explore the world, support the arts
We’re thrilled to announce a new partnership between Explore More Travel Co. and the Cain Center for the Arts – uniting a passion for travel with a shared commitment to enriching our local community through the arts. As the 2025–2026 Cain Center Season Donor Lounge Sponsor, Explore More is proud to support the Cain Center in multiple ways, both through local arts programming and meaningful travel initiatives. Together, we’ve designed a collaboration that blends cultural enrichment abroad with lasting impact at home, giving our community new ways to connect, explore, and give back through the joy of travel.
ways to support
- Group Trips curated with the Cain Center community in mind – designed for shared experiences and exclusive access.
- Independent Travel with Purpose: Book select trips through Explore More Travel Co. and we’ll donate a portion back to the Cain Center. We call it “Travel independently, give collectively.”
- Lake Norman Luxury Travel Expo at Cain Center – an inspiring evening of global travel ideas and insider access, with participating suppliers donating to support the Cain Center’s mission.
2026 group travel opportunity
AmaWaterways Best of the Danube itinerary captures the essence of Old-World Europe along the Danube River. These “Celebration of Music” sailings feature curated excursions highlighting the rich musical histories of Budapest, Bratislava, Salzburg, and Vienna.
Along the way, deepen your passion for music while being treated to a variety of live performances, including at Melk’s golden-hued Benedictine abbey. As you glide along the Danube River on your way back towards Budapest, remember the figures of the past that left their musical mark along this fascinating European waterway.
On this journey, you’ll explore the world alongside like-minded travelers who share your love of the arts and your ties to the Lake Norman community. It’s always easy to make friends on a river cruise … but it’s even more meaningful when those friendships continue once you’re home. For our first Cain Center group trip, we’ve chosen a music-focused AmaWaterways sailing along the Danube, featuring live performances by Dr. John Bryant, a Yamaha Performing Artist from Asheville, NC and roots in the Southeast. Together, we’ll celebrate the universal language of music while giving back – 5% of your cruise fare will be donated to support the Cain Center for the Arts, ensuring your travels make an impact both abroad and at home.
Full details can be found HERE on the AmaWaterways website. Please reach out to Jen if you have questions, Jen@ExploreMoreTravelCo.com or 704-900-3435.
individual trips that give back
Can’t join our group trip? You can still give back through travel. When travelers book select journeys through Explore More Travel Co., a portion of their trip investment will be donated to The Cain Center. Each partnership allows us to blend global exploration with local impact, turning travel dreams into tangible support for organizations that enrich lives through the arts, education, and beyond.
Lake Norman Luxury Travel Expo
January 14, 2026
Our annual Lake Norman Luxury Travel Expo is an inspiring evening of global travel ideas and insider access, hosted at the Cain Center for the Arts. Meet representatives from the world’s top hotels, cruise lines, and tour operators while enjoying wine, conversation, and plenty of travel inspiration. This event is also a fundraiser for the Cain Center, with each participating travel partner making a contribution to be part of the event. Proceeds will support the Cain Center’s mission to enrich our community through the arts. It’s a night that celebrates both exploration and giving back in Lake Norman’s premier event venue. More details and an RSVP form can be found HERE.
