About Aticus Travel
How It All Began
We are proud of who we are, what we stand for and how we arrived at this point. Please take some time to learn about who we are and how we operate.
Born in West Germany to a father in the Air Force and a mother from Ipswich, England, Rebecca was less than a year old when she first traveled abroad to visit her mother’s family. Thus began a lifetime of travel and a deep love for Europe.
Attending a British primary school in her youth, she learned to maypole dance, knot a school uniform tie precisely, spell using the Queen’s English and appreciate the wit of British humor. Moving from England to the beautiful Dutch countryside, Rebecca soon fell in love with this land and its people. She often had occasion to visit nearby Germany for high school athletic events and church-sponsored activities. Meanwhile, family vacations took her to destinations throughout Europe.
After receiving a bachelor’s degree in International Studies with a minor in European Studies from Brigham Young University, Rebecca earned a master’s degree in European Studies from the University of Birmingham in England while a young mother.
Mirroring her own childhood experience, her children attended a British primary school while she was at university. Each Saturday was designated a “Fun Family Day” and it was spent exploring the region’s culture, historic buildings, events and foods.
Upon returning to Utah, Rebecca was dismayed with how many people believed that visiting Europe was outside their reach.
One young woman, in particular, lamented to Rebecca that the only way she could see Europe was to pay an extraordinary sum to a tour company that would be bouncing their young participants from country to country covering a large part of the continent, but spending only hours to a single night in most of the countries.
Rebecca knew there was a better way. A different way to see Europe. She began working with young ladies to put together an affordable tour of Europe. She made them a part of the planning process and Jane Austen played heavily into the resulting itinerary to England.
They set about saving money for the trip and after a year of planning and saving, these young women were able to reach their goal. They had an amazing visit, seeing large cities and small villages, spending a fraction of what they would have had to pay for a large, impersonal group tour. Years later, they still talk about what a remarkable experience they had on their first visit to Europe.
Rebecca built on this model of affordable, small group touring to eventually create Aticus Travel. She has led groups ranging from 6 to 14 participants on tours across Europe.
Itineraries have included: Italy during spring and during the harvest season, World War II historic sites in England and France, the Black Forest region of Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium during tulip season, Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic, Bavarian Germany, visit to participants’ ancestral lands in England and Wales, England and Scotland, England and Ireland, the Alps region of Switzerland, Italy and Austria and a week of fun in Paris and London.
Her primary wish is that everyone with a desire to visit Europe have the opportunity to go. She often says, “If you can afford to go to Disneyland, you can afford to go to Europe.” Then, she gets to work making affordable trips happen.
Our Values Give Us Our Name
ATICUS Travel is Affordable, Trusted, Immersive, Customized, Unique and Stress-free Travel. Here's why:
Affordable Travel
With low overhead and a focus on finding low-cost options, we are able to provide travel at a lower rate than most large travel companies for small group tours.
No Gimmicks
We offer full itineraries rather than lots of "free time". We guarantee departure at least 4 months in advance. Pricing is clear. No hidden add-ons.
Engaging Activities
Due to small group sizes, we can participate in immersive experiences such as becoming chef for the afternoon or learning to play the bagpipes.
Flexible Schedule
We can adjust our pacing by staying longer at places of interest, stopping for pictures along the way, or adding sights of special significance to our tour (with notice).
Travel Beyond
We go beyond the big cities and tourist havens to the towns and villages that truly characterize the places we are visiting. We see places that large tour buses would not even be able to enter.
We're Here For You
We will take care of all of the details, so that you can just relax and enjoy. We will help prepare you for your travels with tips on packing, currency exchange, local customs and more.
Testimonials
Don't just take our word for it, read some of the recent testimonials we have received from happy travelers!
Traveling through Aticus Travel was such a great decision for me! I had the opportunity to go to England and it was one of the funnest trips I have been on, and I LOVE traveling as much as I am able to. The cost was very affordable and worth it for everything we were able to do. There were so many things I wouldn’t have been able to do had I gone on my own. I had such a blast with such fun people and ate the best food also. I would highly recommend doing any travels through Aticus Travel.
LISA G
I have traveled with Aticus Travels a few times now. Each time I have felt safe which was very comforting in a foreign country. I was impressed with their knowledge of each site we went to. It was great to learn things about where we visited and not just see them. I felt well informed before the trip of what to expect and what to pack and prepare for. It was nice to get to know the group I was traveling with before the trip at meetings. I loved the group dynamic but also appreciated the times where we were able to explore alone. I would definitely travel with Aticus Travels again and would recommend them to anyone wanting to travel safely and at a low cost.
KRYS J
Traveling with Atticus Travel and Rebecca has been a wonderful experience for myself and my family. We appreciate the detail she puts into the the itinerary, the information of the destinations. It’s Rebecca’s genuine passion to assure we have the very best experience from the flights, hotel stays, tours, and special dinners that set Aticus Travel apart from others.
SHANE B
Traveling with Aticus was the best decision I’ve ever made. I’ve been on two separate trips with this company now, and I wouldn’t hesitate to go with Aticus again! The prices are amazing, and they’re willing to go above and beyond to make sure you see the things you’ve been dreaming of. Five stars.
NICOLE W
My experience with Aticus Travel was outstanding. We met with the guide months before our departure, covering the itinerary (which was presented as a slide show or the sites), the necessary items, and meet the people who would be traveling with us. The guide really knew the area. We were able to see and do things that we wouldn't have seen or even known about if we were on our own or with a large group. I liked the variety of lodgings that we stayed at. The itinerary was full and we were able to do something different each day, including visiting quaint towns and walking paths. We climbed a lot of towers in churches but they all seemed to be different to me. We were introduced to a variety of food and the guide was able to make recommendations in preference for the country we were in, as well as describe the food so we would know whether it would be something we would like. We traveled around England and Scotland in cars and the ladies were rotated on a daily basis so we could get to know each other better. It was a fun, exciting, and informative trip and I would do it again.
CARROLYN T
I luckily found out about Aticus through a friend who went on one of their tours. I now have traveled twice to Europe with this wonderful new way to travel. No planning, no travel booking headaches, no waiting in lines to get into heavily booked tourist venues and eating in restaurants that are totally immersed with the local culture! The value for your dollar begins with pre planning meetings and meeting the people you will be traveling with. The places we stayed were far beyond my expectations! This is not just another travel company. They are people who really care about fulfilling your dreams.
LINDA G
I have always been picky/nervous about international travel. I went on my first trip with Aticus travel and was beyond impressed with how organized, stress free and fun the whole thing was! It's cool because we got to see the big tourist stuff that you want to see, but then there were some hidden off the beaten path sites and activities that were also included. I though this was cool as it wasn't like everybody typical tourist vacation. If your still not sure who to pick, listen to this. My mom, who's is worse then me with the nervousness when it come to traveling to unknown/international destinations. After hearing 2 successful and amazingly fun trips I've been on has signed up for a Germany trip this summer and is the most excited and nervous free I've ever seen her. 100% suggest using Aticus travel if your looking for a fun, stress free trip!
ALEX M
I would recommend traveling with Rebecca. My husband and I have gone on two different European tours with her. She planned and guided us every step of the way. All we had to do was pay our money and show up and everything was taken care of. The destinations and sights we visited were all wonderful. We were with a small group of friends and enjoyed every minute. Rebecca has traveled extensively and is familiar with the countries and knows many out of the way places to visit. She is currently planning a tour for 12 of our family members to NYC. She is very professional and is open to investigating any new venues or recommending ones with which she is familiar. Rebecca is wonderful and you will be so happy if you decide to travel with Aticus Travel.
SALLY D
Our first trip with Rebecca exceeded our expectations!!! The number of sites and quality of sites we toured along with the education she provided was truly amazing!!! We look forward to traveling with her again!!!
DOUG AND DENISE A