ABOUT US
OUR MISSION
Helping you create enriching experiences outside the classroom.
A successful educational tour starts long before students begin to step on the coach bus. From conceptualizing the best location based on your academic program and school culture, to making sure everyone returns safely with a wealth of memories, we are a true partner in the entire travel process. Established in 1984, we have a legacy of not only successful trips but long-standing relationships and resources that are unparalleled. Trip organizers receive a dedicated Fantastic Tours consultant to ensure a 24/7 commitment to your student trip. We offer guidance as we craft a trip to meet your ideal vision, making your trip a once in a lifetime experience for all.
LEARN MORE
Meet Our Staff
Kathryn Fal
FOUNDER
In her words: The roots of Fantastic Tours lay in my own childhood when I was awestruck by the class trip I took in middle school. It left a powerful impression – one that stayed with me until my professional development. I wanted to share the joy of learning through travel with students the way I had once experienced it as an adolescent on what felt like a magical, educational adventure. I founded Fantastic Tours in 1984. Owning and building Fantastic Tours enabled me to raise my family and still be immersed in a field I loved. And, as my children grew, so did the company. By 1995 we were a national company and then 5 short years later, a global entity. I am grateful to be able to assist teachers and administrators who want to introduce students to a world of possibilities outside the classroom. Even all these years later, inside, I am still that middle schooler in awe of the wonder of travel…
Fun fact: I’ve played mahjongg for over 40 years, attend tournaments, and now teach it.
Kelly Malone
Executive Administrator
In her words: Since joining Fantastic Tours in 2004, I’ve had the opportunity to work throughout the organization in nearly every position. I like to think of myself as a “utility player”! From Tour Director to Account Executive, I loved it all but finally found my perfect fit in an administrative role in 2008. I already knew the company from every angle and my natural tendency is to want to help others so it was a perfect fit. When I’m not in the office you can catch me in the garden, or experimenting in the kitchen (I’m obsessed with Food Network). Time off also consists of rooting for my favorite teams – the NY Rangers and the NY Giants! When I’m ready for a vacation, I head out east – where all self-respecting Long Islanders go – Montauk – for a camping weekend with my family! Sometimes if we want a to head west for adventure we pack the car and road trip it to the Poconos!
Fun fact: If you ever find yourself eating at the Texas Roadhouse in Parlin, NJ, check out the wall mural for a picture of me in action rooting for my Rangers! Let’s Go NYR!!!
Jeanne Zabudoski
Account Executive
In her own words: I joined Fantastic Tours in 1985 as a part time administrative assistant. Preparing countless trip proposals, I learned so much about student travel. When my boss retired in 2003 I was promoted to Account Executive and with my children grown decided to work full time in an industry I love. When I am out of the office I enjoy reading, crossword puzzles and going to beaches everywhere. I once swam in the Pacific Ocean and then in the Atlantic Ocean 24 hours later. But, what I really enjoy most is spending time with my 8 little “gumballs”…aka grandchildren.
Fun fact: In high school, I held the record for being the first one on Sister Immaculata’s hot pretzel line. They were 10 cents each (that’s right, you read 10 CENTS!) and the best tasting pretzels I’ve ever had to this day.
Geri Shumer
Account Executive
In her own words: After going to school for public relations, I worked in the communications industry for 10+ years. Once my children were born however I knew I wanted a different career path. I jumped at the opportunity to join the Fantastic Tours team in 2012 as I was ecstatic to be able to turn my love of travel into my livelihood. I truly believe that every child deserves the chance to experience learning outside of a traditional classroom and nothing makes my heart happy like hearing a teacher say that one of our trips was the highlight of a student’s year!
As a Broadway FANATIC, I’m particularly passionate about planning trips for students in drama programs. I’ve actually seen almost every show on Broadway so I struggle to pick which ones are my “favorites”. Can they ALL be my favorite? I DO love thinking through all the options and finding the show that is JUST RIGHT for my group. In my “spare time” (because let’s be real – who has any of that?!) you’ll find me cooking in the kitchen, reading, working out or planning our next family getaway!
Fun fact: I work out several times a week, but every night at 10 PM on the dot, I sit down to watch TV with a huge ice cream sundae! #WorkHardPlayHard
Victoria Maglares
Account Executive
In her own words: After joining Fantastic Tours in 2012, I developed our Music Performance Program and expanded our Summer Camp Travel Program. My clients come from as far away as Costa Rica, or as close as my own children’s high school! I love hearing how each of my school’s approach education, their history, or traditions in their communities. Curating the perfect trip experience is something I hold as a very personal goal with every group I have the privilege to work with.
Some of my favorite pastimes outside of the office are running, cheering for my children from the stands during their sports competition (oh yeah, I’m THAT Mom!) or visiting restaurants. I do consider myself a self-proclaimed “health foodie.” It’s a foodie but I like to pretend I do it “right”.
Fun fact: In 2018, I started raising chickens for fresh eggs – chicken coup and all! Even though we started out just winging it, it continues to be an egg-cellent learning experience for the whole family.
Lori Quinn
Administrative Assistant
In her own words: I joined the Fantastic Tours family in 2015. I was an elementary school teacher, so I knew firsthand the power of education and stepping outside the classroom to learn in a whole new way. My career took a welcomed detour into the travel industry after having children. I can’t wait to become an Account Executive in the future!
Even during my free time, my husband and two daughters definitely keep me very busy. Our favorite thing to do is visit Disney World, a frequent vacation spot for my family. My secret Mom superpower: Finding something new to add to every trip!
Fun fact: My daughters dance competitively! There is truly no other feeling like the one I get when I see my babies on stage. #DanceMom
Chris Fal
COO / IT
In his words: I have been involved with the travel and tour industry since the womb…literally. Fantastic Tours is a family business. Kathryn Fal, President and founder is my mother. In the earlier years the company had a ski department and as soon as I could walk I was skiing down the slopes, eventually trading skis in for a snowboard. When I was old enough, I was rubber banding and loading skis into the bays of buses. That disagreeable bus diesel fume smell that most recoil from smells like home to me.
During college my interest turned to computers, networking, programming and building websites, etc. At risk of dating myself – the internet was brand new. (Yes, there was a time before the internet!) I brought the agency up to speed with tech and got them “online”. The rest as they say is history.
Interests: Niche Travel, Running, Exercise, All Things Tech, Film – watching and making (I moonlight in film and commercial production. Chances are you have seen a commercial were I am standing just off camera holding a cable, boom or something heavy.)
Fun fact: My license plate is FRAGILEE. If you get it…cheers.
Geri Ostuni
Personal Travel Coordinator
In her own words: I joined the team at Fantastic Tours in 1997 and have been arranging personal travel experiences for family, friends, and people in our community ever since! I’ve been on every continent and explore most cities in the world, but like a true travel-lover, I still have quite a few on my “to-see” list (don’t we all?!). I dream mostly of strolling the streets of Paris, or shopping in London or …if I must go a little closer to home, feeling the spicy culture of New Orleans.
When I’m out of the office, you can be sure my passport and LIRR pass are in-hand – because when I am not HERE, I love to be THERE in New York City. It is a melting pot and hub of the most fabulous attractions- museums, restaurants, theaters and window shopping on 5th.
Fun fact: I take travel to new heights…literally. If a city has hot air balloon rides, I am up, up, and away as soon as I get there!!
Anne Ghermezian
Administrative Assistant
I joined Fantastic Tours in 2018. My background is in sales and my focus has always been customer service. (Can you say “people person”?!) I knew when I was looking for a new opportunity I wanted to work with a group that shares my values, has a strong work ethic and gets my humor – comic relief is very important! I found the whole package – we laugh and smile through out the day as we work just as hard as we smile! Everyone at Fantastic Tours has become my work family.
On weekends, I love to spend time with my two boys, cook, read and hike.
Fun fact – I’m addicted to Netflix and Candy Crush.
