If you are an avid traveler, I am sure you are very much looking forward to the day when you can travel as you did before the pandemic. While you may have had a stay-cation this year, explored your local area this summer, ventured off on a road trip, or possibly even traveled a bit further, you miss the days of having the freedom to travel just about anywhere in the world you could.

As you know, the travel landscape has been transforming to adapt to the pandemic. It continues to evolve, from logistics to practicalities to requirements to border openings.

I suspect that for most travelers, perspectives on travel have evolved as well.

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Perhaps this is the case for you? Maybe your priorities have shifted. Perhaps the places on your list have changed. Plus, given the ever-changing environment, it's a challenge for you to keep up with the latest. And, of course, well-being and safety are top of mind. Let's be honest, without a doubt, there is so much more to think about now when it comes to travel, whether in the near term or in thinking about it for the future.

One of the most significant impacts that the pandemic has had on us is our social interactions, including with family or friends closest to us. In many cases, we haven't been able to engage with one another in the ways we did before.

Connecting with our family or friends is likely at the top of our priority list these days. I think considering traveling with others in the future just feels very right to consider at the moment, myself included.

The combination of travel and connection can be meaningful in countless ways. Discovering a new place together, sharing a once-in-a-lifetime experience, or simply spending quality time enjoying each other's company in a setting that differs from your day to day can foster your relationship on many levels. Plus, there are practical benefits as well, which we will get to in a moment.

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Maybe you have traveled with others in the past and have experienced the value firsthand. If you haven't, it may be worth considering. Traveling in a group could mean traveling with your quarantine social circle because it feels most comfortable to you, given the current environment. Or it could mean planning to travel in the future with friends or family you haven't been able to spend time with this year. Either way, it combines the reward of connection to loved ones with the added bonus of travel.

Each of us may be in a different place regarding our personal readiness to travel or even to plan future travel. Wherever you are on that spectrum, you never know when an idea may be sparked, whether you are ready to plan something new in the near term or want to wait a little longer.

Either way, here are a handful of ideas for you to consider. Maybe one (or more) will resonate and will plant some travel seeds for you.

Travel in a pod

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What is a “pod”? A travel pod is a small private group, sometimes referred to as a bubble. It’s you and your traveling party, whether you are a multi-generational family, a group of friends, or a group of families. Add a journey that is fully customized for your group. Or a planned itinerary that is typically comprised of a group of strangers that is now fully privatized exclusively for your traveling party.

Small private group travel can be arranged from end to end, with the accommodations, transportation, experiences, and excursions that are right for your party size, and your group's interests.

When it comes to accommodations, your private group may stay at properties that are open to other guests that are not part of your pod, or you could consider private settings for just your group.

Private Accommodations

Instead of staying at a large hotel or resort, consider a private villa, home, or apartment for an unforgettable experience for your group. As much or as little of the service you desire can also be arranged for you. Think about days of relaxing or exploring and then being able to unwind in the evenings with your group.

Another idea to consider is a hotel, lodge, or retreat all for yourself. Imagine having the property exclusively for you and your group with no other guests and only the staff. You have the advantage of full access to the property, along with the services and amenities they typically offer. There are so many exciting options that can be arranged exclusively and are the perfect size for smaller groups, even in locations that you may not have considered.

Of course, there is always the option of privately situated accommodations within larger hotels and resorts. For example, a private secluded three-bedroom villa within a larger resort or retreat. Perfect for three couples traveling together or a large or multi-generational family.

A villa in the Italian countryside or a manor in an English village? A private lodge in Africa to base yourself for your safari or a gorgeous villa in the Caribbean to relax. The possibilities indeed are endless – these are just a few ideas.

Private Yachts

If you like the idea of a water journey instead of land, this may be an idea for you.

Yachts vary in size and services, so depending on your group's needs and destination, the full itinerary can be customized for you, including the stops you make on the way. With just your group, along with your crew onboard, you can stick to the locations that leave you soaking in the beautiful setting in isolation from the crowds.

Some of the yachting ideas I love include the Croatian coast, island hopping in Greece, or sailing in the Virgin Islands, to name a few, with stops at quiet coves, small towns, or islands along the way.

The possibilities are COUNTless

When it comes to group travel, I have given you just a sampling here. From destinations to settings to experiences, there are an array of options for you. Small private group travel can be arranged in most places you would consider traveling. Of course, with any travel in the foreseeable future, practical matters, including restrictions and requirements, are part of the consideration. But, for those ready to start planning for the future, it is certainly possible to begin that process now.

Excited about traveling with your small group?

Feeling excited about the idea of traveling with your friends and family in the future? Now that I’ve planted the seeds with you, it’s never to soon to start planting those seeds with the friends and family you can’t wait to travel with in the future - you can all have something to look forward to on the horizon.

Group travel does take some lead time, even in normal situations. Even if you aren’t quite sure about when you want to travel, given the complexity of travel in the foreseeable future, it’s worthwhile to start exploring at any time, even if you are considering traveling a bit down the road.

YOUR FUTURE GROUP TRAVEL EXPERIENCE STARTS HERE

Customized group travel is one of our specialties here at Wandermust Journeys. Group travel is complex and can be challenging to coordinate. We can help you pinpoint the right set of experiences, accommodations, and destinations that are best suited for your group journey leveraging our direct insight into the array of available options.

If you’re feeling inspired about the prospect of traveling with your friends and family, whether you’re ready to start planning your own incredible group travel experience or you’d just like to know more about my group travel process, reach out to schedule your complimentary consultation here.