Our Fabulous Vacation Managers

Deb Howard

Click here for Tours Escorted by Deb I was raised in Connecticut and chose to go to college in California. I started my career in the tour industry in 1977 shortly after graduation. With a focus on the North American continent I took tours throughout Northern and Southern California, the Southwest, New England, Canadian Maritimes, Canadian Rockies and several 28 day cross country tours primarily sharing our country with Australian and British visitors. In an innocent moment by the hotel ice machine while on tour in Anaheim, CA, I met my Massachusetts born husband, Bill, and shortly thereafter moved back to the east coast to begin a life together. While raising two kids, Bill and I worked together starting our own business. Product design, development and manufacturing of household and decorative accessories sourced in foreign countries took me to China and all parts of India. In 2010, I decided to go full circle and return to my first love; tour directing. With great gratitude to AFC for taking a leap of faith with my return to the industry, I have ignited that passion and look forward to additional opportunities. In between tours, I am serving as a local docent at Rough Point, one of the mansion homes of Doris Duke, in Newport, RI

Chris McCool

Click here for Tours Escorted by Chris Chris McCool has had the privilege over the past 35 years to lead tours to 105 countries and to all 50 states.  He states, “I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the places I want to visit, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see.”  His AFC family of friends continues to grow each year as he shares the excitement and beauty of numerous AFC destinations with you.  Chris leads AFC tours both domestically and abroad, and takes you to places that are off the beaten track, as well as well-known destinations.  Come with Chris on an AFC tour and you’ll experience far more than the brochure promises.  Chris has a BA in History, as well as a Masters in Education.  If you love to learn, laugh and let the child that lives inside of you come out to play, take an AFC tour with Chris.

Pat Conway

Click here for Tours Escorted by Pat Pat was born and raised in Michigan. He has been a tour manager for over 15 years.  He has been living in San Diego since 1998. He also lived in Tokyo for 8 years. Pat has travelled to 49 states and over 30 countries. He specializes in national parks, especially those in the western U.S.

Denise Wright

Click here for Tours Escorted by Denise After a 4 year sabbatical, my journeys have taken me near and far.  A new perspective on my 35 years in the travel industry was the renewal of interest and spirit that I needed.   A 1983 graduate of the International Tour Manager Institute, my long time experience has touched all facets of this trade, enhancing my ability to coordinate and deliver the best tour. I have conducted tours in all but 5 states and have 5 filing cabinets to prove it!  After graduating I focused on senior motorcoach tours and these adventures have always been the heart of my profession. Corporate travel has enhanced my career as well. It has introduced me to around the world cultures. Between covering the Olympics (4 times) numerous Super Bowls & the Monte Carlo Grand Prix, I feel truly blessed to have made travel my career & life.  In a letter of support Randy once said, "one of our top tour managers for over 30 years, Denise possesses all the skills & personality necessary to be the successful tour manager she is." So hope to see you ................"on the road again."

Brad Wentzel

Click here for Tours Escorted by Brad Born and raised Columbia, Missouri, Brad started his career in hotel management.  In the 1990’s, Brad started driving motorcoach charters for tour groups around the United States & later become General Manager of the Ozark, Missouri based company. In the late 1990’s, Brad moved into Tour Management and began conducting tours in Branson, Missouri, and other parts of the Midwest and South.  Brad moved to Sacramento and owned a tour company that specialized in custom tours and convention events.  Brad still lives in Columbia with his wife, Sandi, who is also a Tour Manager.  He loves leading tours within the United States having guided all over the Midwest, Southwest, South, Pacific Northwest, East Coast and Western United States.

Will Reece

Click here for Tours Escorted by Will Will was born and raised in Seattle, Washington but currently resides in Southern California. Will fell in love with tourism at the age of 16 on a tour to Norway. Since then He has led groups in 30 different countries and 15 states. He Specializes in River Cruises, Europe, and the Western United States.

Mark Jacobson

Click here for Tours Escorted by Mark After receiving a degree in Business Administration, Mark attended travel school in Minneapolis and started working for a local tour company at the age of 23.  Since then, he’s had the good fortune to escort many tours throughout the United States, Canada and abroad during 25+ years in the travel industry. “In addition to tour guiding, I’ve worked in reservations, group sales, office management, and as a travel show presenter for various tour companies. I’m well-rounded in terms of experience in the travel industry, which translates nicely into my tour guiding skills.” Mark also loves to cook. Later in life, Mark rediscovered his passion for food. In 2007 he enrolled in culinary school. "I work hard to exceed my client’s expectations. People remember the information you give them as a tour guide, but most of all, they remember how you made them feel. I want everyone to end their tour with a big smile on their face!”

Larry Womack

Click here for Tours Escorted by Larry I've been a Tour Manager for the past eighteen years primarily covering all of the USA and managing tours on European river cruises.    “Some of the questions my guests always ask are:   Why did you become a Tour Director? It all started during a midlife career change. I was studying to become a chef and accepted a short-term job at a pub in England. When I was finished with the position I decided to travel around Europe. It was at this point I decided to find a job where I could continue to travel. My first job was as a Tour Leader for hiking tours in western USA and Canada. This would eventually lead me to motorcoach tours where I'm still at it today. Oh, what about cooking? Just wasn't in the cards.   2. What is your favorite national park? All of them-because every time I take my guests to a National Park I'm seeing it for the first time with their eyes.   Last question is what I do in my free time? I love to garden and cycle but most of all I spend time with my grandson. My goal is to one day bicycle across Europe-which will happen soon.”