Tracy's Travels with Personalized Tours

ANOTHER MONDAY...

2012-01-23T10:22:00.001-08:00

It seems the weekends always go by so fast but especially when you spend Saturday "working". LOL Not sure most people would consider spending a great day at the Fireside Theater in Fort Atkinson working, but since that is what I do...I technically was "working". The Fireside's group leader appreciation day was last Saturday and Joy, Gloria, Jim and I had the privilege of a marvelous time dining and previewing "Viva Vegas". WOW!! It was fabulous. The band was spectacular as usual and the songs a great trip down memory lane. So if you haven't booked Feb 9th will us yet, do so quickly. Time and space are running out!

Back to work and this time I don't mean dining and entertainment.

Tracy

IT'S FRIGHTFUL OUTSIDE!

2012-01-19T05:58:00.000-08:00

Brrr, I am chilled to the bone. I guess our "winter" has finally arrived! Not that I missed it, but did we really think we'd get through January as nicely as we did December? Not in Wisconsin. It's a day like today that working on a Palm Springs or a New Orleans tour is somewhat comforting:) Well I guess I'll turn up the heat and be thankful I don't have a job outside. Doesn't the warmth and comfort of the inside of a motorcoach sound tempting right now....we can change your scenery with just a call.

Stay warm -

Tracy

ABA - AMERCIAN BUS ASSOCIATION

2012-01-12T05:49:00.000-08:00

Gloria and I are back from Dallas, TX and our annual ABA convention. The month of January in this industry can be just like January in the private world - dreary, gloomy, and depressing. With the help of ABA and the 3500 members that attended this year, its a helpful tool in regrouping after a busy year and making new acquaintances for hopefully a successful upcoming year. With the economy still very sluggish in tour and travel, we gather with other tour companies, businesses, and destinations feeding off each other's positive outlook and hopeful attitude. We had a great time and look forward to a wonderful 2012 with new destinations, better venues, and improved products.

Now I must get busy putting all the ideas together and developing the perfect tour that is "planned with YOU in mind". Working on Palm Springs won't be hard as we are predicted to get 4-6" of snow today...

Tracy

HAPPY 2012!

2012-01-04T06:18:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!! Yes I am still plugging away here in Waldo, WI. I know some of you have expressed concern due to the lengthy absence of my blogs, but that is just "me being me". In the course of any given day the order of importance is highly recommended in this industry and blogging comes in near or at the bottom along with taking time for lunch...but I am back thanks to my wonderful "technical" soulmate!

Hope everyone had a Very Merry Christmas and a great time ringing in the New Year...with all the hustle and bustle of the holidays over, we are now settling down into our office routine of planning some fantastic destinations so watch our website for details.

I am excited to be heading to Grapevine, Texas for our annual American Bus Association (ABA) convention. New ideas and a great way to get enthused about the tour and travel industry. As my favorite quote reads, "The world is a book, and those who do not travel only read a page" - St Augustine. If I do my job well, we will be creating alot of travel memories together in the future.

Back to work for me...

Tracy

440 GETS A FACELIFT!

2011-03-02T12:37:00.000-08:00

The newest addition to our fleet #440 (which is a used coach that we purchased in September, 2010) is getting a whole new interior today. New fabric and foam on all the seats. The crew from Sardo's Bus Upholstery out of Florida came rolling in around noon today and the four guys have been busy ever since. I love the smell of new vehicles...boy does it look nice...ready to roll by the weekend.

Tracy

HOME SWEET HOME!

2011-02-07T06:45:00.000-08:00

Our group arrived home safely Thursday, February 3rd after approximately 30 hours of travel...but we all agreed it was worth every minute and every penny! I don't even know how or where to begin to describe our Plains of Africa tour. As Judy A said, "you have to see it to believe it" and I must agree totally. I will be posting my photos soon (after I take time to go through them, since I have over 1000 total). We saw every animal possible, the weather was fabulous, and NO ONE GOT SICK (including me!). Now that is a successful 16 day tour!

We will be offering another African Safari next January so if you are interested in learning more please stop in and see me...you will be glad you added it to your bucket list. And this one you need to do while you are able to enjoy a very adventurous jeep safari...

Tracy

LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE

2011-01-26T11:14:00.001-08:00

Wow the last 8 days have been surreal. We are half way through our Plains of Africa tour and I can't believe all that we have seen. We are only missing 1 of the BIG 5 and that is the Rhino...otherwise we've had plenty of sightings of the leopard, elephant, buffalo, and lion. Hopefully tomorrow the Rhino will be in our sights. We've seen so many giraffes that we don't even get our cameras out anymore...today someone in the safari jeep compared it to us with deer.

We have done 5 game drives with 4 yet remaining. Several local tribes have entertained us and made arts and crafts for us and the scenery has ran the gammit from poor huts to 5 star hotels. A very different culture with unique customs. This is definitely a trip of a lifetime!

Looking forward to the second half of our trip!!

Tracy

AFRICA - HERE WE COME!

2011-01-18T14:45:00.000-08:00

Well the voicemail is changed, the email is being answered by the auto office assistant, and my bags are packed! Our group is getting VERY excited (even though dreading the 24 hour travel day tomorrow) and we can't wait for our African Safari...

I won't be posting due to the extreme remote area we are traveling to but you can plan on hearing from me when I return on February 4th! Have a great January and stay warm...I know we will:)

Tracy

JUST IN TIME!

2011-01-17T07:28:00.000-08:00

As I look out my office window guess what? YES, it's snowing, blowing and getting VERY cold the next few days. Guess our trip to Africa couldn't have been planned for a better time...we depart Wednesday for a trip-of-a-lifetime and now that my shots are over, clothes are packed, and desk is getting organized, I AM SO READY! Looking at the information, we will experience 75 to 80 degree weather during our two week stay which is a welcomed thought.

Lots to do the next two days to get ready so everyone stay warm and we'll chat when I return.

Tracy

SNOW SNOW GO AWAY!

2011-01-05T14:02:00.000-08:00

The office is very quiet today. Helen and Joy are on a "office shutdown" and won't be back in until next week so it's just Lindsay and myself plugging away. This time of the year the phones are always quiet which makes us nervous. As I finish up my year-end books and get ready for this year...I happen to look outside and it's snowing pretty good...well it is January I guess but it makes me look forward to departing for Africa in two weeks. With all the shots taken care of...yuck! the next hurdle will be packing for our 16-day adventure. Well time to get back to work so more later...

Tracy

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2011-01-03T13:12:00.000-08:00

I sure hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and the start of a fabulous New Year! I am back in the office trying to get motivated again after some needed time off. The whole family was home for the holidays this year and it was amazing. With parents wanting to go where it is warm, siblings living distances apart, and children on their own, it is an occurance that doesn't happen very often and may not for some time to come.

2011 will again be a busy year for Personalized Tours & Coaches starting with a 16-day tour to Africa in a couple of weeks...I'm getting excited so watch for posts and pictures at a later date...we are doing 9 game drives so access to computers will be limited.

Well back to work...have a great week!

Tracy

A GREAT DAY

2010-10-03T17:51:00.000-07:00

Vermont is spectacular! We visited everything from the Rock of Ages granite quarry, the resort town of Stowe for lunch at the Von Trapp Family Lodge (delicious I might add) to a gondola ride up the mountain during peak color....Emily's covered bridge was our photo op enroute to Lake Morey and our Inn for the night. The height of our coach is 12'4" and the bridge clearance is 8'6" but our crazy group tried to convince Jim that if he got a running start we could be the FIRST and LAST coach to cross the bridge! I am so glad HE is driving and NOT them.

Another beautiful sunny day in New England. This group even asked our local guide if Jim could put the Packer game on the radio for the last 2 minutes...unreal! They won out...only Packer Fans!!

Well, I am going to turn in early (9:30p) because a group of us are meeting in the lobby at 5:00a to enjoy a 5 mile walk around the lake before breakfast and departure. It helps ease the pain of all the food we've been eating...and interesting and informative day - a successful day!

Tracy

TRACY'S FAVORITE

2010-10-03T04:43:00.000-07:00

Everyone that knows me, knows that Fall is my favorite time of year - (to travel). And the New England states are my favorite place to do that! With the crisp air you can alomost "smell" autumn and you can most definitely "see" mother nature at work. Yesterday was an absolutely fabulous day. We woke to the sun shining brightly and a local guide whose knowledge of Vermont is endless. We visited the Morgan Horse Farm (UVM / University of Vermont Middlebury), Shelburne Vineyards (and yes, Bonnie Heili controlled herself with only 2 cases of wine, not nearly breaking her record of 13), a cruise aboard the Ethan Allen on Lake Champlain, (and NO Champ was not spotted), and a very expensive stop for the women at Dan Forth Pewter...even I did more damage than planned. We ended our full day with a delicious meal at the Countryman's Pleasure where the sauerbraaten was deemed the favorite.

Looking forward to heading north and into Stowe today with lots planned and our weather looks like it will cooperate.

Tracy

EXPLORING VERMONT

2010-10-02T04:25:00.000-07:00

WOW, the last couple of days we have kept busy with getting acquainted (almost too much) and exploring the roads of New York. Corning Glass Museum was a wonderful stop and lots of purchases...but that's not hard for this group. (They started shopping at Cracker Barrel in Elkhart, IN during lunch the first day out). Jim is having to be VERY creative in packing...we have 46 passengers, luggage for a month, and enough food to eat 5 meals a day for EVER!! The sun is shining today and we have entered Vermont - a small but very beautiful state. We will welcome our local guide after breakfast this morning and spend the day exploring...

We "played" my moose game yesterday and laughed so hard that Pat DeGuire cried until she almost wet her pants! Amazing the body parts grown adults put on a moose!

Well gotta go! More later....

Tracy

HEADING TO NEW ENGLAND

2010-09-29T18:49:00.000-07:00

Early morning departure - 5:00AM!! A great group of travelers, 46 in all, ready for two weeks of leaf peeping...the color is really starting to turn along the Ohio turnpike since I was last through here 4 days ago returning from Washington DC. Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire should be at peak and as long as we can avoid the nasty weather heading up the coast from Florida we should be in for a great two weeks.

Everyone has enjoyed dinner, relaxed in the pool, bar, or lounge, and are now heading for a good night's sleep (me included). I love this time of the year...crisp mornings, sunny afternoons, and cool evenings - mother nature at her finest:)

Tracy

SALZBURG, AUSTRIA

2010-09-09T22:29:00.000-07:00

Today we traveled 2 hours to Salzburg for a guided tour of this fabulous city. Christiana, our guide showed us such places as: Mirabell Gardens (seen on the Sound of Music), the quaint Getreidegasse (site of Mozart´s birthplace), and many other highlights. Marcie and I explored the many squares of the "old" city for shopping and sightseeing. Our dinner was in the centuries-old St. Peter´s Restaurant, Austria´s oldest, which may have hosted both Charlemagne and Columbus. An hour spent in the "bier garten" waiting for others in our group made for much laughter. Jim & Kathy Thiel have finally figured out how to enjoy bottles of local wine AND keep the lights from going off in the bathroom. Philip & Mary Kae took two days, but can open and close their door all by themselves. Marcie NO longer hears voices when she goes into the bathroom. WOW what a 5-star hotel with all these extra amenities...

Tracy

MY FAVORITE DAY

2010-09-08T11:46:00.000-07:00

Today we traveled the picturesque highwaýs of Switzerland to the Austrian border and the striking Olympic city of Innsbruck, the Capital of the Tyrol. We made a stop in Leichenstein before crossing the border with NO problem at all. The Austrian officials didn't even ask for our passports...guess we look honest and American. We had a great city tour with a local guide and that was followed by an indepth walking tour. We have walked, climbed stairs, and moved more in the past 4 days than I can remember doing on a tour in a long time. The group is having a great time, and finally found a bar open...so you can imagine a group from Wisconsin trying to teach an Austrian bartender how to make old-fashioned cocktails...wow it was crazy!

Meals have been interesting and good...

Tracy

BUSY BUSY

2010-09-07T22:00:00.000-07:00

Wow what a couple of days we have had...yesterday we spent the day traveling to Lucerne, the Swiss Paradise on the Lake. Weather cooperated nicely as we walked the historic squares with our guide and enjoyed being there on a Tuesday for the farmer's market...some items we didn't know...very interesting. The afternoon was spectacular - we took the cog railway up Mt Pilatus for a fabulous view and returned by way of aerial gondola...not found of heights I even enjoyed the ride.

Dinner was great - we (Marcie Schmitz, Mark and Cheryl Schmitz and myself) ventured to the other side of Engleberg and had a delicious Swiss meal...wine, beer, and great conversation...even tried to convince the waitress to smile - not so much luck there. If Mark's suitcase is a little heavier it may be due to angels...and we found the best way to kîll flies when out and about.

Checking out today and crossing the Austrian border into the town of Innsbruck for the next three nights. Depending on computer access, we'll keep you informed of our travels...

Jet lag is disappearing for most of us today...others have handled it better than some. The elevation has been an issue for a few - but today everyone, me included, feels and looks better.

Getting used to the cheese and meat breakfast is tough for some so croissants have been the favorite on the breakfast buffet.

Tracy

SETTLED IN

2010-09-05T23:10:00.000-07:00

It's been a few years since I was in this part of the world...actually my son Ryan was 14 and next month he turns 26, so several years. Certain things you remember once you arrive like: washcloths are considered a personal item so you are expected to bring your own (like a toothbrush), and showers have a hand-held faucet - which is not desirable if you are like me and enjoy having two hands free...but especially now with a broken wrist it really limits mobility and tests your skills. The keyboards are different also due to the language...the z and y keys are reversed and all the cap locks, and control shift keys are different...something to get used to.

When I got out of the shower my roommate was all bundled up...I was surprised and asked her why - she said the paper said it was going to be 20 degrees - I laughed and converted it for her and said you might be a little warm...it's going to be 70 today! Thank goodness I paid attention during math class when learning the metric system...

Last night my travelers slept well - just wish I could say the same. Three sleepless nights in a row...starting to run on empty. My roommate slept very well and didn't hear our neighbors every cough, sneeze and visit to the bathroom...I kept thinking: "Thank goodness they aren't on their honeymoon."

Well we are off to Bern, the capital for a full day of touring....more later.

Tracy

CONNECTED!

2010-09-05T12:14:00.000-07:00

A great welcome dinner for our group this evening and we all took a short walk to clear our heads for a full day of touring tomorrow. The bed is gonna look wonderful tonight....

Tracy

SWITZERLAND!

2010-09-05T03:34:00.000-07:00

Well we made the long flight across the pond. Not much sleep, full flight and a little rough due to the east coast hurricane winds. Trying to keep the group from napping since their jet lag will be so much worse if they nap before our dinner tonight. Walking around like zombies...but it will be worth it tomorrow after a good night's sleep. Hotel is very nice - centrally located here in the quaint village of Engelberg. We are here for the next 3 nights so it will be nice to unpack and settle in. Weather is fantastic!

Tracy

GUESS WHERE?

2010-08-21T19:50:00.001-07:00

Today we boarded our motorcoach with our annual gang of mystery travelers. We added 6 "new" faces to our passenger list and made our way south along hwy 65. We laughed as we relived the previous 20 years of mystery tours. We checked into the Sheraton in Jeffersonville, IN, dined at King Fish restaurant (the shrimp & whitefish were the winners) and enjoyed a beautiful night of "Broadway on the River" with Louisville, KY as the back drop. No bugs and a warm evening was enjoyed by all. Back at the hotel we turned in after a day of getting reacquainted with friends.

BUSY BUSY

2010-07-27T14:50:00.000-07:00

Today was spent packing and preparing for our annual Brewer tailgate party that we host tomorrow:) Lots of work but thank goodness my nephew, Marco has stepped up and helped out this summer. His twin brother Mario was here for the spring and early summer helping with our lawncare and providing an extra pair of hands in the garage for the guys.

Marco enjoys the office better and doesn't like to get his hands dirty so I reaped the benefits of having him around for the past 6 weeks. He has even played "tour director" on a Sunday Brunch outing and answers our phones from time to time. I will definitely miss him when he goes back in a few weeks. But they both are headed home to Tampa to start their second year at college.

Well, hope the rain holds off tomorrow and the weather cooperates for our party and game..Go Brewers!!

Tracy

HOME SWEET HOME

2010-07-22T07:01:00.000-07:00

Well we arrived safe and sound after a wonderful 15-day tour to the Canadian Rockies. Highlights were the Calgary Stampede, The Bow River Raft trip in Banff, The Columbia Icefields, and Maligne Lake boat cruise near Jasper. Glacier National Park was spectacular...the only time we weren't happy was a 20-minute window during a HORRIBLE hail storm in Wyoming...everyone felt sorry for John's coach:(

Glad to be back to work (well the back part is right - the work part, not so much). Have a great weekend, it sounds like it will be a good one weather wise...

Tracy

HEADING HOME

2010-07-18T06:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we spent a glorious day exploring Montana - a state that most people on the coach haven't been to before. The smoke jumpers (aerial fire fighters) was very interesting and we all enjoyed that stop. In Butte we explored the Berkeley Pit (open mine) and continued through Bozeman and along the scenic route of 93 (191). We arrived in West Yellowstone late afternoon and had a very exciting dinner last night at Bullwinkles. (The owner is from Green Bay, WI)

Eda, Jeff, and I laughed so hard we couldn't finish our dinner...must be the altitude or lack of sleep. The group is getting slap happy and we even laugh at the dropping of the candy basket...

Today we explore Yellowstone National Park and Old Faithful. Looking forward to the scenery, films, and stops along the way. Again the weather is cooperating with sunny skies and 80 degrees but almost NO humidity:)

Our final destination tonight is Cody, Wyoming. Only 3 nights to go....the group is sad to see it end.

Tracy

IT KEEPS GETTING BETTER AND BETTER!

2010-07-16T19:27:00.000-07:00

Our overnight in St Mary Lodge was a real treat. Delicious dinner and great accommodations along the St Mary River. We had an absolutely wonderful day with weather in the 80's and full of sunshine. Our jammer tour (red restored buses) was full of scenery and even a mountain goat sighting:) Glacier National Park is celebrating their 100th year so it was special. A quick (not by choice) lunch and a perfect day to be on the Lake McDonald.

We got all settled in at the hotel in Missoula, MT - had a get together for our group and we laughed til we cried. (And the only beverage was lemonade and milk for our cookies) The jokes got better and better and a lady from another tour group joined us cause we were more fun than her group. (They were out of Salt Lake City and heading back tomorrow).

Finished day #10 with only 5 left to go! Really hate to see this tour end - small group that gets along so well and alot of fun. Oh well I guess I'll just have to sell them another tour!!

Tracy

THE BEST DAY EVER!

2010-07-14T18:00:00.001-07:00

Wow we had a great two-days in Banff with rafting, shopping, dining, and a wonderful dinner theatre - Oh Canada, Eh. Jeff Palo was our "stud muffin" but I can't tell you why...cause "WHAT HAPPENS ON THE BUS STAYS ON THE BUS". Today was the most spectacular scenery ever. We departed Banff at 7:30a and traveled through Banff & Jasper National Parks along the Columbia Parkway. The sun was shining the snow capped mountains were outstanding and we saw lots of elk and even a black bear. Bill & Pat DeGuire were in the front seats and I think between them they took over 200 pictures. It doesn't get any better than this.

We rode the Sno Coaches at the Glacier and arrived in Jasper after several stops at scenic vistas and waterfalls. Looking forward to a nice dinner with the group tonight and another beautiful day tomorrow. Maligne Canyon boat cruise starts our day and then we head down the parkway for a totally different view of the glaciers. Tomorrow night finds us back in the United States with a stay at St Mary lodge in Montana.

Tracy

YEE HAW!

2010-07-11T06:19:00.000-07:00

I have never seen so many cowboy hats and boots in one place as last night at the Stampede.

What a great time we have in store for us today. The weather is comfortable - 68 degrees (about 15 degrees short of my favorite temperature) and we are having a local Calgary guide show us this city during the rodeo's excitement. Brunch in the Clagary Tower with a fabulous view and then it is off to the live rodeo...fairgrounds for great exhibits and delicious Canadian fare. Ya gotta love the entertainment...some said last night's show was the best they had ever seen - WOW!

Tomorrow we pack our bags and head further north to Banff for a two-night stay...so looking forward to the scenery. River rafting, gondola ride and more await us...

ANOTHER GREAT DAY!

2010-07-09T20:09:00.000-07:00

We entered Canada today and visited the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) museum in Regina, SK. A great day with fabulous weather and lots of laughs. Last night we saw the spectacular show in Medora, The Medora Musical with a very funny comedian and very talented cast. We have seen Elk, Mule Deer, Antelope, Buffalo and lots of Prairie Dogs.

Looking forward to heading to Calgary tomorrow for a two night stay with rodeo, stampede, and chuckwagon races....if you haven't been to the Canadian Rockies you sure are missing a great trip...and we just started...

Tracy

Canada Here We Come

2010-07-07T18:01:00.000-07:00

We left Wisconsin in the pouring rain...glad we are heading west. A small but fun group of travelers onboard this tour - all looking forward to some spectacular scenery in the Canadian Rockies. We travel through Minnesota and into Fargo, North Dakota for our first overnight stay. The Hampton Inn welcomes us with wine, beer, and Pat DeGuire supplies the cheese and sausage...yum yum. Rae T enjoys the pool and hot tub, Eda and I are catching up on facebook and my blog, John and Jeff are washing the coach...and others are enjoying the 75 degree weather:) Now time for a walk before heading back to the room for a good night's rest...short night last night.

Tracy

BRANSON WORLD FEST

2010-04-28T06:55:00.000-07:00

Branson in spring - fabulous! Today is 76 degrees and the flowers are in full bloom. Can't understand why we weren't full on this tour... people would rather come down in November (half full already) when the Christmas shows are on. The holiday time is nice but busy busy. This week there are only about 10 motorcoaches in town and the shows are fresh and new. No lines, no waiting. We saw the 12 Irish Tenors yesterday and the Liverpool Legends last night. Great performances from both the Irish and English. Today we sightsee and visit Yakov (Russian) and the Chinese. Excited about Silver Dollar City tommorrow. Heard the best entertainment from around the world is there along with all the different crafts and foods...yea! We have a great group with us having a wonderful time...we'll visit the Stone Hill Winery this afternoon so will lose control of this roudy group.

Tracy

YUCK!

2010-04-24T06:17:00.000-07:00

Another dreery day in Wisconsin...looking out my office window I question why I choose to live in Wisconsin? Then I remember this wonderful job I have that allows me to escape this weather pretty often. I leave for Branson for the World Fest on Monday the 26th and I am really looking forward to spring and Silver Dollar City (filled with music, food, and crafts from all over the world).

Our Thunder Over Louisville tour last weekend was a huge success. Weather great, food, great and even a little excitement at the Three Chimney's breeding barn:)

Tracy

SORRY IT HAS TO END

2010-04-10T04:54:00.000-07:00

Well today is no mystery where we are headed...eventually. Our stay on Jekyll Island has been fantastic. The weather couldn't have been better. The only rain we had was on Thursday and it started after midnight and finished by 6am. The rain brought out all the resurrection fern on the live oak trees and it was beautiful. Georiga (from Georgia) was a gem. She was a wealth of knowledge about anything & everything. We enjoyed boat rides (lot of dolphins), historic forts, homes, and a wonderful array of seafood. Today we will start to make our way back to Jacksonville for our evening flight back home, but not before we make a few unique stops on the way!

Tracy

WHAT A DAY!

2010-04-07T14:48:00.000-07:00

We had a great day today -84 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. Sherry from the hotel greeted us this morning and gave us a wonderful tour of the property. With names like JP Morgan and Vanderbilt you can just imagine the history and luxury Jekyll Island Beachclub Hotel has. Then our local guide (Georgia) met our group and we boarded our coach for an island tour and beach walk. With our feet in the Atlantic ocean we apprecited Georgia's knowledge as a naturalist. The sea turtle center with hospital we visited before time for shopping and relaxing poolside. Dee is thrilled and gave me another 10 for this tour...she loves water and enjoyed the gorgeous outdoor pool. (The first 10 was last year's mystery to Key West). Just finished the tram tour with homes and now the "Burlington" girls are at the poolside bar having liquid refreshments along with the Candlishes who are enjoying a "mudslide" and a "drunken monkey". Life is good!

WE LANDED!

2010-04-07T07:16:00.001-07:00

After a slow start at O'Hare airport with bad lightning and rain we finally departed 45 minutes late. As dad and Jim always say: Avoid the fuss go by bus! A wonderful arrival in Jacksonville, FL. The group was totally surprised since we headed north about 30 miles and entered Georgia. Toured St Marys historic town with a fabulous lunch...the fresh shrimp were the best I've had in a long time. Checked into the Jekyll Island Hotel - the group was thrilled....gotta go!

LEAVING ON A JET PLANE

2010-04-05T19:40:00.000-07:00

Just finishing up some packing before we board our coach in a few hours for the airport...first pickup is 3:00AM!! And you guys complain our coach departures are early. Keep checking to see where our group ends up at the end of each day. It's our annual April Fool's Fly Mystery Tour. Lots of sights and suspense...it was 83 degrees there today. Looking forward to warm, warm, weather.

Tracy

Busy Busy

2010-03-29T08:38:00.000-07:00

Just returned back from our 5 day Irish mystery tour. Went to Dublin...great time with a great group of people. Lots of Irish food, Guinness beer, fiddle music, and step dancing. We learned about the Irish customs: "Wake Me When It's Over" the 3 day wake, "All Saints Preserve Us" the immigrants travels, and we tied in a scavenger hunt, murder mystery, Skelley the leprachaun, candy store, cooking demonstation, and lots of other cool things. Oh by the way it was Dublin, Ohio!!

BACK AT IT

2010-03-01T09:42:00.000-08:00

Well I am finally back in the office...I don't know what is worse; living out of a suitcase for 5 weeks or coming back to the office and logging on to my email accounts and seeing it list 1055 new emails...We had a great trip to the southwest but even better, a wonderful group of people. Laughed over 5,000 miles and really saw so much. This week will be spent getting caught up and hopefully next week getting ahead of the game.

We have a "tour night" next week on Alaska with presentation, discounts and lots of goodies so mark your calendar for March 10th at 6:30p.

Tracy

ALMOST HOME

2010-02-17T05:56:00.000-08:00

Well we are on our downhill swing departing from Oklahoma City today and making our way to Fenton, Missouri for our last night. But first we welcome a ranger at the Oklahoma City National Memorial for a tour of the park and museum dedicated to those who lost their lives in the bombing of '95. What a group of travelers we had... laughed the whole way. Looking forward to having them along again.

Tracy

HEADING TO ARIZONA

2010-01-29T05:15:00.000-08:00

Well, I am trying to get ready to pack my bags and head to the southwest. Hopefully the nasty, cold weather will be through there by the time we reach the Texas state line. That's one of the great advantages of taking your time getting someplace. We will enjoy 5 days of sights and adventure before arriving. If our group was flying down on Sunday we would be arriving to 40 degree temperatures brrrrr! Even though that's warmer than here today at 4 degrees, it's still very cold for Texas and New Mexico. The other advantages are way too many to list. Departures always on time, no bumped passsengers, luggage always arrives delivered to your room, and you don't have to be stripped and body searched before boarding....just to mention a few. I'll be in touch...

Tracy

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2010-01-23T15:18:00.000-08:00

I have been MIA (missing in action). Things have been extremely busy in our office this past two month. Autumn is always crazy but December and January were just as hectic. Gloria, I and Mario (new addition to our coach company cleaning department) have just returned from Washington DC from our annual ABA (American Bus Association) convention. It was great! We finalized all the little details on our "DC in Detail" tour for this September. Plan on joining us...it is filled with new attractions and all the "must see" sights. Getting ready for our travel shows in Fond du Lac and Waldo - hope to see you there!

Southern Charm

2009-10-17T19:21:00.000-07:00

Today we departed Wisconsin for the charming south. With our "sweeties" by our side (today is Sweetest Day) we find alot of familiar faces aboard the coach. Nancy Birkholz impresses the group by knowing everyone's names by lunch today:) WOW! See, traveling with us is like a family reunion...we love our repeat travelers. Dinner was at Mary's Restaurant in Herrin, IL. A fantastic place that even Hal loved. Well it's time to do bed check and make sure my folks are turned in for the night. The ladies are all excited for Graceland tomorrow. Elvis, I hope you are ready for them...

Tracy

Canada Here We Come!

2009-07-28T15:07:00.000-07:00

Today I packed all the goodies for our Nova Scotia tour that departs this Saturday, August 1st. I am getting excited to get on the road and tour the fabulous Maritime Provinces once again. 17 days filled with sunshine, coastline, and NO waistline!! With all the snacks I just packed (thank goodness for Costco) we definitely won't be worried about a pound or two.... But before Saturday we must visit the Fireside tomorrow and the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday (hope last nights whooping won't repeat itself). I made it through the day ALMOST without anyone rubbing in another candle on the birthday cake. Thanks Linda and Barb...you sure know how to make a girl feel OLD. Well gotta go...Jim is planning a nice dinner I'm sure.

Yours in travel

Tracy

Grand Opening!!

2009-07-23T19:43:00.000-07:00

WOW did our travelers come out in full force on June 23rd! The day was a HUGE success even though temperatures climbed into the 90's. Yes, I know that was the first and last day of summer here in Wisconsin. But no complaints about the warm weather...just the fact that we ran out of hot dogs. No way could we predict over 350 of you would come and visit, let alone for lunch. But we managed to feed everyone and the best part of the day was that we pulled off the BIRTHDAY surprise for Gloria. We got the birthday banner hung, grandchildren flown home, and her siblings here on time. What a feat. Jerry Voelker came down from Green Bay and provided our guests with wonderful polka music while several took to the dance floor (or garage floor ) for an afternoon of food, fun, and fellowship. Now that we are settled in our new "home" has provided us with an enormous amount of exposure. Tours are filling up and new people stopping in everyday. Thank you to all our travelers who came out for the celebration and if you couldn't make it, stop in anytime...Monday - Friday 8:30 - 4:30. Call first and we'll put the coffee on!

Your partner in travel,

Tracy

A DAY WITH DAD

2009-05-18T14:53:00.000-07:00

To honor fathers everywhere, we're offering a Father's Day special to our travelers. Dads bring your children and children bring your dads on any summer trip during the months of June, July, or August and receive a $5 per person per day discount on any NEW reservation!! Don't forget to mention this blog when you make your reservation...save money while you make memories with dad:)

Month of May

2009-04-30T15:01:00.000-07:00

Don't forget we have several great one day outings for the Month of May. And if you book two or more you get $3 off each trip! Mary Poppins in Chicago on May 6th still has a few seats, Mother's Day Mystery on May 11th promises to be filled with fun and surprises, Andre Rieu on May 22nd along with a Musical Mystery the same day. Lots of great things so check our website out.

Don't forget our Grand Opening on Tuesday, June 23rd!! Entertainment and refreshments.

Tracy

We are in!!

2009-04-14T11:44:00.000-07:00

Well we are all moved in. The girls and I had our training session on the new phone system yesterday at the new building and we are all set to take your calls. I must admit that the move went pretty smooth with the exception of our loss of internet temporarily. So if you have been emailing me please be patient. I am going to reward someone just for reading my blog. Tomorrow if you call our new number (920) 528.7600 (Wednesday April 15th) and you ask to speak to Tracy if you give me the password EXTENSION 304 and you are the 11th caller, you can claim your prize!! Remember you must speak to Tracy and the password is Extension 304. Don't forget to mark your calendar for our Grand Opening at our new facility on Tuesday, June 23rd from 8:30a - 4:30p (office hours). We look forward to greeting each and every one of our travelers. Well back to work.

Tracy

Yuck

2009-03-31T14:49:00.001-07:00

Boy am I glad we came back from sunny Key West to enjoy the great springtime here in Wisconsin. We left Florida with 82 degree temperatures and today reads about 37 degrees at the office. Boy, I sure hope the sun shines soon. Now that I am back at it we are moving the final boxes to our new location. The "big" move should be complete April 15th with no interruption to you are valued customers.

Wow where did the time go!!

2009-03-28T16:54:00.000-07:00

Sorry,

I have been so busy with all the wonderful attractions we have visited while in the Florida Keys that I haven't had a minute to write. Weather has been great...78 to 82 degrees every day and we've visited the Theatre of the Sea in Islamorada, the Dolphin Research Center in Grassy Key, Key West with all its attractions including the conch train and so much more. Next year you'll have to come along and experience a mystery fly tour!! Ask Evie about the "beans & franks" and Dee about her "new pool friend". A great group filled with laughter and lots of fun!!

March Madness Mystery

2009-03-25T14:46:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have been following our group on our fly mystery trip, we arrived in Fort Lauderdale, FL, yesterday. The weather was absolutely beautiful for our Jungle Cruise last night, and every meal has been finger-lickin' good. Next stop on our warm getaway journey is the Florida Keys. It's 78 degrees with not a cloud in the sky - what's it like in Wisconsin?

Leaving gloomy Wisconsin

2009-03-23T14:01:00.000-07:00

This is why I look forward to getting away on our March Madness Mystery...

Spring has arrived!

2009-03-16T06:40:00.000-07:00

Leave it to your oldest child to remind you to keep up on your blog. Thanks Ryan, at least I know he is reading it while on the road. Most of you know my oldest son Ryan who graduated from UW-Oshkosh a year ago last December and joined our office staff for about 6 months. (You can reference our website and click the staff tab for more information). He was responsible for our website, photo pages, and this, my blog. I really do miss having the young minds in our office - sorry Joy and Helen but between Ryan and Miccah we really were up to date with technology. Ryan is now following in my footsteps (well, sorta) and spending his days traveling the southeastern part of the United States with his new job. His grandma (Gloria) hopes he puts down roots somewhere warm so she can spend winters with him.

The weather is getting nicer and we are excited about our move in date of April 15th. Our grand opening is scheduled for June 23rd so mark your calendars! Gloria and I moved desks last weekend with the help of my younger son Tyler. The guys (John & Jim) are in Texas for 9 days so we are going it alone.

Think Spring and join us for an outing soon! Remember that with your Best of Times Club card you receive a stamp for each tour taken!!

Yours in Travel
Tracy

Things are coming along

2009-03-01T09:37:00.000-08:00

Yes, another Sunday afternoon spent in the office (soon to be just the lower level). We are on schedule for our BIG office move the first week of April. Not looking forward to phone number changes and address updates, but the new facility will be great for our office staff. More room, more exposure and more travelers!! We will be announcing our grand opening in our next newsletter due out April 1st. Tours are going well so turn off the media and think positive...spring is just around the corner and it is time to get out and about. Lots of new one day tours will be coming and space still available on the Thunder Over Louisville and Holland Tulip Time.

Tracy

The Weekend Is Here!

2009-02-13T15:18:00.000-08:00

It's 5:15p on Friday and I am looking forward to the weekend. We have the German "Mardi Gras" known as the Fasching in Johnsonville on Sunday afternoon. It is always a nice afternoon with good food, fun and music. So sorry to hear that Rosemary Wolf of Richfield passed away this week. I will try to make the wake tomorrow morning. Ken and his family are in our prayers. Just book a couple of things. Brewer games, Wrigley Field, and theater trips coming up so log on....Well gotta go - I think after a long week the Friday fish fry is calling my name.

Tracy

Finally!

2009-02-07T07:08:00.000-08:00

The sun is shining and the thermometer reads ABOVE freezing! Wow didn't think I'd ever see this day. The pile of snow is melting pretty rapidly and our travelers are raring to get out and about. It's saturday morning and with all the extra time spent at the new building I decided to get some things done in the office this morning - but the phones have been busy with reservations so I am plugging along. It is good to have the phones ring in February, a typically slow month in the travel industry. I have a group in Jamaica as we speak (and I am so mad I decided NOT to go along) and others staying closer to home spending the day at The Fireside Theater tomorrow. Now that the bitter cold weather has disappeared (at least for now) come along and get out with friends for a day "planned with you in mind".

Plugging Away

2009-01-27T05:58:00.000-08:00

The last few days have been filled with plumbers, locksmiths, electricians and computer people. We are slowly seeing progress at the new home of Personalized Tours & Coaches. A lot of work but after twenty years in business we decided it was time to move above ground (literally speaking) and depart from the basement offices we have loved so much in the past years. I will miss the convenience of having a home office just a few steps from my living space and knowing I can "run" to the office in no time at all even in my pj's. Adding to our staff means needing more space and room to grow - we'll keep you updated...move in date isn't until spring.

The hot spot to travel this spring is Madison to watch the Badger Band Spring Concert. Both our coaches are full and looking forward to another great show. Daniel O'Donnell is coming back to Milwaukee so lots of excitement among our fans - space still available August 18th.

Gotta go to work - more later.

Tracy

January in Wisconsin

2009-01-22T06:18:00.000-08:00

This week I spent everyday in a different community hosting a travel preview of our 2009 tour lineup. I didn't have to sell very hard - just looking out the window at all the snow (no longer white and pretty) made us all wish we had gone elsewhere for the month of January. So for those who need time planning, we invite you to "wrap up" your Christmas early this year and plan on escaping to Arizona for a few weeks next in January / February! Travel in the Midwest seems to be going strong and if our convention last week is any indication of things to come, we'll be on the road again, even more than in 2008). It was nice to see everyone at the travel shows and relive all the fun we had last year, from the Carolinas to New England and all points in between. Some of you racked up over 10,000 miles on Personalized Coaches - WOW!! How are your New Year's resolutions going?? So far so good, I have blogged twice this week. More later, keep traveling and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Tracy

Finally Back!

2009-01-16T13:51:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone:
Wow have I been busy! I apologize that my blog has been neglected since the first entry. Summer came and I have been on the road enjoying my travels from coast to coast. Autumn was a blur and the holiday season was filled with the Rockettes, trips to Branson, and a luxurious stay at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville. I made a New Year's resolution to blog twice a week so hold me to it. We have added to our staff and look forward to a wonderful 2009! We have lots of great destinations planned so hopefully you will be apart of our gang this year. When it comes to the economy; if you don't read the paper you are uninformed, and if you read the paper you are misinformed. So keep the faith and let's roll!

Welcome Home: Springtime Travelers!!

2008-05-05T14:47:00.001-07:00

WOW!! What a terrific spring we have had traveling the country. Our fly mystery people appeared in Dallas and joined our Texas: Cowboys & Culture tour for their 7 days of adventure. They even extended their tour by two days when American Airlines grounded flights. Left to enjoy an extra two days on the San Antonio Riverwalk in 78 degree weather in April - how could anyone complain?? It was a mystery to both groups and boy did we have a ball. Weather was fantastic for the whole 15 days (except for the day we ventured into Mexico where we set a record of 103 degrees, but since it was 37 degrees back in Wisconsin - we were ok with it). Home only a few days and we departed for the scenic Carolinas. The Outer Banks with Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was a highlight. Some of our group climbed to the top - and what a view we had. Myrtle Beach, Charleston, and Savannah were spectacular. We enjoyed lush green gardens and southern hospitality. A few of our ladies even met Paula Deen at her store in Savannah and had their picture taken with her.

Sorry I missed Thunder Over Louisville this year but looking forward to it next year!! Hear the fireworks were spectacular as always and Shirley took good care of you.

Looking forward to our group heading to Iceland, Mackinac Island and Colorado in June. I invite you to join us. Please view our tour pictures in our photo gallery.

-Tracy