People & Stories

Meet Carol, the Trafalgar guest who's been on 40 tours and counting

Recently updated on July 5th, 2023 at 10:54 am

Everyday we cross paths with like minded people who love to travel, but few take that passion as far as our friend Carol. The 78-year-old American is a very special Trafalgar guest who has been on more than 40 (yes, 40!) tours with our travel group.

The retired high school English teacher is on a personal mission to see the world, and the solo traveller chooses Trafalgar to help her travel the globe. From India and Vietnam, to Germany and Ireland, to Peru and Egypt, Carol is one of our most well-travelled guests. Let’s hear from her about why she travels and where is next on her bucket list.

Where do you think your love for travel started? 

My love of travel started in childhood thanks to my curious nature. I always wanted to explore new roads, new neighbourhoods and the woods where I played with friends. When I was young I even varied my routes walking home from school.

Do you have a favourite destination, country or Trafalgar travel experience?

When people ask about my favourite trip or spot I’ve encountered while travelling I tell them I’ve loved them all for different reasons. I loved the ancient ruins of architecture of Egypt, Greece, Vietnam, Cambodia and Italy. I loved the breathtaking locales of Antarctica, Peru, and the fjords of Scandinavia. Overall, I love the unique culture you find around the world.

GET INSPIRED BY: Wonders of Ancient Egypt

Taking 40 tours is an amazing milestone! How frequently do you join tours as a Trafalgar guest? 

I usually take three or four tours annually, but I have taken as many as six in one year. I am retired but I still work as a substitute teacher at a high school between my travels.

Why do you choose to join a guided tour – with Trafalgar or our sister brands – for your travels?

I prefer to take guided tours because someone else does the planning for all aspects of the trip, except for the optional experiences. I find guided tours are a great way to meet other people (especially if you are single) and socialise. I truly believe I could never see as much travelling on my own, plus I feel safer travelling with a group than travelling solo.

GET INSPIRED BY: Uncover India – Delhi to Kerala

Who do you travel with? 

I do most of my travel solo, but in the past years I have taken three tours with another retired colleague and three tours with a female fellow Trafalgar guest that I met while touring Ireland.

Your 40th tour was our European Whirl with Trafalgar Travel Director Bern. What was the highlight of the 12-day tour and why did you choose this one?

Bern was a bubbly knowledgeable tour guide with an inexhaustible supply of energy! She handled every detail and problem in a professional manner with seemingly a degree of ease. The highlight of my most recent trip was the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany. This was my main reason for booking this tour!

Another highlight was receiving a personal phone call from Mr. Gavin B. Tollman, President of the The Travel Corporation, thanking me for all my past trips and tours with Trafalgar and its subsidiaries. He also thanked me for being patient with my cancelled or postponed trips (due to the pandemic). I actually own Bea Tollman’s [wife of Trafalgar founder, Stanley Tollman] cookbook, a gift while on Trafalgar’s Vietnam and Cambodia tour.

GET INSPIRED BY: European Whirl

How do you think travel has changed you or your perspective?

Travel has indeed broadened my perspective of life. After watching how those from other cultures live, work and try to overcome daily obstacles I am truly grateful for all that I have and am able to do.

Where else is on your bucket list?

On my bucket list is to travel to Japan and East Asia. I’d also love to return again and again to Europe.

Do you have any tips for others eager to be a Trafalgar guest?

Anyone who wants to travel more, I suggest you research your dream destinations in detail. Then compare travel companies, the dates of tours, prices and itineraries available. I find Trafalgar (and sister companies) are the best all around for price and inclusions. 

I suggest fellow travellers take their most physically challenging trips while they are in a good physical state. But also, don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. It’s what keeps you young.

RELATED BLOG: Why a love for travel never fades, according to our Trafalgar community

Anything else you’d like to add about touring?

“Life is a journey, travel well.” 

Are you an eager world traveller like Carol? Tell us about your best trips or a favourite memories as a Trafalgar guest in the comments below…

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