Kim Thompson
International Tour Management Institute-Certified Travel Professional with 15 Years of
Tourism & Hospitality Experience
Why Me To Direct Your Tours?
A quick hello!
Have more time? Here’s my story!
Me in a Nutshell:
Travel is my passion—and luckily for me, I’ve been able to make it my career!
A seed that was planted during a study abroad has blossomed into 15 years in the tourism industry. I have proudly led public relations for destinations, attractions, resorts, and travel brands. I’ve gotten to share special places + people through press trips and FAM tours I designed, booked, and led. I understand better than most that a Tour Director is the “face” of your brand, and a guest’s connection to the values and mission of your company. It would be a distinct honor to help you deliver on your brand promises to your guests!
My greatest joy is unlocking the world for others, ensuring logistics and travel anxieties don’t stand between them and their bucket-list destinations.
Let’s live life beyond our comfort zones and go see the world!
Destination Knowledge
On my 21st birthday, I took my first flight to Florence, Italy. During my semester in Europe, I visited 11 countries, and ignited a love for exploring new places.
Since then, I’ve been to 35 countries on 5 continents.
Destinations where I have particular expertise include:
North America: National Parks; West (CA, WA, UT, WY, ID, MT); Southwest (AZ, TX); Midwest (IL); Southeast (KY, TN, FL, NC, SC); Northeast (NY, VT, NH, ME, MA, CT); Hawaii, and Alaska; Canada (Ontario + Alberta).
Europe: Southern (Italy, Greece, Portugal including Azores + Madeira); Northern (Iceland, Norway, Finland, Denmark including Faroe Islands); Western (France, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands), UK + Ireland.
Other: New Zealand & Australia
The below maps show where I’ve been + where I have particular expertise.
Testimonial from Friends & Family Tours
“When I got married, my husband and I knew it was time to plan our dream honeymoon to Italy, a deeply meaningful place to us. I had never been out of the country—honestly, travel scared and overwhelmed me. For years, I’ve followed the travels of my friend Kim, looked at her beautiful pictures, and heard her speak with reverence, knowledge, and passion for the places she’s visited. There was no question of who to turn to, and after discussing our desires and fears with Kim, we came to a solution: we’d go together!
Kim naturally took on the role of our guide, handling every logistic and detail with the grace and confidence of a seasoned pro. She allowed us to feel truly at ease so we could take in all that the beautiful country had to offer. I will be forever grateful for everything she did to ensure we had the most life-changing experience, taking the fear of the unknown away, and igniting our own passion for travel. Grazie mille, Kim!!!” - Theresa Scarpa | 10-day trip to Rome, Florence + Venice
Notes of Thanks: Press Trip Attendees + Media
“Thank you so much for such a wonderful and well-planned trip. Everything was seamless! It was a fun group and amazing property — I already want to go back! Hopefully we can do another trip in the future!” -Lizzy Briskin, Freelance Travel Writer
“Thanks for hosting such an amazing trip! I’m excited to keep traveling together.” -Anna Staropoli, Freelance Travel Writer
“It really was a magical trip—thanks so much for everything!”
-Beth Branch, Editorial Assistant, Country Living
“Thank you so very much for everything you did to make this story — and a wonderful trip to London — happen. I’m so grateful for your hard work, patience, and good humor in bringing this idea to life. Your partnership was absolutely invaluable and I’m so looking forward to working together again.” - Adam Rathe, Deputy Features Editor, Town & Country
Travel Communications & PR
Do you need colorful copywriting for your
website or next catalog?
I can lead your tour AND help with your marketing!
Interested? Let’s chat!