Meet Bennett Travel Tour Director Tracee Lentz
A Michigan native, Tracee Lentz blends her passion for education, music and student travel in her role as a tour director with Bennett Travel.
Lentz joined Bennett Travel following an exceptional 30-year career teaching vocal music and other subjects at Tawas Area Schools. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education with a concentration in vocal music and a minor in English literature from Central Michigan University. As both a student and through postgraduate experiences, Lentz had the opportunity to perform at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, igniting her lifelong love for New York City. Her years in the classroom showed her the incredible value that travel provides for students, inspiring her to begin working with Bennett Travel prior to retiring from teaching. She quickly discovered a new passion for ensuring directors, students and families enjoy smooth and memorable travel experiences.
Now, as a Tour Director with Bennett Travel, Lentz looks forward to every trip, finding fulfillment in helping others turn their travel dreams into reality. She is committed to making each journey as trouble-free as possible so that directors and students can focus on the joy of discovery.
Lentz lives in Michigan, where she enjoys traveling, exploring new destinations and sharing those experiences with others.
Q&A with Tracee
Do you have any background in music, education or music education?
I taught elementary music, JH and HS choir, and conducted two adult community choirs. I also sing for various events.
How did you get started tour directing?
During my first trip to NYC in 2012 with Jeff Bennett as the tour director/designer, I said to him, “I want to do this when I retire. How do I make that happen?” He called me in 2015 after he started Bennett Travel and asked how serious I was. I told him, “dead serious,” and that is how it all began.
How many total trips have you tour directed?
Probably over 60.
What is the most challenging part of being a successful Bennett Travel Tour Director?
The most challenging in NYC is traffic gridlock road closures. Overall, flight delays. Basically anything we have no control over.
What is the largest group you have tour directed?
230 people
What is one fact you wish travelers knew before a trip departs?
There WILL be changes to the itinerary, usually just running things, but it is going to happen.
What is your proudest moment when your presence made a difference or significant impact on a trip?
That would have to be a trip to NYC when our flight was cancelled from LaGuardia but I was able to get us to Boston to get on our connecting flight. It took a bit of maneuvering since the airline had cancelled us out of our connecting flight, but I got it done and we arrived home on time.
What is your favorite place to travel or visit with & without groups?
I love NYC and am starting to love New Orleans as well with groups. On my own, anywhere I’m with my friends and family!
What does it take to be a successful Tour Director?
Patience and proper prior planning!
What are the benefits of having a Tour Director at your side?
Having a TD with you from door to door is invaluable! We make sure all stops for restrooms and food are appropriate for everyone and we take care of any travel issues that come up so you, as the trip leader, can focus on your travelers.
Any advice or tidbits you want to share with directors considering performance travel?
We cater to the specific needs of performing groups better than any other travel company because many of us were directors who traveled with our own students. We know how to anticipate your needs and all of the possible problems that can arise during a trip and build each trip to your desires. Get on a cycle of traveling and you will see your program numbers increase!
