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Marguerite

Bennett

Ames, IA/Midwest
United States of America (USA)

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About

Breaking News: “Small town girl travels the world!” That may come as a surprise to some because I was born in Iowa, lived in Iowa, left Iowa and came back to Iowa. I traveled quite a bit throughout the United States with my family as a child, and have always felt a sense of wanderlust as an adult. Those family trips opened up a new way of looking at travel, and a new goal: to see the world, with curiosity and wonder. 

After years as a university theatre professor, I was introduced to the world of tour directing and now I have an enthusiastic desire for sharing and encouraging new experiences with individuals of all ages. I have a strong work ethic, a good sense of humor and I always look forward to bringing smiles to the faces of my tour groups. 

 

Tours Offered & Destination Knowledge

Bus ToursCultural/Specialty ToursLarge Group ToursMulti-Day Tour Director/LeaderPerformance Group ToursStudent Tour Director

Destination Knowledge:

Alaska and the Yukon: Seward, Anchorage, Denali, Fairbanks and Skagway, Dawson City, & Whitehorse.

Midwest: Iowa (my home state), Illinois (Chicago), Kentucky (Louisville & Florence), Nebraska (Omaha), Wisconsin (Door County & Lake Geneva).

South: Florida (Tampa).

TripSchool Destination Trainings: Louisiana (Shreveport, Natchitoches, Baton Rouge & New Orleans), East Coast (Washington, D.C., New York City, & Boston), and the SW National Parks (Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, Sedona & Las Vegas).

University Study Abroad trips: Greece & Italy. 

Personal Travel: 

United States: Multiple states including Hawaii & Alaska, 

Europe: France, Germany, Italy, Greece & Spain

Asia: Bali, Cambodia, China, India, Thailand, Tibet & Vietnam

South America: Mexico & Peru

Australia: Eastern Coast, and Fiji

Caribbean: Bahamas, Cozumel, & Dominican Republic 

 

Fun Fact!
I play the trumpet with the Iowa State University Alumni Marching Band every year at Homecoming!
Hobbies & Interests
Theatre: I am still performing in stage productions when the opportunity arrives. Writing: I have a body of work called "Round the Unexpected Bend" and plan to publish it. Flowers: I worked in a garden center for several years and started posting a flower a day on FaceBook during the pandemic.

Testimonials

"We don't know how to begin to express our gratitude to you for making our trip to Alaska so memorable. You have no idea how much we appreciate you for taking care of the room situation and for arranging the excursion. Your love and concern has deeply touched us. You went above and beyond. And you will never be forgotten."

"We have done quite a bit of traveling and a good tour guide makes all the difference. You did not disappoint. Loved your singing, your words of wisdom, your knowledge of the areas we visited, your restaurant suggestions, your humor and your kindness. You are great at this."

"You are an amazing woman. You have been an inspiration to me. I hope I can unleash the wild adventurous side within me and learn to live without fear of the "what ifs". You have shared with me the power of quieting the soul and searching within. Thank you the gift of positivity. I can see that you were an amazing teacher with so much vitality and love for your students. I will not forget our short but influential time together."

"We have thoroughly enjoyed your positive thoughts and energy every day, no matter what was happening. You have set the bar high for any future tour directors we may encounter." 

"Thank you for making my trip of a lifetime so easy, enjoyable, thoughtful and entertaining. You truly are an exceptional tour guide." 

"You're the BEST!"

Details

Gateway Airport(s)

Primary: Des Moines (DSM) Secondary: Omaha (OMA), Minneapolis (MSP)

Licenses

Washington, D.C.

Training

International Guide Academy, Denver, CO.

Language(s)

English

Additional Education

I am certified in CPR/AED/First-Aid from the National CPR Foundation.

I hold undergraduate degrees in Speech Communication and Dance, and a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Directing. 

General Availability

I am open for new work and am currently available.

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