EDUCATION
TRUST THE EXPERTS
No substitute for experience in travel planning
Since 1974 , Ed-Ventures has operated tours for groups of all ages . The Rochester , Minnesota-based company specializes in customized faithbased tours that are fully escorted and highly inclusive . Routes of Faith visited with Paul Larsen , Ed-Ventures ’ president , to learn more about its offerings , and why faith and group leaders should entrust travel planning to a professional tour operator .
Paul Larsen , Ed-Ventures
Tell us about Ed-Ventrues and your areas of expertise . Larsen : Our tag line at Ed- Ventures is “ Life-changing Travel Experiences !” Our emphasis is on quality customization of every tour we operate to meet our traveler ’ s needs . Our staff speaks several languages , which include Mandarin , Czech , Slovak , German , Spanish , French and English , and have spent time on every continent except Antarctica . We specialize in customized tours and are recognized as experts in both the faith-based and student markets . We specialize in European , Middle Eastern and Central American destinations . However , we are expanding our reach in North America and China .
What is a service or level of support you offer groups they couldn ’ t get on their own ? Larsen : When it comes to faith-based travel , we customize to the needs of the traveler — not just the logistical needs but the spiritual needs and desires as well . We understand the language , the theology , and most importantly the heart of the traveler . From a practical standpoint , we listen to the group leader and often start with a “ blank sheet of paper ” to design their tour . We have sample tours and scheduled departures . We offer marketing support and recruiting tools . We help the group leader prepare for the tour and provide tour diaries and other support materials to be used during the tour .
Share an experience you created that shows what a professional tour operator can do ? Larsen : That is a tough question to answer with a few words or just one experience . Having a rabbi and a priest travel together is a unique experience . Breaking bread with a Christian family in Bethlehem , sharing a Seder meal with a Jewish family in Jerusalem , visiting with an Imam in Cairo or building a home in Honduras are exceptional experiences . Perhaps the best way I can answer that question and reveal the power of travel with you is to share this quote from a young lady that had traveled with her Catholic high school to Vienna , Austria . They had just finished singing the full Requiem in St . Stephen ’ s
Cathedral and received a standing ovation from a large audience . “ After almost 18 years of music studies , it was at that moment as the crowd stood in St . Stephen ’ s Cathedral that I finally understood the power of music .” All of the above are customized experiences Ed- Ventures created that highlight the significance found in travel .
Why does it just make sense to use a professional tour operator such as Ed-Ventures ? Larsen : A professional tour operator already has the expertise , which provides valuable insights and saves time in researching the tour destination . They also have buying power and can normally provide you the best value for your dollar . Tour operators can provide incentives for group leaders such as a free or reduced cost trip and / or recruiting bonuses , promotional support and materials , tour documents , and familiarization tour opportunities . And they offer 24 / 7 support in the event of air interruption , missed connections or other unforeseen circumstances that may occur occasionally in travel .
How does faith enter the family travel equation ? Larsen : Faith-based travel can be a family enjoying quality time and experiencing their faith on a tour to the Vatican , for example , or to Sight & Sound Theatres , an FTA member , to enjoy a show . It can be families taking a mission trip , or perhaps it ’ s traveling to where a relative was baptized and learning about his or her faith .
Is there a trend you ’ re noticing in faith-based travel ? Larsen : There ’ s is a trend toward experiences and events of significance such as the Luther 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation ; the Passion Play in Oberammergau , Germany ; the World Meeting of Families in Dublin and similar events . People of all ages are seeking meaning in their travel , which can be found in a variety of ways . They are seeking Life-changing Travel Experiences !
FTA-member Paul Larsen is president of Rochester , Minnesota-based Ed-Ventures . He can be reached at + 1.507.289.3332 and pcl @ ed-ventures . com . Learn more at ed-ventures . com .
“
A professional tour operator already has the expertise , which provides valuable insights and saves time in researching the tour destination .
— Paul Larsen
4 routes of faith
EDUCATION
TRUST THE EXPERTS
No substitute for experience in travel planning
Since 1974, Ed-Ventures has operated tours for groups of all ages. The
Rochester, Minnesota-based company specializes in customized faith-
based tours that are fully escorted and highly inclusive. Routes of Faith
visited with Paul Larsen, Ed-Ventures’ president, to learn more about
its offerings, and why faith and group leaders should entrust travel
planning to a professional tour operator.
Paul Larsen, Ed-Ventures
Tell us about Ed-Ventrues
and your areas of expertise.
Larsen: Our tag line at Ed-
Ventures is “Life-changing Travel
Experiences!” Our emphasis is
on quality customization of every
tour we operate to meet our
traveler’s needs. Our staff speaks
several languages, which include
Mandarin, Czech, Slovak, German,
Spanish, French and English, and
have spent time on every continent
except Antarctica. We specialize
in customized tours and are
recognized as experts in both the
faith-based and student markets.
We specialize in European, Middle
Eastern and Central American
destinations. However, we are
expanding our reach in North
America and China.
What is a service or level of support you offer groups
they couldn’t get on their own?
Larsen: When it comes to faith-based travel, we customize to the
needs of the traveler—not just the logistical needs but the spiritual
needs and desires as well. We understand the language, the theology,
and most importantly the heart of the traveler. From a practical
standpoint, we listen to the group leader and often start with a
“blank sheet of paper” to design their tour. We have sample tours
and scheduled departures. We offer marketing support and recruiting
tools. We help the group leader prepare for the tour and provide tour
diaries and other support materials to be used during the tour.
Share an experience you created that shows what a
professional tour operator can do?
Larsen: That is a tough question to answer with a few words or just
one experience. Having a rabbi and a priest travel together is a unique
experience. Breaking bread with a Christian family in Bethlehem,
sharing a Seder meal with a Jewish family in Jerusalem, visiting with
an Imam in Cairo or building a home in Honduras are exceptional
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