By Lynda Brown

"Work with the driver . . . work with the driver . . . work with the driver" -- words Im continually reminded of with each new tour.

Wise words and so true.

Drivers are the polish that makes the tour director shine.

Our drivers have a huge role in the success of any tour. The tour director and driver succeed as a team or fail as a team. It takes both to make a tour work.

Its terrific to work with drivers who continually set the bar higher for the next one. I appreciate so much drivers who take pride in their work --who dress the part; who are cheerful and thoughtful towards our guests; who take the time to get to know a few passenger names; who, without being asked or nagged, ensure that those picture coach windows are cleaned several times throughout the day so everyones pictures come out perfect; who arrive a few minutes early so I can get myself organized in the morning; who offer to help even me off the coach with my many bags at the end of the night; who still enjoy doing the work they do, and who come prepared every day.

Drivers Ive worked with have helped me cope with medical emergencies, have offered suggestions for new coffee/lunch stops, have shared a couple of funny stories I now share on the coach, have helped me gain perspective on days where things havent gone according to plan, and have been supportive and encouraging.

When I feel comfortable with my driver, I can relax and be myself and not have to worry about anything.

Its hugely gratifying for the passengers to see teamwork develop between drivers and tour directors, so much so they firmly believe you and the driver have worked several times together. When, in fact, youve only just met.

You need only have one bad experience with a driver to reinforce just how much we depend on the expertise our drivers provide and how vital they are to any tour.

Its been enriching and rewarding to develop friendships over the years with all the drivers Ive had the opportunity to work with and each time we meet on the road, its like reconnecting with family. Nobody truly understands the daily pressures and stresses of our worlds like another tour director or driver.

Kudos to the motorcoach companies Ive come to appreciate over the years: Coach Canada in eastern Canada; Traxx Coachlines of Medicine Hat, Alberta; Charter Bus Lines and Golden Arrow Motor Coaches in western Canada, and the countless drivers who have helped me to become the tour director I am today.

Lynda Brown is a Calgary, Alberta-based tour director. Her article was written for the International Tour Management Institute website.