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It is a personal journey that Donna discovered a passion of writing and journalism. The excellent combination of a writer and travel has proven successful. Donna enjoys writing a variety of articles for local publications and special interest stories on her blog. This is one way to share and affect people; through words. Articles in publications include the Silicon Valley Concierge Valley Access and a local print magazine, Woman's Connection, and Suite101.com.
Always with ‘travel fever’ since she was a little girl, Donna has lived in the San Francisco bay area for over twenty years. She was raised in Kansas City, MO; the heart of USA, by parents who enjoyed their own travels. It is the family vacations which created this ‘travel fever’.
"Adventure finds me everywhere I go, whether it is local or afar," Donna said as she is fascinated by every trip, short or long.
With a combined career portfolio of the corporate world in Accounting and Human Resources, and as a Travel Industry Specialist, Donna is always focused to continue her education in writing, travel and business. She is fascinated of awareness globally and intrigued with conversations with people from all paths across this world.
Within travel, Donna have worked as a travel agent, tour and event planner, and as a professionally paid tour director. It is these positions and with an entrepreneurial (Silicon Valley) spirit, Donna created a niche tour company, Lighthouse Travel & Tours, providing unique and fun tours in the San Francisco bay area, emphasizing “memorable trips” off the beaten path. Donna was awarded the Best Guided Tour 2004 by the Silicon Valley Concierge Association, because of the distinctive planning of local trips created and network of people which she knows.
With a golden touch for research and a specific interest of going off the beaten path, Donna searches for something that is a bit different. Travel is more than taking a trip, it is a culture. You learn new things like food, drink, wine, history and entertainment. It is the experience you keep within you.
Silicon Valley is “off the beaten path” from the city of San Francisco in the world of travel. Donna has developed a deeper understanding of Silicon Valley and San Francisco in California, and more regions across the United States and Europe through people. It is important to be an entrepreneur with freedom and able to explore all territories. From the streets of Santa Clara (CA) to the canals of Venice (Italy), one item to remember is just to get out of your hotel room and have good old fashion fun! You never know where your journey will take you until you try new things.
Be sure to read these favorite articles:
Intel Museum Tourist Attraction
Visit National Steinbeck Center
Contact Donna for:
- Writing opportunities on the web and/or in print includes proofreading and editing services
- Writing technical instructions and documents for businesses and associations whether one-time events or on-going procedures in businesses
- Arrange private small group trips
- Accounting or Payroll engagements (specialize in Business size of 50 - 450 employees)
Please email today. Follow my twitter updates: funtourguru
Education:
Northwest Missouri State University; BS in Education with an emphasis in recreation
Continuing Education:
Foothill College, Los Altos, CA; AA Travel
International Tour Management Institute (ITMI), San Francisco, CA, Certification
Additional coursework: Journalism, Technical Writing, Event Operations, Acting, Accounting, Business, and Management Classes
Affiliations:
OSSN (Leading Nat'l Travel Sellers Association); USA Tour Pros (Leading Nat'l Tour Directors network); San Francisco Tour Guide Guild; Past President of the Silicon Valley Tour Guide Association; Board member-at-large and writer with Silicon Valley Concierge Association; San Jose Travel Professionals (travel industry members with greater than 2 years experience)