Liz Picurro, Author at Shared Adventures

Top Tips for Group Adventures

August 17, 2023 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

There’s a lot to consider when you’re going on a group trip — whether you’re planning an adventure with your best friends, a multi-generational getaway with the whole family or you’re embarking on a pre-planned group tour. There are some incredible benefits of sharing experiences with other travelers, but it does take some specialized planning. Here are our top tips for group travel of all kinds:

#1 Make Sure Everyone Is On The Same Page

From big factors like budget, destination, and travel dates, to small details like the number of beds you’ll need. It’s important to start with an open and honest discussion to ensure that everyone’s expectations align.

Do you want to spring for the ultra-luxury hotel with incredible views, pool, and spa — Or is this a more casual trip? Will you splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime experience like snorkeling with whale sharks? You don’t need to nail down exactly where you’re staying or what you’re doing yet. Just get an idea of what kinds of activities, amenities, and styles everyone envisions for this adventure.

Be upfront about your boundaries, your priorities, and your budget. And allow space for everyone else to express their expectations. Make sure this vacation is a shared vision.

#2 Use Apps

There are a myriad of apps and technology to help keep everyone connected and on the same page. Utilizing things like WhatsApp and Google Docs to stay connected and share itineraries. Tricount or Travelspend will make keeping track of budget and spending so much easier. Make sure you have a plan of what you’ll use to communicate and keep track of costs before you go.

[Photo Credit: Cailtin White via Shared Adventures — check out their girl’s trip to Napa here]

#3 Balance Free Time & Activities – But always plan food & drinks

When planning a trip for clients, we always try to create the perfect balance between wandering the beautiful streets, relaxing on your own, and pre-planned activities. It’s important to have downtime as well as scheduled activities. Remember, having too many planned activities in a day will leave everyone feeling tired and stressed. Plus, groups take a little longer to get from place to place because there will always be unexpected needs like a coffee, snack, or bathroom. So, leave yourselves breathing room in your schedule.

However, always have a solid dinner plan. Nothing is worse than trying to decide where to eat when everyone is already hungry and finding that there is a 2hr wait because of your group size. You can always cancel the reservation if you change your mind.

#4 Everyone is good at something

Find the skill sets of the individuals in your group and utilize them! Does someone have a great sense of direction? They are now the navigator. Does someone speak the local language? They are the communicator. Two people with an artistic eye? In charge of photos. This will help spread out the responsibilities and tasks. It ensures that everything that needs doing is being taken care of and gives your vacation a collaborative feel.

[Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures — check out her group trip aboard a luxury cruise ship here]

#5 Be Flexible & Have Fun

First, agree to have fun. Nobody likes the constant complainer on a trip – this is supposed to be a fun adventure! Entering the trip with a positive mindset from the beginning will ensure you’ll have a good time!

Second, figure out your non-negotiables and communicate them with the rest of the group. Find where you mesh together and where you might need to do your own thing. There will be a little compromise beforehand and some unexpected changes in the moment. So make sure you’re flexible in your plans and expectations.

Above all, remember that the best decision is any decision that gets finalized. Sometimes someone just needs to decide so you can have an experience rather than standing around trying to come to a consensus. Just make sure it’s not always the same person making the call, and remember to step up if no one else has a strong opinion.

Specific Tips for Group Tours

#1 Keep an open mind

On a planned group tour you’ll be in the hands of a trusted guide and might find yourself a little outside your comfort zone – but that’s part of the experience! To be able to do and see things you may never have thought of doing and seeing yourself. Be sure to join these groups with an open mind and willingness to experience new and different things.

#2 Be patient

Everyone travels a little differently – and that’s ok. While each group tour will tend to attract like-minded people, everyone has their travel quirks that you may or may not enjoy. Remember to be patient with others in your group. Especially since moving in a group will take much longer than if you were on your own. A little patience and kindness go a long way in creating a fun group atmosphere.

[Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures – check out her recent adventure to Thailand here!]

#3 Ask Questions

Your tour guide is there to answer all your questions! They often have more in-depth knowledge than just what’s on your itinerary – so be curious! If you start to wonder about something, speak up and ask. Similarly, ask questions of your fellow travelers. Group Tours are a great way to meet interesting people, and make new friends from all walks of life – so indulge in curiosity and ask away!

Specific Tips for Friend Groups

#1 It’s more about the Group than the Destination

The destination is incredible and worth enjoying, but the point of a group vacation is to spend time together! To get away from the day-to-day minutia of life! Carve out time to be in the moment, chat and enjoy each other’s company. Don’t get too hung up on ‘seeing it all’.

#2 Have Some Alone Time

While this adventure is about spending time with your favorite people – sometimes you need a little alone time to be your best self, and that’s ok. You don’t have to do every single thing together.

#3 Establish a leader

Early in the process, pick someone who will be the leader. The organizer, the person who best understands the needs of the group and is willing to take on the final decisions. While it should be an overall democratic process – having someone as the point person for your travel agent or general organizer will be a big help.

[Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures — check out her group trip to the Galapagos here!]

Specific Tips for Multi-Generational Adventures

#1 Cater to Everyone’s Interest

a large family photo in front of the rocky mountains

More often than not, you’ll find that not everyone is interested in seeing the same things – and that’s ok. Make sure to have a balance – a little bit of something for everyone. And a few things that everyone will enjoy.

#2 Schedule time to sit and soak it in

Make sure to schedule frequent breaks and times to just enjoy being together. Whether it’s a long lunch, time to sit in the park, or relaxing together on the beach. Don’t let the vacation zoom by with too many plans and activities.

[Photo Credit: Ginny via Shared Adventures]

#3 Plan for bathroom breaks

The much older and much younger generations tend to need more bathroom breaks and it’s worthwhile to do a little planning ahead of time. Make sure there’s time in the schedule and, if you’re on a road trip or walking around a city – you know where the bathrooms are.

We hope these tips have you feeling ready for your next group adventure! The earlier you start planning the better — so let us know what you have in mind and we can help you every step of the way!

Ann’s Adventure in Thailand

August 8, 2023 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

Thailand is aptly called the “Land of Smiles”, but it is also the land of surprises! My recent trip to Bangkok, Chiang Rai, and Chiang Mai was educational, fun, fascinating, delicious, exhausting, and – yes – surprising. And that’s exactly why I go and visit these destinations personally 😊

Flying to Thailand in a nice little cubby

The flight is long. That was no surprise. But doing it on Qatar Airways in their fabulous business class Q-Suite made it much more enjoyable. With my own private little cubicle, a freshly-made lay-flat bed, and their pajamas, I was able to get a solid night’s sleep en route from Boston to Doha, and then order an on-demand breakfast when I woke up. The Doha Airport is fantastic. Modern, well-run, with a gorgeous business-class lounge. And the eight-hour flight from there to Bangkok was basically two movies and two meals. Who can complain about that?

The Bangkok airport was a breeze. We were traveling during the slower “rainy season” (more on that later), so the airport was not busy, and my host (Abercrombie and Kent Southeast Asia) had arranged VIP service to whisk me through the formalities, onto a bus, and to my hotel.

Hotels

The Peninsula Bangkok was my first surprise. I’ve stayed in five-star hotels before, but I quickly learned that there’s a big difference between a five-star hotel and a five-star Asian hotel. For a nightly rate that might get you a basic four-star hotel in Rome or Paris, you get over-the-top service and amenities.

A huge room with Panoramic views over the city. Pillowcases embroidered with my name. Exotic fresh fruit and chocolate presentations in the room every evening at turn-down.

A pot of tea delivered (un-requested) to my room moments after my luggage arrived, just in case I needed some refreshment after my long journey. And laundry service that came back (within hours) so beautifully folded and wrapped that it looked like a gift.

This kind of service was not limited to the first hotel. It was consistent throughout my trip. And it was not just because I was a travel advisor there on an educational visit. It’s simply how they treat guests. Amazing.

Thai Massage

My second surprise came that afternoon. I had booked a Thai Massage at the hotel spa, hoping it would relax and unwind me after the long flights. Spa services in Thailand are much less expensive than here in the US, and I was very happy with my very inexpensive price, but I was not at all prepared for exactly what a “thai” massage meant.

I was bent into positions I did not know my body could handle and kneaded so deeply that I was sure I would be black and blue for days. I did tell the therapist that I preferred lighter pressure, and I did not have her walk on me (which many of them do), but it still was borderline unpleasant and painful. That being said, I woke up the next morning feeling amazing. And without a bruise in sight. So it clearly worked. And my fellow agents on the trip with me became Thai Massage addicts, scheduling them every few days. So let’s just say that opinions vary, lol.

Bangkok

Our three days in Bangkok were a mix of sightseeing (the Grand Palace, temples, a sunset cruise on the Chao Phraya River, and street markets), touring hotels (the St Regis, the Anantara Siam, the Mandarin Oriental, and the Sukhothai Bangkok), and eating.

So much eating! We experienced everything from street food and market stalls to lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant and an amazing ten-course gourmet tasting menu at Baan Phraya at the Mandarin Oriental. All I can say about that experience is do not miss it. And make your reservations the moment you book your Bangkok hotel.

What we did NOT experience was rain. And this was yet another surprise. Traveling in June, I was prepared for torrential downpours. I had planned (and packed) accordingly, making sure I had not only the required “modest attire” (shoulders to knees covered) for visiting temples, but also an umbrella, rain jacket, and shoes that could trudge through puddles. With the exception of one very brief downpour, while we ate lunch one day, the skies were surprisingly clear. It was very hot and humid, but not nearly as wet as I had expected.

Chiang Rai

When we left Bangkok, we flew north to Chiang Rai to spend a couple of nights at the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort.

I know that I should not play favorites, but I could easily have spent a week here. The setting is idyllic, overlooking grasslands, rice paddies, and the Mekong River, at the confluence where Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos all come together (the Golden Triangle). The hotel itself is serene, with a focus on wellness and relaxation, and activities that include cooking classes and visits to the onsite beehives and gardens.

But the elephants, of course, are the stars! There are fourteen rescued elephants that live on the grasslands with their mahouts (handlers/keepers) and guests can interact with them in various ways. We did a “Walking with Giants” experience that I will never forget.

Honeymooners should check out their Jungle Bubbles, and the “Explorer’s Arrival”, where you arrive at the resort via longtail boat along the Mekong River, and the gentle giants greet you. Seriously.

The White Temple

From Chiang Rai, it’s about a 3 ½ hour drive to Chiang Mai, which would be our last home base.

We broke up the drive through rural northern Thailand with a visit to Wat Rong Khun (the “White Temple”) which was yet another surprise. I had wrongly assumed that the temples in Thailand would all be ancient, with lots of history behind them, but this quirky temple was created by a famous Thai artist in 1997 and is still not entirely complete.

It glitters with millions of mirrored mosaic tiles and contains paintings/murals/sculptures referencing everything from Buddha to Elvis and Hello Kitty. Very unexpected and strange, but fun.

Chiang Mai

In Chiang Mai, we stayed at the Anantara Chiang Mai, which is a beautifully peaceful and relaxing oasis in the surprisingly busy city. I had not expected Chiang Mai to be such a big city, and I have to admit that I was a bit overwhelmed in the crowded and bustling night market there. Far too many people for me!

I much preferred our day in the mountains, where we learned to drive tuk tuks, motored through the countryside, and stopped to visit an elephant home.

Far too quickly, it was time to say goodbye and fly back to Bangkok and on from there to Doha and Boston. We did not get to visit any of the beach destinations on this trip, but we did ask our host to give us a little impromptu seminar about some of the most popular beach towns, so I have lots of info about Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, etc. and am happy to share that if you’re ready to plan a trip!

If you’ve made it this far, and want my overall thoughts on Thailand in general, all I can say is that you have to experience it in person, and you need to see more than just Bangkok.

You get a lot of bang for your buck in Thailand. And this is a destination where it really pays to work with a well-connected travel advisor who can build in the amazing, magical moments that you didn’t even know you could experience. Let us know if you’re inspired to start planning your own Thailand Adventure!

5 Movie & TV Inspired Destinations

July 19, 2023 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

Have you ever watched a movie or tv show and thought you really wish you were there? Of course you have! Especially during the last few years, when we were all binge-watching our favorite shows and using them as an escape into another world.

We’ve rounded up five cool destinations that were catapulted into fame and put on countless bucket lists because of movies and TV shows. Whether you’re looking to visit the exact spot where your favorite actors stood, or just want to experience the vibe of the worlds they created, these destinations are unforgettable additions to any must-see list.

New Zealand

This is perhaps the place that has capitalized on “set-jetting” tourism the most.

New Zealand is, of course, well known for the Lord of Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. And how could you not want to visit these incredible landscapes, lakes, mountains, and rivers? In addition to the over 150 filming locations of LOTR, New Zealand was the backdrop to other famous films like the Chronicles of Narnia, King Kong, and Avatar. The country exudes an other-worldly, larger-than-life atmosphere, and is well worth the long trip.

[Photo Credit: Nate Johnston via Unsplash]

If you are going to see Hobbiton in Matamata then you can expect crowds, tickets, and a bit of over-tourism. But the great thing about New Zealand’s on-screen inspiration is the wide open spaces and the multitude of locations utilized by different films. There are a wide variety of destinations within the country where you can explore filming locations and make the most of your stay.

If you don’t want to brave the crowds at Hobbiton, you can make your home base in Wellington for some of the most accessible LOTR locations, including Tongariro National Park. Skull Island (Lyall Beach & Shelly Bay) from King Kong is also near Wellington. If, instead, you’d like to step through the wardrobe into Narnia, base yourself around Aukland for the incredible forests, or on the South Island where you’ll find Elephant Rocks. There’s plenty of space to enjoy it all.

[Photo Credit: Dario Mueller via Unsplash]

Sicily

We’ve had a lot of requests for this incredible Italian destination thanks to White Lotus season 2. Much of White Lotus takes place in Taormina with picturesque seaside vibes, luxury villas and hotels and incredible Greek ruins. But Sicily is the Mediterranean’s largest island, with a rich history all its own, and there’s lots to explore.

We would recommend staying in two locations – Taormina (or the larger Catania) in the shadow of Mt. Etna and then Palermo on the other side of the island. This way you can enjoy the beach clubs and a few well-planned day trips to the quaint local seaside towns along the coast. While you can use a train to get across the island, having a car is extremely helpful for day tripping.

[Photo Credit: Flo via Unsplash]

While Sicily is not quite as packed with tourists as other parts of Italy yet, it is seeing an increase in travel over the past five years. If you’re looking for a similar vibe without the crowds we recommend Sardinia. An Italian island with stunning landscapes and unbelievable beaches. Or, Puglia for the quaint seaside villages and unforgettable food. Or you could try Crete for all the Mediterranean island flair and nightlife with a Greek twist.

[Photo Credit: Flo via Unsplash]

Ireland

From fictional worlds like Game of Thrones, Star Wars, and Dungeons & Dragons to real-world stories like Derry Girls, Once, and Vikings. Ireland is a very popular filming location! Lush green forests, dramatic cliffs, and seascapes combine to offer viewers unforgettable scenery.

Depending on which film or show you find most inspiring, you’ll either head to Northern Ireland (Derry Girls, Dungeons & Dragons), the craggy cliffs and stunning roads along the west coast ( Star Wars: The Force Awakens/ The Last Jedi, Game of Thrones, The Princess Bride), the forest of Wicklow County (Vikings, P.S I Love You), or the quintessential city vibes of Dublin. Each area of Ireland has something incredible to offer, but the more popular sites will also come with crowds at certain times of the year.

[Photo Credit: Lori via Shared Adventures – read about her Scottish and Irish Honeymoon here]

Here are some more off-the-beaten-path suggestions, if you prefer. Instead of The Cliffs of Moher, you can try the Sliabh Liag Cliffs in Donegal in the far northwest. Or, the Cliffs at Loop Head Kilkee in County Clare. If you’re looking for Star Wars vibes but not wanting to battle the crowds at Skellig Michael, you can try Malin Head in Donegal ( where many of the scenes were filmed). And a great alternative to the famous Ring of Kerry is the Skellig Ring Road just to the northwest of the Ring of Kerry, but with nary a tour bus in sight.

[Photo Credit: Alicia & Jay via Shared Adventures — read about their Irish Adventure here!]

Paris

The city of light, art, and romance – Paris has been glorified in movies and tv since the beginning of film and has certainly inspired many travels.

Whether you’ve recently been inspired by Emily in Paris or Lupin, or you were inspired years ago by Midnight in Paris, Amelie or countless others, the list of movies set in Paris is never ending and it certainly merits a visit.

[Photo Credit: Nicole & Paul via Shared Adventures — read about their Paris Anniversary Adventure here!]

While you won’t ever find the bustling city lacking crowds, visiting in the shoulder or off seasons will certainly help. Spring and Fall are beautiful times to enjoy the romantic narrow streets, wide boulevards, fabulous food, and unique architecture.

[Photo Credit: Kim & Paul via Shared Adventures — read about their first time in Paris here!]

Overlooking Paris at sunset from the Arc du Triomphe

If you’re looking for the Parisian vibe without the crowds, there are two other cities you can enjoy. Strasbourg is near the German border. It features a stunning cathedral, gothic architecture and narrow streets. And Lyon used to be the capital of France and has retained its remarkable heritage. You can take the tramway to glide above the Rhone river, or head underground for secret covered passageways. Lyon also boasts several Michelin starred restaurants and gourmet food. A perfect destination for a chic city break.

Greece

The Greek Islands have an undeniable visual appeal. Incredible turquoise waters, white-washed buildings, and charming seaside villages populate the movies as much as social media. Perfect for a beachy holiday, the Greek Islands provide every bit of those Mamma Mia vibes you’ve been craving since 2008.

If you’re inspired by the wealthy private island from Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, then you’ll want to head to Spetses. With luxury and tradition, this is a favorite island of the rich and famous. Close to Athens, the Saronic Island is a perfect addition to a mainland Greece adventure. And those inspired by Daisy Jones & The Six can explore the quaint port and serene alleyways of Hydra – another of the Saronic Islands in the Aegean.

On the other side of the Aegean, Mamma Mia fans will be taking a ferry to the Sporadic Islands of Skopelos and Skiathos, which are ideal for a peaceful laid-back vacation. With gorgeous nature, small fishing villages, and idyllic emerald waters, these islands are a bit more difficult to reach, as there’s no ferry from Athens. You’ll either need to take the ferry from Agios Konstantinos in central Greece or Volos in Thessaly. Or fly into Skiathos directly.

For any Greek Island adventure, we recommend a little island hopping. While places like Santorini and Mykonos have gotten a bit crowded, there are plenty of islands to explore that have yet to gain a huge influx of tourism. Why not get creative and check out Milos, Folegandros or Naxos instead.

Wherever you’re inspired to travel to, whether from the latest tv show or movie or a simple Instagram post – let us know! We’re always excited to help you realize your travel dreams and can offer options to fit the perfect vibe.

Paris Anniversary Adventure

June 27, 2023 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

Nicole and Paul wanted to celebrate their 10th anniversary somewhere romantic, iconic and international. With amazing architecture, food, and one of Paul’s favorite soccer teams playing- Paris was the perfect destination! We sent them on a week long adventure in the city of light. Here’s how it went:

We absolutely LOVED our trip – the weather was gorgeous with the exception of one afternoon we got rained on. Everything was GORGEOUS – in awe of the history and architecture.

Here are some quick notes:

Flight

So awesome to travel internationally again. They give you food, don’t charge for alcohol, and have plenty of in-flight entertainment to keep you busy. The first-class area looked really nice too (if anyone wanted to pay for that).

Transportation

The car service that picked us up was decent. The driver said he almost left bc it took us almost an hour to get our bags and go through customs. He said he tried to call me but I didn’t have international calling or decent wifi to accept calls. Luckily he waited but they should know that it can take over an hour to get through everything.

Paris Food & Drink Tour

It was the perfect tour to “ease” us into Paris. Due to the timing of our flights, we did not feel much jet lag which was nice.

Joshua, our tour guide was AWESOME! He gave us the right info at each place and was personable with everyone. The small group was nice. It was nice to visit local shops and to learn about how the different cheeses and wines are made. Paul is now a Chablis fan! The tour ended at an Absinthe bar which made Paul very happy. 🙂

At the end of the tour, Joshua gave some recommendations on where to eat for dinner. We took his recommendation and went to Chez Nicos for crepes!

Hotel

We really loved the boutique hotel. [Hotel Pont Royal] The staff was very nice and spoke English! We were thrilled breakfast was included as it was one less meal we had to worry about. We absolutely LOVED our balcony – it was perfect.

The room itself was nice (a bit small) and there was nowhere to put our luggage but we made do. The bathroom didn’t have much shelving for our stuff so we just had it on the floor…maybe that’s a Euro thing.

Friday – Walking Everywhere in Paris

We walked an INSANE amount of steps: 26K and walked all over the place. We saw Moulin Rouge, Paul found the cafe from the movie Amelie that we really liked, we went to the I Love You wall, took some cool photos of the metro signs, and ended with the catacombs

Saturday – Photo Shoot, Notre Dame & the Louvre

I was able to find a last-minute photographer through a referral from another photographer and made Paul get up at 5 AM so we could meet the photographer at 7:15 and take photos with the least amount of people in the background. Now THAT is love. The photos came out really well and the photographer was great!

[Photo Credit: Jordan with The Parisian Photographers]

Afterward, we enjoyed a croissant and cappuccino at Patisserie where we met the photographer (it was delish) and headed back to the hotel to change. From there we walked to Notre Dame which was breathtaking even though we could not go inside. They had these cool exhibits showcasing different photographers and how they documented the fire and showed the plans to put everything back together.

a couple celebrating their anniversary with the Mona Lisa in Paris

That afternoon we toured the Louvre which was really cool and HUGE. Seeing the Mona Lisa was neat after seeing it in so many art history books. Our tour guide was really passionate about art history so we lucked out.

Soccer Sunday

Sunday was our Paris Saint-Germain soccer game. THAT WAS EPIC – Paul was in soccer heaven. Such a cool experience, so glad we splurged on the seats – we were about 7 rows from the field and the players were RIGHT THERE. PSG didn’t play well and lost but we were thrilled with our experience.

a couple celebrating their anniversary at a PSG football/soccer match in Paris

Monday- Eiffel Tower and Shopping

Monday was our Eiffel Tower and shopping day. Eiffel Tower was VERY BUSY. Cool views but very crowded. We witnessed a proposal! Afterward we walked to the Arc de Triomphe. You could not go up because it was their Labor Day in Paris and was closed. All the shops on Avenue des Champs-Elysees were also closed for Labor Day. We did find an Italian place to eat lunch and that’s when it poured on and off.

We continued to stroll to Alexander III Bridge and luckily no one was on it due to the heavy rains so we captured some nice shots.

Tuesday – Giverny Day Trip

Giverny was sooo pretty and it was nice to see the France Countryside. Our tour guide was very nice. Lunch was really good and Chateau de Versailles was beautiful. Could see where Newport got its inspiration from. Versaille was VERY CROWDED and we did not have much time to explore the grounds. Inside was fairly quick but VERY crowded. Like navigating through a crowded concert.

While we were sad to leave, if we stayed I am not sure where else we would have walked bc we confidently walked everywhere in Paris! LOL