Bruce Epstein has been the President of Odysseys Unlimited since founding the company in 1998. He has spent his career in the travel industry and has been fortunate to experience a remarkable breadth of countries and cultures firsthand. Bruce makes his home in Boston, MA, with his wife Becky, and relishes spending time with his three children and two grandchildren.
Bruce (right) with wife Becky and longtime colleague Mahmoud in Luxor, Egypt
While I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have traveled across the globe – and visited some remarkable places – my travels within the U.S. are lacking in breadth. I still have a fairly long list of places to visit here in the States that could take a few years to accomplish. However, I would say that Alaska is currently at the top of my travel wish list. I would like to experience its magnificent wilderness firsthand.
Odysseys guests on Root Glacier during our Alaska's Untamed Wilderness tour
A specific answer to this question evades me. But, while I’ve enjoyed meals in every imaginable setting and all sorts of cuisines, my favorites tend to be the hidden, lesser-known, small neighborhood establishments where the entire experience (food, setting, local clientele, and service) can go well beyond all expectations. Oftentimes this happens with no plan and no reservation – just a casual walk-in.
There are so many cities in which I’ve spent a good bit of time – both on business or at leisure with my wife Becky – and I am always thrilled to return to my favorites. The list would include Venice, Paris, Dubrovnik, Marrakech, Jerusalem, and many more. But if forced to pick one city only, it would be Istanbul.
Aside from the wonderful sights and amazing neighborhoods (both the touristed areas and those off the beaten track), I have good Turkish friends going back more than 35 years, and it’s always a pleasure to reunite.
Istanbul's magnificent Blue Mosque, which we tour on Legendary Türkiye
That’s a tough question and I don’t have a simple answer. When I started the company in 1998, I really had no idea of where we were going or what this journey with Odysseys Unlimited would be like. We’ve done a lot in these 28 years but I’ve found that everything worthwhile that we’ve accomplished is rooted in our people.
From our fabulous, dedicated employees in Boston to our caring tour directors and travel partners around the globe – what we do would not be possible without their hard work, loyalty, and dedication to service. All this culminates with our satisfied guests, who are able to broaden their views and discover all the world has to offer. Our ability to contribute to this even in a small way is hugely rewarding.
There have been lots of good travel films over the years and it’s always enjoyable to sit back and see the world through others’ eyes on the big screen. I always enjoy Midnight in Paris and being transported back to the city’s vibrant 1920s art scene and its cast of characters. While not really “travel films” as such, I’m always captivated by the Jason Bourne movies (especially the original trilogy with Matt Damon). The globe-hopping always plays a key role in these thrillers. I will also confess that, when relaxing at home, Becky and I do tend to gravitate to HGTV’s House Hunters International.
Interested in following in Bruce's footsteps by joining an Odysseys tour? Simply submit an online reservation request or call us at 1-888-370-6765 and one of our Travel Counselors will be happy to assist you.
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