Our Gracious Tour Leaders

Our Gracious Tour Leaders are on our solo travel tours to serve as a liaison between the local staff and the AFS group. They are there as an escort and not a guide. Nationally licensed guides will be with you for all tours and they can answer all questions concerning the destination. Our GTLs have been selected because they have been in dozen-plus AFS trips and share our vision of having large fun!

Meet Suzy, the ultimate travel rockstar! This fearless flight attendant spent 14 years soaring the skies, racking up stamps in not one, not two, but SEVEN passports—we’re talking over 130 countries! She’s not just well-traveled; she’s a travel force of nature.

Back in 1989, Suzy founded AFS, dedicating her life to sharing her infectious wanderlust with the world. For the first decade, she was the queen of solo travel tours, leading intrepid adventurers on unforgettable journeys. These days, she handpicks 2 to 4 special tours each year, taking travelers to those thrilling, off-the-beaten-path destinations that’ll push your boundaries in the best way possible.

As a cultural ambassador extraordinaire, Suzy lives for those magical moments when her groups connect with the locals. Her travel wisdom? Pure gold. Her enthusiasm? Absolutely contagious. With Suzy, you’re not just a tourist, you’re a fellow explorer, ready to embrace the challenges and wonders of our incredible world.

Suzy is a former Miss Wisconsin and teacher with a passion for Travel Writing. In her free time, she does tour industry conventions to gain knowledge and global site inspections to visit magical places firsthand and present to you the most dreamy vacations.  (Read more in her President’s Letter.)  “At the end of trips, it is music to my ears when I get to hear – “Suzy, this solo vacation exceeded my wildest expectations!”  She says, “I deeply care that my tribe blends well and that each member is having Large Fun.  My head is always churning with preemptive thoughts on trips and communicating these to our local guides to ensure there’s a perfect mix of thrills with relaxation.”

GTL Salanda, your ultimate travel companion! With decades of experience, 12 years with a top travel management company, and over 50 AFS tours led since 2000, Salanda knows how to create unforgettable journeys. This self-proclaimed “gadget girl” arrives equipped with ingenious tools like pocket-sized washing machines and video-recording sunglasses, showcasing her mastery of travel’s little things.

As a wanderlust warrior who has explored all seven continents, over 100 countries, and all 50 states, Salanda thrives on action-packed, nature-connected adventures. Her attention to detail, infectious enthusiasm, and sharp leadership have earned rave reviews. With Salanda, you’re not just a tourist – you’re part of the journey.

Buckle up, fellow travelers! With Salanda as your guide, get ready for the ultimate adventure. Let’s explore our incredible world, one unforgettable experience at a time.

Meet Deanna, Atlanta’s intrepid globe-trotter. Having explored over 60 countries (mostly solo), this fearless adventurer joined the AFS family in 2017. With degrees in Photography and Graphic Design from SCAD, Deanna loves helping others craft stunning social media posts that’ll leave friends green with envy.

But that’s not all – her IT/Communications background makes her your tech troubleshooter extraordinaire. When not resolving device dilemmas, Deanna pursues an active lifestyle of fitness, skiing, snorkeling, and hiking. An avid learner, she’s been studying and speaking French for over 8 years, ensuring she’ll always have insider travel tips at the ready.

Deanna is an AFS treasure, inspiring others with her leadership, wisdom, and infectious enthusiasm. Everybody celebrates when she leads a trip. Buckle up, because with Deanna guiding you, every adventure will be unforgettable.

Ready to explore the world with a true travel rockstar by your side? Let Deanna be your guide. With her expertise, passion, and joyful spirit, she’ll turn your travels into the journey of a lifetime. Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Deanna – your partner in exploration and discovery.

Your GTL Janice was an early AFSer and has traveled with Suzy since almost the beginning. She has visited more than 96 countries and all 7 continents both on her own and in her job as a writer and television producer! She has actually been to Antarctica TWICE – once with the legendary Jacques Cousteau and a second time with Prince Albert of Monaco. Imagine that. While she currently works mostly with ABC News, she spent 20 years with CNN, reporting news across the globe.

A prolific writer, Janice has written 17 books on travel and history. She also has an independent production company called J-Mac Productions which has afforded her the opportunity to do independent documentaries as well as producing marketing, training and commercial materials. She has won numerous awards including 6 Emmys and three Edward R. Murrows for her work.

No words can describe her professionalism and bubbly personality. Janice consistently remains upbeat even when things don’t go as planned and is simply Large Fun to go on a solo travel tour with!

Meet Terry, the mastermind behind the scenes at AFS. This guy wears more hats than a royal wedding. He’s our partner, business manager, tech wizard, cabana boy, and chief bottle washer all rolled into one. Terry is the oil that keeps the AFS machine running smoothly day in and day out. (Fun fact: He’s also the better half of our boss lady, who he swept off her feet on an AFS safari back in 2003. Talk about a power couple!)

We like to keep Terry chained to his desk, but he loves to break free and join our bigger solo travel tours. And let’s be real, the travelers adore him. Who wouldn’t? The man’s got a personality for days and a wit sharper than many comedians. Terry lives by a travel motto that’ll make you rethink those bumps in the road: “We can’t control the wind, but we can adjust our sails. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the darn journey already!”

Joey is an accomplished fitness professional with over three decades of experience in the health and fitness industry. As a certified rehabilitation fitness therapist and personal trainer, he has a deep understanding of how to challenge and support participants of all skill levels.

Joey’s adventure leading experience began in 2013, guiding events that included athletes with disabilities. He has since led multiple groups on climbs up Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, earning rave reviews for his exceptional leadership.

His personal fitness achievements are equally impressive. Joey has completed the 3-Worlds Toughest Mudder (a 24-hour nonstop endurance race), 5 Spartan World Championships, 7 Spartan Beast Races up Mt Killington, and many other challenging events.  With his extensive experience, certifications, and passion for adventure, Joey is the ideal leader for your fitness tour.

A passionate world traveler with an insatiable thirst for exploration, Greg Hiebert hails from Kansas but has spent much of his life traversing the globe. His journeys have taken him to all seven continents, with memorable stops in Nepal, Africa, Australia, Argentina, Mongolia and countless points in between. As an experienced AFS traveler and seasoned trip leader, Greg brings boundless enthusiasm and a contagious energy to every group he guides.

Greg’s wanderlust was sparked during a college summer spent working in Yellowstone, which he followed with a month-long adventure through the Western United States and Mexico. When not traveling, Greg can be found in his workshop building furniture or tending to his garden. An avid runner who has completed 6 full marathons, 52 half marathons and many shorter races. He is always seeking his next great physical challenge – a quest that will soon take him to hiking the Mont Blanc Circuit with AFS.

Christie is a travel bug queen! Everyone adores her, and we’re thrilled to have her in our tribe! After losing her husband, Christie discovered a new lease on life through international travel. Her first AFS trip to Africa five years ago sparked an adventure bug that’s taken her to five continents, over 50 countries, and counting! With unforgettable experiences in places like Mongolia and Mozambique, Christie’s thirst for adventure only grows stronger.

A New York native, Christie now calls sunny Florida home, where she lives with her four grown children. After teaching special education, Christie is now retired and busier than ever! She sings with a local band, volunteers with mentally disabled adults, and supports foster children. Her mission? Spread patience, kindness, and laughter wherever she goes. We can’t wait to see where Christie’s next adventure takes her!