A few years ago, we had a very young couple join one of our ’12 Day Comprehensive Newfoundland & Labrador’ tours. The average age of our guests sits around 70 years, and though seventy is the new fifty, these two fell well outside the bell curve. A mere youngster at 35, while she might have been in her late 20’s.
They were a handsome pair, beautifully dressed, and obviously well educated. They asked interesting questions, engaging everyone in the tour group. They availed of each activity, ate every meal with relish, raving appreciatively about the abundance of desserts. They prowled about the community in the evenings, finding great hiking trails and local “watering holes” with many new acquaintances. They were a joy to have on board and soon everyone was vying for their attention.
Intriguing, to say the least. Curious really. Some might even suggest, concerning.
“… young coach driver…”
Thankfully we had a young coach driver who had enough energy and savvy to keep up with the entire tour group and still find time for the “Little Ones” special needs. He’s a great friend as well, thus providing some insight on their background, and an opportunity to discuss the situation more thoroughly.
At first, we presumed their travel agent misunderstood our branding and perhaps thought ‘McCarthy’s Party’ provided “Contiki” type experiences for a younger clientele. Maybe? But the tour was the first program we ran for a new operating partner in California, so we also wondered if they weren’t undercover clients assessing our package and its delivery. Could they be on the lam from the law? Using the most ingenious cover imaginable? What a great bit of fun we had with our speculations.
“… swooned at their explanation…”
By day three we were comfortable enough to finally ask.
They chuckled at our theories. We swooned at their explanation;
He had recently proposed and wanted to celebrate the occasion with a vacation that would evoke extraordinary memories. Something that was so far off the charts, their stories would resonate through the many future generations of children they hoped to raise. They wanted a safe destination that was reasonably accessible by commercial flights. Hoped to travel somewhere exotic, but not the usual beach destinations. Most importantly, there had to be a local motor coach company that offered experiential tours.
“… had recently proposed…”
Apparently, he had grown up travelling in coach with his Grandmother – keeping her company, helping carry her luggage, and enjoying the adulation of 34 other grandparents who thought he was the most darling thing…. Still did.
“Boys, I know it looks ridiculous and it took some time to convince her, but this is the only way to travel. The most relaxing vacation imaginable, passing all responsibility off to our guide and a professional driver.
Coach travel is like vacationing with a trainer. Do you think I’d be up this early if I was hanging out at a resort? And I don’t even have to set an alarm clock – you wake me up. Carry our bags, make all our reservations, and ensure we see all the highlights of the region – even arranging alternative programs when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
You set a perfect pace, provide wonderful insights and ensure nobody gets left behind. Coaches are big and comfortable, they are especially safe, and I never have to think about driving – nor, and perhaps more importantly, drinking and driving. The company is always great, food practically comes with a guarantee, and an afternoon nap means I’m reenergized for the evening. Love the organization and how seamlessly you deliver every experience.
Most importantly, it always makes me think of my Nona and the many wonderful memories we shared. I learned so much from her and all our fellow passengers – a bus load of mentors who help keep my head straight with a focus on things that truly matter in this life;
Quality time spent with quality people.”
