In this episode, host Jeff Gayduk reconnects with an old friend and industry veteran, Michael Lundquist, now with CroisiEurope, a family-owned river cruise company based in Strasbourg, France. With nearly 50 years in the business, CroisiEurope boasts a diverse fleet of over 50 ships and 170 itineraries worldwide, ranging from 3 to 27 days. Lundquist highlights the company's unique value in the river cruise market, emphasizing their flexible offerings and strong presence in lesser-known European rivers and canals, including the Loire Valley and the Elbe River. They discuss the growth of Croisi ..read more

In this episode of the Traveling Tribes podcast, host Jeff Gayduk interviews Luisa Mendoza of Global Tourism and Sports Entertainment (GTSE). Luisa shares her experiences at IPW, the largest tourism trade show in the U.S., and her recognition at the Women in Tourism event. She reflects on her family's immigration from Colombia and how their journey fueled her determination to succeed. Luisa recounts her diverse career in the travel industry, including roles at notable companies and organizations, which eventually led her to found GTSE. She discusses the company's mission to bridge the gap betw ..read more

Welcome to the Traveling Tribes Podcast, where we dive deep into group travel and tourism trends. Host Jeff Gayduk, publisher of Leisure Group Travel Magazine and author of Traveling Tribes, brings you engaging conversations with travel industry standouts and influencers. In this episode, Jeff sits down with special guest Steve Ridgway from Criterion Travel. Steve shares insights from his extensive experience in the travel industry, spanning over 50 years. From his roots in Lawrence, KS, to his tenure with Maupintour and beyond, Steve provides valuable perspectives on the evolution of group t ..read more

The latest episode of Traveling Tribes features a conversation between host Jeff Gayduk and guest Tim Hines. Tim, a seasoned marketer, shares insights into leveraging AI in the travel industry. Tim's background in marketing spans over 20 years, primarily focusing on fractional CMO work. He emphasizes the importance of helping struggling companies jumpstart their marketing efforts. With experience in technology and travel sectors, Tim highlights the intersection of marketing and travel, offering valuable guidance to businesses in this space. The conversation delves into the role of AI in revolu ..read more

Join Jeff Gayduk, host of the Traveling Tribes Podcast, in an engaging conversation with Sue Arko, a recognized expert in the group travel industry. Sue shares insights from her extensive career, spanning from owning and operating Free Spirit Vacations and Events since 1996 to her current role as project manager for the Accent Travel Network. Discover how Sue's journey into the tour business began in 1981 and evolved into pioneering initiatives like the Accent conferences. Explore the unique features of Accent, formerly known as Spotlight, including the Future Tour Operator category designed ..read more

In this captivating episode of the Traveling Tribes Podcast, the charismatic host Jeff Gayduk invites distinguished guests from Heritage Clubs International, the premier bank marketing organization in North America. Joining the conversation is Ted Nelson, Andy Ziegler, and Michael Ziegler. Listen as they delve into the fascinating origins of Heritage Clubs International and unravel the organization's pivotal role in supporting the group travel industry. Listeners are treated to insightful discussions on the unique services provided by Heritage Clubs International and its significant impact on ..read more

In this episode of the Traveling Tribes Podcast, host Jeff Gayduk sits down with Catherine Prather, the dynamic representative from the National Tour Association (NTA), to delve into the challenges facing the travel industry. Prather sheds light on the ever-evolving landscape, emphasizing the resilience and adaptability of tour companies amidst global uncertainties. A highlight of the discussion is the Tourism Cares sustainability program, spearheaded by NTA, aiming to foster responsible tourism practices. Prather shares insights into how the program addresses environmental and social impact ..read more

In this exciting episode of Traveling Tribes, your host Jeff Gayduk takes you on a journey through the frothy landscapes of craft beer, joined by the charismatic Glenn Smith, the founder of Brewery Tours. Discover the hidden gems and local favorites as Jeff and Glenn discuss the symbiotic relationship between beer and travel. Whether you're a seasoned beer enthusiast or a casual traveler, this episode promises to be a refreshing exploration of the sights, sounds, and, most importantly, the tastes that make Brewery Tours a must-add to your travel itinerary. Join Traveling Tribes for an intoxica ..read more

Our special new episode features two guests, Arden from Girls Who Travel & Alex from G Adventures. Defining women in the travel business, Alex and Arden discuss both of their businesses, how they collaborate and support groups in travelling, their tips to success in the travel business and more! G Adventures is a social enterprise as much as a small group travel company. They have been pioneers of community tourism for 30 years. Their tours, created by building meaningful relationships with local communities, directly benefit the people and places they visit. Girls Who Travel is a com ..read more

This week, we welcome Jim Marini from Railbookers Group, which specializes in creating seamless and convenient train vacations for travelers. Hear about rail travel in the U.S. and overseas, the details of Amtrak Travel, and the benefits to booking rail travel. With Railbookers, booking a train vacation is easy, stress-free, and tailored to meet your specific needs. They offer a wide range of customizable train vacation packages that include transportation, accommodation, and activities. Their expert travel consultants work with customers to create a personalized itinerary that fits their budg ..read more