Normandy & Champagne: Chamber Travel 2026 Awaits

Bret Schanzenbach:
Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact — an essential podcast for those who live, work, visit, and play in Carlsbad.
Good morning and welcome, everyone. My name is Bret Schanzenbach. I’m the President and CEO of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, and I’m your host today. I’m excited to welcome back two repeat guests: Ian Scott, President and Chief Architect of Discovery at Quest Voyager, and Kathy Steffen, our very own Director of Fun at the Chamber.
Good morning!
Ian Scott:
Good morning, Bret.
Kathy Steffen:
Good morning!
Bret:
Today we’re talking Chamber Travel again — always a fun topic. Ian, let’s start with your background. You’ve had quite the journey in the travel world.
Ian:
I’ll give you the short version. I’m an electrical engineer by trade, but after deciding to backpack around Europe and Southeast Asia, I ended up in Australia working for Hyatt. From there, I joined a large East Coast travel wholesaler and moved around the world living in incredible destinations.
I met my wife in Croatia, eventually moved to the United States, worked with another large travel company, and ultimately made my way to the West Coast. Since 2019, I’ve proudly called Carlsbad home. I now own Quest Voyager.
Bret:
And that’s important — you’re a Carlsbad local. This isn’t some distant company; you’re right here in our community.
Ian:
Exactly. I love the beaches, the culture, the people — it’s a wonderful place to live.
Bret:
For someone considering Chamber Travel, what’s the benefit of going as a group versus traveling independently?
Ian:
It’s the simplicity. Everything is handled — airfare, hotels, tours, many meals. You have a private concierge and professional guides. You travel with like-minded people. All you have to do is show up and be present. It’s a wonderful way to explore.
We include guided excursions but also build in flexibility — at least one or two days where you can explore independently if you’d like.
Bret:
Kathy, you’ve traveled on many of these trips. Where have we gone?
Kathy:
We’ve been to Greece, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Tuscany, and Croatia. This year, we’re heading to Normandy and the Champagne region in France — and I’m so excited.
The best part is the people. You meet individuals you might never have crossed paths with, and by the end of the trip, you feel like family. About 50% of our travelers are repeat guests. It’s such a special experience.
Bret:
Let’s talk details. When is this year’s trip?
Kathy:
We depart October 4th and return October 12th — nine days, eight nights. There’s also an optional two-day extension in Paris.
The package includes airfare from San Diego, hotels, guided tours, and daily breakfasts plus select additional meals.
Bret:
And if someone is listening from outside San Diego?
Ian:
No problem. We have travelers from Utah, Seattle, New York — we can coordinate flights from anywhere in the U.S.
Bret:
Now let’s talk about where we’re going.
Ian:
We begin in Caen, the capital of Normandy. We design these trips to minimize packing and unpacking — you stay in one hotel per destination and explore from there.
Highlights include:
• Mont Saint-Michel — a stunning monastery rising from the sea, almost like something from Harry Potter.
• Camembert Village — yes, the birthplace of Camembert cheese. We visit a farm and taste it fresh.
• Omaha Beach & Pointe du Hoc — incredibly moving historic sites from D-Day.
• Normandy American Cemetery — a powerful tribute to those who sacrificed.
• Rouen — home of Joan of Arc and the burial site of Richard the Lionheart.
• Épernay in Champagne — where we tour limestone caves beneath the city housing billions of dollars’ worth of champagne and enjoy tastings at a famous Champagne house.
It’s history, culture, food, and incredible camaraderie.
Bret:
Kathy, what’s the investment?
Kathy:
If you register before March 29th, the early bird price is $4,199. After that, it increases by $200.
You can register at carlsbad.org under Events → Travel. It’s also on our homepage. Or call me at the Chamber anytime.
We’re also hosting an information meeting on February 10th at 5:00 PM — in person at the Chamber or via Zoom.
Ian:
I’ll add — don’t wait until the early bird deadline. These trips historically sell out quickly. And frankly, it’s better to keep that $200 in your pocket.
Mark October 4th on your calendar. Normandy and Champagne await.
Bret:
Sounds like an unforgettable adventure. Thank you both for joining us.
Thanks for listening to Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact. If you enjoyed this episode, hit follow and tell a friend. We’ll see you next time.