Born in New York City to an English/Scottish Father and a South African Mother, and being called ‘Robin’, it seems that travel was going to be a big part of my life... I had no idea how big!
I started very early with travels throughout the U. S., then to South Africa, across Canada – East to West – and then moved over to Europe, first England, then to the rest of the continent.
When I joined the cruise ships, I knew I was in my second ‘home’… I had always worked to travel; now I could allow my passion for travel, people, culture, eating and shopping to run its course, how lucky was I? The world was my playground: I respected everything about it and wanted everyone I met to have the same wonderful experiences and memories I had.
For nearly 20 years, I had an amazing career in the Cruise Industry as an onboard Tour Manager, travelling around the world on some of the most elegant and luxurious cruise ships afloat. Maybe you know these companies: Silversea Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, Orient Lines, Cunard Cruise Line and others...
It never seemed like work to me - I was living my dream!
My office view was of the sun-rising over calm seas (and sometimes not so calm ones), being mesmerized by the dolphins as they played with the ship and watching the flying fish travel through the air as we cruised through their schools…(and class was disrupted!)
Through both my career and personal travels, I have spent a lot of time in Australia, Bali, China, Croatia, Dubai, Egypt, French Polynesia, Greece, Hawaii, Hong Kong, the Komodo Islands, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Morocco, Myanmar, Namibia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, South Pacific Islands, Sri Lanka, Tahiti, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam and many other countries.
I set up groups and private arrangements; pre, post and non cruise Cultural and Historical Sightseeing Tours, Cooking Tours, Shopping Tours and various combinations thereof for my clients from various countries.
I have the priviledge of many amazing memories which include watching the sunrise over the Temples in Myanmar; Hot Air Balloon rides in Cappadocia/Turkey, Luxor/Egypt and in Puerto Vallarta/Mexico; shopping in Bali, Myanmar, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam (Oh, the amazing shopping! So many wonderful items - big and small, so little space to put them all); Beach and Spa visits in Greece, Thailand and Vietnam; incredible Cultural and Historical experiences in all of the above; Cooking Classes in Italy, Thailand and Vietnam; Wandering through amazing ruins at Ankor Wat/Cambodia, the Cu Chi Tunnels/Vietnam, Pompeii/Italy and Ephesus/Turkey and having the notorious reputation as the only Tour Manager to ever make an English-language announcement in Borubudur/Indonesia for a client who had wandered off (she was later found!)...
I was so fortunate and I knew it! These are just some of my amazing memories that I have from my travels.
I would like to help you create your memories: how long is your list? Where do your dreams take you? How soon can you start?
In 2004, I had a life-changing accident in Russia... And, apart from learning to adjust to the physical, mental and emotional injuries I sustained, my new 'normal' now includes constant daily pain and moving at a much slower pace while using a cane for support. I am now with "cane and able"...
In addition to all the rehab and physio I needed, I chose to upgrade my skills and retrain in the Travel Industry, graduating with honours and becoming certified in TICO (Travel Industry Council of Ontario) in order to create and sell travel to my clients from this new perspective.
In so doing, I have created an opportunity in this most exciting industry, which utilises my first-hand knowledge from all of the above experiences and opportunities.
In addition to planning & booking itineraries for my 'able bodied' clients, I have also developed Slower Paced Tours "Slow-Tours" for those who face the daily challenges of arthritis, chronic pain and fibromyalgia and for those who simply prefer to see the world at their own pace.
In partnering with Travel Professionals International (TPI) as an Independent Agency Owner, I am part of Canada’s largest network of Independent Travel Consultants, dedicated to providing a high level and quality of service, whether you travel privately or as a group, for business or for pleasure.
We have a strong networking support amongst the nearly 800 TPI Consultants across the country, so that you will have the added comfort of knowing that we have an edge, as we work with the industry’s leading suppliers to provide the best value for your money.
In its 15th year, TPI has a solid background:
It is registered with TICO in Ontario, is a member of CLIA and holds a valid IATA license, all of which are extremely important to you, knowing that you can book with me with confidence.
In addition to this, TPI has been the recipient of various awards, and continues to excell in this industry, working to maintain integrity and professionalism in every aspect of its business.
Planning dream vacations for my clients is a rewarding experience, and, as your personal Luxury - Mobility Cruise & Land Program Specialist, I will assist you in customizing and booking your special time away.
However, if you prefer and feel more comfortable in making your own arrangements and bookings, these can also be done directly on my website, knowing that my support, and assistance, is only an e-mail away.
Are you tempted yet?
Are you ready to plan and book your next trip?
Let's do this together... Call me now!
'Till we meet, dream BIG...
Robin/
Luxury Mobility
Slower Paced Tours "Slow-Tours"
Cruise & Land Program Specialist
