Meet Jean Riekers
Senior Travel Designer | Guided Touring Worldwide & Active Travel
I specialize in helping travelers who want more than a standard vacation. Whether it’s a guided tour through Europe, an active adventure in a remarkable destination, or a thoughtfully planned cruise and land journey, I help mature travelers find experiences that match their interests, comfort level, and preferred pace of travel.
What I enjoy most is matching clients with the right travel style, not just the right destination. Some travelers thrive on small-group exploration, others prefer the ease of expertly guided touring, while many seek a combination of structure and independent discovery. My role is to help identify the experience that fits both where you want to go and how you want to experience it.
Travel has been my career and passion for more than four decades. During that time, I’ve planned journeys to all seven continents and helped clients experience everything from Antarctic expeditions and African safaris to European river cruises, small-ship voyages, and guided tours across the globe. That depth of experience allows me to offer perspective, recommendations, and guidance that go beyond a simple booking.
I believe travel should be enriching, comfortable, and memorable. My goal is to help clients explore the world with confidence, discover places that inspire them, and create experiences they will talk about long after they return home.
My Areas of Focus
Guided Touring Worldwide
Expertly planned guided journeys offer the perfect balance of convenience, enrichment, and connection. I help travelers choose the right tour style, pace, and itinerary so they can explore the world’s most fascinating destinations with confidence.
Active & Experiential Travel
For travelers who want to engage more deeply with a destination, I design experiences that go beyond sightseeing. From cultural immersion and soft adventure to meaningful local encounters, these journeys create lasting memories and a stronger connection to the places you visit.
Additional Expertise
- Small Ship & Yacht Cruising
- Expedition & Remote Destinations
- Pre- & Post-cruise Extensions
Finding the Right Fit for Every Journey
No two travelers approach a vacation the same way, which is why I begin every planning relationship by getting to know my clients. I take time to understand personalities, expectations, travel experience, and what they hope to gain from the journey before recommending specific itineraries.
As we plan together, I pay close attention to pacing, activity levels, accommodations, and overall travel style to ensure every recommendation feels like the right match. Whether you’re considering an expedition voyage, a small-ship cruise, or a guided land journey, I want you to feel comfortable and confident in every decision.
Experience & Industry Expertise
With more than 40 years in the travel industry, I’ve helped clients explore every corner of the globe, including all seven continents. My professional experience includes extensive planning of guided tours, river cruises, expedition travel, small-ship voyages, and complex multi-component itineraries.
I have earned certifications with many of the travel industry’s most respected tour operators and cruise lines, including Tauck, Uniworld, AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Hurtigruten, Rocky Mountaineer, UnCruise, Virgin Voyages, and numerous others. These partnerships and ongoing education help me stay informed about evolving destinations, travel styles, and experiences.
Some of my personal destination favorites include the European rivers, Alaska, Bermuda, Norway, and British Columbia, though I never tire of discovering new places and helping clients do the same.
What Clients Are Saying
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Jean always asks the right questions to curate a tailored vacation, and her attention to detail and communication make everything go smoothly so your vacation comes together seamlessly and stress-free, allowing you to make memories to last a lifetime.”
Lisa Lemon
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“She learned more about us and offered us an alternative that she thought we would be happier with. She was right, and we had two great trips. She is very thorough, conscientious, and fun to work with.”
Randy & Shirley
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Jean’s suggestions, attention to detail, experience, and ability to coordinate EVERYTHING with perfection led to a fabulous trip. This is the second trip that Jean has worked with us on and we look forward to her sage advice on future trips.”
Melody
Ready to Plan Your Next Journey?
Whether you’re considering a guided tour, expedition voyage, active adventure, or a carefully crafted combination of land and sea experiences, I’d love to help you find the right fit.
Contact me today, and let’s start planning a journey that’s tailored to your travel style, interests, and goals.
