The Memorable Odysseys Story
Our story of Memorable Odysseys revolves around a personal life journey in the travel business on the Indian Sub-continent. Our founder grew up in India and has family roots in the tourism industry. After finishing his bachelors degree he worked in the International (Inbound) travel business for a premier tour operator in New Delhi. Helping travelers with their tour needs to India, Nepal and Bhutan wasn’t just a profession for him… it was his passion! After immigrating to the United States, he continued to have friends, community members and extended family members (from the US) travel with him to India. His fervor to show his native country has led to the creation of Memorable Odyssey. With this bequest in mind and as our business continues to grow, we have taken the same enthusiasm and assembled a team to share some unique and memorable experiences for our travelers. We strive to move away from the "cookie cutter" itineraries offered to Americans and replace it with a more personalized experiences that involves staying at smaller, owner-operated boutique hotels, do community activities, visit NGO's, and get more local experiences that big tour operators are really unable to offer.
Our Commitment
Memorable Odysseys is passionate about providing memorable travel experiences for our travel groups based on their unique desires. Our team has the extensive experience within the Indian Sub-continent and specialized capabilities to provide extraordinary, personalized experiences at a good value.
Our Team
Ash
Operations Director & Guide
Ash is a founding member of Memorable Odysseys. He grew up in India and immigrated to the US in 2000. Ash has a Master’s Degree in Tourism from Delhi University and a MBA from Central Michigan University. Ash is multi-lingual and speaks 2 other languages apart from English and Hindi (most spoken language in India). Prior to immigrating to the US, he worked for SITA World Travels (Now Le Pessage to India) in New Delhi and has extensive experience with Indian Sub-continent.
Ash, his wife Angie and 2 boys are seasoned travelers and enjoy travelling. Personally, Ash has been to over 30 countries and visited 6 continents.
Apart from International travel, Ash enjoys hiking, playing tennis and spending time with his family.
Carol
Professional Tour Guide
Carol is the tour coordinator with Memorable Odysseys. She has been intrigued with other countries and cultures since high school after getting to know several foreign exchange students, including the one her family hosted when she was in college. Working with refugees after college inspired her to become a Peace Corps Volunteer, where she served in the Dominican Republic. Now, Carol is excited to lead groups in India, Nepal and Bhutan for Memorable Odysseys.
In addition to the India and the Dominican Republic, Carol has traveled to Haiti, Venezuela, Japan, Singapore, Thailand and Laos. One of her favorite travel memories is from Laos, crossing the Mekong and then unexpectedly needing to stay the night on the other side due to a thunderstorm. The Don Det resort was quaint and not very developed with the “restaurants” simply an extension of people’s homes and the electricity turned off at 10:00 pm. The next day most everyone went to bathe in the river, in spite of having bathed at the resort. A female Lao travel companion showed her how to appropriately and safely bathe in the river with its very strong current. The Lao women wrapped in sarong when getting undressed, and kept it on while dressing again. A group of young Lao girls found it amusing to watch a foreigner trying to get undressed and dressed using the sarong.
Jeff
Marketing & Sales Director
Jeff connects with a variety of groups and listens to their unique vision for a memorable travel experience. Jeff has spent 25 years in marketing and sales in both corporate and entrepreneurial settings. He has a passion for helping groups create meaningful experiences through travel.
Jeff, his wife Elizabeth and two children enjoy traveling and the outdoors. Jeff has traveled to almost every U.S. state, plus has has traveled to Australia, Scandinavia, India and extensively throughout Europe.
Jeff loves to travel, attend live music and sporting events, sample craft beers, relax in Northern Minnesota and most of all spend quality time with family and friends.
Anu
Local Destination Manager
Anu is based in India and is the Local Destination Manger for Memorable Odysseys. Anu has over 20 years experience in the Indian tourism industry leading to extraordinary relationships with leading hotels, ground transportation and domestic airlines in India.
By nature Anu is very caring, a good mother and wife, leading to a caring touch in managing the details of hospitality arrangements. Her knowledge about all the available accommodation and transportation options are extensive. She has traveled extensively in India, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.
Ritu Raj
Professional Tour Guide
Ritu Raj is a licensed by Govt of India for escorting and leading group tours with extensive experience of more than 18 years in the tourism industry. Ritu Raj has traveled extensively throughout India and is well versed with Indian culture and history.
Ritu Raj holds Tourist Guide License (Northern Region) issued by Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India (Issued on 20-11-2014). He provides excellent customer service and knowledge of Indian History, economy, polity and culture. He has worked with the Embassy of the USA, Israel & United Kingdom to lead tours for dignitaries and celebrities.
