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.

Avoid common international travel mistakes with expert tips from The Traveling Professor. Learn why booking directly, packing light, staying flexible, and having insurance make all the difference on your next small group tour or overseas adventure.
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Paris offers unforgettable dining, from historic brasseries and romantic bistros to hidden cafés and budget-friendly eats. On our small group tours, we savor iconic spots like Brasserie Bofinger, Chartier, and Le Coupe Chou for authentic Parisian flavors.
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Find out about the best Paris markets. From vibrant food stalls and historic flea markets to specialty flower and book vendors, explore authentic Parisian life while tasting, shopping, and experiencing local culture.
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Here are The Traveling Professor’s favorite authentic Tuscan restaurants in Florence, Italy. From the famous Steak Florentine at Buca Mario to lively trattorias and vibrant food markets, explore the best places to enjoy traditional Tuscan cuisine.
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Plan your 2026 Europe trip smarter by avoiding major public holidays in Iceland, Scotland, Norway, Austria, Italy, France, and Ireland. Skip crowds, closures, and high prices with our complete holiday calendar and travel tips.
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Travel is exciting, but certain annoyances can spoil the fun. Discover smart tips to avoid high hotel prices, crowded cities, long lines, and stressful airports on your next trip.
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Dingle is part of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way. From the scenic Slea Head Loop and historic Gallarus Oratory to fresh seafood, lively pubs, and stunning coastal walks, this charming fishing village offers unforgettable Irish culture, history, and breathtaking views.
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Solo travelers can benefit from small group tours with shared travel ideas, companionship, cost savings, safety, and hassle-free planning. The right tour offers freedom, connection, and unique experiences while maintaining independence and comfort.
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Pack smarter with these 7 unexpected travel essentials. From Apple AirTags to portable CO2 detectors, microfiber towels, and VPNs, The Traveling Professor shares expert packing tips to keep your trip safer, easier, and stress-free.
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Discover Scotland’s best scenic rail trips with ScotRail, including Mallaig to Fort William, Fort William to Glasgow, and Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh—breathtaking routes featuring mountains, lochs, wildlife, and iconic landmarks perfect for unforgettable train travel experiences.
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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.

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