The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) has always been dedicated to preserving American history. In its quest to honor those who provided essential support to the American Revolutionary War, 130 members embarked on an unforgettable journey to Rome, Italy last fall.
Blog
A Year of Reduced Hours Work
In January 2023, ATA piloted a new reduced hours work schedule. Our philosophy is that a life well-balanced between work and play is a more productive and happier one. Technology, which is evolving at breakneck speed, should allow fewer hours worked, not more.
The Post and Courier: Interview with Editor-in-Chief Autumn Phillips
ATA Partners with Charleston’s Post and Courier Editor-in-Chief on a new travel initiative. Last summer, Autumn Phillips, Editor-in-Chief of the Post and Courier, called and asked us to help her launch a travel program for Post and Courier subscribers and their friends and family. Autumn is an accomplished writer and traveler
2023 Q3 Newsletter
What better way to explore a country than through food? What started as the occasional food tour swiftly evolved into a robust lineup of culinary experiences. This thriving travel segment is in high demand and has become an integral part of our business.
ATA Statement on Violence in the Middle East
We stand in shock, horror and solidarity with all those who have lost lives and loved ones, or suffered unmentionable violence over this tragic weekend. While the history of the region is complex, there is no nuance when crimes against humanity occur. We treasure all innocent lives, whether Israeli or Palestinian. In war, there are no winners. We have taken steps to ensure our students and travelers in the region are safe. We have canceled plans for trips to Israel through the end of the year. We are actively monitoring the situation through our staff in Jordan, our partners on the ground in Israel and Egypt, and official channels. We remain in contact with all stakeholders and hope that we will be able to bring travelers back to Israel very soon. At times like this, the importance of our mission as an organization is magnified—that learning through travel contributes to global understanding. We hope against hope for peace and safety for all in the region.
Senior Leaders: Lessons from the Road
Senior Leaders: Lessons from the Road by Kate Simpson, President Crafting beautiful itineraries is our forte, yet we all know that the real magic happens when we hand the reins to our travel directors–those who are charged with making it all come to life. This fall, two senior leaders in our study abroad division were assigned as travel directors on important trips with highly discerning clients. Randall Salisbury, our Vice President for CET Programs, led our Road & Track Road to Revival trip to the United Kingdom, featuring the Goodwood Revival. Shelley Jessee, our CET Senior Director of Marketing, led a VIP group to Iceland for Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. They shared some insights with us. What was the highlight of trip you led and why? Randall: Unsurprisingly, the Goodwood Revival was the highlight of the trip for me. This is the only historic car event staged entirely in period dress and celebrates the glory days of racing. From the moment you arrive until the moment you leave, it’s fully immersive and interactive. This is a unique experience that even people without deep car knowledge can thoroughly enjoy. Shelley: The highlight of our trip to Iceland was a day that wasn’t even on our original itinerary! Weather required a last-minute change. Knowing that our group was interested in geology, our amazing local guide, Tryggvi, suggested we add Landmannalaugar in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve to our itinerary. Landmannalaugar is a geologist’s dream! The main attraction is the colorful rhyolite mountains, but in our 4×4 vehicles on the way to the mountains, we drove through lava fields formed by eruptions in the 15th century, admired the Ljótipollur (ugly puddle) crater which was anything but ugly, and counted waterfalls sprouting out of the canyon at Sigöldugljúfur. All were wowed, even the experienced geologists in the group. What is the secret to your success when acting as a Travel Director? Randall: Rolling with the punches, being flexible, and being fun yet firm are all things that have served me well when leading a tour. Setting expectations at the beginning of the program that, despite best efforts, things will change and that’s ok! If you roll with the punches and maintain a positive attitude, the travelers will follow your lead. Another key success factor is being a fun traveling companion, while also being firm in setting expectations. It is all about being an effective and clear communicator. Shelley: Anticipation and communication. You need to read the itinerary critically and anticipate challenges, bumps in the road, and possible delays. When you anticipate what could go wrong, you can plan for it and liaise with our local vendors and contacts to mitigate any potential issues. Then, when problems can’t be avoided, communication comes in to ensure the group is informed. As a travel director, you’re acting as a connector: connecting the travelers and their interests, our local contacts, and the planned itinerary to create a meaningful experience for everyone in the group. How does your experience as one of ATA’s senior leaders help you navigate the challenges of leading a travel program? Randall: At ATA (CET), I am responsible for navigating different personalities, work styles, and group dynamics all the while setting the tone and leading by example. I must connect with individuals, connect them to the mission, and find (and lean into) the natural rhythm of my team. Honestly, acting as travel director requires all the same elements. I know the importance of being prepared, finding solutions instead of being overwhelmed by the problems, and focusing on quality–all very transferable skills when it comes to being effective on tour. Shelley: Leading our marketing efforts, I focus on my target audience when building a campaign. And keeping your audience top of mind is one of the most important strategies in leading a successful travel program. Thinking of what the group is interested in, why they chose this particular tour, and what memories they’re hoping to leave the trip with helps to guide your decisions and view of the itinerary when making plans and last-minute changes. And as a senior leader, I always keep the big picture in mind: thinking two steps ahead, understanding how decisions will ripple through the organization, and anticipating how others will interpret actions I’m taking. Leading a travel program is an intense case study of being a leader in a dynamic, ever-changing business. Of all the trips ATA offers or has offered, which is your dream trip? Randall: Does ATA operate any trips to New Zealand?! If so, I want first dibs. Shelley: If I had the chance to be part of a Dinner with Friends trip, I’d jump at it! Getting to experience this food with amazing experts and hearing from the talented chefs would be an unforgettable experience. Thank you, Randall and Shelley, for your leadership—wherever you are in the world! We would gladly follow YOU anywhere.
