1.

 Small groups.

At Journey Out, we keep the group size small, often between six and twelve guests, allowing you more personal attention and the group more flexibility. This means we can enjoy smaller hotels and restaurants (the ones with great personality) rather than the oversized, sterile establishments needed to accommodate the typical 40-person tour group.

2.

The richest possible day.

We pride ourselves on providing a finely-crafted trip for about the same price a traveler would pay to go independently. If you think about it, there can be so much time and money wasted trying to find the right place to stay, and find the right place to see and exactly where you want to eat. What the independent traveler might save in dollars can be quickly drained by time- and joy-consuming logistics. Let us do the homework, so you can wander leisurely through the journey of your tour, unencumbered by frustrations like getting lost or, worse, discovering what you have chosen was not all it was cracked up to be.

3.

Personally researched.

We don't buy someone else's tour package to re-sell to you. Ours are unique. We've been there and seen for ourselves. We've done our homework. We've tried the restaurants and hotels, selected the best travel routes and modes of transportation. With our tours, you get to enjoy the places and experiences our research shows is the very best. At every destination we search out that something special that makes a place quintessentially itself – for example, Noel Coward’s home when you visit Jamaica, or the labyrinth at the cathedral at Chartres.

4.

Great guides.

Our secret?  We only create tours we really love. That means your guide is passionate about his work and the places you are visiting together. She'll share that passion and enjoyment with you. You'll also have time to yourself or with your partner. Your guide is there to help facilitate the best experience possible, giving you information, options and tools to help you be independent. We think the key is to invite you in, not twist your arm. After all, this is your journey.

5.

No prima donnas.

Our friend Richard is quite blunt about it. He says, "I'm not sure about group travel – I don't want to get stuck with a bunch of prissy queens."  We know what he means. That's why we make it clear up front – our tours are not for everyone. If you want to pack heavy, have the porter carry your bags, and be absolutely guaranteed you'll never have a bathroom down the hall . . . we'll refer you to another company's tours. Yes, we often enjoy a fine hotel, an exquisite meal, even a night at the opera. Still, our tours are informal, uninhibited and energetic.

6.

Relaxation.

If it's Tuesday, this must be Belgium? No way. Our tours are designed with relaxation in mind. Plenty of free time. Options. Multi-night hotel stays (most are three or four nights), so you're not re-packing all the time. You'll have plenty of time to go back and explore that shop you saw in the morning, stroll the gardens of the château, read a book in the park for an afternoon. After all, you’re on vacation!

7.

We listen.

Our tours are updated based on travelers' feedback. This allows us to fine-tune our offerings, continuously making improvements. We are always ready to listen to your ideas – before, during and after your trip.

8.

A liberal refund policy – and a free payment plan.

The cost of your trip, minus the deposit, is 100% refundable up to 90 days prior to departure. Plus, we offer a free payment plan. At no cost to you, we will set up an automatic charge to your credit card every month until your balance is paid in full. Or if you prefer to pay by check, we'll call to remind you each month on the day you request. It's as easy at that! 

9.

Personal connections.

We want you to come home having made new friends. Not only the great people you're traveling with, but locals in the different places you visit. Our tours include a welcome party to get acquainted. And a farewell party to help with re-entry. And maybe next year you'll be swapping holiday cards with a new friend on the other side of the planet.