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Rachel

O'Brien

2 years of experience
Austin, Texas
United States of America (USA)

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I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel ~ Maya Angelou

About

I have a head for logistics, a heart for people, and when I stood atop the Brandenburg Gate as the Berlin Wall fell, history came alive for me. After 25+ years leading organizations, I’ve found my sweet spot as a tour director—where coordination, storytelling, and new connections come together in the best way.

My destination knowledge is rooted in the places I’ve called home, led tours, or personally explored. 

I’ve led tours across the United States, developing a deep familiarity with a wide range of destinations and the ability to quickly connect with new locales. My U.S. experience begins in Austin, Texas, and Charleston, South Carolina—two places I call home and love to share from a local’s perspective—and extends across Texas (Yeehaw!), Washington D.C., New York City, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, California, Florida, Hawaii, Oklahoma, the Midwest, the Deep South, and beyond. 

My international experience began when I lived abroad as a teenager in Berlin, Germany, and has continued through annual holidays with family in York, England; Berlin and Bonn, Germany; and Copenhagen, Denmark. These recurring visits, combined with extensive travel throughout Europe, Mexico, Canada, Ecuador, and the Galápagos Islands, have given me a unique local lens on each destination, enriched my cultural awareness, and expanded my global travel knowledge. 

Tours Offered & Destination Knowledge

Bus ToursCultural/Specialty ToursExperience HostFood & Drink ToursGeneral Walking ToursLarge Group ToursLocal GuideMulti-Day Tour Director/LeaderPerformance Group ToursPrivate ToursStudent Tour Director
Fun Fact!
I once showed up at the Athens airport and booked a ticket on the next flight to anywhere — just to avoid another 20-hour ferry ride. I ended up in Vienna, sipping coffee and eating Sachertorte!
Hobbies & Interests
A great cup of coffee and a good book make me happy, a serious game of Mahjong keeps me sharp, and in the spirit of Danny Rojas I believe “swimming is life!” 

Testimonials

*****I think Rachel was a fantastic tour director! I wish she could lead all of my tours. She was very adaptable and only wanted to give the kids the best experience and I think she really succeeded. She was also so knowledgeable about everything and engaging. The kids loved her!

*****Rachel had great energy and was a problem solver. She would jump in and help when issues came up, and did a good job of managing the group and keeping them engaged.

*****She needs more than 5 stars. She was spectacular. She worked around rain and was genuinely excited to share experiences and info with our travelers.

Details

Gateway Airport(s)

AUS/CHS

Licenses

Washington, D.C.

Training

Tour Director Certification TripSchool 2024

Language(s)

English, German

Additional Education

Tour Director Certification
TripSchool 2024
Non-Profit Leadership & Management
ACC 2024
Adult, Child and Baby First
Aid/CPR/AED Certification
American Red Cross 2024

General Availability

I'm flexible and open to opportunities throughout the year, and I prioritize clear communication and planning to ensure smooth scheduling.

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