As a travel expert, Vancouver-based Inspired Travel Group‘s Danielle Riddle has helpful tips for Canadians on the benefits of off-peak travel (think: cheaper hotels, no crowds) and why we should not go to the “must see” destinations (think: hour-long lines for influencers/Instagrammers taking photos, crowds). We chatted with Danielle to find out more. —Noa Nichol
Danielle, what inspired you to advocate for off-peak travel, and what are some of the key benefits travellers can expect when they avoid peak tourist seasons?
Often misunderstood, “the peak time” in the context of travel, doesn’t necessarily refer to the best time to travel. Rather more, what it specifically signifies is that this will be the busiest or most congested period when there’s a high volume of travellers. So in actual fact, if you can, this is often the time to avoid, if you’re looking for a seamless, authentic, and less crowded experience. It’s therefore important to know when these peak times are, and then focus on structuring your itinerary around this, i.e. considering the shoulder periods either side, in order to save time, money, and have an overall more authentic and enjoyable experience.
The Opportunity for Free Activities
A big benefit to off-peak travel is the opportunity to take advantage of “free activities.” Take the time to do a little research, and you will soon find that, particularly during off-peak periods, you will have access to “free admission” days to parks and museums, along with walking tours. In addition, discounted tickets to shows, attractions, and activities become available. Some attractions or experiences may also offer exclusive access or behind-the-scenes tours during off-peak times when visitor numbers are lower.
Maximizing Loyalty Program Offerings
Points programs can be extremely lucrative and provide a fantastic cost saving opportunity if utilized effectively. You do need to be prepared to invest time into researching the best options, but the benefits to utilizing these programs during off-peak travel periods is significant. There will be more flight options and availability on more comfortable routings, particularly when it comes to traveling in Premium Economy & Business Class. And they will require less points to confirm. In addition, due to less busy flights, the upgrade opportunities increase as well. Accommodation nightly rates will be lower, so again, the points will go further and cover more total nights. You can also afford to splurge on a more luxurious property that would not necessarily be an option during peak season. Overall, you will end up with more choice and better bang for your buck.
Interact with Locals
With fewer tourists around, you may have more opportunities to interact with locals and immerse yourself in the local culture, gaining a deeper understanding and a more enriching experience of the destination.
Better Service
Without a doubt, service levels increase in off peak periods. Restaurants, hotels, and tour operators generally have more time to cater to your needs and provide personalized attention during off-peak times.
Support Sustainable Tourism
Something we can all be more cognizant of is the importance of supporting and contributing to the growing need for sustainable tourism. Traveling off-peak helps distribute tourism demand more evenly throughout the year, reducing the environmental impact on popular destinations and supporting sustainable tourism practices.
Flexibility and Spontaneity
Traveling off peak allows for greater flexibility and spontaneity in your itinerary, as you’re less likely to encounter fully booked accommodations or attractions. This enables you the luxury of taking a more relaxed and organic approach to your travel plans. You can be truly inspired by the destination and take each day as it comes.
Off-peak Travel Benefits Example
A good example for a destination to travel outside of peak times, is Italy, and namely the Amalfi Coast. This dreamy coastal paradise is an idyllic bucket list destination, but traveling to the area in the Summer (i.e. Peak Season) can quickly burst that dreamy bubble. Temperatures are uncomfortably high, and traffic congestion is worse than you can imagine. People end up walking for miles, with their luggage dragging behind them. You sit for hours in traffic just trying to get from Naples to your accommodation. And it can get so bad that the area’s resources simply cannot handle the mass amount of strain due to overcrowding. Subsequently, power outages become inevitable and frequent. Restaurant reservations are next to impossible, and the idea of relaxing beachside on a lounge chair becomes nothing more than a vacation fantasy. Every viewpoint has a line up of tourists, just to take a picture, and everything is fully booked months in advance, so no last minute spontaneous adventures unfortunately. Certainly what you envisioned from the dreamy influencer pics and reels on social media quickly becomes an impossible reality. Not to mention the added frustration when you consider the inflated costs associated with traveling during this period! Opting for a shoulder season however; May or late September, will result in a far more enjoyable, comfortable, and cost effective experience. That quintessential seaside escape, sipping your morning coffee with the glistening Mediterranean Sea as your view, can become a much more attainable reality. You will have the opportunity to mix with the locals, dine at reputable restaurants, and take leisurely day trips from village to village without sitting in traffic jams for hours on end. It’s these times when you find those picturesque secret coves, and quaint little restaurants. When you can discover the sights and vistas crowd free, and truly take in the serenity and beauty of the dreamy landscape. And if something sparks your interest, you can for example, book that last minute ferry to Capri for an afternoon adventure. Ultimately, it will give you the chance to experience the authenticity of the Amalfi Coast, and discover the true reason behind the hype.
Can you share some of your favourite off-the-beaten-path destinations that offer unique experiences without the typical crowds and high costs?
Puglia Italy
Compared to Amalfi, it’s tourist-heavy neighbour, Puglia boasts picturesque countryside, olive groves, and whitewashed villages with traditional Trulli houses, but with a fraction of the crowds. Here you can discover stunning beaches, hidden coves, and crystal-clear waters along the Adriatic and Ionian coasts, and no fighting for beach chairs!
Not only is Puglia a stunning coastal haven, but the regional cuisine is equally enticing. We’re talking fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and local wines, all at affordable prices.
Nicaragua
If you want to avoid the crowds of Costa Rica, Nicaragua offers pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and beautiful colonial towns. In addition, it’s budget-friendly, with inexpensive accommodations and transportation, great dining options, and boasts beautiful private villas
Oman
Oman is a true desert oasis offering a beautiful landscape of deserts, mountains, and stunning coastline. Unlike Dubai, it’s crazy busy neighbour, Oman is still considered relatively off the beaten path, but boasts some amazing resorts, and a fascinating cultural heritage. Explore ancient forts, bustling souks, and traditional villages, with the added benefit of first class hospitality.
Madagascar
Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot. A beautiful country boasting unique ecosystems, including rainforests, deserts, and coral reefs, which are home to a huge range of flora and
fauna found nowhere else. For those seeking an African adventure that doesn’t break the bank, Madagascar offers affordable accommodation, and local restaurants serving delicious Malagasy cuisine, making it a great choice for the adventurous types.
Traveling for mental health and personal growth is becoming more popular. Can you elaborate on how travel can contribute to personal well-being and self-discovery?
Travelling provides a powerful tool to improve mental health, and promote personal growth. It gives us the opportunity to push beyond our limitations and realize our strengths and capabilities that otherwise may go overlooked.
Digital Detox
Stay present and switch off your devices as much as possible. Disconnecting from digital distractions will allow for a more mindful, immersive and profound travel experience.
Confidence Inspiring
Travel often involves navigating new and unfamiliar place, which challenges people to adapt, problem-solve, and overcome obstacles, which ultimately results in a new found sense of resilience and self-confidence
Time for Introspection
Traveling provides opportunities for solitude and reflection, allowing us to disconnect from distractions and dive into introspective thought.
Exploring Identity
Being in new environments and facing unfamiliar situations can prompt people to reflect on their values, goals, and aspirations, leading to greater self-discovery and understanding of purpose.
Solo Travel
Traveling alone is a powerful tool in fostering independence. It provides ample time for self reflection and encourages you to push out of your comfort zones.
Emotional Release
Traveling to meaningful destinations or engaging in cathartic activities, such as journaling, art therapy, or visiting spiritual sites, can encourage emotional healing and provide a sense of closure or renewal
Reducing Stress
Traveling to new destinations allows people to get a break from the daily grind, and escape stressors, which allows us to relax and mentally rejuvenate. Spending time in the great outdoors, whether it’s hiking in the mountains, relaxing on a beach, or exploring national parks, has been shown to improve mood and reduce stress levels.
Immersive Experiences
Focus on taking the time to meet the locals and engage in their customs and activities. You will undoubtedly gain a deeper and more authentic understanding of the destination you’re visiting if you participate in cultural events, try local cuisine, and interact with local residents.
Cultural Inspiration
Exposure to art, music, architecture, and food from different cultures can inspire creativity and bring about new interests and passions.
Meaningful Relationships
When we travel, we tend to meet new people, forming friendships, and building new connections that can provide support, companionship, and a sense of belonging.
Mindfulness
Being fully present in the moment while traveling encourages mindfulness and a deeper connection to oneself and the world around them. We are able to gain new perspectives and appreciation for other cultures, fostering understanding and empathy
Educational or Volunteer Experiences
Consider destinations related to your interests to learn and expand on your life skills; For example, connect with tradition, and learn all about the slow food movement in Italy. Learn Spanish in Peru and hike the Inca Trail. Discover your spiritual side and experience growth through a Yoga retreat in Bali. Gain new skills and foster empathy through participating in volunteer programs. The opportunities are endless, and ultimately enrich the travel experience, providing deeper cultural insights.
Corporate Travel and the Importance of Wellness
Wellness has become an extremely important factor when it comes to Inspired’s service offerings towards our corporate clientele, as people are becoming more aware of the need for and importance to recognize mental health impacts of work and travel. We have a strong focus on educating our clients as to how to mitigate stress and unnecessary pressure on staff by developing practical and carefully curated travel policies to promote and incorporate wellness effectively within their organization. Understanding the importance of being well rested upon arriving into a city off the back of a long haul flight, is very important to their bottom line and retaining happy, healthy staff. We know when and why it’s important for them to consider Business Class travel, what routes offer lie-flat beds for adequate sleep, how to construct airfares to avoid unnecessary layovers and long, exhausting connections, etc. It’s this insider and professional knowledge that is integral to the overall well being of travellers.
What are some tips for travellers looking to avoid tourist traps and instead find more authentic, less crowded experiences?
Consider The Road Less Travelled
Research beyond the typical tourist hotspots and consider lesser-known destinations. For example, take a popular destination, and look at its neighbour. Sometimes researching just a small distance away will uncover an absolute gem and an overall more authentic experience. Think, small towns, rural areas, or neighbourhoods that are not heavily promoted online.
Travel During Off-Peak Seasons
For a seamless, authentic, and less crowded experience, consider traveling outside of the peak travel periods. It’s therefore important to know when these peak times are, and then focus on structuring your itinerary around this, i.e. considering the shoulder periods either side, in order to save time, money, and have an overall more authentic and enjoyable experience.
Interact with Locals
Find online forums specific to your destination that will give you direct access to local guides, along with local advice and tips. Likewise in destination, chat with locals to gain insider tips and recommendations. Locals can point you toward hidden gems, authentic dining options, and off-the-beaten-path attractions that may not be well known to tourists.
Walk or Take Public Transport
Walk and/or cycle around, and you will find new places, especially places to eat and interesting things to see that are NOT in the guidebooks.
Eat Where the Locals Eat
Steer away from touristy restaurants and find the neighbourhood gems that the locals love. Look for places with menus written in the local language that are full of locals.
Avoid chain and mass market hotels
Instead, consider boutique, niche hotels, guesthouses, or private rentals in residential neighbourhoods. This way, you will experience local hospitality and lifestyle firsthand.
Seek Authentic Experiences
Organize activities that offer genuine insights into the local culture; Cooking classes, traditional ceremonies, visits to local markets.
Explore The Great Outdoors
Escape the crowds and enjoy some time in nature. Hiking, biking, kayaking, and picnics in the park, are great ways to experience outdoor adventures away from the crowds.
Be Spontaneous
Don’t over-plan your trip, so you can allow for spontaneous opportunities to take you by surprise. This enables you the luxury of taking a more relaxed and organic approach to your itinerary. You can be truly inspired by the destination and take each day as it comes.
You mentioned that renting a villa for family or group travel can provide a more connected experience. Can you share some tips on how to plan and book a villa stay, and what benefits it offers compared to traditional hotels?
Opting for a private villa can provide a host of benefits over a traditional hotel experience; Privacy, space, a home away from home feel, etc. Here’s some tips on how to effectively plan and book your villa stay, along with the benefits that go along with it.
Understand and Determine Your Specific Needs
How many bedrooms do need, what bedding configuration is necessary for your specific group, what amenities are preferred, eg. pool, air conditioning, outdoor space, etc. And what about location; walkability to attractions and town, near a beach, in the countryside. This is all very important to the overall success of your villa experience
Set a Budget
Establish a realistic budget, taking into consideration factors like, size, location, and amenities.
Do your research
Some destinations lend well to the villa rental concept, while others may not be recommended. So it’s important to do your research and consider where villa rentals are available and reliable. Take into consideration factors like weather, local attractions, and accessibility.
Search for Villas
Online platforms that specialize in villa rentals, such as Airbnb, Vrbo, HomeAway, or luxury villa rental agencies are going to be the most convenient and reliable options for confirming your
private villa. Use the Filter selections to ensure you are looking at options based on your specific preferences.
Always Read Reviews
Reviews are integral to ensuring you find a villa that will fulfill your expectations. This will provide the most unbiased insight to the authenticity of the listing. In particular, look at the reviews that express any negative feedback to determine if the reasons rule out the property as a potential for your stay. Here you will gain valuable insight when it comes to quality, cleanliness, amenities, and overall experience.
Contact Hosts
Communication is paramount! Reach out to villa owners or property managers to ask any questions you may have and confirm availability and pricing. Be aware of their response time and attention to detail. You want to make sure that once you have confirmed your booking, you will have an attentive and reliable host to work with, to ensure a seamless travel experience.
Benefits of Villa Stays Compared to Traditional Hotels
Privacy
Villas provide an element of privacy that isn’t possible at a hotel, allowing guests to relax and unwind without the more chaotic environment of a hotel.
Space
Villas generally feature separate living areas, bedrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas, and therefore typically offer more space than hotel rooms, providing a more palatial environment along with a sense of a home away from home.
Authenticity
Villas are often located in residential neighbourhoods or rural areas, and within local communities. You truly feel like you’re living like a local, providing a more authentic and immersive experience of the destination.
Cost Saving for Groups
Being able to split costs, means opting for a private villa can become a more cost-effective solution for groups traveling together.
Personalization
Guests can personalize their experience in a villa, whether it’s visiting the local farmers market and being able to then cook and prepare their own meals, enjoying private pool time, or arranging customized services like; in-villa massages, or a private chef to cater a special meal.
Flexibility
Guests will have greater flexibility in terms of scheduling meals, activities, and relaxation time, without the constraints of hotel dining hours or housekeeping schedules.
Hiring a local chef to experience the true flavors of a destination sounds wonderful. How can travellers find and book local chefs, and what should they expect from this experience?
Hiring a local chef is a great way for travellers to immerse themselves in the local culture through food. Here’s how you can make that happen.
Online Platforms
• Food Tourism Websites like Eatwith, Traveling Spoon, and Withlocals provide information regarding local chefs offering cooking classes, food tours, and private dining experiences.
• Search for local chefs or foodies on social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook, and join destination forums, where many chefs promote their services and showcase their work so you can see first hand what’s on offer. It’s also a great way to see feedback and reviews, as past clients will often post pictures, and upload their own.
Local Recommendations
• Chat to your travel agent, concierge, villa manager, hotel staff, tour guides, or even locals that you meet in cafes and restaurants for information regarding reputable local chefs or cooking classes in the area.
• A lot of restaurants will also offer these services when asked, or will be able to point you in the right direction of fellow chefs.
• Head out to local farmers markets, or attend food festivals where chefs often showcase their skills and offer cooking demonstrations.
• Inquire with local culinary schools or cooking academies to see if they offer classes or have contacts for local chefs
• Look for local chapters of culinary associations or guilds, which may have listings of professional chefs available for private bookings.
• Ask friends and family who have visited the destination for any recommendations they may be able to provide
Be Organized
Foodie related travel is a very popular trend nowadays, so popular chefs and food related experiences will require booking well in advance, especially during peak travel periods. Do your research early, and reach out to make sure you can secure a chef that fits your preferences.
Costs
Prices vary depending on the chef’s reputation, the complexity of the menu, and the exclusivity of the experience. Ensure you are obtaining a detailed and accurate quote ahead of time, ensuring no additional fees apply, and be clear about your maximum spend, as this can escalate quickly. Often, you can book a certain amount of hours for a bartender for example, but unless you notice the time is up, they will continue to work, and you will receive a bill after the fact.
Always Read Reviews
Before booking, read reviews and testimonials from previous clients to ensure a positive and enjoyable experience. Check on social media and online forums for the most honest and direct feedback.
What to Expect
• Working directly with a local chef means you will be able to customize menus based on dietary requirements, allergies, and your likes and dislikes.
• You can expect dishes that feature the area’s traditional ingredients, cooking techniques, and flavors, providing so much more authenticity
• It takes the work out of meal planning, prepping and cleaning when on vacation; It feels so indulgent to have someone take care of it all for you, and when you’re on holiday and treating yourself, that’s hard to beat.
• Many private dining experiences involve hands-on cooking classes where travellers can learn techniques, ingredients, and recipes directly from the chef.
• Chefs often share stories, culinary traditions, and cultural insights during the cooking process, making it an interesting and insightful experience, not just another meal. • Experiencing the services of a private chef makes for a unique and special touch, adding an incomparable level of decadence and luxury to your travel experience • Interacting with a local chef allows a deeper and more intimate way to engage with the destination
• Booking a local chef offers a unique opportunity to enjoy dishes that may not be available in restaurants, providing another level of exclusivity
• Generally the services don’t just stop at a chef, but rather the opportunity for a host of associated services including; wait staff, bartenders, cleaning staff, etc. This can be a very impressive addition to corporate retreats and group travel, providing an unmatched level of attention and exclusivity. Great for multigenerational group travel and celebrations, along with rewarding staff on incentive retreats.
There’s a common belief that booking flights on certain days, like Tuesdays, can be cheaper. Can you debunk this myth and explain what actually affects flight prices?
and
What advice do you have for travellers looking to book flights and accommodations in a way that maximizes value and minimizes costs?
When considering when to travel, it’s always going to be advantageous if you can take advantage of “off peak” opportunities, i.e. by avoiding travel at the height of Summer, during Christmas & New Years, or Spring Break. Typically, if you can travel either just before or after these peak times, you will be able to take advantage of sale fares and deals on accommodations, purely as a result of lower demand. For example, it’s always cost effective to travel late Nov/early Dec. This is the ultimate off-peak time to go almost anywhere, mainly due to it being just after Thanksgiving, and still before Christmas. Kids are still in school, and most people are in full, festive planning mode. So both airfares and accommodation are at their most cost effective during this time.
Of course this isn’t always a viable option, particularly for families with school age children, as school holidays are often their only option for vacations, and so they have no choice but to travel during peak times. In that case, the best approach is simple; Be prepared and plan ahead. Consider your options and potentially secure at least your airfares up to eight months in advance. Any more than eight months is not necessary nor recommended, as the only fares that will be available will be standard, higher fares, as no promotional rates will have been applied at this point.
Alternatively, if you have the ability to be more flexible when it comes to your travel arrangements, and can be a little bit more spontaneous, the risk/reward approach can potentially pay off if you’re booking in the 1-2 months prior window. As during this time, sporadic seat sales, and promos will be released, in order for the airlines to sell unsold seats. So if you’re travelling solo or it’s just two people, and you can be flexible with your dates, there is a chance you can secure a fantastic “last minute” deal this way.
Ultimately, the travel industry is all based on supply and demand. As seats are sold, fares will increase incrementally, and if by a certain time, sales don’t reach a necessary level, a seat sale will be released in order to fill planes and ensure airline costs are being met. In the airline world,
this is referred to as “Dynamic Pricing”, and airfares are always based on this concept, meaning various algorithms determine factors relating to booking data, cancellations, events attracting interest etc, which the airlines will then adjust prices for accordingly. So it can be hard to predict when these will pop up, but knowing the peak times and subsequent quieter travel periods surrounding these, gives us a good guide as to when to consider our options for value added vacations and corporate travel needs.
When it comes to what days are best to travel, it depends on the destination. For a vacation destination, mid-week travel is always a good idea, as it’s not as popular, so you will automatically have access to lower fare levels as a result. Most people like to try and take advantage of as many weekends as possible when they go on vacation, so departing on a Friday or Saturday, and returning on a Sunday is always going to be very popular, thus flights will be busier and will fill up faster, pushing fares up accordingly. On the other hand, when it comes to corporate travel, it’s actually the opposite; People want to avoid travelling on weekends so they can be home with their families. So in general they will want to fly mid-week and come home by Friday. So it’s important to consider the type of travellers flying to the destination you’re considering, in order to determine what days of the week might be more cost effective to fly.
So whilst there are evidently better days to travel on, pertaining to your destination, it’s been widely debated as to whether the day of the week you make your booking can actually present any advantage to you price wise. People used to talk about booking on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to secure seat sales as soon as they’re released, but with the level of sophistication when it comes to dynamic pricing algorithms now, this theory is redundant. The biggest advantage that working with a bonafide travel agent can provide, is access to live flight inventory; and a smart and aptly educated agent will be able to monitor this information to give you a good idea of when a seat sale might be on the horizon due to the current flight loading. Ultimately, the best strategy is to work with a professional, be well informed, flexible, and proactive.
How can corporate and individual retreats enhance the travel experience, and what should people look for when selecting a retreat destination or program?
When it comes to corporate incentives, money will only motivate in the short term. Bonuses become expectations, and people quickly want for more. Travel experiences through corporate retreats offer an array of benefits that contribute to employee engagement, professional development, and company success. By encouraging team cohesion, promoting personal growth, and aligning strategic priorities, retreats can strengthen company culture, drive innovation, and enhance overall employee satisfaction and performance.
Corporate Retreat Benefits
• Corporate retreats often take place in unique and beautiful locations, offering staff the chance to enjoy new destinations and cultures, enhancing their overall travel experience • It’s a great way for businesses (particularly remote businesses) to create camaraderie and foster the benefits of human connection. Travelling together creates bonds that can last a lifetime, and this can be so powerful in creating positive relationships and a strong corporate culture
• By inspiring people with new experiences and cultures, along with taking them out of their everyday comfort zone, it naturally serves as a motivator and encourages creativity and innovation
• A change of scenery and team-building exercises can break down mental barriers, sparking fresh perspectives and approaches.
• When people travel to new and different places together, try new cuisines, learn new skills etc, they create lasting memories and stronger connections
• Adventure and team-building activities specific to the destination can bring employees together to overcome challenges and build trust, reinforcing teamwork skills in a fun and memorable way
• By incorporating wellness activities into your retreat program, it further demonstrates to staff that reducing stress, finding balance, and prioritizing mental health and wellness is a priority to the organization
• Retreats provide such a powerful demonstration of leaders valuing and appreciating their staff
• It improves employee retention by giving staff something fun, rewarding, and exciting to look forward to every year
How to go about it…
• As a management team, establish and clarify the retreat’s main goals and objectives, and be sure to set clear and agreed upon limitations.
• Financial decision makers need to be understanding of how to prioritize budget spends and allocate accordingly. Understanding the intangible return on investment these kinds of programs can have on your business is key here.
• If companies have switched to a hybrid or fully remote business structure, it’s important to invest back into their people to ensure they are maintaining the human connection and valuing their staff
• Enlist the help of a seasoned professional to take care of the logistics and manage the program to ensure a seamless and successful retreat experience for all
• Collaborate with your team and bring them into the planning process; have people vote on their favourite destinations, brainstorm ideas, discuss potential activities and experiences, which will help generate anticipation and excitement amongst your team.
• Assess the accessibility of the retreat destination in terms of transportation, visa requirements, and medical facilities. Choose a location that is convenient and safe for everyone.
• Consider your location carefully. Do you want the group to feel relaxed and rejuvenated on a tropical island setting? Or would you prefer the hustle and bustle of a dynamic city to generate a fast paced and buzzy environment? The location will ultimately set the tone for your participants’ behaviour and vibe.
• Ensure the accommodation is suitable for your group’s needs; understand room configuration, meeting facilities, activities on site, dining options etc.
• Always get feedback after the retreat to obtain insightful guidance for planning the next one
On a personal level, organized retreats can provide so many benefits and open up a whole new world of travel opportunities.
Personal Development
Retreats generally offer workshops, seminars, and activities focused on personal growth, self discovery, and mindfulness. Participants can learn new skills, gain insights, and develop a deeper sense of self.
Wellness and Relaxation
Many retreats focus on wellness activities such as yoga, meditation, spa treatments, and outdoor adventures. These experiences promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. It gives you a chance to switch off, reflect, and gain a much needed sense of rejuvenation.
Cultural Immersion
Retreats can often provide the most accessible opportunity to become immersed in local culture, learn about traditions, and try new and exciting cuisines. People get the chance to explore new and different places, meet locals and understand and appreciate diversity.
Education
In a rapidly evolving world, educational retreats can provide vast benefits to traditional classroom learning, providing immersive experiences that foster deep engagement, experiential learning, and personal growth. By combining academic content with hands-on activities, reflection, and community building in inspiring settings, educational retreats empower participants to develop practical skills, gain new perspectives, and develop meaningful connections
Human Connection
Connecting face to face with people can be difficult in our electronic age, but retreats instantly provide this sense of community and connection. Travellers are able to meet people that share similar interests and ideals, creating a great bonding experience. Very often friendships are formed that last long after the retreat is over.
When considering participating in an organized retreat experience, it’s a good idea to consider the following:
Feedback and Reviews
• Reviews are essential to ensuring the retreat aligns with your interests, and your expectations are met when embarking on a retreat experience. Real reviews, from real past participants will help to determine this.
• Visit online forums and review sites in order to obtain this information. If you can’t find any reviews online, there’s your first red flag.
Location
• Consider the geographic location and setting of the retreat. Think about where you want to be and the atmosphere that’s most appealing to you.
• Some retreats will offset the costs by choosing a destination in an unfavourable season. Although it may sound like a dreamy idea visiting the Caribbean for a wellness retreat, if it’s scheduled for the middle of the hurricane season, it can make for a very different outcome.
Program Content
• Review the retreat itinerary, workshops, activities, and excursions included in the program. Ensure that the content is relevant, professional, engaging, and led by experienced facilitators or instructors. The more detail and specifics available, the more reliable the overall program will be.
• Review the daily schedule and ensure there is a good balance of structured activities and free time, to ensure your space and time to relax on your own terms. • You should also consider researching the qualifications and experience of the facilitators leading the retreat.
Accessibility & Associated Costs
• A lot of retreats offer a “land only” packed only. Meaning you need to get yourself to and from the location of the retreat. It’s therefore important to first consider where the retreat is being held and how easy (or not) it is to get there, along with the associated costs, and required transportation
• Be aware of any associated costs or “extras” to ensure you are not overspending. Establish a budget and make sure the retreat is the right financial fit for you to achieve the required objectives
Group Size and Compatibility
• Understand the size of the group attending the retreat. Smaller groups will generally result in a more personalized approach and likely a more enriching experience • Likewise, understand the type of people that will be attending, to ensure they are like minded and that they will align with your interests and goals
For families and groups planning a trip together, what are some key considerations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience for everyone involved?
Planning a trip for groups or families travelling together takes dedicated and thoughtful attention to ensure an enjoyable and seamless experience for all involved. Here are some good points to be mindful of when planning your next group adventure.
Establish Clear Communication
• Open and concise communication is key, in order to understand people’s expectations, be realistic about these expectations, and come together in terms of preferences, interests, and objectives.
• It’s important to consider everyone’s input and come to a group consensus as best possible.
• Once the expectations are clear, assign a leader who can then manage the overall planning of the arrangements, maintain communication, and take control over all the logistics.
Choose Suitable Accommodation
• Be mindful of the specific accommodation needs of your group; Are their children who need cribs and high chairs, seniors who have trouble with stairs, etc. Likewise, does the group want to share the common facilities, or would they prefer individual rooms/suites, but stay within the same property/complex.
• Consider private rentals with additional services like villa pre-stocking for groceries, private chef services, in-villa massage etc.
• Depending on the group, a hotel can be advantageous due to the additional facilities and amenities provided, allowing you to cater to a greater range of preferences and expectations.
• When it comes to groups in general, having access and close proximity to more options when it comes to activities, amenities, and transportation is a priority. So it’s important to research the location and know what’s close by.
Plan Activities for All Ages and Interests
• Balance activities by planning a mix that caters to a range of ages and interests. • Consider family friendly attractions like theme parks, aquariums, water parks etc., outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and don’t forget about down time to relax. • Keep it relatively flexible so people still feel like they can control their own vacation experience and get spontaneous too.
Set the Budget
• Establish a budget that is feasible for everyone travelling. Chat openly and clearly about cost expectations, and come to an agreement on how expenses will be shared. There
are also some great Apps available that will help you manage costs on the go, in an efficient and easy way. For example, Splitwise
• Look out for opportunities for groups to save money; group discounts, package deals, cooking together instead of eating out every night, etc.
Logistics and Transportation
• Organize transfers and transportation ahead of time to ensure a smooth arrival and departure to and from your destination.
• Consider renting cars, or hiring a driver. Transferring everyone together in one vehicle may be convenient and provide a one and done solution, but people having their own vehicles can also be handy once in destination, in order to give people that element of flexibility during the trip.
• Pre-arranging logistics such as airport transfers, luggage handling, and check-in procedures in advance will undoubtedly minimize stress and confusion for everyone.
Distribute Responsibilities
• Managing and coordinating a group of people travelling together is a tedious task, and a lot of work. Its important to delegate responsibilities and get others involved. • Assign packing responsibilities to different group members to ensure no essential items are forgotten
• For the super organizers in your group, have someone put together a helpful packing guide for the group; reminding people to pack essentials like; medications, weather related apparel, hiking shoes, swim suits etc.
• Consider your fellow traveller’s passions and interests, and if some for example is a foodie, delegate restaurant and dinner planning to them. Likewise for other special interest activities.
Health and Safety
• Ensure all travellers have adequate travel insurance coverage, specific to the destination • Establish an emergency plan and share contact information with everyone in the group. • Identify meeting points and procedures in case anyone gets lost, or any emergencies. • Be aware of any health concerns or dietary restrictions within the group, and be prepared for unexpected medical needs
share:
Be the first to comment