Saw the movie yesterday.

It you change the itinerary (we are going to the beach instead of etc) you could be in trouble.  Get closer to your people.  The bus driver will not be handsome.  You won’t please them all and Richard Dryfuss will not be one of your passengers.  Loved the stereotypes.  You won’t b be able to work in Europe unless you speak the language?  Forget about historical commentary, no one cares?  Mostly people want to shop so get out of their way.

Cheers,

Claudia Corbett

Dear Ted, Randy and friends,

Yes I saw the movie, made me laugh esp. the Greek that no matter how it was translated you cannot give it justice!

1.  Obviously the outfit this woman agent she was running was the pits!  She was giving preferential treatment to her favorite guy who was 100% Greek. Nia, recently came to Greece, a graduate of History etc. (I can remember all her titles) and wants to be a tour guide.

2.  In Greece a tour guide is licensed by the Greek government ( I am not) and they frown upon foreigners bringing groups, which was not the case in this movie.  I have never seen this kind of beaten up Bus anywhere!  All the drivers I worked with were professional, courteous and extremely helpful to their passengers.

3.  Her group was from all over the place.  She didn’t have a roster with info of each one’s name, where they came from, some kind of history to prepare her for them, as well as what their interests were for this trip.

4.  She was so intense of teaching them all she knew, she forgot that they were on vacation and they wanted to also have fun.  It took almost over half of the movie to get her to reality. I have taken many groups to Greece, which I have organized and arranged with a wonderful wholesaler in Athens.  I design the tour based on what the clients wants and needs are, places they want to see.  Once the tour is set we have a meeting with the group getting feedback making changes where necessary.  We discuss hotels, location, pricing as well as local guides who will accompany the tour whenever necessary in archaeological sites, museums etc.  On the road I do the commentary, circulating maps and explain the surroundings and whatever questions they have.  I may interject some mythology here and there,  I organize picnics when they least expect it and after dinner, I arrange with my driver to take whoever is not tired  out dancing experiencing the local colors.

Touring should be fun and balanced.  Personally I may offer advice for shopping in stores I know, but I never collect kick backs or expect.  I am available when they need my help to negotiate a price and to make sure we all have fun.  I take my groups to places most tourists never go (hidden treasures) as well as little restaurants only locals frequent.

The beauty of organizing my own groups is that I include in the price my expenses, as well as all the tips for drivers and guides.  I don’t find it elegant to pass the hat around.  Instead at the end of the tour, I get a nice card which I circulate to the group to write something to our driver and local guide, put all their money in. seal it and present it to them  at the end of their trip.  Many have also opted to include an individual envelope with more money to each one of them.

Finally did you notice that a lot of the movie was filmed in Spain?  Check the end where all the names and places were mentioned.

If you ever need my help, let me know.

Best regards,

Stella

Ted & Randy.

Have not seen the film but sounds like the tour director could learn much from ITMI. Especially do not have romantic involvement with your coach driver. This can lead to all kinds of problems with your paxYour Pax should be your first prioritynot your driver.

Have a nice day Mike

Romantic comedy!!!!!!!!

My life has been one Big Fat Greek Tragedy since January……………Maybe I need a refresher course.

Gail