Melissa Mannion

I have been in the travel / hospitality industry since 1998 when I started with AirTran Airways in Orlando, Florida. At the Rosen School of Hospitality (UCF) I was one of the establishing members of the Golden Knights Wine Society. Where I was their social director and established the annual Napa Valley Trip. This is when I learned how much went into travel arrangements, new operations, and large events. I received a MBA in Project Management in 2012 because I felt it rounded out my degree in Theatre Management with a minor in Hospitality Events. A little known fact about myself is I learned ASL in college. I am a little rusty but I am willing to help when and wherever I can.

My favorite destination that I have been to is Stratford Upon-Avon, England. I can wander that town for days and still not see a quarter of what I have studied. The history is pouring from the tops of the houses, to the flow of the river, through the cemetery, everywhere you turn you feel the spirit of the town. O Sir, you had then left unseen a wonderful piece of work, which not to have been blest withal would have discredited your travel ~Shakespeare; Anthony and Cleopatra. I really want to go to Germany and Italy, it is on my very long buck list of adventures for the family. I would like to take the kids to Ireland to explore our family history.

I have had the privilege of traveling with some of my travel groups and when you watch people learning and exploring you feel fulfilled. To watch a person find out that the world that use to be at most 50 square miles is similar to that of someone 3,000 miles away in a different environment is amazing. I love watching people find out the world is different but similar in so many ways. Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world. ~Gustave Flaubert

I have been certified in Hawaii, CIE, Brennan Tours, Las Vegas, Club Med, US Virgin Islands, Disney, Universal Orlando, New York City, Washington DC, Pennsylvania, Trafalgar, Palace Resorts, Napa Valley, African Adventures, Avanti – Asia, Sandals and Beaches, CIE, Regent, Princess, Cunard, Royal Caribbean Master. I have my ACC and I keep learning and will continue earing as many certifications as I can because learning is knowledge and knowledge is power. Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small and in return, life – and travel – leaves marks on you. ~Anthony Bourdain