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.

04Aug

The Ultimate Copenhagen Travel Guide: What to Do, Where to Stay, and Where to Eat

Professor Steve Solosky | Copenhagen | Norway and Iceland Destination Guide |

Copenhagen, the charming capital of Denmark, is one of our top destinations for a 3–5 day European getaway. With its walkable streets, stunning architecture, efficient public transportation, excellent hotels, and incredible dining scene, it’s no wonder we keep coming back. Whether it’s your first time visiting or a return trip, this guide will help you discover the best things to do, places to stay, and where to eat in Copenhagen.

03Aug

The Worst and Best Airports

Professor Steve Solosky | Best Airport, Worst Airport | General Travel Tips & Advice |

Explore the best and worst airports worldwide with insights from The Traveling Professor. Discover why Bergen Airport (BGO), Norway, stands out with its cheap city tram, efficient layout, and smooth security. Kansas City International (MCI) impresses with spacious design and quick services, while New York’s LaGuardia (LGA) shines after recent renovations with upscale dining and lounges. On the downside, airports like Cusco (CUZ), Manchester (MAN), and Islip (ISP) face challenges from overcrowdi...

02Aug

Unexpected but Essential Travel Items You’ll Be Glad You Packed

Professor Steve Solosky | Packing | Packing Tips for Travel |

When it comes to travel advice, most bloggers focus on the usual suspects: suitcase reviews, folding hacks, and their favorite neck pillows. But what about the smart, safety-focused, and just plain practical items no one ever tells you to pack?

01Aug

How to Handle Airline Delays, Cancellations, and Changes Like a Pro

Professor Steve Solosky | airlines, delays | Airfare Tips & Flight Deals |

Flight delays and cancellations are frustrating, but travelers don’t have to feel powerless. By booking directly with airlines, acting quickly, investing in travel insurance, understanding your rights, and staying calm, you can take control of the situation and minimize travel disruptions like a seasoned pro.

31Jul

Top 10 Things to Do in Vienna Austria

Professor Steve Solosky | Vienna, Austria | Austria & Bavaria Travel Guide |

Discover the top 10 must-see sights and experiences in Vienna with The Traveling Professor. From imperial palaces and world-class museums to classical music and authentic cuisine, this guide highlights why Vienna is one of Europe’s most livable and culturally rich cities—perfect for first-time visitors or seasoned travelers on a small group tour.

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.

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.

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

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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.