My son and I crossed paths in Barcelona this week. Andy is finishing up his second year (fourth semester) of offering three-day weekends to American college kids on European study-abroad programs. This has been his best semester yet, with about 500 participants in his various “Weekend Student Adventures” (also the name of his company). I spent a few nights hanging out with his gang. I couldn’t help but notice some similarities in our evolution as tour guides and tour operators. When I was in my mid-20s, it was generally me and eight girls on a minibus (this photo is from one of our very earliest tours…must have been 1978). Thirty-four years later, Andy is enjoying a similar ratio. Actually, on this particular weekend tour, Andy had 23 girls and 2 boys. These are smart and fun kids, hungry for new experiences. And, with Andy’s guidance, they’re having plenty. At this stop on his tapa pub crawl, the gang ate about a hundred little anchovies—yes…heads, tails, bones, fried guts, and all. For about half the kids, this was a first. (Later on, with my encouragement, out came the big plate of oreja—pigs’ ears.)
Rick says right at the top of the entry (for those who don’t already know) that Andy is his son. That’s close enough to declaring an interest as far as I can see. If *your* son was running a similar, but non-competing, business to yourself (same niche, different target market) would you really refuse him a plug or three on your blog?
Rick, so glad to see Andy doing well. I dream about traveling more than I currently do so I’m a little envious of him and his business. As a small business owner myself I know how difficult it is make it a success. You obviously know this too. It’s completely appropriate for a father to support the business ventures of his children, especially when it’s so closely related to your own subject matter. The earlier post by someone who thought this was inappropriate should reconsider their point of view. Go get ’em Andy!
So happy to see Andy doing what he loves. I have been following you guys since they were kids and you were dragging them through Europe. It is so funny to see the similar yet changes of the times. I don’t know about you, but makes me feel old! He is lucky to of had such great training ground early.
Those female to male ratios are more than just interesting. They also remind me of my own tour in which a preponderance were women. Women in particular, and of all ages, find Rick’s
tours appealing. (and they drag their men along)
Great post Rick, you must be a proud parent. But does it sting a little to see that Andy has bested you not only in quantity but quality as well? ;)
23 to 2 ratio? sign me up LOL
Good stuff
My son is also named “Andy” and he will be studying abroad for a year in Munich in next year, 2012-13. I’ll have to tell him about WSA. His roommate is also going, and I’m pretty sure they will find the male-female ratio perhaps even more appealing than the actual travel!
damn, i was single and still in college i know which tours i’d sign up for.
Attractive women are part of the marketing plan.
Those were great looking women of the 70’s. Go back and look at your old pictures! Different times. I think the ratio is normal. I am in an all women industry and a small percentage of my customers can get their husbands to leave the country. Many times they just travel with girlfriends. For some reason a lot of men don’t like to do that kind of travel.
I know you are proud of Andy, but more importantly, in his own way, even with similarities, he is continuing the good things about travel and helping students see a different world and a wonderful world. I wish I was young again.
I have also followed you, Rick, and your travels for many years and I am happy that you are also continuing in the same spirit as you did before, when you were young.
Take care, and best wishes and success to your son Andy and you.
We shouldn’t generalize and stereotype but there are men and women who don’t like these type tours because there is too much togetherness in too close quarters for too long. Some might not like being paired up with others and charged with keeping track of their whereabouts. Some might not like having to dress and make up each day to be sufficiently presentable to fellow travelers. But there is a lid for every pot and that’s why RS tours are desirable for many.