Hi Guys,

This is an easy one for me. . . early on in my career (only 7 years ago!) I was doing a tour of Vegas. I had done it about 4 times within the month and was feeling (tho hopefully, not showing it!) a bit bored with it. I guess you could say “the fairy dust” had worn off. I was not wowed by what I was showing my clients. At the end of the tour, one of the ladies came up to me and said ” I have wanted to see a white tiger my entire life. I have terminal cancer and did’nt think I would get to realize my dream. Thank you so much for making it come true”. She was British and thought it would be the last time she got to travel. I was so overwhelmed by her comment and sentiment, that I almost cried on the spot. It taught me, not matter how people appear or act, you never know what is going on in their lives and how you will impact them. It gave me a new perspective on life AND my beloved career. I often think about that lady when I feel like I am just going through the motions.

You never know who is watching you or how you will impact their life.

Thanks for asking! Susan Bolton, TD

He’s Our Brother!

The Wilson, Johnson and Adams were 3 couples celebrating the husband’s retirement. All 3 guys met at college, and taught in the same school. Mr. Adams was the high school baseball coach.

Just a month after they booked the tour, Mr. Adams had a stroke and then a series of ailments followed. Mrs. Adams had wished the doctor would recommended her husband to give up the tour. The Wilsons and Johnsons fully supported Mr. Adams in his decision to do the tour.

Mr. Adams used a walker with a seat instead of a wheelchair. When he was too tired to carry on his own, both friends will lift the arms of the walker seat while their wives will each grab Adams by the sleeves of his trousers and moved him along. Mrs. Adams will carry his bag. I could almost see them carrying a sedan-chair with Mr. Adams.

While in Toronto, they all went to the CN Tower which overlooked the Rogers Centre where Adam had brought his baseball team to play there a year ago.

He was definitely tired but everyone in the group had seen ‘brotherhood’ personified daily.

When asked about their relationship, the Johnsons and Wilsons echoed, ‘he’s our brother and he would do the same for us’.

Note: This is what makes America today – The Adams were African American while the Johnsons & Wilsons were White American.

Diana

Speedy Gonzales

Albert came to the welcome meeting with a black patch over his left eye and he had his cap on throughout the meeting. I thought for a moment that he was my dreamed romantic pirate!! He walked with the help of a walker and had a very independent and determine look in his eyes that sparkled.

By the second day, all offers to help him were turned down with a ‘Thank you, I will manage’. He had always been the last to leave the bus and the first to return. His wife would just stand and left him to move on his own.

His walker was his Ferrari as once his started to move, he zooms around so fast that I called him my ‘Speedy Gonzales’ to his delight.

His right hand needed to be guided by his left hand which he performed beautifully.

He made stair-climbing an art and fun.

Ascending – his left hand will guide his right hand to grip one handle while he folded the walker with his left hand. The right hand will than grip the folded walker, while he used his left hand to pull himself up the stairs. Upon reaching the top, his left hand will unfold the walker and off he went.

Descending – with the walker by his right, he sat on the step and moved himself down every step on his bum, enjoying his childhood acts!

During the farewell dinner, he gave his advise to everyone ‘don’t let the doctors decide what you can do, the DECISION IS YOURS’

6 years ago, he had a brain tumor removed and in the process, he lost the use to his right hand and leg. His left eye was removed with the tumor and his skull had a big dent – therefore his eye patch and cap. He was bedridden for 3 years as his doctor was sure he couldn’t walk. He was determined to prove his doctor wrong and took another 3 years to learn to walk again.

Everyone was touched by his attitude and my ‘Speedy Gonzales’ who let others yell ‘Ariba Ariba’ became the inspiration to each of us.

Diana

I didn’t hear any complaints when we arrived 6 hours late by VIA Rail.

Hi Ted & Randy,

Yes, enjoy working with people is a bonus when you are a tour manager.

But, I take every tour to be my ‘continuing education class’ and every now and then, I get lessons in humanity.

And I am fortunate to help someone to fulfill their dreams and they have never fail to inspire me to live life at peace with myself, friends and family.

We are constantly hearing of all the ‘end of the world situations’ but I am SO LUCKY to be inspired by ‘Wow, our world is still beautiful’

Attached, are 2 of my many inspirations, and they really made me look forward to another tour, waiting to learn something new from them.

Tks,

Diana

Well, the only thing that comes to mind is, the several people in my church who come to me for travel advice. Plus, since they now know I’m a TD, they’ve turned up the heat. I LOVE IT! This makes me read more about travel destinations. Peolpe in my church are actually flying for the first time because of a destination I told them about. They’re also getting passports and are very excited about travel. WOW! I’m in a GREAT business! I’m glad I’m following my dream. Happy travels. Jacqueline

I once had a client who was blind and he was one of the best, and most interesting people I ever had on tour. I would tell the people to see the wonderful view at 3 o’clock and he would look over there just like he could see and make a remark like ” I don’t see anything special out there”, just a great guy. Paul Skinner. PS I bet you guys thought I would be dead by now, no just a happy 75 year old former tour guide, no I guess I would be like the former marine Ted, Once a marine always a marine, once a tour director always a tour director.

Hi Ted and Randy..

To answer your inquiry…….99% of my groups are absolutely the greatest! That remaining percentage is but a pittance of “grumpys”…that is just a few points to contend with…that is our job…placate the grumpys….they are that way in their lives wherever…pobrecitos! I absolutely love this career because of the wonderful people I meet! I can not begin to enumerate the fabulous people I have met on tour in this wonderful ”people to people” career!

Besos,

Cynthia

There’s nothing like being validated or reinforced about your work

About six years ago I was leading a group of about 40 people on a 17 day tour of our majestic national parks. On day four, I got a late afternoon call, telling me that my beloved Mom had died. While her dementia had robbed her mind for several years, and her body was clinched, she was, nevertheless, with us at home in Mobile and very much still a part of the family. I was staying there between trips to give emotional support to my Dad and hug my Mom as often as possible.

Even knowing her condition was terminal, the shock and profound loss struck me very deeply. The next morning, a Wednesday, I tearfully stepped on the coach to explain why I was going to depart until Sunday, when we would reunite in Salt Lake City, and I’d continue the tour.

This particular driver and I had worked this trip many times together. He had all of my handouts and knew the drill with venders etc. The company sent in a temporary replacement but the group seemed to defer to the driver. He was terrific.

My Sunday morning plane came in very early, 6:00 AM. I expected the driver to meet me and we’d return to the hotel to begin our day. What a surprise to be greeted by an entire bus filled with every passenger on the tour. They had voted to get up before dawn and come to meet me. The cheers and applause was buoying. Since the company refused to pay the astronomical plane fare home, the passengers had collected a tidy sum. I was amazed that in the first four days of a tour, I’d made such a positive impression on this group. At the end of the trip, I announced..”absolutely no tipping.” It had come early. My plea went unheard. Along with unwanted tips came lovely letters of praise and thanks for giving them a special trip. While I felt a bit awkward accepting such generosity, I remembered what my Mom often said. “Sometimes its best to simply smile and say….thank you!”

I wept with no shame.

Becky Hoffman

When I do my student tours with EF every year, I ALWAYS get at least 3 students that come up to me per tour and say this is the best time I have ever had. When I hear words like this is so awesome or cool it makes me smile and that’s why I’m a Tour Director. You make the trip so fun and I will never forget it.

THAT’S WHAT THIS WHOLE BUSINESS IS ABOUT AND I CARRY THAT INTO MY ADULT TOURS TOO.

I LOVE MY JOB VERY MUCH AND IT GOES TO SHOW THAT IF YOU REALLY CARE ABOUT BEING A TOUR DIRECTOR, EVERYONE WILL NOTICE IT.

When I get the same teachers requesting me every year, that makes me want to do an even better job than before. You make what you make of it. In one of the evaluations from one of my recent tours, the teacher said they would like to adopt Mary and she should be given a raise. LOL

I must be doing something right.

Mary Macor

Have you ever noticed when people ask you, why are you a tour director? Your answer always seems to be I really enjoy working with people .

Once we are on the road there are those days when we question that answer.

Then one day we meet a special guest, couple or even an entire group that confirms once again yes that is it I LOVE traveling with people .

The question of the week is:

Please tell us your story about a special individual(s) that confirms all the reasons why we stay in this crazy, wonderful business of travel.

Have a great weekend

Safe journeys

Ted and Randy

P.S. Remember pictures are welcome too!!