Small Group Travel Blog: Expert Travel Tips, Destination Guides & Tour Advice

Welcome to the Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor travel blog, featuring expert travel tips, destination guides, cruise advice, airfare strategies, packing suggestions, and first-hand insights from more than 17 years of planning small group tours.

Since 2009, we have helped solo travelers, couples, and friends enjoy adults-only small group tours and luxury river cruises with quality hotels, expert local guides, thoughtful pacing, and personal service.

Explore articles on Scotland, Ireland, Norway, Iceland, Peru, Newfoundland, Paris, Normandy, Santa Fe, Canada, Italy, and AmaWaterways river cruises — then view our current Small Group Tours and River Cruises.

Archive by author: Professor Steve SoloskyReturn

30Jul

Why Visit Iceland? Here’s Why Travelers Are Obsessed With the Land of Fire and Ice

Professor Steve Solosky | Iceland, Northern Lights | Norway and Iceland Destination Guide |

Explore Iceland’s stunning landscapes and cultural gems on a small group tour with The Traveling Professor. Highlights include the Golden Circle, South Coast, Blue Lagoon, whale watching, Reykjavik, and the Northern Lights. With expert planning and smart travel tips, you’ll experience Iceland’s magic comfortably, affordably, and without the stress of going it alone.

29Jul

The Perfect Peru and Machu Picchu Itinerary

Professor Steve Solosky | Peru, Machu Picchu, Cusco | Peru, Machu Picchu and the Amazon Travel Guide |

The Traveling Professor’s Peru itinerary offers a rich, immersive experience through Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the Amazon. Travelers explore historic landmarks, ancient Inca sites, vibrant neighborhoods, and lush jungle landscapes. With curated stays, expert guides, and unique cultural encounters, the journey balances adventure, comfort, and discovery — showcasing Peru’s diverse beauty beyond just Machu Picchu.

28Jul

3 Easy Day Trips from Florence Italy

Professor Steve Solosky | Florence, Lucca, Pisa, San Gimignao | Italy Travel Destination Guide |

In itself, Florence is one of the most desirable places to visit in Italy. However, it can be a gateway to visiting other fabulous places nearby. Check out the blog post for the best side trips from Florence, Italy

15Jul

Smart Tips for Buying International Airfare Tickets

Professor Steve Solosky | Airfare, Save on Airfare | Airfare Tips & Flight Deals |

The Traveling Professor shares smart, money-saving tips for booking international airline tickets. Learn why booking directly with airlines, being flexible with airports and routes, buying extra seats for comfort, and skipping booking myths can lead to better deals. Discover how to fly smarter, cheaper, and more comfortably on your next global adventure.

12Jul

3 More (Almost) Useless Facts About Flying

Professor Steve Solosky | flying tips | Airfare Tips & Flight Deals |

In April, we published our wildly popular post, "5 (Almost) Useless Facts About Flying". Today we are here to tell you more about some more things you may or may want to know when you fly.

09Jul

How to See the Best Northern Lights in Iceland

Professor Steve Solosky | Iceland, Northern Lights | Norway and Iceland Destination Guide |

One of the most spectacular sights in nature is the Northern Lights. Because of it's location, Iceland is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights. See The Professor's tips on the how to's in viewing the big show in the sky.

29Jun

Super Top Secret Paris Restaurant List

Professor Steve Solosky | Paris, Restaurants | Paris and France Travel Guide |

Please do not tell anyone about this Paris restaurant list. They are so good, so fantastic that you will want them all to yourself. These are the best Paris restaurants for lunch, dinner, and even for a snack.

21Jun

What to Pack for a 66 Day Trip to Europe - For Ladies Only

Professor Steve Solosky | Packing, Packing for women | Packing Tips for Travel |

Experienced travelers know how to pack and Linda definitely has the qualifications as an experienced travelers. She will tell you the best ways to pack, all with a carry on, even for the longest trips overseas.

15Jun

Why Ireland is the Best Family and Friends Trip

Professor Steve Solosky | Ireland, Family Trip, Friends Trip | Ireland Travel Guide |

Ireland is perfect for small group tours, offering friendly locals, rich heritage, great food, and live music. Families and friends love exploring together by luxury van, from Dublin to Dingle, enjoying the warmth, culture, and charm of Ireland.

12Jun

Best 2 Star Hotels in Paris

Professor Steve Solosky | Paris, Paris Hotel | Paris and France Travel Guide |

Finding a good, inexpensive hotel in Paris is not easy. However, we have done the groundwork to research and find the best hotels in Paris in the 2-star category. We have 5 good choices to help make a trip to Paris enjoyable and affordable.

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.

Receive destination ideas, travel tips, early tour announcements, and special offers from Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor.

Email Address:

First Name:

Last Name:

Small Group Travel Blog: Expert Travel Tips, Destination Guides & Tour Advice

Travel Blog Categories

Who Writes the Small Group Tour Blog?

Receive destination ideas, travel tips, early tour announcements, and special offers from Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor.