Please Go Away™ Vacations  Photo Gallery |
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Photo Gallery
This page has been especially designed to reflect the good times our travelers have had as they experienced the true meaning of the phrase, the world awaits, on adventures on the continents and oceans of the world. It's your page to showcase your travel adventures. Forward us your photos taken on such a travel experience and we'll be pleased to post them for all the world to see. The more the better. Judges will annually determine the 10 best travel photos that reflect the theme, Everybody smiles in the same language. The names of the 10 winners, along with their photos, will be published on our website. Each of the 10 winners will receive a $50 travel certificate. In addition, each winner will be entered into a drawing for an additional $100 travel certificate. Also, a special feature of this Photo Gallery is the candid PhotoShows feature. You will also enjoy seeing yourself and your friends and neighbors on the special presentations we have created. A number of different departures appear below. We'll continually be adding new shows. You can view them by clicking on the "highlighted/underlined" title links. ---------------------------------------------------
TO SEGWAY OR NOT TO SEGWAY - THAT IS THE QUESTION Recently Jamie Kane of Oklahoma took her two daughters, Caroline and Katherine, on a Princess Caribbean Cruise during Spring Break that she booked through our offices. Jamie described the experience as a "fun fun trip" and provided us with this picture of the 3 ladies enjoying a new way of getting around. Looks like fun!
QUINTESSENTIAL QUINTET This group of 5 intrepid ladies wanted to do a "girls only" travel experience and chose to do it as a "non personally escorted" cruise. Having traveled together before, they did some research and then asked our full time travel professionals to arrange all the details for them. In addition to being "right there" for them before, during and after their travels to address any concerns and to answer any questions, we were also able to provide some perks and benefits not normally available to travelers doing "their own thing". They are pictured at a rest break in Guatemala (note their native handcrafted water bottle holders and identification necklaces) Pictured from left to right are: Teresa Macy, Alden, KS / Connie Hoskins, Surprise, AZ / Cindy Stricklin, Alden, KS / Karen Zimbelman, Wichita, KS / Marilyn Montemayor, Northville, MI.
ELAINE CURRIER OF PLAINS, KS & MEREDITH VIEIRA OF THE TODAY SHOW - A HUGGING COMBO Elaine Currier, and her husband Dale, were members of the recent Deluxe New York City and Theatre travel experience. A part of the many fun-filled and educational activities that were enjoyed by Please Go Away™ Vacations tour members was a visit to the very popular Today Show, being placed in a VIP viewing area for the show's "Concert on the Plaza" series, and getting to be "up close and personal" with the stars. Congratulations, Elaine! Also, we're wondering if Gordon Kasparson of Salina, another member of our group, has washed his shirt yet. After getting a huge hug from Meredith he vowed he "would not". "Going away" sure is fun!
SUPER WORLD TRAVELERS, WILLIS & ELIZABETH STOSKOPF, CELEBRATE 70TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Adding to an already full lifetime of outstanding accomplishments, Willis and Elizabeth celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary July 13. Hosting the event were their daughters and their families, Beth Lee and Wayne Flohr and Ruth Dawn and Sid Cain. Congratuations!
COME ALONG TRAVEL CLUB ENJOYS CALIFORNIA The special travel club of Smoky Hills Public Television recently sponsored a "Complete California" tour commencing in San Francisco, with time also spent in Napa Valley, Yosemite National Park, Monterey, Carmel By The Sea, Big Sur, Hearst Castle at San Simeon, Solvang, and Los Angeles. Special bonus inclusions just for the Come Along Travel Club group included: Cable Car ride in San Francisco, traveling the Crookedest Street in the World, and Universal Studios. Check out your friends and neighbors who are pictured here in front of the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco.
KAREN ZIMBELMAN ACHIEVES "TRAVEL WALL OF FAME" -- Karen, from Wichita, loves to travel
THE COLORS OF KANSAS IN THE FALL -- Variegated colors run throughout this milo mound. Abundant fall crops far exceeded storage capacity and farmers were forced to pile their produce on the ground awaiting shipment to market. The different colors are created by the mixing of different crop strains. Thanks to Malinda Walker of Smoky Hills Public Television renown for this colorful portrait of an unusual and beautiful sight right here at home.
BODY TATTOOS - A SIGN OF BERBER FEMALE BEAUTY -- This foot caught the attention of Karen Zimbelman of Wichita on a recent Please Go Away(tm) Vacations Spain, Portugal and Morocco experience. The designs "are not" those of hosiery, but are body tattoos. The Berbers are very prominent in Northern Africa and the women consider body tattoos as extreme elements of body beauty.
AS GOOD AS IT GETS -- Brad Smith and Janis Selfridge recently enjoyed an 8-day Mexican Riviera Carnival cruise, which departed San Diego. Deep-sea fishing was on Brad's agenda and he landed this colorful 24-pound Mahi Mahi after it put up a noble struggle. In the words of Brad, "It's as good as it gets!"
HOLLAND-BELGIUM TULIPS RIVER CRUISE When you click on the highlighted title of this paragraph you will be able to enjoy the flowers, people and places of Holland and Belgium. These two countries are always two of the most outstanding and rewarding destinations, however, they are even more dramatic when visited during the spring with their abundance of flowers and manicured gardens. To maximize such an experience a group of your friends and neighbors recently joined Paula on a river cruise through the backyards and major cities of these countries. Enjoy. SOUTH PACIFIC CRUISE + BUNGALOWS PHOTO SHOW To enjoy an 8-minute photo show showing the people and places of the South Pacific and Marquesas Islands featured in our personally escorted cruise in December click this link. You will enjoy seeing your friends and neighbors enjoying some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. You will particularly enjoy the unusual water colors.
SOUTH AFRICA ADVENTURE - Africa is one of the truly great destinations of
TRAVELERS ELWARD & JO ANN HISS CELEBRATE 60TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Elward & Jo Ann were married October 26, 1947. In 2007 they also both celebrate their 80th birthdays (Elward - July 10 and Jo Ann - December 27). Congratulations!
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JOHN & JUDY MURPHY - Gorham, KS recently celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary with a family cruise to Alaska. Starting with the two young ladies in the front, and then proceeding by rows upward (left to right), the following family members were present on this momentous occasion: First row: Jade Gorlach & Ann Gorlach. Second row: Max Gorlach, Grant Murphy, Madison Shoemaker, & Ian Gorlach. Third row: Judy Murphy, Tonya Murphy & Melinda Shoemaker. Fourth row: Dennis Shoemaker, Jorn Gorlach & Jenifer Gorlach. Fifth row: Lance Murphy & Austin Murphy. Sixth row: Bryce Shoemaker, Mike Murphy & John Murphy. 
BECKY & BILL LOOMIS - Jewell, KS - are shown here with their grandchildren, each person sporting a "moose" shirt Becky obtained for them in Maine. Becky, along with 5 other ladies from the Jewell area, were members of the Please Go Away™ Vacations travel group enjoying the annual autumn excursion to Maine, LEAVES, LIGHTHOUSES & LOBSTERS. The "six" ladies soon became known as the "Traveling Jewels from Jewell." The photo was featured on the Loomis family greeting cards during the Christmas season.
FRANCES & ERNIE LOWDEN - Olathe, KS - LATEST PLEASE GO AWAY™ VACATIONS TRAVEL WALL OF FAME MEMBERS This adventuresome couple, shown here rafting on the Athabasca River in Canada, recently completed their 5th personally escorted travel experience with Please Go Away™ Vacations as members of the special north of the border experience - CANADA'S BEST Rockies / Rails / Resorts - qualifying them as members of the elite group of more than 1,000 travelers who have each "gone away" on 5 or more PGA adventures. As members of the Kansas Association of Retired School Personnel, they also always enjoy special savings and benefits.
FAMILY OF FIFTEEN EXPERIENCES ALASKA Accomplished travelers, J.B. and Ivy Webster - Great Bend, recently arranged for, and personally hosted, an Alaskan cruise experience for their family as they celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary. Their private party, totalling 15 intergenerational travelers of various ages, enjoyed the large variety of available activities while on the Princess ship, the freedom from regimentation, the magnificent scenery of our 49th State, and the good times of having a family reunion at sea. What a wonderful family experience and memory! 
10 POUNDS OF CRYSTAL - NAMED TO "PRESIDENT'S CLUB" Collette Vacations - America's oldest tour operator, providing travel experiences to all 7 continents of the world through professional travel agencies - recently named Please Go Away™ Vacations a member of its elite President's Club, making it one of approximately 30 agencies named nationwide. The designation was because of consistent significant sales achievements, and because of a unique and very personalized approach to travel promotion, which allows Please Go Away™ Vacations to successfully compete and win against agencies from throughout the nation. Here, Jordan Marx, District Sales Manager, presents the hefty crystal trophy to Paula Axman in front of PGA's "Awards Wall." Also present were Laura Boxberger and Larry Kopke. In addition to weighing approximately 10 pounds, the trophy carried significant additional weight in the form of a $5,000 monetary award and the creation of a designated personal account representative to immediately service the needs of our clients. Thank you for allowing us to achieve this award.
THREE GENERATIONS MAKE MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST MANY LIFETIMES Thanks to the love of travel that grandparents have instilled in their children and all their offspring, many lasting memories have been created for this family. They all choose and prefer to remain anonymous. However, this statement received from one of the children says much, "Hi, Marilyn! We’re back from our vacation to Maui. We had a fantastic trip, and we thank you for all your planning and booking. Flights, van rentals, and the hotel were all great. We did many neat things, like a dinner cruise, a luau, a snorkeling trip to Molokini, and Cirque Polynesia. Six went deep-sea fishing, and Jessica caught a 20-pound Wahoo. Four took surfing lessons. We all went to Hana and the Seven Pools. Most of us took some sort of lessons which the hotel offers (hula, lei making, story telling, and one ukulele lesson). We spent lots of time on the beach. Can you tell we love Kaanapali Beach and Maui???" In addition to this 13-family-member Hawaiian experience, recently completed, many other family vacations have been enjoyed over the past 15 years years, and have included: Hawaii six other times (Oahu, Big Island, Kauai, and Maui); Orlando, FL; Myrtle Beach, SC; Los Angeles / San Diego, CA; San Francisco / Monterey, CA; Washington, DC / Virginia Beach; and Niagara Falls / Toronto.
SUE MILLS WITH FOX & FRIENDS CO-HOSTS While in New York City recently on a special Please Go Away™ Vacations personally hosted travel experience, Sue, shown here was co-hosts Steve Doocy (a Kansan who attended schools in Russell, Salina, Wakefield, and Clay Center and graduated from Kansas University in Lawrence) and Brian Kilmeade, was a guest on the set of the very popular morning show, Fox & Friends. 
KARSP CONVENTION ATTENDEES TALK TRAVEL Please Go Away™ Vacations administers the travel benefits and savings program for Kansas Association of Retired School Personnel. Travel is always a topic of conversation at the organization's annual state convention, as shown by this lively discussion. Everyone is listening to Karen Pulaski, immediate past president.
ERNIE LOWDEN RECEIVES JUDGES’ HONOR Intrepid traveler and avid photographer, Ernie Lowden, recently received a “Judges’ Honor” award at the Texoma (Texas-Oklahoma) Art Association “Magnolia Festival Art Show” in Durant, Oklahoma. Lowden’s photograph, an abstract entitled “Symmetry,” won the award in competition with all forms of art mediums. You can visit 
2011 SOUTH AFRICA ADVENTURE American Eagle Club and Please Go Away™ Vacations combined to offer and operate another successful travel experience to South Africa. Experiences ranged from wild animal safaris, to majestic seashore vistas, lush agricultural areas, and points of historical significance. As a bonus, the countries of Zimbabwe, home of Victoria Falls, and Botswana, home of the largest concentration of wild elephants in the world, were added to our group's experience.
DEANNA & STEVE MORAN ENJOY HAWAII The 50th State was everything expected - and more. Here's what they said about their recent island experience, "Steve and I had the PERFECT vacation in Hawaii! Thanks so much for all the help and time planning this."
PLEASE GO AWAY™ VACATIONS & COLLETTE VACATIONS COMBINE FOR "BEST OF BRITISH ISLES & IRELAND" Through the combined promotional/organizational efforts of these two leading travel tour companies a large group of travelers from throughout the U.S. recently enjoyed the offerings and historical aspects of these great destinations. Hosted by Larry Kopke of Please Go Away™ Vacations, the Kansas contingent of travelers joined other Collette Vacations travelers, shown here at the famous "Anne Hathaway Cottage" at Stratford-upon-Avon.
FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY HALF CENTURY CLUB Homecoming Weekend - October 1-3, 2010 - honored the graduating class of 1960 as members were welcomed and inducted into the "Half Century Club" of the university. Special class hosts for the event were: Larry Kopke and his wife, Marilyn - Great Bend, KS; Stan Griffin and his wife, Neva - Overland Park, KS; Karen Frydendall, and her husband, Merrill - North Mankato, MN; and Paul Burmeister - Claflin, KS. On the travel front, watch for some possible breaking news involving the Fort Hays State University Alumni Association! 
VOYAGE ON THE VOLGA For the third year in a row a Please Go Away™ Vacations special group departure featured the finest of Russia. Starting in Moscow, ending in St. Petersburg, and experiencing countryside and villages in between, a "Journey of Understanding" was enjoyed. Among the many delightful experiences were the vivacious young ladies that served our group its meals aboard our river cruise ship. With brillant smiles (everyone smiles in the same language) and superb service they impressed us daily. Photo by KARSP (Kansas Association of Retired School Personnel) tour member, John Eckert - Hutchinson, KS. View Memory Photo CD at 
INTREPID TRAVELERS EXPERIENCE GREAT BRITAIN & IRELAND A special included Please Go Away™ Vacations bonus for travelers on this special departure was a tour aboard the "Royal Yacht Britannia", which for many years cruised the equivalent of once around the world annually, transporting Great Britain's Royal Family on official visits. It was also the official honeymoon conveyance for Prince Charles and Princess Di. Shown here on deck, adjacent to where Queen Elizabeth regularly took her afternoon "tea", are travelers making up our select group. View a Memory Photo CD especially prepared to capture in an informal manner what was seen and done: 
FLOWERS BY ANOTHER NAME The history, architecture, and flowers (over 7 million blooms in one garden alone along with large commercial fields of acres and acres of cultivated blooming rows) of Holland and Belgium were recently enjoyed by this group of Please Go Away™ Vacations travelers on a delightful river cruise to the major cities and through the backyards of the two countries. Pictured are: (first row) Lavina Creighton and Jean Johnson, (second row) Frances Lowden, Captain of the Vessel, and Elaine Heussman, (third row) Ernie Lowden and Judy Begley, (fourth row) Gordon Kasparson, Larry Kopke, and Kathleen Reddington, Collette Vacations hostess (Kathleen was also our hostess on last year's Russian River cruise, and will serve in that capacity again on our upcoming July departure of another "Voyage on the Volga" Russian River cruise.) 
MIKE & RUTH JOHNSON SWIM WITH THE DOLPHINS Mike and Ruth are avid cruisers and take advantage of their American Eagle Club savings when they cruise "on their own". A highlight of their recent cruise was an "up close" encounter with these "wonders of the water". Mike and Ruth report it was great fun - and a most unusual experience. Both said they would like to do it again and plan to do so on their next cruise.
COME ALONG TRAVEL CLUB IN BRANSON The Holiday Season was started off in grand style for a bus load of Kansas travelers on a special departure of the Come Along Travel Club of Smoky Hills Public Television. Co-sponsored by the club and Please Go Away™ Vacations, the best of Branson's holiday shows and decorations, including a special PBS TV Show Taping by Daniel O'Donnell, were enjoyed.
MONTE FULLER - TOPEKA - INDUCTED INTO TRAVEL WALL OF FAME On the recent LEAVES, LIGHTHOUSES & LOBSTERS "Classic Collection" autumn Maine tour Monte Fuller was recognized for outstanding travel achievements by being inducted into the Travel Wall of Fame. Marilyn Kopke, President of Please Go Away™ Vacations presents him with his credentials. The ceremony took place in the Porcupine Room of The Bar Harbor Inn during the Seashore Welcome to Maine Dinner. Membership is attained when one has "gone away" on at least 5 personally escorted Please Go Away™ Vacations travel experiences. Congratulations Monte!
LARRY KOPKE NAMED "TOP CRUISER" On a recent Princess Alaska cruise, with more than 2900 passengers on board, Larry was honored as one of the "Top 2" cruisers at sea with Princess Cruises with a total of 209 days . He is shown here with Captain's Circle hostess, Natalie Zepperi and Ship Captain, Philip Pickford. The award presentation took place at the Captain's Circle private party of past passengers, at which time he received a bottle of champagne along with an Alaskan Crystal Collector's Award. Larry later attended a private luncheon aboard ship with Captain Pickford. These photos record the events. 
INTREPID ICELAND INDIVIDUALS Our "Idyllic Iceland" tour was a winner and will be repeated in 2009. Here, hostess Paula Axman and her group of travelers are pictured in a current travel hot spot --Iceland. Without exception, each member of the Please Go Away™ Vacations group praised the destination for its quality, value, and the unexpected pleasures of people, sightseeing and nature's wonders. A special treat was private (just for PGA group) welcome party in an ice bar where tables and chairs were made of ice.
BRENDA MOORE & KAREN ZIMBELMAN EXPLORE SOUTH AMERICA These two globetrotters from Wichita recently returned from a South American Adventure arranged through Please Go Away™ Vacations. Among their many included highlights were "up close" experiences at two of the newly-named "Man Made Wonders of the World" - Machu Picchu and Christ of the Andes. Here, they are seen in front of the natural beauty and grandeur of another of South America's great attractions, Iguassau Falls.
THEY WENT TO AFRICA SEARCHING FOR THE "BIG 5" - AND FOUND THEM The "Big 5" of the Wild Animal Kingdom is comprised of:the elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, and water buffalo. Recently Please Go Away™ Vacations hosted a safari featuring South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. Our special group was successful in "shooting with cameras" and "bringing back" the elusive "Big 5" (and many additional wild animals) as they explored the famous locations of Krueger National Park and Chobe National Park. The major cities and areas of Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Cape of Good Hope, the Garden Route, and Johannesburg (often referred to as "Joburg") were also enjoyed. Famous Table Mountain in "Joburg" appears behind the group. 
AMERICAN EAGLE CLUB MEMBERS EXPERIENCE IRELAND, ENGLAND, SCOTLAND & WALES Krista Smith hosted an in depth tour throughout the British Isles for this American State Bank and Trust travel club. In cooperation with Please Go Away™ Vacations 17 "bonus inclusions just for our select group" were added to an already outstanding travel itinerary, making a "travel treasure" that promises to be one long remembered by all who participated. Anne Hathaway's Cottage forms the back drop of this group photo taken within the cottage's English garden.
RICHARD & MELONIE MYERS CELEBRATE SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY This Larned couple recently observed a special wedding anniversary by fulfilling a lifelong dream of going on a luxury cruise and sailing "through" the Bermuda Triangle. An itinerary aboard the beautiful Caribbean Princess of Princess Cruises was selected that provided this special opportunity as well as other outstanding Caribbean ports and experiences. Here the two of them are enjoying their underwater BOSS scooters at St. Thomas. Congratulations Richard and Melonie. Thanks for "going away" with Please Go Away(tm) Vacations. 
CHRISTMAS MARKET CRUISE - GERMANY, AUSTRIA, CZECH REPUBLIC
LARRY LOSES - FORCED TO WEAR CLOTHES "INSIDE / OUT" -- History has "Wrongway Corrigan". Now, there is "Inside/Out Larry". A recent sales competition was held between Marilyn, Paula and Larry to see who could produce the greatest number of new reservations on the exciting upcoming CANADA'S BEST / RAILS, ROCKIES , RESORTS departure. It departs in May, is guaranteed to operate with numbers presently reserved, but we were able to "come into" a few extra spaces to offer to our travelers. Hence, the competition. The loser was required to wear his/her clothes "inside/out" in the office for the final 4 days of January, and was required to serve homebaked cookies to everyone that came into the office. Marilyn and Paula tied - Larry lost. "Nice fashion statement Larry".
and has recently qualified for induction into the "Travel Wall of Fame" by completing at least 5 personally hosted Please Go Away™ Vacations travel experiences. Here she is pictured on her recent travels to Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Since her past travels have generally been to foreign destinations she is also well on her way to achieving coveted membership status in the exclusive "Super World Traveler Club", comprised of travelers who have enjoyed a minimum of 10 personally hosted Please Go Away™ Vacations "international" travel experiences. As a member of the "Travel Wall of Fame" Karen is entitled to special savings on leisure and vacation travels and periodic special travel opportunities. She will also receive a commemorative ceramic tile and a deluxe leather passport holder in recognition of her travel achievements. Her photograph will be permanently displayed on the "Travel Wall of Fame". Congratulations Karen!
UNLESS THE WINDS & WAVES BLOW OUT THE WINDOWS OF THE BOAT WE STILL GO OUT TO WORK OUR TRAPS AND LINES -- Calvin Mallock is a deep water ocean lobsterman and crabber, and these are his words describing his profession. He lives in New Brunswick, Canada on The Bay of Fundy and is a personal friend of Marilyn & Larry Kopke, allowing them to stop by his home each October when they host the very popular Classic Collection experience of LEAVES, LIGHTHOUSES & LOBSTERS. Calvin and his crew fish in the ocean and "go out" in all kinds of weather. As a personal favor Calvin describes his exciting world and all his colorful gear that he has made ready for the deep water season that starts shortly after the visit, in November. Here, Calvin is sharing with Linda Rasek of Hutchinson some of his air-dried and salted fish he says goes great with beverages as he watches football and NASCAR racing in his free time.
NEW YORK WAS GREAT-- And, to prove it these ladies purchased and wore these shirts. Sightseeing, theatre, dining and shopping filled the time. A bit more reserved was the mother of this quartet of females: Betty Hickel, Janell Hubbard, Janine Dutton and Julie Fisher.
THE TODAY SHOW - HERE WE COME -- Another bevy of family members recently explored "The Big Apple". While there they took time to visit -- and to be seen on -- The Today Show. Good job ladies. These Today Show kibitzers are: Lori Gechter, Doris Phelps, Judy Phipps and Jodie Rich.
SMOKY HILLS PUBLIC TELEVISION & PLEASE GO AWAY(tm) VACATIONS ENJOY "FALL ALONG 3 RIVERS" -- a motor coach full of travelers enjoyed autumn along the most scenic portion of The Great River Road this past October as the Illinois, Mississippi and Missouri River regions were explored and experienced. Filled with Civil War and pre/post World War II history, the intrepid group of travelers literally walked in the footsteps of 13 world-famous individuals.
MARILYN & LARRY KOPKE NAMED TOP CRUISERS -- Marilyn & Larry were honored as one of three couples qualifying as "Most Traveled Cruisers" on the recent South Pacific Cruise aboard the "Tahitian Princess" of Princess Cruises. They are shown here receiving their crystal award and champagne from Captain Edward Perrin at a private "Captain's Circle" party hosted by the captain. Marilyn and Larry have more than 6-months of cruise days with Princess; in addition to their many days with other cruise lines. Obviously, they enjoy cruising. 
KAREN ZIMBELMAN ENJOYS THE WINDMILLS OF HOLLAND. Karen, an intrepid traveler from Wichita (she is also a select member of Please Go Away(tm) Vacations" Travel Wall of Fame(tm), recently was part of an energetic group that experienced the beauties of Springtime in both Holland and Belgium on a Tulips River Cruise that literally allowed them to enjoy the backyards of these outstanding countries from the comfort of their floating resort.
TERESA MACY FEATURED IN AAA MAGAZINE -- Teresa hails from Alden and loves to travel. While on a Please Go Away Vacations™ tour of South Africa recently she had her picture taken in front of one of the accommodations holding a copy of the AAA membership magazine, Journeys, which was subsequently featured in the March/April issue on page 12. Looking good Teresa. Thanks for "going away" with us. For more pictures of this South Africa Safari click on the following photoshow: