In the series “Voices from the North,” I talk to people who live, work, or travel in Scandinavia. Each interview offers a fresh perspective on life in the Far North, from inspiring locals to adventurous travelers and passionate guides. Tour guide Darline kicks things off.
Portrait: Darline, Tour Guide in Scandinavia
After a forty-year career in education, twenty years as a teacher and twenty years in a management position, Darline Vanneste (64) embarked on a new chapter: she became an independent travel guide. In 2018, she started the travel guide course at Syntra with the intention of easing into the role gradually. Due to the combination of her job and the COVID-19 pandemic, progress was slow. It was only after her retirement that she could fully start leading multi-day trips.
Desolate Landscapes
At the start of the two-year course, she had to choose a specialization. She chose Norway, a country that had charmed her enormously during a previous visit. The course gave her the opportunity to deepen her knowledge of this fascinating destination. Today, Darline leads various group trips to Scandinavia, from summer tours through Norway to winter trips in Finnish Lapland.
Darline has a soft spot for rugged, desolate landscapes. For example, she finds the journey to the North Cape more beautiful than the North Cape itself. She has already guided several groups by coach through Finland, Sweden, and Norway to the northernmost point of Europe. In addition, she was also enchanted by the snowy landscapes of the Far North. The trips to winter Lapland are active and adventurous, with activities such as a husky ride or a snowmobile safari.
Preparation
Although she now knows Norway quite well, she is sometimes still surprised by certain destinations. For example, in Oslo she recommends a walk along the Akerselva River. Along the way, you pass through parks, waterfalls, and restored industrial buildings that now house trendy bars and music clubs. In Norway's capital, you can be in the heart of nature in no time.
Preparing a trip takes a lot of time. Once Darline receives the itinerary, she studies the route and gathers as much information as possible. She then selects and organizes it into a practical travel guide for the clients and work sheets she can refer to along the way. She is always on the lookout for interesting facts and stories that add value for the travelers. Each evening, she reviews the route for the next day and decides where to place the emphasis.
Curious
Darline is naturally curious, which is, of course, an excellent trait for a tour guide. She derives particular satisfaction from expanding her own knowledge and then weaving that knowledge into an engaging story. The appreciation and gratitude of her groups are her greatest reward. “As a tour guide, you are first and foremost at the service of the client, not to see a lot of the world yourself,” she emphasizes.
For those who want to become a tour guide themselves, Darline advises taking the training course first. he assignments you receive there quickly show whether the profession suits you. Of course, you also need to enjoy traveling and be open to constantly discovering new things. Once you are working as a tour guide, it is important to accept only the assignments that truly appeal to you.
Bucket List
En haar eigen bucketlist? Die is nog lang niet leeg. Zo droomt Darline nog van een rondreis door IJsland, een bezoek aan het zuiden van Noorwegen en een trip naar het eiland Senja, boven de poolcirkel.
Do you also have a special story about the North to share? Do you live, work, or travel in Scandinavia and want to share your experiences? Then send me a message and briefly introduce yourself.
Photography: Darline Vanneste
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