(40 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Mendy Kooi

Edmond, OK

Europe, River and Ocean Cruise Specialist

During the past 20 years, I have helped more than 1,000 travelers explore this great, big, beautiful world. In the process, I have accumulated a vast amount of first-hand experience on some of the most fascinating places in the wo...
Learn more about me.

During the past 20 years, I have helped more than 1,000 travelers explore this great, big, beautiful world. In the process, I have accumulated a vast amount of first-hand experience on some of the most fascinating places in the world.  One of the most important things I learned during this period was how to get a traveler the most travel bang for their buck.  It is important for me to find interesting and fulfilling excursions, activities and tours that will give clients the best travel experience all while staying in excellent hotels in the best locations.

Besides staying busy booking travel for clients,  I also travel as much as possible.  I have family members who live in Austria, so I try to head to Vienna as much as possible.   Besides many places in Europe, other destinations I have traveled to include but are not limited to:

• Honduras
• Japan 
• China
• South Korea
• Russia

One of the "bonuses" of my frequent travels are the personal connections I have developed over the years with hotels and guides in some of the major cities. Because of these connections, I'm often able to give my clients a more personalized experience as they explore their dream destination.

During my travels, I have discovered many unique tours and excursions that I enjoy sharing with my clients. That means you can expect the unexpected from me. For example, while those packaged itineraries you find on the Internet will only include a standard "city tour," I'll help you find that excursion with a twist. In Japan, it might be the Ghost Tour of Kyoto. Or if you're heading to Austria, I might suggest the "Dark Secrets of Vienna." If you are an art lover, like me, I can give you suggestions on exceptional museums, since I have visited many of the great ones during my journeys to Europe.  

I also have a special passion for river cruises, especially in Europe but also in the US and Asia.  I would love to sit down and visit with you about this unique experience.   It is a great way to see some unique destinations up close and you only have to unpack once.

In addition to my travel experiences, I have also earned training certificates from the following suppliers:

• RIVER CRUISES:  Viking Cruise Line, AMA Waterways, Avalon Cruise Line, Uniwold River Cruises, American Cruise Line
• OCEAN CRUISES:  Windstar Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
• RAIL: Rocky Mountaineer, Rail Europe
• TOUR PACKAGES:  Globus Family of Brands,  Insight Vacations, G Adventures National Geographic Tours, Disney's College of Knowledge.

So are you ready to explore the world? Then please contact me and I would be happy to help. I have the experience and knowledge necessary to create a unique and personalized vacation for you that will also be within your budget.   

Set up your free consultation now.  https://calendly.com/m-kooi-primetimetrvl/travel-initial-consultation

 

Your trip, your way!

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Mendy Kooi

Can Be Reached At

1-405-340-1120

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Vienna and the Danube Region

Christmas Markets in Vienna

  Few places in the world capture my heart the way Vienna does. This elegant city, with its grand imperial architecture, rich musical heritage, and vibrant café culture, has been a second home to me for decades. With over 30 trips to Vienna across all seasons—and family living there—I’ve come to know the city not just as a traveler, but as someone connected to its rhythms, its traditions, and its everyday life. It’s not simply a destination; it’s a place I return to again and again with fresh eyes, deepening my understanding each time.

Vienna is more than just a beautiful city—it’s a gateway to a region full of history, culture, and unforgettable experiences. I’ve wandered its quiet courtyards in spring, browsed Christmas markets in the falling snow, and attended concerts in centuries-old halls where Mozart once played. I’ve explored the art at the Kunsthistorisches Museum, followed the scent of fresh bread through Naschmarkt, and watched the Danube shimmer in the summer sun. From the refined charm of Schönbrunn Palace to the lively buzz of the MuseumsQuartier, I know how to match every traveler’s interest with the right experience, whether they’re first-time visitors or returning for a deeper dive.

But my knowledge doesn’t stop at Vienna’s borders. Over years of exploring, I’ve mapped out the best of Central Europe—tracing cultural, culinary, and historical threads through cities like Budapest, Salzburg, Munich, and Prague, as well as through the scenic Danube River valley itself. I’ve traveled this region extensively by train, car, and river cruise, each offering a different lens on the landscape and the people who live there.

In Budapest, I’ve walked the length of the Chain Bridge at twilight and experienced the grandeur of the Hungarian Parliament lit up at night. I know where to find the best views from Fisherman’s Bastion and which ruin pubs are worth the hype. The city’s mix of old-world elegance and edgy creativity makes it a constant source of discovery.

Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace, is one of my favorite places for a blend of music, history, and Alpine beauty. I’ve explored its baroque Old Town, attended music festivals, and stood atop the Hohensalzburg Fortress to take in the breathtaking views of the mountains and the Salzach River. For lovers of “The Sound of Music,” I know the original filming locations and how to see them with or without the tourist crowds.

Munich, with its distinct Bavarian culture, is a city of celebration, especially during Oktoberfest—but it’s also a place of incredible museums, parks, beer gardens, and architecture. I’ve guided travelers to the quieter corners of the Englischer Garten, recommended cozy beer halls, and helped clients understand how the city balances tradition with modernity.

And then there’s Prague—a city of fairy-tale spires, cobblestone lanes, and rich history. I’ve crossed Charles Bridge at sunrise, explored Prague Castle in all seasons, and uncovered lesser-known gems tucked between the Gothic and Baroque facades of the Old Town. It’s a city that rewards curiosity, and I love helping travelers go beyond the postcards to find its real magic.River cruising has offered me yet another layer of expertise. I’ve sailed stretches of the Danube where medieval towns, terraced vineyards, and castle ruins drift past like scenes from a painting. From Vienna to Passau, Melk to Bratislava, I’ve come to appreciate the rhythm of life along the river—where every port stop reveals a new story, a new flavor, or a stunning piece of history.

River cruising offers an unmatched blend of comfort and cultural immersion, and I know how to select the right itinerary and cruise line based on personal interests, pace, and travel style.

All of this experience allows me to do more than recommend where to go—I guide travelers through how to go. Whether it’s the best time to see the Christmas markets in Vienna, how to plan an efficient and scenic multi-city trip, or which local delicacies to try in each region, I provide nuanced, insider advice rooted in firsthand experience.

In the end, what sets me apart is not just the number of trips I’ve taken—it’s the depth of those experiences and the connections I’ve made. I don’t just know where to find a famous landmark; I know what time of day it’s most beautiful, where to grab a coffee nearby, and how to string that stop into a journey full of meaning and joy. For travelers interested in Central Europe—whether for a focused city trip, a Danube river cruise, or a multi-country adventure—I offer expert guidance that transforms a trip into a story worth telling.