2019 Tour Manager Favorites US DTC

DESTINATIONS OUR

TOUR MANAGERS

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Hear from Those Who Eat, Sleep, and Breathe Travel Our Tour Managers are a lot of things.

Positive, knowledgeable, engaging, quick-thinking, and fun. But above all, they’re people that truly love travel.

With years of experience guiding travelers across the world, they have some incredible insights on what exactly makes an incredible travel destination. We asked them where people should go and why, and they had plenty of suggestions. These are the places our tour managers just can’t get enough of.

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collette.com

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Abby Pontynen is connected to Oregon’s natural beauty in more ways than one.

READ MORE ON PAGES 28 & 29

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MORE EXPERTISE Our Travelers Aren’t Shy About How Much They love Our Tour Managers Day after day, we get glowing reviews of our tour managers from our guests on tour.

Across Feefo (an independent, third-party review platform), social media and in letters written to our home office, we’ve gathered a few of our current favorites.

The tour was fabulous and our guide was superb and very knowledgeable. She made the trip educational and fun.

– Traveler on Spain’s Classics & Portugal

”

Kristen Rafdal @krafdal #tourguidelife #guidedbycollette

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The tour manager was very knowledgeable and personable. He gave a running litany of the areas’ history as we passed through or stopped for scenic opportunities. He was just perfect, imparting pertinent information.

– Traveler on National Parks of America

“We decided to go with

Collette because the reviews we read were very good and it made sense to go with a tour company that would select, schedule, manage and guide us all the way for what we considered to be a good price. We got all of that with very high quality. Especially the tour manager, who was incredibly professional, knowledgeable and enjoyable.

– Traveler on Iceland: Land of Fire & Ice

Cinthya Pavan @cinthya.pavan

Marc Godin @jhumark

One of the top drivers in Iceland. He is kind, funny, great personality and professional. #guidedbycollette

Fantastic travel experience with Collette! We had a great family vacation and it was largely due to great coordination and a schedule that was kept on time and professional! Our tour manager made this trip fantastic. He was on top of everything and added a lot of humor to each day as well!”

– Traveler on America’s Music Cities

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KRISTEN RAFDAL FROM INDIANA TOUR MANAGER FOR 4 YEARS

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I will never forget the first time I got to lead a dogsled team. It was a perfect Lappish winter day. It was sunny, the snow was sparkling from the sun, miles and miles of pine trees, beautiful trails through the snow, the quiet of the dogs.

It starts with chaotic barking, but as soon as they get going and working together they are quiet and peaceful and doing what they love.

“

© Visit Finland/K. Chae

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© Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Lapland, Finland

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SMALL GROUP TRAVEL

© Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Lapland, Finland

THE NORTHERN LIGHTS OF FINLAND

Step into Finland’s dynamic and intriguing culture—from Helsinki’s cool-casual vibe to the pristine winter wilderness of Lapland.

Highlights: Helsinki • Kakslauttanen Resort Northern Light Search • Husky Safari FROM $4,149 | DAYS 8 LEARN MORE AT EXPLORATIONS.COM/605

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The more I saw, the more I wanted to see, and wanted to share with others.

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The tour that Kristen finds the most captivating:

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LUCIANA LYONS FROM ITALY TOUR MANAGER FOR 5 YEARS

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One of my favorite places in Iceland to bring my guests is Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon. You have the most arctic blue to the most pure white icebergs, and then you have the black ones because the volcanic sand has just been blown onto them. And the contrast of the colors, it constantly changes with the still grey skies and the blue of the icebergs. It’s such a beautiful sight and it’s so unique that my eyes just sparkle every time I see it.

“

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ICELAND:

LAND OF FIRE & ICE

Unearth a paradise forged by ice and fire.

Journey to jagged coastlines and volcanic craters, remarkable icebergs and the Blue Lagoon.

Highlights: Reykjavík • Golden Circle Gulfoss Waterfall • Vik • Jökulsárlón Lagoon From $3,599 | 9 Days LEARN MORE AT COLLETTE.COM/463

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There are things you can learn by traveling that you will never be able to learn from a book.

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The tour that Luciana loves best:

collette.com

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JOVANKA MRDJA FROM YUGOSLAVIA TOUR MANAGER FOR 14 YEARS

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One of the evenings that I experience with my guests is when we come to Croatia, south of Dubrovnik, we go to a homestead visit to a wonderful family and they invite musicians.

I sing with them, because when I was growing up, in my family we were always singing. So, I know one of the songs.

“

Can I sing with you?

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The tour that has Jovanka singing its praises:

DISCOVER CROATIA,

SLOVENIA AND THE ADRIATIC COAST

Ancient towns, tranquil lakes, and shining seas.

Delight in the old-world charm found in this sunny Adriatic paradise.

Highlights: Dubrovnik • Diocletian’s Palace Opatija • Lake Bled • Zagreb From $2,199 | 12 Days

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Croatia is a country of sun, good food, wine, truffles, and a coastline that surpasses the beauty of any other one around the world.

LEARN MORE AT COLLETTE.COM/258

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ANGELA ALMEIDA FROM PORTUGAL TOUR MANAGER FOR 9 YEARS

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Visiting Iberia is already an excitement. So, you have great food and great wine, you have beautiful landscapes, you have beautiful weather all year round so guests feel very attracted to visiting a nice destination. Good weather, good food, beautiful monuments, we have a lot to offer.

“

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The tour that Angela loves taking travelers on:

Embark on an Iberian adventure as you take in medieval architecture, idyllic landscapes and delectable cuisine of two countries.

Highlights: Lisbon • Toledo • Flamenco Show The Alhambra • Barcelona From $3,899 | 14 Days LEARN MORE AT COLLETTE.COM/263

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I like to show people what my culture is. I feel very proud of it.

“

SPAIN’S CLASSICS & PORTUGAL

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MY LIFE AS A TOUR MANAGER The day begins with

PLENTY TO DO

5:50 am

Being a Tour Manager is a job (and a lifestyle) that I love CINTHYA PAVAN Tour Manager for 5 years

MY ALARM CLOCK IS GOING OFF

6:20 am

AH, THE FIRST CUP OF COFFEE

I would like a 10-minute snooze, but my mind is awake and already knows what the plan for the day is.

7:30 am

WE ALL MEET FOR A HEARTY BREAKFAST

Being a Tour Manager is a 24/7 job with lots of responsibilities. Lots of preparation. Lots of expectations to be fulfilled and so many wonderful moments to be shared.

At breakfast time I’m down at the hotel restaurant with a pouch of vouchers and luggage tags. I make a quick inspection to make sure everything is in order before filling up my plate. How is the weather?

What do I need to wear? Are we moving between areas where there is a need for different currencies?

Just like every day in the life of a Tour Manager, the “to do” list is long.

The days are very active not only physically, but also mentally.

In my head I am already thinking about where we will be after lunch, even though it is only 6:20am. I have showered, brewed the first cup of coffee from the hotel room kettle, and gotten dressed for what promises to be a very busy but rewarding day.

10:30 am

HERE WE GO, HITTING THE ROADS OF THE WORLD

My moment to shine comes along with having the best seat in the house: the Tour Manager’s seat.

All day, the traveler’s eyes and ears are on me and I feel honored and proud to share my knowledge, facts, and curiosities of a land that I get to unveil. It is a great moment when I get some laughs and some wows along the way.

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Out on the road is where TOUR MANAGERS SHINE

In the blink of an eye, between checking the luggage from guests with the porters and delivering the hotel voucher, it is already time to hit the road. It’s great to see the excitement of our guests just radiating from them. They can’t wait to see it all and I can’t wait to show them.

1:30 pm

SHARING MY FAVORITE PLACES

© Jeff Shane, Courtesy Royal Gorge Route

I love lunch time when I can share some of my favorite places or foods to try. Some guests truly indulge in the local food to get a real sense of what the locals eat and how they live. It is a pleasure seeing them coming back with a satisfied face.

3:10 pm

A REWARD FOR HARD WORK

There’s a smile on my face when I witness someone having a powerful moment contemplating the landscape, dazzled by all they are taking in during their trip and it makes all the planning and organizing very rewarding.

7:00 pm

WRAPPING UP A DAY OF ADVENTURE

The check in at a new hotel at night is the ending to a day of adventure.

At dinner, it becomes easy to see that not only am I leading guests to new destinations, but also to new friends to share experiences with.

After dinner, we can all enjoy a little free time to recharge. If other work colleagues are around, we have a drink, a laugh, share information and make sure everyone is doing well.

Colleagues are essential to the lives of Tour Managers because we make each other’s jobs easier by sharing our knowledge and support.

9:45 pm

A TOUR MANAGER’S ROLE

Being a Tour Manager is a bit like being a mom. I take them to new beginnings, make them laugh, give advice, share helpful tips, teach them about the world, tell them stories, share hugs and appreciation. My biggest reward is being able to show people the world. It’s the best part of being a Tour Manager, and it’s what keeps me on the road.

Tomorrow, the alarm clock will go off at 5:50am. With coffee, a smile, and a heart full of love, I will lead another new adventure.

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MICHELLE PURVIS FROM MICHIGAN TOUR MANAGER FOR 5 YEARS

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When we go to other places in the world, we can see how not everyone lives the way that we do. And that helps us to understand our differences, but also, we find the commonalities in the human experience and build connections. That’s really why I love being a Tour Manager.

“

The tour Michelle loves sharing with travelers:

ENGLAND’S TREASURES

Experience resplendent countryside, lakeside trails, and majestic locales fit for a poem on this English voyage.

Highlights: Liverpool • Bath Stonehenge Cornwall • London From $2,999 | 12 Days

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I look forward to

sharing with our guest the off-the-beaten-path spots, and introducing them to

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the most authentic version of the United Kingdom.

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DEREK MOSCARELLI FROM RHODE ISLAND TOUR MANAGER FOR 20 YEARS

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The National Parks, in my opinion, is the best that America has to offer. It’s all this fantastic amazing beautiful scenery in our own backyard.

Most people who take the tour, they have the Grand Canyon set in their mind as ‘this is going to be the best and the most amazing experience’ but once they get on tour and see other places like Bryce Canyon, and Zion Canyon, and the Grand Tetons, they realize that there’s just so much more spectacular scenery and beauty.

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“

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The tour that goes to Derek’s favorite places on Earth:

NATIONAL

PARKS OF AMERICA

Gain a whole new appreciation of the great outdoors and explore five of the American West’s awe-inspiring national parks.

National Parks in three words?

scenery, scenery, & more scenery

Highlights: Grand Canyon • Zion Jackson Hole • Old Faithful • Mount Rushmore From $3,999 | 12 Days LEARN MORE AT COLLETTE.COM/93

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WESLEY GLASS FROM ALABAMA TOUR MANAGER FOR 6 YEARS

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A lot of us get into Tour Managing because we are so interested in travel, but you quickly realize it’s 100% about the people on the tour, and building relationships with them, and getting to hear their stories. Knowing that you get to share your story and your background with them, that’s what makes you do it over and over again.

The tour that’s music to Wesley’s ear:

AMERICA’S

MUSIC CITIES

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Blues, rock, soul – and all that jazz. Unearth the roots of American music and celebrate jazz in the place it was born.

Highlights: New Orleans • Swamp Tour Graceland • Grand Ole Opry • RCA Studio B From $2,399 | 8 Days

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One thing that anyone can

bond with someone over is a love of

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music. So how could you not enjoy a tour where you can hear jazz, Elvis, and country all in 8 days?

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CAPTURING THE MOMENT Our Tour Managers’ love of traveling the world really shines through the snapshots they take. Some say that a picture is worth a thousand words, and we can’t help but agree. Here are a few of our favorite photos that capture the magic of being a Tour Manager out on the road.

Craig Desmarais @craigdesmarais

#gocollette

Maryse Blouin @maryse_was_here

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Cinthya Pavan @cinthya.pavan

Long Ho @longho.s066

Miriam Bourin @the_globallocal

Kristen Rafdal @krafdal

April Smith

@go_ask_alice_or_aoife

Heather Larsen @hlarsenbiz

Ian Pletzer @ianpletzer

Marian Bourin @marianatcollette

Abby Pontynen @aboooga

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MARYSE BLOUIN FROM QUÉBEC TOUR MANAGER FOR 12 YEARS

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This tour’s name is perfect, as it describes very well what this tour is like. It is absolutely charming. You also get a real taste of the ‘French-ness’ of the province of Québec. It is a real joy for me to share my history, my mother tongue (French) and my culture with my guests.

“

“

I love learning.

Learning anything

and everything about

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cultures, food,

history, and how others live.

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The tour that captures Maryse’s love of Canada:

CHARMING

FRENCH CANADA Discover the natural and historic wonders of the province of Quebec while staying in some of its most luxurious hotels.

Highlights: Montreal • Fairmont Le Chateau de Frontenac • Quebec City From $3,499 | 9 Days

LEARN MORE AT COLLETTE.COM/567

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MARC PASCUCCI FROM MASSACHUSETTS TOUR MANAGER FOR 5 YEARS

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I get to be personally responsible for opening up the world for all of our guests, and it’s amazing.

If you come on the tour, don’t be afraid, I’ll crack your lobster for you!

I think I’m averaging 80 lobster crackings a year.

“

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COLORS of

NEW ENGLAND

Fall into the rustic charm of New England.

See a stunning display of vibrant foliage while traveling from historic Boston to the quaint villages of the North.

Highlights: Boston • Ben & Jerry’s Factory North Conway • Lobster Dinner From $2,999 | 8 Days

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The colors on the trees are really changing, and the season is changing, there is a crisp feel to the air, and the trees and the mountains are ablaze with color.

That backdrop just adds to the whole New England feel.

LEARN MORE AT COLLETTE.COM/358

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ABBY PONTYNEN FROM MICHIGAN TOUR MANAGER FOR 5 YEARS

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This is a place that is deeply personal to me. This is a place where my great-greatgreat grandfather walked the Oregon trail.

Everyone hears about Washington’s islands and about the California beaches but they don’t hear about the Oregon coastline, which is just hauntingly beautiful.

“

“

We have all these rocks

that stick up out of the water, we call them sea stacks, because they stick up just like hay stacks in a field, and

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they make for a completely different atmosphere on the beach.

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The tour that always takes Abby’s breath away:

PACIFIC NORTHWEST & CALIFORNIA Fall under the spell of the Pacific Northwest and California, from the wilds of Mount St. Helens to the shadow of giants in the Redwoods.

Highlights: Seattle • Portland • Redwood National Park • Eureka • San Francisco From $2,699 | 8 Days

LEARN MORE AT COLLETTE.COM/66

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MORE INCLUDED

Immerse yourself in a destination

Our Tour Managers are one big reason to travel with us. Here’s 5 more...

More freedom to explore with It’s Your Choice. With It’s Your Choice, simply choose an included excursion before departure and personalize your adventure!

They’re called “must-sees” for a reason. Our carefully crafted itineraries include those iconic, can’tmiss, must-see sights for each of our incredible destinations.

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Never miss a must-see

Taste authentic cuisine

Stay in spectacular accommodations

Settle in to 4-star accommodations.

We carefully choose each hotel to enrich your experience, making sure they’re located in strategically selected spots that capture the destination.

Liven things up by meeting a new culture. Our cultural experiences, hand-crafted by our experts, allow you to truly get to know both the destination and the people who call it home.

Meals become memorable moments. Our meals are culinary experiences that allow you to explore new cultures in an engaging, not to mention flavorful, way.

LEARN MORE AT COLLETTE.COM

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For reservations, call Collette at 800.528.0351 or see your travel professional.

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID COLLETTE

180 Middle Street Pawtucket, RI 02860

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Visit us online at collette.com

9KSBP 0519

CST#2006766-20 UBN#601220855 Nevada Seller of Travel Registration No. 2003-0279 Starting at rates per person, land only, double occupancy.

Tour Manager Jovanka loves the sun, cuisine, and coastline of Croatia

Read more on page 10

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