Greetings, fellow adventurers! In today’s blog post, we’re shining the spotlight on a beloved member of the Pleasurebent Tours family, Shelia Ross. Shelia, a native of Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been a cornerstone of our tour escort team over the last decade, guiding travelers through some of the most breathtaking destinations worldwide.
When Shelia isn’t leading our small group tours, she stays connected to her community through her roles at a local women’s clothing boutique, Willow on Rio Grande, and assisting at Silverstem Floral during the bustling wedding season. Her connection to people and places runs deep, making her a perfect fit for the Pleasurebent Tours ethos.
Over the years, Shelia has escorted groups to an impressive array of destinations including the icy expanses of Iceland, the vibrant culture of Japan, the lush rainforests of Costa Rica, and the historic waterways of the Panama Canal, just to name a few. Her adventures have spanned continents from Europe to Alaska, the Bahamas, Mexico, and beyond, enriching the lives of travelers and creating unforgettable memories.
Shelia believes that the key ingredients to a successful trip are a smile, an open mind, and respect. She recalls how a simple smile and a compliment once secured a seat for her group on a “sold-out” flight—an anecdote that perfectly captures her charm and savvy. Her travel philosophy underscores the importance of openness and respect, reminding us that while we may come from different backgrounds, travel unites us in profound ways.
Preparing for each new adventure involves a balance of research and the anticipation of surprises. Shelia loves to dive into the history and culture of her upcoming destinations but leaves room for the unexpected, believing that the true magic of travel lies in spontaneous moments and new discoveries.
Among her favorite reads is A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles, reflecting her taste for stories that explore the depth of human experience and the richness of life’s journeys.
Shelia’s role goes beyond mere guidance; she sees herself as a hostess, ensuring every traveler’s comfort and enriching their experience with her knowledge and warmth. Her interactions with guests have led to lasting friendships, heartwarming experiences, and shared moments of joy and solace. Whether it’s helping a guest overcome a fear of heights in Costa Rica or sharing a tearful moment with a widow finding solace in travel, Shelia’s compassionate approach makes each trip special.
She believes that travel serves as a grounding force, connecting us with the world and reminding us of our shared humanity and individual uniqueness. Her stories from the road resonate with a simple truth: while we all have our journeys, traveling together brings us closer.
Pleasurebent Tours invites you to explore the world through our small group tours, and we hope Shelia will be there to welcome you with her signature smile and a wealth of stories. She’d like to leave you with this, “I think Pleasurebent Tours has a special niche in the travel industry and invite you to travel the world. We gotta do it NOW! Hope I get to escort a tour with you soon.”
Happy trails, Shelia & the Pleasurebent Tours Team!
Pleasurebent Tours visits over 100 destinations annually and all 7 continents every 18 months. If one of our group tours doesn’t meet your needs, we offer custom individual and group tours through our in-house travel agent!
If traveling from outside of southern Arizona, no worries! We can accommodate your travel to meet with our groups.
For New Mexico residents, we invite you to explore our sister company, SUN TOURS at SunToursUS.com!