Meet Tour Director Christy Huffman
As a self-proclaimed Choir Momma Extraordinaire, Christy Huffman learned the ins and outs of keeping a touring group on time. She now uses those skills as an MTC Tour Director.
Christy was born and raised in Indiana and lives with her loving husband of 32 years. They have two daughters who are both grown, leaving them empty-nesters. She is a cosmetologist and owns A Good Hair Day Salon. Prior to getting into cosmetology, Huffman was an HR Payroll Administrator for over 20 years. Her hobbies include going to NASCAR and Indy Car races, swimming in her backyard pool, boating and of course traveling.
What year did you start as a Tour Director for Music Travel Consultants?
I started with MTC in December of 2022. Such a short time ago for so many big adventures.
Do you have any background in music, education or music education?
I do not have any musical talents. No one wants to hear me sing or play an instrument. My background is being a choir momma extraordinaire. I was the choir booster president during my daughter’s high school years. This earned me the nickname Momma C because the kids always said Momma could SEE everything.
How did you get started tour directing?
In my choir momma days, I organized the yearly tours and was in charge of making sure the trip ran smoothly. I also became a certified travel agent right out of high school and worked in the travel industry for three years.
How many total trips have you tour directed?
Currently I have directed five amazing trips and gained so much knowledge on moving large groups with heavy equipment.
What is the most challenging part of being a successful MTC Tour Director?
Remembering I am not the choir momma anymore and that I am the key to making the clients trip everything they hoped for when booking.
What is the largest group you have tour directed?
Myself and another TD took 160 travelers to Honolulu, Hawaii. I had 100 travels in my airline group along with the marching band instruments.
What is one fact you wish travelers knew before a trip departs?
There are very strict regulations on charter busses, from how long a driver can work, where they can park, how long they can sit in one location and all of this is out of the driver and TD’s control.
What is your proudest moment when your presence made a difference or significant impact on a trip?
A high school from Houston, was visiting Indianapolis. A scheduled workshop was cancelled leaving them four hours of down time. I was able to organize a tour of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and track tour to fill the time. Nothing more Hoosier than a trip to the Speedway to kiss the bricks.
What is your favorite place to travel or visit with & without groups?
I am an avid cruiser and love the Caribbean Islands.
What does it take to be a successful MTC Tour Director?
The ability to multi-task, think three steps ahead and solve any bumps in the road. Most importantly remain calm and make it all look effortless to the clients.
What are the benefits of having an MTC Tour Director at your side?
When the unexpected happens we have the knowledge and resources to manage it and solve or work around it, leaving the clients the ability to continue enjoying their trip without the stress.
Any advice or tidbits you want to share with directors considering performance travel?
Enjoy the ride, take in the experience with your group, but always be on the lookout for issues and solutions.
Welcome Christy and safe travels!
Do you think you have what it takes to be an MTC Tour Director like Christy Huffman?
Contact Music Travel Consultants to start planning your next trip.
