Each year we organize and lead about 500 bus tours, and each year I take one of them. This year, Scotland’s up. Taking one of my own tours as a participant (rather than as a guide) is very helpful for many reasons.
I signed up as “Rick Romstad” (by grandfather’s surname, which I think would have been a cool travel writer’s name). But the group had figured me out. (Damn you, Google.) I was struck how, from the first hour, the group and our guide enjoyed a wonderful vibe. So I shot this crude little video, taken even before the lovely food arrived. It captures the energy and eager anticipation as we await our first dinner and kick off 10 days in Scotland together. Stay tuned as I report from the bus as we tour Edinburgh and then head into the Highlands.
If you can’t see the video below, watch it on YouTube.
I am looking forward to following along on your tour of Scotland. How many people are on the tour?
My husband and I are taking your Scotland tour in September. It is our first tour with your company and first time travelling outside the US. We are really looking forward to it and I am really excited about following your blog. Thanks Rick!
Looks like fun! I cannot believe you thought you would get away with the name. I am sure RS Tour fans are watching your blog and monthly news letter. I think most people would love to spend a tour with the real RS!
It was a great serandipity to our Scotland trip to come across you at the restaurant we were eating in in Inverness. Thanks for stopping by our table for a wee chat! ~Lori Renfro
How do the Scots feel about Andy’s Wimbledon victory?!
We just returned from the RS Turkey in 13 days tour. Our tour group was awesome as well. They were funny, smart, well-educated, well-traveled, awesome people. They helped to make our tour “the trip of a lifetime”. We will be forever changed by this experience. I hope all the tours are this marvelous!
Looking fwd to doing your Eastern Europe trip next Spring. Hope that you’ll be on that trip.
We’ve done two of your tours previously, and have found that they are a wonderful to see, enjoy, and learn Europe!
What a thrill for those lucky travelers to have the main man with them.
Der Doppelganger
WEDU
Tampa
From a quality control standpoint, I hope you are having staff people check on more tours than the one you go on. One out of 500 leaves too much to go wrong without finding out. By the time the comments from tour participants make the problem obvious, you will have already tarnished your brand.