Poe Travel

Shawn W. from N.C.

kitty — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 23:58:49 +0000

The Manor Hotel in Delhi upgraded us to the suite, and we had our own outdoor patio. The staff there couldn’t have been nicer and the food was to die for. We met a a group of women who just finished the first all women’s trek to Antarctica. Amazing night!

Rob & Vici M. from Ladera Ranch, CA

kitty — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 21:44:59 +0000

Rob and Vici M. recently wrote to share how much they loved a Poe-planned ski trip in Colorado with their children—and, it turns out, a mysterious companion called “Flat Stanley” shown here. Just who is that handsome stranger? And, more importantly, when do we get to meet him?

Skiing was wonderful. You did a great job once again! Crystal Peak Lodge is the best! Here is Vici and Flat Stanley from Arkansas. Thanks again!

Rob M.

Lisa K. from Atlanta

admin — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:20:19 +0000

Thanks so much for connecting me and Kevin to Nubia Tours. We had a fantastic day! Our guide, Omimma, was just wonderful, very knowledgeable! Thanks again. I was so pleased!

Lisa K.
Senior Advisor
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Dick and Phyllis S.

admin — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:07:13 +0000

Phyllis & Dick in Hoi An

From Phyllis:

We had a wonderful trip! Trails of Indochina did an outstanding job in itinerary planning, and their guides were excellent.

I was concerned about being in Vietnam over Tet, but the experience of seeing the fabulous Tet flower displays and all the families strolling up and down the avenue day and night was great. It seems to be a custom to dress up the children for Tet and take their pictures in front of the flower displays. Adorable. Thanks for all of your help and guidance in planning the trip.

From Dick:

I concur with Phyllis’ report in all respects. Thanks so much for your good work!

We especially appreciated Fred’s recommendation of the Bobby Chinn restaurant in Hanoi. The food was as good as any we had in Vietnam, and I can’t begin to describe the ambiance—the most unusual we’ve ever encountered.

Ellison Poe, CTC, President

admin — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 22:26:07 +0000

Best known for cutting-edge itineraries that lead her clients to places and experiences otherwise inaccessible to the traveling public, Ellison is the “go to” person on travel for some of the nation’s leading publications. In 2007, Travel + Leisure & Condé Nast Traveler named her among the top travel specialists in the nation for the sixth consecutive year. In addition, she has been featured and referenced in the NY Times, Wall Street Journal, National Geographic Traveler, Gourmet and many others. “Raised with an atlas alongside Dr. Spock”, according to Fred, Poe Travel’s founder and Ellison’s father, she had circled the globe by age six. A former resident of Vienna and of Paris – fluent in both German and French – Ellison has served on the advisory board of Abercrombie & Kent and currently serves on the advisory boards of Taj Hotels & Resorts, Condé Nast Traveler and Virtuoso.
epoe@poetravel.com

Margaret Kemp, CTC, CEO

admin — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 22:25:35 +0000

Margaret began her career in the travel business as a corporate agent right here at Poe Travel. She quickly rose through the ranks working as (among other things) our GSA and Army account administrator to ultimately become our inimitable CEO and co-owner with Ellison. Margaret reinvented the way we do business on the operations side. Over the years she has made Poe one of the most IT savvy travel consultancies in the world. (And you should see our generator!) She is a deft leader and is frequently quoted in travel trade magazines and has been a speaker at numerous conferences, including Sabre World. Among her favorite places are East Africa, Australia, Western Europe and the Galapagos Islands.

Other points of interest about Margaret: she has a Masters in exercise physiology and used to teach ballroom dancing. Asked why she retired those dancing shoes, she says, “Who has the time?” Another stat: Margaret is an avid, amazing golfer who has played all over the world on courses in Scotland, England, Ireland, and Africa.

Perhaps even more impressive, she can fix anything and has a well-stocked toolbox that would be the envy of any handyman. This was a needed skill when growing up in a large family, in which everyone was expected to contribute. Margaret, who has a twin brother among other siblings, comes from a tight-knit clan that includes 29 first cousins. “Irish Catholic,” she says by way of explanation. Her love of travel was born early on during family road trips. The family was so large, however that they had to divide into two cars, a station wagon and Cadillac.

Travels of late, not via station wagon, include Istanbul and the Greek isles on Oceana, as well as the French Riviera. A highlight was being in Monte Carlo during the Tour de France. She’s looking forward to leading an upcoming trip to Israel.

Of her job at Poe, Margaret says she “wears many hats.” We’re just guessing here, but is one of those a tam o’shanter?
mkemp@poetravel.com

Fred Poe, CTC, Chairman

admin — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 22:25:06 +0000

Fred has been relentlessly pursuing knowledge of the world ever since his first train ride at age 8! He got his start in travel in 1958 when he moved to Montana for a brief apprenticeship. In 1961 he headed home with his new wife, Tina, to start Frederick Poe Travel Service. Read more about our spectacular history here. These days – when he’s not traipsing off to obscure corners of the globe – he is the “travel consultant’s consultant”. Few can comprehend the encyclopedic knowledge in this man’s head! You may not know that Fred is also an expert map-folder, with the precision and expertise of an origami master.

Fred recently returned from another exciting round-the-world journey during which he landed in Hawaii, Nagasaki, Vienna, Algiers, and Istanbul among other places. He paid his respects at Catherine the Great’s birthplace in Szczecin, Poland and “found his angel in Algiers,” after injuring his foot in some ruins. He also visited a Stonehenge-like outcropping in the ancient city of Urfa in southeast Turkey, whose history dates back to Neolithic times. “My travels as usual have been bonkers. I can go any place I want to.”
fpoe@poetravel.com

Beth Walter, CTC,  Leisure & International

admin — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 22:24:42 +0000

Beth started her distinguished travel career at Poe Travel in 1980. Her experience includes working in international corporate and leisure travel, luxury cruises, affinity groups, corporate oversight and operations. In early 2008 after a hiatus she returned to her roots at Poe Travel. Beth brings incredible depth of knowledge and is well versed at designing upscale, personalized travel in North America, East Asia, Europe and the Mediterranean. Beth also has long-standing relationships with cruise lines Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Holland America Line and Yachts of Seabourn. Apropos: She is a certified Virtuoso Voyager Club Host. Beth is designated by the Travel Institute as a Certified Travel Counselor and is a Virtuoso Accredited Agent.

Beth recently traveled to Spain and France on a river cruise and believes passionately that river cruises are “the up and coming way to travel.” She says, “It’s just a marvelous experience without having to spend a great deal of money.” Next on the horizon? Istanbul, Spain, Portugal and Morocco. In the future she hopes to guide church trips to Spanish religious sites.

At home, Beth stays busy with church activities and has been to Honduras seven times on mission trips. She also volunteers at Our House. Even Beth’s dog is committed to helping those in need. Her Wheaten Terrier mix, Lucky, is a certified therapy dog who can sometimes be found at Poe Travel spreading good cheer.
bwalter@poetravel.com

Jayne White, Leisure & Cruises

admin — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 22:24:18 +0000

In addition to knowing all the ins-and outs of vacation and honeymoon planning, our in-house “veteran cruiser” is a rare gem in the field of luxury cruises. From Seabourn to Silversea; Regent Seven Seas to Cunard – she knows all the ships inside out, fleet to fleet. Always friendly, open and upbeat, you can count on Jayne to be a trusted friend and ally in helping you find the perfect fit for your needs.

This Cruise Queen says, “You’ve never lived ’til you’ve cruised.” She loves the all-inclusive package and also the convenience of unpacking only one time. She also loves to be pampered and entertained, sometimes at the same time, and is always up for dancing. “I’m going to dance my way through life,” she says. “When I’m not working, I am dancing.” She can be found on weekend nights doing just that at the American Legion.

This grandmother of three cooks southern comfort food like no other, prefers warm destinations and enjoys the occasional and frequent glass of wine.
jwhite@poetravel.com

Teresa Grace, Leisure & Cruises

admin — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 22:23:53 +0000

Teresa  is one rare find in the leisure business. She has a knack for seeking out the deals of the century and delivers them day in and day out. Her inimitable expertise and contacts in cruising and resorts throughout North America, Mexico and the Caribbean make her indispensable. She is also an integral part of the team in the International Department, working closely with Ellison Poe on a daily basis.

After leading a group to Africa, Teresa fell in love with that part of the world and can’t wait to return. Teresa has a daughter at the Savannah School of Art and Design who is fluent in Mandarin, so a trip to China is also in the works.

Ellison says of Teresa, “She works behind-the-scenes to make things happen and keeps me on task.” This includes invoicing and maintaining the client database. She also holds the title of master calendar keeper. Sometimes she operates on cruise control, meaning that she leads the Nursing Cruise. She also makes stained glass in her back-yard shop and finds serenity and a respite from the hectic world of travel by her koi pond.
tgrace@poetravel.com