Criterion Travel
John Thiede is an experienced tour and expedition manager with a career spanning several decades in the travel industry. Currently serving as a Tour Manager at Criterion Travel since January 2015 and as the Owner of JST Journeys since January 2009, John specializes in organizing and leading small group safaris to Kenya, South Africa, and India. Additionally, John has worked as an Independent Tour Manager and Expedition Leader for various travel companies since 1994, overseeing global trips. Previously, John held the position of Expedition Leader at TCS World Travel from January 2014 to March 2017 and at TCS/Starquest Expeditions from 1999 to 2009, leading private jet expeditions. Additionally, from 1986 to 2012, John managed the Aquatic Farm Program for the Department of Natural Resources, overseeing the leasing of marine lands for shellfish farming. John holds a B.S. in Outdoor Recreation from Arizona State University.
Criterion Travel
Criterion Travel is a tour operator specializing in educational travel. We work with top U.S. affinity organizations to create and operate customized group itineraries worldwide with a strong educational focus. Our tours and cruises are designed for travelers interested in learning more about the destination than the average tourist. There is nothing “off the shelf” about the trips we develop. Many are unique and operate only once. Almost all have accompanying expert lecturers who complement what local guides have to say. They might feature a combination of land and chartered sea, river, rail, or air transportation. Most of our programs provide private access or special features not available to individual travelers or most other groups. Criterion Travel is based in Beaverton, Oregon, and is owned and operated by industry veteran Steve Ridgway. Our seven senior staff members average 15 years of experience in the educational travel niche. Engage, Educate, Enrich