For this month’s diary, I thought it would be useful to share how we’ve dealt with groups that were already booked and prepared. But we’ve been challenged by possible cancellations due to the recent incidents in Paris, Istanbul, and Brussels.

Being in Europe, we’ve of course felt the shock waves, and when you have business all planned into your operating budget, any cancellation of already confirmed business is obviously a game changer.

The groups I’m talking about are the ones we have scheduled to travel within the 2nd quarter of this year. The group sizes vary and their revenue contribution to our operations is quite significant. So as anyone in our business can imagine, at this time most of the arrangements such as hotels, transport, and tours…

“People will work hard when they are given the freedom to do the job the way they think it should be done.”

The Nordstrom Way – by Robert Spector & Patrick D. McCarthy, page 99

Chapter 4: The Nordstrom Culture

I am a one-man band, so when it comes to handling, managing, and motivating employees, my opinions must be weighed from whence they came. (“Whence” is a cool sounding word, but I am not certain I used it correctly in the last sentence.) If I had employees they might have corrected me. That brings to light one glaring weakness of working alone: you have nobody to correct you or improve upon your idea…

by Elizabeth Cody
Tuesday April 12, 2016

Once under the rule of the infamous Medici family and one of its islands the setting for one of literature's most captivating tales of betrayal, Livorno is one of the most understated of Tuscany's destinations. This port is more than simply a dock to weigh anchor for cruise ships, but has a mysterious charm all its own. Most will immediately embark on the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but consider taking the time to explore the area's towns and islands; you will be far from disappointed.

by Elizabeth Cody
Tuesday April 12, 2016

The islands made famous by the observations and theories of Charles Darwin, the Galapagos Islands are absolutely teeming with life in both land and sea. The wildlife of these Ecuadorian islands are so accustomed to humans that they barely glance at visitors gawking and flashing pictures. The islands are a certified UNESCO World Heritage Site for their environmental importance and stunning beauty. The islands are also considered to be biosphere reserves, conserved for research and future generations to enjoy…