Paul

“I work for TT predominantly in Spain but also the UK, Canada and last year in Oberammergau for the Passion Play. Initially I applied to an anonymous advert in The Times to escape a dead end job and whilst most would accept we work to live, few people realise how rewarding this job is, constantly meeting new folk and sharing funny, interesting sometimes strange anecdotes and stories. Originally I was an industrial chemist. Due to previous careers I also cover Japan and the US.

I have lived and worked in Spain and so it gives me great pleasure returning to ‘la piel del toro’ to share my experiences and introduce the country’s wonderful cities to inquisitive friends. Equally I am just as happy travelling along Route 66 or being mesmerised by the seasonal beauty of the Kenroku-En in Kanazawa.

My interests include flamenco, cemeteries (before sunset!), cinema, beachcombing, Spanish art, the letter M, C20th decorative glass, Tommy Cooper, the Japanese maple tree family and the trials and tribulations of Tottenham Hotspur. My best feature would be my GSOH!!!

Safe travelling. Hasta luego.”

Thomas

“When asked to manage and guide a group interested in architecture and history in Germany from the medieval to the current, my adventures as a lecturer and guide for cultural and art-oriented groups began. Little did I suspect what extremely inspiring, enriching, and educational opportunities were and are ahead!

Being a specialist for the German-speaking countries allows me to explore with my delightful groups many various aspects of culture and civilisation - art, architecture, history (some tragic, some humorous, some simply delightful), music, opera, cuisine, geology, and often times the beautiful landscapes of Germany, Austria and also the Netherlands. Quite honestly, I enjoy each and every experience equally, but if I must choose a favourite destination to visit perhaps I would choose the rococo Palace Sanssouci in Potsdam or the breathtakingly beautiful Wies Church (near Neuschwanstein) as my absolute ‘must-see’ destinations. Most importantly, I enjoy each and every group with which I have the pleasure of working.

Being a tour manager and guide requires enormous organisational and communication skills - one never knows what question or situation may occur. I have had the great fortune of managing the most interested and interesting groups - and it is my greatest pleasure to see those groups return to my part of the world to continue their explorations of our superb museums, palaces, gardens, music, opera, and cities. I greatly look forward to my continued association with Tailored Travel and to meeting you and your group.”

Jan

“I've been a Blue Badge Guide since 1990 when I qualified for Cumbria. Before that, my career as a Personal Assistant had taken me to London, Vienna and then the Lake District. My husband's work then saw us move to North East England where I gained my second Blue Badge allowing me to guide in this fabulous region, so I now have the pleasure of guiding on both sides of the North Pennines.

As a Blue Badge Guide I get to guide in some of the most deeply interesting and compelling places in the north of England. My favourite place is, quite simply, wherever I am guiding at any given moment. How was that building built? Why does the landscape look like that? Who lived here? What was achieved there? What is the local economy like today? It's this joy of discovery which makes any destination or attraction special for both visitor and tourist guide alike. Helping visitors really understand what it is they are looking at is one of the great pleasures of being a Blue Badge Guide. But I also learn a lot from the people I meet and guide, too.

It is the ability to put oneself into the shoes of the one who is being guided that is the mark of a good guide. And asking at the end of each tour "would I have enjoyed listening to my own tour commentary today?" or, even more critically, "would I have paid money to listen to my own tour commentary today?"”

Lance

“I became a tour manager 30 years ago because I like people, wanted a change from the airline industry, to use my languages and have constant challenges. I haven’t regretted it for a minute!

I work all over Europe and feel very much at home in Florence, Munich and Sicily. I love good food, interesting sights and, above all, the people. The best thing about being a tour manager is seeing clients return home happy, having made new friends, having learnt about their holiday destination and wanting to plan their next holiday on their return home. Travel definitely broadens the mind.

A good tour manager has to like people, be fair, make sure that the client gets everything that they have paid for and be conscious of things as they are, rather than how we want them to be. Being a good natured realist is important!”

Ludo

“I became involved in tourism through my love for travelling. Through experience and study, I have developed my skills as a tour manager and feel confident in dealing with a wide range of situations in this industry. A good tour manager can think on his feet, respond positively to a range of personalities but most of all possesses a warm smile.

The whole world is a beautiful place, Venice, however, remains one of my favourite places to visit. Magical. There are also many wonderful little towns in the central part of Italy that also lift my heart.

Having worked in tourism since 1984, I have had many memorable moments. One funny one that I like to recount... A client came down to the hospitality desk and informed that his key didn’t open the door. I went up to his room, checked the door and, to my surprise, the client inserted the electronic, plastic card key into the slot and tried to turn it!”