Yep, that's me... the one standing on the railing over a waterfall in Ireland with a group I was leading, doing what I love and have done throughout my formative years.
Whether you've never traveled abroad or simply want to do the smart thing by hiring someone who can save you a lot of time, stress, and mistakes... you've come to the right place.
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to paint a more complete picture of what I do.
What do you love most about your job?
I love the interaction between people of the two continents... the old world and the new. It is beautiful, for example, to see a Californian with German ancestry talking taxes, food, and life with a German who is equally fascinated with how a life might have turned out for them if an ancestor had hopped on a boat long ago... Perspective is such a beautiful thing.
What inspired you to start your own business?
I grew up overseas, as the son of a Texan petroleum business executive and a Louisiana schoolteacher. I spent three years in Dubai and eight years in Belgium, attending school with a large American international business community. I learned French and German, fell in love with Christmas markets, flea markets, cathedrals, and cuisine (thanks, Mom) - and a ton of historical sites, especially all things military (thanks to a father who was a Marine Corps infantry officer). When I moved back to the States, I alternated between academia and the restaurant/hospitality business, never thinking that the two could work in tandem. A regular at a fine dining restaurant where I worked sat me down at a party he held and pointed out the obvious: that I should be leading tours in Europe. We did 12 countries together before he passed, but he allowed me to utterly solidify my talents and love for this profession. It is most certainly my calling...
Why should clients choose me to plan/lead their trips?
Because I fundamentally understand both clients and the host countries we visit better than anyone, save a tiny handful of others I know who are both American and also grew up in Europe. I have spent nearly half of the last 12 years back on European soil, confirming much of what I learned growing up there but also making so many more great friendships and connections with hotel owners, local guides, chefs, and the like.
Can you provide your services online or remotely?
Absolutely. I have planned countless tours for private clients going to Europe, whether for the first time or as seasoned travelers who want to go somewhere they have never been before. I have contacts throughout the continent and a great deal of personal knowledge to draw from. I start with a phone call, but it always leads to a video call, where I can share my screen and walk my clients through the locations, hotels, and logistics of the trips they ask me to plan for them.