Get to know our tour managers
Not everyone can be a tour manager for Just You. First and foremost, they need to be ‘people people’ – friendly and approachable, with an ability to bring others together and make them feel at ease. But they also need to have an in-depth knowledge of their area, be terrific organisers and be adaptable enough to deal with the unexpected. Here's a selection of Just You’s finest...
Caroline Huyshe
Having travelled extensively and worked in community involvement, conservation and group facilitation, a move into tour management four years ago was a simple one for Caroline. ‘It’s something of a vocation for me, and although I took to it like a duck to water, it has also taught me a lot,’ she says.
As you might expect from her background, Caroline loves working with groups, but she also enjoys the variety and unpredictability of life as a tour manager. ‘We are out in the big, wide world, where things change from moment to moment.’
Caroline feels a real sense of satisfaction when helping people fulfill their dreams. ‘Recently, I took a group to watch the sunrise over the Annapurna mountains in Nepal. It was 5am and we were all excited and a little tired at the same time. I'll never forget one lady exclaiming as we left, ‘Next time I see the Himalayas on the television I’ll be able to say “I've been there! I’ve seen it! I’ve done it!”’
Caroline is a trained mediator and mentor, and you can see this in the way she strives to create a relaxed and friendly environment in which everyone feels welcome. ‘I like to make it possible for things to just unfold, so people have time to be as busy, rested, involved with others or adventurous alone as they like. I work to make sure everyone is included - without that being stifling - and love watching people gather together to get to know each other.’
Caroline lives in Manchester, and in her spare time enjoys walking, dance and alternative therapies.
Daniel Adams
Budding novelist Daniel Adams knows that a Just You holiday can represent a whole new chapter in life for some customers, and he takes great pride in helping them feel at home. ‘First-timers need putting at ease, and it’s great to watch their confidence build,’ he says.
Although he lives in Austria nowadays, Daniel manages to keep in touch with home through his work. ‘I still get my dose of British humour and news of home through working, assisting and socialising with my many guests, who often become temporary friends.’ In many cases he sees these friends again and again, as they return to take more of his tours, appreciative of the extra detail he shows them. ‘It’s the small things that the brochures don’t describe that I love to show people,’ he says. ‘China is perhaps the absolute best for this and it allows me to bring the distinct culture to life. A good holiday becomes a great holiday through the efforts of the tour manager.’
There’s a healthy competition between tour managers that benefits everyone, and Daniel points out that the high standards set by his fellow professionals keep them all on their toes. ‘Repeat guests talk of their previous tour manager and that’s something we all have to live up to. Many of my colleagues have been in the job for a number of years, and we are all in this for the long term.’
So what about that novel? ‘Travelling has been at my heart as a linguist and I threaten to write a book one day. I have started it but whenever I’m home the scenery and outdoor life of Austria beckons and I get waylaid. There’s also my huge collection of music – which means I’m all too ready to give a tune or two on tour!’
Suzanne Brown
Suzanne feels incredibly grateful to do the job she does – and not just for the travel. ‘I am so lucky to be able to go to so many lovely places but I have to say the main reason I am a tour manager is because I love working with people. To see people happy in so many wonderful places means so much to me.’
It’s a world away from where Suzanne started out. After studying psychology and sociology, she began her career in social services, working within the elderly sector. She later worked with disabled children in respite care and as a welfare and accommodation officer with international students before switching to tour management 11 years ago.
Away from work she has many hobbies and interests but chief among these is photography. ‘I also have a son of 24 who recently graduated in maths, so I’m a very proud mum,’ she adds.
‘Hope to see you somewhere, sometime!’
Kim Valencia
Living in Mexico for 14 years has given Kim Valencia a unique insight into Mexico that few tour managers can rival.
A graduate of both Mexican art history and Latin American politics at the University of Guadalajara, she has a passion for every aspect of the country and a vast knowledge of its ancient culture.
‘Mexico's rich ancient cultures, World Heritage Sites, colonial cities, beautiful beaches and renowned folk art make Mexico a world-class destination,’ she says. ‘I hope you will come and discover the Land of the Sun with me.’