Mike Martin, a Travel Consultant with ETI, began his relationship with the company as a long-time client for 13 years, seeing firsthand the positive impact of travel by sharing his enthusiasm for new places and new experiences with his own students.
When Mike—who also loves to travel with his family—wanted to extend his passion even further, he decided to retire this year after 25 years of teaching to share his excitement, enthusiasm, and group travel experience with other educators and directors wanting the same for their own students.
Keep reading to get to know Mike a bit better!
What’s your favorite travel destination and why?
I know it's cliche, but my favorite destination is Walt Disney World. We are a Disney family, and I love seeing my own children’s joy and excitement every time we visit the parks; it never gets old. We are also a family of seven and have found it very accommodating for us. We also just returned from our first Disney cruise and WOW! Talk about accommodating.
What makes you passionate today about student travel?
The joy and excitement I have for my own kids about seeing new places is the same joy and excitement I have for my students. Some kids have traveled extensively, and others have never been in a hotel. Regardless of their travel history, there is something special about sharing a travel experience together. When I talk to past students, it's the memories and special bonds created on our trips that stand out the most to them.
What’s your most treasured travel memory, or the best thing you’ve learned while traveling?
It's difficult to pick my most treasured travel memory, but if I had to choose just one, it would be our family trip to Disney in 2017. I have five kids: a senior in college, a freshman in college, and triplet eighth graders (that's right … triplets!). We took the kids on a seven-day trip to Disney World at Christmas, and for lack of a better word, it was the most magical vacation with them. The most treasured travel memory with my students was our most recent trip to New York City with ETI. I always love seeing kids experience NYC for the first time.
If you were stranded in an airport, what three things would you want with you?
If I were stranded at the airport, the three things I would have with me are: the original EPCOT Soundtrack, the complete four course meal from Ohana, and Marty Sklar’s book, “Dream it! Do it!” Yes, I am that kind of Disney fan.
What's one piece of advice you'd give an educator/student group for their travels?
My one piece of advice for any traveling group is to stay flexible and patient. Little things will come up on every trip, and I've found if people have those two mindsets, things go much better for everyone.
What destination on your bucket list do you most want to visit?
My bucket list destination would have to be Ireland, but an Alaskan Cruise is a close second.
Courtesy of ETI.
