Top 5 Unique Destinations for Group Travel

When considering where you want to go for a group adventure it’s important to pick the right destination. Look for a place that is not only intriguing and interesting, but which will be enhanced by sharing it with a group of other people. These unique, under-the-radar destinations are ideal for small groups. From sunny beaches to ancient temples – these 5 destinations are perfect for travelers who think they’ve “seen it all.”


Puglia, Italy

If you’re looking for an authentic Italian adventure away from the tourists, Puglia is a perfect place to start. Relaxed and beautiful with white stone cities and crystal clear waters. The region is perfect for driving along the quiet roads alongside ancient olive groves.

Exploring the historic streets of Bari, cave dwellings of  Matera, and savoring local vintages from a small family farm with a guide or group of friends is the perfect way to enjoy Puglia. Immerse yourself in the lifestyle, and dive into artisan ceramic and cheese-making workshops. From village markets and off-the-map spots – the best of Italy is in the little-known corners which are perfect for group travel.

[Photo Credit: vincenzo-de-simone-ag via Unsplash]

Morocco

With imperial cities, colorful souqs, ancient kasbahs, and the vast Sahara Desert, the beauty and chaos of Morocco can be both enchanting and overwhelming. Group trips offer a personalized experience. You’ll have the opportunity to engage with your guide, ask questions, and gain deeper insight into Moroccan culture and history.

Participate in traditional activities like cooking tagine with a Berber family. Or wandering the labyrinth streets of Fez, haggling over the goods. Whether you’re trekking in the mountains or relaxing in a desert camp, Morocco is best experienced with a group.

[Photo Credit: Alyssa via Shared Adventures – read about her adventure to Morocco here!]

The market or medina in Fez Morocco

Japan

While having a guide to help you with the language is always useful, in Japan, a small group trip offers you the opportunity to go beyond the veneer of the cities. You’ll enjoy the best locations and top shops. You’ll also get to go into more rural regions that tourists rarely get to experience.

Discover the classic architecture, ancient history, and traditional culture with a local guide. Share in the exchange of culture, the intimate tea ceremony, and traditional meals with a group of like-minded people. Explore fishing villages, mountainside shrines, and ancient temples. Visit stunning coasts and high-tech cities with a sense of togetherness.

[Photo Credit: redd-francisco via Unsplash]

Peru

Peru is a hidden gem with a lot to explore.  From the Andes to the rainforest – if you love outdoor activities like hiking, rafting, and mountain biking, this is a great destination. Learn about Peruvian cuisine, enjoy the depths of the Amazon, visit Machu Picchu, or try sandboarding on massive dunes. At every turn, there’s a marvel of nature to see– but it’s a marvel best enjoyed with a knowledgeable guide helping you along the way.

Having a guide will help you feel secure in your adventures and give you a little community to share the thrill with. A group guide will ensure you experience the best in the safest way. A guide will also steer you to the local festivals, which you may not otherwise know about. You’ll have the opportunity to stay in remote eco-lodges and enjoy cultural workshops. Spend the evenings chatting about the day’s activities, and experience everything Peru has to offer.

[Photo Credit: gabriel-silva-suares via Unsplash]

Vietnam

Vietnam has jaw-dropping scenery, but where are the most dramatic sites? How do you find those best views and experience the best the culture has to offer? A small group is the perfect way to explore Vietnam.  Lush landscapes, vibrant cities and rich history. You’ll be able to go beyond the surface and feel like more than an average tourist.

Take the guesswork out of unfamiliar customs, transportation, and signs – have a guide help you with all the small details. Instead of scouring blog posts about local customs and cultural norms, you can gain a deeper understanding from a local guide. Thus ensuring you get the right information and the all-important nuance.

The people are warm and fun-loving. They’re ready to greet visitors to their country and share a bit of their culture and hospitality. This is made easier with a local connection and a guide who speaks the language.


You can explore traditional villages, hidden cafes, and family-run workshops with confidence. You’ll be able to connect with the locals authentically and visit more than the tourist traps.  Enjoy lunch in a local home, learn about the customs, row a sampan through the canals, trek through rice paddies, and stay with hill tribe villages.  Visit floating markets, bike through orchards, and sip tea with the locals.


Are you ready to find the perfect pre-planned group trip to a unique destination? Let us know — we’re always here to help you plan the best group adventure.

Oysters, Sake, Castles and The Sea

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These days, it seems, everyone is looking for a new and different honeymoon spot. It’s no longer enough to just get away for a week of beachy relaxation after the wedding.  Couples want an exotic locale, unique accommodations, immersive adventures, delicious cuisine, and Instagram-worthy photo ops — with extra bonus points if it’s an under-the-radar place that their friends haven’t even heard of (yet).  

If this sounds like you, then you’re in luck, because I’ve got a great suggestion. 

The Setouchi region of Japan has it all! This inland sea, known as the “Mediterranean of Japan” feels remote and wild, despite being very accessible from international points of entry (approx five hours by train from Tokyo’s Narita Airport, or two hours from Osaka). The 700+ island archipelago has a temperate climate, with average temps in the 60s – 80s from April through October, and you can island-hop using the three long bridge routes or the ferry system. It’s easily combined with other regions of Japan, but can absolutely stand on its own as a single destination. And it offers SO much more than just gorgeous scenery and island beaches.

a sunset streaming over the water of the Setouchi region of Japan
Beautiful romantic sunset scenery by the seashore. [Photo Cited from http://setouchitrip.com]

What will you find there? 

a blue basket of fresh oysters from the Setouchi version of Japan

Amazing food experiences: Check out the oyster farmers on their bamboo rafts and do a tasting at Suzuki Farm, roll up your sleeves and learn to make your own somen noodles, or spend an afternoon with the sake masters in Kobe. 

[Photo Credit Setouchi Tourism Authority http://setouchitrip.com]

a fish-eye view of a bridge across lush green mountains in Setouchi Japan

Outdoorsy adventure: Challenge yourself with the 70-kilometer Shimanami Kaido Cycling Road, which winds along the sea and across seven bridges and six small islands. Or get your dose of adrenaline in the Iya Valley with their precarious vine bridges and human-powered ropeways (just don’t look down!) 

[Photo Credit Setouchi Tourism Authority http://setouchitrip.com]

A japanese castle lit up at night in the Setouchi region of Japan

Unique accommodations: A castle, a yacht charter, a traditional Japanese inn, or even a desert island that can be yours for the night! 

[Photo Credit Setouchi Tourism Authority http://setouchitrip.com]

a japanese garden with lake and castle in background in Setouchi Japan

History, art and culture: Time your visit to coincide with the world-famous Setouchi Triennale art festival (the next one is in 2022), tour the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, and stroll through the Okayama Garden (one of the top three public gardens in Japan) 

[Photo Credit Setouchi Tourism Authority http://setouchitrip.com]

And if all of that is not enough to tempt you, how about a visit to “Rabbit Island” (Okunoshima Island) where big herds of rabbits hop freely among the crumbling ruins of a former military installation. If you like, you can even stay overnight at the island’s one hotel so that you can grab some prime photos of rabbits during the sunset and sunrise hours when they’re most active!

a huge group of rabbits roaming free on Okunoshima island in Setouchi Japan
[Photo Credit Setouchi Tourism Authority http://setouchitrip.com]

Setouchi is getting a lot of buzz lately, so this hidden gem won’t stay a secret much longer. Let me know if you’re interested in exploring the possibilities of an out-of-the-bento-box honeymoon destination😊 

You provided excellent guidance for us. I appreciated that you really had us think about what was most important to us when we were selecting the right cruise – and not to totally focus on what other people had to say. THANK YOU for helping to make this a memorable trip for our family! It really was a trip of a lifetime!

Clare and Mark (family cruise to Alaska)

The level of service we experienced was out of this world (and we did NOT make it easy on Ann). We weren’t quite sure where we wanted to go, when we would be able to go, or what “vibe” we were going for. After asking us some key questions (what we liked, didn’t like, why, etc.) Ann helped us narrow down our trip details and planned the honeymoon of our dreams. She helped book some of our excursions, answered some emergency questions while abroad and was always available/willing to help. I think it’s safe to say we won’t be using anyone else for future travel planning – Ann is a rockstar!

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