As many look to stay closer to home this summer, for any number of reasons.. we thought it would be great to have the insight of some of Wisconsin's finest travel writers and experts. 

Because, no matter what else is going on, we all need to get away at some point.  

There are so many things that make our state unique and fun to explore.  Over the summer, the following four travel experts will join us, on the air each Thursday at four.  We hope you'll join us and join in the conversation.  To you all, a wonderful summer and safe travels! 

Mary Bergin

Travels are global, like my 2003 trip to Chiba, (a Wisconsin sister-state) as one of nine Women of Wings goodwill delegates. I also co-led a Midwest Travel Writers Association trip to South Korea in 2006.

That said, I’m easily amused close to home, too – be it at the Greenbush Firemen’s Picnic or the Birchwood Bluegill Festival.

I grew up on a dairy farm and rarely left Wisconsin before entering college. I paid my way through college by waitressing at the Schwartz Hotel (now Victorian Village Resort) in Elkhart Lake.

A lifelong journalist, I worked for daily newspapers in Oklahoma, Kentucky and Indiana before returning to my home state, where I’ve been a staff editor or writer for dailies in Oshkosh, Kenosha and Madison.

Circulation of my weekly and syndicated travel column exceeds 250,000. I’ve also been a “Traveling Shepherd” columnist for Milwaukee’s Shepherd Express and write for other publications (including Global Traveler, AAA Living, Rand McNally, Dorling Kindersley Travel Guides, Chicago Tribune and Wisconsin Trails).

“Sidetracked in Wisconsin” was my first book, and now we’re ready to introduce “Hungry for Wisconsin,” a book about food. I am a member of the Midwest Travel Writers Association and the group’s web editor. I am a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and co-chair of membership and professional development in the Central States Chapter.

I favor independently owned restaurants when at home or away, and encourage you to do the same, to stymie homogenization in this world. 

www.roadstraveled.com.

 Michael Bie

Michael Bie is a freelance writer and publisher of classicwisconsin.com. He is a Green Bay native and has written two books about Wisconsin , Classic Wisconsin Weekends and It Happened in Wisconsin .    

 www.classicwisconsin.com

Jerry Huffman

Jerry Huffman, "The Travel Guy",  has literally covered tens of thousands of miles as his journalism career has taken him around the world.  Back home again in Wisconsin ,  Jerry worked as the Communications Director for the Wisconsin Department of Tourism and as an Emmy award winning television producer.  As a public relations consultant Jerry works for a variety of travel industry clients and shot as a location scout for the Academy Award nominated film Michael Clayton as well as Public Enemies.  You can hear Jerry's Travel Guy tips every Friday morning on WCLO radio (1230AM) in Janesville during the Stan Milam show.

If needed:  Always eager to hear your tips of the great undiscovered Wisconsin get-a-way you can reach Jerry at IMTravelGuy@gmail.com

State Department of Tourism

Sarah Klavas, Marketing and Communications Director for the Wisconsin Department of Tourism

Background:  She has been with the Department of Tourism for over 13 years, directing the Department's marketing and promotional efforts on behalf of the state's travel and hospitality industry.  Her favorite Wisconsin travel experiences include visits to the state's world class spas, experiencing the state's culinary wonders, enjoying the state's wonderful mix of arts and cultural attractions.  Sarah is also a passionate fan for the state's beloved UW Badgers and Green Bay Packers!