Why Go with WanderinGwyneth
I’ve been leading tours for National Geographic as an NatGeo expert, and now, I want to lead you!
“Oh I don’t think I’m brave enough.”
“I want to go but I’m too scared.”
“I wouldn’t go there unless I knew someone there.”
These are phrases I hear a lot when encouraging people to join me on a tour of Morocco or Egypt. Whether a seasoned traveler or just venturing out, now you know someone! What feels easy in Western Europe, feels uncertain when it comes to stepping foot on the African continent. Fodor’s and Rick Steves have given us all the information we need to know about going to the Louvre and at what times, but what about the Pyramids of Giza? Gwyneth’s got you. How do I avoid hawkers and getting scammed? I’ll give you the phrases to send them packing. How can I feel secure going to the big Djemna El Fna square in Marrakesh? I’m right beside you. This is what “your friend Gwyneth” is for! I’m your person “in the know” to show you my favorite sights and destinations.
Getting our own “minute” photograph taken by photowallah Tikram Chand in Jaipur January 2024.
Engaging with locals is exciting and sometimes intimidating. Let me help facilitate some memorable moments.
I’m your new friend here to show you two of my favorite destinations. Since 2010, I’ve been working and living in Morocco and Egypt. First, I studied abroad, next I taught English, then I conducted research, and most recently I taught university in this region. I’m an anthropologist by training, which means I focus on the study of humans, specifically cultures. Some cultural differences are easy to see – greetings with kisses on the cheeks, communal dish sharing, different dress, and timing of activities; other cultural differences are more nuanced, like the rules for fasting during Ramadan, tipping, and bargaining in markets. Some things we can learn and try, others feel so foreign and uncomfortable.
Most new experiences need a guide and getting out of our comfort zone is difficult. As a National Geographic Expert, I provide cultural and experiential insight to the Morocco and Egypt trips. I see the spectrum of travelers; some travelers are accomplished travelers ready for their next experience, but I’ve also had people who are on their first trip out of the United States or North America. It can be intimidating being around the seasoned travelers, or “annoying” for the experienced travelers to “babysit” the newbies. But hey, we all took our first steps once.
Hiking in the Atlas Mountains March 2023.
Sometimes we need a helping hand when the trail is rocky or unknown.
If you are new to traveling or the region, I’m here to cheer you on and help you build confidence. If you are experienced and wanting to see more of the world, I’m here for that, too! Before we go, I offer one-on-one and group meet ups via Zoom so I can get to know you and you can get to know your fellow travelers. Instead of day one having jetlag and everyone feeling like the first day of going to a new school, you’ll have a chance to meet and greet, and share why you are traveling. I can answer last minute questions, and you can tell me what kind of traveler you are. Do you want extra help? Do you have accessibility needs? Do you want me to give you some space after a guided session? Communicating these things beforehand helps me balance group dynamics, while making the trip work for you. Being an anthropologist, my instincts are to study people and make them feel at ease.
Sometimes a smile and request for a picture can be an easy affair, other times it is not. Let me navigate the hard stuff, so you can enjoy.
Ever heard of culture shock? Depending on the type of travel, culture shock hits everyone differently and there are usually two sides to it. The ‘honeymoon stage’ or the elation of being somewhere new and seeing things you’ve only read or dreamt about, and its opposite, the negotiation of frustration and anxiety. The former is usually the first part of the trip, and the latter is usually mid-trip when jetlag has fully set in. In between there is some adaptation and acceptance, depending on how long you are abroad. (Fun fact: cultural shock happens when we change big situations like jobs and move cities, so it’s not just a travel thing.) My goal is to help you deal with both sides of culture shock. Need a pizza to get a little comfort of home? Easily solved. Need some downtime by the pool to just collect yourself? Can do. Local food not agreeing with you? I’ve got the anti-diarrhoeal medicine in my backpack. Culture shock also offers us a chance to be reflective about who we are as citizens of our own countries, but also how we fit into the larger globe. It’s purposely there to challenge our norms, and that gets uncomfortable. (If you are interested in learning more, my favorite book about travel is Travel as a Political Act by Rick Steves.)
New foods are the fastest way to engage with a new culture. This can be exciting, intimidating, and not what you expect.
While everything seems so different, travel is the opportunity to show people not just the diversity of culture but, in some ways, how we are all the same. We have families, we want the best for them, we are striving for understanding, we work for our income, and we want someone to listen. Coming to North Africa is an opportunity for cultural exchange and understanding that is more expansive.
I’ve lived and traveled extensively in both countries, I speak the language (Arabic), and I want to show you all my favorite spots! Let me handle the logistics, the guides, and the hassle, while you get to enjoy your adventure!
Check out my upcoming tours and travel with “your new friend Gwyneth”!