Life & Work with Edi of Flowery Branch

Today we’d like to introduce you to Edi.

Hi Edi, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Funny how the best adventures happen when you aren’t planning them! I was a Spanish teacher and loving every minute of it. One day a student said, “all this language acquisition and nowhere to use it”. “Take us somewhere where we can practice”. So, we planned our first trip to Spain, incorporated a few activities such as hiking and biking and after two semesters of planning trips, I decided to take my classroom beyond the four walls. Spain Adventures will be 30 years old this October. We’ve planned trips for celebrities, government officials, universities, families and anyone who wants to be “a participant and not just a tourist”. Our trips are authentic in every way. We take you to see the icons of Spain, but we love to show you the off the beaten path roads, forgotten castles and restaurants where the locals dine with their families and friends. Anyone can find a hotel on the internet, but we know where the 3-generation family run manor houses are. Our success has been my love of language and culture and a group of passionate Spaniards that are so happy to show you their country in a fun and meaningful way.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing great is ever really “a smooth road”. When we first started Spain Adventures, I was a young woman working with men who thought it was cute that an American Woman would be conducting business with hotels, restaurants, banks and employees in Spain, a male dominated business world. I would travel with my husband on occasion, and all conversations were directed to him, until one day he said, ” talk to Edi, she owns the company” and left the room. Also, I was determined to find the best accommodations by visiting each and every hotel I found to be unique. That required time and money. There were difficult days for sure, but the rewards have been many.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Spain Adventures is a hands-on family business that ensures your travel experience is authentic and well organized so all you need to do is show up. Within the company, we all have our area of expertise. I am known especially for my creative itineraries. These itineraries are developed on the road and with our clients in mind. If we say “you are going to love this hotel” it’s because we’ve been there to see it for ourselves. Our company is known for the Way of St. James, the Camino de Santiago, the route that takes you on a walk across Spain.

As the owner of the company, I am most proud of our staff. Caring, fun individuals who anticipate our guests needs and make certain that every trip is the very best it can be.

What makes us different from other travel companies are our organized tours which are all inclusive. That means support vehicle for the duration of the trip. A bi-lingual guide with you 24/7 and breakfast and fine dining is always included. Full service with one inclusive price.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There have been many supporters along the way, a business can’t survive without the cooperation of others who believe in your project. Clients who come back for a second, third even fourth time and bring friends have played a big part in our success. I would have to say that my husband has been my greatest cheerleader along with my children.
But I believe you are only as good as the people who surround you. The everyday people who do a great job every day and who continually come up with ways to make us better, they have played a big role in the success of Spain Adventures.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://spainadventures.com
• Instagram: #spainadventures1998
• Facebook: Spain Adventures
• Youtube: Spain Adventures

Image Credits
all photos by edi finamore