VACATIONS

VACATIONS

VACATIONS

Our specialized, experienced consultants offer expertise for worldwide tours, cruises and custom designed travel experiences, while also providing first-hand knowledge and personal, human insight to guide your unique vacation vision. Through ongoing educational initiatives, our consultants travel the world to experience and learn about destinations personally, enabling them to share unbiased specific details during the travel planning process. Our preferred vendor relationships provide added values, booking bonuses and the best options for all of your travel needs.

SUN & FUN DESTINATIONS

SUN & FUN DESTINATIONS

SUN & FUN DESTINATIONS

Adjust your latitude and find yourself on the perfect beach where you can fully decompress, explore nature's aquarium and sample exotic local flavors.

As a Delta Vacations Diamond Elite Agency, a Top Performer with Sun Country Vacations, and a member of the Gold Level 500 Club with Funjet Vacations, you can trust your important getaway plans with our knowledgeable and experienced staff. We've been there!

vacation-swimming

Find your paradise — from Hawaii to the Greek Isles; from the South of France to the South Pacific. Get moving on your vacation with fishing, snorkeling, hiking, zip lining, sailing, ATV adventures — or journey from snow-capped mountains to the beach all in the same day.

Not all tropical retreats are the same, so rely on our expertise to help you select the perfect match to suit your needs. Where you stay matters — boutique or mega resort, a cottage by the ocean, or a luxury enclave.

Enjoy an independent getaway or explore an all-inclusive beach haven. All-Inclusive resorts provide a tremendous value in tropical settings and offer a wide range of atmospheres: from the most intimate and secluded to very active and high energy — all while experiencing fine dining, top-shelf beverages, included activities and entertainment.

The choices are endless and we can help you determine the location that fits your style — active or relaxing, hot spot or seclusion. And when you need a break from the beach, we can recommend the best activities, places to eat, nightlife, and more.

Let us find your perfect place in the sun.

vacations-tahiti-vacation

GLOBAL EXPLORATIONS

GLOBAL EXPLORATIONS

GLOBAL EXPLORATIONS

We offer the world to you; from custom independent itineraries to fully guided tours. We'll connect you with the perfect services and experiences that will satisfy your well-deserved travel dreams.

In addition to our agents' personal travel knowledge, we have worldwide connections to arrange insider access and coordinate your schedule to be present for special local events, ceremonies and festivals.

vacations-sea-boat-vacation

We provide:

  • Guided & Locally Hosted Journeys
  • Experiential Adventures
  • Cultural Focus
  • Rail Journeys
  • Unique & Authentic Experiences: Culinary, Wine, Sports, Sailing
  • Exotic Experiences: African Safaris, Antarctica Landings, riding the Orient Express, Mekong
  • River Cruises
  • Luxury and VIP Travel
  • Custom-designed Experiences

YOUR INTERESTS, YOUR WAY

What would be a highlight of your travel plans? Painting at Giverny, driving a Ferrari in Italy, or a cooking school in Bangkok?

Let us design your next adventure.

vacations-golden-pavillion-kyoto-japan

OCEAN & RIVER CRUISES

OCEAN & RIVER CRUISES

OCEAN & RIVER CRUISES

We present the waters of the world. Will your next journey take you to charming villages along the Danube River, onto the great vast oceans and seas of the world or into the narrow inlets of the Amazon? Do you see yourself on an ocean liner crossing the Atlantic in style or a relaxing quest to tropical Caribbean ports of call? We have the perfect escape for you!

vacations-river-cruise-passau

RIVER CRUISES

Take a slow journey to discover life along the rivers of the world. Visit historic destinations on the Mississippi. Marvel at the ancient scenery of the Yangtze River Gorges or along the Nile in Egypt. Explore the great waterways of Europe — all in the intimate surroundings of your luxury ship, fine cuisine, and outstanding service.

Your ship will dock right in the heart of historic cities that will welcome you with enriching tours, delicious local cuisine and an opportunity to discover your new favorite destination. Think of the rivers as the ancient highways of the world. You can't get a better location.

Retire each evening to your cabin with floor-to-ceiling windows and luxurious beds that beg to be slept in. You'll wake each morning energized and ready to explore a brand new port — and you only need to unpack your luggage once.

OCEAN CRUISES

Sail the Seven Seas. From adventures aboard popular cruise ships and luxury ocean liners to sailing ships large and small, the world is yours to explore by water. You can explore the Caribbean Islands, the wonders of Alaska or the marvelous Mediterranean.

While on board, many ships provide entertainment and activities for all ages. Kids will enjoy swimming pools, rock climbing walls and art classes, while you can relax, take advantage of spa services and participate in fitness classes. Then come together at the end of the day to share a delicious meal with the whole family. And don't forget about onshore activities like snorkeling, biking, sightseeing and shopping. With a cruise, you can do it all.

Let us help you select the right destination, size of ship, and amenities to find your perfect cruise.

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ACTIVE ADVENTURES

ACTIVE ADVENTURES

ACTIVE ADVENTURES

Are you dreaming of a zip line in the rainforest, reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, or an exotic photo safari to capture that perfect image of your favorite wild animals? Let us help you create your perfect adventure.

vacations-machu-picchu

We offer experiences such as:

  • Spectator Sports like Soccer, NFL Games, Wimbledon, the Olympics
  • Watersports like fishing and sailing
  • Hiking with organized/guided treks such as Machu Picchu or Kilimanjaro
  • Birding in locations such as South America and Asia
  • Dude Ranches
  • Skiing or Golf

Hike to the top of the world; the Grand Canyon; the beautiful Cinque Terre coastline. Experience whales so close you can see and smell the spray. Meet a penguin, a polar bear, a reindeer, a lion, a giraffe or an ancient tortoise. Zip line through a rainforest; walk up a waterfall; mush a dogsled.

Challenge yourself to try a new adventure and explore a new land.

It's a big world — let us help you discover it.

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FRIENDS & FAMILY GETAWAYS

FRIENDS & FAMILY GETAWAYS

FRIENDS & FAMILY GETAWAYS

Travel together to celebrate your milestones, bond with your besties or reconnect with your family's generations.

From 4 to 400, we can guide you to the best travel options. We know the logistics of finding great options and extra values even for small getaways. Our preferred status with airlines, resorts and tour operators create value and extra benefits to help make your trip the best ever.

Let us keep your group on track, organized, and informed.

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We can assist with:

  • Family Reunions
  • Vow Renewals
  • Birthdays or Graduation Excursions
  • Multigenerational Travel
  • Girlfriend Getaways
  • Bachelorette Parties

UPCOMING EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

Check back often to see our lineup of events and travel forums featuring everything from cruise lines and tour companies to worldwide destinations. Click on the listing below for more information, including registration, for each upcoming event.

Have a question about an upcoming event? Send us an email to events@carrouseltravel.com.

Looking for recordings of past virtual events? Find them here.

Carrousel's reputation, superior quality, and an unmatched high level of service is why you can feel confident entrusting us with your important travel dreams.

MEET OUR VACATION TEAM

Vacation Travel Agent Christine Miller

CHRISTINE MILLER

Senior Travel Consultant

With over 25 years’ experience in the travel industry combined with five years in the concierge business, Christine is committed to ensuring your happiness and comfort throughout your travel experience. Whether you know exactly where you want to go or you need some inspiration, she is here to guide you and will create a journey that will surpass your expectations.

“My experience in travel planning is diverse, including Ocean Cruising, travel to the Caribbean and Mexico, escorted and independent travel to Europe and Scandinavia, and travel within the US and Canada.”

cmiller@carrouseltravel.com

612-798-1416

Julie-Bretl

JULIE BRETL

Senior Travel Consultant

I've been a travel advisor for a decade and have had the incredible opportunity and privilege to share my most favorite destination - the United Kingdom - with many of my valued clients. Not only do I visit the UK on a regular basis, I lived in England for over 22 years. In fact, I have been obsessed with the UK since I was 13 years old when I saw my first Monty Python's Flying Circus episode.

Prior to joining the travel industry, I worked in museum retail and for an antique auctioneer, so I learned much about the history of the UK, especially relating to art and culture. Having lived in the UK for a long time, I also know the "lay of the land" and am familiar with many interesting "out-of-the-way" places to visit.

Other places that I have visited and love are Japan, China, Peru, Hawaii, Sweden, France and Italy, and of course the perennial favorites of Mexico and the Caribbean. My most recent destination was Iceland, where I spent my honeymoon.

I look forward to creating new memories for you too!

jbretl@carrouseltravel.com

612-445-7733

vacation-travel-agent-Katherine-Wolf

KATHERINE WOLF

Senior Travel Consultant

Katherine delivers unique adventures in Scandinavia and Europe; her passion is offering cultural highlights whether the Colosseum in Rome or a bit of soft adventure in Norway, like a Fjord Kayak Tour.

"My recent trip to Greece was filled with surprises, from the people who were so warm and welcoming to the rich history of Athens complete with the charming cobblestoned streets of Plaka (Old Town). But perhaps it is her islands that call me back, with the serene, yet playful, atmospheres and breathtaking views, which in the end created a rich tapestry of memories that I won't soon forget."

kwolf@carrouseltravel.com

612-798-1429

Kelly-Ross-vacation

KELLY ROSS

Senior Travel Consultant

With almost a decade working in the travel industry, my passion comes from working with clients to help them create unforgettable lifetime memories in their travels. Taking time to discover new places all over the world and make memories that will last forever and stories to tell for years to come.

Whether it is family vacations escaping the MN cold for sun and sand or crossing off bucket list destinations with amazing adventures, I love them all. I enjoy researching and finding unique opportunities available in each destination to help create a unique and customized experience. From farmers markets in Amsterdam to small dark pubs in Ireland filled with live music or deep-sea fishing in the waters off the southern coast of the Dominican Republic, finding a special adventure in every place I go has become my favorite travel habit.

kross@carrouseltravel.com

612-445-7755

Lisa-Podgorak-vacation

LISA PODGORAK

Senior Travel Consultant

The allure of exotic destinations and warm tropical climates have always been a love of mine for many years. I enjoy assisting travelers with planning trip itineraries in all parts of the world, whether it is a sandy and sunny Caribbean getaway, or an overseas adventure to another foreign land.

Prior to the travel industry, I worked as a consultant and enjoy using personal insights gained on global travel to create exciting and memorable experiences for all.

Some of my favorite destinations include Japan and Hong Kong. Whether it is near or far, I look forward to assisting you with creating an unforgettable journey.

lpodgorak@carrouseltravel.com

612-445-7705

vacation-travel-agent-Loni-Goettig

LONI GOETTIG

Senior Travel Consultant

With over 40 years of travel planning experience, Loni can help you design your own personal travel itinerary to all parts of the world, such as Asia, South America, Europe, and even Hawaii.

"Tahiti is a dream destination for many. I just returned from the Windstar Wind Spirit 7-night cruise around these islands. The most turquoise water your eyes have ever seen, combined with the incredible beauty of the islands, atolls and motus — and a fascinating South Pacific culture with amazing people that want to share this with you — make a trip to Tahiti unforgettable!"

Please note: Loni is not currently taking new clients

lgoettig@carrouseltravel.com

612-798-1420

vacation-travel-agent-Lori-Bruns

LORI BRUNS

Senior Travel Consultant

From tropical getaways to romantic escapes, Lori is your go-to expert for sun, sand and adventure travel in places like Hawaii, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

"I have recently traveled to three very different destinations — sunny, diverse Los Cabos, Mexico; Dublin and the Ring of Kerry in Ireland; and Northern Italy with Uniworld River Cruises. All were educational and interesting, and I would love to share my personal insights about these destinations to help enhance your next travel experience."

lbruns@carrouseltravel.com

612-798-1411

Maria Japan 2023-2

MARIA SIEVERS

Senior Travel Consultant

Born and raised in Sweden, I fell in love in Minnesota during my year as a foreign exchange student and never left. I have been a travel consultant for over 20 years, creating travel experiences around the world. While I am experienced with helping clients explore the whole world, my passion is the Nordic region. In my recent travels I have experienced Japan (10 days in February 2023), Copenhagen, the magical Faroe Islands (Denmark), Svalbard, Tromsø & Trondheim (Norway), Cunard Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic sailing, and France by rail.

Some of my favorite destinations include Iceland, Denmark, Australia and, of course, my home country of Sweden. Whether it’s a short getaway domestically, ocean cruising, river exploring or something longer and more unique like the Faroe Islands, I truly enjoy creating the perfect trip for my clients!

msievers@carrouseltravel.com

612-798-1461

TESTIMONIALS

Lorrie is the pinnacle of what we believe a travel agent should be...our partner in crafting the best possible vacation. She has wonderful listening skills and then makes it happen. I can’t imagine working with anyone else.
Peter

I’d like to keep Loni a secret but have and will continue to recommend her. We don’t plan anything without her.
Terry and Lee Anne

Thank you, Gene. I will always be grateful to our friends for recommending you to us. You are a great example of someone who can deal with all kinds of travelers. You are very patient and understanding of our inexperience in the world of travel. I will recommend you to anyone interested in travel.
Barb and Bev - Alaska

I was nervous taking an international trip alone and Katherine completely put me at ease. I felt like I had known her for years yet this was our first interaction. She was a tremendous help with my flights, drivers and finding fantastic hotel experiences. A true professional!

Michelle

I was referred to Carrousel Travel by a family friend and started working with Lori Bruns. From the start to the very end Lori helped me step by step plan my destination wedding. She helped me with my website, contracting reservations for the hotel, booking flights and hotel for my guests, and myself and my family, keeping everything in order and keeping my stress levels down. Lori made everything easy and was extremely transparent the entire time I worked with her. She gave me her undivided attention and was responsive and knowledgeable. I had 40 guests that were family and friends in my wedding group that traveled with me to Aruba. Aruba was Lori’s suggestion after weeks of being indecisive on a location. I am so glad I listened to her!!! Aruba was amazing, the hotel was perfect for everyone’s needs, and the wedding planner at the RIU was just as amazing as Lori. I got legally married in Aruba, so Lori ALSO helped me step by step through that process and what paperwork I needed done and where to get it and how to send it. My wedding vacation was wonderful and my actual wedding day was more than perfect. I could not have pulled it off without Lori and Carrousel Travel’s help. If anyone reading this has their heart set on a destination wedding- CALL LORI at Carrousel Travel and she will help make it happen for you! Cannot say enough good things!

Akila - Aruba

Loni is the best. She's patient, efficient, great suggestions, open to exploring the best to suit your needs and interests. Wouldn't think of planning a trip without Loni.
Ronald and Glenda

Katherine, A note of thanks for the work you did to set up our European vacation. It was everything we hoped for and more.

All the arrangements were executed with perfection. Both hotels were perfect. Modest and extremely well located, in both cities. The double rooms were not overly small, and the bathrooms were more than ample. We were more than satisfied with the hotel choices. Christmas Day was spectacular. Morning Mass in a 12th century chapel with the Vienna Boys Choir singing hymns, and the dinner and chamber orchestra concert in the evening made for an over the top amazing day. We absolutely loved everything about Prague. Carrousel and Kensington Tours were great. We stretched our budget just a tad, but it was worth every dime.

We will definitely use you again and will recommend our friends to you. You have proven the point we read about some time ago that travel agents bring expertise to the table that we think we don't need in the internet age. We are now believers in that point.

Thanks for everything.

Rick and Meg - Vienna // Prague

Lorrie was phenomenal 🙂 We appreciated everything down to the absolute detail and just dealing with the dynamics of my family 🙂 Above and beyond of what I have ever expected 🙂
Wendell

Loni has impeccable skill and gracious, timely service. A wonderful resource we will not travel without.
Terry and Lee Anne

We have been customers for 20+ years with Lori and actually haven't needed to use her services for 10 years. We called and had her help with our anniversary trip to our 1st all-inclusive resort. Having never been to an all-inclusive we had many questions and Lori graciously listened and answered all our questions and concerns.
Cindy

Katherine exceeded our expectations with respect to our trip. It was organized flawlessly and went off without a single hitch. Everything she planned for us was outstanding! Katherine was always available for us even while we were on our trip and always responded promptly to questions. We would absolutely recommend her.
Christopher

We trust Gene to give us good advice about where to stay and what cruise lines to use. We have been happy with her recommendations. She responds quickly to our email questions.
Virgil

We love Lori so much she has helped both of our children plan their respective honeymoon trips! With Lori's great knowledge we were able to give our kids a great wedding gift of a helicopter ride for their honeymoon. We would have never known about that if not for Lori! We are going to start planning our retirement trip with Lori soon!!!!
Cindy

Lorrie is fabulous to work with. She has helped us plan many trips and we had a blast on all our vacations. She seems to always go above and beyond our expectations. Can’t imagine going on a trip without Lorrie helping us plan.
Diana

It was the perfect 50th birthday celebration trip. Punta Cana and the resort were both perfect. Thank you!!
Lisa

Katherine’s service far exceeded any of our expectations. We have not used a non-group tour travel agency for many years and were not expecting such personalized, flexible and efficient planning. She seemed to have personal knowledge of all the services she arranged for us including the hotels and transportation and had very useful travel tips and app recommendations, many of which we were unaware of despite having traveled fairly often in the past. We can't believe the speed and efficiency of Katherine's responses! They exceed those of any other person in every other organization we have ever contacted. The provision of a written as well as online itinerary was extremely helpful as was the personal meeting with her prior to our trip to explain everything.
Thomas

Lori has done multiple cruises for me and my family and friends and she is the only person I will use. She is just great to work with and always steers me in the right direction. I would take her on a cruise with us if possible.... Great work!
Larry

Katherine is an absolutely first rate travel agent and such a pleasure to deal with. We have loved every trip she's planned for us. She always goes above and beyond for us to make our experience as great as it possibly can be. Katherine is extremely responsive to all our requests. She was even able to help us when we were stuck in a heat wave in Oslo...thanks to her intervention, the hotel found a fan for us when they had told us there wasn't one to be had. I continue to be amazed at Katherine's attention to detail and the thoroughness of all the information she provides to us. I have recommended Katherine to several friends and to my daughters; they all agree with me that she does an outstanding job and is a pleasure to work with.
Gloria

Lorrie was phenomenal planning this trip for us. With a group of five, from two 17 year olds up to an 87 year old gentleman who walks with a walker, her attention to the details were amazing. There were some extra items - the airline lounge associated with our flight plus the super knowledgeable guides - that were truly appreciated! I have already told people about Lorrie but as soon as I know someone is thinking of a trip, I will send specific contact information : D At the first thought of a vacation, I will be contacting Lorrie 😀
Wendell

Lori is obviously an experienced travel agent and it is delight to work with her. I’m not sure our trips would have been the same if Lori had not provided the relevant information. Lori replys very quickly and answers all questions accurately and includes additional information she finds might be helpful when searching a destination. Lori is very detailed when explaining flight, hotel options and other details such as; kids clubs, restaurants, shopping and activities that may or may not be available. She asks the right questions to make sure the vacation that our family is planning will mesh perfect with what we want to experience and create the perfect getaway! I’ve recommended Lori to several friends, and she has also done a terrific job for them as well! We will use Lori for all of our travel needs!

Kathryn

Christine was just amazing with how fast she was able to get us booked on short notice! Was totally in our budget and listened to what we are wanting to accomplish on this trip. She was excellent at communicating with us back and forth via email! We are busy people and don't have a lot of time to spend on the phone and with Christine, her emails were extremely timely. She listened and reacted to our desired wants. Totally would recommend Christine to anyone wanting a get away. Christine is the only person we will use.
James

Katherine is perfection. She is prompt in responding to requests, makes wonderful suggestions, and always follows through on everything. She makes every trip especially memorable. Katherine is extremely responsive and efficient. When I receive proposals for customized itineraries from Katherine, they are professional, comprehensive in scope, and meet a standard of excellence that exceeds expectations. When I receive final documents, they are perfectly organized and crystal clear. They provide me with every detail that I need for a smooth and enjoyable trip. I’ve recommended Katherine to friends who travel. The level of service she provides is truly outstanding. I’ve already booked a trip to Antarctica with Katherine for January 2020. We’ve also identified a trip to Peru for May 2021 and a trip to China and Tibet in October 2021. We are in the initial planning phase for a trip to Portugal, Madeira, and the Azores to celebrate my 60th birthday in 2022. I intend to use Katherine to plan and book my vacations until either my death or her retirement. She is simply magnificent to work with. A genuinely kind, thoughtful, and sincere person.

Todd

Lori is always extremely knowledgeable and my husband and I have come to trust her opinion. We’ve tried other agents locally and they didn’t compare with Lori’s service. Lori would respond almost instantly to our emails and phone calls. I have recommended Lori to multiple people in Bismarck, ND. She is a ways away from us but nobody close can compare. My husband and I will continue to use Lori for our vacation plans even though she is in a different city and state. Everything is always so simple and she makes us feel confident in our vacation investments.
Sara

Lorrie is my agent for life. She is professional, kind and highly efficient. I couldn’t be happier, and I will be in touch soon regarding my next vacation plan. Thanks so much, Lorrie!
Rojanne

Loni, Thank you for again making our chaotic and rushed planning into a beautiful vacation. We have all of our documents from you and are getting very excited for our trip. I am so very thankful to have you as our travel agent. You are so wonderful at listening to detail and finding something that truly fits our dream vacation. We are very happy with the work you have done for us. Thank you so much!

Nick and Jeni - Japan

Katherine provide excellent service and was helpful in the planning. She covered every aspect of planning perfectly resulting in our best vacation ever!! We look forward to having Katherine plan our next vacation soon!! She is exceptional!
Michael

Lorrie was very helpfull, knowledgeable and answered our many question. Lorrie made the vacation perfect. Thank you Lorrie for all your help and advice. We had a group of 8 people and would ask Lorrie for conference calls and she always helped us. Lorrie knows her job and does it well. We would love to have her join us on our next cruise!
Warren

Katherine, It is my last day here at the Sabyinyo Silverback Lidge, so a fitting time to say thank you for setting up a fabulous trip. Every detail has been wonderful. The AMA section was lovely. I enjoyed all of it. I enjoyed the diversity of the cruise safari experience which is why I chose it. All about this was great. The guide, the staff, the people I met, the accommodations, food - top-notch. But it was this last experience that has been magical. This lodge is above expectations - even tho I had none. Top of the line. And the gorilla experience - once in a lifetime! I cannot take the time now to go into detail about how much I enjoyed this. People always make the trip. The people I met & the staffs & guides along the way. It was so good to feel so taken care of. Thank you. It also will be good to get home & think about another special trip.

Kate

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