St. Cloud
220 Division St
Waite Park, MN 56387
Fax:
800 Number: 800-645-2331
Phone: 320-251-3180
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
By appointment only. Call today to schedule!
Bursch Travel – Waite Park, MN
Advisors
Aime M.
Years at Bursch Travel: 25 years.
What is your travel background? I got my Travel Management Degree from Rasmussen College and then worked at Trans
Global Vacations for a year. I’ve been at Bursch Travel ever since!
What are your travel related specialties? I can do a mixture of things. I book Disney vacations, cruises, trips to Mexico, the Caribbean, Hawaii and the rest of the US. I am also able to coordinate destination weddings and incentive groups. I am an AM Master agent, a Disney College of Knowledge graduate, a Marriott Hotel specialist, and a Certified Travel Counselor.
What destinations are on your bucket list? Australia, New Zealand, and Aruba.
What’s your favorite location and why? Hawaii. I love being surrounded by the beautiful beaches and waterfalls.
Share a fun fact about yourself! I LOVE technology. I know, I’m a pretty big dork. 🙂
Bridget V.
Years with Bursch Travel: While I’m new to Bursch Travel, I have been planning travel adventures for a few years now.
Never travel without… a battery pack to charge your phone on the go! Never miss a great photo or the ability to navigate to your favorite new spot.
Top Travel Memory? While walking down the road to Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, the street was quickly filled with people and security as we realized that the Olympic torch was going to be passed right in front of us! It was an incredible experience to see up close and personal. That same torch bearer rode up on the same gondola to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain with us!
What’s On Your Bucket List? The list keeps on growing but right now my top three are: Travel throughout Ireland and stay in an old castle, climb Machu Picchu in Peru, and cage dive with Great White sharks in South Africa.
Best Foodie Find?  One of my all-time favorite meals was at the Ristorante Roof Garden in Rome. We watched the golden sunset hit the Colosseum while we ate delicious food, were taught a few fun Italian phrases by our server, and even did an impromptu couples photo session on the rooftop.
Specialization? Western Europe, Mexico, Hawaii, and Adventure Tours!
Top Travel Tip? Always keep some down time planned into each day to be flexible with last-minute changes, extra rest, and the chance to be in the moment.
Carmen S.
Years at Bursch Travel: 10 years.
Years at Bursch Travel: 7 years. I got my BA in social work but then later received my travel certificate from the Travel Academy in Eagan, MN.
What places are on your travel bucket list? Australia, Machu Picchu, Norway, Sweden, Iceland and Brazil.
Do you have a favorite destination? I fell in love with Spain. I love the history, the architecture, and the food & wine!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself: I lived in Honduras when I was younger. My dad was an eye doctor and would charge $1 (or one lempira in Honduran currency) per patient. Some people couldn’t afford it, but they would come back later and give him a chicken or a pig as payment and a thank you for checking their eyes.
Doug B.
Doug has worked in the travel industry for 34 years and has been at Bursch Travel for 28. He has an AA Degree from St. Cloud State University and is very active with the Sons of the American Legion throughout Minnesota and the United States. He has worked his entire career in corporate travel and specializes in Corporate Travel. His clients appreciate his excellent customer service and how he creates solutions for any situation. The most enjoyable part about traveling for him is collecting all of the “tacky tourist” stuff to bring home. He is anxious to collect some more items when he someday visits his dream destination of Ireland.
Emily H.
Years at Bursch Travel: 10 Years.
What do you do for fun when not traveling? I enjoy the great outdoors – hiking, horseback riding, running, and camping.
What’s your favorite destination? It’s a toss-up between Ireland and Italy. The cultures and rich history of the landscapes are most appealing.
What are your travel related specialties? Mexico, the Caribbean, Disney World, Hawaii, Alaska, and Western Europe.
What is your favorite destination and why? Alaska has won over my heart! The untouched natural beauty and wilderness is amazing. Ireland is a close second favorite destination, the people, rich history, and beautiful scenery is incredible.
What’s on your travel bucket list? There are so many great places to visit still; Australia, New Zealand, and Iceland are very high on my list!
Tell us something fun about you that people don’t know. I have a horse and enjoy horseback riding in parks around central Minnesota. We participated in our first endurance race this summer!
Erin E.
I have been at Bursch since 2023 and have years of travel planning experience. My travel bucket list is extensive, including destinations like Japan, Southeast Asia, and the vast majority of Europe. Some of my favorite destinations so far are Jamaica, Disney World, Montana, and New York, and I anticipate my upcoming first trip to Europe will add to this list of favorites. I specialize in Mexico/Caribbean, Europe, and Disney, but I’m always eager to learn about new locations to meet my clients’ needs. A fun fact about me: I entered the travel industry after planning my own destination wedding in Jamaica with a guest list of 40, sparking my passion for travel and organizing.
Never travel without… My fire stick!
Top Travel Memory? Getting engaged in front of Cinderella’s Castle in Disney World
What’s On Your Bucket List? Japan tops it by a long shot – hoping to go in 2026
Best Foodie Find?  This is a loaded question being the major foodie that I am, but my favorite foodie find had to be the authentic Lebanese restaurant that I went to in New York City. Being half Lebanese with grandparents that were born there, it truly brought that incredible feeling that eating home-cooked food made with love gives – and tasted just like my grandparent’s food used to!
Top Travel Tip? Mentally prepare to have at least one thing that does not go perfectly. There are hiccups and road bumps during travel sometimes, but to be able to think on your feet and roll with the punches can really help keep those things from putting a damper on the trip. Plus, you always have your trusted advisor to reach out to if you need assistance!
Jill F.
Years at Bursch Travel: 25 Years.
Never Travel Without… Back up 2nd credit card & snacks
Top Travel Memory? Ireland with its overall history, such as sitting in a pub from the 1400s, the castles, the beautiful scenery and the people! Another memory is with my husband our honeymoon in Jackson Hole Wyoming as well as Idaho. Beautiful and so much fun!
What’s on your Bucket List? Australia and New Zealand
Best Foodie Find? Charleston SC- you just couldn’t go wrong with the food- but the “Haunted” restaurant Poogan’s Porch had wonderful food & truly was haunted!
Specialization? Group Travel
Top Travel Tip? Double check the validity of your required travel documents (such as passport & Visa needed) and buy travel insurance especially if leaving the country
Jill W.
Years at Bursch Travel: 25 years at Bursch Travel but over 35 years total.
What are your travel related specialties? Europe, USA, Mexico and the Caribbean.
What locations are on your bucket list? I can’t really narrow it down! I want to do more of Europe, Central and South America, South Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand.
What do you do for fun when not traveling? I enjoy spending time with my two kids, hiking, hanging out with friends, and reading.
Do you have a favorite destination? I love all of the history of Europe but I also love the beautiful beach destinations of Hawaii and Riviera Maya.
Judy K.
Years at Bursch Travel: I started at Bursch Travel in May of 2023 after over 40 years in the travel industry.
What are your travel-related specialties? Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, Ocean & River Cruises, Touring, Groups and Meeting Planning and Hosting.
What destinations are on your travel bucket list? Galapagos, Australia, Africa, and South America
Top Travel Memory? Assisting in travel planning and escorting to share the world and continually educate travelers and myself on the world and all it has to offer.
Share something fun about yourself that none of us would know. I love time with family and friends, traveling the world with my traveling friends, and making new friends along the way! Why not join one of my groups?! I also enjoy volunteering and spending time with children!
Kelly D.
Years at Bursch Travel: 9 years with Bursch – another 10 previous.
What are your travel related specialties? Group travel is my main focus… incentive groups, destination weddings, and college groups. Mexico and the Caribbean are the areas I know best, but I am a graduate of the Disney College of Knowledge and the Princess Cruise Academy.
What’s on your travel bucket list? Australia, New Zealand, and a European River Cruise.
Do you have a favorite destination? Hawaii! The Hawaiian people and culture are like nowhere else. Each island has something different to offer. Best of all, it’s right here in the U.S.
Any fun facts? In my previous job, I got to spend a day and night with a soap star, Philip Kiriakis, from “Days of Our Lives”. After our meet and greet, I toured him around the Brainerd lakes area local hot spots. It was fun to see how long it would take, at each establishment, for people to start recognizing him!
Linda S.
Years at Bursch Travel: I’ve been in the industry for 38 years but I’m brand new to Bursch Travel.
What are your travel-related specialties? Corporate domestic and international travel, and group air management.
What are your favorite destinations and why? Mexico. There are so many different cities to visit and most have stunning beaches.
What’s on your travel bucket list? Croatia, Egypt, and the Maldives.
Lisa A.
Years at Bursch Travel: 6 years with Bursch Travel but 20+ in the travel industry
Never Travel Without… Your sense of adventure!
Top Travel Memory? Costa Rica with my Family
What’s on your Bucket List? Australia, African Safari, and Italy/Greece
Best Foodie Find? Poffertjes (Dutch Pancakes) in Amsterdam
Specialization? Corporate and Vacation Advisor
Top Travel Tip? Whenever you get the opportunity to travel – definitely always take it!
Support Staff
Amy Z. – Strategic Engagement Lead
I am the Strategic Engagement Lead where I manage client and supplier relationships for Bursch Travel. I have a BS in Travel and Tourism from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, but my passion for travel ignited after a semester-long study abroad program during which I lived and studied in northern England and traveled throughout Europe over the course of four months. Traveling has the ability to connect us to new people, cultures, and adventures, and I feel so fortunate to be able to share my view of the world through my own, personal experiences. My latest adventure, however, has been becoming a mom to my son and daughter! My other hobbies include photography, music, cooking, a weekend at the lake, and getting lost in a good book.
Years at Bursch Travel: 12 years
Never Travel Without… Noise-canceling earbuds and a portable Bluetooth speaker
Top Travel Memory? My husband and I took a Rhine River cruise for our honeymoon. We were in Rudesheim one evening and one of our excursions was a dinner experience at a restaurant called RĂĽdesheimer Schloss. There was live polka music that we got to take part in, lots of dancing, a shotski, and unlimited amounts of wine. One of the most fun nights of my life!
What’s on your Bucket List? African Safari, Greece, Southeast Asia, Japan
Best Foodie Find? Made to order risotto in Piazza della Signoria in Florence, Italy and grilled haxen (pork knuckles) at Haxenhaus in Cologne, Germany.
Top Travel Tip? Watch the seating charts on the airlines’ app closer to travel. Many times they are moving things around or people are cancelling/changing and better seats open up. Sometimes even the upgraded seats!
Erin B. – Accounting
Years at Bursch Travel: 7 years.
Never Travel Without… taking moments to soak it all in.
Top Travel Memory?
- Speedboat from Phuket to the Phi Phi islands in Thailand, with aqua waters, sandy beaches, and amazing rock formations.
- Trying Ouzo with a group of friends on a private balcony in Athens, with incredible views of the Parthenon just a few blocks away.
- Dancing The Hustle during Disco Night on a cruise ship. We practiced for months in advance and wore full disco costumes. It was an incredible night with friends from home, and new friends made on the seas.
What’s on your Bucket List?
- Visiting all of the continents before I turn 50 – 3 more to go!
- Taking a river cruise in Europe with family, so Dad can show us the places he traveled 60 years ago and share the stories from his original journey.
- Relaxing with kangaroos near Brisbane and exploring the Sunshine Coast in Australia.
Best Off the Beaten Path Find? Camping in White Sands National Park in New Mexico. You backpack in and camp between the dunes, so it feels really private. The white gypsum sand is cool to the touch, so you can walk barefoot for miles and miles. And the stargazing is incredible!
Top Travel Tip? Work, Save, Travel, Repeat!
Gretchen W. – Director of Sales and Marketing
Years at Bursch Travel: 19 Years. Prior to Bursch, I worked in the travel industry for over 26 years.
How did you get your start in travel? I was working at a Southern California department store. While chatting with a customer about travel, the customer offered me a job at the travel agency she owned with her husband! The rest is (ancient) history.
What countries are on your travel bucket list? Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, Argentina….the list goes on!
What’s your favorite destination? Portugal – I just got back so memories are fresh. The people are so friendly, fun, and the food and wine are fantastic and inexpensive. It’s a beautiful place with so much to do and an interesting history I would love to learn more about.
What do you do for fun when not traveling? I dream about my next trip! I also smother my dog with lots of love. Oh, and I also watch a lot of good TV…I’m a little obsessed.
What’s a favorite travel memory? I traveled to Singapore just a few weeks after 9/11. I was overwhelmed by how much sympathy the local people had for our country. Traveling really does make the world a smaller place and you learn how similar we really all are.
Jennifer C. – Accounting Assistant
Years with Bursch Travel: 16 Years. I work in the accounting department and also as the human resources counselor.
Educational background: AAS degrees in Accounting and Human Resources, AS degree Payroll Specialist.
What do you like to do for fun? I love spending time with my five kids. Movies, video games and bonfires in the backyard with s’mores and hotdogs. Yum!
What is your favorite destination? My favorite trip was taking my kids to Disney World. We enjoyed all of the magic it had to offer!
John G. – Vice President of Group & Incentive Sales
Years at Bursch Travel: 29 years.
Travel related specialties: Missionary Travel, Asia, Africa, Europe.
What do you do when not traveling: I work on my classic trucks and go to as many classic car shows as possible during the summer.
Favorite destination and why: To date, it’s Italy. It was something that we had planned on doing for many years after my youngest son graduated from high school. Finally, two years after he graduated, we made the trip happen. It was the most memorable and interesting trip – my family really took in the culture and enjoyed the adventure. We took all modes of transportation including planes, trains, boats and automobiles.
Most interesting trip planned: I have fond memories of a gentleman and his wife who wanted to return back to the homeland he left during WWII. He was in a concentration camp and was the only one of his family who survived. He sat in my office for over 2 hours sharing stories that were intriguing and interesting. The most special story was about how he met his wife on the outside of the prison camp.
Kathy H – Concierge
Years at Bursch Travel: 18 Years.
What did you do prior to Bursch Travel? I worked at Delta Vacations and Hutchinson Travel.
What is your favorite destination and why? Switzerland. The beauty of the destination, the cleanliness, the friendly people and the amazing food!
What’s on your travel bucket list? Bora Bora, Maldives, Vietnam and return to Switzerland.
What do you do for fun when you’re not traveling? I like to cook, read, and take walks with my husband.
What are your travel related specialties? Diving – specifically in Bonaire.
Lara D. – Owner, CEO
Years at Bursch Travel: 9 Years.
What did you do prior to Bursch Travel? I worked in digital marketing for both local and national advertisers for over 8 years. I officially joined Bursch Travel in 2014 but feel like I have been a part of the team since I was born…my grandpa, Pete, started the company in 1956. I’m excited to bring Bursch Travel to the 3rd generation of ownership!
What are your favorite destinations and why? How can I possibly choose? Morocco stands out as an incredibly unique culture and experience. It was like no place I’ve ever been and I’d go back in a heartbeat. That said, Italy has my heart (and my stomach) and Alaska took my breath away.
What’s on your travel bucket list? South Africa, Switzerland, and New Zealand. Water, mountains, and wine!
What do you do for fun when you’re not traveling? My sons are 11 and 10 so I’m becoming a basketball and baseball mom. In my spare time, I love trying new restaurants, going to museums, and planning my next vacation!
Laura G. – Office Administrative Assistant
Hello, my name is Laura and as the front office administrative assistant, I am the first voice you hear when you call our St. Cloud office, and the first smiley face you will see when you come into our St. Cloud office!
Years at Bursch Travel: 27 Years.
Never Travel Without… I never travel without my phone as I need to stay in touch with my beautiful family.
Top Travel Memory? When my husband and I went on a whale-watching excursion in Kauai, Hawaii. The tour allowed us to see and hear many humpback whales up close in their own habitat. It was a breathtaking adventure that we will never forget!
What’s on your Bucket List? Many destinations in Europe I would like to visit with my husband
Best Foodie Find? Highly recommend the “catfish” at the Riu Resort in Ocho Rios Jamaica! So yummy!
Top Travel Tip? when you are packing your suitcase for any trip, also pack your patience! Many services in the travel industry could have unexpected delays and may even be canceled and need re-scheduling. These situations are all out of everyone’s control and if you give respect, you’ll get respect in return. Be kind to everyone!
Lee H. – Group Travel Specialist
Years with Bursch Travel: 35 years.
What are your travel related specialties? I LOVE New York City and have escorted over 15 groups on Bursch Travel’s most popular tour – “The Best of the Big Apple.” With over 1000 participants having experienced this incredible adventure, I’m very proud to be celebrating the tour’s 10th anniversary.
What’s on your travel bucket list: Scotland and Australia.
What do you do when you’re not traveling? What? Are there other things to do? I do like to scrapbook my trips, read, watch movies, and play trivia besides spending time with my family which is top on the list.
What is your favorite destination and why? I love something about every place I visit. I like to escort 3-4 groups a year and bringing people experiences and opportunities they couldn’t get on their own is one of my greatest joys.
What’s something fun about you that people don’t know? I loved my days in the marching band. I was the drum majorette and participated in the color guard. I was asked to join a drum and bugle corp after high school but I wanted to get into the travel business right away, so I took my very first flight to travel school in Florida!
Mike D – President
Years at Bursch Travel: 1 year. I spent 24 years Hess Travel in Salt Lake City, most of that time as COO.
What do you do when not traveling: I love watching my 3 sons play competitive soccer. I also run and my family enjoys fishing together.
Tell us about an unusual trip or experience you booked for a client. I spent 4 years as the US Olympic Bobsled Team Manager. (1999-2002) Coordinating the transportation of the bobsleds, and athletes, and traveling with them for weeks at a time. That taught me a lot that I wouldn’t have known!
What is your favorite destination and why? The UK. I love the people, the food, the pubs, and the good soccer.
Mozelle L. – General Manager
Years at Bursch Travel: 29 years
What degrees do you have? I have an AA degree in Travel Management from Rasmussen College. I’m also a graduate of the Disney College of Knowledge and a Certified Travel Counselor.
What’s on your travel bucket list? My dream destination is a two week trip to London and Paris – of course for the sightseeing, but also for the shopping and exploring new foods!
Tell us something that people may not know about you. I do travel planning for sweepstakes winners from all kinds of different companies around the United States. Recently, I was able to make a little girl’s dream come true when she won a week-long trip to Los Angeles including a visit to Nickelodeon Studios and Disneyland. The little girl was truly mesmerized by this exciting trip.
Terri B.
Years at Bursch Travel: 11 Years.
What did you do prior to Bursch Travel? Fred Bursch and I met in 2004, married in 2008, and I joined him at Bursch Travel in 2012. Prior to that, I had a 35-year career in the Medical Service Industry where I held a Vice President/Regional Manager position, managing 35 service centers in 18 states.
What are your favorite destinations and why? When I reflect back on the travel Fred and I have done together, the most memorable places have been: Egypt and a Nile River Cruise from Luxor to Aswan (Extra special memory – Fred proposed on bended knee in front of the Pyramids.) Israel and Jordan. Irrawaddy River Cruise through Myanmar from Bagan to Mandalay. Safari in Kenya and Tanzania. Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan. They were most memorable because we were deeply immersed in the country’s culture through local guides who escorted us and introduced us to the people and the culture of their beloved countries.
What’s on your travel bucket list? Australia, New Zealand, Peru, Iceland, Vietnam, Ireland and Antarctica.
What do you do for fun when you’re not traveling? Besides traveling, my other favorite things in my world are spending time with family and our grandchildren (George, Henry, Elly, Emmett, Evan and Lyla), walking, biking, golfing, gardening, boating, and skiing.
Sue P. – Chief Financial Officer
Years at Bursch Travel: I have been at Bursch Travel for my entire 40-year career!
What do you like to do when not traveling? I am an avid cross-country skier and a supportive fan of my son who competes in the Biathlon. I was able to attend the Inaugural Winter Youth Olympics in Austria. I was very excited to experience an Olympic event and was overwhelmed by the beautiful scenery in this amazing area of Europe.
What locations are on your bucket list? On my next adventure, I would like to visit the Galapagos Islands and or Antarctica.
