Compare

Which travel style fits you?

StyleEscorted tourSmall-group tourFlexible packageCustom trip
Who runs each dayA tour director, start to finishA local guide, start to finishYou, with some tours bookedYou, on a plan I build around you
Group sizeLarger coach groupsUsually under 20Just your partyJust your party
PaceFull days, set scheduleFull days, more local timeYour choiceYour choice
Usually includedHotels, transport, many meals, sightseeingHotels, transport, some meals, experiencesFlights and hotels, transfers, a few toursWhatever you want
Best forFirst visits, no-stress travelActive travelers who like a small groupIndependent travelers who want a head startSpecial trips and multi-stop routes
Planning feeNoneNoneNoneYes, quoted up front

Escorted tour

  • Who runs each day: A tour director, start to finish
  • Group size: Larger coach groups
  • Pace: Full days, set schedule
  • Usually included: Hotels, transport, many meals, sightseeing
  • Best for: First visits, no-stress travel
  • Planning fee: None

Small-group tour

  • Who runs each day: A local guide, start to finish
  • Group size: Usually under 20
  • Pace: Full days, more local time
  • Usually included: Hotels, transport, some meals, experiences
  • Best for: Active travelers who like a small group
  • Planning fee: None

Flexible package

  • Who runs each day: You, with some tours booked
  • Group size: Just your party
  • Pace: Your choice
  • Usually included: Flights and hotels, transfers, a few tours
  • Best for: Independent travelers who want a head start
  • Planning fee: None

Custom trip

  • Who runs each day: You, on a plan I build around you
  • Group size: Just your party
  • Pace: Your choice
  • Usually included: Whatever you want
  • Best for: Special trips and multi-stop routes
  • Planning fee: Yes, quoted up front

Every tour company is different. I’ll tell you exactly what’s included before you book.

Destinations

Where tours and packages shine

Colorful row houses below St Colman’s Cathedral in Cobh, Ireland

Ireland

Typical tour: 8 to 12 days

Castles, villages and dramatic coastline, with no driving on the left.

Ask about Ireland tours
Sunlit vineyards with a medieval tower and hills in northern Italy

Italy

Typical tour: 9 to 14 days

Rome, Florence and the hill towns, with the big sights and the trains handled.

Ask about Italy tours
The Acropolis and Parthenon glowing at sunset above Athens, Greece

Greece

Typical tour: 8 to 12 days

Athens and the islands, with ferries and transfers arranged.

Ask about Greece tours
Giraffes walking across the savanna

African safari

Typical trip: 8 to 12 days

Game drives with an expert guide and lodge stays, usually in a small group.

Ask about safaris
Wat Arun lit up at sunset on the river in Bangkok, Thailand

Southeast Asia

Typical tour: 12 to 17 days

Temples, river towns and busy cities, with a guide to give context.

Ask about Asia tours
Machu Picchu’s ruins and mountain with two llamas in the foreground, Peru

Peru

Typical tour: 8 to 12 days

Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu. Peru is one of my favorite places I’ve been.

Ask about Peru tours
Snow-capped mountains above a braided river valley in Alaska

Alaska

Typical land tour: 4 to 7 days

Denali and the interior, on its own or added to a cruise.

Ask about Alaska tours
A rainbow over the green cliffs of the Nā Pali Coast on Kauai, Hawaii

Hawaii

Typical trip: 7 to 12 days

Two or more islands, with flights between them, transfers and sightseeing arranged.

Ask about Hawaii trips

Also ask me about Spain and Portugal, Central Europe, Switzerland, Croatia, Scandinavia, Egypt and Jordan, Morocco, Japan, Costa Rica, Patagonia, Canada’s Rockies, U.S. national parks, and Australia and New Zealand.

How I help

Why book a tour with me

  • The right tour, not just a tourTours that look alike can differ a lot in pace, group size, hotels and what’s included. I compare them for you.
  • No fee for standard toursTour companies pay me, so booking a standard tour or package through me doesn’t cost you extra.
  • Extra nights and flightsHotels before and after the tour and flights that line up with it.
  • Room for oneSolo travelers often pay a single supplement. I look for departures and companies that keep it low.
  • Help when plans changeIf something goes wrong before or during the trip, I work with the tour company for you.
“Libby was so fun to work with, I’m not used to letting someone take control of making all my reservations but I let her take the reigns and she didn’t disappoint.”
Sherry

Read more client stories

Before you book

Tour questions

What’s usually included?

Most tours include hotels, transportation during the tour, a guide and many sightseeing stops, plus some meals. Flights are often separate. I’ll give you a clear list for any tour you’re considering.

Do I tip the guide and driver?

Usually yes, and tips are rarely included. Tour companies publish a suggested amount per day, and I’ll share it so you can budget.

I’m traveling solo. Will I pay more?

Often there’s a single supplement, since rooms are priced for two. Some companies offer solo rooms, roommate matching or promotions that waive it, and I’ll look for those.

How active are the tours?

It varies. Most companies rate each tour’s activity level, from easy days to long walks on hills and stairs. Tell me what’s comfortable for you and I’ll match it.

How far ahead should I book?

For summer in Europe and for safaris, 6 to 12 months ahead, since popular dates fill. Early-booking offers for next year often come out well ahead. Prices are subject to change until booked.

Standing on top of a dune buggy in the Huacachina dunes, PeruHuacachina, Peru

Not sure which style fits?

Let the Matchmaker Tool narrow it down

Answer a few questions about how you like to travel, who’s coming and your budget, and the tool will suggest trip styles and places to start. Send me your matches and I’ll price them.