Where do I begin in order to explain to you that if I say a snorkel cruise is a great idea for group travel, you’ll believe me?

I think I’ll start with Shark Week. Oh how I love Shark Week on the Discovery Channel. My brother and I used to live for the dramatic commercials signaling that wonderful event. The scarier the sharks, the better. I love the mystery of this animal, the shiver of fear they elicit, their power. I love to think of the vast ocean and all the frightening, gigantic, exotic things that dwell there. If I want to scare myself, I imagine being dropped from a plane into the deepest, darkest part of any ocean. It scares the bejeebies out of me. And I love it. Because it’s very, very far from reality as I live in the northeast hills of Missouri, not an ocean in sight.

The second background thing I have to tell you, though, is that I was once diagnosed with cancer. And when that happened I failed to experience the seize-the-day mentality of that Tim McGraw song to live like you’re dying in which you can’t wait to jump out of planes, ride bulls, and otherwise try things many normal people are afraid to try. I felt like stopping instead and just taking stock of how great life had been to that point. I wanted to just soak in my family and my friends and take every moment to say a proper goodbye.

When I made it through the scare, however, and realized I was going to live as indefinitely as all the people who haven’t been diagnosed with cancer, my attitude shifted. I feel like I got this great opportunity to say thank you and to pause and just be grateful for the goodness of life. So now, I feel that if I were to face an early death again, I would totally ride the bull.

Thus, when we planned a recent beach-side vacation, I agreed to the snorkel cruise, somewhat aware that I might feel a bit squeamish of sharks, but not so terrified that I didn’t believe them when they said it would be amazing.

But then I got on the boat and it proceeded to drive us out into the Atlantic Ocean, into the ocean, and suddenly every Jaws scene in ALL FOUR of the movies came crashing into my head. All I could think or feel was sharks, sharks, sharks. I began to consider how ridiculous it is that we dare to enter the ocean with nothing but a snorkel mask and some flippers. THIS IS THE SHARK’S TURF, I thought. How do we know where they will be when? Why do we believe we have them figured out enough that they probably won’t be near by and that they don’t usually come near the reefs. WHATEVER. That is what I thought.

As the boat continued its course and I struggled to breathe from the fear of this excursion, “Just think of it as a big lake,” they told me. To which I responded, “Do you see me diving into a Missouri lake with a snorkel mask? NO. Because I don’t want to see what’s in there with me.”

But you know what? I did it. I knew I would all along even though I was terrified. I jumped in the water, which took my breath away a little bit, and I stuck my face in it, kind of defiantly, determined to know once and for all if this was worth my fear. And it so was.

In the end, I felt perfectly safe, ridiculously so. I became so confident over the reefs, which were far more like swimming at the top of a giant aquarium than in the ocean, that I even wanted to see a shark. Not a frightening one, of course, but just one of the little nurse sharks they had mentioned that swim along the bottom like Missouri catfish.

The water was beautifully clear. I could see colors and all kinds of unique fish and coral. Plus, I could see the scuba divers below me and fellow snorkelers all around. And I didn’t feel any fear at all.

A snorkel cruise is always a great idea for groups. Ours was in the Florida Keys, a perfect day trip from all kinds of beautiful spring break destinations in Florida. It was an amazing experience for us all and something I’d do again in a heartbeat. If you’ve wondered if a snorkel cruise should make your itinerary, wonder no more. There’s something in this experience for everyone, and it’s absolutely a must.

Photo by Dtraveller on Flickr.

I have a great idea for your next trip with friends; it’s the perfect ending to an international tour or just a trip across the country. And I can tell you from experience, it’s a wonderful choice for group travel tours of any kind.

We recently visited Washington D.C. with a group from work. The goal was sightseeing basically, and our itinerary was packed from morning to supper with as many museums, landmarks, and memorials as we could muster the time for (though not necessarily the energy). We wanted to have firsthand knowledge of some of the places most popular for our student groups, and that’s definitely what we got. I especially enjoyed every detail of our first impressions, our favorite places, and those that maybe didn’t live up to our expectations, because I write about these experiences on several blogs and websites. I couldn’t wait to capture these details for my writing.

Still, the packed itinerary sometimes exhausted us. And though I never felt so tired that I couldn’t enjoy our destination (I was pretty much happy about that from start to finish), the exhaustion did keep me from savoring long moments in any one place. It kept me from taking in as much as I would have liked at each exhibit and landmark. The wealth of information in each Washington D.C. museum became overwhelming. I would walk into the building and not know where to go first, whether to read or watch the video presentations. It was exhausting just to take stock of the numerous exhibits and try to figure out which ones to experience before we had to leave for the next attraction.

By the end of our time in D.C., we loved the city, but we were tired. Enter the Odyssey Dinner Cruise with Spirit Cruises of Washington D.C.

This experience, for which I can’t seem to upload a photograph right now, was just what any of us would have ordered if we’d had the sense to do so. The days in Washington D.C. had been long and hot with miles of walking. The dinner cruise was restful, air-conditioned, and absolutely beautiful out on the deck as the water cooled the air. As we walked on the deck and dined, our view included the beautiful city with its amazing monuments and memorials. We had seen them up close and fallen in love with them, and now we could take them in at a glance, relishing our last few minutes in this new and now-familiar city.

Sometimes our time together had been strained as we rushed from one attraction to the next, but now we sat for hours, enjoying the food and the service, celebrating with the live musicians, dancing, applauding various anniversaries, birthdays, and graduations. It was as if the entire trip came together on one delightful cruise.

I’ve written about water cruises a hundred times (maybe fewer). And I’ve always said things like, “It’s a refreshing break from the heat”, “A great way to take in all of the skyline at once”, and “A fun and exciting way to take in the city’s most popular sights.” And now I know for certain, I was right about all of it. A dinner cruise is the perfect choice for large groups or small. It’s the perfect ending to a wonderful tour, and something everyone should consider when they finally visit the city they have longed to see.

With summer officially in full swing here (we’re one day in and loving it), I’ve got libraries on the mind. Each summer I clear a space on the shelves for our library acquisitions every week. It can be quite a boatload now that libraries offer several kinds of media with big limits for each form. And of course, besides the books there are programs and costume fairs, arts and crafts, story time, and more. It all got me thinking about the cities student groups like to frequent and how amazing their public libraries must be.

Amazing Sights, Amazing Goods

Public libraries in larger cities aren’t just a rotating book list but often one of the most significant pieces of architecture in a city. The historical documents inside are astounding pieces of our story displayed in political papers, handwritten letters, sheet music, and early draft manuscripts from famous works.

Besides their permanent collections, most large-city public libraries offer temporary exhibits as well. This is where you might find your favorite author featured with sample handwriting, early manuscripts, and treasured letters.

An Early Edition

When it comes to public libraries, a couple immediately came to mind. One is the New York Public Library with its great outdoor stairs where locals can be found lunching and resting throughout the day. Another is the Boston public library, because it was the first free municipal library in the United States.

A great addition to Boston educational student tours, this public library set the stage for all of those to follow. First, it brought together historical documents, rare treasure, a wealth of resources for research, and popular reading. But secondly, the Boston Public Library set the standard for civic architecture, using world-class architects and the classical design features of the time. The building is now a showcase of murals, domed halls, paintings, sculpture, and architectural beauty. Tours are available just for this purpose, making the Boston Public Library something visited both for itself and for the treasure it holds.

And Then There Were More

Boston was also the first public library to open various branches and begin that beautiful tradition of bringing a wealth of information and various programs and exhibits closer to every resident in the city – not just those close to the main branch. Boston’s various branches each have their own unique collections and programs. The Faneuil branch, for instance, has great programs for children and an inspiring art-deco design. Connelly holds a vibrant handicap-accessible branch, and Charlestown offers a busy schedule of activities for children, adults, and many age groups between. With twenty-six branches, you know the Boston Public Library has something for every Boston resident as well as those who visit.

Consider visiting a nearby public library of your own this summer, maybe even venturing to a large one within driving distance. It’s an inspiring part of our culture and definitely something to consider for exciting student tours.

Photo by wallyg on Flickr.

It’s the most iconic intersection in New York City, approximately ten blocks total, and a famous stop for double decker tour buses, walking tours, and just about any first-time getaway to the City that Never Sleeps. We include it on almost all our New York City educational student tours, and hopefully it’s on your list as well. You can probably imagine the feel of the area, and you’ve seen images of Times Square at least a hundred times. But what will you actually experience there?

The short answer is a lot. You’ll see familiar stores and restaurants kind of unique-fied in a way only Times Square can accomplish. And you’ll see new things as well. You’ll find classic brands to shop and cheap, completely unoriginal I Heart NY souvenirs in hundreds of popular forms. Here’s a more detailed look at some of the fun.

Hershey Store

You know you can find chocolate just about anywhere in the world, and Times Square does it big. The Hershey Store offers all your favorites. You’ll find white chocolate, dark chocolate, and the classic milk chocolate that first made Hershey’s famous. You can design your own giant Hershey’s Kiss and make your own delicious candy combination with the Original Automatic and Gravitational Chocolate Machine. It’s a chocolate and candy lover’s heaven.

M&Ms World

This store offers so much more than candy. The favorite characters (as seen in commercials on televisions across America) stand tall and proud dressed as Lady Liberty, Elvis, and – of course – themselves. There’s a kid center, souvenirs galore, and M&Ms colors and items you won’t find anywhere but here.

Ripley’s Believe it or Not

You’re probably familiar with this museum where Indiana Jones meets the truly bizarre. Gathered from around the world, these items are unique, gross, delightful, amazing, and absurd. Not unlike a lot of what you’ll see on Times Square.

Madame Tussaud’s

Madame Tussaud’s is really the only place I can promise you’ll rub shoulders with celebrities. These wax figures are famous not just for the people they impersonate but how life-like they appear as they do it. Some exhibits are interactive as well. And unlike most museums, you’re encouraged to take pictures here.

Toys R Us

What’s the best part of Times Square’s Toys R Us? The giant ferris wheel, the life-size Barbie exhibit, the Candy Land area for visitors with a sweet tooth, or something else entirely? You think I’m going to tell you? No way. You’ll just have to see it for yourself.

Broadway

Perhaps the best known part of Times Square is the theaters and the larger-than-life billboards that represent them. There’s nothing quite like a Broadway experience in Manhattan. Absolutely nothing like it.

Television

Several television shows film on or near Times Square, and you just might end up in the live audience. You have to do a little planning, but stand-by tickets/opportunities are available for most of them. Check the Times Square website or that of the show you want to be a part of (Good Morning America, David Letterman, and MTV’s Total Request Live, for instance) to find out all the details.

And you know what they call a blog post like this, right? TIP of the iceberg. There’s no place on earth like Times Square. And that is really the only thing you need to know. Prepare to be surprised, to be amazed and possibly to be overwhelmed. I’ll be there myself in a few weeks and I’ll definitely rehash my own first and final impressions. Until then, I hope somebody will share theirs in the comments section! I’m anxious for more opinions about this unique New York City neighborhood.

Photo by wallyg on Flickr.

Have I mentioned I’m going to New York City for the first time in June? I’m looking forward to the movie tour in Central Park and to Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, the Statue of Liberty, the Met, and so much more. I’m also thrilled beyond measure that we’ll be seeing a performance every night that we are there. Which has led to a mad search online for the last several days and to the title of this post. WHAT should I wear?

In one sense, it doesn’t matter what I should wear. Our days are going to be packed from morning to evening with as many exciting attractions as we can handle (and then some). We’ll probably be stumbling into each night’s show with an extremely worn version of whatever we put on in the morning which will inevitably have been chosen for its comfort factor.

Still, I’ve searched for the answer anyway, hoping I wouldn’t learn that you get turned away from the shows if you’re underdressed on the casual/dressy meter. The answer was completely satisfying, and I’ve come up with a few tips for making it possible.

The short version is: You Can Wear Whatever You Want. People at a Broadway performance are likely to be found in anything from jeans and a t-shirt to the rare but occasional tuxedo. The generally accepted dress code is somewhere in between. Sort of dress-casual with men in slacks and sport coats, women in a dressed up version of work suits or skirts, summer dresses, etc.

The travel company I write for designs a lot of New York City educational student tours, and though the itineraries usually include a show, rarely do they include a block of primping time pre-performance. If you’re headed to a show after the sightseeing, consider these tips.

1. Consider your evening plans when you dress. Lots of casual clothes will look fine in a Broadway theater while some won’t. For instance – yes to khaki capri pants and a twin set, maybe no to the sweat pants. Yes to dark, classy jeans. No to faded jeans shredded by holes. Flats are good, flip-flops not so much. And don’t choose anything that at the end of the day will look like it’s been crumpled in the bottom of a suitcase.

2. Carry a dressier pair of shoes and accessories in your bag while you walk. Instant day-to-evening wear.

3. Don’t forget blush and lip gloss to freshen up after dinner. Or if you’re not the lip gloss type (guys for instance?), a small packet of facial wipes could go a long away toward cleansing the touring grime away and will give you just the right pick-me-up for the evening.

4. My coworker has perhaps the best and most thorough solution. Pack a summer dress in your purse or bag, one with a nice wrinkle-free blend, that you can actually change into for the show. Or, a similar fabric in a light jacket could almost accomplish the same thing with less changing hassle.

Follow these tips if you can, but remember the short answer most of all. If you’re fully clothed, you’re perfectly fine. After all, it’s not about what you wear in the seats, the Broadway experience is on stage. And you’re sure to enjoy that no matter what you’re wearing.

Photo by Dom Dada on Flickr.

Since I’m finally going to the nation’s Capital to discover for myself the beautiful monuments and memorials, the surge of patriotic emotion, and the glory of the National Mall, I’ve learned about other attractions as well. Attractions like this one at right. (Photo by robsv  on Flickr.)

It’s called the Old Post Office, and I kept hearing that eating there was a must on our itinerary and that it was extremely cool. The name – which could be applied to any number of one-story, brick buildings in large and small towns across America – doesn’t exactly do justice to this building, though. And at the same time, now that I know what it is, the name has entirely new and prestigious meaning to me.

Just from the picture, you can see the Old Post Office has a rich history. It’s an official government building, tucked in between the Capitol and the White House, and making the list as one of Washington D.C.’s top attractions. Free tours are offered of its Clock Tower, just one of the magnificent pieces of architecture that make up this fun Washington D.C. site.

So, thus far, you’re thinking tours, narration, and history, right? So why do my fellow group members (some of whom have already been) keep referring to the food?

Because inside the Old Post Office you’ll find an international food court flanked by delicious cuisine from around the world. That’s why. You’ll find Greek fare, sushi, plus menus from India, America, and more. And besides the food, there’s shopping. Local retailers offers gifts, souvenirs, and merchandise of all kinds.

The Old Post Office is a beautiful building. It was cutting edge when it was built and is now a blend of history and modern spirit. It’s a prominent part of almost all the itineraries we create for Washington D.C. educational student tours. It’s a great place to surround yourself in American history while enjoying exciting refreshment with your group.

Can you tell where this picture was taken? Lounge chairs. Check. Sunbathing. Check. Skyscrapers all around. Eh?

This picture (by David Berkowitz on Flickr) is a brilliant example of innovation – the creative ability to make every space count – and I love it. The location is New York City. The mood is chill.

You’re looking at High Line Park, a walkway with seating and observation decks, made from an abandoned elevated railway in Manhattan. It’s a brilliant way to get a little above the city streets to a quieter, more relaxing level, without quite so many throngs of NYC tourists hitting the pavement for all the big attractions and taller, more famous, observation decks.

High Line’s artistic seating and cement walkways naturally complement the rambling foliage reminiscent of a wild meadow more than a tailored garden. As you can see, residents take full advantage of this charming park in the sky, and it’s the perfect addition to New York City group tours – something you can be proud to show off when everybody needs something just a bit removed from the beaten path.

High Line Park is located on Manhattan’s West Side between 10th and 11th and running from Gansevoort to 34th Streets. You’ll find access points every couple of blocks. All the points have stairs to the park above. Some have elevators. You can find out more about which access points have that feature, bike racks and more by visiting it’s website, The High Line (dot.org.). Hopefully you’ll take the chance to find this unique part of Manhattan the next time you’re exploring the amazing City for yourself.

So, I was just hanging out with Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and she is like a bottomless pit of information about this gorgeous bridge (photographed here by DeaPeaJay on Flickr). It’s called Bow Bridge because of its shape like the bow of many beautiful instruments. You might recognize it from any number of movies, television episodes – even commercials. Or maybe you’ve been lucky enough to actually stroll its pretty length, which stretches from Central Park’s Cherry Hill to the wild and beautiful Ramble.

I bet you weren’t escorted there by Julia though. Only us insiders get that privilege. It’s not my only Central Park experience with celebrities either. Just yesterday Sarah Jessica Parker told me all about The Pond. Such a boring name for such a favorite spot. It fascinates me that just yards from the crazy-busy sidewalks of Fifth Avenue, and in fact still within sight of its towering scrapers, you can escape to a place of relative country solitude by the banks of the Central Park pond. Sarah Jessica told me all about it herself.

Jerry Seinfeld enlightened me on the literary walk, beautiful elms, and other features of the popular walkway known as The Mall. And Kelly Ripa was just so cute when she told me all about the Carousel, a traditional favorite for children like her own.

Okay, you’ve caught on by now, right? My insider’s celebrity tours of Central Park are actually something anyone can score. It’s as easy as dialing a phone number, and it’s perfect for New York City group tours.

It’s called the Central Park Audio Tour, and you’ll find your in-the-know ticket to this tour on signs throughout the park. Simply dial the number on the sign then input the two-digit number that corresponds to the Central Park spot where you stand (followed by the pound sign as all good phone commands must be), and a famous New Yorker or celebrity Central Park fan will regale you with history, trivia, humor, and tales of the Park and its oh-so-favorite spots.

I love the idea for many reasons. First, all historical information should be shared by favorite celebrities. It’s like the sugar with the medicine. (I know, I know, that’s just wrong.) Also, the audio tour provides the perfect balance between strolling the park on your own for the first time with no idea what you’re seeing or following along behind a tour guide at a pace that may be slower or faster than you’d prefer on your own. With the audio tour, you spend as much or as little time in each pleasant Central Park space but with the added value of an expert guide. Finally, you can do it from anywhere. I’ve not yet been to Bow Bridge in the flesh nor The Pond, The Mall, Belvedere Castle, The Carousel, or any of the Central Park landmarks. But through the audio tour (and pictures like those above), it’s like I have been there. And that is pretty cool.

I’ve been looking at pictures like this all week. And I don’t want to write any more words about them, really, I just want to look.

I thought you might like to look too. It’s a picture of the blossoming cherry trees in Washington D.C. with the Jefferson Memorial just beyond. It’s probably during or very near the two weeks designated each year as the National Cherry Blossom Festival in our nation’s capital – filled with activities, fireworks, cultural performances, street celebrations, and more.

Do you know the trees were a gift from Japan? Two different times they befriended us with a gift of at least three thousand cherry trees. The first time we reciprocated with flowering dogwoods. In the eighties we offered them cuttings from the cherry trees themselves, to replace those they had lost in a flood. It’s a beautiful story of friendship between nations, really. (Though I confess to being a bit confused about the events of a certain World War right in the middle years of all that giving).

Think of the most beautiful moments in your life. The biggest moments, whether with people, surrounded by nature, or both. Now think of the pictures you took at the time. Do they compare?

Not even a little bit.

If you’re looking for the perfect destination for student tours, look no farther than Washington D.C. with its myriad museums, monuments, memorials, statues, parks, and history and culture galore. There’s no better place on the planet for educational travel. And if you’re looking for the best time of year to be there, the most breathtaking time, the time when nature’s framework for some of the most beautiful architecture in the world is at its very best. Consider the spring, the few weeks somewhere near the end of March and the beginning of April when the cherry blossoms bloom, and a festival is thrown in their honor.

(Amazing photo by ghbrett on Flickr.)

Why do we do it? If too many people talk about a thing, exalting it too highly too many times, then we balk. At least, some of us do. It’s partly, I think, a symptom of the desperate human desire to stand out in a crowd – even if it means missing out on something good. We hesitate to conform (even though most of us do it all the time in little ways we probably don’t even consider). But if we can hold out, if something comes up that the whole world seems gaga over except for us – then we are different. We are our own person. And we’re proud of that.

It’s also the common what-about-me syndrome. No matter how cool a thing sounds, if it doesn’t connect with some part of ourselves, some specific interest or dream, then it won’t register on our must-experience list. After all, tons of people want to visit Paris one day, but each person who would say that probably has some personal connection to the idea. “I’ve wanted to ever since I saw that musical,” “My great-great grandmother was from there”, “I’m into fashion,” etc. And, I would venture to say, many popular destinations for student tours fall into this list of cool places that you’ve heard about so much you feel kind of indifferent to actually experiencing them for yourself.

For me, one of these amazing things that had earned its place as a must-experience location but that so many people had declared as such that I wanted to be different and ignore it, was Niagara Falls. I was extremely indifferent to this powerful, magnificent display of water rushing over a cliff. Extremely. (I actually did the same thing with Hawaii and the Caribbean Islands – so perhaps I had an aversion to classic honeymoon cliches?) Anyway, all this changed when I actually saw the Falls for myself.

It helped that I was sort of “in the area”. It helped for, you know, the casual factor. I was staying in Buffalo, New York, and a few us made the trip to the falls both at night and during the day. And it. Was. Breathtaking. I’ll never forget the way they looked by the lights at night. I’ll never forget the way you can feel the water splashing on you even from hundreds of yards away. (I’ll also never forget that pretty much everyone standing nearby heartily declared, ‘But it’s so much better from the Canada side,’ which is something I actually do want to discover for myself.)

So – all I’m saying – is don’t rule it out just because it’s so completely awesome that it’s become a travel cliche. Most things become a cliche for a reason, and Niagara Falls is one of them. This gorgeous natural destination really is, though, perfect for students. Niagara Falls student tours offer tons of exciting ways to actually experience the beauty, the power, and the adventure of the Falls. None of them include going over the Falls in a barrel, but they are thrilling. Think helicopter tours and boats like the famous Maid of the Mist. And, seriously, consider this amazing destination for your next student tour.