African Safari & Custom European Specialist
"The world is a book, and those who don't travel read only one page." -St Augustine
To better understand what travel means to me, here are a few pages from this travel girl's journal...
Europe’s Enchantment:
The history soaked ambiance of Europe will mesmerize your spirit immediately. From the very first step I took in Europe, I felt like I was walking into a fairytale. I haven’t decided which captivates me more, the grandeur of centuries old architecture, the maze of cobblestone streets each leading to a different adventure, the smells and tastes of epicurean delights along the endless rows of cafes, the awe-inspiring works of art and invention found at countless museums, galleries, cathedrals and basilicas, the congenial hospitality of villagers anxious to share the richness of their unique traditions, or the enticing music of romance echoing around every corner. Whether one prefers bustling city centers, quaint medieval villages, peaceful country sides, serene rivers, towering mountains, or rolling hills of vineyards, I love creating a personalized road map enabling the traveler to discover and experience the endless treasures of Europe.
Journey through History:
I very rarely take a vacation that isn’t based on some type of learning. I remember visiting the Netherlands, France and Germany shortly after watching Schindler’s List for the first time, and I made it a point to visit some significant sites along WWII’s destructive path. Normandy’s Omaha Beach with its 9,387 white crosses were a chilling reminder of the sacrifice made by so many. Viewing firsthand the haunting remains of the concentration camp near Dachau changed my life forever. Strolling through history by literally walking in another person's footsteps has taught me many things and has altered my perception. I love that about travel...imagining what life was like in another era for another person traveling along the same unfamiliar path...it leaves an imprint on my own journey.
Becoming One with Nature:
I sometimes find myself needing a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. That's typically when I begin to hear the call of nature ushering me into the wild. Forget the city, I want to roam with the animals and escape to the forest. From Costa Rica to Canada, Switzerland to Peru, Rwanda to Bali, nature has everything my mind, body and soul needs to rejuvenate. The adventure of safaris, zip lining, caving and hiking helps me recall the invigorating excitement and wonder I felt as a child. On the flip side, the adult in me longs for the peace and quiet nature provides, allowing me time to focus on my overall wellness by incorporating things I don't always make time for like personal reflection, meditation and yoga. I've found that taking time to travel for my own well being is one of the greatest gifts I can give myself.
Eat, Drink and Be Merry:
Like most people, I love to eat! From seafood to pasta to cheese to chocolate to WINE, BEER and more WINE, sampling the "best" another country has to offer in terms of their culinary scene is essential for me when traveling. I'm the girl that has to do extensive research on local restaurants before going anywhere. Beginning each day with a delicious energy packed breakfast, knowing the perfect spot to grab a baguette and some olives for lunch, indulging in a scrumptious dinner then rounding out the evening with the best gelato around...these are essential details one should never overlook when planning travel. I even have a "bucket list" of restaurants around the world to discover. Top any meal off with the merry company of others and...Bon Appetit!
All Aboard:
Everyone should experience an iconic overnight train ride at least once in their lifetime. One suggestion would be to hop on VIA RAIL through Canada.The trek from Montreal to Nova Scotia is one of my most memorable excursions to date. It’s difficult to choose a favorite among whale watching off Brier Island, eating the best seafood pasta I’ve had in my life in Digby, sampling craft brews in Wolfville, tiptoeing through a centuries old cemetery on a ghost tour in Annapolis Royal, driving the breathtaking Cabot Trail of Cape Breton, enjoying the nightlife in Halifax or stepping into the eerie fog covered seaport of Lunenburg. I experienced Scottish, Acadian, French and German culture all in one fabulous trip. I must also note that I can't recall a better night's sleep than the one I had onboard...slept like a baby!
My Travel Albums
Sailing the Greek Cyclades
Costa Rica
Aim for Switzerland
Dominican Republic
Switzerland
Italy
Puerto Rico and Vieques
France and Germany
Canada
I remember the first time I saw an image of the Rainbow Mountains,"I have to go there," I declared impetuously, so I built it into my group as an optional excursion. However, as the time drew nearer for me to actually climb this beautiful beast, the reality began to sink in.
I got up at 3:30...Read more.
Customer Testimonials
5 Star Adventure Travel Planner!
We had no idea a local travel company could be so professional, knowledgeable and helpful in assisting us in our adventure travel. Aimee Langlas has coordinated the trip of a lifetime to Peru and has taken care down to the smallest detail. She researches, plans and coordinates making our needs and wants her top priority while also demonstrating flexibility in changing plans. Aimee is always accessible... before, during and after a trip. She planned our daughter and son in law’s spectacular Sicilian honeymoon, and took care of accommodations for them when a wildfire forced the evacuation of their hotel. Aimee is enthusiastic about travel and coordinates trips as if she were traveling herself. We give high praise and five stars to Aimee and Travel Leaders/Destinations Unlimited.
Mark and Eadie W Iowa City, IA
My Reviews
37 of 57 people found this review helpful
Aimee went out of her way to assist me with some side tours for our riverboat trip down the Rhone River in France. She understood the dynamic I was working with given my other 3 guests and was extremely helpful and patient in finding tours that fit with the physical limitations and budget concerns of my party. The tours were fabulous! And, to top it off, one of the tours provided us with bad information so we missed over half of it. Aimee stepped in, contacted the tour company for me and got us a good portion of our money back. Now that is A-1 service!! I have already passed her name on to friends and will not hesitate to do so in the future. Travel Leaders is very lucky to have her...
By
Pam
from
Iowa City, IA
Traveled to
Rhone River ~ On the River ~ At Sea
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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27 of 38 people found this review helpful
Switzerland; up-close and very authentic.
Aimee is very thorough and professional but also brings a great sense of fun to the travel experience. During our recent trip the details were handled seamlessly and we had the sense of security that is so important as one travels in a foreign land. She was the type of guide that one just loved to be with and share experiences. I would travel with her again without hesitation.
By
Seasoned Traveler
from
Iowa City, Iowa
Traveled to
Switzerland ~ Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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22 of 32 people found this review helpful
French, Italian and Swiss Anniversary Adventure
I don't know if I can pick out a specific experience that topped our trip. They were each uniquely great. We took a boat and train ride in Switzerland that was really cool. Seeing the Alps from that high up was incredible. Another great experience was learning the metro in Paris. We did get our fill of the aperol spritz and lemonchellos in Cinque Terre. We went to one location a couple of times in Monterosso as the woman that worked there was so friendly and interesting to talk to. We spent a day skipping around the villages like you said. I think we could go back to any of the places again and enjoy it just as much. Stacey really enjoyed the Lucerne area. I felt Lake Como was pretty impressive. We took the lake taxi around one day to a couple of the villages and walked around. I would recommend that to anyone. Overall we were very happy with our trip. Thanks again for the great advice. When we are ready again, we will be sure to get back in touch with you.
By
Jeff & Stacey
from
Cedar Rapids, IA
Traveled to
Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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24 of 37 people found this review helpful
Aimee was the absolute best tour guide!! She made my first trip abroad so memorable. I’ll have her book my future trips.
By
Loving Retirement
from
Tama, Iowa
Traveled to
Switzerland ~ Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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25 of 39 people found this review helpful
Working with Aimee was seamless. We travel frequently but needed a professionals help with planning part of our trip. Boy did we luck out. She was the perfect fit. She customized 5 days of Swiss travel including Eurail passes and reservations. It was very nice knowing we had everything taken care of and that we could just enjoy the trip. I highly recommend her services.
By
Joyce family
from
Iowa
Traveled to
Switzerland ~ Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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