Tour Managers & Guides

How long have you been working as a Saga Tour Manager?

I’m just completing my fourth season with Saga after leaving teaching following a 23-year career. It's the best decision I ever made!

What's the best part of your role?

It is my dream job and I feel lucky every time I’m on tour. Sharing some of my favourite places and watching the reaction of my guests is really special. I have to pinch myself sometimes to remind myself that I’m actually at work.

What has been the most memorable experience on your tours?

Watching a pod of orcas off Vancouver Island, while a humpback whale swam past was a pretty special moment, as was getting my guests up very early to see Moraine Lake at its best. But my favourite moments came this year when we saw bears wherever we went, including a grizzly bear and her cub, and a black bear walking along the railway track in Jasper.

What do our guests love about your destination?

The stunning scenery and opportunity to see wildlife are probably the top reasons.

What's the best moment on your tours?

I love the view from the top of Sulphur Mountain in Banff. It's a breathtaking 360 degree panorama that looks good in any weather. I have never been disappointed going up there and I love watching my guests experience it for the first time.

What is your own favourite travel experience?

I once travelled by cargo ship from Antwerp to Namibia, eating with the crew and getting to know the rhythm of life aboard as well as crossing the equator all added up to an unforgettable experience. I’ve also travelled a lot in Japan, putting my Rail Pass to good use and getting off the beaten track. My go-to place to relax and unwind is Pembrokeshire where my mum comes from, and I try to spend some time there every year."

How long have you been working as a Saga Tour Manager?

Working for Saga is a life project! I have done it for 26 years, in different countries and a diversity of roles. All been an adventure.

What's the best part of your role?

Being a Tour Manager ticks all boxes because it gives me the opportunity to travel and meet different places, cultures and people. I am humbled to be able to contribute to their wonderful and happy memories. A Tour Manager knows the insides and outs of the places, often arranging things behind the scenes to get everything right. Also being able to welcome each guest as an individual, finding out their preferences in order to surprise or create something personal for them.

What has been the most memorable experience on your tours?

The most memorable experience was to lead a group in Cuba during the 10-day funeral of Fidel Castro. No music or alcohol was permitted – yet we had a really amazing time.

What do our guests love about your destination?

I hope that they love our effort to show them sights off the beaten track, outside the normal places that tourists visit.

What's the best moment on your tours?

I would say within the first 24 hours, getting to know the group and research things that can be fitted into the itinerary.

What is your own favourite travel experience?

My favourite is Cuba. It's amazing to see the things they can create on a budget with creativity and determination!"

How long have you been working as a Saga Tour Manager?

For over five years now. I am so lucky to have turned my passion into my profession.

What's the best part of your role?

I am a huge enthusiast for history and architecture, so Malta and Gozo is the perfect place for me. I get to interact with such a wide range of fascinating individuals. It is enriching and rewarding. Sharing holiday experiences and making new lasting memories with each group is a privilege.

What has been the most memorable experience on your tours?

Back in 2017 I was reunited with our family neighbour from Exmouth, when he arrived in Malta with my tour group. After seeing his name and hearing him speak, memories came back of my days when I was 12 and used to play with his children and their cat called Pudding! It was wonderful to see him after so long, and when he returned to Gozo we had a larger reunion as my father joined us for lunch too. It was a wonderful blast from the past!

What do our guests love about your destination?

For its tiny size these islands certainly pack a punch. Malta is an open-air museum. There are many fascinating archaeological and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We experience so many important attractions along the way, which truly are testament to the countries abundantly rich and incredibly turbulent history. Guests leave beguiled by Malta’s story.

What's the best moment on your tours?

A special highlight of the tour that I always recommend is our excursion to Marsaxlokk and a cruise around the Grand Harbour. After seeing the distinctive brightly-painted boats known as 'luzzus' we sail the impressive natural harbours, surrounded by the imposing forts and fortifications of Valletta and the Three Cities. It's not to be missed.

What is your own favourite travel experience?

Before I joined Saga I circumnavigated the globe whilst working at sea for many years, often doing world cruises. I have been to every continent and am able to tick off an astonishing amount of countries visited. Lucky lucky me! I would say that the most remarkable and special place has to be Antarctica. There are too many words to describe it but mine would be overwhelmingly humbling. I still have an enormous bucket list so green with envy when I hear your travel stories of the Galápagos Islands or Machu Picchu and even Scotland."

How long have you been working as a Saga Tour Manager?

I have worked for Saga since 2016. Starting as a Cruise Director on river cruises, but now leading tours in beautiful Canada.

What's the best part of your role?

I have my perfect job. I love to learn, and travelling gives me the opportunity to research and learn lots of information about a destination, which I then can share with my tour groups. Every day as a Tour Manager brings new challenges, you never know what is going to happen and learn to expect the unexpected!

What has been the most memorable experience on your tours?

Touring on our Great Canadian Train Journey in late spring when all the snow and ice has just melted in the West, the new plants are just starting to grow and there is the opportunity to see some wildlife in search of food, bears, elk and moose, amazing!

What do our guests love about your destination?

I always think that Canada is a country of two halves. The East for the history the French culture and the museums. The West for the rugged beauty of the mountains and the chance to see some wildlife. It's such a vast country, with six different time zones, and there really is something for everyone.

What's the best moment on your tours?

A 'bucket list' experience is to travel aboard the Rocky Mountaineer. Whether you travel by Silver or Gold class you will be well looked after, and return with memories to last a lifetime.

What is your own favourite travel experience?

My own favourite experience was in 2007 when I travelled to Namibia with my late husband Don. Driving in Africa and having the opportunity to stop at waterholes and see hundreds of wild animals and to see the stars at night with no light pollution. We were lucky enough to see a lot of the world together, but it is this holiday that stands out to me, a time full of memories that will stay with me forever."

How long have you been working as a Saga Tour Manager?

For over eight years now!

What's the best part of your role?

Every tour is different due to the great variety of clients who come from many different backgrounds. I'm always learning something new and exciting. I love the positive feedback when guests email me to say what a fantastic and memorable holiday they have had. It's one of the most satisfying and rewarding jobs ever!

What has been the most memorable experience on your tours?

The first time I visited Lake Louise was absolutely stunning, it was like walking into a picture postcard. The blue-green colour of the water with the impressive mountain backdrop created a scene without equal. The cruise to Alaska is one that will stay with me forever.

What do our guests love about your destination?

The Rockies offers the the best scenery in all of North America. From the snow-capped mountains to the emerald lakes. There is so much wildlife to see and enjoy, always a spectacular scene around every corner. Of course a cruise to Alaska should be on everyones bucket list!

What's the best moment on your tours?

Taking a sea plane trip to Taku Lodge to see the bears followed by an Alaskan salmon BBQ lunch. Seeing so much wildlife in their natural surroundings… it's unforgettable.

What is your own favourite travel experience?

I have been fortunate to live in many countries and have travelled extensively to many countries. As a foodie i love the food of Asia and love to come home and practice cooking the many dishes i have come across using the local spices i bought whilst on holiday. Travel is in my blood and i never tire of finding new and intriguing destinations such as Uzbekistan and Armenia, which were absolute revelations."