is a Hawaii, Costa Rica, and U.S. Virgin Islands Destination Specialist, as well as a Princess Cruises Academy graduate, having earned the highest rank of Commodore.
Kenna has been assisting travelers with their vacations since 1997, and she is a vital resource when planning a visit to popular vacation spots like Disney World or Las Vegas, or when selecting the perfect honeymoon to Hawaii, Mexico, or the Caribbean. Her knowledge after many travels to the Hawaiian Islands will make the destination familiar and inviting. She has not only earned certification as a Hawaii Specialist, but she has also earned expert certification for each individual island. As a graduate of the College of Disney Knowledge, and as a specialist for Universal Parks & Resorts, she can bring the most popular theme parks and all of Orlando’s attractions to life for children of all ages. Kenna is also a Princess Cruises Academy graduate, having achieved the highest rank of Commodore.
A leisure travel consultant since 1999, Michelle takes pride in making sure her clients’ vacations are wonderful experiences each and every time. Her strong attention to detail has helped her become a successful Destination Wedding Specialist, as well as a Certified Sandals Specialist. Her expertise in these areas helps her to plan dream weddings and unforgettable honeymoons. In addition, she loves putting together customized itineraries of the Hawaiian Islands, where she has visited numerous times. Michelle has a passion for beautiful beaches and has been to many all-inclusive resorts throughout Mexico and the Caribbean. Using her firsthand experience, she assists her clients in selecting the ideal resort. She also enjoys working with clients to plan that perfect Alaskan or Mediterranean cruise. Among her travels, Michelle has sailed on many Caribbean cruises, spent a few months traveling around England, and, most recently, visited Paris, Monaco, the French Riviera, and extensively toured many cities and regions in beautiful Italy.
A travel consultant since 1985, Eva earned her Certified Travel Consultant designation in 1990. She enjoys assisting travelers in planning escorted and independent trips all over the world. She has escorted groups within the United States and Canada and is considered an insider of Niagara Falls (Canada) – she especially loves the theatre and wine regions of Canada. When not on land, her favorite pastime is cruising. Eva has earned her Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC) certification and Royal Caribbean University’s Expert Certification, and she is also a Certified River Cruise Specialist for Uniworld River Cruises and Avalon Waterways. In addition to being a travel consultant, Eva has also served as a Travel and Tourism instructor with Conlin-Hallissey Travel School.
Hannah graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication. Her love of travel bloomed when she took her dream trip to Athens, Greece to see ancient mythological ruins. Her goal is to use her communication skills and travel knowledge to assist others in unlocking the dream vacation they have in their mind and turning it into an even better reality. Growing up she ventured to many places throughout the United States including Washington D.C., New Orleans, Minneapolis, and the Outer Banks, amongst many other cities and states. In her free time, she enjoys playing video games, spending time with friends and family, watching the newest binge worthy series, and researching her next trip. Hannah is excited to bring your dream vacation to life!
As a former radio broadcaster, Mike wanted to own a business that was sales and service oriented. He was looking for something exciting, fun, and a good conversation starter; the end result was International Tours! Mike merged his business with Classic Travel in 2016 and with it brought many years of knowledge and travel experience. Mike has led groups all over the world. On one of several trips to Ireland he organized an impromptu pub crawl through Dublin taking his group to some of his favorite pubs. It is a great way to beat the jet lag and prevent his group from sleeping the first day away! Mike believes that Travel is an opportunity to explore and learn more about yourself, but more importantly it is a chance to learn about other people, cultures, traditions, and to see and appreciate God’s creation!
Since 1980, Joy Thrun has been assisting clients in making their travel dreams come true. Along with her husband Tom and the rest of the Classic Travel staff, she has sent clients to virtually every destination imaginable.
Being located just next door to Michigan State University, Joy has had the opportunity to work with several university groups including the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Michigan State University Alumni Association. She has also planned and escorted group travel for the Michigan Funeral Directors Association, the Michigan Dental Association, and the Association of Chairs of Departments of Physiology.
Joy herself has just about seen it all. She has been to Alaska, Hawaii, many of the contingent United States, Africa, Australia, and numerous countries in Central American and Europe. Some of her favorite travel experiences include shark diving and wine tasting in South Africa, visiting Machu Picchu at sunrise, and Elephant trekking in Thailand. She doesn’t have just one specialty, she knows it all!
Joy believes that travel is one of the most fulfilling aspects of life and getting expert advice can make a big difference in your travel experience. With a large clientele interested in luxury leisure travel, Joy makes sure her guests all receive the VIP treatment that has come to be expected of any Classic Traveler.