It's been a busy month!

1) Things are Looking Up

2) What I Learned in Budapest

3) Another Invitation for YOU 

(and a bit of an honor for MV)  

4) The Crystal Ball

Things are Looking Up

Wow. Just wow. The rate at which entry restrictions have been falling is starting to give me whiplash! Every week, there's more good news and another barrier disappears. If you've been ready for a less-complicated international travel experience, the time has arrived. 

Even a few days can make a world of difference. Between the dates of my transit through London (on my way to and from Budapest–more on that below), the United Kingdom health protocol formalities all but disappeared. 

Trying to keep my clients informed of these requirements for the last nine months has been a significant aspect of my service, and I truly look forward to the day that this task no longer needs to be such a huge part of my portfolio.

I've got lots of clients headed to Europe between now and the end of the year....fingers crossed that each and every one will soon have an easier path in!

What I Learned (and Saw) in Budapest

All right, I can't list EVERYTHING, but here are a few highlights from the first ever ASTA Global River Cruise Expo.

Firstly, I was able to inspect ships from SEVEN different river cruise lines and meet with executives from all of them. This gave me tons of valuable information on what lines might be most suitable for various clients (and which ones I would probably steer them away from). 

I was also able to chat with local Central European tour representatives–in particular, one who specializes in Hungarian wine tours and another who specializes in music-focused travel. How fantastic would it be to spend some time exploring Hungarian wine regions (after a few days in Budapest?) and then sail the Lower Danube? Or to plan a nifty trip for the choir from my church?

I arrived a day early and stayed an extra day so I could do some additional sightseeing in Budapest, and I was not disappointed. If you're not already part of the Mon Voyage private Facebook group, come on over. I've been posting about my trip there and will have more to come. https://m.facebook.com/groups/... 

I am also pleased to say that the 500 attendees provided an entire conference room full of hygiene supplies and more for the Ukrainian families displaced by the Russian invasion of their country, and there have been significant financial contributions to relief efforts made by ASTA and its members.

If you missed the Mon Voyage and AmaWaterways wine tasting event in Dallas, please join me virtually on Tuesday, April 19th.

If you've followed my exploration of the river cruise industry, you know I've had a couple of other virtual events over the past year. But trust me, this one is going to be special.

Last year I was part of a select group of two dozen advisors who took part in an intensive travel marketing workshop aboard the inaugural sailing of the AmaSiena on the Rhine River. One of the highlights of the trip was getting to work with the dynamic bundle of energy and joy otherwise known as Janet Bava, the Chief Marketing Officer of AmaWaterways. Her spirit is infectious and her knowledge is encyclopedic. 

Well, part of my life philosophy involves asking for charitable donations or professional favors as if I have nothing to lose, so I boldly asked Janet if she would be willing to join me for a Virtual Sip & Sail highlighting the brand new itinerary Celebration of Classical Music: The Danube.

She said yes!!! (I might have jumped up and down a little bit in my home office.)

You already know how ridiculously excited I am to take a group of clients on the very first sailing of this itinerary next March, so if you love music or just love the idea of enjoying a beautiful river cruise (be it this one or another one) please join us at 6:00pm CDT on April 19th. 

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meetin...

I am able to access a $1000 discount on two of the Small Group Trips I have coming up–but these Q1 promotions are only in effect until March 31st. 

• I have two rooms left on the art-focused Seine River cruise in Normandy and Paris for late August 2022. This is an inspiring, engaging itinerary filled with art and history.  Learn more at https://www.canva.com/design/D...

• Now booking the aforementioned A Celebration of Classical Music: The Danube. We will enjoy the inaugural sailing of this brand new AmaWaterways itinerary in March 2023. Add a pre-trip extension in Krakow before we embark in Budapest, and enjoy a post-trip extension in Vienna with music-focused activities, optional Wiener Staatsoper and other performances, top museums, Easter markets, and more. Learn more at https://www.canva.com/design/D...

Looking into the Crystal Ball: 

There is growing interest in a Mon Voyage Small Group Trip to Southern and/or Eastern Africa in mid-2023 or sometime in 2024. I have a list of those who responded with interest in a previous survey, but please alert me if you would like to be kept in the loop as we work on this adventure, which needs to be planned fairly far in advance.

Enjoy these first weeks of spring and may it be the beginning of something wonderful!