Christine M. Jansen, CTA, Owner christine@heartofthevalleytravel.com

Tampa, Florida 2008

Years in travel industry: 20 Years Years/Months at Heart of the Valley Travel: 15 Years Destinations traveled... United States — Florida (Miami & Ft. Meyers & Orlando's Disneyworld), Arizona (Phoenix & Tucson), Hawaii (Oahu & Maui), New York, Nashville, Colorado (Vail & Breckenridge) Mexico — Cabo San Lucas, Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta Caribbean — Jamaica (Negril & Ocho Rios), St. Lucia, Antigua, Dominican Republic (Punta Cana) Cruises — Carnival Triumph "All Inclusive" Cruise to San Juan, St. Thomas and St Maarten; Carnival Freedom "All Inclusive" cruise to Jamaica (Ocho Rios), Grand Cayman, Cozumel & Key West; Disney Cruise to Nassau and Disney's Private Island Europe — London, Paris Favorite destination or resort and why: Each area that I have visited brings back a favorite memory. That’s what is so wonderful about traveling. Taking a sunset cruise in Cabo San Lucas, the beauty was breathtaking; riding the Tower of Terror at Disney’s MGM Studios with my husband and son was exhilarating; whale watching in Maui, simply awesome; and the list goes on and on. It’s the people, the landscape, the food and experiences during each of my trips that remind me of my love for travel.  Whether it’s for one, two or a large group; I look forward to helping you create the memories of a lifetime.

Mandy Lemerond Travel Consultant & Destination Wedding Specialist mandy@heartofthevalleytravel.com

Here Mandy is with "The Green Goblins" of Mardi Gras in 2006

Years in travel industry: 9 Years Years/Months at Heart of the Valley Travel: 9 Years Destinations Traveled: United States — Massachusetts, Tampa, Miami, New Orleans (for Mardi Gras), Disneyworld, Las Vegas, New York, Hawaii (Oahu, Kauai, & Maui), Seattle, Laughlin, Disneyland, California, Carnival Cruise aboard the Destiny, Arizona, Washington, Mall of America Mexico — Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, Ixtapa Caribbean — St. Lucia, Antigua, Bahamas, Jamaica (Montego Bay, Negril, Whitehouse, & Ocho Rios), Dominican Republic (Punta Cana) Central America — Costa Rica Cruises — Carnival Freedom "All Inclusive" cruise, Carnival Triumph "All Inclusive", Royal Caribbean, Adventure of the Seas - Southern Caribbean Cruise Favorite destination or resort and why: I love to experience as many different cultures as possible including ours! I am not sure I have one favorite place. So far Boston, Massachusetts was a favorite US city; a city life with an eastern beach house just minutes away. I love Jamaica for the people; they are so warm & friendly. Costa Rica was by far the neatest Eco-life. Punta Cana has my vote for best beaches! I enjoy the authentic foods of Mexico. I am beginning to enjoy cruising ... great way to see many places and have good quality food & accommodations. Not to mention doing the "all Inclusive Cruise" is a carefree way to cruise.

Anita Dengel, Travel Consultant anita@heartofthevalleytravel.com

Here Anita is visiting Kona, the Big Island of Hawaii

Years in travel industry: 13 Years Years/Months at Heart of the Valley Travel: 10 Years Destinations traveled in the past 5-Years: United States — Colorado, Hawaii (Oahu, Maui, the Big Island), Las Vegas, Seattle, Portland (Oregon), San Francisco, San Diego, New York, Disneyworld, Florida, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Washington DC, Boston, Nashville I have traveled to every state in the U.S. except for Alaska. Some states more or less than five years ago. I think it’s safe to say that I have been in most major cities in the last ten years Mexico — Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta, Tijuana, Riviera Maya, Cabo San Lucas Caribbean — Bahamas, Jamaica, Turks & Caicos, Punta Cana, Grand Cayman Europe — Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Ireland, England, Scotland, Italy Canada — Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia Destinations traveled in the past 10-Years: St. Lucia, Disneyland, California Destinations traveled in the past 15-Years or more: Denmark, Hong Kong, Aruba Favorite destination or resort and why:Italy, I love the history and character of the country. The rich sounds of its music, the arts, the beauty of its people and its exquisite cuisine!

Ann Vander Wyst, Travel Consultant ann@heartofthevalleytravel.com

Backyard of the Habsburg family's summer home - Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna, Austria

Years in travel industry: 14 Years Years/Months at Heart of the Valley Travel: 10 Years Destinations traveled in the past 5-Years: United States — San Francisco, Hawaii (Maui, Molokai, Lanai), Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa, Alaska, Seattle, Las Vegas, Laughlin, Myrtle Beach Mexico — Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Ixtapa, Cozumel, Riviera Maya, Copper Canyon Caribbean — Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados, Jamaica, Grand Bahamas, Aruba, Turks & Caicos, Grand Cayman  Europe — Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic Cruises — Royal Caribbean (Adventure of the Seas), Windstar (small mast sailing ship), Uniworld (European River Cruise) French Polynesia — Tahiti, Raiatea, Huahine, Bora Bora, Moorea Destinations traveled in the past 10-Years: Jamaica, St. Croix, Ixtapa, Cancun, Riviera Maya, Orlando, Antigua Kauai, Oahu, Nassau, Atlanta, Puerto Vallarta, St. Lucia, Las Vegas Colorado Springs Destinations traveled in the past 15-Years or more: Orlando, Tampa, Las Vegas, Jamaica, Mexico City, Cuernavaca Taxco, Acapulco, Boston Favorite destination or resort and why: The destination I can visit over and over again is Jamaica, and I’ve done just that! I thoroughly enjoy the people, their warm, genuine hospitality and the rhythms of the island, particularly Reggae. The breath-taking sights of French Polynesia (Tahiti and is archipelago) is my top pick for “most beautiful” destination.

Jane Van De Hey, Travel Consultant jane@heartofthevalleytravel.com

Jane aboard the inaugural cruise of the Carnival Victory out of New York City in 2000

Years in travel industry: 14 Years Years/Months at Heart of the Valley Travel: 9 Years Destinations traveled in the past 5-Years: United States — Branson, Florida, Mall of America, Chicago, Colorado, Alaska, Las Vegas Mexico — Cancun, Cozumel, Ixtapa, Cabo San Lucas, Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta Caribbean — Jamaica, Punta Cana, Nassau, Aruba Europe — Holland, Ireland, Greece, Turkey Cruises — Olympic Cruise lines (Greek Isle's Cruise), Holland America (Alaska), Carnival Cruise (Western Caribbean) Central America — Belize Destinations traveled in the past 10-Years: New York, Florida, Alaska, Vancouver Destinations traveled in the past 15-Years or more: Oahu, Maui, Disneyland, California, Disneyworld, Florida Las Vegas, San Diego, San Francisco Favorite destination or resort and why: People often ask me this. I have found the people in Jamaica and Ireland to be the nicest. It makes your travel experience even more enjoyable with these friendly people. I also love to stay at all-inclusive resorts. Being able to relax, eat, drink and have fun without having to carry any money is the best. I have stayed at resorts as low as a 3-rated property to the top rated which really helps when selling these wonderful vacations.

Lynn Van Zeeland, Travel Consultant lynn@heartofthevalleytravel.com

Here is Lynn visiting Amsterdam

Years in travel industry: 18 Years Years/Months at Heart of the Valley Travel: 8 Years Destinations traveled in the past 5-Years: United States — Hawaii, Las Vegas, San Francisco, New York Mexico — Ixtapa, Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta Caribbean — Jamaica, Dominican Republic (Punta Cana) Europe — Amsterdam, Ireland, Greece, Turkey Cruises — Olympic Cruise lines (Greek Isle's Cruise) Central America — Belize Asia — Japan Destinations traveled in the past 10-Years: Italy, Japan, Mediterranean Cruise, Barbados, Aruba, Bahamas, St. Lucia Favorite destination or resort and why: Italy, It’s a beautiful country and I loved it! There is a lot of art, history and a very romantic country. I also enjoy all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico. It’s a great way to vacation!

Jean Barnes, CTC, Travel Consultant jean@heartofthevalleytravel.com

Here's Jean visiting Whistler, British Columbia, Canada in 2005

"Travel Consultant for over 29 years" Destinations traveled to: Destinations traveled to: - Caribbean destinations include Jamaica, Punta Cana, San Juan, St. Lucia, Bahamas, US & British Virgin Islands. - Mexico destinations include Acapulco, Cancun, Cozumel, Riviera Maya, Huatulco, Taxco & Mexico City. - Cruise lines I've enjoyed sailing include Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Line and more. - European destinations traveled include Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands & England. - I've skiied in Whistler Canada, Several areas of Colorado, Utah, Innsbruck Austria and Grindelwald Switzerland. - U.S. Destinations I've traveled include Hawaii, Florida & Disneyworld, New Orleans, San Antonio, Sedona, Las Vegas & Reno, Branson, California, Myrtle Beach, Washington D.C. Boston area & New York, National Park areas in the Black Hills & Yosemite. "I started my travel career at age 18 after attending McConnell Travel School in Minneapolis. I've worked as a consultant doing all aspects of corporate, individual & group travel since that time. I've also enjoyed many years of agency management and career growth, eventually earning my certification in the industry. With the birth of my children I started working part-time and have been keeping extra busy with family interests as well as career interests. I am married and have 2 children in school. We attend lots of soccer games, since my husband coaches both kids - year around! We also ski, camp, and enjoy family adventures!" Favorite destination or resort and why: I have many favorites! I also have many destinations that I aspire to see. I enjoy cruising and Caribbean all-inclusive vacations to relax and unwind. I loved Europe and all the history and uniqueness that each area has to offer. "I hope I'll have the pleasure of working with YOU !"

Carol Grossman , Travel Consultant

Here Carol is in the Swiss Alps, sitting right of the little dog

Years in travel industry: 40 Years I have cruised on the following cruise lines: Seabourn, Celebrity, Holland America Line, Princess, Carnival. Cruises included Greek Islands, Alaska, Pacific Mexican Coast, Caribbean, Atlantic Seaboard, Bermuda, St Lawrence Seaway. Destinations traveled in the past 5-Years: England, Dominican Republic, Riveria Maya, New York, San Francisco Destinations traveled in the past 10-Years: Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Ixtapa, Cancun, Hawaii Destinations traveled in the past 15-Years or more: Spain, Italy, Japan, China, New Zeeland, Brazil, Argentina, France, Holland, Scotland, Ireland Favorite destination or resort and why: My favorite destination is Buenos Aires, Argentina because it was a very clean and safe city with lovely people all around you. My favorite resort is Ixtapa because it was small and easy to get around with beautiful beaches and a great restaurant.