About Us

 

Sweet Life Tours began as our dream to share with other women our passion for exploring different cultures, diverse geographies, and meeting interesting people in a fun and positive way. We encourage women to stretch their comfort zones by taking a journey of personal adventure and self-discovery.

 

We believe travel offers transformative experiences by broadening horizons and providing cross-cultural perspectives. By transcending cultural barriers, we gain new insights and build bonds which are invaluable to personal happiness and growth. Travel also allows us to replenish and reward ourselves.

Our tours are designed and implemented by women, for women. We are well traveled with more than 20 years of tour planning, organization and guiding experience. We personally research and hand craft each itinerary. One of our biggest passions is creating memorable travel experiences that will delight and inspire our travelers. This is what makes our women’s tours exceptional.  

 

Colleen Murphy

As a senior guide for Rick Steves’ Europe through the Back Door for the past 18 years, Colleen has helped plan and manage more than 60 European tours. Colleen continues to lead tours for Rick Steves while also developing her own journeys for Sweet Life Tours. Her personable management style, sense of humor, and leadership skills have made her a highly rated and sought-after guide throughout her career. Colleen spends almost 200 days each year traveling, leading and creating new tours in Greece, Costa Rica, Bali, Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands and China. She also mentors and trains new guides while on the road and at home in Seattle.

Colleen embarked on her first big travel adventure in 1984, living and studying in Barcelona, Spain and backpacking throughout Europe and Mexico. Her early travel experiences stretched her comfort zone and empowered her to take many of her dream trips. Since then her passion for exploring new places has taken her to more than twenty countries in Europe, Central America, South America, Africa and Asia.

 

Some of Colleen’s favorite ways to unwind are checking out local artists and listening to live music. She also likes to people watch, loves outdoor sports, getting together with friends, and taking long walks with her dog. One of the reasons Colleen loves to take people traveling is seeing the ways in which they open up to new places and ideas. “Part of the fun of travel is experiencing how things are done differently in other cultures. It’s the differences that make travel—and life—so fascinating.”  

 

Carol Hoofnagle

Carol brings more than 18 years of corporate experience at Microsoft to the co-founding and management of Sweet Life Tours. Her ability to manage complex programs and organize multiple details, combined with her love of travel, makes her a natural at planning and developing exceptional tours.

 
"Although I’ve spent many years in the corporate world, I have an insatiable passion for travel!” Carol's love of travel began at an early age. “Our family trips canoeing down the Delaware River, camping in the Adirondacks, and exploring small villages in Mexico instilled the adventurous spirit in me. My own travels have taken me throughout Europe, North America, Costa Rica, and on a three-month backpacking trip through Mexico." Carol is currently creating new journeys for Sweet Life Tours in Costa Rica and Greece. 

Besides travel, what Carol enjoys most is spending time with her family, friends and her adorable dog. She especially loves outdoor activities with her family - hiking, skiing, kayaking and biking. Designing one-of-a-kind jewelry is one of her creative outlets.