Wandering Puffin LLC — A change of plans | Travel Research Online

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Wandering Puffin LLC — A change of plans

It has been an interesting month since I returned from Iceland–a short, but amazing adventure, including the ATV ride and returning to Gullfoss and Geysir. I always enjoy Iceland, a place where I am able to recharge my batteries; and since it was to be my only trip to Europe this year (or so I thought), it was one packed with professional and personal goals. When I returned from Iceland, there was an email invitation to Sicily for a symposium in November. And given I had never been to Sicily (and the price being right.), I accepted. This looks to be an exciting end to the year.

One I returned, I continued and caught up with my normal routine of handling my clients; continuing to build my business. As I mentioned in my previous contribution, I am looking at leading a small group over to Europe and have continued to work on my itinerary which I hope to become a Wandering Puffin exclusive sometime later next year or spring of 2012. It will encompass 10 to 14 days over in central and eastern Europe, but with a focus on places that are more off the beaten path with a sampling of sights and sounds of places like Prague and Budapest for a nice mix.

After the initial invitation to Sicily, I received another email saying that the symposium had been pushed back a week and I changed my plans accordingly. Having not heard anything in regards to schedules, documents, flight information (I had to get to Chicago to catch the Alitalia flight), I emailed the organizers and was told everything was being confirmed and I would hear something soon. Again nothing until about 10 days ago when I received that the trip was being postponed again– potentially to February 2011. So here I was with planned time off and nowhere to go! What was I to do?

I started checking into some other options such as Ireland, Turkey and the Baltic States with little success. Their availability and mine just would not work, or frankly, would cost too much money. Then I remembered that I had not touched base with a a colleague in Prague. It turns out she was hosting a FAM in the city and I was able to participate! It fit right into my schedule and the price was right. The event is only 4 days in length and if I am going that far, 4 days is truly not enough. So, I made some inquiries to some contacts in Budapest to see if the Wandering Puffin might be able to explore where the central European experience was born. Sicily’s postponement, it turned out, was my re-entry into my passion and the region where  I hope to take my Wandering Puffin exclusive trip.

With the land pieces in place, I purchased my air and the Wandering Puffin is off for a true crossing of the pond where I will be able to reconnect with people who will be instrumental in helping me to make my new concept become a reality. I believe that things happen for a reason and if the Italy trip had not been canceled, I may not have been able to take advantage up the upcoming adventure.

My clients are the most important aspect of my business. I would not be here if it weren’t for them. And as an interesting side note, five of my clients will be in Budapest (same hotel) as me when I am in Budapest. Has anyone ever met their clients halfway around the world?

Until next time, the Wandering Puffin wishes everyone safe travels!

Jamison Bachrach is better known as the Wandering Puffin for the way he likes to travel. Jamison has been in the travel industry for almost 14 years and has been home based for a little more than 2 years and specializes in independent European travel planning, specifically, central and eastern Europe, as well as Scandinavia.

Jamison has traveled to over 35 countries, including most of Europe. Wandering Puffin LLC. Is located in Plymouth, MN. Jamison can be reached by email at jamie@wanderingpuffin.com or by phone at  763-244-0669. www.wanderingpuffin.com.

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