About us - Kim's LifeTours

Who We Are

Kim's LifeTours offers group travel for adults in various global destinations. Our educational and enrichment opportunities provide diverse experiences that foster international understanding and cultivate relationships as we become immersed in other cultures.

While practical packing lists are suggested, the most important thing to take along is an open mind. We learn to appreciate various perspectives as we discover our similarities and differences; as we are immersed in other cultures, we create connections with locals that give us a deeper understanding of the world. Whether savoring traditional cuisine at a local trattoria, exploring the countryside on two wheels, or touring museums of local artifacts, we participate in a world of wonder beyond our own backyard.

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Past tours include:

Cycling in Italy, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, and Slovenia
Mystery and crime literature in Great Britain
Yoga in France and Italy
Hiking in England

About Kim O’Flaherty

Kim has been leading and coordinating group travel abroad since 1985. Her wanderlust began in earnest while studying overseas in college. She loves sharing her passion for adventure, culture, food, wine, and art with adults of all ages. Formerly a university outreach program manager, Kim is a fervent believer in lifelong learning, and in extending the walls of the campus to the world. She has led numerous cycling and hiking trips in Europe and has co-led semesters abroad in England and Germany. She splits her time between Minnesota and Colorado.

Our Team

Steve McClaran

Steve as co-led many cycling and hiking trips abroad. An emeritus professor of exercise science and personal health, he is also an advocate for lifelong learning and increasing our understanding of the places we visit. He enjoys exploring many of the local biking and hiking trails that offer spectacular vistas as well as the cultural and historical sites along the way. Steve is the group mechanic on our bicycle trips.

Jutta Brendel

Jutta is a native of Germany and has traveled extensively in Europe. She speaks Italian fluently, and has planned and led several trips to Italy including a Tuscan cycling tour, and walking tours of the Amalfi coast, Sicily, and the Etruscan countryside. Jutta taught English as a Second Language at UW-Stevens Point before retirement.

Richard Ruppel

Richard has led many dozens of bicycling and hiking tours of Europe, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland. He is a retired Professor of German at UW -Stevens Point, and has spent many years studying and working in Europe.