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TOUR PHOTO LINKS
My Photo Albums
- PHOTOS - KENT'S FAVORITES COLLECTION!
These are a few of my favorite photos from all kinds of tours and travels. What an amazing world we live in! I will add more photos as I sort through my archives. This link will stay at the top of this page and photo sites below will be in chronological order with the most recent on top.
Click on a link to view photo sites from my trips dating back to 2003! They can be viewed as a slide show or by clicking on individual photos to enlarge them.
Google Photos has taken over Picasa, which I used for my photo albums for over 10 years, so the format is a bit different. Click on a link below and then click on the first photo of the album. The caption will appear to the bottom left of the photo. To advance to the next photo click on the arrow to the right of the picture, or use the right arrow on your keypad.
- PHOTOS - MARCH 2024 - Magical New Zealand
A much delayed trip to New Zealand (dating back to March 2020) is finally coming to fruition. Eleven of us get to enjoy the splendors of this most extraordinary country
- PHOTOS - FEBRUARY 2024 - Enchanting Egypt and Legends of the Nile
One final amazing trip to an enchanted land. A "smaller than expected" group enjoy ancient civilizations, a Nile River Cruise, Aswan Dam and Abu Simbel, culminating with 3 nights in Cairo for the Pyramids, Sphinx and other highlights.
- PHOTOS - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2024 - Isings Travel, Antarctica
My second tour to Antarctica for Isings Travel. Ten of us started the trip with two nights in Buenos Aires, Argentina, a very European city with amazing food! The highlight of the tour of course is the 10-day cruise on Seaborn Venture to Antarctica, round trip Ushuaia.
- PHOTOS - DECEMBER 2023 - New Year's in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
What started out as a New Year's jaunt with a couple people, turned into a couple weeks. Vaughn and Valeta are just coming for a few days over New Year's, but Kiko, Matt, Ruth, and Priscilla are staying for another week of touring in Dubai.
- PHOTOS - DECEMBER 2023 - Isings Travel, San Antonio
Our Annual pre-Christmas tour for Isings Travel returns to San Antonio for a repeat of our very first pre-Christmas tour. 4 nights on the Hilton Palacio del Rio right on the River Walk. What a great atmosphere. The Alamo, missions, history, culture and a Sarah Brightman concert add to the celebration.
- PHOTOS - NOVEMBER 2023 - SOUTH AFRICA!
My annual trip to South Africa. This one starts with a trip to Victoria Falls and then continues on the traditional route with lots of animals and amazing landscapes.
- PHOTOS - SEPTEMBER 2023 - The WAVE!
On June 1, we won permits for 6 people to go to the WAVE on the Utah/Arizona border between Kanab and Page. It has become extremely difficult to get the limited permits as there is a huge demand, so 6 of us are very excited about getting there. We combined it with 4 nights in Kanab to explore a little more of the area.
- PHOTOS - SEPTEMBER 2023 - Northern Rockies and Northwest Washington
A somewhat unconventional itinerary, combining Glacier National Park and the Canadian Rockies with Northwestern Washington, but at the request of Lynn and Doris Harder, I put this trip together, starting in Great Falls, Montana and ending in Seattle.
- PHOTOS - AUGUST 2023 - France and Switzerland
Three couples from Indiana explore familiy heritage, culture and nature in Alsace, France and Central Switzerland.
- PHOTOS - AUGUST 2023 - Italy with the Martin Family
Another trip with the three Martin sisters from Pennsylvania and the three outlaws that go with them! From Milan to Rome, the tour begins with a couple nights on Lake Como, before continuing to Venice, Cinque Terre, Florency & Tuscany, San Marino and Rome. As is custom with this family, there is never a dull moment!
- PHOTOS - JULY 2023 - Isings Travel, Mountains and Natives of the Northern Rockies
An Isings Travel tour for 20 guests, starting in the Black Hills and ending in Glacier National Park with a theme of spectacular mountains and Native American History and Culture.
- PHOTOS - JUNE 2023 - South Africa, Graduation trip for Nephew Elgin.
A graduation trip for nephew Elgin, along with Val & Craig and two friends from Switzerland, Anny and Renate. This is a different itinerary from past South Africa trips as we drive into the KwaZulu-Natal region and continue down the south coast.
- PHOTOS - MAY/JUNE 2023 - Isings Travel, Paris and London
A nice combination of a river cruise and a city stay. A group of 15 flew to Paris to join the riverboat, Viking Kari, for a one-week cruise on the Seine River out to Normandy and back to Paris, then on to London for a 3-night stay in the Waldorf Astoria!
- PHOTOS - MAY 2023 - Isings Travel, Canyonlands of the Southwest
A signature western tour for Isings Travel with a little twist. This time we start with 2 nights at the Inn in Death Valley, then proceed to Zion, Bryce, Lake Powell, and Grand Canyon, before flying home from Phoenix.
- PHOTOS - APRIL 2023 - Mystical Machu Picchu and Peru Highlights
Finally our much-delayed tour to Peru is taking place with a nice group of 10 people. In addition to Machu Picchu, there are so many cultural and historical highlights of this amazing country.
- PHOTOS - APRIL 2023 - Isings Travel, Virginia and West Virginia
A lovely trip to two magnificent American Resorts with 3 nights in each place - the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia and the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. Twenty of us enjoyed spring scenery, history, and the elegance of a bygone era.
- PHOTOS - FEBRUARY 2023 - Jordan, Dubai and Abu Dhabi
A small group tour to Jordan for Petra and Wadi Rum, followed by a visit to the highlights of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
- PHOTOS - FEBRUARY 2023 - Enchanting Egypt and Legends of the Nile
A rather spontaneous last-minute tour to satisfy a bucket list of Aunt Jerry, who has always wanted to go to Egypt. She turns 94 on the trip, the day we are in Luxor and the Valley of the Kings. The group grew to nearly 20 people for a wonderful, enchanting trip.
- PHOTOS - JANUARY 2023 - Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos
Southeast Asia is one of the most exciting and exotic destinations. This tour is with a group of 12 and includes 8 nights in Vietnam, 3 nights in Cambodia, and 3 nights in Laos, before ending in Bangkok.
- PHOTOS - DECEMBER 2022 - Isings Travel, Pre-Christmas Nashville
Our annual pre-Christmas tour for Isings Travel. This one is with 26 people to Nashville for 4 nights. Grand Ole Opry. Concerts with Amy Grant & Vince Gill, the Oak Ridge Boys, and the Cash Family. Music cruise on the General Jackson paddle wheeler. Country Music Hall of Fame. Belle Meade Plantation. Lots of music and lights.
- PHOTOS - NOVEMBER 2022 - South Africa, Tour B
This is somewhat similar to Tour A with a few minor changes. The photo site for Tour A ends with the optional extension to Victoria Falls, which included guest from both tours. This photo site duplicates those photos to start the photo site for Tour B.
- PHOTOS - NOVEMBER 2022 - South Africa, Tour A
The first of two South Africa tours with an optional extension to Victoria Falls in between.
- PHOTOS - SEPTEMBER 2022 - Isings Travel, Switzerland, Austria, and the Passion Play at Oberammergau
Two tours postponed from 2020 and 2021, combined into a trip through Switzerland and Austria, culminating with the Passion Play at Oberammergau, Germany.
- PHOTOS - AUGUST 2022 - Isings Travel, French River Cruise
A lovely itinerary with a small group of 11 for Isings Travel. Four nights at the beautiful Val Vigne Hotel in Alsace, followed by a 7-night Viking River Cruise on the Rhone River from Lyon to Avignon.
- PHOTOS - JULY 2022 - Isings Travel, Voyage of the Vikings
A delightful cruise on Holland America from Copenhagen to Norway, Iceland, Greenland, and Canada, ending in Boston. 23 of us enjoy a great itinerary and I even get to go somewhere I haven't been - Greenland.
- PHOTOS - JUNE 2022 - Switzerland
After two years of canceled trips, we finally get to spend two weeks in Switzerland. This is one of my most spectacular tours with mountains, lakes, waterfalls, suspension bridges, and beautiful cities. Ten people get to enjoy this magnificent country in style.
- PHOTOS - JUNE 2022 - Oberammergau Passion Play #2
The second of two short tours, back-to-back, to see the Passion Play in Oberammergau. Munich, Salzburg, and Vienna round out the itinerary. The play was scheduled for 2020 but was postponed to 2022.
- PHOTOS - MAY/JUNE 2022 - Oberammergau Passion Play #1
The first of two short tours, back-to-back, to see the Passion Play in Oberammergau. The first includes Prague, Salzburg and Munich. The play was scheduled for 2020 but was postponed to 2022.
- PHOTOS - MAY 2022 - Isings Travel, Colorado and Utah - Rocky Mountaineer
A new twist on a great area. The Rocky Mountaineer, which runs service from Banff to Vancouver just started a 2-day service from Denver to Moab. So we are spending 3 nights in Denver, 2 days on the train, and 3 nights in Moab.
- PHOTOS - MARCH 2022 - Isings Travel, South Africa
One of my favorite destinations with 19 people for Isings Travel. Johannesburg/Pretoria, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Addo Elephant Park, Kapama Private Game Reserve, and Kruger National Park. Landscapes, History, good food and beverage, and of course magnificent animals!
- PHOTOS - FEBRUARY 2022 - Fabulous Dubai and Arabian Nights
One of my favorite tours, but quite a different version. In the past this trip has involved a cruise, but this time it's just a land tour. We will enjoy 8 nights in the Hyatt Regency in Dubai, taking in all the sights of Dubai PLUS World Expo. We'll end with two nights at the Crowne Plaza in Abu Dhabi.
- PHOTOS - JANUARY 2022 - Garden Route of South Africa
Just a quick trip to South Africa to spend 5 nights at Candlewood Lodge in Knysna
- PHOTOS - JANUARY 2022 - Southern Utah
A short hiking tour in Southern Utah with three gals from Indiana - Valeta, Starla and Sheri. Hoping to get permits for the Wave, but lots of other things to explore in the area as well.
- PHOTOS - DECEMBER 2021 - Isings Travel, Sedona
Our Fourth Annual pre-Christmas tour for Isings Travel. This one starts with one night in Phoenix and then four nights in Sedona. Christmas lights, music, history, culture and the Grand Canyon to top it all off.
- PHOTOS - NOVEMBER 2021 - South Africa
Finally I get to take a tour internationally again! This is my first one since South Africa in March 2020, so I'm really happy to get back to one of my favorite countries. With a nice small group, just 7 of us, we do lots of the old favorites - Animals, Landscapes, History, Culture and wonderful, hospitable people!
- PHOTOS - OCTOBER 2021 - Dubai
I needed another trip to reach my annual required quota with Delta so decided to take a quick trip to Dubai and of course Ruth was willing to come along. No group to look after - just a relaxing 5 days in Dubai, including Dubai World Expo 2020. Incredible.
- PHOTOS - OCTOBER 2021 - Isings Travel, New Mexico
Balloons, Culture, Mountains, Railroads, and Pueblos. 25 Guests on an Isings Travel tour with 3 nights Albuquerque, 2 nights Taos and 3 nights Santa Fe. Another of my favorite areas to do a tour!
- PHOTOS - SEPTEMBER 2021 - Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest is probably as scenic as any area of the country. Three couples from Pennsylvania enjoy a trip from Rain Forest to Redwoods! Olympic Peninsula, Mount Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, the Oregon Coast, the Oregon Dunes, Redwoods, and Crater Lake.
- PHOTOS - AUGUST 2021 - Isings Travel, Grand Tetons and Yellowstone
A group of 30 for Isings Travel, staying 5 nights at the Snake River Lodge in Teton Village, near Jackson, Wyoming. Scenic Views, boat ride, float trip, day trip to Yellowstone, and lots of good food!
- PHOTOS - JULY 2021 - Crater Lake, Oregon Coast, and the Redwoods
Another replacement tour for canceled international tours. A short tour of Crater Lake, the Oregon Coast and the Redwoods for a very small group. Leisurely and easy, but lots of great sights.
- PHOTOS - JUNE 2021 - Southern Utah
Another replacement tour for canceled international tours, but any time is a good time to go to Southern Utah. Six of us travel through the highlights of national parks and national monuments from Grand Junction to Las Vegas.
- PHOTOS - MAY 2021 - Isings Travel, Northern California
Eleven days through the lesser-known wonders of Northern California and Nevada with 12 guests from retirement communities up and down the east coast. Napa Valley, Mendocino, the Redwoods, Eureka, Lake Shasta, Mt. Lassen Volcanic, Lake Tahoe, Virginia City and Reno. Nice itinerary.
- PHOTOS - APRIL 2021 - Incredible Utah
When people ask my favorite world destination, I always reply, "You mean besides Utah!?" No joke. There is no place I'd rather take people on a tour. And since all my international tours are cancelled for the foreseeable future I'm doing Utah with small groups!
- PHOTOS - FEBRUARY 2021 - Southern Utah Winter Getaway
After many canceled tours over the past year, I decided to take a few friends to Southern Utah for some hiking in the canyon country of the Escalante. A great winter getaway when temperatures in Montana have been bitterly cold.
- PHOTOS - DECEMBER 2020 - Isings Travel, Williamsburg
A pre-Christmas tour for 16 people to Williamsburg, Virginia for 4 nights. Lots of Christmas activities as well as history and lights.
- PHOTOS - OCTOBER 2020 - Yellowstone with Steve and Eriks
A long weekend in Yellowstone National Park with Steve and Eriks from Florida. Weather a bit questionable but Yellowstone is magical in any weather!
- PHOTOS - SEPTEMBER 2020 - Isings Travel, Utah and Colorado
Another small group for Isings Travel, this tour in one of my favorite areas - Utah and Colorado. Two nights each in Salt Lake, Moab, Durango, Glenwood Springs, and Colorado Springs.
- PHOTOS - AUGUST 2020 - Isings Travel, Tennessee and Kentucky
My second tour back-to-back for Isings Travel. This is another small group from retirement communities and we are doing 9 days in Tennessee and Kentucky. Nashville, Louisville, Lexington, Cumberland Gap, Pigeon Forge, Great Smoky Mountains and back to Atlanta. Lots of exclusive private events for us!
- PHOTOS - AUGUST 2020 - Isings Travel, Mackinac Island
My first tour after 5 months of cancelled trips! A delightful, short tour to Michigan, featuring the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. A lovely place, full of charm and grace.
- PHOTOS - MARCH 2020 - South Africa with the Martins
Two weeks in South Africa, including a couple nights at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Amazing animals, fantastic landscapes, and wonderful cultures are all part of this incredible tour with three couples from Pennsylvania.
- PHOTOS - FEBRUARY 2020 - Winter in Yellowstone
Yellowstone is a magical place anytime of year, but in winter even more so! 3 nights in West Yellowstone with snow coach rides into Old Faithful and to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Then 3 nights in Gardiner for Mammoth Hot Springs, Lamar Valley, and swimming in the Boiling River!
- PHOTOS - JANUARY 2020 - Southeast Asia - Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore
One of my standard and favorite trips in Southeast Asia. We start with 3 nights in Bangkok, then 3 nights at Ao Nang Beach in southwest Thailand before driving up into the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia. We relax for one night at a resort south of Kuala Lumpur before ending up with a grand finale in amazing Singapore! Lots of incredible sights, good food, and time to relax with cheap massages and reflexology!
- PHOTOS - DECEMBER 2019 - Pittsburgh, The Nutcracker
Several of us went to Pittsburgh for the weekend to see my Grand Nephew perform in the Nutcracker with the Pittsburgh Ballet. We had a great time and both Josiah and the performances were amazing. What a great time we all had.
- PHOTOS - DECEMBER 2019 - Isings Travel, Tucson Christmas
Our second annual pre-Christmas tour for Isings Travel. Last year San Antonio, this time 4 nights at the fabulous Arizona Inn in Tucson. A long weekend filled with wonderful holiday festivities, music, lights and good food!
- PHOTOS - NOVEMBER 2019 - Sued Afrika
Eine Naturreise durch RSA mit 5 Schweizerinnen. Vom Krueger National Park hinunter bis zur Garten Route am Indischen Ozean. Am Schluss noch die wunderbare Stadt Kapstadt und das Kap der Guten Hoffnung.
- PHOTOS - OCTOBER 2019 - Isings Travel, Canyonlands
One of the signature tours for Isings Travel, beginning in Phoenix and exploring some of the great canyon and desert landscapes of Arizona and Southern Utah. Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, Bryce, and Zion, finishing with one night in Las Vegas.
- PHOTOS - AUGUST 2019 - Switzerland
Wonderful Switzerland! This is the result of a tour I've wanted to do for friends for quite some time. Lots of cable cars and mountain railways in the stunning mountains of Switzerland, as well as some good hikes along the way. What a mix of cultures, scenery, cuisine and languages!
- PHOTOS - JULY 2019 - Isings Travel, Canadian Rockies
Ten days in the Canadian Rockies starting in Banff and Lake Louise, taking the Icefields Parkway to Jasper, and then taking the Rocky Mountaineer Train two days to Vancouver.
- PHOTOS - JULY 2019 - Deeneys, South Africa and Victoria Falls
This is Elgin's graduation trip to South Africa and Victoria Falls. Elgin, Val & Craig, and I flew to Southern Africa to do the Falls, Cape Town, Kruger Park, Kapama and to finish with a walk with the lions!
- PHOTOS - JUNE 2019 - Isings Travel, Norway Cruise
A 2-week cruise to the Norwegian Fjords and the North Cape, land of the Midnight Sun. 17 of us enjoy this Isings Travel tour.
- PHOTOS - MAY 2019 - Isings Travel, Quebec
A 9-day tour to Quebec, the Saguenay, and Montreal with 20 people for Isings Travel.
- PHOTOS - APRIL 2019 - New Zealand, Small Group
A week after finishing my New Zealand tour for Isings Travel, I headed back down under for another 2-week tour of this amazing country with a small group of 10. A similar itinerary to the Isings trip, with five nights on the North Island (Auckland and Rotorua), and ten nights on the spectacular South Island with its mountains, glaciers, rain forest, and fjords.
- PHOTOS - MARCH 2019 - Isings Travel, New Zealand
14 of us ventured South to New Zealand for 2 weeks exploring this stunning country. Five nights on the North Island (Auckland and Rotorua), followed by ten nights on the spectacular South Island with its mountains, glaciers, rain forest, and fjords.
- PHOTOS - FEBRUARY 2019 - Fabulous Dubai and Arabian Nights
One of my all-time favorite tours with 15 people! Three nights in the five-star Hyatt Regency and then seven nights on the Costa Mediterranea, as we sail to Muscat, Oman; Sir Bani Yas Island; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and back to Dubai. Twelve people continue on to Jordan for an extension to Petra and the Dead Sea.
- PHOTOS - JANUARY 2019 - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Bangkok
A repeat of an exploratory trip a year ago, this trip begins in Hanoi, works south through Vietnam, and goes to Cambodia and Laos before ending in Bangkok. A most remarkable area of the world with some of the best shopping and prices anywhere!
- PHOTOS - DECEMBER 2018 - Isings Travel, San Antonio
A pre-Christmas tour to San Antonio, Texas for Isings Travel. 4 nights in the Hilton Palacio del Rio right on the River Walk. Lots of lights and sights for this delightful tour.
- PHOTOS - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 - South Africa, Group B
After combining people from both Group A and Group B for a few marvelous days at Victoria Falls, the Group A passengers flew home and it was time for Group B to start creating memories in South Africa.
- PHOTOS - NOVEMBER 2018 - Victoria Falls Extension
Between my two tours of South Africa 15 people from both tours took an extra 4 days to go up to Zimbabwe. We stayed at the Victoria Falls Hotel, saw the largest waterfall in the world (by volume), enjoyed a boat ride on the Zambezi River and a day trip into Botswana for Chobe National Park.
- PHOTOS - NOVEMBER 2018 - South Africa, Group A
8 of us on my traditional South Africa tour, followed by an extension to Victoria Falls and Botswana. This is such a wonderful country!
- PHOTOS - OCTOBER 2018 - Isings Travel, Mediterranean
A two-week trip for Isings Travel starting with a couple nights in Rome, followed by a cruise through the Mediterranean on the Holland America Koningsdam.
- PHOTOS - SEPTEMBER 2018 - Der Nordwesten Amerikas mit 6 Schweizer(innen)
Zwei Wochen unterwegs mit 6 Schweizer(innen) von Vancouver nach San Francisco. Berge, Baeume, Seen, Kueste und Kultur-reiche Staedte.
- PHOTOS - SEPTEMBER 2018 - Ancient Mysteries of CHINA
China is one of the most mysterious and ancient countries in the world. Our two-week trip begins with 3 nights in Beijing for the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Summer Palace. The mysteries continue with the Terracotta Warriors of Xian, the Finger Mountains of Guilin and a 5-day Yangtze River Cruise. Three nights in the bustling metropolis of Shanghai caps off our incredible trip.
- PHOTOS - AUGUST 2018 - Alaska and Yukon
The Great Land! Alaska and Yukon boast immense dimensions and there is much to see. Nine of us visit for 2 weeks, starting in Juneau and heading up through the Inside Passage to Skagway, before taking the White Pass Railroad and venturing into Canada's Yukon Territory. From there it's back to Alaska - Fairbanks, Denali, and Anchorage.
- PHOTOS - JULY 2018 - Isings Travel, American Rockies
Another delightful trip for Isings Travel with guests from various retirement communities. Beginning in Denver, climbing into Rocky Mountain National Park, and then heading up through Wyoming to the Black Hills for 3 nights. Mount Rushmore. Crazy Horse. Custer State Park. Back through Wyoming to Yellowstone, and ending with the spectacular Cooke City Highway over to Billings, Montana for our last night.
- PHOTOS - JUNE 2018 - Isings Travel, Switzerland
GREAT RAIL JOURNEYS of SWITZERLAND - A marvelous two-week tour in just Switzerland with 18 people. Trains, cable cars, cog railways, funiculars, boats, and mountain passes - there is an enormous diversity packed into this tiny country one third the size of Pennsylvania!
- PHOTOS - MAY 2018 - Isings Travel, New Mexico
A 9-day tour through Northern New Mexico, experiencing the rich culture, history, and natural areas of the Land of Enchantment.
- PHOTOS - APRIL 2018 - Isings Travel, Tennessee and Kentucky
Music, Mansions, Horses, History and Beautiful Scenery are all part of this nine-day Isings Travel tour through Tennessee and Kentucky.
- PHOTOS - MARCH 2018 - South Africa with Kathy Aaron and Family
An abbreviated South Africa tour over spring break for Kathy Aaron's family, including the 3 youngsters - Luke, Isabel, and Mikah. Heavy concentration on animals of course!
- PHOTOS - FEBRUARY 2018 - Southeast Asia: Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos!
A small-group exploratory trip to Southeast Asia to explore ancient highlights and natural wonders.
- PHOTOS - JANUARY 2018 - Isings Travel, ANTARCTICA!
Twelve of us escaped the cold winter in the US to warm up in Antarctica on this Isings Travel tour. An overnight flight to Santiago, Chile with a night at the Sheraton San Christobal, followed by a charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina to board the luxurious Silver Seas ship for a 10-day cruise to Antarctica.
- PHOTOS - NOVEMBER 2017 - South Africa and Victoria Falls
My annual trek to South Africa for amazing animals, scenery, and people. Eight of us explore this wonderful country from the Kruger Park area to the Garden Route and the Cape Region. Five of us continue on to Victoria Falls for another 3 days.
- PHOTOS - OCTOBER 2017 - Isings Travel, Uncommon Southwest
Twelve days through lesser known areas of the Southwest from Las Vegas to San Diego, through Death Valley, Mojave Preserve, Joshua Tree National Park and Palm Springs, before continuing to the coast to Huntington Beach and ending with 3 nights in San Diego.
- PHOTOS - SEPTEMBER 2017 - Utah Hiking Tour
A somewhat last-minute hiking tour for Cousins in the parks of southern Utah and Grand Canyon. Ten days round-trip Las Vegas with perfect weather and fantastic scenery!
- PHOTOS - SEPTEMBER 2017 - ALASKA/YUKON
Two weeks in the Great White North with 3 couples from Pennsylvania. Starting with 3 nights in Juneau, sailing through the Inside Passage to Skagway, and up through the Yukon. Back in Alaska we finish with Tok, Fairbanks, Denali, and the Anchorage area.
- PHOTOS - AUGUST 2017 - EUROPE - The Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland
Two weeks in Europe with 12 couples from mostly Pennsylvania. From Amsterdam and its canals, across to Germany and the castle region of the Rhine River, and on to Munich and the Romantic Road. And then 9 fabulous days in Switzerland with Zurich, Lucerne, Zermatt, the Bernese Oberland and the French-speaking part of the country, ending up in Geneva.
- PHOTOS - JULY 2017 - Isings Travel, Pacific Northwest
Two weeks in the Pacific Northwest beginning with 3 nights in Seattle and a visit to Mt. Rainier. It's on to Victoria aboard the Clipper for Butchart Gardens and High Tea at the Empress. The tour heads back East to the North Cascades and Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, before finishing up with 3 nights in Whitefish, Montana for Glacier National Park.
- PHOTOS - JUNE 2017 - Martin Family to Switzerland
Two weeks in Switzerland with eight Martins from Pennsylvania. Such a wide variety of scenery and culture all packed into a tiny country a third the size of Pennsylvania!
- PHOTOS - JUNE 2017 - Family Cruise to ALASKA
A one-week cruise to Alaska round-trip Seattle with a group of 41 family from both the Kauffman and Mullet side, as well as a number of friends and 'adopted' family! Seattle, Juneau, Hubbard Glacier, Sitka, Ketchikan, and Victoria BC.
- PHOTOS - MAY/JUNE 2017 - Isings Travel, Rails & Trails
A 10-day trip for Isings Travel from Salt Lake to Colorado Springs, through some of the lesser known, but equally stunning areas of these two states. 34 elderly guests and a vary amiable group at that!
- PHOTOS - APRIL/MAY 2017 - Mystical Machu Picchu & Peru Highlights
A two-week tour through a most enchanting land, a country rapidly becoming one of my favorites. Peru offers much more than just the fabled Incan City of Machu Picchu, and this trip takes in the capital, the southern desert, volcanoes, towering mountains, deep canyons, and high lakes, in addition to astonishing Incan culture, history and ruins.
- PHOTOS - MARCH/APRIL 2017 - Australia and New Zealand
Three couples from Pennsylvania on a private tour to Australia and New Zealand. A few days in Brisbane and Sydney are followed by 2 weeks in the North and South Islands of New Zealand.
- PHOTOS - FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017 - Enchanting Egypt
Twelve people accompanied me on a trip to Egypt for a Nile River cruise, the Aswan Dam, Cairo, the pyramids and sphinx, and the port city of Alexandria. Enchanting indeed!
- PHOTOS - FEBRUARY 2017 - Southern California
Just a short get-away tour in Southern California for Doris, Ruth, and Arlene. After picking up Doris and Arlene in Murrieta, we drove over the mountain to Palm Springs for 3 nights, and also visited Joshua Tree National Park.
- PHOTOS - JANUARY 2017 - Isings Travel, CUBA!
An adventure to newly-opened Cuba! 37 of us set sail from Miami on the cruise ship Adonia for a week of education, exploration and adventure!
- PHOTOS - NOVEMBER 2016 - Sued Afrika, Tour B
Zwei Wochen durch Sued Afrika mit einer Schweizer Gruppe. Die meisten sind schon mit mir durch Sued Afrika gereist, also haben wir neue Sachen ausgesucht. Von Durban aus sind wir in die Natur Pur gefahren um moeglichst viele Tiere zu sehen. Dazu kommen Berge und Kueste. Nach 10 Tagen in Kwa Zulu Natal gehts weiter nach Port Elizabeth, die Garten Route, und zum Kap am Schluss.
- PHOTOS - NOVEMBER 2016 - South Africa, Tour A
A two-week tour through South Africa with a group of nine. From the spectacular animals of the Kruger National Park and Lowveld region to the Garden Route on the south coast, and finally to glorious Cape region. Always one of my favorite tours.
- PHOTOS - OCTOBER 2016 - CHINA
A two-week tour through China with a group of 18 people. From Beijing and the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square to Xian for the Terracotta Warriors and Luoyang for the Longmen Grottoes. Then it's a lovely cruise on the Yangtze River and the tour ends with 3 nights in amazing Shanghai.
- PHOTOS - SEPTEMBER 2016 - Isings Travel, Pacific Coast
A small Isings Travel group of just 13 people explored the natural beauty of the Oregon Coast. We started in Portland, Oregon and did a side trip up to Mt. St. Helens. Then out to the coast and down to northern California, with stops at the Oregon Dunes, Rogue River Mail Boat, the Redwoods and Napa/Sonoma Valleys.
- PHOTOS - AUGUST 2016 - Isings Travel, Ireland
A lovely tour through southern Ireland and the Cotswalds of England, with a return from Southampton to New York on the Cunard Liner Queen Mary 2.
- PHOTOS - AUGUST 2016 - Western National Parks
2 1/2 weeks in the western national parks from Las Vegas, Nevada up to Bozeman, Montana with 3 Swiss and 1 American. Franzi, Stefan, Simon, and Ruth traveled with me through some of my favorite places in the west, including some of my favorite secrets in southern Utah. The itinerary concludes with Yellowstone National Park and a trip to my cabin northwest of Bozeman.
- PHOTOS - JULY 2016 - Isings Travel, Alaska
A two-week Isings Travel / Holland America trip through the Great North country, starting in Fairbanks, continuing to Denali National Park, Anchorage and Seward, before boarding the HAL Noordam for a cruise through the inside passage to Vancouver.
- PHOTOS - JUNE 2016 - Isings Travel, Switzerland
Another of my favorite tours with Isings Travel is our Switzerland Tour. This tour has time to enjoy all the marvels that make this small country so amazing. Great Rail Journeys of Switzerland includes lots of train rides, cable cars, cog railroads, boat rides, waterfalls, and massive mountains!
- PHOTOS - MAY 2016 - Isings Travel, Canyonlands
Probably my favorite tour with Isings Travel is our signature Canyonlands Tour in the Southwest. We start in Phoenix and head up through Sedona, spending two nights at the El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon. Then on up into Navajo Land and Monument Valley, before heading back to Lake Powell for two nights and Zion National Park for two nights, with a day visiting Bryce Canyon National Park. We spend one night in Las Vegas before flying back home. Love this tour!
- PHOTOS - APRIL 2016 - Isings Travel, Virginia
A short tour and a small group, but lots of history and lovely countryside during our 6 days in Virginia. This is the fourth Isings Travel trip I've done in Virginia and perhaps the nicest itinerary. Spring flowers and trees are beautiful!
- PHOTOS - FEBRUARY 2016 - Fabulous Dubai and Arabian Nights
A repeat of one of my favorite tours with 17 people, including my 93-year-old Mother, 5 sisters and a brother! Three nights in the five-star Radisson Blu Deira Creek and then seven nights on the RCCL Splendour of the Seas, as we sail to Khasab, Oman; Muscat, Oman; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and back to Dubai. Ten people continue on to Jordan for an extension to Petra and the Dead Sea.
- PHOTOS - JANUARY 2016 - Southern Utah Hiking Tour
When I used to do tours for Leon & Nancy Stauffer of MYW Tours, I told them when they retired I would take them to the WAVE in Southern Utah. Well here we are, as well as Allen & Cindy Mast, and Orpha Newswanger. A winter storm played a trick on us and we didn't make it in to the Wave, but we did explore lots of other colorful, little-known attractions in this area before the storm hit!
- PHOTOS - JANUARY 2016 - Southeast Asia
A small-group tour to Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore with a little more relaxing pace thanhttps://photos.app.goo.gl/qm5MvDxUSKcpoNDZ9 some of my tours. Started off with the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok for 3 nights and actually took time to enjoy the facilities. A very colorful part of the world with wonderful gracious people and great food!
- PHOTOS - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 - South Africa Trip B
My 13th tour to South Africa since 2009. This is the second of two tours back-to-back and with a very small group - only 4 people plus myself. Nevertheless, lots of great sights, wonderful food, and fascinating history and culture.
- BLOG - NOVEMBER 2015 - South Africa Trip A
My 12th tour to South Africa since 2009 and still one of my favorite destinations. Two weeks seeing amazing animals, rich cultures, diverse landscapes and enjoying wonderful food!
- PHOTOS - OCTOBER 2015 - Isings Travel, Italy
A two-week trip from Venice and Florence to Sorrento and Sicily and lots of highlights in between. Another exciting trip from Isings Travel with 31 people from retirement communities up and down the East Coast.
- PHOTOS - SEPTEMBER 2015 - MYW Peaks, Parks, & Canyons
After 25 years, my LAST tour with MYW Tours! And the weather was perfect for this one. It's a great time of year for a tour through the national parks and wild areas of Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. The aspen are golden in the mountains, the sun is turning the canyons flaming red, and mornings are crisp. Every day is a stunning experience.
- PHOTOS - AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 - Alaska / Yukon
Eine faszinierende Reise durch Alaska und Yukon mit einer gemischten, schweizerischen/amerikanischen Gruppe. Von Juneau im Suedosten bis in den weiten Norden und zurueck nach Anchorage gibt es viel zu erleben. A fascinating tour through Alaska and the Yukon with a mixed group of Swiss and a couple Americans. From Juneau in the Southeast to Dawson City in northern Yukon, there is much to see and experience!
- PHOTOS - AUGUST 2015 - Isings Travel, Yellowstone / Tetons / Glacier
A delightful tour through my home stomping grounds. Three nights in Jackson Hole, three nights at Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone, 1 night in Helena, Montana and 2 nights in Whitefish, Montana for Glacier National Park. A nice group and a nice itinerary!
- PHOTOS - JULY 2015 - Isings Travel, Maine and the Maritimes
A 2-week trip from Bar Harbor, Maine up through New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia for Isings Travel. Lovely hotels, pastoral scenes, and great food (lots of lobster!)
- PHOTOS - JULY 2015 - Garrison Family in the Southwest USA
A 2-week trip through the southwest with Ed & Diane Garrison, their daughter Andrea, son-in-law Abder, and two grandsons, Adam and Sofian. There was never a dull moment and the kids were excited to see everything and climb everywhere!
- PHOTOS - JUNE/JULY 2015 - MYW Rockies
Semi-annual MYW tour through the Black Hills, Yellowstone/Tetons, Glacier and the Canadian Rockies.
- PHOTOS - MAI/JUNI 2015 - Grandioser Westen Amerikas
Eine grandiose Reise durch die National Parks und andere Sehenswuerdigkeiten des Westen Amerikas. Mit einer kleinen Gruppe fahren wir von Las Vegas in Nevada bis nach Bozeman in Montana - weit im Norden.
- PHOTOS - MAY 2015 - New Mexico, Isings Travel, Tour B
A week in enchanting New Mexico. Tour B is very similar to Tour A, except that when our two group flew from Ft. Lauderdale and Philadelphia to Albuquerque via Dallas, none of us made it! Severe weather in Dallas caused the flight from Philadelphia to cancel altogether, and our flight from Ft Lauderdale got to Dallas, only to be dumped there by American Airlines with no possibility of an onward flight to Albuquerque! We had to charter a bus and drive 11 hours, while the Philadelphia group had to wait two days to get flights out to start the tour! We finally got all the people and their luggage together on the 3rd day and then things looked much better. We had to rearrange the trip itinerary considerably though and add a couple days at the end for the Pennsylvania group! I put the Florida group on the plane in Albuquerque as scheduled and proceeded on the tour with the Philadelphia group. Got a call that the flight was cancelled and my Florida people had to stay overnight in ABQ and fly the next morning at 5:00 a.m.! This was the biggest challenge we have ever faced on an Isings Travel tour!
- PHOTOS - MAY 2015 - New Mexico, Isings Travel, Tour A
A week in enchanting New Mexico. This land was part of Spain for much longer than it has been part of the USA, and the Puebloan Cultures here live in the oldest communities in the United States! They have been living in the same villages for nearly 1,000 years! Enchanting indeed!
- BLOG - APRIL 2015 - Machu Picchu and Peru Highlights 2
A two-week tour through a most enchanting land for a second year in a row. Peru offers much more than just the fabled Incan City of Machu Picchu, and this trip takes in the capital, the southern desert, volcanoes, deep canyons, and high lakes, in addition to astonishing Incan culture, history and ruins.
- BLOG - MARCH 2015 - Wonderful South Africa 11
An out-of-the-ordinary tour to South Africa in March instead of my usual trips in November. Most on the tour have been here before so the itinerary is a little different and designed to allow lots of time for photos. The end of the trip includes 3 nights at the incomparable Victoria Falls!
- PHOTOS - FEBRUARY 2015 - Fabulous Dubai and Arabian Nights
A repeat of one of my favorite tours. Three nights in the five-star Radisson Blu Deira Creek and then seven nights on the Costa Serena as we sail to Muscat, Oman; Khasab, Oman; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and back to Dubai. Half of the group continues on to Jordan for an extension to Petra and the Dead Sea.
- PHOTOS - JANUARY 2015 - Southern Utah Hiking Tour
Ingrid Halaby, Alan Schuyler, and I spent a week in out-of-the-way places in Southern Utah, hiking, scrambling, and walking through some of the most extraordinary nature on the planet! Great weather for winter hiking!
- PHOTOS - NOVEMBER 2014 - SOUTH AFRICA with ISINGS TRAVEL
South Africa and Victoria Falls, a two-and-a-half week trip with 16 for Isings Travel. A couple nights in Sandton (Johannesburg) and a visit to Pretoria, followed by 2 nights at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Then a big change as we go down to the Garden Route to Port Elizabeth and Knysna, followed by 3 nights in Cape Town. The Grand Finale is 3 nights at Kapama Reserve and a day in the Blyde River Canyon and a day in Kruger National Park.
- BLOG - NOVEMBER 2014 - SOUTH AFRICA
My TENTH tour to South Africa since 2009. Our small group of 8 ventures off to see the animals, sights, culture, and people of this amazing country. This trip should be on everyone's bucket list!
- PHOTOS - SEPTEMBER 2014 - MYW Switzerland
Only a month after doing a 2-week tour in just Switzerland, I get to do it again with MYW Tours. Nice group of 24 people and the weather clears like magic after a rainy summer!
- PHOTOS - AUGUST 2014 - Isings Travel, Great Rail Journeys of Switzerland
Another spectacular tour with Isings Travel, two full weeks in Switzerland. Finally a tour that has time to enjoy all the marvels that make this small country so amazing. Great Rail Journeys of Switzerland includes lots of train rides, cable cars, cog railroads, boat rides, waterfalls, and massive mountains!
- PHOTOS - JULY 2014 - Gerber Familie im Westen der USA
Drei Wochen im Westen der USA mit Hugo & Jolanda Gerber und Familie. Von Bozeman, Montana nach San Francisco, durch die tollsten National Parks. Allerlei Naturwunder faszinieren uns jeden Tag!
- PHOTOS - JULY 2014 - Alaska/Yukon with the Martin Family
Two weeks in Alaska and Yukon with the Martin Family (10 people) from Pennsylvania.
- PHOTOS - JUNE 2014 - Europe with the White Family
My third trip with the White family and grandkids. This time Bill is staying home and Charlotte is joined by Kyra, Jeff, Hez, Kelsey, Emma and Ezra. Two weeks through Germany, the Netherlands, France, and finishing up with 3 nights in a big chalet house in the Swiss Alps!
- PHOTOS - MAY 2014 - Isings Travel: California
An Isings Travel tour with 22 people from various retirement communities, exploring highlights of central California. Two nights in Napa, two nights at the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite, 2 nights in Pismo Beach with a day trip to Santa Barbara and Solvang, 2 nights in Monterey, and ending up with 2 nights in San Francisco.
- BLOG - MAY 2014 - Machu Picchu and PERU Highlights
Ten people explore Peru from Lima to Arequipa and Colca Canyon, to Lake Titicaca, Cusco, and Machu Pichu. Peru is an amazing country with great diversity, and of course, Machu Pichu is one of the archaeological Wonders of the World!.
- PHOTOS - APRIL 2014 - Isings Travel: Washington DC and Virgnia
An Isings Travel tour with 20 people from various retirement communities. Three nights in Washington DC and two nights in Colonial Williamsburg highlight the history and culture of our nation.
- BLOG - APRIL 2014 - EFree to Israel, Palestine, and Jordan
A group from EFree Bozeman (and a few others) takes a 2-week trip to Israel, Palestine, and Jordan. Jerusalem, Bethlehem, the Dead Sea, Sea of Galilee, and Petra are just a few of the highlights. Use this link to follow along on an amazing journey.
- PHOTOS - FEBRUARY 2014 - Thailand, Malaysia, & Singapore
Two weeks in Southeast Asia with my friend Rod Hazard, who celebrated his 60th birthday on the beaches and islands of Thailand. We started with 3 nights at the Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok(!) and continued to southwest Thailand for some beautiful beaches and mountains. Then down to Penang in Malaysia and working our way slowly south to Singapore. I think this is what people call vacation - just enjoying an area without taking a bunch of other people around showing them things!
- FOTOS - NOVEMBER 2013 - Sued Afrika / South Africa
Eine Tier- und Naturreise durch Sued Afrika mit sechs Schweizern und einer Amerikanerin. A Safari and Nature Trip through South Africa with six Swiss and one American.
- FOTOS - OKTOBER 2013 - Mit 'Swiss Ladies' unterwegs im WILDEN WESTEN!
Zwei Wochen in den besten National Parks..... doch ist die US Behoerde momentan 'ausser Betrieb' und wir muessen die Reise aendern! Yellowstone und Tetons fallen aus, aber der Bundesstaat Utah oeffnet selber ihre Parks. Wunderbar! So duerfen wir nach Salt Lake City die Reise wie geplannt fortsetzen. Yuhuuuu!
- PHOTOS - SEPTEMBER 2013 - MYW California
My last MYW tour with Leon & Nancy Stauffer. 12 days roundtrip San Francisco through the highlights of central California - Monterey, Hearst Castle, Pacific Coast Highway, Central Valley, Sequoia National Park, Death Valley, and Yosemite.
- PHOTOS - SEPTEMBER 2013 - Southwest Hiking Tour
Really my favorite area in the world to do a tour. Mostly southern Utah, but roundtrip Las Vegas and a little northern Arizona thrown in. Great National Parks, the Escalante and Lake Powell. This is one of the most extraordinary natural areas on the planet! The weather added some real fireworks and adventure to this trip! The heaviest and most extensive rains they've seen in this area changed our plans and treated us to flash floods, sudden waterfalls, and impassable roads. BUT, it didn't stop us! We won permits to the Wave and enjoyed a wonderful day there. Rain on the way out caused the whole area to turn into cascades. Our 'dry wash' turned into a raging torrent and we had to wade across it! The road was washed out, but we barreled through and made it out! Antelope Canyon had been closed by water for a couple days, but was open for a few hours on my birthday, just long enough for us to tour the canyon. A tour highlight and a 'first' for me, was the drive up over Hell's Backbone out of Escalante. Fantastic views of Box Death Hollow, and beautiful alpine scenery! We seemed to always be in just the right place at the right time. Adventure, adventure, adventure - the group will never forget this trip!
- PHOTOS - AUGUST 2013 - Isings Travel, Canadian Rockies
24 of us explored the Canadian Rockies - Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise & Yoho for 8 days. The long flight to Calgary from Florida and other east coast cities was rewarded with the spectacular Rocky Mountains.
- PHOTOS - JULY 2013 - Gingerich Family SW
A week through Colorado and southern Utah with the Gingerich Family from Illinois. Spectacular mountains and amazing canyons. Long days, but rewarding sights!
- PHOTOS - JUNE 2013 - MYW Rockies
MYW's classic tour of the West, including the Black Hills, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Banff & Jasper National Parks in Canada, and Glacier National Park in Montana. New MYW hosts Joyce & Joe at the helm and Doug in the driver's seat, as we explore these amazing destinations in US and Canada.
- PHOTOS - MAY 2013 - Canyonlands with Isings Travel
Our third "Canyonlands Tour" with Isings Travel, this time with 25 residents of various retirement communities from Florida to Connecticut. The tour started in Phoenix and includes a Pink Jeep tour in Sedona, the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Lake Powell, Zion National Park and Bryce National Park. Beautiful weather and blue sky make for nice photos!
- PHOTOS - MARCH 2013 - Southwest US Hiking tour
This is the "Welcome Back to Travel, Doris" tour! Just Doris Gnagey, Ruth Mark, and I doing a leisurely hiking tour in Southern Utah, joined by Kathy Aaron for a few days. From Palm Springs, California up into Southern Utah to the canyons of the Escalante and the Lake Powell region.
- BLOG - FEBRUARY 2013 - Enchanting Egypt and Legends of the Nile
26 of us embark on an adventure in Egypt. A Nile River cruise from Luxor to Aswan, followed by 4 nights in the Mena House Hotel in Giza (Cairo) right next to the pyramids! 19 of us will continue on to Jordan for Petra and the Dead Sea. Follow along on our journey as we update the blog daily (or almost!).
- PHOTOS - DECEMBER 2012 - Caribbean Christmas Cruise
A warmer Christmas than I normally have! A lovely 2-week cruise in the Caribbean, escorting a group of 25 for Isings Travel. We sailed roundtrip Ft Lauderdale for 2 weeks as far south as Barbados before making our way back north.
- BLOG - NOVEMBER 2012 - Suedafrika
Meine 7. Reise nach RSA und dies Mal mit 8 Schweizern/Schweizerinnen, deswegen der Blog auf deutsch. Wir bestaunen eine unglaubliche Tierwelt, fantastische Landschaften, sowie eine komplizierte und faszinierende Geschichte und Kultur.
- PHOTOS - OKTOBER 2012 - Suedwesten der USA mit Hansruedi & Yvonne Huggler
2 Wochen unterwegs im Suedwesten der USA mit Yvonne und Hansruedi Huggler aus der Schweiz. Las Vegas ist ein verrueckter Anfang, aber dann gehts los in die fantastische National Parks von Utah bis nach Kalifornien. Die Reise kommt in San Francisco zu Ende.
- PHOTOS - OCTOBER 2012 - Isings Travel - Rails & Trails of the Old West
This is a tour I designed for Isings Travel to get to a few places that are not always on the more common tour routes. Beginning with two nights in Salt Lake City, it continues to Moab, Utah for Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, as well as a jetboat ride on the Colorado River. The scenery changes dramatically with the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado where Mesa Verde National Park and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad are the highlights. The tour ends up with a night in Albuquerque with the spectacular Balloon Fiesta early in the morning before the return flights to the east coast.
- PHOTOS - SEPTEMBER 2012 - MYW Peaks, Parks, & Canyons
One of my favorite MYW tours every two years. I join in Denver and we head west to the Rockies and then down to Utah and five fantastic national parks - Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce, & Zion. We continue to the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Mesa Verde, and ride the Durango to Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, before heading back to Colorado Springs.
- PHOTOS - AUGUST 2012 - ITALY Isings Travel
It's hot in Italy in August and this year more than usual! 30 of us embarked on a lovely journey August 4 for 12 days on a leisurely itinerary from the Lake District in the north, down through Florence and the Amalfi Coast, ending in Rome.
- PHOTOS - JULY 2012 - MYW Northwest Tour
A tour of the Northwest US with MYW tours, starting with the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, across to Victoria and southern British Columbia, back down through Washington, Oregon, and Northern California. Great group, great weather, spectacular scenery!
- BLOG - JUNE 2012 - Europe with Nieces and Nephews
Four years ago several of my nieces and nephews decided that when they graduate from high school, they would have Uncle Kent take them to Europe! Now here we are! Starting off with three incredibly spectacular days in the Swiss Alps and Emmental we continued on to Strasbourg, France, through Southern Germany to Salzburg, Austria and back to Switzerland. What a fun bunch of kids!
- PHOTOS - JUNE 2012 - US Southwest with Swiss Group
May 30 to June 11 Peter & Hedy Keller, Otto Kunz, and Pierrette Amstutz from Switzerland joined me in Los Angeles for a tour from San Diego through southern Arizona (hot!) and New Mexico, and then up into Colorado and back to Utah. Saguaro cactus were blooming and forest fires were burning! Great trip through one of my favorite areas.
- PHOTOS - MAY 2012 - Columbia River Paddlewheeler
Following the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, 40 of us in an Isings Travel group flew to Spokane, Washington and then boarded the Queen of the West Paddlewheeler for a week on the Snake and Columbia Rivers clear to the Pacific Ocean!
- PHOTOS - APRIL 2012 - Nashville
A weekend in Nashville with 21 (mostly seniors) from retirement communities from Florida to Connecticut. Lots of music, entertainment, history, mansions, and fun.
- PHOTOS - MARCH 2012 - New Zealand
6 Gals from Oregon on an adventure and nature trip through the North and South Islands of New Zealand.
- BLOG - FEBRUARY 2012 - Fabulous Dubai and Arabian Nights 3
My third trip to Dubai and the Gulf Region was every bit as exciting as the previous two, if not more so! We started our first day with a big sandstorm(!) but made up for it with great weather and visibility later. We were again warmly welcomed everywhere we went and a new highlight was taking the elevator to the 124th floor observation platform of the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa! Five of us then followed up the trip with an extension to Jordan for Petra and the Dead Sea. I'm ready to go again!! Come to think of it, I think I'll do it again in two years - Come along!
- BLOG - JANUARY 2012 - Magnificent South America
Though I've been to South America numerous times by ship, this was the first major tour I organized to this area. 19 of us flew to Sao Paulo, Brazil and then took a 7-day cruise to Punta del Este and Montevideo in Uruguay, and also to Buenos Aires in Argentina. After the cruise we flew to Iguassu Falls for 2 nights in the spectacular Orient Express Hotel das Cataratas, right on the brink of the falls on the Brazilian side. From there we continued to Rio de Janeiro to finish our tour with 2 nights on Copacabana Beach. Check out the blog! After the tour, three of us spent a few days in Peru as well to visit Machu Pichu. It exceeded expectations! On the South America blog is a link to the separate Machu Pichu blog.
- BLOG - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 - Wonderful South Africa 5
My 2nd tour to South Africa this year and 5th overall. This one featured six women - all with Montana connections: Carol and Ellen from Kalispell, as well as my four cousins, the 'Davis sisters', Shirley, Joyce, Maxine & Leora. It wouldn't really matter where you traveled with this bunch, it would be entertaining, but South Africa is extra special! Check out the blog!
- BLOG - NOVEMBER 2011 - Wonderful South Africa 4
My 4th tour to South Africa with several friends from previous tours and cruises: Babs, John, Libby, Chris, Barbara, Mandi, and Ruth. A fantastic trip to an amazing country. Check out the blog!
- PHOTOS - OCTOBER 2011 - MYW Balloons & Cactus
Mennonite-Your-Way's 'Balloons & Cactus' tour highlights well-known wonders as well as secrets of New Mexico and Arizona, with the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta a special emphasis.
- PHOTOS - SEPTEMBER 2011 - Egypt
94-year-old Armina Marra asked me to take her to Egypt to see the Aswan Dam and the Library in Alexandria. So, along with Ruth Mark we took a Nile River cruise and saw those attractions as well as the pyramids and sphinx. We could not have been welcomed more warmly by the Egyptian people. It's a shame so many Americans are afraid to go - there couldn't be a better time to visit!
- PHOTOS - SEPTEMBER 2011 - Isings Travel: Coastal Maine
In September 2011 I escorted a group of 13 for Isings Travel on a short tour to a couple resorts on the coast of Maine. Lighthouses, rocky coast, trolley tours, bay cruises and Acadia National Park.
- PHOTOS - AUGUST 2011 - Isings Travel: Cruise around England, Ireland & Scotland
In August 2011 I escorted a group of 35 for Isings Travel on a 2-week cruise around England, Ireland, and Scotland. Cool, mostly cloudy weather was just perfect for the area with almost no rain. We ended with a night in the Grosvenor Hotel in London and a city tour.
- PHOTOS - JULY 2011 - Isings Travel: Black Hills, Yellowstone/Tetons, Glacier
Black Hills to Yellowstone/Tetons and on up to Glacier National Park with 23 people from several retirement communities from Florida to Connecticut. It's a bit more leisurely than some trips with great highlights from some of our most famous national parks and monuments.
- PHOTOS - JUNE 2011 - MYW Rockies
Another Rockies tour with Mennonite Your Way. The coach started in Pennsylvania, but I joined the tour in Rapid City, South Dakota for two weeks through to Glendive, Montana. The entire region suffered cold, wet weather for months prior to the tour, but it cleared just in time for our trip. Black Hills, Yellowstone, Tetons, Canadian Rockies, and Glacier National Park.
- PHOTOS - MAY/JUNE 2011 - Southwest US
I took a small group from Switzerland on a tour through the southwest and on up to Yellowstone Park and Bozeman. The incredible sights in the parks and monuments were overwhelming. Truly an unforgettable trip!
- PHOTOS - MAY 2011 - Switzerland
Our long-time Swiss friend Abraham Gerber turned 80 in May and I joined them for a week to celebrate. Lots of family and friends gathered on Sunday and then for two days, Abraham, Anny, Rod Hazard, and I toured the Alps. A highlight was the narcissus meadows above Seewis in Southeast Switzerland - thousands of the flowers dotted the mountainsides. A prennial favorite, Rosenlaui, was displayed with bright sunshine and blue skies!
- PHOTOS - MAY 2011 - Virginia Gardens and Plantations
A lovely visit to Virginia's Gardens and Plantations with residents of John Knox Village and Shell Point. Highlights included Monticello, Berkeley Plantation, Shirley Plantation, and Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. The weather was perfect and the flowers and trees delightful.
- PHOTOS - NOVEMBER 2010 - Wonderful South Africa 2
Two tours back-to-back through the wonders of South Africa. The first week focuses heavily on animals and the following week on the landscapes and seascapes of the magnificent Garden Route, the Cape Peninsula and Cape Town.
- PHOTOS - OCTOBER 2010 - Balloons and Pueblos
Twenty people from retirement communities "back east" joined me for 6 days in New Mexico. We started with Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque and continued to Santa Fe and Taos before flying back out of Albuquerque. Blue skies and pleasant temps helped make it a memorable trip.
- PHOTOS - SEPTEMBER 2010 - MYW Peaks, Parks, & Canyons
Every two years end of September MYW offers their Peaks, Parks, & Canyons tour through the incredible park areas of Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. I join the group in Denver and we head for the Rockies and the fantastic parks of Utah before visiting Grand Canyon and heading back east toward Colorado Springs.
- PHOTOS - AUGUST 2010 - Yellowstone / Tetons with Swiss Family
Animals! Animals! Animals! Armin, Dominique and Thomas Kunz-Westerhoff from Geneva, Switzerland spent several days with me in Yellowstone and Teton National Parks. Animals were the highlight! We saw Bison, Antelope, Black Bear, Grizzly Bear (with 3 cubs), Elk and a Bull Elk, Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Wolves, and Coyotes, as well as a Golden Eagle, Osprey, Swans and Ravens.
- PHOTOS - JULY 2010 - Glacier and Canadian Rockies with ACTS retirees
July 23 I flew to Philadelphia to collect retirees from various communities and fly them back to Montana to begin our trip. 2 nights in Whitefish for Glacier, then into Canada to Kootenay National Park, Chateau Lake Louise, Columbia Icefields, Jasper and Banff.
- PHOTOS - JULY 2010 - Amish in Utah & Colorado
A quick trip with 9 Amish gals from Illinois through eastern Utah and southwest Colorado. We started with 3 nights in a condo in Moab and did Arches, Canyonlands, Rafting on the Colorado, and the La Sal Mountains. On through Natural Bridges, Moki Dugway & Muley Point, and Monument Valley, to Mesa Verde, Durango, Silverton and back to Colorado Springs. My "Purple People" often dressed alike in purple dresses! Sorry, no pics.
- PHOTOS - JUNE 2010 - MYW Europe
Two weeks with Mennonite-Your-Way in Europe, including the Oberammergau Passion Play. We started with two days of steady rain in Zurich, Switzerland and ended with 3 beautiful days in the Swiss Alps and Emmental. In between were Strasbourg, France; Germany; Austria; and of course the passion play. This was more work and stress than any tour I've ever done, but it ended up being a great trip with a happy group!
- PHOTOS - JUNE 2010 - Washington DC with the White Family
An exciting week exploring Washington DC with Bill & Charlotte White and their 3 grandchildren - Hez, Kelsey and Emma.
- PHOTOS - MAY 2010 - John Knox Village and Shell Point in the Southwest
Members of John Knox Village and Shell Point enjoy near perfect weather in the canyons and mountains of the southwest, from Phoenix to Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and Lake Powell, through Zion and Bryce to Las Vegas.
- PHOTOS - MAY 2010 - Southwest X 2
Two tours back to back in the Southwest. The first week I did a hiking tour roundtrip Las Vegas with the PEP girls - that stands for Park Employees in Pink. That's because we started the tour in Zion in a BLIZZARD(!) and the girls bought matching pink jackets and people thought they were park employees! We had good weather in the afternoon for hiking though and after continued cold in Bryce the weather improved for a wonderful week.
- PHOTOS - MARCH/APRIL 2010 - Mom's Kitchen Project!
OK, it's more than a kitchen project. It ended up a nearly total makeover of the living room, dining room, and kitchen! A major transformation.
- PHOTOS - February 2010 - Fabulous Dubai and Arabian Nights
The 2nd Annual tour/cruise to Dubai and the Gulf States was again a great success. A really fun group enjoyed each other and the wonderful sights of this colorful region. We topped it off the last day with High Tea at the 7-Star Burj al Arab Hotel. Wow! After the rest of the group went home Mother, Armina, Gaylene, Roger and I flew to Amman, Jordan and were joined by Kermit Kauffman for 3 days touring Petra and the Dead Sea. What a delightful addition! Mother said Petra was one of the highlights of her life. Next February will be the "3rd Annual Fabulous Dubai and Arabian Nights and the Petra extension will definitely be offered to anyone interested.
- PHOTOS - November 2009 - South Africa
I have never put 200 photos on a photos site before, but our Wonderful South Africa tour demanded it. It's hard to believe how much we saw - from the Big 5 plus giraffes, zebras and impalas, to great Landscapes, the Garden Route, Flowers, Seascapes, Cape Town, Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula. This was an extraordinary trip for all!
- PHOTOS - October 2009 - JKV Colorado / New Mexico Tour
Thirteen Ladies and one Man went with me on a tour of lesser-known areas from Colorado Springs through New Mexico to El Paso, Texas. It was unusually cool for the time of year, and the altitude affected people, but we had bright blue skies for most of the trip. Highlights were Pikes Peak, Cumbres & Toltec Railroad, Santa Fe, Tent Rocks National Monument, White Sands National Monument and Carlstbad Caverns. We ended with a farewell dinner at Cattleman's Steakhouse at Indian Cliffs Ranch.
- PHOTOS - September 2009 - MYW Rockies Tour
The MYW Rockies tour is normally in June, but this year took place in September. We were blessed with extraordinarily good weather for this time of year, every day of the tour! Blue sky and warm temperatures made it a stunningly beautiful trip from the Black Hills through Yellowstone and up to the northern Rockies.
- PHOTOS - July 2009 - Kunz Family in the West
Otto Kunz from Switzerland brought his 3 young grandchildren, James, Victoria, & Stephen, for a tour of the Yellowstone area and then California. Great kids to travel with and we had beaucoup de fun!
- PHOTOS - June 2009 - JKV and Shell Point Rockies
Sixteen Florida retirees from John Knox Village and Shell Point toured the Canadian Rockies with me. From Calgary we went to Banff and Chateau Lake Louise, Yoho National Park, Icefields Parkway, and the Athabasca Glacier. In Jasper we 'hiked' Maligne Canyon and cruised Maligne Lake. In spite of dire forecasts of clouds and heavy rain, we had quite pleasant weather and also saw 5 bears, 2 Bull Elk, 2 Bighorn Rams, and a family of Mountain Goats. From Jasper we rode the Rocky Mountaineer 2 days to Vancouver where we enjoyed 2 nights at the beautiful Fairmont Waterfront.
- PHOTOS - May 2009 - ACTS Canyonlands
Thirteen seniors from a variety of ACTS retirement communities in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Florida came with me for 9 days in the southwest. From Phoenix to Sedona and Grand Canyon, on to Monument Valley and Lake Powell, then Bryce and Zion before ending up in Las Vegas. A delightful group was overwhelmed by the scenic magic every day!
- PHOTOS - April 2009 - Holland, Germany, Switzerland
A quick trip through Germany's Castle Region to Holland with Abraham & Anny Gerber and Anny Zoss to see the tulip fields and the dikes.
- PHOTOS - March 2009 Winter in Yellowstone
It was cold and clear for a few days for our "Winter in Yellowstone" tour. Doris and Willie came up from California to see the sights and lots and lots of animals. We saw 6 wolves (through binoculars) and then watched a grizzly walk across the road in front of us! Countless bison, elk, deer, antelope, coyotes, 17 trumpeter swans and a couple bald eagles rounded out the wildlife.
- PHOTOS - February 2009 Best of DUBAI
I organized a trip for 25 people to Dubai for a couple nights in a 5-star hotel and a 7-night cruise to Muscat, Oman; Fujairah, UAE; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and Bahrain. Truly fabulous! We had fantastic adventures, but the highlight was the warm welcome we received from everyone we met. It was by far the biggest venture I've undertaken alone, but it was a great success. It was such a good experience I'm going to offer it again in 2010.
- PHOTOS - October 2008 Northeast USA
Karl & Ursula Heese and I started off in Boston for a visit to Cape Cod and Providence, then dined on lobstuh and steak at Rod's place in Maine. Vibrant fall color in New Hampshire and a wintery trip to the top of Mt Washington. Vermont and the lovely Adirondack Mountains of New York. Lancaster County Pennsylvania's Amish country was undoubtedly the highlight, and we concluded with Skyline Drive in Virginia, Colonial Williamsburg, and a scenic drive back up the east coast to Boston.
- PHOTOS - September 2008 MYW Peaks Parks & Canyons
The best bus tour of the western parks you can find. Highlights of the national parks and a few secrets. Leon & Nancy always organize a great tour and take me along as 'parks guide'!
- PHOTOS - August/September 2008 Eastern Europe
Stunning Swiss Alps, Castles and Palaces, Culture and History highlighted our small group tour to Switzerland, Salzburg, Vienna, Budapest, Cracow, and Prague.
- PHOTOS - August 2008 JKV Maritimes
My 'Ladies in their Eighties' headed northeast from Florida to New England and the Maritime Provinces of Canada. Acadia National Park, the Cabot Trail, and Prince Edward Island were highlights. And of course, the lobstuh!
- PHOTOS - April 2008 Southwest and
PHOTOS - March 2008 Enchanted SouthwestTwo similar tours in the spring of 2008 featured cactus blossoms and lesser known areas. Organ Pipe National Monument, Chiricahua, Coronado Trail, the Catwalk, Gila Cliff Dwellings, White Sands, Cloudcroft, Tent Rocks, were just the beginning. Southern Utah and Death Valley rounded out the two tours.
- PHOTOS - December 2007 Italy
Italy in December with a family of 13 is different from my average tour. The White family was blessed with safety, good weather, and delightful children for ten days over Christmas in Venice, Florence, Tuscany, and Rome.
- PHOTOS - October 2007 MYW Cactus and Balloons
A new Mennonite-Your-Way tour started with Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque. Visits to Acoma Sky Pueblo, Canyon de Chelly, and Petrified Forest filled our route to Grand Canyon, from where we headed south to Saguaro NP, Tucson, and Chircahua before returning east to White Sands, El Paso and Carlsbad Caverns.
- PHOTOS - September 2007 Southwest
There is no place I would rather take a small group than to Southern Utah. Doug Gerlach and friends joined me for hiking, climbing, exploring, and picnicking in some of the most spectacular natural areas God created on this earth. We had to take our chances with permits for the WAVE, but lucked out in the end for a terrific climax to the tour.
- PHOTOS - August 2007 Alaska and Yukon
My favorite tour ever to Alaska and Yukon. Two nights in Dawson City, Yukon allowed us to enjoy brilliant fall color in the tundra, as well as the Top of the World Highway. We spotted an inordinate number of animals during our safari day in Denali NP and concluded the tour with a glacier cruise out of Whittier and beluga whales in Turnagain Arm.
- PHOTOS - July 2007 JKV Northwest
My 'Ladies in their Eighties' started in Seattle and toured Mt Rainier NP, North Cascades NP, Puget Sound, Victoria, and the rain forest of Olympic NP. Uncharacteristic gray weather for July, but we had a great time anyway.
- PHOTOS - May 2007 Switzerland
Lynn, Leona and Matthew Miller, my Amish friends from Illinois, took the QE2 to Europe and I took them around Switzerland for over a week, seeing springtime in all its glory. Majestic Alps, idyllic countryside, history and culture.
- PHOTOS - 2007 Queen Mary 2 World Cruise
Around the world in 80 days on one of the grandest ships ever built... and I got to live in a suite and dine in the Queens Grill! Fabulous. South America, South Pacific, Asia, India, Mediterranean.
- PHOTOS - September 2006 MYW Peaks Parks & Canyons
Our biennial MYW Tour to the southwest. If it weren't so spectacular it would be almost boring to have so much good weather and so many spectacular photos every time!
- PHOTOS - June 2006 JKV Utah & Colorado
My 'Ladies in their Eighties' were off on another adventure through Utah and Colorado from Zion and Bryce to Goblin Valley and Moab for a cruise on the Colorado River. Mesa Verde, a train ride and a jeep ride, concluding in Aspen and Rocky Mountain National Park.
- PHOTOS - May 2006 Cousins' Cruise to Alaska
Thirty of us cruised to the great white north on Holland America's Westerdam. Mother, Aunt Jessie, Uncle Jim and Aunt Belle, 'Uncle' Bud and Wayne, numerous cousins and friends enjoyed seven fantastic days of sightseeing and visiting.
- PHOTOS - October 2005 JKV Southwest
Balloon Fiesta with my 'Ladies in their Eighties!' We enjoyed a couple nights in Santa Fe and a visit to Taos Pueblo and Acoma Sky Pueblo. On west through El Malpais, El Morro, Petrified Forest, Sedona, Joshua Tree, Palm Springs and San Diego.
- PHOTOS - September 2005 MYW Northwest
Leon & Nancy Stauffer led another great tour in the Pacific Northwest. Unusually good weather made it a trip to remember, from bright sunshine on the coast to snow in Crater Lake!
- PHOTOS - August & September 2005 Western Parks
I conducted two similar small group tours through my favorite areas between Yellowstone and Las Vegas in late summer and had a spectacular time on both trips. These photos are representative of both tours. Great photos!
- PHOTOS - May 2005 Canyons and Deserts
The first two weeks of May I had a tour in the Southwest with an Amish family from Illinois. My mother joined for part of the tour. It was cool and cloudy most of the tour. During the second two weeks I hosted a small group from Switzerland. The weather was blistering hot and sunny. I've combined photos from the two tours on this site
- PHOTOS - 2005 Voyager World Cruise
The World Cruise tradition continues on the 2005 World Cruise of the RSSC Voyager. Kathy Aaron joined me as co-host from Los Angeles to Auckland and then Rod Hazard hosted with me Auckland to Sydney. My old regular, Svein Johnsen, rejoined in Sydney for the remainder of the cruise back to Ft Lauderdale, Florida April 23.
- PHOTOS - October 2004 John Knox Village West Coast
In October I took 17 Senior Citizens from John Knox Village in Florida on a tour of the West Coast. Mt. St. Helens was spitting and steaming. We had gorgeous weather for the Oregon coast and Crater Lake. We eluded rain in the Redwoods and got to Yosemite just after the biggest storm in decades, with snow accentuating the grandeur of the park. We concluded with Monterey and San Francisco.
- PHOTOS - August 2004 Alaska
Unusually good weather accompanied our small group to Alaska and Yukon. Bears, glaciers, eagles, sunsets, wilderness, and the famous Inside Passage dazzled us for two weeks.
- PHOTOS - July 2004 Kauffman Family Reunion
In early July we enjoyed a Kauffman family reunion in Idaho. We only had about 45 people in attendance, but those there had a great time.
- PHOTOS - June 2004 Maritimes with Karl & Ursula
In June I took Karl & Ursula Heese from Germany on a 2 1/2 week tour through New England and the Canadian Maritimes. Newfoundland was the highlight with fantastic icebergs. The incredible tide fluctuations of the Bay of Fundy fascinated us as well.
- PHOTOS - June 2004 Cousins' WAVE Tour
After an incredible adventure tour in October 2003 to the Wave I took cousins Ken, Shirley and Chloe, sister Vaughn, and friend Bob to Southern Utah. Amazing photos of the WAVE, Antelope Canyon, Goblin Valley, Kodachrome Basin, Little Wildhorse Canyon, Spooky and Peekaboo Gulch, and the Escalante.
- PHOTOS - May 2004 US Southwest
Tour photos from Southern California and Arizona. Six Swiss enjoyed a diverse tour through some spectacular natural areas. Sequoias and redwoods, deserts and canyons, Death Valley and Pacific Coast... and of course all with perfect weather!
- PHOTOS - 2004 Voyager World Cruise
- From January 10 to April 13, 2004 Svein Johnsen and I hosted the Virtuoso group on board the Radisson Seven Seas Voyager for the Full World Cruise. South Pacific - Australia - New Zealand - The Orient.....
- PHOTOS - October 2003 Secret Southwest
- In October 2003 I took five friends to explore the hidden secrets of Southern Utah's canyon country. Goblin Valley was a big surprise and we scrambled all over hidden slot canyons as well. The week culminated with the absolutely awesome
