John Werner

As a 45 year veteran of the travel industry and the President of MAST Travel Network since 2002, John’s career has included 14 years as a travel agency owner. He has served in various capacities on the Board of the Midwest Chapter of ASTA including Treasurer and Vice President. John has also held several positions on the Board of Directors for MAST including Vice Chairman and Board Chairman during the years he owned Travel Group International, a MAST member during the 1990s.

Posts by John Werner:

A holiday trip is the perfect gift for your family

Spending time with family and friends is one of the top reasons people travel so it makes total sense that taking a trip as a family, over the holidays, is like giving a gift to each other that will be remembered and cherished. I went on a Danube River cruise aboard AMA Waterways from Budapest […]

Luxury Comes to Contemporary Cruising

You may be thinking what does luxury cruising have to do with a 4000 passenger cruise ship? I found it aboard the Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship in their fleet of Breakaway-plus class of ships. Elements of luxury, through tastes and sights, are felt throughout the ship. It’s in the decor, the furniture, […]

Iconic Greek Islands and Istanbul

Many people dream of visiting the Greek Islands, all dotted with whitewashed houses and clay tile roofs painted blue. The deep blue Aegean Sea surrounds the islands and its waters glisten from the bright sunshine overhead. I have dreamed as well about seeing the beauty of Greece and the islands so I took a cruise […]

Incredible Istanbul

One of the great cities of the world is Istanbul, a city I have always wanted to visit. This massive metropolis of nearly 16 million people is incredibly fascinating and captivating. Every street and neighborhood has a different vibe and character. I took an early evening boat ride on the Bosporus Strait separating the city […]

The Rail Journey of a Lifetime

Among the world’s famous rail journeys is Rocky Mountaineer in western Canada. I have done train travel before in the U.S. and in Europe but Rocky Mountaineer is not a mode of transportation. I had a one-of-a-kind experience that will be among the highlights of my travels. The double-decker, GoldLeaf, glass-dome rail car is spacious […]

Astounding Beauty in the Canadian Rockies

Recently I discovered the pristine wilderness of Canada’s western provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. The Canadian Rockies straddle a vast area and showcase the power of nature. In every direction, there are mountain tops of sculptured rock and rivers of slate-colored water flowing through woods that carpet the surrounding hillsides. Forests are filled with […]

Expedition Cruising

You can travel to the most remote areas of the world in comfort with familiar surroundings on a ship built for Expedition-style cruising. This is not big ship cruising with Broadway shows, casinos, and late night dancing in pulsating nightclubs. On a Hurtigruten expedition ship, you’ll see penguins and polar bears, whales and sea lions, […]

Family Cruising You Can Afford

For a relaxing cruise vacation, the whole family will enjoy Princess Cruises offers the right mix of family activities, good food, and great service at a nice price. I had a taste of this style of premium cruising aboard the Caribbean Princess recently. Summer vacation season is just beginning and the sailing I was on […]

The Other Side of Puerto Rico

Travelers are experiencing Puerto Rico’s re-emergence as a popular destination following the island’s makeover since Hurricane Maria’s devastation. While San Juan, the beach resorts on the northeast coast, and El Yunque Rainforest are popular draws, I discovered the south side of the island during a Tourism Cares event centered in Ponce, the second largest city […]

Alaska Cruising for Everyone

There was a time in conventional thinking that an Alaska cruise was something you do when you are older, perhaps retired, and after you have cruised a few times. A cruise for more experienced cruisers. Well no more. This is a vacation myth. Alaska cruises are attracting lots of families. Especially families with preteens to […]