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Greg Nottingham, a resident of Hawaii’s Big Island, is a man on fire with a new idea. “It came to me five days ago as I was driving past Starbucks and by the time I got to Ben Franklin’s it was fully formed,” he said.
Nottingham has a new concept in privately escorted sightseeing tours that he calls Tail Me Tours. The customer drives their own vehicle and follows or "tails" the Tail Me Tour driver. The customer and driver are kept in constant radio communication through the use of high powered two-way hands free radio clipped to the visor of the rental car, with a second radio clipped to the visor of the lead Tail Me Tour driver. The customer receives a full audio experience and guidance from the tour driver without that driver being present in the customer’s car.
A flat rate of $300 per vehicle per six to eight hour day applies regardless of the number of passengers in the customer’s vehicle. The drivers can also arrange to meet clients at the airport.
“I’m talking attaché all the way,” said Nottingham. “If the customer wants to make an unplanned stop— no problem. If they stop at the beach for a swim they have someone who can watch their valuables.”
Nottingham has already received interest from honeymooners who prefer a degree of privacy, and mothers traveling with infants who find the idea attractive because they won’t have to worry about lugging their child seat into a different vehicle. This is a fledgling company and the hiring of drivers is presently going full force, so it’s advisable to book as far in advance as possible. Tail Me Tours pays commissions to travel agents.
Agents can reach out with bookings and questions to Greg Nottingham, founder and president, Tail Me Tours at 808-333-4016, [email protected]. Greg’s email will change in a week or so to [email protected].
Visit www.tailmetours.com.