inspiration

For me travel inspiration comes in many forms – books, blogs, photos, dance, clothes and of course people. Whenever I have the change to speak to someone in the travel industry about what they do it inspires me even more to go yet another place on this beautiful blue planet.

So when Cruising on the Norwegian Jade earlier this year I had the privilege to get to know Christoph Lemm a travel agent from Berlin Germany that specializes in group travel. I thought what a great person to ask for an interview on TravelXena.com – He very graciously agreed and came through right away. Thanks Christoph!

Christoph Lemm
Incentives/Groups Travel Organization

1. Why did you decide to become a travel agent?

After years of working as a tour guide I became a travel agent to tailor tours and voyages more
individually to groups instead of presenting standard programs only.

2. What is the most interesting aspect of your job?

It’s the opportunity to combine hobby and profession and the experience to make my guests happy,
everyone in his own way.

3. What are your three favorite destinations in the world?

a) open sea – nothing is more relaxing than sailing on the high seas, do nothing and let oneself be
“entertained” by the ship.

b) Switzerland – a country that had been living in peace for over 500 years, which is mirrored in its
laid-back atmosphere; a fabulous combination of great nature, beautiful cities and gorgeous food, a
country that makes it possible to spend time all alone on an alpine cabin and then shortly after go to
the hip clubs, for example in St. Moritz.

c) Berlin – no city in the world offers this living history from the times of the German Kaiser to the
Third Reich, from the Cold War to the unification when a divided city became whole again. Definitely a
“Must See”!

4. What tip(s) do you have for travelers looking for deals?

a) Use the internet. Never fall for all-inclusive offers. Compose your voyage individually. Only book
what you really need. Don’t bind your traveling plans to fixed dates. Find periods for advantageous
traveling dates. Inform yourself in forums about convenient opportunities. But honestly, it’s a science
that is learnt the hard way.

b) Ask specialists – no travel agency can specialize in everything although they pretend to do so…
Contact a specialized travel agency for cruises if you want to make one.

c) Form a group – not necessarily a big one … 6 to 10 people can be a group. Find a specialist like me
and enjoy all group benefits. How do I become part of a group? Ask your family, friends or colleagues
or find totally unknown people to join your group on Facebook or Cruise Critic…

5. What tip(s) do you have for travelers that are looking for an unusual vacation?

Unusual to travelers is always what they usually don’t do. Always hiked in the mountains? – Go aboard
a cruise ship! Always visited Spanish churches? – Go to Majorca and join the never ending beach
party! Never take dreams for reality. Walking across the Sahara or hiking the Kilimanjaro are offered
as unusual holidays at far too high costs, but mostly turn out a flop because it’s not what it was
supposed to be in your dreams. The most important of unusual holidays is to allow the unusual in
your mind! Otherwise it will turn out a flop (this by the way applies to life as a whole!). Or contact me
who will tailor the unusual individually to you as a client.

6. If you weren’t a travel agent what do you think you’d be doing?

Then I would be Cruise Director on a ship!

7. What’s your biggest cruise tip?

To give a recommendation for a certain destination wouldn’t be right – it’s too individual. Important is
that the cruise does not stop every day in a different port. This would cause stress and the guests
could not enjoy the beautiful sites of the ship. The cruise must include a sufficient number of days at
sea. Not to forget, everybody should be able to live on the ship as he or she likes – jeans or dinner
jacket, snack or three-course menu – all that is possible with Norwegian Cruise Line.

Thank you Christoph for your insightful answers!

All Material © TravelXena.com 2012

“Waiting for a ride” – Vintage travel inspired photo vignette

As a little girl I used to get dressed up in some of my favorite articles of clothing, pack up the vintage Samsonite suitcase that my Nana gave to me with contents from my closet, sit on my bed and pretend that I was taking a train journey. I spent much of my childhood dreaming about seeing the world and all of the magnificent things in it. Years have gone by but the enjoyment of playing “dress up” as well as dreaming about where to visit next is something that has stayed the same. Intense. My passion for vintage luggage however has increased and collecting them is a hobby of mine.

So with free time on a Sunday afternoon I decided that it would be enjoyable to plan a “photo shoot” inspired by wanderlust. It was such a ball preparing the props, putting together the clothing and accessories as well as posing and working on the photos, that it’s definitely something that I hope to do again in the future. Perhaps next time with full costumes that I’ll make for the session. In the mean time hopefully you’ll enjoy the little vintage travel inspired photo vignette entitled “Waiting for a ride”. Perhaps it will inspire you to pack up and go someplace you’ve always wanted to visit or to do something fun, creative and child like on a lovely summer day.

All Material © TravelXena.com 2012

Photographer: Mr. Travel Xena
Clothing: White Cotton dress found at street vendor in New York
Fascinator: Made by me
Wrist Cuffs: Made by me
Shoes: Born-O-Concept
Hair style: Braid-out on natural 4a/b hair.
Luggage: Vintage Samsonite – marble style in Turquoise, Navy and Cream
Books: Bought in various places

Waiting for a Ride

She didn’t have much to take on this adventure, but she packed her bags anyway and knew that he’d come through. When didn’t he? He told her that he’d be late but that he’d meet her in the clearing not too far from the gasoline station. Whatever she did she was not to worry and simply enjoy the fine summer day until he arrived. Of course this didn’t stop her from keeping a look out for his automobile from time to time.

Quite used to being busy she found herself a tad fidgety just sitting there.

And decided to pass the time by writing down her trip anticipations in her travel journal…

As well as reading about her favorite subject…flowers.

After a spell she finished with those time passers, and as she thought of all of the wonderful sights they’d soon be seeing the cool breeze drifted in her direction and she soon found herself fast asleep.

In time, she awoke and realized that she was still there alone.

“Just where could he be?” She said out loud somewhat impatiently.

“If he doesn’t show up within the hour, I shall never speak to him again” she said to herself firmly.

But wait what’s that sound off in the distance? Could it finally be the wheeze of that old tin can of his after all?

Why yes it was! He was honking to get her attention as he blew kisses out of the window. Though it seemed like hours she realized that he wasn’t as late as it felt.