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10 for 10 with WorldStrides Sports – Morgan O’Donnell

Who are you and what do you do at WorldStrides?
Morgan O’Donnell. As a Senior Account Manager, I help manage some of our key clientele & work with our operations team to create once in a lifetime trips!

How long have you worked with WorldStrides?
A little over 5 years, I started on June 1st, 2015. Time flies when you’re having fun! 😊

WorldStrides goes to so many destinations, but what has been your favorite destination that you have visited while working for WorldStrides?
Copenhagen, Denmark

What are the top three things you did while you were in Copenhagen?
Visited Tivoli Gardens, the 2nd oldest operating amusement park in the world!
Copenhagen Canal Tour
Climbed the winding staircase to the top of the “Church of our Saviour” which had some of the best views of the city!

What’s the number one thing you would tell somebody to NOT miss if they visit Copenhagen?
Nyhavn, one of the most picturesque places in in the city!

Do you know any weird or strange facts about Copenhagen?
There are 5 times as many bikes as there are cars in Copenhagen. Biking is their preferred mode of transportation!

What was your favorite food or drink you tried while there?
Rather than a favorite dish, I’ll share my favorite spot to grab a bite to eat, Torvehallerne. It’s a glass market that has a variety of food and drinks to try.

Did you buy a souvenir and if so, what was it?
Unlike some of my other co-workers (I won’t name names), I didn’t buy anything too extravagant when I was there. I kept it more simplistic and bought a water painting of Nyhavn.

If you could pick your next trip, where would you go?
Portugal! Our teams that travel there always come back and share how amazing the country is.

What’s the best travel tip you could pass along to future travelers?
Bring a portable phone charger, you’ll never know when you might need to use it!

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10 for 10 with WorldStrides Sports – Jonny Brown

Who are you and what do you do at WorldStrides?

Jonny Brown, Sales Operation Specialist

I manage many of our key ODP and NCAA accounts.

How long have you worked at WorldStrides?

Just over three years.

WorldStrides goes to so many destinations, but what has been your favorite destination that you have visited while working for WorldStrides?

I have been lucky to travel to a few places while working for WorldStrides Sports, but my favorite would have to be visiting London & Manchester with Marquette Men’s Soccer.

What are the top three things you did while in England?

  1. Saw the Queen at Buckingham Palace.
  2. Toured Old Trafford & Anfield – two of the most historic and famous stadiums in the soccer world.
  3. Visited the Cavern Club in Liverpool, which is where the Beatles first started playing together.

What is the number one thing that you would tell somebody to not miss if they visit England?

Make sure you take a guided walking tour of London so you can see the House of Parliament, Tower of London, the London Eye, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and many more landmarks.

Do you know any weird or strange facts about England?

The taxicab drivers you see in London must pass a test called The Knowledge, which can take 2-4 years to prepare for, in order to drive a taxi (referred to as a black cab) around the city!

What was your favorite food or drink that you tried while there?

Fish and chips in London, high tea in Oxford, and a pint of Guinness in the Nag’s Head in Manchester!

Did you buy a souvenir and if so, what was it?

I bought some clothing from the Manchester United megastore, which is said to be the biggest team store in the world.

If you could pick your next trip, where would you go?

Barcelona would absolutely be my next choice.

What is the best travel tip that you can pass along to customers?

Try and be active as soon as you arrive to your destination so that you stay up all day, get a good night sleep on the first night, and beat the jet lag!

 

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10 for 10 with WorldStrides Sports – Kerri Nicolich

Who are you and what do you do at WorldStrides?

Kerri Nicolich, Senior Account Manager

I manage some of our key accounts, ensuring we provide them with a great trip experience!

How long have you worked at WorldStrides?

Just about three years now.

WorldStrides goes to so many destinations, but what has been your favorite destination that you have visited while working for WorldStrides?

I’ve been lucky enough to travel to a few countries while working with WorldStrides. My favorite destination has been Barcelona, Spain.

What are the top three things you did while in Barcelona?

  1. Toured Camp Nou stadium.
  2. Visited Sitges, which is an amazingly beautiful coastal town.
  3. Watched Vicky Losada and the Women’s FC Barcelona team win the semi-finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League!

What is the number one thing that you would tell somebody to not miss if they visit Barcelona?

Make sure to see La Sagrada Familia, the massive, unfinished church by architect Gaudí. Even if you don’t tour it, it is worth seeing from the outside.

Do you know any weird or strange facts about Barcelona?

If everything had gone to plan, the Eiffel Tower would be in Barcelona. However, Spain rejected the project.

What was your favorite food or drink that you tried while there?

You cannot miss trying the paella in Barcelona – it is famous for it. I had so many great meals, but my favorite was actually an Italian dish, Fettuccine Alfredo. It was actually the best Fettuccine Alfredo I’ve ever had!

Did you buy a souvenir and if so, what was it?

I bought myself a great T-Shirt while shopping in Las Ramblas, a tree-lined, pedestrian street in central Barcelona.

If you could pick your next trip, where would you go?

Italy has always been on my bucket list. I’ll have to try the Fettuccine there, too!

What is the best travel tip that you can pass along to customers?

When packing, roll your clothes! It helps you fit more in your suitcase.

 

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10 for 10 with WorldStrides Sports – Eric McAleer

Who are you and what do you do at WorldStrides?

Eric McAleer and I am the Senior Vice President of the WorldStrides Sports division.

How long have you worked at WorldStrides?

21 years.

WorldStrides goes to so many destinations, but what has been your favorite destination that you have visited while working for WorldStrides?

Portugal is amazing.

What are the top three things you did while in Portugal?

  1. Visited Benfica’s Championship winning game.
  2. Took a guided tour of the training grounds of Benfica and Sporting.
  3. Enjoyed a walking tour of beautiful Lisbon.

What is the number one thing that you would tell somebody to not miss if they visit Portugal?

Do not miss taking time for a guided sightseeing bike tour of Lisbon City Center.

Do you know any weird or strange facts about Portugal?

The world famous singer, Madonna, lived full time in Cascais, near Lisbon, because she was supporting her son while he pursued his dream of playing soccer for Benfica.

What was your favorite food or drink that you tried while there?

Portugal has some fantastic seafood and great red wines.

Did you buy a souvenir and if so, what was it?

I brought back some different cork products for our home. Cork is one of Portugal’s biggest industries.

If you could pick your next trip, where would you go?

I am already looking forward to Australia in 2023 for the Women’s World Cup!

What is the best travel tip that you can pass along to customers?

I always recommend that people pack as lightly as they can and do laundry at the destination.

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10 for 10 with WorldStrides Sports – Ashley Tremper

Who are you and what do you do at WorldStrides?

Ashley Tremper, Account Manager

I manage a portfolio of clientele, primarily in the public and private high school market.

How long have you worked at WorldStrides?

A year and a half.

WorldStrides goes to so many destinations, but what has been your favorite destination that you have visited while working for WorldStrides?

Definitely Costa Rica!

What are the top three things you did while in Costa Rica?

  1. Zip lined through the rainforest near Lake Arenal & the Arenal Volcano.
  2. Learned how to surf in the Pacific Ocean from local surfing experts.
  3. Swam under Llanos de Cortes Waterfall.

What is the number one thing that you would tell somebody to not miss if they visit Costa Rica?

Embrace the country’s mantra of Pura Vida, meaning “pure life.” Costa Ricans truly live by this lifestyle, which is most likely why Costa Rica is one of the happiest countries in the world.

Do you know any weird or strange facts about Costa Rica?

Due to Costa Rica’s close proximity to the Equator, the sun rises and sets at the same time every day, no matter the season. P.S. The sunsets, alone, are worth a visit to Costa Rica. They are absolutely amazing!

What was your favorite food or drink that you tried while there?

Food: Patacones (fried plantains), served with avocado & black bean dip; Drink: Fresh-squeezed juice from fruits, especially pineapple, starfruit and passionfruit.

Did you buy a souvenir and if so, what was it?

I brought back 10 different types of coffee, purchased from local grocery stores and roasteries along our journey. Eco Café was my favorite, not only for its taste but also for the founder’s commitment to social responsibility and support of the local growers and communities.

If you could pick your next trip, where would you go?

Anywhere (ha)! Once the world opens for travel, Portugal is currently at the top of my list.

What is the best travel tip that you can pass along to customers?

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate (before and during your trip, and especially on the plane)!