Global Gadabout

Thom Wise

“The Global Gadabout”

Do you not like to travel, or just plain won’t leave the country? Would you like someone to be your travel eyes and ears? An envoy? Do your reconnaissance, anywhere in the world? You’ve seen it on Google maps, but you’re just not sure? It’s fear vs. desire.

Here are just a few examples of what I’m talking about:

Your grandfather used to live in Prague, and you’d like to see detailed photos of his house and the area of town he lived
You need someone to pick up some very expensive glassware in Italy, direct from the factory
Your adopted daughter was born in China, but you’ve never seen the village where she was born
You read about a museum in Copenhagen, but you’d like to find out more about it
You heard about a new archeological dig in Turkey, but you’re not sure you can go
You’ve seen photos of a theater you’d like to rent in London, but what is the place really like
You think your ancestor is from County Claire, but you’d like to look it up in the records
You need a secret shopper

Well… I’m here, for you, because I’m a “Consummate Generalist.” I love to know a little about a lot of things, and my curiosity seems boundless. Let my natural sense of the adventure work for you. Let me be your eyes and ears. (Do you wonder why my teachers used to call me “Doubting Thomas??”)

As it goes, I’m either out in the world, traveling, or I’m home planning my next trip, so why not let me handle something you’ve had on your list but, for one reason or another, haven’t been able to accomplish. Let me be your boots on the ground, as it were. Your secret shopper.

How does this work?
My itinerary is nearly always available, and if there’s something you’d like me to do for you while I’m out and about, just tell me. If I’m nearby, or it’s on the way, it generally is never a problem. I can do whatever is needed: visit, shop, photograph, vimeo, explore or research.

The cost is always reasonable, and negotiable, but it’s generally $35 per hour or $240 per day, plus any expense(s) directly related to your request. If it’s something that requires more time, I’ll always be willing to give you a fixed cost, per the nature of the project.

If your request is time-sensitive, I’ll always do my best to accommodate. If I’m in Bogata, but you need something in Dublin, it’s just a plane ride away most of the time. You can pay the transportation cost, plus the daily rate, and consider it done.

Think of it this way: If you weren’t sure about something but wanted to check it out, you’d have to take time off work, fly there and back, pay for meals and hotels… Or you could pay me for much less and know, with confidence, it will get handled. Often for very much less when you consider how much it would cost you to take time off work, schedule the trip, etc. etc.

And why Thom Wise, The Global Gadabout? Because I’m honest, trusted, resourceful and discrete. References available, of course, upon request.

FAQ

Can you use my airline or hotel points in lieu of cash? Of course, gladly accepted.
Do you accept Paypal? Yes, it’s fast and easy and I can easily give you my account info.
Do we sign contracts? No, because we both know that I’m trustworthy, and if we get into legalese it could end up being a 15 page document… and who has time for that?