Stories from Travelers
Who’ve Joined Our Journeys
These reflections come from travelers who have joined small-group journeys, study programs, and guided experiences across France, Europe, and the UK. Each reflects a different way of traveling, but all share an emphasis on care, curiosity, and deep engagement with place.
Stories from Travelers Who’ve Joined Our Journeys
Voices from the Road
D Daniels - France Sudy Abroad
"I met Trina when I was in French I class. She and my professor were organizing an immersion trip to France for French students. I was the only beginner student and Trina encouraged me to come on the trip and immerse myself with French families to truly understand the language and the culture. Our trip was about authenticity, culture, language and adventure. I went on to study four full semesters of French. Trina is amazing in her ability to see and, more importantly feel the place she is in. Her respect for the sustainable traveler is genuine. I have a new life friend after one trip to France!"
M. Moeller - UK Study Abroad
"Trina Burfield is a collaborative travel partner with an easy manner. She is communicative throughout the planning process, always aiming to make sure the plans for my course curriculum are met as the itinerary comes together. At the same time, she looks for activities and opportunities that will make the students’ trip unique and provide an authentic experience of local culture. While on the trip, she kept us on schedule while also providing flexibility when time and interests allowed. The students were comfortable with her, and it felt that she was just one of the group. She knew the city very well and managed all logistics with ease. She helped the students develop confidence navigating the London Tube. Trina was supportive of me at all stages of the trip, and I immediately turned to her to help me begin planning my next. I trust her to always have the best interests at heart for the students and myself and will look forward to traveling with her in the future."
K. Coldwell - France Unfiltered
"I contracted the travel guide services of Trina Burfield for a France trip. The itinerary was well conceived and executed, with emphasis on cultural and historical educational content. Meals were geared towards authentic French regional cuisine with local proprietors. Trina had the group's safety and well being, as well as respect for the local population at the forefront of all her actions. Her love of the country and culture was very evident. She was very approachable and available both before and after the trip for assistance. I would definitely hire her again in the future and recommend her services to my friends and family."
A. Higdon - Alsace, Vines, & Vosges. Rooted in the Alps
"Any travel agent can book you a trip; Trina will curate a true journey for you. My birthday trip through Alsace and into Switzerland was curated with care and expertise. Traveling with Trina is like being shown the secret places only the locals know about, a loved one sharing their hometown with you. Beyond securing all the logistical details, your cultural experiences will be thoughtfully planned and researched. Take more than a trip, journey into a place and it’s people with Backroads & Baguettes, and you might discover a place in yourself you hadn’t explored yet."
Mark and Ray - Villages, Vines, & Vosges
"Though we’d been to Strasbourg before and thought we knew it fairly well, we discovered and learned much more about the city, its history, and what it had to offer during our tour with Trina. Trina is an outstanding guide --- walking us through the city, listening to our interests and questions and thoughtfully pointing out the sites of greatest historical and present-day importance. She also suggested the best museums to visit, restaurants to try, and districts, parks, and sites to see. We soon realized we’d not allowed ourselves enough time. We enjoyed touring Strasbourg so much with Trina that we immediately made plans to revisit and have Trina show us more of the Alsace region and it’s unique cultural and historical significance to both France and Germany. We highly recommend Trina as a Tour Guide!"
J. Mcelyea - Authentic Paris
"Trina was our tour guide for a stay in Paris. There were 8 of us. She was the most accepting and loving tour guide we have ever had! She never led a tour with children before and we had some wild ones. Trina made fast friends with 3 little girls - going above and beyond to ensure they were included in every aspect of the tour. They still talk about Ms Trina and the fun they had. We were so grateful to have Trina with us. We had a medical emergency. Her ability to communicate fluently with emergency personnel on our behalf was paramount to receiving treatment. She continued following up with us after our trip to ensure everyone was okay. We never felt ill at ease when she was with us. She translated and taught us some new phrases to use. She made sure we were safe and informed at every location. Trina went above and beyond - bringing us treats from local cafes/bakeries just so we would have the opportunity to try new and delicious foods. Trina knows so much not just about Paris, but France as a whole. She shared her knowledge freely and with joy. She has a passion for France that is admirable. You can tell she truly loves sharing France and its culture. This is her calling in life. I wholeheartedly recommend Trina as a guide. She quickly became not just a friend, but family. I am looking forward to more adventures with her!"
K. Rheuark - Authentic Paris
"Traveling with Trina was an amazing experience. We had some structure but were flexible about what to see and do. She provided us with a pretty authentic view of Paris,we saw everything from the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre to a Roman amphitheater and the oldest food market in Paris. We saw things we didn’t even know existed and it was wonderful. We stayed local and had easy access to the subway (a must for our old bones). We were lucky enough that even though some of our plans had to be cancelled due to protests we were able to see places and things that weren’t on our original list but were just as mind blowing as what we intended to see. Trina took the time to keep up to date on the protests (when and where) and though even some merchants were closed in support of protests she researched what would be open and we adjusted accordingly.A small Salvador Dali museum in Montmartre, a museum of Paris, Roman Amphitheater (with the lion gates still intact). She gave us insights, knew her history and made us laugh so many times. It was a real treat to go with her and see so many things in the days we were in Paris. We went to some street markets (food as well as goods) and even stayed in a couple of evenings and ate in the garden of the hotel which was beautiful.Already planning another trip with her. Recommend to all who visit Europe."
S. Yope - World Wars And The Birth Of Europe
"I had always wanted to visit Normandy and see the beaches of historic significance to our success in WWII. As a retired AF officer this was always a “bucket list” place for me to see. Trina was a fantastic tour guide for our combined World Wars Tour. She incorporated significant historical battlefields, cemeteries and museums into our tour. She ensured we were always on time for trains, cars, and places we needed to be. We didn’t have to worry as Trina had every detail under control. She shared and taught us French customs and courtesies. Trina made sure our trip was a success and accommodated our needs and desires, being flexible to change up itineraries if it was required. I was very fortunate to have had this wonderful trip and experience with Trina as my guide! I would highly recommend Trina as a tour guide to anyone considering a trip to France!"