Your Bio

ENJOY OUR PHOTOS & VIDEO FROM ALL AROUND THE WORLD!

NO ONE LOVES TRAVEL MORE THAN WE DO!
Call our friendly agents and we'll make your next vacation picture perfect!
517-663-0200
Email Me

Our vacation prices meet or beat internet rates!

Photos on this site can be purchased or licensed.
Photos by Julie Roggow, owner of Thompson Travel & Tours,LLC
No reproduction without permission. Copyright/Julie Roggow

Galleries

TRAVEL BARGAINS : Travel Specials and news.
Call or e-mail Thompson Travel for the best rates worldwide!
BE SURE TO CHECK ALL THE PAGES!  THERE ARE SEVERAL PAGES OF DEALS!

TRAVEL BARGAINS

Travel Specials and news. Call or e-mail Thompson Travel for the best ...

Updated: Dec 22, 2009 7:52pm PST

Africa: Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa : WILDLIFE UP CLOSE!  
Join us on safari!

Africa: Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa

WILDLIFE UP CLOSE! Join us on safari!

Updated: Nov 14, 2008 3:24pm PST

Africa: Tanzania : THE BEST VACATION OF MY LIFE!  More wild animals than anyplace in the world!  It's culturally diverse and has spectualar landscapes. We visited Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro (the world's largest intact crater), and Serengeti.  Tanzania provies a great combination of wildlife and cultural experience.  We were able to visit with the Masai and were guests in a Masai village where they live today as they always have, hearding cattle and coats and living in dung huts.  The Masai are very friendly, smiley, and are as curious about us as we are about them.
Put Tanzania at the TOP of your "must do" list.  It's an experience of a lifetime!  The quanity and quality of the animals can't be beat!
Call Thompson Travel for your safari vacation!  We have luxury safari lodges and camping options available.  We can make personal recommendations on the best local guide for your safari.                                                  Our "inclusive" safari packages take the worry and stress of out vacation planning.  Sit back, relax, and get ready for the best vacation ever!   VIEW ALL 4 PAGES OF PHOTOS!

Africa: Tanzania

THE BEST VACATION OF MY LIFE! More wild animals than anyplace in the ...

Updated: Dec 22, 2009 8:37pm PST

Alaska : Imagine your vacation in Alaska for one moment. Your delight when you spot a grizzly bear with a cub or two in tow. That instant when the silence of a misty fjord is shattered by a pod of giant humpback whales, breaching high into the air, then crashing back against the sea. While your floatplane flies over crystal glaciers, toward the midnight sun, remember: This is Alaska. This is real. This is the adventure of a lifetime. Don't miss it!
ALL PHOTOS ARE COPYRIGHTED- To order photos call or e-mail us.

I just love Alaska!  It's my favorite place to go!
VIEW BOTH PAGES of photos!

Alaska

Imagine your vacation in Alaska for one moment. Your delight when you ...

Updated: Nov 21, 2008 3:57pm PST

Alaskan WILDLIFE.... Bear, Eagles, Moose... : Grizzly Bear, Black Bear, Brown Bear, Eagles, Whales, Moose....
Photos are copyrighted.
Please call our office or e-mail us to order photos.

Alaskan WILDLIFE.... Bear, Eagles, Moose...

Grizzly Bear, Black Bear, Brown Bear, Eagles, Whales, Moose.... Photo ...

Updated: Dec 09, 2009 6:13am PST

Aruba : Aruba has more repeat visitors than any other Caribbean island.

Aruba

Aruba has more repeat visitors than any other Caribbean island.

Updated: Nov 24, 2008 8:34am PST

Bahamas: Nassau & Paradise Island : Close your eyes and picture every shade of blue and green.  Now open your eyes to the Bahamas!  You'll see postcard perfect colors you'd never imagine!  Nassau and Paradise island are attached by a bridge.  Pick either island and visit both!

Bahamas: Nassau & Paradise Island

Close your eyes and picture every shade of blue and green. Now open y ...

Updated: Apr 15, 2009 7:27am PST

Barbados : With over 3,000 hours of sunlight yearly, Barbados is most always sunny and warm.

Barbados

With over 3,000 hours of sunlight yearly, Barbados is most always sunn ...

Updated: Dec 17, 2007 10:25am PST

Belize : Snorkeling over the 2nd largest coral reef in the world is wonderful treat!  The water was exceptionally warm & very clear.  There were many interesting coral formations.  The photos in this album were taken with a cheap disposable underwater camera.

Belize

Snorkeling over the 2nd largest coral reef in the world is wonderful t ...

Updated: Jan 04, 2008 8:14pm PST

Canada: Banff, Jasper, Lk. Louise : Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper are scenic destinations in the Canadian Rockies that offer something for everyone!  Have you ever seen a Play-dough blue colored lake?  You'll find them here!  How about green streams, glacier icefields, and abundant wildlife?  Yes, all that too!   Get  away from it all and experience the Canadian Rockies!    VIEW BOTH PAGES OF PHOTOS!

Canada: Banff, Jasper, Lk. Louise

Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper are scenic destinations in the Canadian ...

Updated: Sep 29, 2009 8:22pm PST

Costa Rica : "Pura Vida" is the local saying for everything's great!

Costa Rica

"Pura Vida" is the local saying for everything's great!

Updated: Jan 04, 2008 8:26pm PST

Cruise: MSC "Orchestra" : MSC cruise on the new ship, "Orchestra" to the islands of Nassau (Bahamas), Antigua, St. Maarten, and Cayo Leventado (Dominican Republic).

Cruise: MSC "Orchestra"

MSC cruise on the new ship, "Orchestra" to the islands of Nassau (Baha ...

Updated: Mar 30, 2009 7:37am PST

Curacao : Curacao has beautiful pastel colored buildings and a natural underwater paradise that attracts snorkelers and scuba enthusiasts world-wide.

Curacao

Curacao has beautiful pastel colored buildings and a natural underwate ...

Updated: Nov 24, 2008 8:42am PST

Dominican Republic: Cayo Leventado : Relax on your own secluded island.  Cayo Leventado is postcard-perfect!  MSC cruise line has long explored the Caribbean in search of a private paradise, and finally found it on Cayo Levantado. MSC Cruises is proud to introduce its very own jewel of an island. Located just off the Samaná Peninsula in the Dominican Republic, it is the ideal destination for a day of pure escapism. Known for its pure white sand beaches, crystal clear water, and natural rainforest vegetation, it is also an ideal spot to see humpbacked whales, as thousands of the creatures migrate to the warmer North Atlantic waters during the winter months.
The white sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters are perfect for snorkeling and other water-sports swimming. This Island is also known to locals as Bacardi Island because of its palm trees resemblance to the ones in the rum distiller’s advertising spots.

Dominican Republic: Cayo Leventado

Relax on your own secluded island. Cayo Leventado is postcard-perfect ...

Updated: May 13, 2009 8:48am PST

Dominican Republic: PUNTA CANA : The Dominican Republic is a beautiful Caribbean island with cyrstal clear water every imaginable shade of blue and green. The palm tree lined beaches are absolutely incredible! The sand is cinnamon color and your toes will swear you're walking in baby powder.

I stayed in Punta Cana at the Melia Caribe Tropicale. I was impressed at the tropical landscape, the meandering walkways lined with flowering plants, the countless swimming pools and the huge choice of restaurants that are included in this hotel's all inclusive plan.

Be sure to call us for more information and suggestions on the best activities for the Dominican Republic and Punta Cana.

Dominican Republic: PUNTA CANA

The Dominican Republic is a beautiful Caribbean island with cyrstal cl ...

Updated: May 31, 2008 7:16am PST

Greece, Athens : Usually I try to avoid large cities but Athens is simply MAGICAL!Athens is wonderfully easy to get around in for such a large city. I stayed at the Sofitel Hotel which you can easily walk to from the airport. From the Sofitel, the subway "Metro" train is a short walk. The "Metro" will take you right downtown to the Acropolis and to "Plaka", an old time shopping center and town complete with sidewalk cafes and cobblestone streets. There are also many hotels in "Plaka" where you can walk right from your hotel to the Acropolis where the Parthenon is located. The people in Athens were very friendly and pleasant It was amazing to be able to see the Parthenon and be on top of the Acropolis with fantastic panorama views of the city below.  UPDATE: On my return visit to Athens, I stayed at the Titania hotel downtown Athens.  It's an amazing location with a rooftop view of the Acropolis!

Greece, Athens

Usually I try to avoid large cities but Athens is simply MAGICAL!Athen ...

Updated: May 21, 2008 8:03am PST

Greece, Mykonos : Mykonos Island offers beaches, nightlife, Greek Tavernas, shopping, and beatuiful scenery. It's a busier island than Santorini and lacks the charm of Oia (in Santorini) but there are more activities in Mykonos. There are many beaches and even water taxis which you can board to go from one beach to another. Downtown Mykonos is lively with outdoor cafes and world-class shopping. The area called "Little Venice" is a beautiful area where the water comes crashing right up to the buildings. What a beautiful place to have dinner and watch the sun go down! Call Thompson Travel for the best suggestions for Mykonos. 517-663-0200

Greece, Mykonos

Mykonos Island offers beaches, nightlife, Greek Tavernas, shopping, an ...

Updated: Dec 31, 2007 12:27pm PST

Greece, Santorini : This is my favorite island in the world! It is a photographer's dream island with beautiful landscapes, hotels that spill over the side of cliffs, a volcano formed caldera, friendly people, blooming flowers, peaceful towns, and donkeys on cobblestone streets... all makes Santorini my #1 pick for a relaxing vacation destination.
Call Thompson Travel for the best recommendations for your vacation to Greece! 517-663-0200
SEE ALL 3 PAGES OF PHOTOS!  Call or e-mail us to purchase photos.

Greece, Santorini

This is my favorite island in the world! It is a photographer's dream ...

Updated: Apr 20, 2009 7:49pm PST

Greece:  Hydra : Step back in time and visit the picturesque little Greek island of Hydra.  Since no cars or motorbikes are allowed on the island everything, including people, are transported by donkey.  The 18th & 19th century architechture all along with the serene sidewalk cafes with harbor views will take your breath away.  
Photos are copyrighted.  Please call or e-mail us to purchase photos.

Greece: Hydra

Step back in time and visit the picturesque little Greek island of Hyd ...

Updated: May 19, 2009 6:14am PST

Grenada : Grenada is a rolling, mountainous island, covered with fragrant spice trees and rare tropical flowers. Bordered by stunning beaches, and dotted with picturesque towns, this verdant island has long been a major source of nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, and cocoa. In the interior of this volcanic island are cascading rivers and waterfalls, lush rainforests, and one of the most breathtakingly beautiful mountain lakes imaginable. The capital, St. George's, is widely held to be the loveliest city in the Caribbean. Its horseshoe-shaped harbour is surrounded by a pastel rainbow of dockside warehouses and the red-tiled roofs of traditional shops and homes. I found the people of Grenada to be among the friendliest of all the Caribbean!

Grenada

Grenada is a rolling, mountainous island, covered with fragrant spice ...

Updated: Apr 04, 2008 12:37pm PST

Interesting : Interesting photos that do not belong in any one category.
All photos on our website are available for purchase.  Call or e-mail us for rates.

Interesting

Interesting photos that do not belong in any one category. All photos ...

Updated: Dec 12, 2009 5:42am PST

Julie's NUEVA PHOTO ART COLLECTION : Special processing for NUEVA PHOTO ART effect.  Available for purchase or license.
NUEVA PHOTO ART (trademark name) / Julie Roggow Photography

Julie's NUEVA PHOTO ART COLLECTION

Special processing for NUEVA PHOTO ART effect. Available for purchase ...

Updated: Jun 07, 2009 8:08am PST

LAS VEGAS : OLD PHOTOS I took many years ago with a not so great camera!

LAS VEGAS

OLD PHOTOS I took many years ago with a not so great camera!

Updated: Oct 31, 2009 10:28am PST

Mexico: CABO SAN LUCAS : Located in Baja California, Mexico, CABO SAN LUCAS provides a variety of activities that will keep even the most active person entertained.  From snorkeling, whale watching, deep sea fishing, parasailing, jet skis, glass bottom boats, 4 wheeling, and shopping for bargains, Cabo San Lucas has something for everyone.  We've toured the best hotels.  Call us for the latest information and best rates for your vacation to Cabo San Lucas OR San Jose Del Cabo.  SEE ALL 3 PAGES OF PHOTOS!

Mexico: CABO SAN LUCAS

Located in Baja California, Mexico, CABO SAN LUCAS provides a variety ...

Updated: Nov 09, 2008 7:08am PST

Mexico: Cancun : Cancun, Mexico is less than a 4 hour flight from Michigan. The best hotels are situated on Cancun Island. The island is shaped like the number 7. On the top (short) part of the 7, the island faces the calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. On the long part of the 7, the island faces the Caribbean Sea. The Gulf of Mexico side is the best side for swimming but the best (and widest) beaches are along the Caribbean Sea side of the island.

Cancun is very clean and I've always found it a very safe place to vacation. The beaches are the biggest attraction with their white sand and multi colored crystal clear water but there is also an abundance of nightlife, world-class shopping, and a variety of interesting restaurants.

Go parasailing, snorkeling, swim with the dolphins, explore Myan Indian ruins, go tubing down a green river, bargain with the locals at the outdoor markets, watch the sun go down while relaxing on the beach, enjoy a margarita while the sun warms your skin and re-energizes your soul.

Mexico: Cancun

Cancun, Mexico is less than a 4 hour flight from Michigan. The best ho ...

Updated: Dec 30, 2007 9:13am PST

Panama : Panama Canal, Gatun Lake, Native Indian Village.

Panama

Panama Canal, Gatun Lake, Native Indian Village.

Updated: Apr 12, 2008 8:39pm PST

Puerto Rico : Puerto Rico offers endless exploration opportunities from the rainforest, beaches, 2 ancient forts, and shopping on cobblestone streets in old San Juan.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico offers endless exploration opportunities from the rainfore ...

Updated: Nov 17, 2008 3:35pm PST

St. Lucia : St. Lucia is the sort of island that travellers to the Caribbean dream about--a small, lush tropical gem that is still relatively unknown. There is a broad array of exciting and exotic activities available on St. Lucia. The island's steep coastlines and lovely reefs offer excellent snorkeling and scuba diving. The rainforest preserves of St. Lucia's mountainous interior are one of the Caribbean's finest locales for hiking and birdwatching. Of course, the island also possesses excellent facilities for golf, tennis, sailing, and a host of other leisure pursuits. Not to be missed is St. Lucia's Soufriere volcano, the world's only drive-in volcanic crater.  If you can't get to Hawaii or don't want to travel that far, St. Lucia is the next best thing!

St. Lucia

St. Lucia is the sort of island that travellers to the Caribbean dream ...

Updated: Jan 02, 2008 2:13pm PST

St. Maarten / St. Martin : 2 Countries, 1 island.
Sunny and warm year-round. The 12 casinos can all be found on the Dutch side.  Experience both the Dutch and French side for two unique vacation experiences.

St. Maarten / St. Martin

2 Countries, 1 island. Sunny and warm year-round. The 12 casinos can ...

Updated: Apr 10, 2009 8:36am PST

St. Thomas : NO PASSPORT NEEDED for U.S. citizens. Though it’s only 32 square miles in size, St. Thomas has a million miles worth of things to do. Go shopping and sailing, snorkeling and sightseeing, or diving and dining. Enjoy the island’s world-renowned golf course, picture-perfect beaches and spectacular nightlife. Take the Skyride 700 feet above the city or climb the famous 99 Steps of Charlotte Amalie for an incomparable view of the Caribbean.

St. Thomas

NO PASSPORT NEEDED for U.S. citizens. Though it’s only 32 square mil ...

Updated: Jan 02, 2008 2:28pm PST

Tahiti: Bora Bora, Moorea, Raiatea, Huahine : What else can I say?  It's Tahiti.... you must go!  See all 3 pages of photos!

Tahiti: Bora Bora, Moorea, Raiatea, Huahine

What else can I say? It's Tahiti.... you must go! See all 3 pages of ...

Updated: Dec 31, 2007 1:01pm PST

Utah : Utah has beautiful scenery at every turn!  Photos in this album were taken with a 2 megapixel camera so they will not be suitable for enlargements over 8 1/2 x 11.
SEE BOTH PAGES of photos!

Utah

Utah has beautiful scenery at every turn! Photos in this album were t ...

Updated: Apr 20, 2009 11:28am PST

Virgin Gorda & Tortola : Virgin Gorda and Tortola are in the British Virgin Island chain in the Caribbean.  One of the most fun places to spend the day is in the area called "The Baths" on the island of Virgin Gorda.  Huge bolders the size of houses are strewn at the water's edge.  They create cave like areas that you can walk through, snorkel around, and explore.  Virgin Gorda is just a short water taxi ride away from the island of Tortola.

Virgin Gorda & Tortola

Virgin Gorda and Tortola are in the British Virgin Island chain in the ...

Updated: Dec 29, 2007 10:03pm PST

Wyoming: Yellowstone & Grand Tetons : VIEW ALL 4 PAGES:   I could go to the Tetons and Yellowstone several times a year and  see something new each time.  Where else can you see herds of buffalo wandering freely, listen to the sound of an elk bugleing, see grizzly bears, willd wolves, and the most incredible scenery in the lower 48?  It's all waiting for you to discover.  All photos are copyrighted. Please call or e-mail us to order photos.

Wyoming: Yellowstone & Grand Tetons

VIEW ALL 4 PAGES: I could go to the Tetons and Yellowstone several t ...

Updated: Jan 04, 2008 8:06pm PST

Your Photos : Send us YOUR favorite travel photo.  (for clients of Thompson Travel).  If you have a vacation photo you appear in,  that's even better!  Please let us know where the photo was taken so we can post it on our site.   E-mail a photo OR regular mail a print to us.

Your Photos

Send us YOUR favorite travel photo. (for clients of Thompson Travel). ...

Updated: Dec 15, 2009 6:21am PST

Camera Equipment Suggested : The Wimberley tripod head provides unmatched freedom of movement.  I first tried the Wimberley Head Verison II when I rented one to use on a photo shoot in Africa.   Within seconds of using the it, I knew  I'd never be happy using anything else ever again!  There is no other product that can even come close to the smoothness and effortless movement the Wimberley tripod head provides!    Whether  you're a professional or you just love taking photos, do yourself a favor and step up to the Wimberley.  Yes,...it makes that big of a difference!    - Julie Roggow

Camera Equipment Suggested

The Wimberley tripod head provides unmatched freedom of movement. I f ...

Updated: Jun 19, 2009 1:42pm PST

Julie's article in Nature Photography Magazine : The Fall / Winter issue has an article written by Julie and photos by Julie.  It's available at major bookstores that sell magazines. The Winter 2008/2009 issue of Nature Photographer Magazine contains an article and photos by your travel agent, Julie Roggow. Also see the Spring issue for another of Julie's photos.
The magazine is available at major bookstores that sell magazines.  For magazine subscription info, please call 207-733-4201 or mail $20 to Nature Photographer Magazine, PO Box 220, Lubec, ME 04652
This is my absolute favorite magazine for photgraphy, travel, and nature!

Julie's article in Nature Photography Magazine

The Fall / Winter issue has an article written by Julie and photos by ...

Updated: Dec 04, 2009 8:38am PST

Order Julie's book : Your travel agent, Julie, is the author of: "Wild Africa:  South Africa, Botswana, & Zimbabwe"    Come close and experience the wild animals of Africa with page after page of exiting full color photos.
To order from the publisher go to:  http://www.blurb.com/user/store/JRoggow     OR: order direct from Thompson Travel and receive an autographed copy

Order Julie's book

Your travel agent, Julie, is the author of: "Wild Africa: South Afric ...

Updated: Jan 04, 2008 6:20pm PST

Featured Galleries

DVD: "Tracks in the Sand"  A grizzly adventure in Haines, Alaska : Ken Roggow's newest DVD, "Tracks in the Sand"  takes us to Haines, Alaska.  Come up close as grizzly bear (brown bear)  fish, play, fight, and tend to their cubs.  Filmed on location in Haines, Alaska, in some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, you will also be treated to glaciers, eagles, seals & more. Wide screen.  45 minutes.
To order  ($19.95 + $3.55 shipping) please contact Thompson Travel  by phone or e-mail.

DVD: "Tracks in the Sand" A grizzly adventure in Haines, Alaska

Ken Roggow's newest DVD, "Tracks in the Sand" takes us to Haines, Ala ...

Updated: Aug 09, 2009 3:08pm PST

Videos: Instant Play SCENIC : Scenic video footage from around the world.  Copyright Ken Roggow.

Videos: Instant Play SCENIC

Scenic video footage from around the world. Copyright Ken Roggow.

Updated: Jan 04, 2009 6:12pm PST

Videos:Instant Play WILDLIFE : Wildlife video footage from around the world. Copyright Ken Roggow.

Videos:Instant Play WILDLIFE

Wildlife video footage from around the world. Copyright Ken Roggow.

Updated: Jan 18, 2009 11:44am PST