 | Gene Lashley
Interests & Specialties Luxury Cruises; Adventure Travel - biking, hiking, snow skiing, and scuba diving; Independent Tours
Expert Bio
CEO
gene@centurytvl.com
Gene began his adventure in the travel business in 1985 with the creation of Century Travel. Over the years, the business has prospered and Century Travel has emerged as one of the leading and most successful agencies in the Southeast United States.
To be successful as a leading travel consultant in todays world, Gene believes that nothing beats personal experience. His travels have taken him around the world. When traveling to new and exotic destinations, you will find Gene visiting and exploring quaint inns, luxurious hotels, and wonderful restaurants so that he can assist clients in creating their dream trips.
Gene has visited almost every continent on over 75 cruises with all the major luxury cruise lines. He is a specialist at placing clients on the perfect ship to meet their expectations and desires. He serves on several cruise lines advisory boards.
When he isn't cruising the world, you might find Gene biking in Europe, skiing in Colorado, hiking volcanos in Chile or scuba diving off the islands of Tahiti (one of his favorite dive sites). He loves to host his friends on South African safaris - one of his favorite trips ever!
Gene has been honored to have been named one of Travel and Leisure's top 100 travel professionals - for the past 5 consecutive years. He loves his job and he loves to assist his clients with "seeking life's pleasures"!
|  | Peter Lloyd
Interests & Specialties Cruise, Biking, Diving, and Exotic Travel Specialist
Expert Bio
President
peter@centurytvl.com
Peter has always had a love of travel. From his first trip abroad he realized what a wonderful life changing experience travel can be for those who embrace it.
Peter has sailed on over 80 luxury cruises throughout the world. He knows the details that make each ship unique and he enjoys assisting clients in choosing the ship that best suites their lifestyle. Peter's cruise experience has led to his appoinment to the advisory boards for several luxury cruise lines, as well as to the Virtuoso Cruise Committee.
First hand knowledge about properties all over the world allows Peter to tailor the trips for clients to ensure they are always experiencing the most enriching aspects of travel - wherever they go! From bicycling trips through Eastern Europe, trekking in South America to diving in the Maldives, Peter knows where each client can create their perfect experience. Combining exotic experiences with luxury travel is his forte!
Peter is passionate about travel and when asked about his favorite destination - the normal answer is the last place he visited!
My Recent Trips Crystal Cruise - May 2006 - Britsh Isles / Europe Skiing - Colorado Bachelor Gulch Ritz Nevis - The Four Seasons England - Hampshire Four Seasons Thailand - Bangkok, Chaing Mai, Chaing Rai Tented Camps - Four Seasons Myanmar (Burma) - Road to Mandalay Botswana - Tented camps of Orient Express So Africa - Capetown, Jo-berg, Royal Malawane Game Reserve
|  | Belinda Crews
Interests & Specialties Luxury Leisure and Group Travel Specialist
Expert Bio
Vice President / Partner / Manager
belinda@centurytvl.com
Belinda began working in the travel industry in Tallahassee Florida in 1978 after graduating from Southeastern Travel Academy. After working in the travel agency arena for a couple of years, Belinda found a career in the airline industry. For the next 7 years she progressed from reservations to management with Eastern Airlines until they closed their doors. When Eastern closed in the winter of 1991 she move to the Atlanta area where she began working in the travel agency area again.
Belinda joined Century Travel in February of 1995 as manager and became a partner in the business in 1999. Today she manages the day to day operations for 40 employees who are affiliated with Century Travel. In addition to management responsibilities, she also finds time to pamper her corporate leisure and group clients.
|  | Jamie Balk
Interests & Specialties Active and Leisure Travel; Specialist for individuals, couples and families
Expert Bio
Corporate and Leisure Agent
jamie@centurytvl.com
A native of Atlanta, Jamie has traveled avidly her whole life, including trips throughout the United States, the Caribbean and Western Europe. She has worked in the travel industry for 13 years, inspired by her love of travel and experiencing new places. Working as an independent travel consultant, Jamie strives to listen to each client’s unique needs, interests and travel dreams in order to orchestrate their desired trip, whether a physically active trip for an individual or couple, or an enjoyable family-friendly vacation with children. As the mother of a young daughter, Jamie has a unique understanding of the proper planning necessary for successful – and reduced-stress – traveling with children.
|  | Roy Berridge
Interests & Specialties Corporate Specialist
Expert Bio Corporate and Group Specialist
roy@centurytvl.com
Roy began his career in the travel industry in 1993. He worked for Carlson-Wagonlit Travel before joining Century Travel in July of 1994. Roy studied German at Georgia State University and has travelled extensively throughout Germany and Austria.
He currently works with several large banking and architectural corporate accounts.
|  | Judy Brannon
Interests & Specialties Exotic and Luxury Travel Specialist
Expert Bio Seven Continents and Judy still has that wanderlust! After 30 years arranging deluxe travel for her clients, her greatest rewrad is still her clients sharing tales of their journeys with her. Having traveled so extensively, her enthusiasm and joy in visiting the world's peoples and cultures is, she hopes, contagious.
Judy would love to talk with you about your travels and plan something truly magical with you. As a native of Atlanta, Judy is passionate about Georgia and our city - but any minute that wanderlust might overcome her, she and her magic carpet will be flying to points unknown - after all - Shangrila is still out there somewhere........
judyb@centurytvl.com
|  | Dick Burkard
Interests & Specialties Cruise and Leisure Travel Specialist
Expert Bio
Group cruise and leisure specialist
dick@centurytvl.com
Dick spent his early working career with the Honeywell Corporation traveling as a division sales manager. Then in 1992 he took an early retirement to pursue his love for foreign travel which he started doing in 1975. Over these 30 years he has been to nearly every corner of the earth.
He works with groups as well as individuals sharing his vast knowledge of our ever shrinking world. While cruising is his first love he has taken groups on safari in Africa, to the diverse terrain of Australia & New Zealand, exploring Egypt, the Greek Islands, the Baltic and through out Asia. Hong Kong is one of his favorite spots.
Dick's favorite location in Europe is Italy and he has spent a great deal of time traveling from Sicily to the Dolomite mountain ranges of the north and all the historic sites in between.
Feel free to contact Dick who will be happy to share his experience with you.
|  | Brett Carfa
Interests & Specialties Cruise Specialist
Expert Bio Brett has been in the luxury cruise industry since 1999, and has been fortunate to have been involved with Century Travel since the begining of her career. She has strong communication skills, and a firm understanding of people's needs. Brett treats all of her customers with great care and understanding.
All of her business is conducted on the phone, or by email, so a high level of trust is developed with each and every customer.
1-800-209-0023 Brett@luxurycruising.com
|  | Jessie Cassar
Interests & Specialties France, Group, and Exotic Travel Specialist
Expert Bio Leisure Agent
jessie@centurytvl.com
It was inevitable that Jessie's career path would lead her to the enticing world of luxury travel. As a result of her father's work in international banking, this California-born global nomad has experienced an international upbringing in exotic countries of Africa, the Middle East, Europe and the Caribbean.
Jessie's entrée into luxury travel came by way of villa rentals and concierge services; summers in the south of France and winters in St. Barths. Although a France specialist at Century Travel, the world is her playground and she covers the globe with a certain savoir faire.
Jessie's love for France blossomed at an early age while vacationing in la belle France. French schooling in Casablanca further paved the way for travels to our favorite Mediterranean destinations; Spain, Cyprus, Greece, and Italy and other wondrous locations including Egypt, Kenya and Lebanon. Prior to moving to Atlanta in 1995, Jessie lived in London and France for 8 years. This proved an opportune time to explore the regions and gain first hand, in-depth knowledge that, unbeknownst to her at the time, serves her very well today. Her dog-eared Relais & Chateaux book and her Guide Michelin are a true testament to her love of exploration and discovery - of divine restaurants, villas and hotels très magnifique, wine expeditions and private art collections, to name a few.
Her ease with languages enables Jessie to communicate clients' requests directly with suppliers. The ability to offer authentic flavor coupled with a good understanding of her clients’ preferences has not only opened many doors, but proven to be the perfect combination in creating memorable trips for clients.
So, what are you waiting for? "I know the perfect place for you ....".
My Recent Trips
Last year, Jessie successfully led the Director Circle members of the High Museum of Art to Paris and Bordeaux including a handful of "insider highlights" which would have been difficult to organize had the guests been traveling on their own. She recently returned from Croatia and Slovenia and will be returning in the fall with a special interest group.
|  | Chuck Frew
Interests & Specialties Luxury Leisure Specialist
Expert Bio Leisure Agent
cf@frewtravel.com
During his “first life” Chuck Frew was a senior executive in the retail world with Federated Department Stores. It was an era not only of bottom line accomplishment, but very importantly, customer service; an almost forgotten art. Now in his “second life” Chuck has embraced his passion for travel and his gift for focusing on the client and service. Chuck and his wife, Reta, successfully owned and developed Frew Travel Services Inc. for 15 years, located in Sandy Springs. In a major effort to offer additional benefits and services to their clients, they affiliated with Century Travel in September 2005, a Virtuoso agency. Chuck has been a leader in the travel industry locally and nationally and has received recognition from peers and clients.
Chuck has an unusual ability to listen intently to the client and discern the best alternatives fitting their needs. When planning, the “experience” is always the primary focus, with value an important objective for the resultant package. Although a Pacific Rim Specialist, Chuck is equally comfortable assisting clients with complex or simple travel arrangements from Europe to Africa, China to Australia or closer at home in the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico or within the United States.
Luxurious cruises, business incentive trips, honeymoons, custom world travel or a quick get-away to a romantic island are ideal travel projects for Chuck. He has traveled widely to destinations throughout the world and his goal is to fulfill your travel dreams into their most valued reality. Call him today!
|  | Reta Frew, Premier Aussie Specialist
Interests & Specialties Austrailia, New Zealand, Exotic Travel Specialist
Expert Bio Leisure agent
rf@frewtravel.com
Reta and her husband, Chuck, owned Frew Travel Services Inc. for 15 years, located in Sandy Springs. September 2005, they affiliated with Century Travel, Virtuoso. Reta has been a leader in the travel industry since 1988. Custom trips fitted to the precise need of the client -- luxurious, adventurous, sophisticated, etc. -- are Reta's specialty. A trip could range from a party of two to multi-generational family groups to business group travel or incentive trips. Reta has made it a career priority to learn and experience first-hand a wide range of destinations, properties, tours, excursions and activities. Reta excels at arranging trips tailored to her clients' desired travel objectives.
Since 1993 Reta has been a Premier Aussie Specialist--one of three in the state of Georgia. She has also been named a New Zealand Pal and a Pacific Rim Destination Specialist. She has traveled to this area of the world multiple times to experience a variety of available itinerary options. Reta's professional enthusiasm will enhance and enrich your travel experiences. She has traveled widely to Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, and within the United States including Hawaii and Alaska. In May 2009, Reta will have re-visited Australia and Tanzania exploring some of her favorite places. Her goal is to fulfill personalized luxury, upscale, indelible experiences on land and sea, and exceed your expectations!
|  | Anita Grenda
Interests & Specialties Luxury Travel
Expert Bio
My Recent Trips
Australia -- "I could live there! The fabulous Australian people, the unbelievable quality of the food, and the ease of getting there made it unforgettable. Oh, and I held a koala bear!"
British Virgin Islands -- "I had sailed out there many times, but recently stayed at two luxury resorts. There's nothing like the sound of the vast Caribbean lapping at a small bit of land!"
|  | Sue Griffin
Interests & Specialties Honeymoons and destination weddings, Wine and culinary travel, Spas
Expert Bio Having inherited the travel gene from her mother, Sue Griffin is a world traveler herself and has been passionate about sharing her experiences and enthusiasm with clients for over 20 years. With the ability to appreciate a client's needs and interests, she can customize an itinerary to suit their tastes and budget.
Leading a wine group to Gaja vineyards in Piemonte, cooking schools in Tuscany, barging on the Saone river in France, bungee jumping in New Zealand, walking the Great Wall and visiting Chinese hospitals and schools, riding a camel at Ayers Rock, driving the "Girls Getaway" van through Belgium, France, Italy and Spain, hot air ballooning in Alaska, coming face to face with an elephant in South Africa, "Out on a Limb" 30 feet in the air at Miraval are some of the many adventures Sue has experienced traveling throughout the world.
Wine and food excursions are one of her specialties. From cooking classes in Europe to vineyards tours in Chile, she has an extensive background in providing individuals or small groups with an unforgettable adventure.
Sue has been planning honeymoons and destination weddings for clients for many years. From a quiet island getaway to diving the Great Barrier Reef, she can help make your event truly memorable. Honeymooners recently returning from New Zealand reported, "We loved the Black Barn Inn. We were in the middle of our own private vineyard and didn't want to leave. Sue took care of every detail for us." Another couple commented, "We absolutely adored our hotel in Greece. Sue's recommendations were right on with what we wanted. Our honeymoon was everything we imagined it would be and so much more".
Whether pampering yourself at Parrot Cay or challenging yourself at Red Mountain, Sue can find the right property to meet your request. her travels have taken her to a variety of spas throughout the world and she can recommend "the" one to enrich her client's experience.
Contact Sue at SueG@Centurytvl.com for a unique travel experience tailored to your wishes.
|  | Chris Hammond
Interests & Specialties
Active Travel Specialist; Caribbean; Italy, France & Exotic Independent Travel
Expert Bio
Leisure Agent
chris@centurytvl.com
Blame it on her mother. Her love of travel, that is. From her teen-age years onward, Chris was enlisted as a traveling companion to explore far-flung corners of France, Switzerland, Italy and beyond. It was there on the back roads of France that Chris learned to drive a "stick-shift" when her mom proclaimed she was not going to do all the driving herself. And when exploring the island of Corsica where no one spoke English, she was required to use her high-school French and sign language to get around. From there they discovered the allure of Galapagos Islands, Morocco, and Turkey, and thus instilled with that sense of adventure, Chris' life-long enthusiasm for travel began.
Since joining Century Travel 17 years ago, Chris has made it her mission to create wonderful, memorable experiences for her clients giving them the benefit of her first-hand knowledge of world-wide destinations and global connections. Her wanderlust has taken her on many paths less-traveled. She specializes in planning independent travel for far-reaching destinations and especially to Italy and France. Additionally, Chris is also devoted to active, soft-adventure vacations including biking, skiing, scuba-diving, rafting, and expedition travel. She has been scuba diving off most of the Caribbean islands. She enjoys taking small groups on her annual bike and ski trips. She also takes groups on cruises and exploration travel. " Whether enjoying a private dinner on the ancient Library Terrace of Ephesus or seeing a double rainbow over the Salmon River or dining under a full moon in the South African bush, there is nothing like sharing magical moments with a group of friends." If you ask her what is her favorite trip....the answer will be "the next one." She invites you to join her.
|  | Michelle Hidding
Interests & Specialties Luxury Caribbean, Mexico, Western Europe
Expert Bio Michelle began her career in travel with Delta Airlines in 1989. She was fortunate to take advantage of her flying priviledges with Delta to take her to places that she had only dreamed. This began her passion for travel and exploration.
Over the years, Michelle has traveled extensively in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe, and has worked in both Corporate and Leisure travel, finding her true calling as a Luxury Travel advisor. Having 2 young boys of her own, Michelle has an in-depth knowledge of the in's and out's of traveling with children. Whether it is finding the perfect Caribbean Resort for your family's holiday vacation, or the cruise of a lifetime, Michelle will be able to create the perfect travel experience for you.
michelle@centurytvl.com
|  | Tara Hudgins
Interests & Specialties Accounting
Expert Bio Tara@centurytvl.com
Tara has been in the travel business for 20 years. She began her career working for Japanese consolidators and retail agencies. Later, she was a corporate agent for Mirant and Southern Living Magazine. She enjoyes all the experiences that travel provides, and all the interesting people she meets during her trips. Tara is now the accountant for Century Travel.
|  | Sara Kanov
Interests & Specialties Luxury Leisure Specialist
Expert Bio
Leisure Agent
sara@centurytvl.com
Sara began her career in the travel industry almost twenty years ago after planning a remarkable vacation to Italy with her husband, Mark. Now, "I plan my clients' vacations as though I was joining them. That way they'll get the best each destination has to offer."
My earliest childhood memory is vacationing in Florida with my family. My most recent adventure was in Thailand. I want to share the impact travel has upon me with my clients.
|  | Elisabeth Landry
Interests & Specialties Germany and Leisure Travel Specialist
Expert Bio
Leisure Agent
elisabeth@centurytvl.com
Elisabeth was born and raised in Southern Germany and is fluent in German. Always an adventurer, she began her travel career with American Express in Munich. Her first visit to California was soon followed by a permanent stay in the US.
Elisabeth returns to her native Germany several times a year and always includes visits to other European countries. This enables her to personally inspect hotels, restaurants, meet local tour guides, and discover new areas and activities to recommend to her clients.
She also travels extensively throughout the world, most recently to the Netherlands, Italy, Russia, Turkey, Argentina, Chile, and the Galapagos Islands. For the past five years Elisabeth has been selected as a hostess to represent Virtuoso on several Silversea, Seabourn, Radisson – Regent Seven Seas, and Crystal Cruises which have sailed to Tahiti, Scandinavia, Russia, and throughout the Mediterranean. These hostess opportunities not only afford her first hand knowledge of the individual cruise ships and excursions, but also offer her the detailed information needed to meet the high expectations of the affluent traveler.
Elisabeth has been a Travel Consultant for over 30 years, the last nine of those years with Century Travel. She is the Germany-Austria- Switzerland Specialist whose clients include The Consulate General of Germany, the Goethe Institut, Germany's Cultural Organization. Elisabeth was featured in the luxury Market Travel Magazine, and has been named by Travel and Leisure Magazine as one of the best travel consultants in America for the past five years.
Elisabeth is recently named on the A-List Super Agent by Travel and Leisure Magazine for the 6th year in a row.
My Recent Trips
Baltic Cruise:
Wonderful experience sailing on Radisson's Seven Seas Voyager from Copenhagen to St. Petersburg, with stops in Visby, Helsinki, Villnius, and Stockholm. Private tour guides in St. Petersburg made the experience even more memorable.
Australia:
I visited Australia in the spring of 2007 where I had several days in Sydney, Melbourne, and the wine country. A ride along the Ocean road gave me a wonderful impression of the country. It is a great family destination with lots of wild life to see.
India:
The "Magical Royal Tour of India" offered a great overview of this very interesting country. My travel brought me from Mumbai to Delhi, Udaipur, and Jaipur. In Alwar we visited the ancient Amber Fort and experienced an elephant ride throughout the jungle. One of the highlights had to be the visit to the Taj Mahal, to experience the beauty of this monument during the sunrise and again for the sunset. The final destination was Haridwar in the Himalayas. The Oberoi Hotels throughout the trip were magical, modern hotels built in the style of the maharajas. India is becoming a very desirable and popular destination for the more adventurous traveler.
Vietnam:
In May of 2008, my visit to Vietnam exceeded all my expectations. The country has some of the most interesting and beautiful landscapes. We traveled from Hanoi, in the North, to halong Bay, with it's over 3,000 limestone islands, sculpted into strange shapes by wind and weather. In central Vietnam we enjoyed visits to Hoilan, Hue, and Nha Trang. Ho Chi Minh city, often referred to as Saigon by locals, is the business center of Saigon. A ride through the old part of town offers a variety of family run shops, and wonderful dry and fresh markets. The women are still dressed in their colorful dai tunics, adding such an elegance to the street scene. Vietnam is definitely a great destination. A visit can easily combine tours to Cambodia or Thailand. With top hotels being 5 star, Vietnam is a shoppers delight, and meals are prepared with lots of fresh seafood, vegetables, and fruit.
|  | Doreen Lewis
Interests & Specialties Leisure Travel Agent
Expert Bio
doreenmlewis@gmail.com
With a liberal arts education that made her a great potential contestant on Jeopardy but which provided no specific career training, Doreen worked in several professions before finding her true calling as a Leisure Travel Specialist over 20 years ago. She has never looked back. A self-confessed "hotel maven" Doreen prides herself on her ability to match her clients with the perfect hotels to compliment and enhance their travel experiences.
Doreen believes that "planning your vacation should be almost as much fun as taking it." Her many happy clients will attest to this.
|  | Carolyn Littell, CTC
Interests & Specialties Adventure and Leisure Travel Specialist
Expert Bio
Leisure Agent
carlittell@aol.com
Carolyn Littell has been with Century Travel for over 10 years, specializing in adventure travel and cruises. She is a Certified Travel Counselor.
She feels life’s experiences are greatly enriched by traveling the world and gaining an understanding of different cultures, their history and lifestyle. Friendships can be formed around the world that are lasting and that becomes an added bonus!
“How my busy clients spend there vacation time is so important to them – they want to come back knowing they’ve learned something new and had some unique experiences.” Century Travel’s affiliation with Virtuoso provides the connections to make those unique experiences a reality.
“What better way to see the world than from the verandah of your cruise ship stateroom. There’s a cruise itinerary and ship for anywhere you’d like to go, whether alone, with a spouse or friend, or a family reunion. And the excellent lectures onboard prepare you for each stop along the way.”
Her personal love – adventure travel – has certainly led to unique experiences in the U.S. and abroad. A cattle drive at a dude ranch in Montana, heli-hiking in British Columbia, active adventure spas in Utah and Arizona, hiking and biking in the San Juan Islands, rafting the Salmon River and hiking in Tuscany to name a few.
Travel is Carolyn’s passion and she delights in helping clients plan a memorable trip. You can definitely benefit from her attention to detail.
My Recent Trips
Red Mountain Spa – hiking in St. George, Utah
Biking, hiking and kayaking – San Juan Islands
Miraval and Canyon Ranch Spas – Tucson
Bugaboo and Adamant Lodges – heli-hiking in British Columbia
Hubbard’s Yellowstone Lodge – cattle drive at dude ranch near Bozeman, MT
Cruising to Panama Canal, Alaska and the Baltic
Ireland
Israel – Tiberias and Jerusalem
Hiking in Cinque Terre, Tuscany
|  | Susan Lurie, CTC
Interests & Specialties Cruise and Leisure Travel Specialiast
Expert Bio
Leisure Agent
susan@centurytvl.com
Love of Travel – Nature or Nurture?
Susan believes that every human being has the genetic disposition to be curious about what’s out there – across the street or the country, on the other side of the river or the ocean. This is what propelled our forefathers to cross the vast oceans to settle America, to conquer the Appalachians and the overwhelming Rockies.
There’s a basic need to escape everyday life in search of knowledge about other people’s everyday lives. We also wonder – are the Great Wall, the Taj Mahal, the Pyramids at Giza as spectacular in person as we imagine?
How does the travel gene get amplified? One culprit – your travel agent. Susan would like to share her world with you. . . .
In Italy experience sensory overload of the best kind along the Amalfi coast. Positano hangs 1000 feet above the sea. Three centuries after its founding, Amalfi was a busy trading port until a violent storm and earthquake in 1343 dumped most of it into the sea. Nearby Ravello, a powerful medieval village, is today a treasure chest of art.
Capri? Magical. Mandatory. A floating Garden of Eden and the getaway for Roman Emperors to escape the heat of Roman summers. And don’t miss seeing where Tiberius made a sport of disposing of those who bored him. A moment in 79 AD was captured forever by Vesuvius’ ash and lava. As you gaze directly into the bedrooms, the baths, and the brothels of victims caught unaware, you might blush.
Goethe wrote “Sicily is the clue to everything.” There are certainly wonders to see and do in Italy’s historic outpost. The emperors and great leaders of the world all conquered Sicily at one time or another and all left their civilizations, culture and history – Romans, Greeks, Byzantines, Normans, Muslims. Even Hollywood stars have left their mark as well.
And then there’s glorious Venice. Byron swam in the Grand Canal – we don’t advise it. Instead explore canals, paintings by Canoletto, cross bridges, enjoy a cappuccino, peak into a secret garden of a villa on one of the many canals, glide in a gondola while a charming Venetian sings to you.
Don’t get Susan started on her favorite place – Austria where she has spent as many as 6 months at a time exploring every little nook and cranny of this magnificent country . . alphorns, cowbells, majestic Alps, warm happy people, good wine – the charm of Salzburg, the classic beauty of Vienna, the oom-pah bands of Innsbruck, the rolling green hills dotted with onion-domed steeples of the Salzkammergut. Can you taste the weiner schnitzel now.?
Susan is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma with degrees in geography and English, so being a travel agent was an inevitable career path. Having been a luxury travel agent for the past 30 years, and operating and escorting group tours all over the world, she now concentrates on creating that magical travel experience for her individual clients creating memories to last a lifetime. Susan has seen and done it all. Ask her to share her world with you.
|  | Dan Mackey
Interests & Specialties Small special interest group travel that focusus on art, music, culture and adventure; independent tours emphasizing the unique.
Expert Bio Dan spent many years practicing medicine in Atlanta. On his retirement, he plunged into his passion - travel. He came well prepared to help his clients experience the world in new and different ways. As a young medical student, he spent four months in the jungles of Borneo working with the Iban tribesmen who had not many years before surrendered head hunting. He lived in Saudi Arabia for four years as a physician on the staff of the King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh. During those years, he traveled to such destinations as India, nepal, China, North and sub-Saharan Africa while never ignoring the pleasures of Europe.
With unique experience and insatiable curiosity, Dan has developed the group tour into an art form. Emphasizing content as well as destination, he personally leads groups of 12 to 16 fellow travelers on unique adventures built around a theme. Identifying superb guides and gaining access to private homes, extraordinary collections, or undiscovered spots like a hummingbird sanctuary in the mountains of Ecuador or an ashram hidden in a crevice outside Jaipur, Dan provices his clients with unrivaled experiences.
Dan's areas of particular expertise are India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
His favorite destination - anywhere with superb hotels and awaiting adventures from Botswana to Beijing.
danmackey@mindspring.com
|  | Jenny Malka Email: jenny@luxurycruising.com
Interests & Specialties Cruise Specialist
jenny@luxurycruising.com
Expert Bio Jenny is very pleased to have been part of the Century Travel team of cruise experts for the past seven years.
"My association with Century Travel has helped me tremendously in establishing bona fides, with all of my Internet customers. In an age, where trust has become the main ingredient in successful business relationships, I am very proud to have built a strong network of guests, who then refer me to their friends".
Jenny has vast knowledge of the cruise lines, and their styles and methods, and can help you plan your cruise vacation with confidence and assurance, and with the knowledge that you have chosen the right cruise for you, at the right price.
"Having customers from all over the world has given me access to an understanding of other people's culture and customs, and has enabled me to best understand how to please them".
Among Jenny's many abilities, is her complete fluency in the Russian language.
"I look forward to serving you, and helping you to plan a fun filled and rewarding cruise adventure".
|  | Trina McCannon Email: trina@centurytvl.com
Expert Bio Trina has been in some area of the travel industry since her Pan American flying days. During those years she had the opportunity to be based in 5 different locations that allowed her to travel all over the world.
A former travel agent, she has also been a travel Office Manager and trainer.
In addition to adding new destinations to "the list", she enjoys spending time with family and volunteering at the Atlanta History Center Library / Archives.
|  | Desiree Muns
Interests & Specialties Corporate and Group Specialist
Expert Bio Assistant Manager
desiree@centurytvl.com
Desiree began her career in the hospitality industry in 1989 working for the Ritz Carlton Buckhead in Atlanta. She quickly moved into Central Reservations as a supervisor. In 1994, she changed her focus and began working as a Travel Counselor for Thomas Cook Travel. While at Thomas Cook, she was assigned to work as an onsite agent for Hewlett Packard.
In 1996, Desiree joined Century Travel. She became the lead agent and main contact for the Georgia Tech Athletic Association. She handles all of their individual travel, recruiting travel, and the team travel for the all the different sports teams at Georgia Tech. Desiree not only works with Georgia Tech, but she has many other corporate accounts to keep her busy. When not booking Georgia Tech or one of her corporate accounts, you might find Desiree helping one of her group management companies move their attendees to and from meetings they may host. She has built close relationships with all of her travelers and she loves the variety of her business - no two days are ever the same!
Desiree was promoted to Assistant Manager with Century Travel and she credits her success with her beginnings at the Ritz Carlton Company (How may I assist you??) She feels that the Ritz Carlton has the best customer service training in the business and Desiree credits her former boss for the great foundation she developed for the excellent customer service she provides for her customers on a daily basis.
|  | Diane Randolph
Interests & Specialties Meeting, Group, Corporate, and Leisure Specialist
Expert Bio Diane started her travel career in high school with an after school job hand-writing tickets and filing brochures. This first job just fueled her passion for travel. While in college, she worked at the local travel agency part time. After transferring to the University of Georgia and completing her degree in Economics, she really started her full-time career in travel assisting the college community.
She was the agent for the UGA Athletic department and was promoted to Branch Manager in downtown Athens where Diane gained much experience in International Travel for students and professors while continuing managing the travel for the Athletic Department. Go Dawgs!
Diane then moved to Dalton, Georgia where she worked for Professional Travel, the leading travel agency for the carpet industry, for 10 years. She managed both leisure and corporate travel for the carpet executives and was able to travel extensively to many countries. As her knowledge of the business matured, she was promoted to Branch Manager of Professional's Calhoun location.
While in Dalton, she met the most wonderful man - Lou Randolph. He was a gentle, kind, and loving man (Lou's words!). She quickly fell madly in love and was thrilled when he asked her to become his bride. So she followed her love to Atlanta, where she found her home with Century Travel. Her son, Nick, was born in 1996. Her focus shifted towards the corporate market, satisfying the travel needs of numerous business accounts and group meetings. Diane has been the lead agent for the national account of Kappa Kappa Gamma for over 12 years handling all their small and large groups as well as their daily travel needs. She also has many other clients with a range of requests from leisure to athletic groups to family travel. Her 30 years of experience in the travel industry have led her across the globe, including Hong Kong, Great Britain, Germany, Columbia, Mexico, The Bahamas, Grand Cayman, St. Lucia, Hawaii, Alaska and many cities across the United States.
diane@centurytvl.com
My Recent Trips Phoenix and the Grand Canyon, skiing in Colorado, the Florida Keys, Salt Lake City
|  | Hersh Rosenberg
Interests & Specialties Cruise Specialist
Expert Bio Hersh has been in the luxury cruise industry since 1996. As an Internet sales pioneer, with strong communication skills, and a firm understanding of people's needs, Hersh has built a loyal following of seasoned cruise travellers.
Interestingly enough, since Hersh rarely meets any of his customers, because all of his business is conducted on the phone, or by email, a high level of trust must be developed with each customer. Over the years his customers have networked him into their friends, and their friend's friend's.
"My customers demand a high level of service, and I strive to please them in every way possible". I have been fortunate enough to be involved with Century Travel, since the beginning of my travel career. This has afforded me great credence with customers, who might normally be reluctant to deal with a travel expert that they do not see in person. I look forward to serving your cruise needs, and will treat you as I treat my own family. I have one customer who tells me all the time "I want my trip to be handled as if I was a baby. I don't want to make any decisions, and I want to be pampered". I treat all of my customers with great care and understanding. hersh@luxurycruising.com
|  | Melissa Rosenbloum
Interests & Specialties Family and Leisure Travel Speciialist
Expert Bio
Leisure Agent
mrosenbloum@bellsouth.net
Melissa Rosenbloum is Century Travel's luxury family specialist. Partnering with her clients to create lasting memories is what she does best. From watching your daughter's face the first time they meet the "real" Cinderella, to sharing the beauty of Alaska with your son while cruising the Inside Passage, to biking through Tuscany, to riding horses through the Atacama desert in Chile, to taking your daughter to her first Broadway show during a special mother/daughter weekend. Melissa's goal is that every time you travel it is an unforgettable experience.
Today families are drawn to active, experience-driven vacations. Imagine spending a week during the summer in Montana in luxurious timberhome accommodations perfect for families. Spend your days white water rafting down the black river or riding horseback through acres of wide open spaces. In the evening, dine in a five star restaurant with an extensive wine list while finishing the evening with a soak in your private outdoor spa while gazing at the stars. Picture yourself relaxing on deck reading a novel while cruising the Caribbean, comfortable knowing your children are studying Oceanography in the award winning kids' club. Then the next day taking a family excursion to a gorgeous bay where you will snorkel in the clear blue water, picnic on the beach and build sandcastles fit for royalty.
Traveling with extended family and friends is growing in popularity. Looking for a villa in Jamaica complete with your own personal butler, housekeeper and chef? Thinking about spending the holidays with your parents and children in Cabo San Lucas? Interested in spending spring break skiing in Colorado with your best friends and their children? Melissa has the knowledge to insure that these trips are organized so everyone is happy and there are plenty of activities for travelers of all ages.
|  | Claire Schoeder, CTC, ACC
Interests & Specialties Britain Specialist
Expert Bio
Leisure Agent
claire@centurytvl.com
Claire believes that travel is the best opportunity we have to expand our horizons. Whether visiting a destination for the first time or returning to a well-loved place, each trip offers something new.
Claire has traveled extensively throughout Europe. She visits her beloved England and Scotland several times each year, but has also explored many other countries as well. Her travels have taken her to Belgium, Luxembourg, Iceland, France, Italy and Turkey. She has walked along the Great Wall of China, sailed down the Nile and cruised throughout the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.
Her love of travel is a lifelong affair and she enjoys sharing her enthusiasm with her clients. Claire specializes in planning unique luxury trips to England and Scotland, but enjoys planning trips to many other destinations as well.
Claire has been a travel consultant for 15 years---nearly 10 of those years with Century Travel. She is a Certified Travel Consultant and an Accredited Cruise Counselor. Claire has been named by Travel and Leisure Magazine as one of the best travel consultants in America for three consecutive years.
|  | Ellie Sobel
Interests & Specialties Luxury Cruise Specialist cruisespecialist@sympatico.ca
1-866-333-5355
Expert Bio
You're Invited.... To experience luxury at a whole new level!
For over 25 years Ellie has made vacation dreams come true. She shares her passion, knowledge and expertise of cruising with you. Ellie takes pride in matching her customers to the appropriate cruise line, ensuring that their vacation dollars are spent wisely. She has an excellent rapport with her customers.
Ellie specializes in luxury cruises, specifically with Crystal, Regent Seven Seas, Silversea and Seaborne Cruise Lines. Her vast knowledge of Specialty Cruises include Niche, River & Barge Cruises, Expedition Cruises, Culinary Cruises, Special Interest and Theme Cruises, Small ships, Honeymoons, Weddings at sea, (Inquire about the bridal registry) Large groups, Charters, Corporate and Incentive travel.
Ellie is proud of her reputation for impeccable, personalized service. Regardless, if her customers are taking a world cruise or a 7 day cruise, everyone will receive the same meticulous attention to detail. Your holiday will be perfect in every way, and your memories extraordinary! As soon as you envision your journey destination and your desired departure date, simply contact Ellie and she will take your fantasy from ..."If I only could"... to "When do I leave?"
Ellie is delighted, in assisting you with your special vacation plans. She is available, seven days a week to answer your questions and concerns.
Ellie looks forward to hearing from you, and to begin a relationship that surpasses anything you've experienced in the past.
The world awaits you. It will be Ellie's pleasure to take you there!
|  | Marianne Stackhouse
Interests & Specialties Luxury Leisure Specialist
marianne@centurytvl.com
Expert Bio With over 30 years experiences in all areas of travel, Marianne feels her expertise lies in designing complex FIT programs, matching clients to the right tours and cruises, and escorting small groups. In an ever-changing industry, her extensive personal knowledge, willingness to research destinations for the newest / latest, world -class contacts, and attentive service keep her clients loyal.
Passionate about travel, Marianne knows that when you are open to new cultures and experiences travel is life enriching. Some of her greatest joys have come from introducing clients to those experiences.
Three of her personal favorite trips to date have been: Machu Picchu, Peru / Temple of Karnak, Egypt / Hot air ballooning, Kenya.
|  | Kerry Stegeman
Interests & Specialties Luxury Travel Advisor
Expert Bio kerry@centurytvl.com
Kerry, born in New Jersey and raised in Wisconsin, is a life long student of culture, language, music and geography. As a classical violinist from the age of 6, Kerry learned how to communicate with other children from Japan and other countries via the international language of music. After studying in Spain, Kerry graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
While teaching high school Spanish, Kerry led groups of students to Mexico. As a travel professional, Kerry offers her clients a full snapshot of opportunities which include the cultural flavor of the destination. Her skills as a former teacher are evident in her careful planning and attention to detail. Kerry's favorite places are Hawaii and South Africa.
|  | Heide Steinkraus
Interests & Specialties Corporate travel, Meeting planning
Expert Bio Heide began her travel career in 1985 starting as an outside sales person for a travel agency. Within her first five years in the travel industry, she received her Certified Travel Consultant diploma. Her experiences in travel also include sales and marketing with a national travel wholesaler. Heide has both corporate and leisure experience with travels to Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, Germany, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Switzerland, mexico, and much of the Caribbean and the United States.
Lately her travels have kept her close to home so she and her husband can be with their new granddaughter as much as possible, those UGA football games have kept them busy babysitting!
heide@centurytvl.com
Her Interests include Culinary arts, Architecture, History, and Interior design.
|  | Judy Udwin
Interests & Specialties South African Travel Specialist
Expert Bio
judy@centurytvl.com
Judy specializes exclusively in custom designed safari vacations to Southern Africa. She takes great pride in getting to know her clients and their specific interests and desires. With this knowledge in hand she develops a unique vacation experience, matching properties, guides and itineraries to her clients’ personalities.
Judy was born in Zimbabwe and lived in South Africa for many years before moving to Atlanta, Georgia. She has been in the travel industry in Atlanta for over 25 years. It was after taking friends and family on safari that she realized how different a private safari could be from the packages she had been selling. She visits the region at least twice a year to keep her finger on the pulse of the new and exciting properties.
Judy stands out amongst her peers due to her passion for the region and the manner in which she plans every detail of her client’s itineraries. She has planned trips for celebrities, honeymoons for newly weds and weddings for prominent dignitaries.
For the past three years Judy has been recognized by Travel and Leisure Magazine as one of the country’s “Travel Super-Agents”. Each year the magazine lists their choice of the top 125 travel agents in the USA by their region of expertise. Judy is a Virtuoso certified Southern Africa specialist and an accredited member of South Africa Tourism’s exclusive Fundi Organization.
|  | Diane Wilkinson
Interests & Specialties
Global Luxury Travel Specialist for individuals, groups of friends or for multi-generation family travel. Hand tailored European travel to exotic travel experiences, including soft adventure, developing countries, villa rentals.
Expert Bio
Leisure Agent
diane.wilkinson@earthlink.com
Diane Wilkinson has been in the travel business since 1968 when she joined Pan Am as an international flight attendant. Having lived in Europe for several years, she knows it intimately, especially France and Italy. She loves sharing with her clients the all important details necessary for a great and highly customized trip - from the most scenic countryside drives and markets, to the best rooms to book in her favorite inns, to the best private guides.
Whether she’s planning a nearby getaway weekend, a theatre jaunt to New York, a week in Tuscany, an African Safari or sailing the Agean on her favorite cruise ship or a private sailing ship, Diane’s detailed knowledge and enthusiasm can turn any ordinary trip into an extraordinary experience. She’s an expert on restaurants, having studied at the Cordon Bleu in Paris. As a scuba diver, she knows islands from St. Barts to Fiji. And as a lover of ‘soft’ adventure, she has explored the world from Morocco and Botswana to Bhutan and Vietnam.
All Time Favorite Trips:
Asia: especially Bhutan, Laos, India
South America: especially: Peru, Galapagos, Chile’s Atacama desert
Every African trip – from Morocco to Botswana to Namibia!
European Villa Rentals with 3 generations of my family in Ireland, France, Spain
My Recent Trips China, Tuscany, France, Thailand, Indonesia, Africa, New Zealand
| .jpg) | Holly Lombardo
Interests & Specialties Cruise, Honeymoon, Adventure Travel - Luxury Travel Specialist
Expert Bio holly@centurytvl.com
Holly's family lived in Spain when she was young and as a result, her childhood was filled with stories of travel adventures. After getting her college degree, she spent the summer traveling throughout Europe experiencing her own adventures. Upon her return, she began sharing her passion for travel by becoming a Leisure Travel Consultant.
Since then she has since traveled all over the globe. Adventures have included: Rafting through the Grand Canyon, discovering the wilds of Kenya on a safari, Drinking from the pristine lakes of New Zealand and climbing the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal.
With her vast experience, accountability and innovation her clients expect and receive excellence and stewardship of their most valuable travel assets. Give her an opportunity to show what she can do for you.
~ The difference between a nice trip and an unforgettable experience ~
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