Small Groups Do Big Things
The small group difference
At Collette, there’s been a lot of discussion lately about the advantages and distinctions of small group travel. During a meeting with a group of travel advisors late last year, we were surprised to learn that many of the agents who sell Collette tours had no idea that our small group Explorations tours were specifically designed for small groups — meaning, they’re not just our classic tours scaled down for fewer travelers. They’re actually curated with a different type of traveler in mind.
So what does this translate to for your clients? Below are some of the things that make Collette’s small group tours stand apart from the average guided tour experience.
Cultural experiences that go deeper. Collette’s small group tours are for travelers who want to do more than just see a destination — they want to get hands-on and up-close. Do you have clients who’d want to try their hand at mushing a team of sled dogs through the Finnish forest? Or learning how to make tagine at a culinary workshop in Morocco? If so, Explorations tours are for them.
Accommodations that will make their friends jealous. Think sleeping inside of a glamping pod designed to look like a giant wine barrel in the Douro River Valley. Or a glass igloo under the northern lights in Lapland. Or a 17th century castle in Ireland. Chain hotels are out, one-of-a-kind hotels, tented camps, and historic estates are in.
More than just meals. Food is such an integral part of exploring another culture, and Collette’s small group tours lean into hands-on culinary experiences that bring people together. This might mean joining a Bosnian family in their home for a specially prepared meal and traditional live folk music. It could mean taking a cooking class on board a basket boat in Vietnam —and catching your lunch straight from the Co Co River. Or you may end up on a truffle hunt in Aix-en-Provence before sitting down to lunch with the chef.
Transportation beyond the coach. Explorations tour groups travel by bus, yes. But they’ll also get from point A to point B via regionally unique modes of travel, like the shinkansen (bullet train) in Japan, camels through the Sahara in Morocco, tuk tuks in Bangkok, or mountain trucks and Zodiac boats in Iceland.
A chance to connect. These tours are designed for a maximum of 24 travelers (with an average of about 16), which translates to better overall group cohesion and the chance to form meaningful connections with other travelers, tour guides, and locals. Some of the most consistent feedback we get from our small groups is that friendships made along the way end up being a surprise highlight of the trip.
So while many agent-friendly tour operators create “small group tours” by simply scaling down their existing product (without changing the experiences or inclusions), it’s worth noting that custom-built small group tours like Collette’s Explorations do exist — and they can save advisors time and money. With 40+ tours across the world to choose from, they may just be the perfect solution for your clients looking for a wallet-friendly alternative to FIT.
From The Sponsor
As the longest-running tour operator in North America, Collette is the company travelers can trust. Leading with integrity, Collette’s comprehensive travel protection plan, flexible tour pacing, and strong relationships within the travel space set it apart. The happiness of its travelers has been its roadmap since 1918. Today, Collette offers over 175 tours to all seven continents and five distinct travel styles, including small group touring and river cruises. This third-generation family-owned business is dedicated to giving back in both local and global communities through its social responsibility platform.
Collette’s small group Explorations are designed specifically for travelers who want to dive deeper into a destination by engaging with the people who live there, and accessing experiences, accommodations, and destinations that large groups can’t always reach. These tours are ideal for savvy, confident travelers who want to connect with locals, and build camaraderie on tour with fellow travelers and guides.
For more information, about Collette’s small group tours, visit www.gocollette.com.
