Spotlight on GANYC Member: Linda Sarrel
Spotlight on GANYC Member: Linda Sarrel!
Linda is a licensed New York City sightseeing guide and the founder of Rent A New Yorker Tours. She is a native New Yorker, born and raised in Brooklyn. She has lived in Manhattan for over 35 years. Join her on a tour and share her intimate knowledge of New York's most fascinating neighborhoods!
How long have you been a tour guide?
13 Years
Has your company or organization been featured in print, broadcast (tv or radio) or online media?
My Coney Island tour was featured in the online magazine TheStreet.com under the title "Skip The Tour Bus, Hire A Personal Guide". The link is http://www.thestreet.com/story/10383526/1/skip-the-tour-bus-hire-a-personal-guide.html
What drove you to become a tour guide?
I love history and I love New York. I think it is just a spectacular place and I want to show the spectacle to visitors. I want to show them the great buildings. I want to see them snack on great food. I want to take them into neighborhoods and down streets they'd never find on there own. New York can be a scary place. I want to help them feel safe and taken care of. After working for the New York Telephone Company-Verizon for 24 years I took early retirement to become a sightseeing guide. I have never regretted it.
What is the most gratifying part of your work?
When people say they never thought they would like the city but now they do like it. Now they are talking about a return trip!
I love when guests appreciate my stories and jokes. I think most guides are performers and who doesn't love an appreciative audience!
When's a good time to tour with you?
Spring, through the Fall is a great time to visit Coney Island or Brighton Beach. I start doing these tours in April. Rates depend on type of tour and hours.
What types of tours do you offer? (Walking, Biking, Bus, etc...)
Walking tours through a number of neighborhoods in Manhattan and Brooklyn. During my walking tours I focus on a number things. These would include the history, architecture and definitely the food of a particular area. I want my guests to get a picture of how this or that area fits into the puzzle of the city both in the past and present. The future also, as the city changes rapidly.
Bus tours through different areas of the city as dictated by the guest's itinerary. Stops are usually made according to the needs of the guests. Any good guide knows where good restrooms are! My personal favorite is the Time Warner Center. People love those Botero sculptures!
Subway tours with groups that really want to do the subways but are frightened to do it alone. I like to do the Q train over the Manhattan Bridge with the phenomenal views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan skylines.
I also do custom tours for guests. They tell me what they want to do, see, eat etc. and I work out the logistics and create the tour.
How has GANYC helped you and your business?
It has provided connections through FAM tours and creating a space where I can meet other guides to network with. The Job Board on the GANYC website has been very helpful to me.
For more info visit her website or book a tour with her!