Select Traveler asked these group leaders “Where did you take your first group trip?” Here are their responses.
Gail Day
Travel Club Director, Golden Club, United Community Bank, Blairsville, Georgia
“Our first trip was a one-day trip to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, with two motorcoaches. My co-worker and I were so intimidated about this journey we decided we needed to pray before the trip. The day was perfect. For 28 years, we have been blessed with wonderful experiences, amazing people and incredible places.”
Kathy Scego
Program Director, Memory Makers, Maries County Bank, Vienna, Missouri
“My first trip was a cruise to Alaska with 26 folks in 2004. I was new to the travel job and had never cruised. One traveler became ill and was hospitalized on the ship and then taken by ambulance to the hospital in Vancouver. Mikki from Trips helped me through this tough first travel experience, and although Mikki was not physically there, she helped me via phone with just how to handle things.
“The trip insurance was fantastic because when the gentleman was able to travel home, the insurance company flew a nurse from St. Louis to Vancouver to travel with him.
“We had a fantastic time on the cruise, and I learned many important ways to handle emergencies when traveling with a group.”
Emily Krueger
Study Abroad Coordinator, Bellevue University, Bellevue, Nebraska
“The first time I managed a group trip, we went to Los Angeles. The program was a service learning experience for young adults that worked with the homeless and various neighborhood food projects. One of the most memorable moments was seeing many of the group members swim in the ocean for the first time. I love being part of so many firsts.”
Leslie Jerden
Travel Club Director, Club Go, Truity Credit Union, Bartlesville, Oklahoma
“My first group trip was to Alaska. I immediately fell in love with group travel through the bonds of discovery and fun. Travel with people who share a common interest in a destination instantly creates a special camaraderie. I will never forget the experiences we shared in Alaska. They make up some of my favorite memories.”
Lynn Larson
Recreation Supervisor, Oak Brook Park District Travel Club, Oak Brook, Illinois
“We explored Door County, Wisconsin, in autumn to enjoy its colorful foliage. During the trip, we also visited a lighthouse, walked along a beach, shopped and ate at a fish boil, among other great restaurants.”
