Group Benefits | FAQs
Benefits of Group Travel
There are many benefits you can enjoy when traveling on one of my tours.
You have the support of your tour host and fellow travelers if something should occur (such as, transportation or weather delays).
There is someone available to take a photo of you.
Like-Minded Travelers
Everyone is here because they want to experience this tour. It could be for many reasons (such as, the destination, food, places we’ll see, and more).
The people you meet on this tour already share a common interest with you, they also wanted to go on this tour.
You've got a great chance to make some new friends!
Reduced Travel Costs
You save money while on a small group tour with shared costs. From splitting the cost of a private shuttle or local tour guide with everyone else in the group, the price you pay is often times at a lower rate than if you booked the activity on your own.
I always work to obtain group rates for attractions and hotels.
Safety in a Group
Traveling with a group is much safer than traveling solo.
You have safety in numbers and the security of traveling with a group in an unfamilar destination.
You are less likely to be targeted by those who want to try and scam you.
Off the Beaten Path
Getting off the beaten path is the best way to travel in my humble opinion. The major sites are always nice to see, but I will always try to find some interesting sites that are off the beaten tourist path.
The out of the way places that don’t see many tourists are often some of the best sites to visit. Plus, getting off the beaten path exposes you to more of the local culture.
Group Meals
I've opted to not include group meals as part of my tours. If you were to attend a wedding on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, you would be picking between two entrees. You just might have the same entree three nights in a row, especially if it is the same catering company.
I saw this first hand in Vienna. A tour group sat down near me and one of the travelers remarked, "A choice between schnitzel or sausages... again!"
You have control over your food budget, as you are the one paying the bill. You are not limited to "schnitzel or sausages," so, pick whatever you want.
No Logistics to Manage
Group travel allows you to relax and enjoy the experience as you don't have to sweat managing the details of the tour.
I’ve done the heavy lifting for you by planning the itinerary, booking accomodations and activities, purchasing entry tickets, to making restaurant reservations, and researching when the last train leaves the station. All you have to do is show up on time.
Group Flights
I asked a handful of travel adivsors whether I should or should not include airfare in my tours. The overwhelming answer was to not include flights.
This is due to many factors, to include maintaining a minimum number of passengers. If you drop below the minimum as specified by the airline, then you need to either rebill clients or absorb the extra cost of the tickets.
Oftentimes you cannot apply any of your perks (such as, early boarding, free checked bags, seat selection, or apply miles to reduce the cost of your ticket).
Group Size
My travel agency focuses on small group tours. To me, that is a group no larger than 12, sometimes even smaller.
I think the smaller group enhances your travel experience while on one of my tours, versus being part of a group of 50 or more.
Shared Rooms
I shared rooms with strangers while in the Army. The experience was enlightening to say the least. For my tours, I'm not managing room sharing. Now, if you are a couple, siblings, good friends, family members and you want to share a room, that is not an issue.
Do keep in mind you may be sharing a king or queen sized bed with your travel companion, so be comfortable with that aspect. It can be difficult to find quality, affordable hotels with rooms that have two beds in Europe.
Group Age
My tours are for adults, aged 45 and above.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question, contact me, I’m more than happy to answer it for you.
Here are some frequently asked questions that I answer frequently, when I’m asked the question. 😉
What is a Host Agency?
A host travel company specializes in building and leveraging relationships with travel suppliers around the world.
They work directly with people like me, a travel agency owner who is looking to curate travel memories for people like you.
Why do I need travel insurance?
Anything can happen at any time.
Travel insurance helps to protect you from incurring additional expenses if something should happen that disrupts your travel itinerary.
Accidents, erupting volcanoes, or political unrest can stop you from travelling from one place to another. In 2010, a volcano erupted in Iceland and caused flight cancellations and delays for weeks. Travel insurance is a wise choice.
Should I register my trip with the US State Department?
You can and I advise you to register your trip. This can help the US embassy help you when you might need them the most.
For example, if your passport is lost or stolen. Additionally, you can sign up for country specific updates in the event of political unrest. Registering is free and voluntary.
Where can I find travel warnings?
Travel warnings and advisories are available online at the US Department of State (https://travel.state.gov/
content/travel.html).
The US Department of State maintains these warnings.
Do I save money booking with a travel agent?
You can save money on many things, especially when there are incentives offered by the travel suppliers.
Why should I use a travel agent?
A travel agency has access to the inventory of various travel suppliers, access to discounts, and has worked to build relationships with these suppliers.
Oftentimes, there is a dedicated person I can contact who is employed by the supplier to work for me on your behalf if something is not right.