InTouch Travel

I grew up in a country manor house in Northern Germany and raised in the environment of a country hotel. I studied Business Administration with emphasis on Tourism at Worms College. I worked for tour operators in Germany, the United Kingdom and Mexico before moving to the United States 12 years ago.

I used to work for a tour operator offering luxurious wine & food vacations to France and Italy. One thing I learned was that many American travelers missed getting to know local residents. When we provided local contacts — however brief — it became the highlight of their trip.

So in 2004 I created a new travel concept called InTouch Travel, a program for experienced travelers who want to "Journey Further"...who want to spend at least part of their vacations getting closer to the people and the culture of the places they visit. InTouch provides introductions to compatible, reliable friends in those communities.

You as the traveler become a visitor, an honored guest free to explore what interests you. With your new friends you get to know their streets and sidewalks, their shops and cafés, their children and their pets, their lives in different cultural settings.

That said, I offer a Close Up program here in Seattle: a day where you live as locals do, running errands, meeting friends.

As your host, I invite you along... I'll pick up the tab for your meals and incidentals. Your hotel is prepaid. All you do is enjoy the enriching experience.

I invite you to join me on your next vacation to the Pacific Northwest of the United States. There cannot be any better way to travel with a European living in the US.

Seattle: Up Close with Andrea Nims

Andrea's suggestions:

"I invite you to join me and my American-born husband on your next vacation to the Pacific Northwest of the United States. There cannot be any better way to travel with a European living in the US."

"Apart from travel, I am very much a fan of nature. I love to hike — whether it rains or shines — and always enjoy the steady companionship of my beautiful German Shorthair Pointer dog, called Wolfi. When I am at home I enjoy entertaining groups of friends for dinners mostly, who so look forward to learn yet something else of the European people, its food and life styles. I do cherish my cup of tea in the afternoon — a quiet moment. Often I become a European tourist who wants to discover every nook and crevasse of where I am — but then I attribute my curiosity in people & places as part of my nature. It is very easy for me to meet people and at the same time learn about and from them."

"When I need a sense of Europe in my life, I go to places that remind me so of Europe, for example, strolling along Kirkland's waterfront and Pike Place Market; or visiting some European specialty stores where I can pick up some of my favorite foods; or simply going to some of my favorite restaurants with atmosphere and flair. I find it very intriguing to live — what I consider — two lives: as a European and as an American."

"We had a most enjoyable visit in Seattle, WA. Thank you for including us into your life."

— Ronan & Mathilde M., Nice, France

"The greater Seattle area in Washington State is an awesome destination. Our host Andrea made Seattle, WA, its people; culture and its pioneering history come alive to us. We totally relaxed in her presence. We appreciated the fact that we had a real chance to immerse ourselves into the American way life. We so enjoyed an evening dinner at her best friend's house. We learned a tremendous amount about American life that evening that we vowed never to watch American TV shows again. Through Andrea we also met with another wonderful friend of hers who is a real wine & food enthusiast. We got to sample the very best Seattle has to offer! The only regret we have that we had to leave our newfound friends behind."

— Sascha & Stefanie E., Bremen, Germany

"Andrea, thanks to you we experienced the beautiful city of Seattle, as well as the breathtaking country- and seaside, and had wonderful picnics and meals. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone considering it. You will get tired but then there is always a stop at Starbucks Coffee. We are truly fortunate to have come across you as a host. We couldn't have seen your area in any better way."

— Beate, H., Davos, Switzerland

"Dear Andrea, I can't imagine traveling any other way. You were very sweet, informative and personable. Every stop was worthwhile and time well spent. It is a great way to see the NW Pacific of the US with a European who makes her living there. We had a lot of fun. Thank you again for all you did for us and showed us. We will gladly recommend you to all of our friends."

— Marlin & Regina K., Skopje, Macedonia