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 | Tammy Phillips, DS, LS, CTA
Interests & Specialties
Tammy has been with Central Travel for 15 years and loves to travel! She holds Destination Specialist (DS) designation for Alaska, the Caribbean, North America and St. Lucia. She also holds a Lifestyle (LS) designation for Spa travel. Tammy has also completed Virtuoso's Maui S.T.A.R. Program. Tammy is located in the Lambertville Michigan office and can be reached at 734 856-2900, 800 252-1660 or tammy@centraltravel.com
Expert Bio
Hawaii is certainly Tammy's favorite destination. She has visited the islands several times. Her favorite island is Maui and having completed the Virtuoso's prestigious S.T.A.R. program she knows where to stay, how to dine and all the fun activities Maui has to offer. Tammy has also spent time in the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico and cruised the Caribbean with Princess and Royal Caribbean International.
In 2008 she cruised to Belize with Royal Caribbean and visited Bermuda in August. She also did a site inspection in Las Vegas visiting the 4 and 5-star properties. Tammy will be visiting Beaches Jamaica in February of 2009
My Recent Trips
 I am back from breathtaking Kauai! Hawaii’s island of discovery! The natural beauty of Kauai is sure to entice anyone who visits this truly fascinating island. Families, couples, honeymooners and especially those seeking adventure will be completely satisfied with all that Kauai has to offer. Kauai is complete with waterfalls, endless gardens, great beaches, fabulous sunsets, and sea life that will amaze you. Humpback whales are visible Jan-May and sea turtles and spinning dolphins seem to be there to entertain you. There are endless activities on Kauai including kayaking, zipline tours, catamaran snorkel tours, movie tours, whale watching and did I mention golf?
The 1st two nights of the Kauai destination specialist program I stayed at the ever popular Sheraton Kauai. The Sheraton is very inviting hotel with excellent service and comfort that any Starwood property has to offer. There were many honeymooners and families here. They offer a great beach, fine dining, a small pool and a great view of the sunsets that Kauai has to offer. The Sheraton is also part of the Monk Seal endangerment program where they get guests involved in helping to save this dying creature. I was lucky enough to have a fellow monk seal come up on shore during my stay and was able to learn and see them up front. The Sheraton also participates in the movies under the stars where 1 night a week they show a modern film out on the beach under the stars. They also have a luau 2 nights a week right on property. The Sheraton is a deluxe property I would recommend to anyone.
The ever luxury Princeville Resort up in the north shore of Kauai is soon to become the St. Regis collections Princeville Resort. The word luxury says it all! This hotel caters to couples many who are vacationing for a special anniversary. The phenomenal views of the mountains and beach are great at this resort. Princeville is also well known for their golf and has renowned awards for their courses. They are even adding a new spa to be completed in 2008!
The last two nights of our program I stayed at the only air conditioned condo in all of Kauai the new and fascinating Outrigger Waipouli Resort. These condos consist of mostly 2 bedroom brand very modern facilities with all the latest appliances. This resort is located on the east side of Kauai and is on a great walking beach however not a great swimming beach for it is very rocky and a ton of reefs. They offer a swimming pool complete with waterslide, a beachside bar and they are building a restaurant to be complete in fall 2007. I would recommend this property to those looking to stay for a long length of time or 2 couples traveling together. There is a food store across to street to shop to fill your gourmet kitchen.
Whether you are looking for adventure, romance, or fun family filled vacation Kauai has a ton of great things to offer to everyone. I look forward to assisting you on your next trip to KAUAI!
 Royal Caribbean's spectacular ship "Radiance of the Seas" was a great way to experience Alaska's Inside passage.
Royal Caribbean is a cruise line for all ages offering many activities from Rockwall climbing to excellent shows, casino games, bingo, to even billiards tables onboard. There are many dining options including specialty restaurants serving 5 star fabulous dinners and excellent service throughout the ship.
My first suggestion to anyone looking to cruise Alaska is to book a balcony cabin. I cannot stress enough how much you will definitely utilize your own private balcony for viewing. Alaska has the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen and the freshest air I have ever breathed. Picture yourself each morning sipping your hot cup of coffee and taking in the sights of beautiful waterfalls, snow capped mountains and if you are lucky like I was, a view of a humpback whale breeching!
We sailed from Vancouver to Anchorage with our 1st stop being Ketchikan. Ketchikan is an adorable town with great shopping, fabulous view of the mountains and an abundance of bald eagles and is a great stop to take on a salmon bake for it is the Salmon capital of the world! Our next stop was Juneau, Alaska's state capital which offers the famous Mendenhall glacier and wonderful wildlife and whale watching tours. Sea Lions, humpback whales, and orca's were the highlight for me of this fascinating port. Our third stop was Skagway which is a quaint little town well known for it's Klondike Gold Rush of 1898 and the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad which is a must see. Next stop, Hubbard Glacier! All I can say is bring your camera.....a wall of ice that will certainly take your breath away. Anchorage was our last stop and is the largest city in Alaska offering many luxury accommodations, museums, the Alaska zoo, great skiing and my favorite highlight - Moose! The bear and moose population in this area are abundant and quite a sight to see.
To me Alaska is a must see whether you cruise or take a land package. Trust me when I say you will not be disappointed. Alaska's travel season is May - September and we still have lots of space available so I look forward to booking you and sharing my experience with you for your next trip to Alaska!
|  | Gabrielle Warncke, CTA, DS, LS
Interests & Specialties
Gabrielle has been with Central Travel for 11 years and has traveled extensively. She received her Virtuoso Accreditation in 2003 and was featured in National Geographic Traveler 80 experts list in October 2004. In addition to her expertise of Australia and New Zealand, she holds a Destination Specialist designation for the Caribbean and has visited almost every major island. One of her favorite spots in the world is French Polynesia, visiting Tahiti several times and holds a Tiare Specialist designation with Tahiti Tourism. She also holds an Adventure Specialist designation and prefers traveling in an "active" mode.
Other areas of training and development include:
- Graduate of Disney College of Knowledge, 1998
- Disney Cruise Lines Discover Enchanted Magic Education Program, 1999
- Sandals Certified Specialist, since 1999 renewed every year
- Aruba Certified Expert 2001
- Marriott Specialist, since 2001
- NCL Specialist 2003, renewed 2006
- Club Med 2006
- RCCL Wow Expert, 2007
- Universal Parks and Resorts Specialist, 2007
- Uniworld River Cruise Specialist, 2008
Gabrielle is located in the Central Avenue office in Toledo, OH and can be reached at 419 843-6294, 800 843-6280 or gabrielle@centraltravel.com
Expert Bio
Gabrielle Warncke loves to travel and she is passionate about Australia! She has been named to Travel + Leisure's A List of 125 Travel Super-Agents both in 2002 and 2003 for her specialty in Australian travel.
She has concentrated her travels on the eastern coast of Australia. Some of her favorites are Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Cairns, Port Douglas, The Great Barrier Reef, Ayers Rock, Kangaroo Island, and Melbourne.
When will you find the market in the Rock's? Gabrielle knows and loves to share her knowledge. She has been a guest at Lilianfels Blue Mountain Resort in Katoomba, explored Queensland, and highly recommends the Port Douglas area for a few days. She knows one of the only places you can still hold a koala. The Daintree Rainforest by 4WD is a must and how about having "Breakfast with the Birds" in the Palm Cove area?
Australia properties visited in 2005, 2006:
Sydney- Intercontinental, Four Seasons, Park Hyatt, Observatory Hotel, Lilianfels
Hunter Valley- Tower Lodge, and Peppers Guest House
Melbourne- Windsor, Langham, Lyall and Chateau Yering in the Yarra Valley
Great Ocean Road- Oscar's Waterfront Boutique, Goble’s Mill House
Hayman Island Resort
Cairns- Holiday Inn
Palm Cove- Sebel Reef House, Sea Temple Palm Cove
Daintree- Silky Oaks Lodge
Wrotham Park Lodge- day trip from Cairns
Ayers Rock- Sails in the Desert, Desert Garden Inn, Longitude 131
Adelaide- North Adelaide Heritage Group- stayed in Bishop's Garden
Kangaroo Island- Stranraer Bed and Breakfast, Lifetime Private Retreats,
Activities Gabrielle has experienced in Australia:
Sydney- Bridgeclimb twice, Harbour Days private sailing with Colin Madden, guided Opera House tour, Chef's Table at the Four Season's twice, general sightseeing tour of Sydney with Australian Wild Escapes, Southern Cross Sea Planes scenic flight, Helicopter over Sydney Harbour, Captain Cook Cruise Harbour Cruise, Rock’s Market twice, Darling Harbour, Featherdale Animal Park, the Botanical gardens, and general site seeing.
Blue Mountains- twice- Three Sisters rock formation, general site seeing
Hunter Valley- Wine touring and tasting, Robert’s Restaurant on Tower Estate for dinner
Melbourne- Aussie Rules football games, winery day trip to Yarra Valley twice, Debortoli wine tasting, Colonial Tramcar Dinner Experience, Hidden Secrets Shopping tour, Afternoon Tea at the Windsor twice, Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary, National Gallery of Victoria, Queen Victoria Market, Fitzroy Gardens, Flinders Street Station, Rialto Observation Deck.
Phillip’s Island- Fairy penguin parade on Summerland Beach, Seal Rock
Mornington Penisula- Wineries, chairlift to Arthur’s seat, start of Great Ocean Road
Great Ocean Road- 12 Apostles, Helicopter scenic flight over 12 Apostles, just driving the road… from Melbourne to Adelaide
Adelaide- general sightseeing, dinner at the Caledonian Hotel
Kangaroo Island- Exceptional Kangaroo Island touring including Seal Bay
Outback- The Ghan train from Adelaide to Alice springs, Sounds of Silence Dinner, Eco Discovery Tours- tour of Ayers Rock, Bill Peach Journeys took us for a flightseeing experience during their downtime over Kata Juta and Uluru.
Cairns-Kuranda Rainforest Station Rail and Skyrail, Army Duck Ride, Held a koala and purchased a picture holding the koala, Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, Quicksilver to the Great Barrier Reef, Rainforest Habitat and breakfast with the birds, Hartley’s Crocodiles, Hot Air Ballooning, Tjapukai by Night, Flames of the Forest Dinner, Sunlander train (Queenslander service)
Townsville- general sightseeing
New Zealand is another area of the world Gabrielle loves to travel in a more active mode.
New Zealand Properties visited:
On the South Island
Christchurch- Heritage Hotel, The George, Charlotte Jane Bed and Breakfast
High Country- Grasmere Lodge
Wanaka Springs- Minaret Lodge, Wanaka Springs
Queenstown- Millbrook Resort, Matakuri Lodge, Azur, St. Moritz
Nelson area- Paratiho Farms,
Bay of Many Coves
Marlborough area- Old St. Mary’s Convent, Vintner’s Retreat
Wellington-The Duxton, CityLife Hotel
North Island
Rotorua area- Treetops
Taupo- Huka Lodge
Keri Keri- Kauri Cliffs
Auckland- Sky City Grand, The Hilton, Mollies, The Hyatt, Quay West
New Zealand activities Gabrielle has experienced:
South Island
Christchurch- Antarctica Center, Hagglund Ride, and Antarctica Storm
Grasmere-4WD Farm Tour
Driving to Wanaka- Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, and Mount Cook.
Queenstown- Bungy Jumped Kawarau Bridge, Over the Top Helicopters Flightseeing through Milford Sound, Shotover Jetboat, Amisfield Winery
Nelson- Local market, Cougar Ferry from Picton to Bay of Many Coves
Marlborough area- Cloudy Bay Winery, Huia Vineyards, Herzog’s Winery and Restaurant for dinner
Wellington- Te Papa museum
North Island
Rotorua- Te Puia, Skyride, Luge Ride
Keri Keri- Dune Rider tour-history and culture, Kauri tree forest, Marsden Winery
Auckland- Harbour sailing with Pride of Auckland, general site seeing around the waterfront area
My Recent Trips
We also visited Singita Grumeti Reserves in Tanzania which was truly special. In addition to staying at Sabora Tented camp we had a chance to see the other Singita properties in the Grumeti Reserve in Tanzania. Singita Saskwa Lodge is completely over the top. It is for the client who wants to go to Africa, but has no desire to be in the bush. It is a completely inclusive lodge perched up on the hills.
Their other property is Faru Faru Lodge. It is a perfect mix of Sabora Tented Camp and Sasakwa Lodge. It has the more modern look to the rooms, but you still feel like you’re in the bush.
I found Micato to be exceptional:
- They have been operating in Kenya since 1966
- Staff is local to Kenya, so they can get you in and out of local places easier
- A concierge is available to you 24 hours day while on safari for all your needs
- Having a Safari Director throughout is priceless
 I have also recently returned from a week in Tahiti. Although I had visited Tahaa, Raiatea, Bora Bora, and Tahiti in November 2002, I enjoyed the experience of going to Moorea, Bora Bora, and Tikehau this time. The islands of French Polynesia are amazing, and each one is unique and an experience all its own.
The South Pacific islands are home to the overwater bungalow accommodations, and I had the pleasure of staying in one at the Pearl Resorts in Bora Bora, and Tikehau. They feature a glass bottom table so you can enjoy the spectacular underwater life of the lagoon. Ask me about my shark and ray feeding excursion on Moorea, my motu picnic on Tikehau, or eating at Les Roulottes in Papeete, Tahiti. The diversity of the islands is sure to offer something for everyone. I would love to help you plan your dream vacation to French Polynesia or maybe a stopover in French Polynesia on an Australia or New Zealand vacation.
|  | Barbara Oleszczuk, LS
Interests & Specialties
Barb has been in the travel industry for 14 years and thoroughly enjoys the business. She holds a Luxury Travel Lifestyle Specialist (LS) designation from The Travel Institute and is a Las Vegas and Universal Studies specialist. In addition to her expertise in these areas, she is a graduate of Disney's College of Knowledge and a Disney Specialist. She has completed cruise specialists courses with Uniworld, Holland America, Carnival, Princess and Royal Caribbean.
Barb is located in the Northwood, Ohio office and can be reached at 419 693-9869, 800 860-9869 or barb@centraltravel.com
Expert Bio
Barb’s passion is all inclusive resorts specifically Sandals in Jamaica, St. Lucia and the Bahamas. She enjoys assisting clients in planning the perfect trip to Las Vegas and the all inclusive resorts of Mexico and the Caribbean. She has assisted hundreds of clients with their dream vacations to Cancun and the Riviera Maya at the Palace and El Dorado resorts. Barb’s personal travels include Cancun, Jamaica, St Lucia, Hawaii and Ireland where she spent 7 days driving over 1000 miles from Shannon to Dublin, to Cork then over to the Ring of Kerry, up to the Cliffs of Moher and then back to Shannon exploring darling B&Bs across southern part of of the country. One of her favorite destinations is Las Vegas and she has also cruised with Carnival in the Caribbean and Alaska and Celebrity in the Mexican Riviera.
My Recent Trips
 I have just returned from wonderful trip to the beautiful Caribbean Island of Jamaica. After whisking through the airport, I arrived SUNSET JAMAICA GRANDE in Ocho Rios (a 90 minute drive ). Their lobby was like most resorts in Jamaica, open air - very large and impressive. It has 730 rooms with balconies, and the rooms were nicely decorated. Nice size room, and view was the Ocho Rios Bay. This property is a great family resort, full-service spa, and very large. The children’s program is separated in age groups. The services are free and they are from 9A-9P. Camp Mongoose is for ages 2-8. Then the next group is Tweens and then Teen’s all have their own area. Great water slides, 5 pools featuring waterfalls and swim-up bar. The resort features 6 restaurants and 8 lounges. Three of those 8 are a’la carte restaurants, where reservations required. They have a great Pirates beach party. It was great fun and lots of entertainment. They had a great buffet right on the beach. For those that like to go off the resort, it is only a 5 minute walk to shops and restaurants to downtown Ocho Rios.
SANDALS DUNNS RIVER VILLAGGIO
This resort is an Italian inspired resort, capturing the romance of the Italian renaissance. At night, the restaurant, Il Capitano is both air condition and outside dining. No reservations are needed and the food was served not a buffet. This restaurant was all candlelit, and very romantic. This resort has a 9-hole Pitch and Putt golf course with the Sandals Red Lane spa. One thing they wanted to point out is that they have a weekly late night chocolate buffet. There is turndown service for all rooms and suites.
FDR
For those looking for a boutique family resort, this resort is an all suite, all inclusive resort in the Runaway Bay area of Jamaica. Each family when they arrive, they are assigned their own nanny. She is with your from 9am to 4:40pm with 1 hour off for lunch. Resort is rated with GoGo a 3 star but I felt that it was very worn down and needs a big face lift. They have many specials going like B.Y.O.G.(Bring Your Own Grandparent) and they stay free. They also have a single supplement waiver for all single parent families for now until December 18 2008. Right now, they also have a $1000.00 cash back per couple and it can be combined with both promotions I have just mentioned. A special kids buffet is served every evening.
SANDALS GRANDE OCHO RIOS BEACH AND VILLA RESORT
This resort I was met with cold washcloths and a rum punch. This resort is divided into 2 distinct parts. Riviera side is beach front were the Manor side is on the mountain side. This resort which is really 2 resorts in one, is very large and to get around they have shuttle busses. This resort has 94 pools and 22 hot tubs. It has one of Sandals largest spas with a topical solarium. On the manor side, it has Caribbean’s largest Rock Climbing Wall. One of the room category is the Romeo & Juliet Honeymoon One bedroom Suite with Private Pool and Butler Service. This is a beautiful private retreat with large bathroom and a roman-styled tub. On the Riviera side, their top room is a Honeymoon Riviera Oceanfront One Bedroom Luxury Suite with the view of the ocean.
RIU MONTEGO BAY
After my last site inspection in the Ocho Rios area, I headed to Mo-Bay as the locals call it. Checked into the Riu Montego Bay, which had just opened up in August, for 3 nights. It is 3 miles from the Montego Bay Airport, so you do hear some planes taking off. Beautiful open air lobby with washcloths waiting for us. At night, they had great entertainment. Didn’t get to use pool area until the last afternoon and it is beautiful. In the pool, they had areas that you could sit in the water with a table and also lounge chairs in the water. It has a wonderful pool area for those who love time at the pool.
COUPLES NEGRIL
This was my favorite resort of all those that I visited. Couples Negril is a small 234 room resort. It is unlimited meals daily with wine at lunch and dinner, all drinks at any of the 5 bars, organized tours and all water sports. It is on 18 acres white sand beach of Bloody Bay. The Montego Airport is one hour and thirty minutes away, and 5 miles from Negril. They take the all inclusive one step further. They include shopping shuttles to the town of Negril 4 times weekly, shuttles to a scenic local bar 4 times weekly, Catamaran Cruise and Golf. This is adult couples only. They have a tree house that is used in the daytime for massages, and romantic dinners at night. For your honeymoon couples, they will get ½hour massage when they present their marriage license within 30 days of the wedding. Another perk to this resort, if you are on the beach, they have a red flag policy. You put your red flag up and they will come and take your drink order and get it for you. Also, down at the beach area, they have a Do-it-yourself-bar. You can make your own drink. They will teach you to scuba dive for $365.00. They do have slot machines and wireless service is all included.
GRAND PALLADIUM RESORT & LADY HAMILTON RESORT AND SPA
The lobby was huge and open air looking toward the spectacular view of the Caribbean Sea. This resort is 2 resorts in one. Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort and Spa has 516 rooms divided into 13 villas of three levels each with 6 one bedroom sites and 30 Jr suites per villa and 48 “adults only” ocean front villa suites of 2 levels with 4 adult suites in each. The Grand Palladium consist of 540 rooms divided into 15 villas of 3 levels each with 6 one bedroom suites and 30 Jr suites per villa. Rooms were all spectacular but the one that stands out were the “adults’ only suites” that have a sea view, private entrance, a wide terrace with sun beds and outside shower. They were just fabulous. They have a Beach Bash once a week. They had a huge buffet on the beach, with music and entertainment until late.
|  | Mary Gillingham, DS
Interests & Specialties
Mary has been with Central Travel for 12 years and has traveled extensively. She holds a Destination Specialist (DS) designation for the Caribbean and has experienced All Inclusive vacations in Cancun, Jamaica and the Bahamas. She also holds a destination specialist designation for Hawaii and has visited the islands several times. She is a certified O'ahu Destination Master Specialist (ODS) and has been involved with the O'ahu Visitors Bureau (OVB) since 2002.
Mary is located in the Promenade Shops office on Monroe Street in Sylvania, OH and can be reached at 419 471-2800, 800 826-3930 or mary@centraltravel.com
Expert Bio
Mary's true expertise is with Crystal Cruises. She loves this luxury line and know just how to make your Crystal Cruise special.
With a winning formula for success, Crystal Cruises consistently ranks among the top luxury properties in the world. The line, in just 15 years, has won an unprecedented number of top awards from such prestigious publications as Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure, among others. Crystal's fleet of luxurious vessels includes the 940-guest sister ships Crystal Harmony and Crystal Symphony and the 1,080-guest Crystal Serenity.
Mary is a Crystal Cruise Specialist and enjoys cruising personally with her family and friends.
My Recent Trips
I recently returned from a wonderful cruise on board the Crystal Symphony visiting the Italian Treasures!
When I think of Crystal Cruise lines I think of Service. The service was remarkable – the best I have ever experienced on a cruise. From the time we stepped on board until we departed for home we were treated as if we were the most important people on board!
We visited Portofino, Monte Carlo, Livorno and the lovely town of Sorrento. I chose the tour the Excavations of Pompeii while in this port. This is a vast and active archaeological site. I would recommend that when your clients go to Pompeii to go with a guide. The local guide we had pointed out so many things that I would have missed had I just gone on my own. I really enjoyed this excursion. The fact that you are able to walk and see a city that is over 1,700 years old is amazing to me.
This is a perfect sailing for family groups. I spoke with many people who were traveling with 10-15 family members. There was eve group on Monthers & Daughters - how perfect!
The Crystal Symphony is 10 years old, but is in great shape for her age. The cabins were spacious and nicely decorated with neutral colors. This ship has only outside cabins which is the way cruising should be done!
|  | Kathy Braker, LS
Interests & Specialties
Kathy has been with Central Travel for 9 years and has traveled extensively. However, her true passion is helping couples plan the perfect Honeymoon or Destination Wedding! She has planned many wedding and honeymoon trips to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Hawaii. She can facilitate the renewal of vows for that special anniversary too. She loves to help clients with their romantic dream trips!
In addition to being a Sandals Certified Specialist, she holds a Honeymoon & Destination Wedding (LS) designation from The Travel Institute. Kathy is located in the Promenade Shops office on Monroe Street in Sylvania, OH and can be reached at 419 471-2800, 800 826-3930 or kathryn@centraltravel.com
Expert Bio
Kathy has experienced many of the islands of the Caribbean. She has traveled to Punta Cana, Jamaica, Barbados, Mustique, St. Thomas, Bahamas, Puerto Rico and St. Lucia. In addition, she has spent time in the gorgeous destinations of the Riviera Maya and Ixtapa in Mexico. Kathy has also enjoyed the exquisite beauty of Maui and Oahu in Hawaii. Many of the resorts she has visited offer perfect honeymoon and anniversary packages, and she can help you find the one that is right for you!
Whether you are interested in a Destination Wedding, Honeymoon, or a Special Anniversary trip, Kathy can help you make it the perfect and memorable romantic event!
My Recent Trips
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit enchanting Jamaica, which is one of my favorite island paradise destinations! This was my 5th visit to the island, and was fortunate to visit some of the most romantic and luxurious properties on Jamaica . It is a perfect honeymoon destination!
In Montego Bay, I visited "Half Moon" resort, the "Ritz Carlton Rose Hall", and the "Grand Lido Braco". From there we went to Ocho Rios, where we perused the gorgeous grounds and accommodations at the "Royal Plantation", as well as the newly renovated "Sandals Dunn's River Villaggio". From there we traveled to the south coast of Jamaica and toured "Sandals Whitehouse", which was a breathtaking property! After that we proceeded to Negril, an area of Jamaica that is famous for it's laid-back easy going nature and fabulous beaches! The properties we visited were the secluded and private hideaway of the "Negril Beach Villa', "Grand Lido Negril", "Beaches Negril" and "Sandals Negril".
 I just returned from another trip to Las Vegas where I visited Luxury and Romantic properties for Honeymooners and Anniversary couples; Bellagio, Mirage, Wynn, Trump and Signature at MGM. All of these properties offer special "romance" amenities, and are the perfect place for a honeymoon, romantic getaway or wedding!
|  | Marilyn Knowles, LS
Interests & Specialties
Marilyn has been with Central Travel for 11 years and loves to travel. She holds a Honeymoon & Destination Wedding (LS) designation from The Travel Institute. In addition to her expertise in these special events, she is a graduate of Disney's College of Knowledge and a Disney Specialist.
Marilyn is located in the Defiance, Ohio office and can be reached at 419 782-1911, 800 589-5633 or marilyn@centraltravel.com
Expert Bio
Marilyn has been to Jamaica several times, The Canadian Rockies, Walt Disney World and has cruised the Caribbean on Celebrity, Holland America and Princess. She recently hosted a group in Alaska on a cruise tour with Princess. She enjoys Las Vegas as well and visits this fun destination at least annually.
Her true expertise is in Honeymoons and Destination Weddings. You might say Marilyn specializes in "special moments." She loves to help clients with their honeymoon dream trips! She has planned several honeymoon trips to Hawaii and the Caribbean. She can facilitate the renewal of vows for that special anniversary too.
My Recent Trips
I recently hosted a group of 29 people on a Heart of Alaska Cruisetour with Princess. Our trip was fabulous! We flew into Anchorage and spent the first four nights visiting Anchorage, Mt. McKinley, Denali and exploring the beautiful Tundra Wilderness. We then boarded the Sapphire Princes in Whitter and began the Southbound Voyage of the Glaciers. Our cruise included College Fjord, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan and Vancouver. We had THE BEST time! Next year I will be hosting a fall foliage cruise. Call me for details!
I have ralso recently been to the enchanting island of Jamaica. We stayed at the beautiful resort, Couples Negril, a perfect honeymoon destination. The rooms are very large with a garden view, ocean view or oceanfront accommodations. The oceanfront rooms feature their own bar, which is stocked daily, bathrobes, and sliding doors that lead right to the beach. Keep busy with the different activities they offer or just relax and do nothing at all. Give me a call, I would be glad to book this wonderful resort for you, or help you find the right romantic getaway!
|  | Genie Williams, DS, LS
Interests & Specialties
Genie has been with Central Travel for 12 years and has decades of travel experience. In addition to her knowledge of South Africa, she has been on more than 30 cruises. She holds a Caribbean Destination Specialist Certificate and has visited almost every major island in the Caribbean. Genie has extensive experience with villa rentals on St. John, St. Barts and St. Martin. She is also a certified Spa Specialist and has visited some of the top spas in the world. Her recent travels have taken her to Greece and Italy. Located in the Perrysburg, Ohio office, Genie can be reached at 419 874-2457, 888 295-5038 or genie@centraltravel.com
Expert Bio
Whether you are considering your first journey to Africa or a repeat visit to the land you have come to love, Genie Williams, our South Africa Specialist will make your trip special.
Given any destination in the world, Ms. Williams would choose Africa! She has experienced the amazing diversity of cultures and animal life and these experiences keep her longing to return. Quite familiar with the finest accommodations available, Genie can recommend the Private Tent or Lodge Safari that is perfect for you.
She is especially fond of South Africa and recommends the Mala Mala Game Reserve, one of South Africa's premier game parks where game viewing is available in open land rovers and on walking safaris.
And you must spend time in Capetown! The city's history and culture, encapsulated these days in distinctive neighborhoods like the Bo-Kaap or on Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, offer experiences of a lifetime.
Ms. Williams holds an Africa Destination Specialist Certificate from The Travel Institute and Virtuoso's prestigious S.T.A.R. South Africa Designation.
My Recent Trips
I have recently returned form an Educational Seminar with Virtuoso to the lesser known, fascinating, and unspoiled spots of Tuscany, Italy. This was an unforgettable to opportunity to see the countryside in Tuscany, and experience Virtuoso’s incomparable hotel and on-site partners!
My itinerary included accommodations provided at Virtuoso properties HOTEL BYRON, IL PELLICANO, FONTEVERDE NATURAL SPA RESORT, GRAND HOTEL CONTINENTAL, RELAIS LA SUVERA, and CASTELLO DEL NERO. The HOTEL L’ANDANA hosted us for a lovely luncheon. Each hosting property provided breakfasts, hosted site-inspections, dinners and hotel presentations.
In addition to being royally wined and dined by our Virtuoso Properties I was totally spoiled by our outstanding Tuscan on-site, ARNO TRAVEL. They arranged a truly amazing program for visiting the best places in Tuscany including show-stopping sight-seeing, various meals throughout the region, outstanding events and all transfers.
Alberto Bonini, owner of Arno Travel, personally invited us to his picturesque home - quite literally, as his beautiful residence in the countryside near Florence includes an apartment available on a weekly basis. Such hospitality is common in this captivating region, and Arno Travel welcomes individual and group travelers with personalized programs and the highest level of service. The company pays the closest attention to each client request, be it securing an architectural expert for a private talk on Renaissance structures to a privileged off-hours tour of the Uffizi Gallery.
One could spend a life time in Tuscany and still not see all its artistic wonders. Arno Travel highly recommends that you not only explore Florence (home to 63 museums) but the charming towns of Lucca, Siena – site of the famous Palio horse race, which has taken place here every year since the Middle Ages – and lovely San Gimignano. Arno takes great pride in creating innovative special-interest programs for you, such as culinary excursions to top restaurants, private cooking classes and wine tastings at the most heralded vineyards and special reservations at museums.
Tuscany is a land of interesting landscapes and compelling medieval hill towns, a center for Renaissance art and architecture. The region also produces some of the finest wines in Italy. From the Etruscans to the Romans to the Renaissance, Tuscany is possibly the greatest repository of art in the world ranging from extraordinary paintings and sculpture to frescoes and architectural masterpieces. One comes to Tuscany in search of fine art, to explore the countryside, to experience wonderful cuisine and wines. You may also enjoy mountain paths, cycling on the rolling hills and, in the summer, the sea coast and its islands.
 If you can go to only one Destination Spa in your life, Canyon Ranch is the place. Opened in 1979, its founders, Mel and Enid Zuckerman have set the trends in the spa industry with programs emphasizing fitness of mind, body and spirit.
I have just returned from a lovely stay filled with exercise, spa treatments, hiking and excellent dining. The gorgeous southwestern style accommodations, all with Frette bed linens, are delightful.
My most recent travel experience included an extended stay in Greece where I visited Athens and the Acropolis, Delphi (the site of Apollo's Oracle), and Corfu, the jewel of the Adriatic over which many flags once flew. I plan to return to Greece in June 2009 to further familiarize myself with the cities and countryside of this magnificent country. In October 2008 I will travel to the magical and culturally rich cities of Venice, Verona, Padua and Florence to complete my expertise on Northern Italy. I also plan to visit Italy's beautiful and breathtaking Amalfi Coast in 2009.
|  | Valerie Sondergeld, CTC, LS
Interests & Specialties
A veteran of the travel industry, Val has been with Central Travel for 34 years. As you might expect, she has traveled the world, but her specialties and interests lie in the Caribbean. She visits at least one or two islands every year. She is a member of exclusive GI Vacation Consultant program with El Dorado Spa, and Azul hotels by Karisma which are adults only and family friendly resorts and great for honeymoons, wedding destinations, romance, anniversary and family vacations. She also holds the prestigious Commodore status with Cunard Academy. Val is located in the Northwood office and can be reached at 419 693-9869, 800 860-9869 or val@centraltravel.com
Expert Bio
Ms. Sondergeld has experienced all the major islands of the Caribbean at least once during her 34 years in the business. In addition to being a CTC, she is a Certified Sandals Specialist, Aruba Specialist and has attended the American Airlines Caribbean Travel Mart that takes place in San Juan each year. She has completed both Cancun and Puerta Vallarta specialist courses with each tourism board. Many resorts offer perfect honeymoon and anniversary packages, and Ms. Sondergeld will help you find the one that is right for you. Ms. Sondergeld is also a Certified Honeymoon Specialist and over the years she has helped couples plan destination weddings in Jamaica, Hawaii, Cabo, Cancun and Puerto Vallarta. She loves planning romantic getaways for all types of clients. As a Certified Sandals Specialist, she is particularly knowledgeable about the Caribbean Sandals Resorts, and has personally visited and stayed at many of these resorts.
My Recent Trips
 I have just retruned from the Inaugural sailing of the Ruby Princess, sister ship to Crown and Emerald. The ship holds 3,080 passengers and is prestine!
Ruby Princess includes a dramatic piazza-style atrium (hub of ship on Deck 5) featuring small-bite eateries with coffee bar, fresh bakery with goodies as well as salads and sandwiches, a wine and cheese bar and a sushi bar. In Vines wine and seafood bar, there is a new selection of artisan cheeses on the menu. An every-changing array of performing street entertainers perform in the piazza area.
There are 3 main dining rooms: Botticelli, at aft end of ship for two-sitting fixed dining and Michelangelo and Da Vinci, further forward, for passengers who prefer more relaxed, anytime dining. The Horizon Court and Café Caribe self-service outlets are open 24 hours and also serve complimentary lemonade throughout the day. Princess trademark specialty restaurants are now located across from each other. Crown Grill specializes in steaks, fish and seafood and is $25.00 per person. Sabatini’s Italian multi-course extravaganza of Italian dishes and cost is $20.00 per person.
The Ruby boasts nearly 900 staterooms with private balconies - all rooms have flat-screen T.V, hairdryers, safes, mini-bars (stocked in penthouse suites) and 24 hours room service. Ruby is wired for wifi access, even in cabins and cell phone use.
Ruby has many of the other innovations that define the Princes experience, including Movies under the Stars, Personal Choice dining, multiple entertainment venues, relaxing Asian-style Lotus Spa and fitness center, an extensive children and teen’s center and a wedding chapel. New is the Sanctuary - on deck 17 forward - an adults only retreat with its own pool, steam and sauna rooms. There is cost to this and on first come-first serve basis - 10.00 for half-day and 20.00 for full day (I would recommend this for those full day at sea to avoid crowds around the main pools).
Princess Cruises, as a company, is all about relaxed, casual cruising with an American edge and the Ruby fits right in with lots of smaller public rooms and venues, gives a small ship feel that will appeal to cruisers of all ages.
 I have recently returned from a visit to Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa. On the untouched South Coast of Jamaica, Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa is a 50-acre seaside fantasy within a 500-acre reserve. In an impressive European village, you can stroll an expansive Italian piazza reminiscent of St. Mark's square in Venice... and be surrounded by the sophistication of France, the passion of Italy, and the charm of Holland with restaurants, duty free shops, and magnificent formal gardens bordering an endless stretch of pristine beach. Here Sandals has created their newest resort an ultra-luxurious testament to Jamaica’s storied past, as well as a stunning tribute to the glories of Europe.
Sandals Whitehouse's spa* features European style and offers massage rooms, facial rooms, and additional rooms for body wraps and scrubs, hydrotherapy and couples massage. Relax, unwind and pamper yourself. Step into the calm haven of a Red Lane Spa™, with its rich marbles and deep red mahogany, and you can leave every care behind.
The outlook is always inspiring at this resort, because all of its 360 rooms and suites boast breathtaking views of the resort's two-mile span of beach. There are 80 sumptuous suites to choose from, many with the unrivaled luxury of true Butler Service in the style of English nobility. Remain in a world of your own choosing, in settings that recreate your favorite corners of Europe... and hide away in your own private fantasy just steps from the aquamarine sea.
|  | Sarah Rosenberger, CTA, DS
Interests & Specialties
Sarah has been with Central Travel for 10 years and has traveled extensively. She holds a Destination Specialist designation for Africa and Hawaii. As a member of the Shamrock Club, she has an abiding interest in every aspect of Ireland and loves to share her knowledge to make dreams come true. Sarah also enjoys cruising and has sailed with Carnival, Disney and Celebrity Cruise Lines. Sarah is located in the Holland, Ohio office and can be reached at 419 867-4945, 800 775-0495 or sarah@centraltravel.com
Expert Bio
Although the name Sarah Rosenberger may not sound Irish, the enchanting lands of this wonderful country have captured her soul!
Sarah has seen landscapes painted with a thousand shades of green creating a lush backdrop for historic castles, tranquil waterways, and quaint villages. Some of her favorite cities are Adare, Cork, Dublin, Kenmare, Killarney, Kildare, Newmarket on Fergus and Shannon. In addition, she has visited many Virtuoso properties including: Hayfield Manor, The Merrion Hotel, The Kildare (The K Club), Sheen Falls Lodge and the Four Seasons of Dublin.
Sarah has worked extensively with Brendan Worldwide Vacations and has arranged numerous independent and escorted tours throughout Ireland. Using her personal experience, she can guide you to the vacation experience that's right for you. Should you climb Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone, visit Powescourt Gardens or visit Queenstown to trace your ancestors roots? Contact Sarah Rosenberger, our Ireland Specialist!
Ms. Rosenberger, CTA, DS, holds an Ireland Specialist designation and is a member of the Shamrock Club.
My Recent Trips
 Although my favorite place to travel is Ireland, I recently returned from fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada (my 5th visit). An ever changing city, Las Vegas is no longer the home of the $4.99 buffet. The city is full of amazing restaurants (including restaurants by Charlie Palmer, Emeril Lagasse and Wolfgang Puck), outstanding entertainment (“O” by Cirque du Soleil, Mamma Mia, and Celine Dion) and even more amazing hotels.
I was fortunate enough to spend my three night stay at the Four Seasons; a private hotel located between floors 35 and 39 of the Mandalay Bay. If you are interested in a more relaxing atmosphere, try the Ritz Carlton Lake Las Vegas located about 35 minutes north of the strip. Among many other things, the Lake Las Vegas area offers golf, fishing, Italian boutique style shopping, and a world class spa. My site inspections included The Mirage, Bellagio, Wynn and Trump, my favorite!
I sailed on Celebrity's Infinity round trip from Vancouver visiting Ketichikan, Juneau, Icy Straight Point (my favorite).
Cancun was another recent trip and I stayed at at Riu Palace Las Americas with site inspections at; The Royal Cancun, LeBlanc, Cancun Palace, Riu Cancun, and Riu Caribe. My favorite was The Royal - what a great property!
|  | Jani Miller, CTC, DS, LS
Interests & Specialties
Jani Miller joined Central Travel in 1977 due to a passion for travel and she hasn’t stopped traveling since! She specializes in the following areas:
- Adventure Travel
- Africa – East & South
- Golf
- Health & Fitness
- Spa
Jani Is located in the Heatherdowns Blvd office in Toledo and can be reached at 419 897-2070 ext. 110. 800 633-5577 ext. 110 or jani@centraltravel.com
Expert Bio
In addition to being a Certified Travel Counselor (CTC), Ms. Miller holds a Destination Specialist certification for Africa, an Adventure Travel Lifestyle Specialist certification, a Certified Lifestyle Specialist for Golf and has completed Lindblad's LEXpert course. She has been listed as one Travel+Leisure’s A-List Agents for the past 6 years as a golf specialist. Locally she is a member of Stone Oak Country Club and the Toledo Women’s Golf District Association.
Some of her favorite golf destinations include:
- The Lodge at Sea Island which features 54 holes of extraordinary championship golf.
- The island of Lanai is a golfer’s dream with The Experience at Koele and The Challenge at Manele Bay and The Lodge ay Koele is just the best!
- The Ritz Carlton Kapalua Resort, one of the few in Hawaii to offer three 18-hole championship layouts - The Bay, The Village and The Plantation.
- The White Witch in Jamaica – stay at The Ritz, Half Moon or Round Hill.
- Torrey Pines Lodge where you received guaranteed tee times at both the North and the South course.
- Bermuda – stay at Cambridge Beaches and play Mid Ocean Club, the new Belmont Hills, Port Royal, Riddell’s Bay and St George’s Golf Club.
- The Ritz at Amelia Island - play The Golf Club of Amelia Island, Fernandina Golf Club, Osprey Cove, and Royal Amelia Golf Links.
- The Gleneagles Hotel which features the challenge of the King's, the secluded charms of the Queen's, or the nine hole Wee Course. The exceptional PGA Centenary Course designed by Jack Nicklaus is the venue for the 40th Ryder Cup matches in 2014.
- The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas which offers The Falls Golf Club and The Reflection Bay Golf Club.
- The Homestead in Hot Springs which features The Cascades Course, The Lower Cascades, and The Old Course.
- The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island which is a golfer’s paradise with five competitively designed master golf courses.
- The Grand Del Mar Resort in San Diego
- Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in southwestern PA
She hosted a golfing group to South Africa in March of 2006. The group played The Links at Fancourt, Pezula, Gary Player Country Club at Sun City and Arabella. South Africa has some of the best golf in the world!
My Recent Trips
 I have just returned from the most fascinating expedition to The Galapagos Islands! I chose to travel with Lindblad Expeditions aboard the National Geographic Polaris. In 1967, Lars-Eric Lindblad became the first adventurer to bring nonscientific expeditions here. Lindblad has more experience than any other operator in Galapagos, and in my opinion have the most knowledgeable and experienced Naturalists. As an Adventure Travel Specialist, and a huge animal lover, Galapagos has been on my list for several years. Nowhere else can you experience up close encounters with remarkable animals like giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, Galapagos penguins, and sea lions galore. The animals have no fear of humans and observing these magnificent creatures up close and personal is unbelievable!
The 10-day experience includes an overnight in Guayaquil, Ecuador on the outbound and return and 7 nights aboard one of Lindblad’s expedition ships. Everyday offers the opportunity to hike, kayak, swim, snorkel, zodiac or glass bottom boat rides. You may also enjoy the LEXspa services, yoga classes and great lectures.
In addition to the animals, the expert naturalists and the activities, we met the most fascinating people! All seasoned travelers, our evening cocktails and dinner discussions were so much fun.
While on the trip, Rodrigo Marra, the ship’s Video Chronicler asked me to share a few thoughts about my experience. See this link for a copy of the video:
http://www.expeditions.com/DER_Details113.asp?DailyReport=148709&SearchSource=Results&Month=2&Year=&Ship=&Destination=294&Keyword
Please see this link for a few snapshots of the trip: http://www.flickr.com/photos/treetopwoody/
I would be happy to assist you with your adventure to Galapagos!
 Last fall I had the opportunity to go back to Africa for my 4th visit. The highlight was gorilla trekking in Rwanda. I went with Volcanoes Safaris and stayed at Virunga Lodge. We went trekking for two days with Francios, the most experienced guide in the business who actually worked with Diann Fossey. We visited the Kwitonda family which included an 8 week old baby!
Following Rwanda, I went on safari in Tanzania at 3 different camps, staying at Sasakwa Lodge in Grumeti Reserves, Mwagusi Camp in Ruaha National Park and Sand Rivers Camp situated on the banks of the Rufiji River in the Selous Game Reserve. The Tanzania private journey was arranged with Brad Horn of Epic Private Journeys. This was a custom trip hosted by Rob Barbour, a partner in Epic. Rob was awesome and I would highly recommend a private guide for this type of adventure. Rob spoke perfect Swahili and took care of every detail. He made the trip extra special!
|  | Renee Kromenacker
Interests & Specialties
Renee Kromenacker has been in the travel business for 7 years and enjoys every aspect of travel. She has recently graduated from the College of Disney Knowledge and visited Disney World this past June. Renee is located in Central's Northwood Ohio office and can be reached at 419 693-9869, 800 860-9869 or renee@centraltravel.com
Expert Bio
Renee's expertise includes full knowledge of Walt Disney World which is her favorite destination. She has also cruised with Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruise Line and Holland America. She has also spent time in Scotland.
With Disney Cruise Line the magical experience of a Walt Disney World land vacation can certainly be found at sea! Disney goes the extra mile to offer lots of activities for families to do together such as nightly Broadway style shows, deck parties, movies, and out-of-the-ordinary fun like we had on our cruise: building vegetable race-cars! The kids can also have time of their own at Oceaneer’s Club or Oceaneer’s Lab, while Mom and Dad can enjoy the adults-only night clubs or dinner at the adults-only restaurant, Palo.
Royal Caribbean International is a great cruise line for people of all ages: families or couples. Their Voyager and Freedom-class ships are some of the most imaginative ships at sea with ice-skating rinks, rock-climbing walls, flow-riders, mini-golf courses and more! I was very impressed with the Royal Promenade, a long row of shops and restaurants that run right down the middle of the ship. I really enjoyed my promenade cabin- an inside cabin with a view! These cabins feature a bay window overlooking the Royal Promenade which is the best seat for viewing the parade!
Renee visited the Western Caribbean on her RCCL cruise with ports of call in Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, and Royal Caribbean’s private beach- Labadee. Climbing the waterfalls at Dunn’s River in Jamaica is not to be missed!
Carnival is a wonderful cruise line for all ages. They have a great kids program, Camp Carnival, designed for kids aged 2 through 14 which offer fun activities like pizza parties, movies, scavenger hunts, dances and karaoke. Carnival has 22 floating resorts to choose from, visiting many exciting ports of call in nearly every area of the world! I had a great time seeing all of their nightly Broadway-style shows and sampling the midnight buffet!
Renee sailed to Key West during her CCL cruise and loved how beautiful and quaint it was! During her stop in Cozumel she took a shore excursion to see the Mayan ruins in Tulum and would highly recommend it.
Holland America has a fleet of elegant and spacious ships which offer 5-star service. Their ships are filled with fresh-cut flowers and original art-work. The service is wonderful, very attentive and friendly staff. The dining is superb. I loved their private island, Half Moon Cay.
Renee has visited Glasgow and Edinburgh, Scotland. Her favorite thing about Glasgow is the people. They are all so down-to-earth and friendly- very eager and willing to talk about their country, customs, etc. St. George’s square was the perfect place to sit and people watch or explore the numerous shops around the square. The train ride from Glasgow to Edinburgh showcases the beautiful, lush green countryside. As the train pulls into Edinburgh, you can look up and see Edinburgh Castle perched upon Castle Rock, an ancient volcanic mound. I visited Edinburgh Castle, which features the Scottish Crown Jewels, and stayed at one of the most luxurious and magnificent hotels in Edinburgh, The Balmoral. The architecture of Edinburgh is beautiful, dating back to the 12th century in the Old Town section of the city. Lots of shopping, restaurants and theatre, and tourist attractions make Edinburgh an exciting place to visit.
My Recent Trips
My favorite destination by far is Walt Disney World. I have visited Disney World numerous times, both with and without children and have found that there are many activities, shows, and dining experiences which can be enjoyed by adults and children alike. I have stayed at the Caribbean Beach Resort, Port Orleans French Quarter, Port Orleans Riverside and have visited many of the other Disney Resorts. I’ve also experienced many of Disney’s dining options, including several Character Meals and would highly recommend having breakfast with Mickey Mouse or Pooh Bear as a great way to start your day!
My greatest piece of advice for visiting Disney World is plan ahead! In a theme park which encompasses 47 square miles, I feel that planning your days is essential to seeing and doing all that you wish to during your vacation. I love to help people plan their Disney itineraries and make the very most of their time in “the World”!
|  | Joy Hammer, CTC, DS
Interests & Specialties
Joy has been with Central Travel for just 4 years, but spent her entire life traveling! She holds a México Destination Specialist designation, is a Cancun Tourism Institute 101 graduate and is a Brisas Hotels & Resorts Specialist. She also holds a Destination Specialist designation for Alaska and Spain. Joy has been everywhere from Belize to Thailand and has visited almost every major island in the Caribbean. Joy is located in Central Travel's Perrysburg, OH office and can be reached at 419 874-2457, 888 295-5038 or joyh@centraltravel.com
Expert Bio
Joy Hammer loves to travel and she is passionate about Mexico! As a Mexico Destination Specialist, she has traveled extensively throughout México at least 7 times, not only the numerous coastal resort areas, but much of the interior as well. Spending usually a week at each destination, she has enjoyed the beaches of Cancun, The Riviera Maya, Cozumel, Ixtapa, Puerto Vallarta, Huatulco, and Acapulco. What she really enjoys, however, are the colonial towns, such as Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Taxco, Campeche, etc.
She has also toured numerous archaeological sites, such as Chichén Itzá, Uxmal, Tulum, Palenque, Edzná, Ek Balam, Monte Albán, Mitla, and Teotihuacán. Traveling by rental car or local bus transportation, she has been able to explore many areas of México. Joy just returned in March from a hotel inspection tour of Cancun and Riviera Maya and reports that the hotels and the beaches are better than ever! She'd love to help you find the resort that is perfect for your next vacation!
My Recent Trips
 River Cruising - what a wonderful way to see Europe!
Picture yourself relaxing in a deck chair as your floating hotel slowly passes scenic landscapes. Stroll from the ship directly into the center of medieval towns and quaint villages. Leisurely, guided walking tours are included, with plenty of time to explore on your own. Take a moment to just sit at a cafe to enjoy a Heineken, or sample a local specialty such as a Belgian waffle or "frites" (french fries) with mayonnaise.
River cruises carry less than 200 passengers, so there are no long lines anywhere. No traffic-jammed highways. No need to pack and unpack. And, since all meals, wine at dinner, and numerous shore excursions are included, you don't need to worry about expenses adding up or currency exchange rates.
In early April, I enjoyed a "Tulip Time Cruise" thru The Netherlands and Belgium, on Avalon Waterways, part of the Globus Family of Brands. We began in the capital city of Amsterdam, home to over 150 canals, and 700,000 bikes (of which about 25,000 end up in the canals each year!) A Hop-On/Hop-Off canal cruise was the perfect way to navigate the city, passing beautiful old homes and houseboats that lined the canals. For museum lovers, famous Dutch masters can be seen in the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. And, the Anne Frank House is a definite must. The Netherlands is a fascinating country, with over 27% of the land below sea level, reclaimed from the sea. We saw numerous picturesque windmills, and listened as the miller explained how important they are still today. Another day, we toured 1 of the world's most complex engineering projects, the Delta Works, with a storm flood barrier almost 6 miles long, and which took 30 years to complete.
Our port stops included the beautiful seaport city of Antwerp and the medieval town of Ghent, both in Belgium. A optional excursion that I highly recommend is the lovely town of Bruges, which is truly 1 of the most charming places I've ever had the pleasure of touring. Anyone interested in World War II history will enjoy the guided tour of the Liberty Museum. But, the highlight of the cruise was spending the day at the fabulous Keukenhof Gardens, open only 9 weeks each year, and displaying over 7 million daffodils and tulips in every color imaginable!
River Cruises are offered not just on the Rhine River, but on various rivers throughout France, Germany, Portugal, Romania, and other areas of Europe. They are also available in China, Egypt, and the Galapagos Islands. Ask us about themed cruises, such as Wine Cruises, Jazz Cruises, or the festive Christmas Market cruises! No matter your destination, you'll experience the very best that each location has to offer.
 In September 2008, I vacationed at the gorgeous, new Secrets Maroma, on the most beautiful stretch of beach I've ever seen in Mexico. The property is equally lovely, adults only, with a nice selection of restaurants to choose from, excellent customer service, and beautifully appointed rooms.
 Portugal - such a small country with so much to offer! We began our journey in the fall of 2007 in the capital of Lisbon, exploring its rich cultural heritage, historic neighborhoods, and great nightlife, and ended with a few days relaxing on the breathtaking beaches of the Algarve.
In between, we toured the picturesque village of Sintra with its 2 fabulous palaces, the charming walled towns of Obidos and Evora, and the magnificent monasteries of Alcobaca and Batalha. From dramatic coastline to lush green landscapes, the countryside was simply beautiful. Sampling the varied cuisine and wines, especially port, was an enjoyable "must"!
We spent several nights in historic Pousadas, which are castles, convents, fortresses or palaces, and very atmospheric. English is spoken almost everywhere, and we appreciated the fact that Portugal is a better value than other European countries. Portugal truly has something for everyone!
|  | Darlene Harrison, DS
Interests & Specialties
Darlene has been with Central Travel for 17 years and has traveled the world. She is an expert in Classic Cruising and holds the prestigious Commodore status with Cunard Academy, Darlene also holds a Destination Specialist (DS) designation for North America, Western Europe and Southern Europe. She has visited many of the popular destination in the US, Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe. Darlene is located in the Perrysburg office and can be reached at 419 874-2457 888 295-5038 or darlene@centraltravel.com
Expert Bio
Darlene Harrison loves to cruise! She has cruised with Holland America, Carnival, NCL, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean exploring the Caribbean, Alaska, the Mexican Riviera, France and Italy.
One of her favorites is Alaska sailing with Holland America. The scenery is spectacular day and night; mountains, glaciers, whales and wildlife. Talk about shore excursions! Choose from a riverboat ride, helicopter flightseeing, the gold dredge tour, sportfishing, and glaciers to name just a few. Alaska cruises can also be combined with landtours to the interior of Alaska to visit Denali National Park.
Darlene looks forward to making your next cruise the best trip of your life!
My Recent Trips
 My last trip was on Princess Cruse Lines on the Dawn Princess out of San Diego. The ports of call were Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas and Matzatlan.
Prior to the cruise I spent two nights at the beautiful Hotel Del Coronado. A favorite for romantic getaways and family adventures, it’s easy to see why USA Today rates The Del, “one of the top ten resorts in the world.”
Dawn Princess - along with its sister ships Sun and Sea - creates paradise on the high seas. Featuring a wrap-around Promenade Deck, this spectacular ship has more than 400 balcony staterooms to enjoy the ever-changing scenery and two spacious decks. Hot spots include two show lounges with nightly entertainment, and plenty of elegant and casual dining options from gourmet pizza to grilled steaks.
You may recall the film "Night of the Iguana," starring Richard Burton was filmed in Puerto Vallarta and it used to be a sleepy fishing village. It has since transformed into an international resort with excellent dining, great shopping and mile after mile of palm-lined beaches.
Situated at the very tip of the world's longest peninsula, Cabo San Lucas calmly watches the cool Pacific Ocean merge with the Sea of Cortez. Once you experience its crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches, you'll understand why this once-sleepy Baja cannery village transformed into a popular international resort.
Mazatlan boasts a superb year-round climate. Sitting on a peninsula at the feet of the rugged Sierra Madre and the Cerro de Neveria, Mazatlan has two distinct types of coastlines — the rocky Pacific beaches and the broad white-sand beaches beloved by visitors. Its beaches and world-class sport fishing quickly turned this once commercial fishing port into one of the world's top resort destinations today.
 Anoher recent cruise was to France and Italy on Royal Caribbean's Splendour of the Seas. Our first stop was Monte Carlo and Monaco. Monaco is the cleanest city I have seen and one of the most beautiful! Nice and Eze folloed with a beautiful drive with breathtaking scenery. Once in Nice, take a stroll through the Old City, explore, dine and shop. Eze is a medieval city built on a cliff with narrow winding cobblestone streets lined with shops of various local crafts and products.
Florence, Pisa, Rome and Naples followed. In Naples I took the shore excursion that included Capri, Sorrento and Pompeii. First you jetfoil to Capri and when you arrive ashore you ride a funicular to the top of the mountain. A funicular is a type of train that goes up and down the steep mountainside. It is the most beautiful seaside scenery from the hillside city.
I would recommend this itinerary to someone that wants to get a taste of France and Italy. Please give me a call and I can share more of my experiences with you and help you decide which cruise is the right one for you. Bon Voyage!
|  | Dianne Cordell, DS, LS
Interests & Specialties
Dianne has been with Central Travel for 11 years and takes advantage of every opportunity to travel. She is a destination specialist certificate from The Travel Institute for Hawaii, Mexico, Caribbean, and North America. She also holds a Honeymoon Specialist designation. Dianne has completed the Royal Caribbean Expert Plus Program. She is a graduate of the Disney College of Knowledge and an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. In addition to her knowledge of Disney, she has first hand experience with Ireland, Cancun, Jamaica, Hawaii, Royal Caribbean, NCL, Princess and Carnival Cruise Lines. Located in the Northwood, Ohio, Dianne can be reached at 419 693-9869, 800 860-9869 or dianne@centraltravel.com
Expert Bio
As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, Dianne Cordell is your source for a Disney Vacation! To say she's earned her "ears" is an understatement!
Dianne will help you sort through the many options of a “Magical Gathering” and custom design your Disney Vacation to create memories of a lifetime. She has visited Disney many times over the last several years and has personal knowledge of the resorts, activities, dining venues and more.
Would you enjoy La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil or the Hoop-dee-do musical revue? Should you stay at the Grand Floridian or the Yacht and Beach Club? Where is the best place to view the fireworks at Epcot? Should your “Magical Gathering” include a Disney Cruise Line component? So many choices!
Honeymoons, anniversaries or family reunions, Dianne has first hand experience of making a family vacation special. Ask her children!
My Recent Trips
I recently sailed on the Disney’s Wonder and it was a wonderful trip!! What better way to spoil the family than doing it Disney Style. Separate areas and activities for adults, kids, and teens invite everyone to discover their own kind of fun and relaxation.
On every cruise, legendary Disney service, spectacular dining experiences, and dazzling adventures come together to create the most magical vacation to ever set sail. There is nothing like the magic and wonder of a Disney Cruise Line vacation. Call me for more personal details of the Disney Cruise experience and let’s plan your next magical vacation today!
|  | Amy Stewart, DS
Interests & Specialties
Amy has been with Central Travel for 14 years, and travel is one of her favorite things to do! She holds a Destination Specialist designation for the Caribbean and Alaska. She also holds Specialist certificates for several cruise lines including NCL, Princess, Holland America, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. She has completed hotel specialist programs for Palace Resorts, Prince Resorts, Sandals and Sofitel. She has also completed courses for the Walt Disney World Travel Company, and is an Aruba Certified Expert.
Amy is located in the Findlay, OH office and can be reached at 419-424-8947, 800-292-9456, or amy@centraltravel.com
Expert Bio
Amy has spent time in the Bahamas, Jamaica, St. Kitts, and Puerto Rico. She has also traveled several times to Toronto, Canada. She has sailed on inaugural sailings on three of Royal Caribbean's newest ships: Adventure of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, and Liberty of the Seas.
She will be cruising in the Southern Caribbean this January on Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas visiting San Juan, Puerto Rico; Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curacao; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas.
She enjoys helping plan vacations for everyone from honeymoon couples to families to "empty nesters". Her favorite U.S. destination is Las Vegas, and she enjoys cruising. Whether you want to spend your time on a sun drenched island or sailing the high seas, Amy can help you plan the trip of a lifetime!
My Recent Trips
 My family and I have just returned from a wonderful Southern Caribbean cruise with Royal Caribbean onboard the Adventure of the Seas. We visited the most exotic Caribbean islands on this itinerary; Aruba, Curacao, St. Maarten and St Thomas. Adventures are endless in this area. You can explore the Hato Caves in Curaçao. Take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to race an America's Cup sailboat. Relax and take in some sun at Magens Bay Beach in beautiful St. Thomas. Stroll down the streets of Old San Juan and discover the largest Spanish citadel built in the New World. And explore the many cultures that make up these exotic islands.
The ship was very clean and the crew was amazing! I have cruised several times and the customer service onboard Royal Caribbean was truly exceptional. TIP: Take a city tour on the day of disembarkation in San Juan. Just $25.00 per person and it can be booked right at the pier. A great way to see old and new San Juan and avoid spending hours at the airport!
 Recently I sailed on Carnival's Destiny with my family. We sailed from San Juan to St. Thomas, Dominicana, Barbados, St. Lucia and Antigua.
Fresh off a multi-million dollar refurbishment, the Carnival Destiny is better than ever and packed with places to have fun. With three pools, a variety of eateries, lounges, nightclubs, a friendly casino, duty-free shopping and Spa Carnival, a cruise on this amazing "Fun Ship" is the vacation you were born to take. You might even say it's your Destiny!
|  | Sue Woolford, DS
Interests & Specialties
Sue has been with Central Travel for 11 years and has a thirst for travel! In addition to her expertise in cruising, she holds a Destination Specialist designation for the Alaska, France and the South Pacific. Sue has completed the Aruba Certified Expert program and has her "ears" from the Disney College of Knowledge. Sue is located in the Perrysburg office and can be reached at suew@centraltravel.com
Expert Bio
Sue has visited Alaska twice and has assisted many clients with cruise tours to this area of th world. she loves to cruise and has been on 9 cruises since 2000 on 5 different cruise lines.
Sue Woolford loves to cruise and she is passionate about the South Pacific! Cruising through French Polynesia for 16-days has been one of her most memorable experiences. Swimming with the sharks in Bora Bora was only topped by the soft velvety feel of the sting rays while swimming off Moorea. Sue recommends a private motu tour while in the islands, complete with authentic picnic lunch and one-on-one instruction on the art of tying a Pareus.
The islands of Huihine, Raiatea and Taha'a are quiet islands that offer many excursions, one of which is visiting the pearl farms. Sue recommends a circle island tour of the island of Tahiti and can arrange for a private car and driver. There are a number of options when cruising the South Pacific. She has the expertise to assure your vacation exceeds your expectations!
My Recent Trips
 River cruising is a great way to see Europe!
I cruised on the Rhone and the Soane rivers in Provence in France with Viking River. There are many Roman ruins and medieval towns along the rivers. Major vineyards and wineries are along these rivers too. The Viking Burgundy was a comfortable ship that was able to traverse through 14 locks on the rivers. Viking provides wonderful tours of the major towns and cities along the rivers. If you are looking for a comfortable way to see this area, without the hassel of packing, unpacking, bags out at 6:00 a.m., etc, and still see the main sights in southern France, I highly recommend river cruising with Viking!
|  | Vickie Pesina, DS
Interests & Specialties
Vickie has been in the travel business for 8 years. She has a Destination Specialist (DS) designation in Alaska from The Travel Institute. She has also been designated by Virtuoso as one of Norwegian Cruise Line's Specialists. Vickie is located in our Holland, Ohio office and can be reached at 419 867-4945, 800 775-0495 or vickie@centraltravel.com
Expert Bio
Travel has been a passion for Vickie for many years. She loves to cruise - especially with Princess and NCL. She thoroughly enjoys Universal Studios in Orlando and knows the inside track. She has cruised onboard the Caribbean Princess visiting the Eastern Caribbean including the ports of St .Thomas, St Maarten and Princess Cays.
There is no question her favorite destination is Alaska. She has assisted hundreds of clients with their Alaska vacations and can recommend the right trip for you. If you only have time for a week's trip, she knows how to make it special. Two weeks is grand however and she can arrange the perfect cruise tour for you and your family.
My Recent Trips
 I have recently returned from the Riviera Maya and stayed at the El Dorado Royale.This casually elegant, adults-only beachfront resort offers a unique setting for romantic and relaxing getaways. It is the perfect destination whether you are honeymooning or just looking for a place to enjoy each other and unwind. From the moment you step into the property you will experience the signature service of El Dorado Royale. Before checking in you will be greeted by our staff and welcomed with a complimentary glass of champagne.
I also did site visits at The Royal Playa del Carmen and the El Dorado Maroma. El Dorado Maroma, a Beachfront Resort by Karisma is located on the spectacular “Maroma Beach”, in the Riviera Maya of Mexico. Maroma Beach is considered to be one of the Top Beaches in the World by independent reviewers, including Travel Discovery Channel. It provides an unparalleled Mexican vacation experience for couples and families (with children 16 years old and over) looking for the perfect mix of personalized service, exquisite details, and unforgettable adventures.
THE ROYAL in Playa del Carmen has risen on the foundation of The Royal Porto Real, one of the most successful Adults Only beachfront resorts on the Riviera Maya. Like its sister property, THE ROYAL in Cancun, guests will discover an explosion of luxury around every corner, all provided in an atmosphere of casual elegance boasting a perfect beachfront location, mere steps from Playa del Carmen’s famed Fifth Avenue. Discover hip night spots, trendy cafes, colorful shops and local color while experiencing THE ROYAL’s flawlesss hospitality.
 Another recent trip was cruising the fabulous Inside Passage onboard NCL's Star! The itinerary included Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria BC.
The ship was very easy to navigate. The thing I think I liked most is you could always find a place to yourself even on a sold out ship. The Spinnaker lounge was a favorite place of many cruisers. It is located right in front of the ship and gave a very scenic view while still be protected from the weather, but get there early for a seat by the window. The shows in the Stardust were excellent. I really enjoyed the tribute to Elton John.
In Juno I experienced the Glacier flight seeing via float plane - certainly a "must do" - simply breath-taking! In Skagway I took the White Pass Railway & Klondike Gold Dredge tour. Make sure you take the last train - the tour guides from the Gold Dredge will accompany you on the rail tour. You'll treasure their stories!
|  | Holly Lewandowski, CTC, DS
Interests & Specialties
Holly has been with Central Travel for 22 years. In addition to her extensive knowledge of France, she has also experienced more than 30 cruises. Holly's most recent cruise adventures enclude a 7- day Princess Eastern Caribbean cruise, 17- day Princess Canada/New England/Coastal cruise and a 7- day Princess Mexican Riviera cruise.
She has an abiding interest in music and wine ... the wonderful combination that suggests you let Holly plan your next cruise to cultural capitals of Europe, or travel through the wine country in France! Contact Holly for your next trip to France! holly@centraltravel.com
Expert Bio
Twelve years ago Holly made her first trip to Paris. France quickly became her passion, her favorite place on earth! She is a Certified Maison de la France Agent and since that first excursion, she has made nearly 25 trips to France, every trip including time in Paris. While touring in the Loire Valley, Alsace/Champagne, Burgundy, Bordeaux and the South of France, she has learned the culture, language and where to go and what to do.
Sharing this information with people planning their French vacation is more than a job, it's a great pleasure; and one that Holly would like to share with you. Whether you are going for pleasure or business, for the first time or 100th time; whether you want to climb the Eiffel Tower, explore chateaux and vineyards or barge the rivers and canals, please, give Holly a call. Together you can plan a perfect trip, fulfilling (and hopefully exceeding) your expectations.
My Recent Trips
Close your eyes and imagine rolling hillsides filled with shimmering grape vines for as far as the eye can see. Now imagine wandering from village to village, where the vineyard names read like a shelf in a fine wine shop. Combine this with extraordinary and distinct cuisine at every turn and you have Burgundy, where I started my 2 week sojourn in France last October.
For me, Burgundy is one of the most beautiful and delightful regions in all of France with a wealth of opportunities for foodies, art lovers, and history buffs alike. And if traditional touring isn’t your taste, nothing compares to barging the Burgundy Canal or biking through the vineyards on back roads and gravel paths.
But France is more than Burgundy, and after a week of self-indulgence, I headed south to Carcassonne and the Dordogne Valley to take in the man made and natural beauties of Southern France. Driving through the countryside and visiting the small, undiscovered towns is a great way to get to know France and her people. Heading northwestward, I stopped for a day in St. Emilion before heading to the city of Bordeaux, then onward to my final destination, Paris.
Even after over 20 visits to the City of Lights, I still discovered new and interesting things to do and see, such as the newly opened Musée Jacquemart André. I left Paris, after 16 days in France, anxious to return soon, and even more anxious to share my experience and expertise with you when France is your destination.
I'll be returning to France in January, 2009 I'm itching to get back "home".
|  | Karen Olson-Vermillion, LS
Interests & Specialties
Karen has been with Central Travel for 4 years and has traveled extensively. Prior to joining Central Travel, she spent many years exploring the world! She holds a Destination Specialist designation for Adventure Travel and is a Virtuoso Accredited agent. Karen is located in the Central Avenue office in Toledo, OH and can be reached at 419 843-6294, 800 843-6280 or kareno@centraltravel.com
In the past 12 months she has visited Cancun (loved the Beach Palace), Alaska with Princess, Hawaii (loved the the Waikiki Park in Oahu and the Waikiloa Marriott on the Big Island), the Riviera Maya (visiting the Karisma Resorts and stayed at El Dorado Royale), Puerto Vallarta, and Universal Studios in Orlando staying at the Portofino Bay Hotel.
Expert Bio
Karen Olson-Vermillion loves to travel and she is passionate about Adventure Travel. An avid skier, she lived in Utah and knows the ski resorts quite well. The Sundance Resort is one of her favorites. Hawaii is one of her favorite destinations and she has visited all of the islands many times. From an adventure travel perspective, the Hawaiian Islands are a dream come true!
Alaska, Costa Rica, the Romantic Road in Germany, Jamaica, the Canadian Rockies, and Punta Cana are just a few of her other travels in the last few years. Her Mexico destinations include, Cancun, Ixtapa, Puerto Vallarta and the Mayan Riviera. She has visited Dreams Tulum, the Grand Palladium and Riu Palace in the last 3 years.
Cruises are also one of her favorite ways to explore the world. Karen has visited the Southern Caribbean and Alaska with Princess Cruise Line and most recently, the Mediterranean with Celebrity Cruise Lines.
My Recent Trips
I have just returned from a spectacular Alaska journey with Princess. My itinerary included Fairbanks, Denali and Anchorage. The Fairbanks Riverside Lodge was my home for two nights. The Gold Rush figures prominently in the décor of this lodge situated on the banks of the Chena River in the heart of Fairbanks, Alaska. Founded by miners consumed with the “gold fever” that swept Alaska at the turn of the century, Fairbanks is the gateway to Alaska's rugged Interior. The “El Dorado Gold Mine” tour and Riverboat “Discovery” tour are not to be missed!
Next stop was the Mt. Mckinley Princess Wilderness Lodge in Denali for one night. From the moment you arrive at Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge you know you're somewhere special. Bordering the south side of Denali National Park on the banks of the Chulitna River, the Mt. McKinley Lodge is a splendid wilderness retreat. In the main lodge, The Great Room is a natural place to hang out. With an impressive stone fireplace, cozy sitting areas, tables for card and board games, and enormous floor-to-ceiling windows that look out on majestic Mt. McKinley and the Alaska Range, this room truly lives up to its name.
One of my highlights was taking a Princess luxury railway carriage from Talkeetna to Anchorage which offers panoramic views of the scenery from every seat. The travel time was approximately three hours with a wonderful dinner served en route.
Final stop was the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage. With the Chugach Mountains looming, Anchorage is Alaska's largest city and gateway to the wilderness.
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