Globe trotter

“I love, love traveling, and I am passionate about introducing Europe to others. I want to share the world experience and their cultures.”

Kathleen Talbot’s exuberance underscores her passion for travel. Talbot is a recently retired assistant principal; she taught for 21 years, ending her career as an assistant principal for the last 10 years.

Talbot assessed that many people don’t travel as often as the would like because they want to travel with others.

“I’ve traveled on my own, with family and friends and have taken many students to France. I taught French so it was natural. The excitement of the students of seeing the history in the books come alive is the reason I want to keep introducing more people to the experience of travel” Talbot explained.

“A lot of people want to travel, but they don’t want to do it alone,” she said. “In a group setting, the excitement is contagious. Everyone feeds off each other.”

Talbot has witnessed this phenomenon many times.

“At first, I was not sure if I wanted to take a group of adults; I didn’t know if I would like it. The 7th and 8th graders I took on the trips were so excited with wonder, exploration, and sometimes awe. But it turns out adults react the same way,” Talbot said.

Much of Talbot’s joy of voyaging comes from sharing the world with someone who hasn’t had the experience before.

“For me, it never gets old, seeing the world through the eyes of someone who has experienced this for the first time and it’s like me seeing it for the first time,” she said.

Following where her passion has taken her, Talbot has organized a group trip to Europe next year. Taking care of all the details for the novice traveler is something she enjoys.

“It is worth it to note that the price includes, air, hotel, ground transportation in Europe, breakfast, and dinner daily, and a host of activities. I think it is an exciting itinerary and it would be great fun to have a group from Sun City to join.”

The trip takes place next year March 23–April 1, leaving from Chicago and including excursions in Vienna, Salzburg, and Prague.

“I was looking for a trip that adults would enjoy and places that some people wouldn’t think to go. I was in Venice last year, and I fell in love with it. I want to share that experience.” Talbot explains.

“I chose this tour company because I have such confidence in them. They are very safety conscious and proactive and they do their best to alleviate peoples’ concerns,” Talbot said.

Talbot credits her crew for helping her spread the joy of adventure.

“They are outstanding tour managers, and I am the group leader. I am here now to spread the enthusiasm before the trip. I can meet with anyone and send them information. I am very passionate about helping others get out and see the world,” she said.

When asked ‘What’s your favorite place to visit in Europe?’ Talbot knew this answer with certainty.

“France. I am taking two trips this year. A month this summer in France and another trip in October,” she said.

When asked about her favorite travel memory, Talbot said that “Great memories weren’t planned; they just happened. One of my favorites was with a group of students who were given the task of seeing four things in a museum. One of the items was the Rosetta Stone.”

One student returned quickly and Talbot didn’t think he had seen the items. Talbot said, “When I asked him if he had seen the Rosetta Stone, he sheepishly said he did, but he couldn’t read anything on it.” Laughing, Talbot continued, “I knew then that he did see it.”

If traveling is a match for your goals and desires, Talbot, continuing to teach and explore in retirement will introduce you to the world. Feel free to contact her at kathleen.talbot@gmail.com.

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