Travel resuming for First Midwest Bank Gold Club

The COVID-19 pandemic put the brakes on travel around the world, as well as locally. Availability of vaccines is making many think about taking excursions again.

While the pandemic interrupted travel members at First Midwest Bank from exploring last year, Rob Callahan, certified bank club director, said the bank’s “GOLD Club is looking forward to getting on the road again.”

“The club is for our customers age 50 and better,” Callahan said. “We do local events, such as an annual picnic and educational seminars. The seminars include topics like estate planning, identity theft, scams, how to use your iPhone, gardening and more. These events are provided free for our club members.”

Callahan said, other things he is looking into are “Movie Days,” a walking club and the new rage for Baby Boomers, “pickleball.”

“The future of travel and events is going to look very different than the way we left it in 2019,” he said. “There were no trips, events or seminars last year due to COVID-19. All of our trips were either moved to 2021 or 2022 and some were canceled.

“There is a huge pent-up demand for travel. People have been shut up at home for an extended period and are ready to get away. We do day trips, overnight trips, extended travel, international travel, cruises and European river cruises.”

Alaska and New England fall foliage trips are two of the most popular destinations, he said.

“Currently, the number of travelers for motor coach trips will be limited to 24 people to allow for social distancing, and masks will be required,” Callahan said. “We continue to monitor and will follow guidelines from the CDC, state and local directives. This includes both here at home and destinations we are planning to travel to. Our central focus has always been our customers health and safety and will continue to be.”

Presently, the trips include:

Aug. 19-20, St. Louis featuring the “Patsy Cline Story” at Stages St. Louis, St. Louis Ferris Wheel and Aquarium and the Magic Chef Mansion.

Sept. 29, Oct. 7, Fall foliage trip to Boston, coastal Maine and New Hampshire.

Nov. 13, Christmas show and dinner at Patti’s 1880’s Settlement.

Dec. 12-15, Christmas in Memphis and Nashville featuring Graceland at Christmas and the new Elvis Experience, Johnny Cash and George Jones Museum, Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, reserved seating for the Vince Gill and Amy Grant Christmas Show at the Ryman Auditorium and free time for shopping at Opry Mills and downtown Nashville.

Feb. 5-13, 2022, Costa Rica.

Feb. 27-March 7, 2022, Alaska for the 50th anniversary of the Iditarod Race and the northern lights.

April 29 – May 3, 2022, Virginia Beach, Norfolk and the Outer Banks of North Carolina featuring the Virginia International Military Tattoo.

June 19-25, 2022, Chicago, Michigan and Mackinac Island.