Europe Guide: Mirjam Van Dijk

Short Bio:  I started guiding tours when I was 18 years old. But, since my father was a tour guide it feels like I was raised on top of a van, on a bike and in a hotel. It is no surprise that I was biking when I was 3 years old. I was born in Germany, but when I was 11 years old I moved to the Netherlands with my parents. In addition I spend 6 months in Switzerland to study at Zurich University. Currently, I am a business administration master student in Nijmegen (the Netherlands), but in my summer vacation I work as a tour guide for Austin Lehman. 

Trips Guided by Mirjam:

1. Germany | Mosel Valley
2. Holland: Netherlands Highlights
3. France | Burgundy
4. Italy/Austria | Innsbruck to Lake Garda
5. Austria | Alps to Salzburg

My favorite destination? Italy

What destination would you like to visit? The Chile/Argentina trip

What’s your favorite bike ride? The bike trip from Zell am See to Werfen: You have to leave the beautiful Zell am See lake behind, but later on you are rewarded with an amazing view over the mountains and the most delicious dinner I ever had (except for my Mom’s)

What’s your favorite historical site, castle, museum, etc? Heidelberg (Germany), the city is one big historical site

What’s your favorite trip to guide?  Why? Austria; Alps to Salzburg. I fell in love with Austria: with its wide biking paths that guarantee great views at all times and charming bakeries along the way where you can stop for homemade Strudels (this prejudice of Austria will positively be confirmed). 

What do you do that makes a guest’s vacation special? I love to organize; whether it’s a picnic, a kids-only bowling trip or a spontaneous wine tasting.

Describe the most amazing experience you’ve had while traveling: The best experience on a tour was an outdoor dinner at a brewery in Munich with traditional food and live music. It seemed that only locals knew this place, and that’s what gave a special feeling to it.

On a private trip it was an endless long and exhausting climb up a sand hill in the Moroccan desert where we just reached the top on time to see the sun going down. On the downhill my friends and I held a contest of who would be fastest. However, due to the sand, running looked so silly that I lost because I couldn’t stop laughing. At the end of the day we fell asleep in a tent surrounded by the brightest stars I have ever seen.

Favorite Movie: Big fish

Favorite Outdoor Activity: Biking while the sun is shining and running in the rain

What are your hobbies? I love to organize activities for my friends; I am a member of a students’ society; I like try out new sports; I love cooking and can spend hours talking about it. If there is still some time left, I visit all kinds of concerts and festivals.

When did you first catch the travel bug? I was born with it, since I am the daughter of a tour guide dad and a linguistic mum.