memories

Oct 12
0

Annual Arizona Renaissance Festival Student Days

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Medival-Bocci-BallOriginally published by Group Tour Magazine – Oct. 8, 2015

GOLD CANYON, Ariz. — Discoveries made in science during the Renaissance era not only changed the world, but continue to influence modern-day society. The SciTech festival is a proud presenter of the Arizona Renaissance Festival Age of Discovery Student Days, March 1, 2016 and March 3, 2016, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Student Days were created to highlight the educational aspects of the Renaissance. Language, science, exploration, mannerisms, customs, comedic theater, jousting tournaments, artisan demonstrations and music are just some of the learning opportunities that await students.

Explore the festival’s 30 acre, 16th-century European Village. Roam the streets and pathways where students can talk to Galileo about Astronomy. Observe, in awe, as artisans craft their wares using scientific techniques, demonstrating blacksmithing, glassblowing, shoemaking and weaving. Go to the CROFT-Local Yokel Village and watch aspects of chemistry at work in the daily chores of 16th-century life. Speak to Da Vinci about his sketches and technical drawings, or pose as Mona Lisa would have. Learn about what Arizona was like in the 16th century.

The festival also includes a 13-stage theater, an arts and craft fair and a jousting tournament. Students will enjoy Da Vinci’s Flying Machine, among many other people-powered rides and games.

Visit renfestinfo.com for more information.

Jul 22
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Colorado Springs, CO – More than you can imagine!

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DSCF8625Located near the base of Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs is one amazing city.  It is a big city with a uniquely small town feel and is the perfect destination for your next charter bus outing.  It is often overshadowed by Denver, the ski resorts and Rocky Mountain National Park; however Colorado Springs is an ideal place to relax and unwind this summer.

Your bus driver can get you safely to one of the most beautiful places in all of Colorado; the Garden of the Gods.  DSCF8688The Garden is a public park and a National Natural Landmark.  The red rock formations that make up the park were created millions of years ago and to this day they astound and amaze every visitor.  The park is used extensively for hiking, rock climbing and horseback riding.  Most people though enjoy taking a day to wander through the natural formations.  Start with a visit to the Visitor’s and Nature Center and then explore at your leisure.  Kissing camels, Gateway Rock and Balanced Rock are some of the more famous geological formations within the park.  Spectacular views of Pike’s Peak are available throughout The Springs (as the locals call it) but are particularly beautiful from the Gardens.

Since Pike’s Peak is right there near The Springs then why not go straight to the top?  Well, your charter bus probably does not want to make that trip, but your bus can easily get you to the Manitou and Pike’s Peak Railway, better known as the Cog Train.  The Cog Railway has been in operation since 1889 and is the highest railroad in the United States.  Your charter coach can drop you off at the Cog Depot and you can take the leisurely climb to over 14000 feet above sea level.  While you ride you will be able to see the splendor and beauty of the mountains.

Depending on when you go you are likely to see various forms of wildlife from the comfort and safety of the train.  Be sure to bring some warm clothes because it will be cold when you reach the top.  And while at the top be sure to enjoy one of the world famous Pike’s Peak donuts at the Summit House.

Now that you have explored two of the most beautiful natural landmarks in the area it is time to take in something uniquely American; the United States Air Force Academy.  The campus is located just north of The Springs and is highlighted by the Cadet Chapel.  When it first opened the design was considered controversial, but now the familiar spires and modernist architecture have become a symbol of the academy.  Let the bus do all the work of getting you there and then enjoy a self-guided tour of the chapel and the nearby visitor’s center.

Well that is a lot to take in and by now if you have not had a good meal you definitely are in need of one.  A great place for groups is the Phantom Canyon Brewing Company.  Not only is this the oldest brewery in The Springs, but Phantom Canyon is known for fantastic meals and big portions.  You can rustle up some really good grub here by starting with the house made pretzel bites served with beer cheese and whole grain beer mustard.  For the main course you cannot go wrong no matter what you choose, but be daring and try the Lemon Tabasco Fried Chicken or the Lamb Belly Tacos.  OF course, Colorado Bison Burgers are available and also delicious.  If you have saved room for dessert the Goat Cheese Cheesecake is to die for.  There is a full billiard room on the second floor and savvy guests know that pool is free on Monday nights with any food purchase.

DSCF8739Of course when a lot of people visit Colorado they want a good steak and there is no place better in The Springs than The Famous Steak House.  The USDA Prime New York Strip with onion rings may well be the greatest steak you have ever tried.  Tender and juicy, it is the steak that put famous in the restaurant’s name.  Filet mignon is also available and also amazing.  Surf and turf options a4re on the menu as well as the rack of lamb.  Reservations are accepted and
necessary.

So when it comes time to charter a bus and head to the great state of Colorado be sure and make a stop for a few days in The Springs.  The beauty of the land, the friendliness of the   people and the dining options are among the best in the nation.  Enjoy!

Jul 06
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GoMotorcoach to Comic Con? Why not?

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comicconThe days of a simple convention for comic book fans are long gone.  With the increased popularity of comics, science fiction, gaming and the like, the comic con has become a huge spectacle across the country.  Allow me to share a story of once comic con experience and let you know why we should have chartered a bus.

If you have ever attended a Con you know that they tend to be quite crowded with all sorts of people.  People enjoy dressing up in imaginative costumes based on their favorite characters, books, movies, etc.  This is known in the industry as Cosplay and the costumes can get very elaborate.

It was not all that long ago when my friends and I decided we wanted to attend a Con that was about a four hour drive from us.  Since none of us owned a vehicle large enough for everyone we looked at two options; charter a bus or rent a large van.  I can tell you now we made the wrong choice with the van.  If only we had spent a few dollars more we’d have had a much better experience.

First of all the gas was expensive and the fuel economy was awful in that van.  A charter bus would have alleviated our need to fork out all that cash each time we had to stop for fuel.  Although the charter would have needed to stop as well, it most certainly would have done so while we were inside and enjoying the festivities.

But that really was not even the main concern.  When we arrived the line to get into any of the nearby parking lots was longer than the lines inside to see an actor that once played a villain on an old Star Trek episode.  We arrived in what we thought was plenty of time to park, get our costumes together and start enjoying ourselves.  Instead we spent almost 90 minutes trying to park this huge van.  Nearby we could see busses pulling up to the entrance to the convention center and dropping off their guests while we sat idle.  It was frustrating to be sure, but at the end of the night the frustration was at its peak when we tried to leave and go to our hotel.  Had we just chartered a bus like some of those other groups we’d have been well rested for the second day of the Con.

However parking was not the only reason the bus would have been better.  Inside the bus there was room to move around thus giving riders plenty of room and time to get their costumes and make up done.   Instead, we had to wait in line to get into the restrooms to take care of that.  So before we could ever get started in enjoying the show and meeting the stars we had to impatiently wait for our turn in the bathroom.

A typical Comic Con can cost a lot of money to attend especially if you are the type to gather autographs and memorabilia.  And just where is everyone going to find a place for all of that in the van?  Unfortunately Dalek and R2D2 replicas takes up substantially more space than you’d think.

The charter bus experience is perfect for your group to attend a Comic Con.  You’ll have plenty of room to walk around and get ready, you’ll get dropped off right at the front door and there will be plenty of room for a few extra friends on the way home.  Add in the fact that if you have chartered a bus you can partake in a few adult beverages while enjoying the con and you have a win-win situation.  So the next time you and your friends decide to travel across the state to see 100 people dressed like Doctor Who; take the bus.  You’ll be very happy you did.

Jun 16
0

Say “I Do” and Go Motorcoach

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The magical day has arrived.  You are getting married and all of your friends and family members are there to celebrate with you.  Everything needs to be perfect.  Of course no wedding ever goes off without a hitch, but there are some hitches that can be prevented.  Surprisingly your friendly neighborhood charter coach can make a big difference.  How?  I’m glad you asked.

Have you ever noticed that wedding receptions are often notorious for poor behavior at the reception?  It is no secret that alcohol consumption is a very typical occurrence at the wedding reception.  Often times the drinking begins way before the actual ceremony.  You want your guests to all be safe, but how can you do this when you have so many other things to worry about on the big day?  You can do this easily by hiring a charter bus to take your guests from the ceremony to the reception and back to the hotel in complete safe.

Let’s say that the family and many of the guests are all staying at the same hotel.  This is quite common especially with destination weddings.  The ceremony may be several miles away at a beach, a local church or in some beautiful botanical garden.  What better way to get all the guests there than by bus.  There is no need for the guests to all hop in their own cars and fight for parking when your bus can get all of you there in complete comfort.  No parking available?  No worries at all because that bus you chartered is dropping everyone off and going away until it is once again needed.  When the ceremony ends it is back on the bus and off to the reception, which could be held at any number of places.

Now here comes the fun part; your guests are free to relax without having to think about the drive home.  They can celebrate merrily with the happy couple well into the night without worrying whether or not they had one too many.  When the newlyweds escape the madness in their limousine they can do so knowing that their guests are all traveling back to the hotel under the watchful eyes of their skilled bus driver.  Sure, the bus driver was given a nice meal at the reception, but did he/she have a drink?  Nope.  Your driver is a professional and takes his/her job seriously.  You can rest assured that only beer the driver will have is a root beer.

Even if the hotel is not that far from the reception hall you can still benefit from using a bus.  Go with a smaller motorcoach and you can shuttle your guests back to the hotel in shifts.  Some guests may not be the party animals they thought they were and will want to get back and begin a restful night of sleep sooner than others.

And not only are you keeping your guests safe, but you are also keeping everyone else on the road safe as well.  No one wants to hurt anyone else or be the cause of an accident and with your motor coach shuttling the guests then the roads are less crowded and safer for everyone.

A typical wedding these days’ costs thousands of dollars and what better way to ruin the entire day than by seeing your guests leave when they are not sober and in no condition to drive.  By hiring a charter motor coach you can have peace of mind knowing that your guests will arrive safely at their destination.

Apr 10
0

The Benefits of Charter Bus Travel

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For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move. – Robert Louis Stevenson

Sometimes the best part of traveling is not the destination, but the journey itself.  I have often traveled with my family and found myself missing out on things.  I cannot recall how many times I heard someone say “wow, look at that” or “that is absolutely beautiful” and there I am with my eyes glued to the road and missing all the beauty.  However, it does not have to be that way.  Traveling by charter bus is an excellent way to see America and all she has to offer.  No matter where you are headed, there is beauty to be found.  Let’s take a few minutes and look at some of the benefits of charter bus travel.

As I mentioned the most obvious reason to go by bus is so that you can enjoy the journey. Whether it is the mountains, the plains, the wildlife or the stunning architecture of the big cities, you won’t have to miss a thing.  Leaving the driving to someone else leaves you all the time to take in everything if you so choose.  Just relax, sit back and enjoy the views. Don’t be in a hurry to get somewhere, but take the time to appreciate the odyssey.

Naturally weather can be a factor as well.  Leaving the driving to someone else who happens to be a professional bus driver can give one incredible peace of mind.  You see that driving rainstorm coming up ahead?  No need to worry because your driver has everything under control.  He/she has been trained to handle all sorts of situations and you can leave your worries to him/her. Plus there is very little chance of getting lost as your driver has likely taken this same trip many times.

It’s economical as well.  Just add up what you would spend to rent a car and purchase fuel and you will see that going via charter bus will save you money.  Once you stop somewhere for the night your lodging is often already included with what you paid for the tour so no worries in that department either.  You’re not going to have to think about those no vacancy signs because your room is ready and waiting.  In addition it is substantially more economical than airline travel.

When you leave the driving to someone else you have more time for yourself.  Maybe you finally want to start reading that novel you’ve had to put off for so long.  Well, by taking the bus you have plenty of time.  Maybe you have a movie on your tablet you have been dying to see or a series you just want to binge watch.  You certainly can’t do that if you’re sitting in the driver’s seat.

These days there are a lot of people that travel alone, not because they particularly want to do so, but rather by necessity.   Once you’ve chosen your destination you can hop on that bus and suddenly you are not feeling like you are by yourself.  What a great time to meet new people and make new friends.  You’re obviously not going to be the only person on that bus and that is a good thing.  Everyone has a story and just about everyone loves showing off photos of their family. You will have the opportunity to meet people you never would have met otherwise.  I can say for myself that I have made lifelong friends from strangers sitting across the aisle.  Maybe you’ll even want to travel together again one day.

Since chartering a bus is less expensive than you probably realize, it is also a fantastic way to get your family together for a special occasion.  Whether you are looking to have a family reunion or to celebrate mom & dad’s 50th wedding anniversary, you can all pitch in together and make chartering a bus your own private party.  Pick a destination, pick a starting point and off you go.  From a personal standpoint, I have to say that doing this was one of the best ideas we ever had.  There is a very good possibility that your driver will become an honorary member of your family as well.

So don’t fear the charter bus.  Yes, like everything in this life, it has its pros and cons.  But just think of the memories you will bring home after a long journey on the road with someone else doing all the work.  I can’t think of a more relaxing way to travel.

Mar 11
0

Go Motorcoach this Spring in San Antonio, TX

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All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware – Martin Buber

Getting a group together and deciding on where to travel can be a daunting task.  In the spring the general consensus among many is to hit the beach, but this may not be the best for everyone.  While it may not be foremost in everyone’s mind, one place that is ideal for groups and has plenty to offer is San Antonio, TX.  San Antonio is a large city and there is a lot to see so taking your group via a charter bus is a very viable way to go.

Just about everyone has heard of The Alamo, but many are surprised to learn that is right in the heart of downtown and that it was founded in 1718 as the first mission in San Antonio.   Four other Spanish colonial missions were eventually built; Concepcion, San Jose, San Juan and Espada.  A journey along this mission trail is not only historical, but fascinating as well.  Begin with the visitor’s center located in Mission San Jose and travel the trail visiting all of the missions until ultimately ending up at The Alamo.  Your bus driver can easily make the stops at each destination allowing adequate time to enjoy them all.

Once you are back downtown you can take in the sights of the world famous River Walk.  The River Walk is filled with restaurants, shops, sidewalks and stone bridges.  One thing that makes it unique is its location below street level.  Riding the Rio San Antonio Cruiser is the best way to get acquainted with the area.  The boat ride is 35 minutes long and your tour guide will immerse you in the history of the River Walk and provide a plethora of information.

One of the best times to visit in the spring is during the annual Fiesta San Antonio, which takes place over 11 days each April.  The festival consists of over 100 events and with that many to choose from there will most certainly be something the entire group can agree upon.   Parades, live music and a 10k run are just some of the many activities taking place.

But what if you want to take your group away from downtown and explore other parts of the area?  Have no fear because a multitude of places await your arrival and all of them are well-suited for groups arriving by bus.  Just northeast of downtown is the San Antonio Zoo which features over 3500 animals and the Zoo Eagle Train which has been a favorite of children and adults since 1956.  A little bit further north is the McNay Art Museum; the first modern art museum in the state of Texas and featuring works from such masters as Picasso and Rivera.  The Spanish Colonial style home that is the heart of the museum is a sight unto itself.

If exploring caverns sound like a fun way to spend a few hours with your group then the Natural Bridge Caverns are for you.  The caverns are a 30 minute drive north of downtown and contain fascinating geological formations and are a constant 70 degrees inside.  They have several tours to choose from, but whichever you choose be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

No trip would be complete without sampling the culinary delights of the region and San Antonio is no exception.  When you’re in Texas three items come to mind; barbecue, steaks and my personal favorite, Tex-Mex.

There are several great dining choices on the River Walk where dining outside is the preference.  The County Line BBQ is an exceptional choice on the river for real Texas BBQ.  Smoked sausage, brisket, ribs and chicken are the specialties of the house and with the large portions you will never leave hungry.  Add in the peach cobbler for dessert and you have one spectacular meal.

If a steak is what you are after then head to The Barn Door which has been a San Antonio classic for over 60 years.  Using only the finest, aged beef this place is a favorite of both locals and visitors.  The chicken fried ribeye is a one of a kind experience and the homemade hot rolls are to die for.

But no visit would be complete without a taste of Tex-Mex and there is no shortage of excellent choices.  However two stand out above the rest; La Hacienda de Los Barrios and Los Barrios Continental Mexican Cuisine.  Both are owned by the Barrios family, but each has a distinct menu.  At La Hacienda be sure to go for the fajitas or try the puffy tacos.  At Los Barrios the Classic Enchilada Assortment, featuring five different enchiladas, is simply fantastic.

No matter what sights your group chooses to see or where they choose to dine your San Antonio vacation will be one to remember.

Oct 30
0

Ghosts, Goblins & More!

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ghostHalloween is the perfect time to experience a haunted tour.  Across the country, motorcoach tour companies are offering up this once in a lifetime (or past lifetime…) experience for you and your friends.  Below are a few of our favorite tours to consider.

  • LaZoom, Haunted Comedy Bus Tour (Asheville, NC): ‘Get on the Bus’ after dark and explore Asheville’s strange and sordid past with LaZoom.   Laugh and scream along as your adventurous tour guide uncovers mysteries, tells tales of murder, deceit, scandals, and ghosts, spilling Asheville’s blood right before your very eyes.
  • Ursula Bielski’s Chicago Hauntings Tours (Chicago, IL) Chicago Hauntings offers fully narrated, historically based ghost and paranormal tours to haunted spots throughout Chicago – some of our most common stops include murder sites, disaster sites, a serial killer’s body dump, gang sites, haunted houses, and abandoned graveyards. Passengers get off the bus to look for ghosts several times per tour – and sometimes they find them!
  • Banjo Billy’s Bus Tours (Boulder, CO): Banjo Billy’s gives history tours of Boulder and Denver, as well as brewery tours in Denver, from an old school bus tricked out to look like a traveling hillbilly shack.  Hear ghost tales, crime stories, and history while sitting on a couch, recliner or saddle as the bus rolls through the core of the cities.  You won’t forget this bus tour!
  • Gray Line Tours (New Orleans, LA): New Orleans has been referred to as “The most haunted city in America.” After this tour, we’ll let you be the judge! You’ll visit several haunted sites and hear about the stories featured on The History Channel and The Discovery Channel. Hear ghostly stories about our haunted hotels and the courthouse where our state supreme court is based. We even visit a former slave exchange. Each guide has researched these “other spirits” of the Vieux Carre, so no two tours are exactly alike.
Sep 11
0

Must-Have Trip Essentials

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Getting ready for a trip is almost as fun as going.  Everyone has those essentials, things they can’t live without, even for a few days.  We have taken the liberty to put together a short list of items that every road trip must not be without!

1.  SNACKsnackS

Snacks are a must for any good road trip, and there are many ways that groups go about planning their snacks.  Some groups plan a snack pot-luck.  Group members each bring a different treat to share so that everyone can enjoy.  Other groups like to create a snack theme to go along with their trip destination.  Even more groups have an “every man (woman or kid) for themselves” where you eat what you bring and trading with your seat mate is an option only if you both agree it’s a good trade.  No matter how your group decides to handle the snacks we know they are a must-have.

 

2.  ENTERTAINMENT

Every good bus trip needs good movies and music.  Ever get excited to watch a movie on a long plane ride only to be disappointed that you can’t see the tiny video monitor five rows ahead?  This won’t happen on a motorcoach.  New coaches offer large, flat screen monitors, making viewing easy.  Pass the popcorn – it’s time for the show to start!  Do you need any ideas on what movies to show?  Check out our list of great group movies HERE  for ideas.setra

Music is also a necessity for any great bus ride.  It’s easy to lose yourself in thought while looking out the windows and listening to your favorite music.  We have created a great playlist for your next motorcoacch trip.  Click HERE to check it out!

 

3.  CAMERA

cameraThey say a picture is worth a thousand words.  Snapping a few photos and telling your story are a great way to keep the trip going long after you return home.  With a camera on every cell phone, it’s easy to edit and share pictures all along the way.  Make sure you let people know where you were, why this was a great photo opp. and any other important details you can think of.  Don’t forget to take a few good selfies as well!

Although it’s important to take lots of great photos, don’t forget to look up once in a while and just see things with your eyes.  Create photos in your mind.  This is an important part of the travel experience!

Incorporating these few must have items to your trip will not only help make it a success, but also a memory to last a lifetime.  Happy Travels!!

Jul 22
0

Two Must-Haves for Itineraries

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A good itinerary has two things.  First and foremost, addresses for the driver.  If your group is traveling to a large city, there may be multiple hotels with the same name.  Having addresses for the driver saves time, questions and headaches for everyone on the trip.

The second is activities that appeal to everyone.  Sound impossible?  It isn’t.  With a little research and pre-planning, even the pickiest group can have a great travel experience!

One way you can help make everyone – no matter what their age or interests – excited about the itinerary is to have multiple choices.  You could have two to three different activities planned at the same time.  Participants would be able to choose what activities they wanted attend, making it easy for everyone to have a good time.

Here are some great ideas of multiple choice activities:

  • ShoppingGroups-and-Parties-Red-Kart
  • Brewery Tour
  • Historical Site visit
  • Museum tour
  • Zoo trip
  • Winery Tour
  • Concert
  • Go Kart Racing
  • Ropes Course
  • Cooking class
  • Craft class

The list can go on and on.  You dream it, you can add it to an itinerary if it’s available in the area you plan on traveling!  Ask members of your group for ideas of what they may want.

On a trip to Atlanta, GA, our group planner had an array of stops planned – both to and from our destination.  We had groups who went whitewater rafting, one group stopped at a race track, and we all enjoyed visiting the Coca-Cola museum.  It was a fun trip, with lots of activities to choose from and that made it special.

Planning a large group trip may seem like an impossible task.  Don’t fret!  Ask your motorcoach sales associate for help!  He or she is an expert at group travel and chances are, your group isn’t the first to travel to that destination.  Your sales representative may have lots of ideas and area knowledge and can help plan your itinerary.

May 28
0

The Summer Road Trip.

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Nothing says summer more than a road trip.  There is something about the good old American road trip that’s romantic to us.  Perhaps it’s the memories of us as children, piled in the back of our parent’s station wagon with no seat belts on, and if/when it was your turn to sit backwards you felt like the king of the road!  Perhaps you were traveling with a group of family or friends, each of you in your own vehicles, driving for hours and only getting to meet and visit at a road-side gas station during bathroom breaks while your Dads fueled their vehicles.  After the break, you would hop into your own car, and wait to chat until the next break time.

Fast forward to 2014 where you don’t have to wait until someone has to gas up or relieve themselves to talk to each other.  When you choose to use a motorcoach, instead of separate cars, everyone can travel together, the whole time!  Not only do you save time and money, but you save wear and tear on your individual vehicles.

Today’s motorcoaches are designed with your group travel in mind.  They have plush amenities, including Wi-Fi on board and outlets.  No more running into the gas station and begging for an outlet to charge up your dead cell phone.  No more using your data plan up on the first day of the trip.  We have you covered!

Here is the best part: You tell us what you want to do, where you want to go and what you want to see, we do the rest.  Motorcoach companies are well versed in travel and can help groups of all sizes get tickets, hotels and meals all lined up – and if they can’t, they know who can.

Summer is almost here, don’t wait to plan that fun group getaway, call your local motorcoach company and begin planning your epic summer vacation today!  Go Motorcoach and leave the driving to us!