River City Six – Jen Magnuson

Meet Jen Magnuson, Leisure Travel Specialist with The Vacation Store & The Cruise Company (www.TheCruiseCompany.com).

Tell us a little about your business.

The Vacation Store & The Cruise Company has been serving the Omaha Metro and surrounding areas for over 30 years.  We help our clients book their dream vacation, cruise, destination wedding, honeymoon and more! Our staff and travel agents have hundreds of years’ experience collectively, so we’re able to apply this vast knowledge and offer expert advice to help plan the perfect getaways for our clients to enjoy.

How did you get started in the business?

My family loved to travel when I was younger, which instilled in me a passion for travelling and seeing the world. I love getting to know other people’s cultures and traditions. There is always new places to visit and something new to learn along the way.

Tell us a little about your family.

I was born and raised in Omaha. I have been married to my wonderful husband for 6 years.  We have a 7-year-old dog, a Malshih (a mix between a Maltese and a Shih Tzu) named Lily.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?

I love to travel any chance I get!  But, if I only have one day off, I enjoy being outdoors so you will most likely find me walking around the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium or in the pool.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

“If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.”

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?

Fun! Life is too short to not make the most of it!

If you could have a super power, what would it be?

To fly! How amazing it would be to not have to pay for airfare to travel. Plus, I could avoid all of the crazy construction around town!

Which talent would you most like to have?

I wish I was a talented chef.  Currently, I am really good at burning toast.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?

I’d love to be a travel blogger! I am constantly reading reviews and blogs on what’s new in travel.  To get to see the world and experience all these wonderful places I send people to, all while getting paid to do it for a living, would be incredible!

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?

The Nebraska AIDS Project. It’s such an amazing organization that does such important work in our community!

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?

The Stranger in the Woods by Michael Finkel.  In today’s world of technology it is nice to imagine living off the grid.

What is your favorite movie?

Definitely Overboard, it’s hilarious!  I’m excited for the remake!

What is your favorite TV show?

The Walking Dead.

What is your favorite local restaurant?

La Casa Pizzeria! Amazing pizza!

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?

Amelia Earhart. She was such an incredible woman & pioneer! I would love to learn more about her amazing adventures.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

Phone (800) 289-5505; Website: www.TheCruiseCompany.com.