The "GREAT ADVENTURES" tradition

Ellen Sims

Great Adventures, founded in 1989 by Ellen Gibbons Sims, is proud of our reputation in luxury travel and fascinating, escorted special interest vacations around the globe. We especially enjoy arranging family vacations because we know what wonderful times and precious memories these vacations will bring. Whether in Europe, the national parks or an Alaskan adventure’, “bringing the kids along” is the most rewarding experience you can have. Ellen's vivacious personality, love of travel, fine business sense and devotion to her clients has served her well in creating two highly rated companies over the past 35 years.

Based on her many years of international travel and attendance at numerous cookery schools around the world. Ellen and her friend, Linda Blend, created Gourmet Caterers in 1976. Carving out a niche in the catering business by featuring international cuisine, Ellen served San Antonio's tourist market and corporate world as well as the private sector of receptions and weddings.

It was a natural segue way to move into the travel business using her knowledge of the globe and her ability to serve clients with commitment to personal service.

Great Adventures has longstanding relationships with Crystal Cruises, Regent Cruises, Disney and Royal Caribbean. We have been awarded numerous citations as "Top" agents with these cruise lines. In addition, Great Adventures is a proud member of Signature Travel Network, which enables us to provide clients with extra amenities, private complimentary excursions, shipboard credits, free upgrades, prepaid gratuities and private parties.

OUR PEOPLE

A service agency such as Great Adventures is only as good as the people who work here. Ellen, Monica Bertholf, Priscilla Trawick and Linda Blend have worked as a team for the last 20 years, sharing their experiences and knowledge, enriching each itinerary prepared personally for their clients.

Linda Blend

Because travel always has been my passion, working in the industry seemed the perfect means to satisfy my wanderlust. Cruising has become one of my specialties whether for individual clients or large family gatherings. After planning many cruises and adventures for myself, family, clients and friends, my husband and I decided to take an extended cruise. We were fortunate to embark on the beautiful Crystal Serenity in January 2009 for the 106 day world cruise! This incredible journey allowed us to visit 45 ports in 19 countries adding immeasurably to my extensive knowledge of international cuisines, cultures and geography. Please join me on the Crystal Serenity’s 2010 world voyage; I promise you the greatest adventure of a lifetime.

Pris Trawick

Even as a toddler Pris Trawick's middle name was "Go" because she always was ready to depart for an adventure. Fortunately, I found the perfect opportunity to pursue an adventurous life with my husband during our thirty years of military life. Our truly unique and enriching aspects of living abroad in Germany for six years and in Italy for four created an atmosphere for learning the local language, making lifelong friends among an array of various nationalities, and encouraging creative ways to live on the local economies. Much of that creativity is utilized when planning "Great Adventures" for friends and clients. Actually, it feels as though our clients ARE our friends.

During our military career I spent many years organizing ski trips, cooking schools and tours for women's clubs and for the military units with whom we served. In later years I continued to return to Europe for visits with friends and to refresh my knowledge of smaller, off the beaten path sites. From village markets to local trattorias and shopping tips, I feel confident my experience will help enhance my clients' individually tailored itineraries.

Because my husband became addicted to fishing in Alaska, we now have been to the area over a dozen times for fishing trips, four cruises, bear-viewing, tours of Fairbanks, Anchorage, Denali Park and Vancouver. I love to ski and have sampled walking tours as well as a snowshoe/dog sledding expedition. Must be that adventure thing again.

Mónica Bertholf Trevino

Growing up in Acapulco gave Monica early exposure to one of the most beautiful tourist resorts in the world thus igniting her curiosity and passion for travel. She enjoys sharing tips, stories, and innovative ideas to enhance our clients' travel experience. Monica has extensive experience in the travel industry and in planning and coordinating travel arrangements along with engaging interpersonal skills and a high level of commitment. She is resourceful and has a unique quality to devise creative ideas to accomplish the “impossible.” She understands that every trip is unique and takes pride in customizing the most memorable travel experience for each passenger.