Reality Tour, South America: All in the Family

I don’t envy the tour manager’s job. He or she handles so many behind-the-scenes details many of which entail a steady stream of communicating with step-on guides, restaurant managers, hotel reservations staff, and goodness knows who else. They seem to take pride in the fact that you will never again have to touch your overweight luggage until you arrive at the airport for your return trip home. Tour managers love maps that show where the hotel is in relation to tourist sights as well as hand outs that include information like the local time, currency exchange offices, telephone centers and tipping customs. These are typically handed out to passengers on the coach, where it seems the front and back seats are prime real estate. Tour managers consider you part of their family. If you’re having a good time, they’re happy! At least, that is what our tour manager, Kevin, says.

We first meet our fellow passengers at the Welcome Briefing. This is where the tour manager has everyone introduce themselves. Kevin has wisely opted to hold this meeting outside in a small, sunny courtyard off the Mediterráneo Restaurant and Bar of the Atton El Bosque, a conveniently situated hotel in Santiago’s downtown located in a modern 18-story building with spacious guest rooms. Most of the group has traveled through the night and the fresh air keeps us awake better than any air conditioned conference room ever would.  And while I am certainly tired and in need of freshening up, the 80-degree sun warming my face makes me glad to have finally arrived in Chile. And that is when I am hit with my first revelation about this destination:

Revelation#1

There is little jet lag to counter when crossing over the equator unlike crossing the pond.

 OK, time to freshen up and get ready for some sightseeing!

More later,

Melissa

ps- I read through comments left on my first 2 entries. Thanks for following me on my tour! I’m sure I’ll be discussing shopping, and for those just interested in this destination, hopefully this is a great insight into it, in case you do want to make this one of your next stops!

---

posted by Melissa McKee

Collette Vacations

Tags: Chile, Escorted Tours, Reality Tour, South America, Tour Manager, Traveling Well

•