7 Tips for Flying Internationally
Most of my students who go on tour with me are first-time fliers and it’s my job as a group leader to introduce them to the joys of flying. Flying internationally is one of the most important topics I cover at my pre-departure meetings. At one of my pre-departure meetings in March, I arranged the Read more…
17 Good to Know Cultural Differences Before You Travel
An esteemed American, following a visit to the Netherlands some years back, was back at home and regaling his co-worker with tales of cultural differences he had encountered. His summary was simple, “it’s the little things.” Recently, a few Tour Directors in Europe were asked to come up with a few cultural differences about which Read more…
Bastille Day in Paris
I remember being on a city tour in Paris once when the guide told the group, “do you know that we French don’t call it Bastille Day……we know it as July the 14th.” Despite the lack of title the 14th is, naturally, an important national holiday and recalls the day in 1790 when the first Read more…
A Day in Ireland
I recently led a tour which started in Ireland, for me one of the best countries to start a tour in. There is something about touring in Ireland which is just relaxed and entertaining. As a people the Irish seem to get tourism and understand the need for hospitality. People are, generally, charmed by the Read more…
Great Britain in 5 Photos, with London and Stonehenge
In two days’ time, I will be going on a walking tour of Ireland organized by Go-Ahead Tours, EF Educational Tours’ adult travel division. I recruited a small group of adults to travel with me and we will be part of a larger group of independent travelers on our 11-day tour of Ireland. After traveling Read more…
Independence Day in the USA and Mexico
America’s Independence Day During this 4th of July, millions of Americans are preparing to travel by plane, train, or automobile to spend time with family and friends and celebrate the holiday. Like many fellow Michiganders, my family and I made the trip “up north” to the family cottage located on a beautiful inland lake, Lake Read more…
Traveling Abroad with Students? The Benefits of Longer Tours
When it comes to planning student travel, Group Leaders have many things to take into consideration. After choosing a travel company, such as the industry leader EF Educational Tours, the most obvious of these considerations is the destination. Will it be a domestic or international tour? Which country or countries will be visited? Other factors Read more…
Strange Food Abroad – The Best & The Worst
Over the years, I’ve managed to save several travel journals EF used to provide for students. They all include interesting writing prompts to encourage students to reflect about their travel experiences. In one travel journal, I found this question: “What’s the strangest food you’ve tried on tour? The best? The worst?” Since eating is one Read more…
Gelato in Italy – What is Gelato, Anyway?
I was in Italy on tour last week. It rained in Florence, was cloudy in Assisi, cloudy and rainy in Rome and we didn’t get real sunshine until Pompeii and Capri. Now, why am I giving you last week’s weather report (which is probably not the most use, although undeniably accurate)? The thing is, whatever Read more…
Cheese Rolling in Gloucestershire, Would You Chase It?
As you may have noticed, people in Britain have recently celebrated the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. There was a two day public holiday added on to the weekend as well as various events up and down the country. Also, as you might expect, various products attempted to get in on the event and used traditional labelling Read more…
