pique travel mn

Pique Travel Design

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306 Water St

Excelsior, MN 55331

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About the business.

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Business Owner

As a premier travel agency in the Minneapolis area, our job is to plan the trip of your dreams. Our travel agents have explored the world and use their experience to create a worry-free trip suited to your preferences and interests. Unlike other travel agencies, we create a custom itinerary anywhere in the world based on your individual interests. Whether you're interested in a small ship luxury cruise to the Greek isles, a honeymoon in Hawaii, taking the train to Macchu Pichu, or an unforgettable safari in Tanzania our travel agent will help you every step of the way. Call or visit today to begin planning the trip you've always wanted! …

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Pique Travel planned two amazing trips to Italy and Africa. Liz planned our family trip to Italy and did a phenomenal job giving us tremendous hotel and unique tour options for each day of our trip. She made everything easy by providing a few options for excursions for each day along with descriptions to allow our family to choose and easily customize our trip to meet our needs. The hotel choices were fantastic and the day tours were exceptional. She helped us to best determine the number of days to spend in each area we visited (Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre, Bologna and Venice) to see and do what we wanted in each area. We had the family trip of a lifetime with everything completely organized so that we could just focus on our trip and family time spent together. Exceptional service! Kris planned a trip to Africa for my mother and a companion who are seniors - both with mobility issues. My mother had dreamed of a trip like this but didn't think it possible due to arthritis and neuropathy which makes it difficult for her to walk at times. Fear not - Kris had everything completely planned for them to accommodate for the mobility issues to allow both of them to truly experience everything just as an able bodied person could. They were completely thrilled with the entire trip and experience. Kris' experience and knowledge of Africa exceeded all of their expectations on a trip. I highly recommend Pique Travel for their expertise, communication skills and their ability to help you design a trip customized to your needs!

This place was great for a groom's dinner we went to. I don't think they supplied any of the food, but the space was perfect size and a great layout for dinner/cocktail hour. They also had a projector screen which was cool.

Just returned from a 3 week Trip/Safari to Africa that was designed by Kris Nosworthy. Kris planned the most amazing trip for my father and I. From our greeting at the airport on arrival to the driver dropping is off 3 weeks later he thought of everything. If you want to have a stress free, hassle free, attention to detail trip make sure you work with Kris. Could not be happier

First off, let me start by saying we had put off a big trip to Europe primarily because every time we started planning, we became overwhelmed by the process. A few Google searches and - bam! - you've spent 5 hours online, you're down a deep rabbithole and you're no closer to making a decision than you were when you started. Every hotel on TripAdvisor has a horrible review for every good one. But when a friend recommended that we use a travel agent i realized this trip may actually happen. When I think of travel agencies, my brain jumps back to the 1980's and I picture a cramped office filled with revolving metal racks stocked with glossy brochures with Swiss Alps and Cruise Ships on the cover so I hadn't even consider the option, but I was ready for help. Several people recommended Pique Travel, so I set up a call with Liz Matassa. The first thing you should know about Liz is that she's a passionate traveler herself, and her goal is to create the best experience possible for you. In one short 30 minute call, I told her where we wanted to go (London and Paris), what types of things my family generally likes to do, what our general budget was and when we wanted to travel. She kept in touch over a couple weeks via email, bouncing some ideas off of me, and then we had a subsequent call to review a trip itinerary. After the elation wore off (this trip was actually going to happen!) I kicked myself for not discovering Liz and Pique sooner. My husband and I met with Liz at Pique's offices and reviewed a well-organized traveler book that had been personalized for us, that contained typed up agendas, information on transfers (all rides to and from our flights and train ride were set up in advance with courteous safe drivers), pre-paid "jump the line" passes (this literally saved us HOURS of waiting) and even restaurant suggestions based on that day's whereabouts. We were traveling with our 3 kids (ages 16, 13, 10) and to have all of the guesswork taken out of where to stay (they personal vouch for each location and our hotels were top notch), and what to do, let us focus our time on each other and the experience. We had one glitch in that we didn't make our Eifel tour tour time due to some travel delays, but we made a call to Pique's offices and they took care of everything and rebooked our tour. It felt like such a personal experience and it felt like we had VIP treatment from start to finish (Liz even was kind enough to have a plate of delicious cakes and treat delivered to our room upon check-in). We will be using Pique again and I recommend them to everyone!

We used Pique Travel based on a recommendation from a friend. We had tentative arrangements prior to our travel, but did just confirm just prior to our vacation. My husband and I were traveling to Spain & then on to Italy. We had them assist us with 4 days and almost EVERY event they booked had issues. Tours were cancelled with no notice, causing us to scramble to fill in. Drivers were late and then tried to drop us off at incorrect locations. Request were made to our agent, Ann Coleman, who never notified us and, then our tour guide changed locations and events but, again, we were never notified. When I brought up our displeasure, I was told we waited too late to book (this had never been told to us this would be an issue) and that we were there in high season (and we were not). What I find the most disturbing is the agency never really apologized and basically made it seem like it was our issue. We paid a premium for service that was NOT delivered. I would tell people NEVER use this company unless you want to be sorely disappointed!

Pique planned a wonderful vacation for us to Belize this past year. Their attention to detail was outstanding. A few months before our vacation we received a very detailed, professional itinerary that not only was extremely presentable to family and friends, but also very informative. They did extensive research on the different options for us in Belize both in the jungle and along the coast. They presented their suggestions, and we immediately knew that this was going to be a trip of a lifetime. Pique was very helpful and made a point to cater the trip towards everyone's interests. When we arrived in Belize it was very clear to see that all of the research and planning was going to pay off. Both resorts that we stayed at immediately greeted us with open arms and hospitality. I give Pique my highest recommendation and will definitely be using them in the future.

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Pique Travel Event Space

306 Water St., Excelsior, MN

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Pique Travel Design

Follow your curiosity.

PIQUE TRAVEL DESIGN - FOLLOW YOUR CURIOSITY

We specialize in custom designed trips, cruises and group escorted tours that offer a four star experience or better.  Our talented staff of travel designers are paid by salary (no commission). This unique compensation model allows you to rest assured our recommendations are based on your interests and not our own. 

Thank you for considering Pique Travel Design.  We would welcome an opportunity to listen and learn more about your interests.  

AS SEEN IN: Fodors, Associated Press, Details, Premiere Traveler, Barrons.

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Pique Travel Design - Event Space Reviews

Pique travel design - event space.

• Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating 5.0
• Average response time 5 out of 5 rating 5.0
• Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating 5.0
• Value 5 out of 5 rating 5.0
• Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating 5.0
• Quality of service 5.0 out of 5 rating 5.0
• Average response time 5.0 out of 5 rating 5.0
• Professionalism 5.0 out of 5 rating 5.0
• Value 5.0 out of 5 rating 5.0
• Flexibility 5.0 out of 5 rating 5.0

Excellent Reception Venue

Cozy Reception Site

Highly Recommend

Are you interested?

We LOVED our experience!

Pique Travel Event Space

5.0 ( 3 reviews )

Raw space venue

The venue will provide just the space. You’ll bring in your own caterer and vendors.

Full wedding (ceremony and reception) pricing

Starting at $500

Guest capacity

Up to 130 seated guests

About this venue

Rustic, historic, picturesque. Pique Travel Design, located in historic Excelsior, pays homage to its name with thoughtfully curated aesthetics that evoke a need for exploration. Constructed in the 1940s and originally home to the Lyman Lumber Warehouse, this 3,000 square foot event space just outside Minneapolis enjoyed a complete restoration in 2014. The stunning amenities include reclaimed materials, a built-in tiered concrete bar and full-length deck that evokes the feeling of a historic train depot.

Seated guest capacity

• Farms, Barns, Ranches
• Lodges, Retreats
• Restaurants, Breweries

Venue setting

Our event spaces

Pique venue.

Expansive western facing windows provide a light and airy charm, while the vaulted wooden barrel ceiling and stone fireplace add the warmth and comfort of a Minnesota lodge. Chalked with character, guests will enjoy a nod to history with the rustic floors featuring yellow pallet marks that hail from the building’s lumber days, as well as hand-poured concrete trough sinks and reclaimed sliding stable doors. Casual, yet sophisticated, this gleaming open-concept event space plays well with intimate groups of up to 130 people. With farm tables built from the original wood off the walls, wood floors, reclaimed wood and corrugated metal through out, a vaulted wooden barrel ceiling and an overall charming, romantic feel, this space is perfect for couples wanting a warm, almost Northwoods Lodge-like setting.

Up to 130 Seated

Square footage

Available services that can be provided by pique travel event space, services & amenities.

• Dance floor
• Pet friendly
• Wheelchair accessible

Transportation & access

• Self parking - free

A MUST HAVE venue!

Excellence! Pique is TRULY amazing. The venue is esthetically amazing, wonderful layout and exceptional management team. Add ons- outdoor games…check! Coordinate with the preferred vendors for meals, bar service, and and any additional decor. Pique and vendors are easy to work with and coordinate with. I am a MN native and now live on the West Coast. I lived 3 blocks from Pique while in MN, and knew it was the perfect space and place for our Aug, 6th Wedding. Encourage you to consider Pique Travel and Events, it will not disappoint!! PS: pricing is very reasonable. We were married on a Sunday at end of Summer. Sunday wedding rock! Pricing even more reasonable on Sunday/Funday

HIGHLY Recommended

After making the decision to change our wedding plans due to COVID, we were on the hunt for a smaller venue. We reached out to the City of Excelsior for recommendations and they recommended Pique. Dana welcomed us with open arms and helped us envision what our wedding at Pique would look like! She was so great to work with and extremely helpful! We are so happy with how our wedding turned out. Pique is BEAUTIFUL! We would recommend Pique again and again!

Beautiful Events at Pique Travel!

I have been part of two events at Pique Travel, one was a sweet wedding and the other was a lively business gathering. The space has such a comfortable feel and an easy sense of versatility. It is beautiful with the glowing warmth of sunlight, wood, and hearth; the coziness and comfort is perfect...and don't forget the fun on site furnishings! ! The design of the space is so welcoming as is the management! The coordinator, Dana, has not only a keen attention to details and obvious experience with planning she is also genuinely friendly and it was a joy to collaborate with her for the perfect event.

Preferred vendors of Pique Travel Event Space

Frequently asked questions, how many guests can the venue accommodate, can i ship or drop things off beforehand, is there parking available, do you provide food/beverages can we bring in our own, can we bring in our own beer/wine/liquor, can we use real candles, do we need to get insurance, do you have on-site parking, what is your peak season, what is your off-peak season, can we bring our own alcohol, do you have accessible facilities.

9 Zola couples have booked

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Complete your dream team

• Excelsior Photographers
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• Castle / Château / Manor
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• Historic Building
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• Loft / Warehouse Building

Magazine Highlights

Pique travel design est. 1991, 362 3rd street, excelsior, mn 55331, united states.

• Photographer: Pique Travel Design

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Pique Travel Design, located in Historic Excelsior, pays homage to its name with thoughtfully curated aesthetics that evoke a need for exploration.

The stunning modern amenities include a built-in kitchen with tiered concrete bar, a saltwater aquarium wall and sleek full-length deck.

Constructed in the 1940s and originally home to the Lyman Lumber Warehouse, this 3,000 square foot space enjoyed a complete restoration in 2014.

Chalked with character, guests will enjoy a nod to history with the rustic floors featuring yellow pallet marks that hail from the building’s lumber days.

Expansive western facing windows provide a light and airy charm, while the vaulted wooden barrel ceiling and stone fireplace add the warmth and comfort of a Minnesota lodge.

Casual, yet sophisticated, this gleaming open-concept space plays well with intimate groups of up to 130 people.

Pique Travel Design Exterior

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Affiliate of Pique Travel Design , Excelsior, Minnesota 

A career designing retail experiences in Latin America, Europe and the US, is now focused on understanding, planning and managing leisure travel for the individual. 

Mark Murray, Founder, Newmark Travel

TRAVEL WELL.

Go, Do, Be Part of Something

Help the Well Traveled, Travel Well.

We believe people should "Travel Well" .

Among the many bonuses of a career in global marketing is travel. With a marketing charter, the focus is being in country in ways that visitors often overlook - Not  just visiting but exploring, learning and understanding people's lives, communities, country and cultures. 

Our goal is  to bring  that vantage point to our clients.  

Through the help of the great people at Pique Travel Design and the tremendous resources of Virtuoso our new passion is realized.​ 

Mark Murray

Newmark Travel

#8 Woodland

Minneapolis, MN 55424

[email protected]

Tel: 952-818-5966

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Finding the perfect venue for the wedding reception is possibly one of the biggest decisions you'll make for your special day.  And if rustic chic is what you're hoping for, you've come to the right place.   

With farm tables built from the original wood off the walls, wood floors, reclaimed wood and corrugated metal throughtout, a vaulted wooden barrel ceiling and an overall charming, romantic feel, this space is perfect for couples wanting a warm, almost Northwoods Lodge-like setting.

For those couples who already have a reception location chosen, consider the space for your rehearsal dinner,  gift opening or bridal shower. 

Corporate Events

With more than 3,000 usable square feet, the space at Pique Travel offers flexibility for a variety of corporate events or fundraisers.  Whether  it's a holiday party, retirement farewell, client or employee appreciation dinner, team building activity or other get-together requiring an off-site venue, this space can be transformed into almost anything.

A built-in bar and kitchenette area makes cocktail receptions turn-key. And, an open floorplan makes reconfiguring the space specific to your needs easier than you could imagine.

Let us host your company's next event in a space that feels anything but "corporate."

Private Events

There are times we love to host our closest friends and family at our home.  And then, there are times we simply couldn't imagine it.  So where do you go when you want the warmth and character of a home setting, but don't want to clean for days preparing or wash the floors or dishes after?  The space at Pique Travel offers you the perfect blend...an intimate setting (many say it resembles a Northwoods Lodge) that is fully managed by others.  

Birthdays                                  

Anniversaries

Baby or Wedding Showers  

Celebration of Life

Retirement Parties                

Family Reunions

Holiday Parties                      

StarTribune

Minnesota tourism rebounds: here's where people visited.

Minnesota tourism continued its recovery in 2023 as the industry returned to pre-pandemic levels, according to projections released by the state's tourism agency.

Explore Minnesota tracked about 77 million trips throughout the state in 2019. After a drastic pandemic drop and slow but steady recovery, officials counted about 76.6 million visits in 2022. The numbers represent trips taken by both Minnesotans and out-of-state visitors.

Explore Minnesota projects a 2% increase in the number of trips taken in 2023 over the previous year. The agency's estimates show a modest increase in the number of visitors who traveled to and through central and southern Minnesota during the year and a slight decrease in the number of folks visiting the seven-county metro area and its northwest reaches.

The new study Explore Minnesota commissioned used geolocation data collected from smartphone apps between June 2022 and May 2023 — weeks before Taylor Swift drew tens of thousands to downtown Minneapolis and months before Caitlin Clark fever helped lead the Big Ten women's basketball tournament to sell out for the first time in its history.

"We're really excited," Explore Minnesota Communications and Media Relations Manager Chris Morgan said. "We definitely anticipate and are hopeful to see a year-to-year rise."

The Grand Casino in Mille Lacs County and Gull Lake were the top destinations for visitors to central Minnesota — each accounting for about 1 in 8 trips to the region. And in the metro area, nearly one-third of visitors went to the Mall of America.

The top destination in northeast Minnesota was Duluth and the Canal and Lincoln park areas. In northwest Minnesota, Lake of the Woods and Leech Lake drew the most visitors, while downtown Rochester and Treasure Island Casino were the largest draws in the southern region.

"We want people to not only visit one place in Minnesota but also to see the whole state," Morgan said. "One of our missions is to bring eyes and tourists to all destinations."

While the agency doesn't control when major pop stars or blockbuster sporting events take over the metro, Morgan said Explore Minnesota mostly concerns itself over how to get folks to stay in the state once they're already here.

"We know that events bring tourism," he said. "We want to elongate those stays."

Northeast Minnesota, which includes the North Shore and surrounding areas, saw a drop in traffic of about 6.4%.

Morgan hopes Explore Minnesota's new " Star of the North " campaign will lead to further boosts in tourism across the state and for some of the regions that saw a downturn in travel. The state Legislature set aside $25 million for the effort, which Morgan said is meant to draw tourists to every region in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Explore Minnesota also estimates that people of color only account for about 11% of the trips taken in 2023. Black and brown vacationers have long worked to diversify outdoor spaces , regularly citing a lack of comfort in predominantly white and rural regions of the state .

That's why Morgan said the agency's latest ad blitz is looking to make sure it "celebrates all of Minnesota's diversity, cultures and its many heritages and communities."

After all, Morgan said, the more people travel, the more money flows through local economies.

"When we have more visitors, the local businesses benefit, the bigger businesses benefit," Morgan said. "The citizens of Minnesota benefit."

Eder Campuzano is a general assignment reporter for the Star Tribune.

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© 2024 StarTribune. All rights reserved.

Watch CBS News

U.S. issues travel warning for Israel with Iran attack believed to be imminent and fear Gaza war could spread

By Debora Patta , Tucker Reals

Updated on: April 13, 2024 / 5:25 PM EDT / CBS News

Update: Iran launched drone attacks against Israel on Saturday. Read CBS News'  latest coverage here .

Tel Aviv  — Israel is bracing for a worst-case scenario that U.S. officials believe could materialize within just hours — the possibility of a direct attack on Israeli soil by Iran in retaliation for a strike almost two weeks ago that killed seven Iranian military officers. Iran has vowed to take revenge for Israel killing its commanders, who were hit by an April 1 strike on the Iranian embassy in Syria's capital.

Two U.S. officials told CBS News that a major Iranian attack against Israel was expected as soon as Friday, possibly to include more than 100 drones and dozens of missiles aimed at military targets inside the country. Sources have told CBS News the retaliation could include attacks carried out both by Iranian forces, and proxy groups around the region that it has been funneling additional arms to for weeks.  

The officials said it would be challenging for the Israelis to defend against an attack of that magnitude, and while they held out the possibility that the Iranians could opt for a smaller-scale attack to avoid a dramatic escalation, their retaliation was believed to be imminent. 

Asked Friday how imminent he believes an attack is, President Biden responded, "I don't want to get into secure information, but my expectation is sooner than later." The president urged Iran not to move forward, saying his message to Tehran was: "Don't."

Tehran has not indicated publicly how or when it will return fire, so it's unclear how far Iran's leaders will go. If they decide to carry out a direct attack on Israel, there's fear it could blow Israel's ongoing war against Iranian ally Hamas up into a much wider regional conflict.

With the Iranian retaliation expected at any time, the U.S. State Department on Thursday warned Americans in Israel not to travel outside major cities, which are better protected from incoming rocket fire by the country's Iron Dome missile defense system. The latest guidance noted that travel by U.S. government employees in Israel could be further restricted with little notice as things develop in the tinderbox region.

"Whoever harms us, we will harm them," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Thursday as he visited troops at an Israel Defense Forces airbase. "We are prepared … both defensively and offensively."

On Saturday, all U.S. embassies in the Middle East were put on high alert and required to hold emergency action committee meetings. Diplomats in Lebanon and Israel were specifically told not to travel to certain areas within those countries.

Sima Shine, a security expert and former official with Israel's national intelligence agency Mossad, told CBS News it was a dangerous moment for the region, and the "most worried" she has been. She said anxiety over an all-out war was likely just as high "on both sides, in Israel and in Iran."

If Iran does choose to strike Israel directly, it could involve a complex missile and drone attack similar to the one Iranian forces launched against a Saudi oil facility in 2019 .

"They will try to do it on the military or some military asset," Shine predicted. "But the question will be the damage. If there would be many injured people, killed or injured … I think it has the potential for a huge escalation."

Shine stressed, however, that she still believes neither side actually wants a regional conflict.

U.S. "really trying to avoid war"

The U.S. sent a senior general to Israel this week to coordinate with the close American ally on any response it might make to an Iranian attack. Speaking Friday on "CBS Mornings," America's top military officer said, "we're really trying to avoid war."

"This is part of the dialogue that I have with my counterparts within the region, to include the Israeli chief of defense, who I talked to yesterday," said Joint Chiefs chairman Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr., adding that the U.S. military was "doing things not only to prevent a war, but at the same time, one of my primary things is to make sure all the forces in the region are protected."

"My role, as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, is to plan and prepare," Brown said. "That's one thing we do very well."

Brown's Israeli counterpart, Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, "completed a comprehensive situational assessment on the readiness of the IDF for all scenarios," Israel's military said Friday. 

"The IDF is very strongly prepared, both offensively and defensively, against any threat," Halevi was quoted as saying in the statement. "The IDF continues to monitor closely what is happening in Iran and different arenas, constantly preparing to deal with existing and potential threats in coordination with the United States Armed Forces." 

The IDF said the visiting U.S. general, Central Command chief Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, was taking part in the IDF's situational assessment.

The dilemma for Iran, said Israeli expert Shine, is to figure out how to deliver its promised response to Israel's attack in Syria, but in a way that does not lead to further escalation. Likewise, Shine said Israel could choose to show restraint when it responds to whatever Iran eventually does.

If either side gets the balance wrong, the consequences for the region, and even the world, could be dire.

Weijia Jiang, David Martin, Margaret Brennan and Olivia Gazis contributed reporting.

• Middle East
• Benjamin Neta​nyahu

Debora Patta is a CBS News foreign correspondent based in Johannesburg. Since joining CBS News in 2013, she has reported on major stories across Africa, the Middle East and Europe. Edward R. Murrow and Scripps Howard awards are among the many accolades Patta has received for her work.

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511 Travel Info

News releases

April 18, 2024

Latest news releases

First weekend closures planned for Hwy 65 in Blaine, Spring Lake Park

ROSEVILLE, Minn. – As construction crews begin culvert replacement beneath Hwy 65 south of Hwy 10 in Blaine, motorists will encounter a single lane of traffic in both directions between Anoka County Road 10 in Spring Lake Park and Highway 10 in Blaine, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. At the same time, the ramp from eastbound Highway 10 to northbound Highway 65 will close and traffic will follow a signed detour south on Highway 65 to County Rd 10 and back north. The ramp from westbound County Road 10 to southbound Highway 65 also will close and motorists will be advised to find an alternate route.

Lane and ramp closures will start at 10 p.m. Fri., April 19 and the road will reopen by 6 a.m. Mon., April 22.

NOTE: Drivers who regularly use Highway 65, are encouraged to use an alternate route if possible, such as I-35W or Highway 47 to avoid congestion and delays.

Resurfacing, repairs and bridge replacement on more than 19 miles of Highway 65 between Anoka County Road 10 in Spring Lake Park and 237th Avenue in East Bethel began Monday, April 8th. Additionally, the project will replace bridges with box culverts at Coon Creek in Ham Lake and replace culverts south of Viking Boulevard in East Bethel and north of Constance Boulevard in Ham Lake and make full-depth pavement repairs to correct areas of settlement. Crews also will install high-tension cable median barrier between Bunker Lake Boulevard and 237th Avenue, improve drainage, and install curb ramp and sidewalk improvements at several intersections along with traffic signal replacement at 85th Avenue and 93rd Avenue in Blaine.

During this year’s work, motorists will encounter single lane head-to-head traffic on the side of the highway not under construction through the project area. There also will be four full weekend closures with detours, a full month-long closure between Constance Boulevard and Viking Boulevard in June and a ten-day closure of 93rd Lane in Blaine. The project will be completed by late fall of 2024. All construction activities and traffic impacts are weather and schedule permitting and subject to change.

For more information or to sign up for project email updates, visit www.mndot.gov/metro/projects/hwy65slp-eastbethel/index.html . Updated road condition information is available by calling 511 or visiting www.511mn.org .

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Travel to Europe

With 35 countries, Europe is a continent that is traveled by many, but truly known by few. Unlike many other continents, Europe is one place where you can easily travel between countries and see several in one visit.

Europe’s most famous attractions include icons like the Eiffel Tower in Paris and London’s Big Ben. Some people travel to see the rolling hills of Scandinavia and the amazing beaches along the Mediterranean Sea. No matter what country you visit, you’ll find unique activities and famous sites. Explore popular cities or take a luxury cruise on the Mediterranean Sea. Visit historic buildings in France or enjoy Germany’s ports on a luxury river cruise. Europe rivals any other destination for diversity in sites, beauty and historical tours.

Not all trips to Europe are created equal

Our travel designers have scouted the best hotels, tours  and guides to help you avoid common pitfalls while maximizing your time in Europe.  Which experience would you prefer?

A crowd of tourists...

or a private tour?

An unexpected surprise...

or comfort in a foreign land?

A tourist trap...

or authentic cultural interactions?

Don't wait. The best options disappear quickly.

Travel is an investment in yourself, and it’s not worth the gamble to compromise the experience you’ve been dreaming about. Every day you wait, means another traveler is taking an option off the table.   

For example:   

The most authentic lodging is offered by small boutique properties with local character.  However, the charm of a small property means the limited number of rooms quickly sell out.    

Tour guides will make or break your trip.  When you have an exceptional guide, it can be life-changing.  When you have a mediocre guide, it’s a missed opportunity.  The best guides are booked well in advance.  Travelers who wait will only find leftover talent available closer to the travel date.

When To Book?

Jan-Apr, Nov:  3-6 months prior

May, Sep, Oct: 6-9 months

Jun, Jul, Aug, Holidays:  9-12 months prior

When To Go?

Peak Season

Jun, Jul, Aug, Holidays

Off-Peak Season:

Jan-May, Sep-Dec

Average Cost of a Trip to Europe

Starting at Pricing:

Good:  $300 per day, per person* Better:  $600 per day, per person* Best:  $1000 per day, per person*

*Ballpark pricing is based on an annual analysis of industry costs including transfers, tours, meal allowances and lodging

When traveling to Europe, it's important to keep distances in mind and realize you can't do it all in a 10 day vacation.

Our designers will help you select the region that is right for you so you can spend more time enjoying Europe than worrying about getting from point A to B.

czech republic

netherlands

switzerland

Feeling Overwhelmed?

We offer worry free, expert travel advice. While many travel websites rely on computer algorithms and artificial intelligence, our expertise comes from our first-hand knowledge.  

There is nothing "artificial" about our intelligence.  We listen. Get to know you.  And then design an amazing trip that's all your own.  

Once you experience working with our travel designers, you will wonder why you wasted all that time traveling another way.

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