Interview with Colleen Schaffer

Colleen Schaffer first experienced the wonders of European history, art, and culture on a summer trip after her first year of college. She became hopelessly hooked, and since the mid-1990s Colleen has been leading a mix of Best of Europe tours and Italy tours for Rick Steves — and when there are teens in a group, she's completely in her element. On this side of the Atlantic, she enjoys her time at home with her husband and two children. Let's get to know her.

How and when did you start guiding for Rick Steves?

Well, this is dating me, but in 1994 I finished graduate school with an MS in Intercultural Communications. After graduation I wasn't sure what I wanted to do next. I had taken short trips to Europe and Asia throughout college so decided to take an extended 9-month trip backpacking through Europe and the Middle East to figure out my next move. Looking back now I was really just procrastinating — but it sure paid off! While I was visiting the Cinque Terre in Italy I met a couple traveling with the Rick Steves Italy guidebook. As I paged through it, I was so impressed with Rick's travel philosophy and travel savvy. The minute I returned home to Seattle I sent him a resume and crossed my fingers. Within a few months I was working in the office and the following year I began guiding.

How has tour guiding changed since you began back then?

I think the biggest change I've experienced since I began guiding is the ease that technology has brought to travel. Pay phones, calling cards, travelers checks, and fax machines are a thing of the past. And I no longer need to scribble-down my expenses on a paper spreadsheet in a dimly lit hotel room, fumbling with a pile of wrinkled receipts and a pocket calculator.

For tour members, I would say what's changed most are the hotels. Our tours still stay in centrally located hotels, but the rooms are nicer and the bath towels are fluffier!

Is there a "wow" moment that stands out for you as a guide?

Gosh, there are just too many to count. But a consistent "wow" moment for me is seeing my tour members' expressions when we enter Rome, as they are taking in the wide boulevards, the chaotic traffic, the famous monuments, and the layers of history. Rome is my all-time favorite city. I love to share its gritty and authentic beauty with my tour members. Many arrive a bit nervous amidst all the organized chaos, but they always leave with a desire to return.

Is there a place along the Best of Europe in 21 Days tour route that feels like your home away from home?

If I were to call one place "home" (along an entire route that's become my second home) it would be the family-run ristorante in Florence that I always bring my groups to for a traditional Tuscan meal. The food is fabulous. But even more importantly, the brothers who own this ristorante welcome my groups into their "kitchen" and genuinely treat us like we're a part of their family. For me, it is so important to have this type of connection while I'm traveling and away from my own family.

Where does your reputation as a "kid-friendly" guide come from?

I love to travel in summer with groups that include kids as well as adults. Children bring an inquisitive energy to a tour that infects the adults around them — in a very positive way. The whole tour experience feels more playful and interactive. I discovered this 20 years ago when I helped guide what unintentionally became our first "family tour" — a 21-day Best of Europe tour that included 14 kids! I spent two nights with them all, dormitory-style, up in Walter's loft in Gimmelwald, while their parents slept downstairs. I survived — and the entire tour was a blast for everyone.

What Colleen won't say about herself (but her tour members do!):

"Colleen was outstanding! Full of energy to match the group, and resourceful working with our driver to overcome unexpected obstacles (like the WWII bomb discovery that closed Brenner Pass). Her knowledge of history was amazing. In a world of cheap imitations, Colleen is priceless." — Dennis in Mulino, OR