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.

The thing about spring break is that it doesn’t really happen in the spring. It happens when winter is barely-to-not-really over and those of us in the mid to northern states are suffering if not clinically from seasonal affective disorder than definitely from sheer exhaustion at being so cold all the time.

And that’s why spring break trips tend to be at the beach. We pack a couple of swimming suits, a towel, and our winter frustration and get as quickly as possible to Florida’s gulf, Mexico, or Miami, and all we want is sun, sand, and the knowledge that there’s no way we’re going to wake up to snow.

Recently I visited New York City in June. It was my first time, something I’d dreamed about for years, and the weather was so perfect I could have sworn the city was opening its arms to me, wooing me to dig in my heels and just stay there forever. That’s about the time I realized there are better places to visit than the beach when the weather is truly, beautifully spring.

Spring is the perfect time to visit almost anywhere. In Manhattan in the spring I was perfectly happy just walking from one attraction to the next. The subway was, I imagine, much more manageable than in the hot summer months, and we found shade everywhere – from the tall buildings to the trees in Central Park and even from the metal awnings created by scaffolding throughout the city as buildings received their six-year inspections.

And since I’ve mentioned Central Park…Seriously, I can’t think of any place I’d rather be in the spring than there. To disappear into the walkways and quiet paths of that beautiful urban playground while the city bustles around you – there’s nothing better. The park was designed, you know, to gradually descend to the center. Thus the magic of walking in complete serenity only yards from honking cabs, gabbing tourists, and thousands of people on cell phones.

Other things I couldn’t imagine improved upon by the weather we experience in spring included the observation decks, both on the Empire State Building and at Top of the Rock, the water cruise to the Statue of Liberty, and our evening on the terrace of a local pub. New York City was simply amazing in every way. I cringed every time I had to be beneath it in the subway system or if I was trapped too long in its interiors. I wanted to be outside, taking in as much of it as possible, all the time. And spring was the perfect time to do that. (Although don’t get me started on how amazing it would be in the fall).

So although I know you’re going to spin a map and point to the nearest stretch of ocean shore the next time you plan a spring break trip, when actual spring comes around, promise me you’ll consider instead the cities, the mountains, the historical landmarks, and the classic American cultures you’ve always wanted to explore. There’s no better time for discovery.

Well, our team is back from the big cities, Washington D.C. and Manhattan. We have toured until our feet hurt, thrilled to the amazing sights and sounds, and cried at the inspiration surrounding historical sites, at the beauty of D.C., the dream come true of seeing New York City for ourselves, and the powerful tribute given by our guide at the World Trade Center construction site. We’re spent.

But we have a boatload of info and tips to help us serve our groups better. And I’m starting with this one: Public Transportation Rocks.

Often for student tours, it’s customary to rent a motorcoach to reach the destination. And we’d recommend hanging onto that convenience for Washington D.C., especially if you stay at a hotel a little outside the city. The attractions are sometimes a good distance from each other in this area, and it helps to have transportation between them that keeps the group together.

However, after about five minutes in New York City, as our bus sat trapped between double-parked vehicles on either side and a kind passerby attempted to wave us through one half-inch forward and one inch back at a time, we knew motorcoach simply isn’t the way to go in Manhattan. Shortly after checking into our hotel, we walked one block to a subway station, made it onto the train and to our destination with zero hassle and a grateful heart for the wonderful inventors of the metro.

Our expert guides agreed that Metro is the way to go for group travel tours. As the seven of us and our guide squished onto a crowded subway car one afternoon, I wasn’t so sure about the merit of the metro for very large groups. But our guide disagreed. It’s still the way to go. As long as you organize, have enough chaperones, and communicate clearly about the each stop, groups can navigate the subway system just as easily as an individual.

So that’s my first tip. Grab yourself an any-time metro pass, learn the trick of not pulling the wrong side of the entry gate, and take full advantage of this amazingly cost-effective and convenient mode of transportation in the amazing city of New York.

The blog will be quiet for a week as we take in the sights and sounds of Washington D.C. and New York City. We’ll come back with fresh blog ideas, travel tips for group travel tours, and much, much more. In the meantime, drop us a note about topics you’d like to see discussed on the blog in the future!

Did you know when I was in high school I hated the idea of travel? At least, I hated it in reality. I think even then I fantasized about the castles of England, the streets of Manhattan, French basilicas and such. But when it came time to sign up for that youth group trip a couple states away, I balked.

Eventually, my fantasies and my daring met somewhere in the middle and I knew that to see all those wonderful places you had to be willing to go to them. I’ve lost a lot of my fear of travel, and I’m much more willing to forgo the comforts of home for the chance to see the world.

So since I’m more open to it, it thrills me to learn as much as I can about travel from the travel experts where I work. And today, a little tidbit that led to this blog post. I’m going on a whirlwind tour of Washington D.C. and New York City next week, and today we received our almost final itinerary. Which leads me to one important point.

To Be Flexible is to Be Sane

We leave in a few days, but notice I said “almost” final itinerary? I’m learning why having a professional customize your itinerary is worth the extra cost. If you’re including several attractions that require reservations, your itinerary could change with each phone call you make as you adjust the various attractions to make room for each other. But it’s not only that. You know this at home, but it’s even more true on the road: Things Happen. Tour guides get sick or have emergencies. Mistakes happen with scheduling. Weather is unpredictable except that it sometimes rains. Groups are delayed, and things never take as much or as little time as you’ve planned for. Learn to go with it. Being willing to budge on certain things you really wanted to see or the times and dates you wanted to see them could make the difference between a thrilling adventure and a week of stress.

And all that unpredictability brings me to the tip that led to this post:

Schedule Extra Time

We’ll be traveling in a group of 5-7 people, so we’ve packed our itinerary really tight, and we’ll be booking it between attractions and not spending very long in very many of them. Don’t try this at home. Or rather, don’t try this in a large group. You’ve absolutely got to schedule a cushion for the sheer madness of trying to get 30-50 people across a New York City street or in and out of the Natural History Museum without losing people in the gift shop. There is such a different dynamic when you’re in a large group. Trust the professionals and let them be your guide if that’s the case. But if you’re organizing things on your own – just take my advice on this. Leave a lot of room for travel to and from.

I love it when I hear tidbits I know will come in handy in the future as I embrace more adventure in my life. But more than that, I’m looking forward to taking the adventures so I can pass on the tips firsthand. Watch next week and after for more of that!

Photo by Katy Silberger on Flickr.

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.

I’ve worked at a student travel company for a couple years now. I have been to the beautiful, the incomparable, the please-don’t-dismiss-this-place-as-only-for-honeymooners-and-old-people, Niagara Falls. And yet, I’ve only recently sealed in my mind that second “a”. It’s not NIAGRA, people.

What is it about water? It’s such a pure, simple element. And yet it has such power when you see it moving and crashing in an ocean or stampeding over cliffs like those at Niagara. Water can be such a perspective changer. It’s symbolic of refreshing and making things new. It reminds us that we don’t take up nearly all the space on earth, or even most of it. And despite our free will, our ability to use and abuse the planet without much regard for the immediate or the future, it definitely puts us in our place.

If you’re one of those who’s taken the Falls for granted as something for only those other types of vacationers, you’re not alone. I did the same thing until I was there. And all I did was stand there and look at them. So although I can tell you how amazing they appear, how small you might feel next to them, and how far away you can still feel the mist from their splashing, I can only tell you in theory all the amazing things there are to do there.

Helicopter Tours

I thought Niagara, USA, was pretty amazing from where I stood, but I can imagine it’s absolutely breathtaking from a helicopter in which you can see it from several powerful views. This is just one of the many, but perhaps the most thrilling, ways to view the Falls.

From a Boat

Niagara offers several boat tours of the Falls. Maid of the Mist is a popular one in which you’re taken close enough to need a poncho for the mist. For an even more thrilling experience, though, the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour is an exciting choice for Niagara Falls student tours. On it you’ll travel the lower Niagara River through Class Five Rapids – a very wet and very fun experience.

Up Close and Personal

Cave of the Winds is a hike to the base of the Falls and to Hurricane Deck where the Falls cascade right over you. If the Falls look powerful from the observation decks above, imagine how powerful they feel when you’re standing under them.

For Educational Tours

Try the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center for history and interactive exhibits about the Falls through time or Power Vista to see how the Falls are used to create hyroelectric power.

And For More Fun

There’s still an amazing amount of fun in the Niagara Falls area. There’s a snow park for year-round snow-tubing, ice-skating and more. You can take a two-hour boat cruise through the Erie Canal and its lock system. There’s a cave tour with an underground boat ride, a theater adventure, and history tours with everything you ever wanted to know about Niagara Falls.

This area is a great choice for students. Both the US and Canada side have something to offer. If you see both, you’ll join in the company of those who can say which one they find prettier. But on either side, you’ll find tons of adventurous ways to discover this beautiful natural wonder.

Photo by James Marvin Phelps on Flickr.

I’d love to be somewhere someday when a flash mob happened. It cheers me up just watching some of those on You Tube, so I’m pretty sure the real thing would thrill me right to my toes.

In a few weeks I’m hoping to discover firsthand what it’s like to travel in a mob. I thought the idea of a mob dance would inspire you while I offer some of my own ideas on how to make it work. And once I get back, I’ll try and let you know if I managed to follow my advice. We specialize in group travel tours around here, so I’m thinking my firsthand advice could be useful.

GO WITH THE FLOW

This is definitely my first order of business. I discovered it long ago but wasn’t really able to put it into practice without lots of trying. Being hungry, cold, too hot, tired, or tired of walking – any of these used to throw me into the depths of despair. I’d need relief immediately or prepare for the black cloud of my emotions to eat alive anyone within arm’s length. This kind of personality will not work in a large group. Period. If this is you, I’m not saying you have to change who you are. I AM saying you have to change who you are for this trip.

Learn to keep moving while you’re tired; maybe just talk a little less. Trust that food and drink are always just around the corner. Just because it takes longer in a large group to decide on specifics and therefore longer to get things accomplished, doesn’t mean you’ll never find nourishment again. Hang in there. Meal times will find you.

Be a Decision-Maker

Mostly, you probably just need to go with the flow, as above. But every now and then large groups find themselves without a prominent decision-maker. This Is Trouble. If your group tour is customized by a professional, a brilliant itinerary will hopefully make all the decisions for you. But every now and then, it rains. Things get cancelled. Buses are late. Etcetera. And when it’s pushing an hour or so past lunchtime, and what stands between you and food is just for one person to name the place already, then name it. Be willing to put yourself out there as the person who suggested that little hole-in-the-wall diner, because at least it was close by. Sometimes the holes in the wall turn out to be delightful finds.

Lower your expectations

Listen, we all have plans and dreams. We all picture how we want a thing to go, the attractions we most want to see and how long we want to take at each one. Let go of that. Consider Flash Mob Travel your chance to get an overview of places you’d like to explore on your own in the future. Don’t expect to stand several hours in front of one gorgeous painting at the Met. Don’t plan on half a day to meditate at the Lincoln Memorial or a quiet, leisurely stroll through Central Park. Get excited simply that you’re seeing these things at all. Go along for the ride, so to speak. When the group needs to move on, don’t fret.

One thing I plan to do is take a journal and a pen. I’m going to jot down my first impressions or the things I’d like to explore at another time. I won’t stress when I’m inspired but the group needs to move on, because at least I was there to capture a first impression. Without this opportunity, I wouldn’t have even had that.

Traveling in a group can be a challenge, and it requires compromise – like being in a family only magnified. Choose to go with the flow, make decisions when you need to, and be grateful for small opportunities, and group travel can be an experience almost as perfect as getting everything your own way.

Photo by leuan Jenkins on Flickr.