Heather Polk Tour Director

02/04/2024

A great man! Have you ever watched the movie w/ Tom Hanks? Or the documentary about him? Both are inspiring.

Most people have heard of Koko, the gorilla who could speak about 1000 words in Sign Language, and understand about 2000 in English. What most people don’t know, however, is that Koko was an avid Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood fan. When Fred Rogers took a trip out to meet Koko for his show, not only did she immediately wrap her arms around him and embrace him, but she did what she’d always seen him do onscreen: she proceeded to take his shoes off.

29/03/2024

The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act, signed into law in 2017, designates March 29 of each year as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. This day of commemoration pays tribute to the sacrifices of Vietnam veterans and their families and is part of a national effort to recognize the service members who did not receive a proper welcome upon returning home.

The efforts to honor those veterans include the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the National Mall. In addition to the famous Wall bearing the names of over 58,000 men and women who lost their lives, the memorial also features the bronze Three Servicemen statue and the Vietnam Women's Memorial. Designed by artist Frederick Hart, the Three Servicemen's gazes are fixed on the Wall in a haunting connection between the two works of art. Veterans have stated that while there are distinguishing characteristics for each man, they still feel like they could be anyone who served.

Photo by National Park Service.

24/03/2024

Stumpy’s last season! I love the imperfect yet, beautiful survivor image that this tree represents. This makes me sad.

Fans are flocking to the see the lone specimen that skyrocketed to fame on the internet before it's chopped down because of climate change.

04/03/2024

All things about dog mushing and the Iditarod have become one of my topics to share and learn about the Alaskan culture-

Good luck to Martin Buser's Happy Trails Kennel teams this year!

https://www.facebook.com/martinbuser.happytrailskennel?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Martin is a 4 time Iditarod Champion and unprecedented 5 time Leonhard Seppala Humanitarian Award wi

24/02/2024

30/01/2024

Anyone out there that’s curious about what I do for a living and how I figured out how to do it? Here’s a great zoom meeting to check out- it’s tomorrow night, so don’t delay!

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: New Year, New Career: Travel Job Opportunities in 2024. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

09/01/2024

Sweet Mondays link-

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81065411737?pwd=OCtvNGZaR1RQV0lraUNyRGNGUm5QUT09



Meeting ID: 810 6541 1737

Passcode: 856987

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars across mobile, desktop, and room systems. Zoom Rooms is the original software-based conference room solution used around the world in board, confer...

01/01/2024

Fun fact!

https://theculturetrip.com/europe/france/articles/why-french-schoolchildren-used-to-drink-wine-between-lessons

02/12/2023

A fantastic group! Performing at dusk, with holiday decorations? MAGIC on steroids! Thanks Bob Rogers Travel!

Look at this beautiful sight!
The Celina High School Band parading through Disney’s Magic Kingdom! 💚👏🏻

02/12/2023

This video is a marvelous retelling of this innovative creation, by one of the most notable story tellers in modern history, Walt Disney.

See the making of Walt Disney's first full-length feature, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs". This 40-minute documentary provides fascinating insight into th...

02/12/2023

Let’s go!!!

The Beam is now open at Rockefeller Center, which is part of the total reimagination of Rockefeller Center.

26/11/2023

The Northpole family! Please try it without cheating. Make sure you follow the directions at the bottom... Do NOT pick the names. *Facebook will*
Remember this is all in fun
😂😂😂

Santa: Nikita Ager Schweizer
Mrs. Claus: Corey Brookover McKeown
Bad elf: Tour Guide Bob
Crying elf: Cassie Tucker
Know it all elf: Kelley Gibbs
Sassy elf: Dusty Jenkins Spence
Grouchy elf: Jenn Gazdecki
Happy elf: Angela Holland Palmer
Artistic elf: Angela Stice
Naughty elf: Nguyễn Thanh Hoa
Intelligent elf: Braian Ismael Gomez
Loving elf: Lynda Krueger
Rude elf: Liz Richardson
Mental breakdown: Megan Champagne
Sarcastic elf: Steve Polk
Gassy elf: David Goren
Drama elf: Debbie Cleveland
Lazy elf:
Boss elf: Miriam Bourin
Santa’s pet: Kristina Scheppe
Comical elf: Amanda Corbin
Moody elf: Madison Shortes
Sexy elf: Sherry Turkett
Frosty: Fred Miller
Rudolph: Annie Rousseau
Dasher: Danielle Goad Griffore
Blitzen: Mitch Bach
Comet: Josh Corbin
Donner: Billy Dempsey
Dancer: Deborah Sherriff
Prancer: JonLuke Pittman
Cupid: Kristi Stageberg Collins
V***n: Victoria Hester

1. Copy & paste the entire message above to your on your own page.
2. Delete the names I inserted.
3. Type the first letter of the first word from each line. (Driver: )
Select the name of the FIRST friend that shows up. (If one is already used, use the next one). Don’t cheat! Please try it w/o cheating. Make sure you follow the directions at the bottom... Do NOT pick the names. *Facebook will*
Remember this is all in fun
🎅🎅🎅

21/11/2023

One of my heroes in this industry is a tour director based in Canada originally from the Netherlands, Bob van Beers, Tour Guide Bob wrote this thorough and well thought out article about our career/ profession. Truly it’s one of the best explanations to help understand what we do and what it takes to do it!

Thank you Bob, for all the ways you help elevate our industry! International Association of Tour Directors and Guides

Considering a career as a tour director? Here's what to know! Embarking on a career as a tour director, sometimes also referred to as a tour manager or trip leader, promises an exhilarating journey filled with unique experiences. This dynamic profession not only opens doors to breathtaking destinati...

21/11/2023

One of my heroes in this industry is a tour director based in Canada originally from the Netherlands, Bob van Beers, Tour Guide Bob wrote this thorough and well thought out article about our career/ profession. Truly it’s one of the best explanations to help understand what we do and what it takes to do it! Thank you Bob, for all the ways you help elevate our industry! International Association of Tour Directors and Guides

14/11/2023

The Tampa Bay homeschool community has caught the attention of some in the news over the past few years.

In 2008, with 50 homeschooling families, I created a page to help people communicate opportunities, provide resources and connect people in the community so they could develop together and support each other.

This group grew to about 6-7K members before COVID impacted the education system and now has over 12K members. Tampa is being called ‘the homeschool capital of the world!’

Here is the latest national news recognition of the great things happening in our area. An area where parents are leaders, setting a standard, since the pioneers began homeschooling in this area in the 1970s (and possibly before!)

Corey Brookover McKeown joined me as a co-Adminstrator when I reached out for help as the numbers grew! She and I have participated in interviews with local and national outlets, who have identified Tampa Bay as a ‘hotspot’ for homeschoolers in our nation.

Here’s the latest! Great job on this segment on Fox & Friends, Corey!

Tampa, Florida has become the homeschool capital of the world and has been there building it for 15 years!!! Watch the full intervie...

30/10/2023

Takes a minute, or 20, lol but this is a great video explaining the wonkiness of Boston’s developmet-

Use code 'DANIELROCKS' for 10% off at: https://www.graveltravel.com/?ref=uLNCIvWvsNDM2qThe map of Boston can be confusing, and few cities in the U.S. have th...

23/10/2023

This may not promote world peace, but it may promote better mental health.

If someone at work is bugging you, don't be shy — take advantage.

20/10/2023

It’s been almost a year since I attended the International Association of Tour Directors and Guides conference in Chicago and met the up and coming rockstar, tour director Braian Ismael Gomez as he checked in at the registration desk. We instantly became friends. If you’ve ever met him, you would understand why… He defines charisma, kindness and fun! Not only did he follow my advice to check out working in Alaska (and LOVED it) he landed other jobs where we have the opportunity to work together on the road occasionally! I’m so thankful for having a teammate like him in the field, this makes my dream job even better! Thank you Braian, for being a quality human! I LOVED working with you and look forward to more adventures! The next annual tour director conferences are coming up in November. Are you going?!?

30/09/2023

Moments from summer, 2023 in Alaska… this only scratches the surface of all the beautiful memories 🥰

See Instagram '2023 Alaska' highlights from Heather Moore Polk ()

28/09/2023

One of our favorite places as TDs when making recommendations in downtown Anchorage- My personal favorite is the gourmet specialty burger only offered during their lunch hour menu! Yum!

The filet mignon with bleu cheese stuffing 😮‍💨

22/09/2023

I’m watching videos my phone created randomly from
videos and photos. I like this one! Which it titled, “By the Water” which includes water moments from Florida and Alaska! Fun!

21/09/2023

I’m constantly asked how I got into the tour directing business? Therefore, I’m ready to response and constantly steer them to resources and opportunities to join me, but it’s rare that they follow through. This past year, that changed!!! Several people applied and worked in Alaska this past summer… it was amazing to see them in action! A few others started their journey by going through TripSchool - Tourism Training and I’m learning great things and watching new careers, blossom! Congratulations, Angela Stice for your recent tour contracts and your upcoming audition with Adventures by Disney!!! Who is next?!

05/09/2023

Next to last tour in Alaska this season… cherishing the sweet humans, magnificent scenery and magical moments!

17/08/2023

Literally, one of the coolest places I’ve ever hiked! Spectacular and stunning scenery, every step of the way, while you stay refreshed in the cool river you navigate with walking sticks and sturdy water shoes!

The Narrows In Zion National Park, Utah, USA!!

10/08/2023

Many of you ask me how I started doing what I’m currently doing, being tour director, paid to travel. I researched and found resources. I’ve invested in learning and training. Then, connected and networked with some of the best professionals in the travel industry and continue to walked through doors of opportunities, leading me to unexpected and marvelous places!
(I’m happy to send you resources.)

Disney is starting their search for more Adventure Guides!

https://jobs.disneycareers.com/job/celebration/adventure-guide-adventures-by-disney/391/52683057584?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social_post&utm_campaign=DISNEY_social&fbclid=IwAR0s6U0oIuQWLZdci1hKB5JSTXuXUbNtPvQnS_OKveIB93uAcC-dVgJglro_aem_AaMmZPGi2NlcR_42yTMMmpqsRJbSTi-tAzIEg17cj15ktOH-j2d0dMWy3_4fM55lf58&mibextid=Zxz2cZ

Learn more about and apply for the Adventure Guide, Adventures by Disney job at DISNEY here.