I paid $181 for a confirmed American Airlines first-class upgrade. Days later, it vanished after my ticket was reissued. Replacing it cost $544, raising an important question about what can happen when airline tickets are changed without a traveler’s knowledge.
Read More
Some of the smartest travel tricks sound completely ridiculous. From buying the middle seat and wearing a wool cap to putting a bell on your luggage, these eight unusual flight hacks can make flying easier, safer and more comfortable.
Read More
Paris has long been considered Europe’s greatest city, but is Oslo catching up? Compare art, architecture, transportation, crowds, hotels, weather, fjord access, and overall travel experience to decide which city is better to visit today.
Read More
Big bus tours promise more destinations, but often deliver more highways, hotel changes, and rushed sightseeing. The Traveling Professor explains why “hit-and-run travel” can cost more, feel less rewarding, and leave travelers seeing places without truly experiencing them.
Read More
Lufthansa Sleeper’s Row can turn an ordinary economy row into a surprisingly comfortable bed. Here’s how it works, what it may cost, what travelers report, and whether it’s a smart alternative to expensive Business Class.
Read More
The hardest part of solo travel is often simply booking the trip. Drawing on his first solo journey to Paris more than 25 years ago, The Traveling Professor explains how taking that brave first step can open the door to travel, friendship, companionship, and an entirely new world.
Read More
Linda and I flew American Airlines first class from Charlotte to Dallas for about $145 each in cash. Here is how we combined AAdvantage award tickets with a discounted $139 upgrade offer.
Read More
“No single supplement” does not always mean a cheaper tour. Learn how solo travel pricing works and why a fair single supplement may be the more honest deal.
Read More
Inspired by a fellow traveler’s email about a New York Times article, this post explores the quieter Northern Italy we have visited for years through small-group train travel, centrally located hotels and time for spontaneous discovery.
Read More
Discover the top ten questions travelers ask about an Iceland Northern Lights tour, including the best time to visit, weather, packing, physical activity, solo travel, the Blue Lagoon and your chances of seeing the aurora.
Read More
Page 1 of 18 FirstPrevious [1]

Travel Smarter

Get practical travel tips, destination advice, money-saving ideas and clever travel tricks from The Traveling Professor. Join thousands of travelers receiving our latest travel advice and small-group tour updates.

Who Writes the Small Group Tour Blog?

Professor Steve Solosky, The Traveling Professor, is the founder of Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor, operating since 2009. A former college professor and author of The Traveling Professor’s Guide to Paris, Steve has planned and led small group tours throughout Europe, Canada, South America, and beyond. His travel expertise has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, WCBS Radio, and The New York Times Travel Show.

Each article is written or reviewed from the perspective of a working tour operator who plans real itineraries, works with local guides and hotels, and helps travelers prepare for successful small group trips.

Since 2009 | IATA Accredited | JourneyWoman Partner | AmaWaterways Certified Advisor | Google Reviews | NTA Member