Pat's Story
After earning my master’s degree at the University of California, I taught German and French for a year but found local permanent teaching jobs were rare. My interest and passion for global experiences led me to the travel industry, and 35 years later, I am enjoying a career that keeps me in touch with the world while making my clients’ dreams come true.
When I was 20, I traveled by car with a friend all over the United States, and traveling the world became my dream. I lived and studied in Germany for a year and traveled by train to almost every European country – the travel bug was fully realized. Since then, I have been back to Europe at least 40 times and love the diversity of each country and seeing something new each time I go. Hidden gems like Kotor, Montenegro, and traveling in Germany during the Christmas markets are the types of discoveries I like to share.
I love finding great hotels for my clients and giving them the “wow” experience when they walk into a room with a great view or fabulous ambiance. Our association with Signature gives us the opportunities to get special upgrades and VIP amenities for our guests, and their excitement is our reward.
Recommending the right cruise for my special clients is one of my favorite things. I have been fortunate enough to have gone on at least 30 cruises, and that knowledge really helps in finding the right fit for each guest. I know that my clients will be delighted with cruise lines, like Regent and Crystal, but also understand when the best choice for them could be Princess or Celebrity. River cruising has become very popular and I have been able to experience several lines firsthand. I’ve traveled on the Rhine in summer when you can sit on the top deck until 10 p.m., watching castles go by, and the Danube in December where the snowy landscapes and the magic of the holidays surround you. Cruising the Seine from Paris to Normandy is amazing!
My love and passion for animals took me to South Africa on one of the most exciting trips imaginable! I truly had “pinch me” moments as we gazed at the stars from the southern tip of Africa and got up close and personal with the likes of elephants, cheetahs, giraffe, and warthogs! Traveling to Africa is indeed a life-changing experience,
I love working with people and making them feel like the special individuals they are. It is very rewarding when they recommend me to their friends and come back to me year after year!