An Interview with Eileen Tien of Clarity Travel Services
With International Culture Day (ICD) approaching, we had the opportunity to interview Eileen Tien from Clarity Travel Services. An expert in the travel industry, Mrs. Tien brings extensive knowledge of both her company’s services and her family’s travel experiences. Specializing in custom vacation packages, family-friendly travel, and group trips, Clarity Travel Services is dedicated to crafting personalized journeys that cater to the unique needs of each traveler.
Q: Can you share your child’s age and how long they’ve attended Arborland?
Elise is 8 years old and has been attending Arborland since she was just 18 months old—6.5 wonderful years! Arborland has been such an integral part of her childhood, providing countless opportunities for growth and learning.
Q: What has your family enjoyed most about International Culture Day?
We absolutely love watching the children present their assigned continents through songs, dances, and performances. It’s so much fun to see how creative and enthusiastic they are! The event is both educational and entertaining, and it brings families together to celebrate cultural diversity.
Q: Has Elise expressed any new interests or ideas about travel, cultures, or different parts of the world after participating in previous International Culture Days?
Yes, last year her class focused on Africa, and Elise was assigned Tunisia. She learned so much about the country and its culture that she asked if we could visit. We’re now planning a cruise to Tunisia! It’s amazing how these events spark curiosity and inspire children to explore the world.
Travel offers young children valuable opportunities for exploration and discovery. Mrs. Tien elaborates on how families can incorporate travel into their lives to enhance these enriching experiences.
Q: Are there any unique cultural activities that you’ve found especially enriching for children?
Travel is one of the best ways to immerse children in different cultures. When we can’t travel, we explore the cultural diversity in our community, especially through food. Trying cuisines from different countries is a simple but impactful way to expose children to global cultures.
Q: What kinds of family-friendly destinations or experiences do you recommend for parents who want to expose their children to new cultures?
For families in Southern California, cruises are an excellent option. With nearby ports in Los Angeles and San Diego, you can easily embark on cruises to Mexico. Cruises are like floating hotels with meals, entertainment, and activities for kids, all while introducing them to new destinations. Another option is to explore local museums, cultural festivals, or neighborhoods that celebrate different heritages.
Q: Can you share a memorable trip you’ve taken with your family, and what made it special for you?
Last summer, we spent three weeks traveling around Taiwan. We traveled by train, stayed in rural areas, and interacted with locals daily. Elise learned words in a new language, tried new foods, and even made friends on trains and at playgrounds. It was special because we embraced slow travel and immersed ourselves in the culture, which gave Elise a deeper understanding of life outside of tourist areas.
Q: What do you find most fulfilling about being a travel agent?
I love helping families create vacations that result in lifelong memories. Hearing their stories after their trips and seeing their excitement to plan the next one is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that I’ve played a part in creating those cherished moments is the most fulfilling aspect of my work.
Q: What advice would you give to younger students interested in exploring and experiencing different cultures through travel?
Stay curious and open-minded! Start by reading about different cultures, trying new foods, or attending cultural events in your area. When you have the chance to travel, take time to connect with locals and explore beyond the usual tourist spots. Travel is about learning and connecting, not just sightseeing.
Q: How do you see travel as a tool for families to bond and grow together?
In daily life, families often have limited time together due to work, school, and other commitments. Travel offers a chance to step away from those routines and spend quality time together. Whether it’s exploring a new destination, trying new activities, or simply sharing meals, traveling as a family creates shared experiences that strengthen bonds and create lasting memories.
Q: Can you share more information about Clarity Travel Services or is there anything you would love the audience to know that you have not already shared?
At Clarity Travel Services, we specialize in cruises and customized itineraries for all types of travel. With Elise having already been on 16 cruises, I bring personal experience and insight into planning family-friendly trips. I understand the unique needs of families and can provide tailored recommendations to make trips enriching and stress-free. My goal is to help families create personalized journeys that bring them closer together while exploring the world’s beauty and diversity.
For more information, please visit Clarity Travel Services online!
Website: https://claritytravelservices.com/
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