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.

Learn why 2026 is the best year to see the Northern Lights in Iceland. Understand how solar maximum increases aurora activity and why small group tours offer the highest chance of witnessing this unforgettable natural phenomenon.
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This guide explains what a single supplement is, why hotels and cruise lines charge it, and how solo travelers can reduce or avoid extra fees when booking accommodations, cruises, and small group tours.
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Experience Ireland’s highlights on a beautifully curated 14-day journey featuring Dublin, Belfast, dramatic coastlines, castles, charming villages, and authentic cultural experiences.
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Discover the best Christmas gifts for travelers, from smart luggage and passport holders to flight-friendly gadgets and unforgettable trips. These thoughtful travel gifts add comfort, security, and style to every journey, making travel easier and more enjoyable.
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Avoid the most common travel mistakes with this guide to the “7 Deadly Sins of Travel.” Learn how to pack smarter, plan better, stay flexible, and enjoy a more relaxed, rewarding journey with Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor.
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Join us for a luxury Swiss Alps and Rhine Castles Christmas Markets River Cruise in 2027. Sail from Amsterdam to Basel with AMA Waterways and enjoy festive markets, scenic villages, exclusive pricing, and The Traveling Professor’s signature small-group experience.
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Sail the Adriatic in style on a small ship Croatia cruise with The Traveling Professor. Swim in turquoise coves, explore medieval islands, enjoy local wines, and discover authentic Croatian culture on this unforgettable small group adventure.
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Discover the top 10 things to do in Edinburgh with The Traveling Professor. From Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace to the Royal Mile, museums, and cozy pubs — explore the best of Scotland’s capital on a small group tour.
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If you lose your passport while traveling, don’t panic. The Traveling Professor explains how to stay calm, report it properly, contact the U.S. embassy, and get a replacement quickly — plus smart tips to protect your passport beforehand.
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The Chase Sapphire Reserve® credit card offers exceptional built-in travel insurance, including trip cancellation, delay, and baggage coverage, plus medical evacuation benefits. Ideal for frequent travelers on The Traveling Professor tours, it provides strong protection, premium perks, and peace of mind—though always review the terms to ensure coverage meets your needs.
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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