Testimonials

Some The Happy Traveler US

Testimonials

"Whether you are contemplating joining a travel tour for the first time or are an old pro at travel, you will have expectations of how a tour will be conducted. Although they will vary among travelers, they undoubtedly will include competency in organization and execution, knowledge of the place to be visited, trustworthiness of promises made and a personal, friendly leader. This might appear to be asking a lot but all of this is essential for having an enjoyable, memorable time. One of the best ways of seeking help in selecting a tour is by a recommendation from a participant with experience of having traveled with a variety of tour operators. I have had that experience and I highly recommend travel with Rosemary Swade and her organization, The Happy Traveler US. Rosemary is at the top of my list for fulfilling expectations. This is an exceptional statement but one that happens to be true, based on having taken several of her European trips. She has traveled extensively and has a wealth of experience designing itineraries in which she places her inimitable personal touch to make each trip special.

I strongly recommend that you give her and The Happy Traveler your serious consideration for future travel plans."

-John Zaylor

First of all I loved your spontaneity in doing extra activities, that was great, so we got to see things like Jerry's thatched roof house and the extra Castles and Abbeys. Secondly, all the extra treats in the bus, like the mead, candies and cookies. Thirdly, you're such a darn wonderful person to spend time with. Fourth, putting together such a good group of travellers who all got along.

Love, SF

"I am very grateful and happy for everything that you [Rosemary Swade] have done for our Ireland trip. It was one of the best experiences in my life…a real eye opener for me."

-Jordan C.

"I would not have found myself had I not gone to Italy on this program. My passion for foreign languages came from my experience in Italy. The opportunity to see and interact with so many cultures away from our comfort zone is what everyone should experience. I can't imagine my life without the friends I made as well. To date, it is the best thing I've ever done."

-Julie C.

It was a most amazing trip!

Thank you for planning so many adventures!

We went from cities to farms to country to bars and culture. We learned a great deal.. Your personal touches - your smile, kindness, experience and patience were so appreciated.

It wasn't just a trip. It was an adventure where even though we didn't know each other- we ended up being a close group of friends who will maintain our friendships in the future.

We are planning on a reunion next summer in where ever Rosemary wants to take us, hopefully, she be ready for us again!

- Mary R.

“I traveled with Rosemary a few years ago and it was an amazing trip! Everything is all planned out - though you can totally go your own way if you want to.

Rosemary provides an unforgettable experience as you travel through the country's history, beauty, and FOOD! There are still spots left to join her trip this summer!

Contact her soon!

The only thing you'll regret is NOT going!"

Jamie G.

"The trip was a constant learning experience and Rosemary did an outstanding job. It was great to have lectures and presentations on the bus, in the Roman Forum, and where ever we were on the trip. We gained so much by just being part of this wonderful group. This program is so unique. The whole group bonded so well and interacted

constantly. Joel and I cannot believe all the wonderful things that we saw and did. From Sorrento, Capri and the Amalfi Coast, to Pompeii, Paestum, Sicily, Rome and of course, Florence, each day was more magical than the next. We had to keep pinching ourselves to believe we were actually there and seeing all these wonderful things."

-Michalene and Joel A.

"I had the privilege of being apart of Dr. Swade's three week all inclusive trip to Ireland the summer of 2011. It was such an enriching experience. Our itinerary overflowed with many wonderful excursions such as: Literary pub crawls, a tour of Northern Ireland and St. Patrick's Cathedral, and my favorite of all time a magical night out at the famous Abbey Theater. What I loved most about traveling with Dr. Swade is that she has exquisite taste."

-Jasmine W.

"I have taken two trips to Europe with Dr. Rosemary Swade. On the first trip we stayed in apartments in Florence Italy right in the heart of the old city for five weeks. From our home base in Florence we traveled all over Italy including Cinque Terra, Milan, Venice, Sienna, San Giminiano, Assisi, Orveitto, Pompeii, and Rome! It was a wonderful experience, I took a cooking class, did wine tastings in Tuscany, picked up a little Italian, went to world famous museums, had awesome tours with interesting guides everywhere we went, went to an Italian beach, saw so many sights, learned so much and had the time of my life. Rosemary took us to all the important historical places and many off the beaten places that I never would have discovered on my own. She is fun to travel with! Her passion for travel and delightful personality makes the trip all the better. I liked the first trip I took with her so much that I joined her once again this time on a two week trip to Italy and England. First we spent some time in Tuscany, then we flew to London where I saw my fist London play, visited all the great sites and a few museums. We then took a bus to Bath had a tour which was really interesting and Stonehenge. I am really glad I went on this trip. I am looking forward to joining the Happy Traveler US for more adventures in the future!"

-Charlie S.

"If you haven’t traveled with the Happy Traveler, you haven’t traveled! I have been to England, France, Italy, Canada, Mexico, Ireland and Austria with Rosemary Swade, The Happy Traveler US. On one of my more recent trips I was excited about my first trip to Vienna but nervous to travel alone. The Happy Traveler perfectly navigated my train trip into Vienna and met me at the station! She had terrific, affordable accommodations for us. Vienna is a beautiful city and Rosemary knew just where to take us. I didn’t think I liked opera but I was absolutely mesmerized by the perfect performance we saw (from our box seats) at the Opera House. We enjoyed the danish and cuisine Vienna is known for which included charming, non-touristy beer gardens. How does she know these things? We were only there a few short days, but Rosemary made the best of our time, (as always!) which also included museums where I saw the cherished Venus of Willendorf and also a visit to the art museum to see Klimt’s beautiful masterpieces. The tulips still linger in my mind and I hope to go back someday. Vienna is a fantastic city and when you’re traveling with the Happy Traveler, you will see the heart of it!!"

-M. K.

"Dr. Rosemary Swade, proprietor of The Happy Traveler US, designed and arranged a “dream” vacation trip to Italy for my family. This was a two-week visit to Italy and Sicily. Our desire was to see many of the major attractions, but to also experience some places “off the beaten path”. What she designed was a wonderful, eclectic mix of both. At least 40 percent of what we saw were things most people would not even know about. She organized personalized tours with wonderful guides that were both knowledgeable and enjoyable. All the accommodations and restaurants she recommended were delightful. We were entirely satisfied. We found her to be very knowledgeable, attentive, creative and flexible. She would always be my first choice to handle any future vacation trips.“

-Paul B.

“I've taken several trips with Rosemary and she is quite amazing in her ability to create a fantastic itinerary and all-around beautiful experience while taking the stress out of planning and traveling. It would be such an enriching experience for you.

She has been leading trips abroad since 1997 and would take excellent

care of you! You would be totally taken care of and have a fantastic time with her and her group. She handles every detail and finds incredible tours and guides, as well as dining and hotel experiences. This would really be a trip of a lifetime and you and would absolutely love touring with Rosemary.”

Leeanna D.K.

Where do we begin? We all can't thank you enough for planning our incredible Italy trip. EVERYTHING was absolutely wonderful and planned down to the detail. We always had plenty to do and yet you built in some not-so-busy days with time for us to shop, eat or just enjoy our own time. All the guides you had us with were all terrific! Pina was still our favorite, Sascha was fabulous, and Toni was fabulous too! We only spent a short time with Barbara, Fausto and Loredonna but they were very nice also. Pina, Sascha & Toni all offered their email and phone in case we needed ANYTHING ANYTIME! I am drawing a blank on the name of our hostess for the cocktails and authentic Tuscan dinner at her castle home, but that was also wonderful! The airline booking with our seat selection all done in advance was also great and I will thank Patrizia [air ticketing agent for The Happy traveler US] too.

The people were all so incredibly friendly and helpful. The hotel in Rome had the nicest staff of all, not that there were any complaints in Florence, just a little more of a "homey" feel in Rome. The Venice staff were very nice and the restaurant we ate at on the top floor of the hotel was fantastic! Thank you for making those reservations in advance! They even had "the best window table" reserved for us because of you!

I think we are all still missing the delicious foods, wine, Prosecco and Bellinis!!

It was a trip of a lifetime and we have so many great memories! We hope we can maybe join you on a future trip you plan or maybe one day soon do another private one somewhere.

Our sincerest thanks.

Regards,

Chris & Brian K.

and Gus and Lynda M.

"Couldn’t have been a better trip.

The itinerary was colorful, fun yet educational, loaded with cultural outings and dare I say castles?! We saw every kind of castle: medieval castles, Norman castles, ruined castles, restored castles, heck, we STAYED in a castle…I got my castle quota! We saw so much in our ten days but it was QUALITY and, surprisingly, it was flawless. Rosemary hand selects her travelers for just what her name says “happy”—and everyone was. I met lovely people who were bright, adventurous and warm. It was tops from the accommodations, to the itinerary, to the people, to the connections, to the ease with which everything flowed. Rosemary gave us a rich experience. I am impressed and I will be back as a Happy Traveler US!“

—Maurine K.