Meet a few of our local experts from our team of more than 1,200 Trip Experience Leaders .
Samantha Johnson
Resides in Victoria Falls , Zimbabwe 14 Years with O . A . T . Ultimate Africa : Botswana , Zambia & Zimbabwe Safari 99 % of O . A . T . travelers rated Samantha as " excellent "
My mother never understood why I wanted to be a guide and not a doctor or lawyer , but I ’ ve always enjoyed wildlife and the outdoors . So after I graduated from high school , I got an advanced degree in tour operations , and have been working as a guide ever since . With O . A . T . it ’ s all about the culture , and that ’ s what I know , that ’ s how I grew up .
Hassan Abou Gabal
Resides in Cairo , Egypt 14 Years with O . A . T . Egypt & the Eternal Nile by Private , Classic River-Yacht 91 % of O . A . T . travelers rated Hassan as " excellent "
I grew up with strong family values and national pride . It was a very simple childhood . Then , I went to Cairo University where I studied Egyptology , and I got my tour guide diploma there as well . I believe that my American wife and my extensive travel experience , as well as my interest in world history , politics , and interacting with people , are all factors that help me connect with our travelers .
Andrea Salas
Resides in Buenos Aires , Argentina 15 Years with O . A . T . The Wilderness Beyond : Patagonia , Tierra del Fuego & the Chilean Fjords 99 % of O . A . T . travelers rated Andrea as " excellent "
I went to university in Buenos Aires and also studied languages abroad in France and Italy . I got a degree in Law and became an attorney , but I wanted to see the world , so I started working for different cruise lines . Being a Trip Experience Leader is not just a job for me — having fun while learning and discovering the world is the perfect combination , so I offer myself completely to my travelers .
Neil McMahon
Resides in Reykjavik , Iceland 10 Years with O . A . T .
Enhanced ! Untamed Iceland 96 % of O . A . T . travelers rated Neil as " excellent "
More than four decades ago I came to Iceland from Ireland as a history graduate to pursue my studies and have been here ever since . I became an Icelandic citizen in 1985 . What I value most about being an O . A . T . Trip Experience Leader is how the small group size means one can cultivate a personal relationship with travelers , and hopefully make their Iceland experience a trip to remember .
Leky Vaewta
Resides in Samutprakarn , Thailand 22 Years with O . A . T . Ancient Kingdoms : Thailand , Laos , Cambodia & Vietnam 92 % of O . A . T . travelers rated Leky as " excellent "
I was born and raised in a warm , loving family in Nakhon Pathom , a city in Thailand about 30 miles from Bangkok . I went to primary and secondary school , and then went to university in Bangkok , graduating in 1985 . Since starting with O . A . T ., I ’ ve loved my travelers ’ curiosity , friendliness , and passion for new experiences . Traveling with me , I ’ ll be sure to tell you about what I think are the best things to do .
Jana Stepik
Resides in Ljubljana , Slovenia 16 Years with O . A . T . Enhanced ! Hidden Gems of the Dalmatian Coast & Greece 98 % of O . A . T . travelers rated Jana as " excellent "
I am proud of the many things that my country has achieved since the breakup of the former Yugoslavia . After all the turbulent times , we have managed to preserve a positive attitude towards life . As a Trip Experience Leader , I ’ m happy to share my opinion about the war years — but it ’ s my personal goal to show my travelers that we are so much more than that .
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