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We walked down the steep, ruddy path, masks on despite being in open air. It was at the request of the landowner in whose yard we had literally parked the bus. He lives at the edge of the El Yunque rainforest and with the National Park still closed (or restricted) for group travel, we had to find another way. We made our way down the embankment and through the foliage, following the sound of the river, though we could not see it. Upon rounding the turn, the view opened into a picturesque landscape of the river cascading blissfully down soft carved rocks and pooling languidly below.

Travis Coakley is the Band Director at Biloxi High School in Biloxi, Mississippi where he has been teaching for 9 years and has been an educator for the past 20 years! Travis has been married to his loving wife Selina, for 16 years and they have three children, identical twin daughters, Sarah and Alice, and a son, William Jr.

Brandon Lesando knew since 7th grade that he wanted to be a band director; no matter what other career options he explored being a band director always made its way back to his top choice. When Mr. Lesando graduated high school going directly to college was not financially obtainable so he suited up and served our country in the US Navy where he worked on nuclear weapons for 7 years before being Honorably Discharged. Using his GI Bill, Mr. Lesando was able to achieve his dream and receive his Bachelors of Music Education from the University of North Florida (SWOOP!).

Travel should be enjoyable and educational. The students are there to discover and experience new things!

What did you say? OMG, LOL, BRB, TBD, ETA and more.

When asked about his most memorable accomplishment as a teacher, John says “Wow, what a question!” He says he would have to say his most memorable accomplishment was working with the members of the 2014 Blue Devils.

At Group Travel Network, we feel that everyone who crosses our path is intended to become a welcomed member of our extended family. These individuals come in many forms including clients, vendors, colleagues and more. We are so proud of our family, we decided to share some of the backgrounds to some of these incredible people. Each month we are going to spotlight a member of our family tree. One such GTN Family Member has accomplished so much, but not without major obstacles along the way.

At Group Travel Network, we feel that everyone who crosses our path is intended to become a welcomed member of our extended family. These individuals come in many forms including clients, vendors, colleagues and more. We are so proud of our family, we decided to share some of the backgrounds to some of these incredible people. Each month we are going to spotlight a member of our family tree. One such GTN Family Member has accomplished so much, but not without major obstacles along the way.

At Group Travel Network, we feel that everyone who crosses our path is intended to become a welcomed member of our extended family. These individuals come in many forms including clients, vendors, colleagues and more. We are so proud of our family, we decided to share some of the backgrounds to some of these incredible people. Each month we are going to spotlight a member of our family tree. One such GTN Family Member has been an inspiration to us from day one!

At Group Travel Network, we feel that everyone who crosses our path is intended to become a welcomed member of our extended family. These individuals come in many forms including clients, vendors, colleagues and more. We are so proud of our family, we decided to share some of the backgrounds to some of these incredible people. Each month we are going to spotlight a member of our family tree. One such GTN Family Member has been an inspiration to us from day one!

At Group Travel Network, we feel that everyone who crosses our path is intended to become a welcomed member of our extended family. These individuals come in many forms including clients, vendors, colleagues and more. We are so proud of our family, we decided to share some of the backgrounds to some of these incredible people. Each month we are going to spotlight a member of our family tree. One such GTN Family Member has accomplished so much, but not without major obstacles along the way.

Walt Disney World and Disneyland’s program “Disney Performing Arts” brings students from all over the world Disney to showcase their talents at a plethora of Disney stages. Student groups of all ages have the opportunity to perform.

For the past three years I have had the opportunity to spend Thanksgiving Day in Philadelphia. I remember my first year it began to snow as the band was in their parade queuing area. I will never forget the excitement on each face as the students marched and performed on Benjamin Franklin Parkway. It snowed more and more each step they took.

Since starting kindergarten in New Jersey, I always looked forward to traveling on educational trips like my older brother. He was 5 years older than me, so he always got to go on these great trips to Philadelphia, New York City, Baltimore, Gettysburg, and Washington DC – and I was always too young. When he would get home I would always quiz him on his adventures: what was there? Who’d they learn about?

In a never ending cycle, high school and middle school teachers are continually being solicited by student travel companies hoping to take their student group on a trip. Every school has numerous groups that like to travel including performance ensembles (bands, choirs & orchestras) as well as educational groups, senior classes and more. The desire that many groups have in wanting to ensure the perfect experience sometimes overshadows the importance of selecting the most qualified travel planner. At Group Travel Network we strive to exceed your expectations not only during your trip, but also before….and after you travel. Our goal is to provide you with a Stress Free Student Travel experience that leaves you with plenty of “Memories Worth Repeating!”

If I am taking a trip to New York City, I've got a couple of friends I know that can point me to the great spots to stay and visit. Everyone knows someone who just got back from a Disney trip and has great ideas and insight - where to best rent a car, where the great servers are, the cool spots to watch Fireworks in Magic Kingdom (while riding the Dumbo ride, of course!) But, what if instead of a car full of my family, I have a bus full of students? Or, instead of trying to get 3 seats together, I'm filling half the plane with my marching band and I need to know which parade is the best to march in, where to find a fast, healthy breakfast for 150, what hotels are friendly to chaperoned teenagers, and how not to miss the not-to-be-missed experience? Where do I turn?