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2017 End of Year Recap and Thank You

As we approach the New Year, let’s take a look at the past, present, and future of Starr. Let’s also give thanks to everyone involved, from our readers to our drivers, our office staff to our Tour Directors, our Mechanics to our Travel Partners and finally our wonderful customers. We could not be the business we are today without the blessings and support from all of you.

 

The Past

The story of Starr starts with a bus – well, two buses actually. Our journey started in the year 1947. There were two transit buses that went in between Trenton and Hightstown, NJ. Back then, no one riding those buses knew that this little bus company would become one of the largest privately-owned tour and motocoach companies in America.

 

Then came the 1950s. Starr grew into a fleet of charter buses that were sleek and modern, unlike anything anyone had seen at the time. We started giving individual tours in the 1960s with the World’s Fair in New York and developed several and exciting bus trips – both day-trips and multi-day trips.

 

In the 80s and 90s, Starr developed into a first-class Tour Operator. With 80s hair and Culture Club pumping through our Walkman radios, Starr quickly became one of the largest operators of day trips and fabulous vacations in the United States.

 

The Present

 

Now, Starr is one of the best companies in the world. With luxurious motorcoaches, exclusive trips, and amazing customer service, Starr caters to your every need. We are constantly expanding and innovating within the bus industry and we are always on the lookout to provide every comfort and need. However, Starr wouldn’t be where it is today without the tireless work, determination, and support of many people and employees. From our Starr Family including Alan, Renee, Sandy and Pete, we would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to all who have helped us get here today and will continue to have us grow into tomorrow and beyond.

 

The Future

 

The future is bright! Not only are we continuing to evolve and improve ourselves, we also have several fun events planned. Next October, we will be celebrating our 71st birthday, so get ready to head south to our Myrtle Beach Birthday Bash!

Starr has come all this way thanks to all of you and we are all so eternally grateful. Let’s keep riding, folks! Stay tuned for our New Year´s Resolutions for the Young at Heart series where we will will examine four big vacations that will surely hit your bucket lists.

A Happy and Healthy New Year to All!

New Year’s Travel Resolutions for the Young at Heart – Nova Scotia

New Year’s Travel Resolutions for the Young at Heart – Nova Scotia

This week, we offer you a chance to experience an idyllic island like no other. Step out of the hustle and bustle of your life and into the spellbinding tranquility that is Nova Scotia. “Nova Scotia is a place where you can feel your pace fall in sync with the rhythm of the sea, as the clean salt air breathes life into an afternoon. Immerse yourself in culture that ranges from traditional to avant-garde, from bagpipes to world-class golf.”¹ On this tour you will enjoy a vacation filled with rich heritage, scenic wonders, and historic landmarks set in a landscape of breathtaking beauty.

Your journey through the Appalachian region of Canada begins in St. John, New Brunswick.  “Step into a vibrant past with an intriguing modern edge. Here, hundreds of years of history are alive. Feel it in the architecture, parks, and galleries that have survived to delight today’s visitor. As the oldest incorporated city in Canada, no other place in the country offers the experiences of Saint John,”² like Reversing Falls rapids where the extreme tides of this region create a unique tidal phenomenon.

CAN_NewBrunswick-BayofFundy_CreditJosefHanus_shutterstock_132065546--max600x600Enjoy the wind in your face as you look for whales and other sea life aboard the ferry from New Brunswick to Nova Scotia (indoor seating also available) followed by time exploring and experiencing a few of the best areas of Nova Scotia. Take part in a ceremony that began in 1605 and be officially inducted into “The Order of Good Cheer,”  visit Grand Pré  – a powerful monument that unites the Acadian people – located in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, step back in time in the quaint village of Peggy’s Cove, and witness the marvel of the the world’s highest tides in the Bay of Fundy.

CAN_NS-InternationalTattoo-stageshot_NovaTat--max600x600Experience a true taste of Nova Scotia at the world’s largest annual indoor show, The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo Festival, featuring the unique and varied talent of hundreds of Canadian and international military and civilian performers. You will see bagpipes, highland dancers, military traditions, innovative acrobatic acts, comedy, modern music, contemporary dancing, trampoline routines, cutting-edge videos, and more! The Festival takes place in Halifax, the capital city of Nova Scotia and an urban city center bordered by seacoast and brimming with history.

Travel home through Prince Edward Island where “the beauty of the land, the living Celtic, Acadian and Mi’kmaq heritage, and the smiling faces and warm hospitality of Islanders create a special and unforgettable place to visit.”³

CAN_NS-PeggysCove_pixabay--max600x600Nova Scotia is a land of lush beauty and simple life. Her people are warm and friendly, her land is like that of Ireland in its richness, and her atmosphere is that of a simpler time. Gorgeous natural landscapes are dotted with picturesque sleepy villages. You can lose yourself here in a peaceful paradise away from big box chains and rural life, without giving up great amenities. Experience it for yourself this summer!

 

 

References:

¹ Nova Scotia
² Discover Saint John
³ Prince Edward Island

New Year’s Travel Resolutions for the Young at Heart – Cross Country

“Travel More” is a common New Year’s Resolution, but like many resolutions, it will easily fall to the wayside without ideas and plans for how to make it happen. Throughout the month of January, we’ll be offering a destination a week on our blog with New Year’s Travel Resolution destinations that you should check out to fulfill your “Travel More” resolution!

Traveling across the country is a free spirited dream held by many. The open road, endless possibility, and the chance to see so much of our beautiful country is such a tempting idea. When we get out of our daily routine and travel away from home we gain perspective, embrace new challenges and passions, and find fulfillment. Traveling across the country truly is a vacation of a lifetime and it is about time you experienced it!

cc-2017-max600x600On our 26-day Cross Country by Bus tour you’ll be guided by an experienced driver and knowledgeable tour director who will make your trip effortless and stress free so you can fully experience every fantastic destination, comfortable hotel, delicious meal, fascinating attraction, breathtaking sight, and more!

Speaking of which, exactly what will you get to experience on your trip? How about 5 national parks, 15 states, 3 monuments/memorials, and 9 historic landmarks for starters? You’ll visit the St. Louis Gateway Arch and take its tram up through the arch itself to the Observation Deck, 630 feet above the ground, where you can see for 30 miles on a clear day. In Albuquerque, New Mexico, you’ll take a ride on the Sandia Peak Tramway, the world’s longest aerial tramway spanning a distance of 2.7 miles above deep canyons, and breathtaking terrain.

Photo Courtesy of the Greater Phoenix CVB

Visit Arizona and fall in love with the breathtaking beauty of this unique state with a visit to the must-see Grand Canyon, a stop in beautiful Sedona, and a trip through Petrified Forest National Park and the Painted Desert. Spend a day in thrilling Las Vegas, Nevada. Travel all the way to California and take in the many sights and attractions you’ve only ever dreamed about, including Hollywood, Los Angeles, and Alcatraz! Begin to make your way back home by crossing through the northwest and stopping at Mount Rushmore, and Wall Drug Store. Experience Old Faithful’s timely eruption, gaze in amazement at the painted landscape of Badlands National Park, and take in the excitement of downtown Chicago. All of this and so much more make this trip an unforgettable journey!

Passengers on our past Cross Country tours (over 10 years worth!) have formed close bonds that extend through the years. It’s hard not to become friends with people you travel with for 26 days! And we make it even easier to connect with past and present Cross Country Travelers with our private Facebook group where you can get advice on how to prepare for your “Journey of a Lifetime,” meet others on your trip, and share memories and photos afterwards.*

So what are you waiting for? Put aside your worries about being gone for a month and travel the scenic roads of our great country! Trust me, you’ll be glad you did!

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*You must be a current Starr customer to join the Facebook group.