Interview with Matt Yglesias

Matt Yglesias
Matt Yglesias will show you the best of Europe this year!

Matt Yglesias has worked as a guide for Europe Through the Back Door for eight years, and now leads our 21-day Best of Europe tour. When he's not guiding, he works as our network administrator in the office. He lives in Edmonds, Wash. with his wife and two small children.

How have the tours changed since you first started guiding?

The hotels have gotten better. There are more creature comforts. The tour members have become a little more picky because the tours are more expensive than they used to be. The members now want bathrooms in their rooms instead of sharing one down the hall. But our hotels are still in the town center — in the middle of the action. The company has tried to stay with that philosophy.

What is your favorite part of the Best of Europe tour?

My favorite is enjoying the relaxation of Vernazza. I love the beach, seafood, and of course the wine. Italy can be very intense with its culture, art, and history. So by the time we get to Vernazza, everyone is looking for a break. Everyone is tired - including me!

How did you go about making the transition from assistant to lead guide?

I worked with some great lead guides when I was an assistant. I learned a lot of history from their talks. I was very nervous the first time I was the lead guide (which was four years ago), but I had the best group! They really made my job easier. It was a great experience, and I am in contact with many of them today. I remember one time I was in the South of France with my wife, and I heard someone say, "Hey Matt!" I turned around and saw three couples from my very first tour.

What makes a great group?

You can tell at the very first meeting. During the introductions, there are usually a lot of "oohs and ahhs" about the trip. There's a lot of laughter and conversation. The people who take our tours have a real curiosity about art, history, and food. So it's fun to talk to them about these subjects and help them get enthused for the trip.

Is there any part of the Best of Europe tour that still gives you a "wow" feeling?

When I take our groups to Venice, and we make our way through the winding streets to the Piazza San Marco, I just love watching the tour members' expressions. They always have open mouths, and they're saying, "This is so beautiful.so incredible!" Their expressions give me goose bumps.

You're a tour guide, so you're gone for a while each summer. How do you handle being away from your wife and two small children?

It's very hard. But at some point on the tour, I'll get on the microphone on the bus and say, "Family picture time!" It brings them closer to me. But I only do two tours (which keeps me away from home for 6 weeks) nowadays. I've also got a lot of family support.

For a chance to explore Europe with Matt, check out our 21-day Best of Europe tour.