Vaclav reconnected with former Jewels of Bohemia traveler Susan Woodruff while both happened to be visiting Boston—home of O.A.T.’s headquarters.
Our Trip Experience Leaders are invaluable in creating unforgettable experiences for our travelers—and, in many cases, lasting friendships. Sometimes, these talented professionals choose to further their careers by working in our offices. Such was the case for Vaclav Pleska, who now works as a Program Services Manager for our Jewels of Bohemia adventure. Here, he shares how his connections with O.A.T. travelers continue to inspire him in his new role.
By Vaclav Pleska, Program Services Manager, Jewels of Bohemia: Czech Republic, Slovakia & Hungary
In the beginning of my new role, the time I spent with travelers and scenarios I experienced on the road helped me a lot. I already identified with the philosophy of the company, and I believed I could be of immediate help not only to new Trip Experience Leaders, but also to experienced ones through training, feedback, and preparation for upcoming departures. My experience has also helped me greatly in situations that require quick thinking and immediate resolution.
Over the years, I have kept in touch with more than 40 former travelers from my time as a Trip Experience Leader. I think what we have in common is our joy in discovering new places and having unforgettable experiences. But sometimes we also have shared opinions and hobbies. In particular, the travelers I've become friends with over the years share a common interest in history and travel. Plus, nowadays, thanks to social media, we can be in contact on an almost daily basis. We share tips, photos, and recommendations, which is great.
Bob and Sally Dubois, 57-time travelers from Silver Lake, NH, rafting during Jewels of Bohemia.
On a Jewels of Bohemia tour in the fall of 2023, my group included Robert and Sally Dubois, who were 57-time travelers at the time. Robert was exactly the type of person who travels to experience new and different things, understand the local culture, and enjoy every day. We had a great time together. When we said goodbye at the airport in Budapest, I knew I would love to meet Robert and Sally again. After the trip, Robert's feedback helped me ensure that what I was doing was rewarding and enriching.
In June of 2024, I had the opportunity to go to Lithuania to support the training of new Trip Experience Leaders. Thanks to my communication with Robert, I knew that he was in the region on our Baltic Capitals adventure, and was two days ahead of us on the itinerary. We only had a few hours to meet, and we spent them in very warm conversation, dusting off old memories and sharing plans for the future. It was very emotional and I'm glad it happened. My role of leader was long gone. Instead, it felt like meeting old friends connected by shared experiences and good memories. We spent time in a nice cafe, as there was no extra time, but in the future I would like to do a hike with Robert, perhaps in New Hampshire where he lives.
Sue Woodruff, 15-time traveler from Norton Shores, MI, tries her hand at blacksmithing.
Also this year, I was flying to Boston for work. On the same day, another former traveler named Sue Woodruff posted the news that she was going to Boston with her granddaughter. Even though we both had busy schedules, we met near the O.A.T. office for afternoon coffee. Sue was one of the first to travel after Covid, and even though it was still full of restrictions and very cold, that tour was very special. I also met Sue's granddaughter in Boston. I really liked that Sue made this trip not only to have fun, but also to learn about the history of Boston, which has played a significant role in U.S. history. Prior to our meeting, Sue had taken her granddaughter to the Boston Tea Party Museum.
Vaclav with Cynthia and Wayne’s group during The Great Rivers of Europe.
I also worked as a Program Director on Grand Circle Cruise Line River Cruises, specifically on The Great Rivers of Europe (Amsterdam to Vienna). There, I had the opportunity to meet travelers I had previously traveled with on O.A.T. I remember especially Cynthia and Wayne Graybill, who I first met when they were O.A.T. newbies with just two trips. When I met them on the cruise, they were experienced travelers.
Every time I finished a tour as a Trip Experience Leader, I told my travelers that I would like to stay in touch. And I did—with some more often than others. We keep in touch mainly through social media where we share travel photos, tips, and advice, or when a major event happens. We also occasionally engage in discussions online. And we regularly send each other messages or videos, especially at Christmas and New Year’s. I am most pleased when friends of my travelers contact me for advice.
Since accepting this new role, the change has been greater than I could have imagined. As a lifelong traveler, the most important thing was adapting my lifestyle to my new position. I also learned to see things in a broader and more practical perspective. While being on a tour as a Trip Experience Leader I had lot of responsibilities on my shoulders—in the office it is more complex. We are responsible for the success of the whole season, so it requires lot of teamwork. But I feel very supported within the company. I still like meeting travelers and Trip Experience Leaders in the field to get their immediate feelings about an adventure. The biggest reward is happy travelers and positive feedback, which they share with us through surveys.
Every person who enters my life enriches it immensely. I am grateful that I have been able to combine my two greatest passions in life—travel and photography—to become my work. And the fact that our travelers are interested in staying in touch has been one of the greatest rewards.
Benefit from the expertise of Vaclav and our regional office, as well as a local Trip Experience Leader, when you join us for Jewels of Bohemia: Czech Republic, Slovakia & Hungary.
