About Max Travel Abroad

At Max Travel Abroad, we believe travel should do more than check boxes—it should open minds, deepen understanding, and build confidence. Whether you're joining one of our small-group tours or working with us to plan a personalized European itinerary, we design every journey to be immersive, authentic, and transformative.

We specialize in culturally rich travel through Austria, Italy, and Central Europe—guided by our deep regional expertise and a commitment to sustainable, respectful exploration.

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Our Founders: A Passion for Purposeful Travel

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Dr. Cindi H. Fries

As an Associate Professor Emeritus with over 28 years in teacher education, Cindi spent her academic career championing cross-cultural learning. At Northeastern State University in Oklahoma, she developed innovative study abroad programs that gave future teachers hands-on experience in international classrooms.

After retiring, she co-founded Max Travel Abroad to continue her passion—this time helping travelers of all backgrounds discover Europe with confidence and curiosity.

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Mr. Bob C. Fries

An Austrian-American real estate investor and entrepreneur, Bob brings cultural depth and multilingual fluency (German, Spanish, and English) to every journey. Raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he grew up immersed in his family’s Austrian traditions and personal histories rooted in Vienna and Baden bei Wien. His family includes both Lutheran and Jewish relatives—some of whom survived the Holocaust, while others perished in Nazi concentration camps. Bob shares these powerful stories with honesty and empathy, offering travelers a deeper understanding of European history and identity.

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Together, Cindi and Bob led faculty-led student tours for over a decade, exploring Austria, Germany, and Italy with small groups of 5–18 participants. Today, they bring that same depth, care, and educational spirit to every client and tour.

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What We Do

• Small-Group European Tours
  Intimate, thoughtfully curated tours through Central Europe, combining must-see highlights with hidden gems. You'll travel by train and local transit, dine in family-run establishments, and gain the skills to explore Europe on your own.

• Custom Itinerary Planning
  For individuals, families, and private groups—including high-end luxury clients—Max Travel Abroad offers bespoke travel planning services. We craft itineraries that blend comfort and elegance with authentic local experiences, from boutique hotels and private drivers to artisanal tastings and cultural deep-dives.

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Our Travel Philosophy

We Talk the Talk and Walk the Walk

We believe our approach cultivates intellectual curiosity and empathy, fostering a deeper appreciation for the complexities of our shared humanity and honoring the unique stories that shape our world.

We believe in:

• Experiential learning over passive sightseeing.

• Public transportation as a path to understanding daily life.

• Cultural immersion through food, language, and conversation.

• Sustainable tourism that respects local communities.

• Personal growth as a natural outcome of mindful travel.

 

Whether it’s your first time in Europe or your fifteenth, we aim to equip you with the insight, inspiration, and skills to engage more deeply with the world.

 

Ready to Travel Differently?

Explore our current tours, or contact us to start planning your custom journey. Wherever you want to go, Max Travel Abroad will help you get there—intelligently, respectfully, and with joy.

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