Mindy Miller (Sales Director at Witte Travel) and Eric Kuhn invite you to experience South Africa. Mindy and Eric have traveled widely and enjoy exploring new destinations with the camaraderie of a Witte group. City High alums with degrees from U of M and GVSU, Mindy and Eric have four daughters between them, a dog, and a cat. These outdoor enthusiasts appreciate experiencing new cultures, landscapes, and perspectives. They will ensure everyone has a great time, offering suggestions for activities, travel guidance, and the comfort of traveling with Witte. They welcome you for an unforgettable experience!
Archives: Hosts
Paul & Brenda Harris
Paul and Brenda warmly invite you to join them on an unforgettable journey through Alaska & Denali, where the serene waters of the Inside Passage and the untamed beauty of the Alaskan landscape provide the backdrop for breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. They are excited to lead another group through this spectacular journey. Paul and Brenda are proud parents of two sons, cherished daughters-in-law, and eight beautiful grandchildren. When they’re not traveling, they enjoy vintage camping, rustic campfire cooking, and spending time in the great outdoors. Their love of nature and adventure makes Alaska a destination they are especially passionate about sharing with others. As your hosts, they are committed to making your experience enjoyable, comfortable, and memorable, offering helpful guidance, activity suggestions, and the camaraderie that comes with traveling together. Join Paul and Brenda and experience firsthand the stunning beauty, incredible wildlife, and unforgettable wonder of America’s Last Frontier.
Rachel Baker and Sandra Gaynor
Rachel Christophe Baker is a native of France. She was born and raised near Versailles and has been living in the United States for 30 years. She now lives in Mexico. She studied art history and worked for various arts organizations in Chicago. For the last 10 years, she has been teaching French language and culture. Since 2008, Rachel has created and led tours in various regions of France. She also has a passion for travel.
Sandra Gaynor PhD, RN, has been a long-time Francophile and has traveled extensively and frequently in France and Spain. She has had a long career in nursing and education in a variety of positions. As a founding member of Hektoen Institute Nurses & the Humanities organization, she has partnered with Rachel, leading bi-annual group tours to France since 2008.
Loren Veigel
During a long career as a choral director of high school, church, and community choirs in Ohio, Loren Veigel has traveled on European tours more than thirty times, most often as director or tour manager. Also an organist, he has delighted in opportunities to conduct and play instruments in historic churches all over Europe and Great Britain. His own Advanced Choir from Massillon Washington High School in Massillon, Ohio performed in six European tours. Loren is passionate about the architecture, history, and cultural aspects of travel. His long association with Witte Travel and their outstanding work in the tour industry led to his work with Witte in retirement, where he has been thrilled to assist other choirs and spiritual groups from Ohio to experience the joy of group travel.
Loren holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Mount Union College and a Masters in Choral Conducting from the University of Arizona. He has seven many years as choral clinician, adjudicator, and Board member for both the Ohio Music Education Association and Ohio Choral Director’s Association, where he is a Past President. In addition, he has served as a church musician for more than fifty years.
From Alps to Ales offers an itinerary personally designed by Loren threading together some of his favorite locations from many past choral tours. Travelers are certain to fall in love with the beautiful scenery, culture, music and food of these two German-speaking countries in the heart of Europe.
330.685.2558 |
Nick & Lynn Branderhorst
Nick and Lynn Branderhorst are residents of Pella, Iowa where they have spent years working together in the family business fondly named Nick’s Greenhouses and Flower Shop.
They love working side by side and after years for working together in the greenhouse and floral design world are “pivoting” and have decided to manage the travel business that Nick’s parents, Nick and Nellie Branderhorst started many years ago. This new venture has them very excited. They promise that you will have a wonderful time seeing amazing sights around the world and in the United States of America while sharing hours of laughter and conversations together. They know that there will be very few dull moments! They do hope that you will give them the honor of traveling with you.
641-780-8818 |
Linda Kaiser and Matt Helmus
Linda shares her passion for Dutch history as the owner and operator of Holland Tasting Tours. She is also a veteran tour guide for bus groups and Tulip Time. Matt is immersed in all things Dutch as the manager of Windmill Island Gardens over the last decade. He has also been involved with the Dutch International Society and the Dutch Heritage Coordinating Council.
Matt and Linda look forward to sharing their Dutch connections with you and
showcasing the modern and historic links between the Netherlands and West
Michigan. As part of the tour, you’ll be invited to an orientation session prior to
departure to meet your hosts and fellow travelers, as well as to receive background information on the sites you’ll be visiting.
Mike Bellomo
Mike Bellomo is a first-generation Italian American and jazz enthusiast. He is
passionate about traveling and jazz. You may have seen him at Jazz in the Park at Millennium Park or other jazz venues. He has been to Europe and Italy many times and has had the privilege of visiting and connecting with his Italian cousins in Italy, maintaining a strong connection to his heritage. He has served as a proud member of Club Italia and the West Michigan Italian American Club. Mike looks forward to experiencing the performances at the Umbria Jazz Festival and the culture of Umbria Italy with you.
Jon Boles
Jon is passionate about creating unforgettable travel experiences that blend adventure, culture, and connection. He believes travel is more than sightseeing—it’s about immersing yourself in local traditions, savoring authentic flavors, and building meaningful friendships along the way. A lifelong music enthusiast, Jon loves weaving the rhythm of each destination into the journey—whether it’s discovering local live performances, curating playlists that set the mood, or simply appreciating the soundtrack of the adventure. He also enjoys exploring hidden gems, learning about history, and finding the perfect tune to match the moment.
Bob Chappel
As a teacher of art and art history for 33 years, it has been a passion of mine to introduce both high school students and adults to new cultures along with the art, architecture, and customs of people other than our fellow Americans. Travel has enriched me in profound ways. Leading students, their parents, and alladult groups all over Europe has allowed me to enhance my teaching skills and experience many of Europe’s treasures first-hand. Each journey becomes a
shared adventure, and returning to destinations I have previously visited gives me an opportunity to offer insights and special touches to enhance the group adventure. It’s always great to expand one’s personal “map” and to be a lifelong learner.
(717) 413-5124