Marilyn Decker
I am a retiree who has been enjoying trips to Europe with my daughter, Lynn, for the last ten years.
My parents had always talked about a trip to Italy which was the birthplace of both of their parents. Unfortunately, that trip never happened for them. For twenty years, I worked with a group of co-workers who talked about their time in Europe. Some of them were born in Europe, some had taught school there, some had visited relatives there and some had just vacationed there. I would dream (at my desk!!) of going to Europe but I always thought it wouldn’t happen for me.
Why did it take me so long to take my first European trip?? At my age, I was scared. I didn’t know how to get a trip planned, I was busy with a family and career, I thought I couldn’t afford a trip, and I just procrastinated. After my first trip, which was to Italy, I couldn’t wait for the second trip, and then the third trip, etc.
Why am I now so enthusiastic about traveling? It has opened up a whole new world that I had never experienced. Each trip is different and I learn so much with each new adventure. I have challenged myself doing things that had not previously been a part of my life – hiking; climbing stair after stair to get to our hotel room (not all European hotels have elevators!); seeing and understanding history of the events which I had only read about in history books; touring European Castles; riding down the Grand Canal in Venice and the Blue Danube River in Austria; sailing on the Atlantic Ocean in Portugal, viewing the volcanic ruins in Pompeii, Italy; seeing Big Ben in London; enjoying the Flamenco dancers in Spain; taking a bus tour to Budapest, Hungary; visiting so many large and small magnificent churches throughout Europe; eating and enjoying many different cultural foods and pastries; having our daily gelato (ice cream) in Italy; enjoying art in the world famous European museums; having a great time at Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany; visiting the small fishing villages in Portugal; going on the Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg, Austria; experiencing new ways to travel – trains, buses, boats, subways, and taxis; learning to pack light (on my first trip to Europe, I packed so heavy that my children ended up carrying some of my luggage); and taking more pictures than my albums or DVD’s could hold.
There are so many adventures to remember as I look through my albums. And as a travel bonus, I love the thrill of knowing an answer to a question on a quiz show because I have actually been there.
Lynn Decker
Traveling is inspiring. To be able to visit places that I have heard of or read about in books are experiences I will never forget.
I have been traveling to Europe for the last 10 years with my Mother. There are several places in Canada and Mexico that I have also visited. And in the United States, there are many states I have had the pleasure of exploring.
Traveling becomes intoxicating. I want to continue visiting the countries that I have already traveled to and expand my explorations to the many more countries I have not.
I design the tours. Working with your suggestions, I build tours that all of us can enjoy. I have spent many years learning the ins and outs of travel and love the preparation and organization of a trip. Each country offers special rewards and I strive to include those in our tours.
I am also maintaining this website. If you have issues, concerns or items you would like addressed, please write me.
Join us on our next travel adventure!