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		Ask The Experts - Part Two Reprinted from June 2006 Issue -by SONDRA WILSON Continuation from last months issue of The Entertainer Newspaper. Barbara joined us a few years ago but has many years of travel experience under her belt. She is now working at our Clearwater office. She is a true travel professional. “Kauai is my favorite Hawaiian Island because it is so relaxing compared to Honolulu. And isn’t the whole point of a vacation to relax? It’s just beautiful with the lush, tropical jungles and wonderful beaches. Just the place to go and unwind. I don’t really have a favorite cruise line. I just try to choose the right cruise experience for each client and there are many options available. I think I enjoy the Western Caribbean more than any other area. I like the variety in the itinerary. I did a Panama Canal cruise last October and it was fantastic. It was twelve nights with only five ports of call. And of course the experience of cruising through the Panama Canal is something everyone should do in their lifetime. It’s quite the engineering feat. I especially enjoy days at sea, again, because they don’t involve any rushing around or time schedules. Just relax and eat!” Thank you, Barbara Koleber. You are right Barb about using a vacation to unwind and relax. We are all so busy that for some that is the priority. For others vacations are all about the experience. A great travel expert knows how to find that perfect mix for their client and you do that often. Thanks Karen also works in our Clearwater office. I love working with Karen because she has such appreciation for everything she does. Karen is a travel junkie like me. She not only loves to experience it for herself but loves to pass that enthusiasm on to her clients. Here’s her picks: “Sondra, My favorite destination is Italy, I’ve loved all three of my trips there and am going again in September. My favorite cruise was the Baltic. I just loved Russia. I also just returned from Paris and had a great time. Even with the problems there, it was a great trip. I especially enjoyed the day I spent in Brugge. Brugge is a beautiful medieval city with friendly people and great food.” Mary D. works in our Richland office and has been with us so long that I can’t remember when she wasn’t there. She handles travel for some of our largest corporate customers and I am always sent thank you notes from our customers about the way she handles their travel arrangements. And after 9/11 she was definitely the person you wanted to have in your corner. She pulled off miracles. Here’s where she likes to travel: “Hi Sondra, Since Les and I just returned from Europe, I guess I would have to say that Europe is my favorite travel destination. I’m not sure that I can narrow that down into a city, or even a country. I always enjoy everywhere I go. This trip if I had to choose, I think I would say Venice. The atmosphere there is so unique. My favorite cruise destination so far is the New England/Canada cruise. We really enjoyed every port that we visited. We particularly enjoyed Quebec City.” Mary, you are right! There is nothing like Europe and each place offers a unique experience. I also enjoy Venice every time I go. I am glad you enjoyed Quebec. We were there in winter and it was a fairyland. It’s amazing that it is in Canada and not in the middle of France—of course, the food and shopping were fantastic. And last but not least, here’s Jaime. She works in our Richland office and for the past few years has been the director of our Group department. Jaime joined us right from Travel School and has grown to be an important part of our Carlson team. Right after she joined our company we sent her on a travel agent trip to Australia. Obviously it had an impact on her. “My favorite destination has been Australia. I thought the people were really friendly and there was so much to see and do. There is a lot of diversity in the types of activities available. Choosing from scuba, wine tasting, shopping, and cultural sights was a challenge and I enjoyed Australia’s amazing natural beauty. Personally I enjoy cruising. Alaska on Princess was a great experience. Although I was working hard escorting our last winemaker’s cruise, I enjoyed seeing Alaska. It’s a beautiful place. I also enjoyed going with my family on a three night Bahamas cruise with Disney Cruise Line. I think I liked the Bahamas cruise better than Alaska because I’m more of a tropical girl then wilderness girl. I think the Disney cruise was a fantastic family destination. I wouldn’t hesitate to go again.” Thanks Jaime. I am glad you enjoyed Australia. I have been there a few times and I still have lots there to explore. It’s a huge country. I enjoyed cruising Alaska with you last year. It’s not easy being a group escort for 150 people and you did a superb job. As for Disney Cruise Line, I would love to have that experience with my granddaughter. I hope you have enjoyed our “Ask the Experts” tour of the world with some of our staff. I am totally prejudice but I feel we have the best of the best working at Carlson. If you want to experience the world, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Sondra Wilson is president of Carlson Wagonlit Travel with offices in Richland on the Parkway, Clearwater Avenue across from Winco, the Mall at Columbia Center, and now in Walla Walla off main street. The Mall office is open evenings and weekends.