Virginia Tech alumni travel trends toward cruises
For nearly 40 years, the Virginia Tech Alumni Association has offered quality group travel to alumni, friends, and their families. In recent years, alumni seem to be choosing more river and ocean cruises.
"We’ve experienced a 58 percent increase in alumni cruise bookings between 2010 and 2012," said Vice President for Alumni Relations Tom Tillar, who is a member of the Class of 1969. "As overall travel trends have fluctuated, our alumni travel program has remained unaffected by the economy due to the increased offerings of quality cruise programs."
Hokies continue to reward themselves with a journey-of-a-lifetime filled with beauty, intellectual stimulation, and unforgettable moments that exceed their expectations. During the Historic Reflections Mediterranean cruise in May 2012, alum Bill Barber, who is a member of the Class of 1972, and his wife Christine were among the Virginia Tech group aboard the cruise. They commented, “All services on the ship were excellent. I felt Go Next was truly dedicated to making sure everyone had a great trip. This was absolutely the best cruise we’ve been on.”
The Alumni Association has just announced their 2013 Travel Tours line-up. From the Mayan ruins to Saigon, one of Vietnam’s most exciting cities, a wide array of destination choices is available that will appeal to Hokies of all ages. "We select trips each year based on alumni feedback, travel trends, and popular offerings," said Alumni Travel Director Gwen Harrington. "Our travel program continues to offer a unique collection of destinations, varying group sizes, educational components, and competitive pricing."
One tour the Alumni Association is featuring for the first time in 2013 is Legacies and Landscapes of Cuba, a bucket list destination for many. Virginia Tech Professor Emeritus Joseph Scarpaci will accompany travelers on this journey to explore this island of contrasts, still largely unfamiliar to many travelers. This special program is designed to unravel the richness of Cuban culture and allow participants to meet Cubans from all walks of life. More information on this trip, as well as the full 2013 list of tours, can be found on the Virginia Tech Alumni Association Travel website.
The Alumni Association works with reputable and established tour providers, including Alumni Holiday Incorporated (AHI) and GoNext. These providers design trips specifically for university alumni. Alumni travelers appreciate the convenience of these turn-key programs. The real bonus is enjoying the camaraderie of fellow Hokie travelers as they experience unique access to iconic sights and hidden treasures at a relaxing pace.
The Virginia Tech Alumni Association keeps Hokie Nation connected through networking, services, and involvement. The alumni association has no membership dues and all alumni are members for life. Alumni chapters, reunions, homecomings, communication, advocacy, student engagement, and recognizing excellence among faculty, students, and alumni are hallmarks of our service to the university. The cornerstone of our core values is embodied by the university motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).
