Group travel can be an exciting and hassle-free way to explore the world, but it isn’t for everyone. Below, we’ll break down the key benefits and drawbacks so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your next adventure.

Why Group Travel Might Be Perfect for You:

No Planning Required
Planning a trip can be daunting, especially when heading to an unfamiliar destination. Choosing accommodations, arranging transportation, and finding reliable guides can take weeks or even months of effort. When you opt for a group tour, all the logistics are handled for you by professionals. All you need to do is pack your bags.

A Built-in Social Circle
Traveling alone or with a small group can sometimes feel isolating, especially if you’re in a country where the language is unfamiliar. On a group tour, you’ll meet like-minded travelers who share your interests. Whether the group is made up of food enthusiasts, culture buffs, or adventure seekers, you’re likely to forge new friendships along the way.

Stress-free Problem Solving
Unexpected challenges like canceled ferries or misbooked accommodations can derail a trip. However, on a group tour, these issues are managed by the tour leader. Whether it’s navigating a transportation hiccup or rescheduling activities, someone else is responsible for finding a solution, leaving you free to enjoy the experience.

Safety in Numbers
Exploring a new place can sometimes feel intimidating, especially if it’s your first visit. With a group, safety is less of a concern. Tour leaders ensure accommodations and itineraries are chosen with security in mind, and having a knowledgeable guide on hand provides peace of mind in unfamiliar surroundings.

Exclusive Experiences
One of the biggest perks of group travel is access to unique opportunities you might not find on your own. From private tastings at family-run wineries to hands-on cooking classes in a local’s home, curated tours often include hidden gems that independent travelers would struggle to uncover.

A Balanced Itinerary
Well-designed tours strike a harmonious balance between structured activities and free time. While part of the day may be spent exploring iconic landmarks or participating in planned events, schedules will be designed to allow for independent exploration or relaxation.

Suitable for All Types of Travelers
Whether you’re a solo adventurer, a couple, or part of a multi-generational family, group travel can accommodate a wide variety of participants. Many travelers are pleasantly surprised by how well the group dynamic works, creating a sense of camaraderie and shared excitement.

The Challenges of Group Travel:

Limited Flexibility
While group tours often pack a lot into their itineraries, they can’t include everything. If there’s a specific site or activity you’re eager to experience, it might not be part of the plan. For greater flexibility, consider extending your trip by a few days before or after the tour to explore on your own.

Fixed Schedules
Group tours operate on pre-determined dates, which are usually set far in advance. If these dates don’t align with your availability and a custom tour isn’t within your budget, this may be a dealbreaker.

Not Your Typical Vacation
If your idea of a vacation is lounging on a beach or indulging in long, lazy afternoons, a group tour might not be the best choice. These trips are typically action-packed, with full days of exploring, learning, and engaging in hands-on experiences.

Higher Costs
Group tours can be more expensive than planning a trip independently. However, the higher price often reflects the added value of expert planning, access to exclusive experiences, and the peace of mind that comes with having a knowledgeable guide to assist with unexpected challenges.

Final Thoughts:

As Saint Augustine said, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” Group travel offers a chance to immerse yourself in the world with the ease of having every detail organized for you. While it’s not a perfect fit for everyone, it can be a fantastic way to discover new places, meet new people, and enjoy unique experiences without the stress of planning.

Traveling with HUNGRY FOR TRAVEL: Culinary Tours offers a truly unique and immersive way to explore the world through wine, food and culture, and the expertise of its founder, Lelia Bryan, sets it apart from other tour companies. With over 18 years of experience planning and leading wine tours, Lelia has honed her craft in creating exceptional travel experiences that go far beyond the ordinary. Every detail is meticulously arranged, from accommodations to exclusive culinary experiences like private dining, hands-on cooking classes, and visits to boutique wineries and small-scale producers that most travelers would never discover on their own.

Hungry For Travel's winery relationships throughout the world, ensure unique experiences at the wineries we visit.

Unlike larger, impersonal tours, HUNGRY FOR TRAVEL focuses on small groups, ensuring personalized attention and fostering meaningful connections with like-minded food and wine enthusiasts. Guided by their deep knowledge and connections, you’ll gain insider access to hidden gems and authentic, unforgettable experiences. The carefully curated itineraries strike the perfect balance between guided activities and free time, allowing you to immerse yourself in the destination while enjoying moments of personal exploration.

With their decades of expertise and passion for showcasing the best of local cuisine, wine, and culture, HUNGRY FOR TRAVEL ensures that every trip is seamless, enriching, and truly one-of-a-kind. Choose HUNGRY FOR TRAVEL for an adventure that combines the ease of expert planning, the thrill of discovery, and the joys of sharing unforgettable moments with fellow travelers.

HUNGRY FOR TRAVEL HIGHLY recommends that you purchase trip insurance.  Please inquire if you would like assistance in procuring it.

This agreement is between Vino Venue and Connect With Wine LLC (the "Providers") and the undersigned ("Participant").

Activities, Tours, Excursions, Meals

In the event any tasting, tour, meal or experience listed in this itinerary should change due to matters beyond the Providers’ control, it will be replaced with a similar quality experience to the best of Providers’ ability. Note that the actual days and times of the experiences may be adjusted depending on weather and winery schedules.

Participant may opt to be excluded from any activity. Please communicate directly with your tour guide.

Minimum Head Count

A minimum of 14 travelers are required for the price quoted.

Payment & Refunds

Any major credit card is accepted. Payment of $1,000 per person is due along with the signed Terms & Conditions and Participant Agreement to secure the Participant's position.

90 days before the trip commencement date the balance of the trip cost will be due.

Up to 180 days before the trip commencement date, Participant may cancel for any reason. All monies paid less a $300 administration fee will be refunded.

If Participant chooses to cancel between 180 days and 91 days before the trip commencement date, full refunds will be issued, less any non-recoverable monetary commitments the Providers have made, plus the $300 administration fee.

Cancellations within 90 days will be accepted and refunds offered, less any irrecoverable monetary commitments the Providers have made, and an administration fee of $1,000 per person.

All cancellations must be confirmed in writing to lelia@vinovenue.com and lelia@hungryfortraveltours.com.

If for any reason the Providers cancel the trip, 100% of the payment will be returned.

In the event that the exchange rate, transportation or accommodation prices increase at the time the Providers secure vendors for transportation and accommodations, the Providers will require the Participant to bear the increase which will not surpass 10% of the entire trip cost.

Any requested adjustments due to issues on the trip should be taken up directly with the tour guide while on the trip.

Insurance

Participant is strongly encouraged to purchase travel insurance.

Certification of Health

Participant certifies that he/she does not have any condition or disability that would create a hazard or hardship for other travelers participating in the program, and the Participant understands that health care standards, facilities and services in countries outside the U.S. may be different or inadequate for treatment of certain health conditions. Providers make no representations or warranties regarding special accommodations or handicap accessibility on any program. Providers reserve the right to decline participation by any Participant whose health or actions in Providers’ sole judgment impedes the operation of a trip or the welfare or enjoyment of fellow travelers. It is the sole responsibility of the Participant to manage his/her allergies, medical and dietary needs or restrictions. Daily itinerary can include walking 1-3 miles and multiple flights of stairs. Wine cellars may not be conducive to those with asthma or allergies.

Should Participant contract a transmissible infectious disease while on tour, or be subject to short-notice quarantine abroad, neither Providers nor their affiliates are responsible. The cost and responsibility of testing, proof of vaccination, etc. by airlines, museums, restaurants and other attractions will be borne by the Participant. Participant is traveling at Participant's own risk and must take all necessary personal precautions.

Luggage

Participant should pack so that he/she can physically transport his/her own luggage.

Foreign Living Standards

Foreign countries’ standards of living are different from the U.S. Participant should expect small hotel rooms, bathrooms and showers. Tubs may be utilized instead of showers. Air conditioning is not always offered. Ice is not supplied at most hotels or accommodations.

Transfers

Where transfers are included, there is one scheduled group transfer for arrival and departure at a designated time and place. It is the responsibility of the Participant to be at the transfer point at the designated time. Private transfers can be arranged for an additional fee. Please be advised that if you are arriving and/or departing on the dates of the program, a late arrival or very early departure may necessitate a special transfer at an additional fee. Neither Providers nor its suppliers are responsible for late arrivals due to flight delays or any other reason.

Travel Documents

It is the responsibility of the Participant to obtain and carry all relevant travel documents including a valid passport, visa(s), and any other documents required by applicable government regulations. Non-US residents may require special travel documents. Check with your local embassy or consulate.

Responsibility

Providers do not own or operate any of the suppliers of services or accommodations for your trip. Providers are not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such supplier or of any third party over whom Providers has no control. The Providers and their representatives act only in the capacity as a guide in relation to all air/land transportation, lodging, sightseeing, tours that provide services included in the specified tour. The Participant agrees that the Providers and its representatives shall not be liable for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity, liability or expense to person or property due to any act of default of hotel, air/land transportation carrier, restaurant supplier or other contractor rendering or providing services. The Providers and its representatives shall not be responsible for any expense or liability resulting from labor disputes, war, acts of terrorism, government restraints, weather conditions, sickness, pandemics, pilferage or any other cause beyond the Providers’ control. The Providers and their representatives reserve the right to accept or refuse any person as a participant of any tour or to cancel any program of a tour if circumstances so demand. The Providers and its representatives reserve the right to cancel any tour prior to departure for any reason (including insufficient number of participants) or to change itineraries and/or substitute services or hotels of equal quality without prior notification.

Release and Acknowledgment of Risk, Waiver and Release of Liability

In consideration of the Providers furnishing services to enable me to participate in its program, I agree as follows:

I fully understand and acknowledge the Terms and Conditions as set forth in this document.

I fully understand and acknowledge that culinary and travel activities have (a) inherent risks, dangers and hazards, (b) my participation in such activities may result in injury or illness, and (c) by my participation in these activities, I hereby assume all risks and dangers and all responsibility for any losses and/or damages, whether caused in whole or in part by the negligence of myself or others.

I, on behalf of myself, my personal representatives and my heirs hereby voluntarily release, waive, discharge, hold harmless, defend and indemnify the Providers, and its agents, representatives, owners and employees from any and all claims, actions or losses for bodily injury, property damage, wrongful death, loss of services or otherwise which may arise out of the trip and my participation in the Providers’ activities. Participant further agrees that he/she will indemnify and hold the Providers harmless in respect of any claims arising in connection with same.

I understand that the Providers reserves the right to take photographic or film records of any of its programs, and hereby agree that the Providers may use any such photographic or film records for promotional and/or commercial purposes without any remuneration to the Participant. The Participant agrees to assign all right, title and interest he/she may have in or to any media in which their name, image or likeness issued by the Providers.

This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the state of Georgia, USA. Participant hereby submits himself/herself to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and superior courts of DeKalb and Gwinnett County, Georgia for any disputes arising out of this Agreement.