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 category: General Travel Tips & AdviceReturn
Hiring a licensed tour guide in Europe and South America ensures expert insights, local knowledge, and personalized experiences. Discover how professional guides enhance your trips and learn the best ways to find trusted, licensed guides for your next adventure.
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Although The Professor calls himself an adventurous eater and has tasted countless dishes on small group tours across Europe, Canada, and Peru. Yet, some traditional foods like Italian tripe, Icelandic hákarl, and British black pudding remain off-limits to him and they should be off-limits to you too.
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The Traveling Professor shares expert tips to overcome jet lag on overnight flights to Europe. Learn how to rest before flying, choose better seats, stay hydrated, nap smartly, and adjust quickly to local time for a refreshed arrival.
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Hotel star ratings reflect amenities—not location or room size. Learn how factors like restaurants, elevators, and services influence ratings, and get expert tips from the Traveling Professor on choosing great-value hotels for your next trip.
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The Traveling Professor shares his favorite pizza spots across Europe, from classic Italian slices in Rome and Venice to unique finds in Paris, Oslo, and Dublin, perfect for travelers on small group tours seeking great pizza.
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Explore Portugal on a 10-day small group tour with The Traveling Professor. Visit Lisbon, Sintra, Porto, Douro Valley, Coimbra, and more while enjoying cultural experiences, local cuisine, wine tastings, historic sites, and hand-picked 4-star accommodations.
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Traveling to Europe doesn’t have to be expensive. These top ten money-saving tips will help you explore the continent affordably—without giving up comfort. Learn how to save on flights, food, transportation, and more while still traveling in style.
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Avoid common airport security hassles by knowing which items to pack carefully. From cheese and soap to toys, aerosols, and grooming tools, learn smart tips to breeze through TSA and European airport checks without delays or confiscations.
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Learn the best tips when booking hotels, including why booking directly saves money, how to use booking sites for research, and the benefits of loyalty programs. Avoid hidden fees and get better deals on your next stay.
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Traveling Europe by high-speed train is efficient, scenic, and often faster than flying. To save money and avoid hassle, book tickets early—especially for popular routes and peak days. Skip high-speed trains for short trips where regional options are cheaper with little time lost. Use Trainline.com for easy ticket booking across 40+ countries. Choose seats near exits, know your car’s boarding location, and always let passengers off before boarding. Bring your own food to avoid limited and over...
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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.

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