That would be me! Hi, I’m Amy, a Tour Director & Guide.

 

I joined this exciting industry after many years of working as an archeologist, a history teacher, and a school principal. Apart from directing and leading in-person tours, I've always wanted to take advantage of my diverse work experiences to develop audio tours for travel nerds and history geeks. And so the idea of GuideGuides was born -- another creative outlet for my "teacher who travels" persona.

 

The first audio tour I built was designed to be used as an on-location walking tour, aided by some clever technology. But then I realized that the tour could just as easily work for the armchair traveler. When Covid arrived, along with its myriad of life-altering tentacles, my normal work opportunities disappeared, as did regular avenues for learning and exploration. I became a frustrated traveler, or more accurately, a frustrated non-traveler in lockdown. So, for the moment, virtual tours are the only channel I have where I can satisfy my almost obsessive need to expound on unique stories about cool places.

 

We all hope that the Covid situation will go away, eventually. In-real-life tours will return. But even when they do, I believe there will always be space for the virtual tour. There will be people who may not have the opportunity to physically travel. There will be teachers and students unable to afford school trips, And there will be guides who may wish to research and learn new locations. In fact, I've already expanded the idea of GuideGuides to include destination training for travel professionals.. 

 

I fervently believe that exploring our world is incredibly empowering and transformative, and I'm now envisioning more possibilities for a library of virtual travel resources for travelers and tour guides alike. What you see today on this site is just the beginning. Do watch this space!