Question 1

Is Small Wonders Travel the right tour company for me?​

Accepted Answer

If you have a curious spirit, appreciate beauty, enjoy good food and company, value slow travel that's beautifully imperfect (because you know that’s the only way for it to have  soul), and are searching for a company that crafts uniquely curated itineraries guiding you to lesser-known places while prioritizing sustainability, then the answer is a resounding YES! We can’t wait to meet you and show you the world through our eyes.

Question 2

What if I have doubts about group travel?

Accepted Answer

We completely understand! Taking your first group trip might feel a bit unusual or even uncomfortable, especially if you've been the architect of your own travel adventures until now. Small groups are our specialty, and our company was founded with people like you in mind.
We don’t just take you to places; we take (a lot of) time to consider every element of the trip -locations, meals, travel distances, and, importantly, the rhythm of discovery and experiences. Our tours are crafted to enchant you by unveiling the stories of each destination. Envision off-the-beaten-track adventures, meticulously planned itineraries, beauty surprising you around every corner, and zero lifting a finger on your part –doesn’t that sound great? We've passionately designed itineraries you might not have dreamed up on your own, and you'd be surprised at how much sharing these moments with fellow travelers can open up unexpected worlds and pleasures.
So, if you're up for relinquishing a bit of control and letting us work our travel magic, we're here to provide you with an unforgettable travel experience.

Question 3

What is a meaningful luxury?

Accepted Answer

We think meaningful luxuries transcend high price tags or brand labels. For us, true luxury is something more intangible. The joy that comes from a beautifully plated meal, staying in a hotel with its own captivating story, or one perfectly nestled in the heart of a vibrant city. It’s about a trip leader who genuinely cares that you have a wonderful experience and might encourage you to try something you might not have otherwise. The pleasure from a thoughtful and well-placed surprise or the thrill of learning something new. Travel with us to experience the luxury of understanding the very essence of the place you’re visiting and experience the small wonders of its unique beauty.

Question 4

If meaningful luxuries aren’t necessarily expensive, why are your tour prices higher than others I’ve seen?

Accepted Answer

Our commitment to crafting exceptional experiences begins with a quest to find the best suppliers. Unlike some tour companies, we don't cut corners to meet a pre-set budget. Instead, we set our prices after securing suppliers whose offerings we believe will spark joy and wonder in our travelers. We know that every detail contributes to the overall magic of a journey. While it's true that you might pay a bit more for our tours, it's because you're investing in something special.

Question 5

Why do you offer so few tours?

Accepted Answer

Great question! Although we, the women behind Small Wonders Travel, have each poured nearly two decades of our lives into directing tours for some of the travel industry's big names, we only began creating our own itineraries in 2017. Until now, our company has focused on selling our itineraries and services to larger companies who have sold our creations under their own names. We’ve been the silent engines behind big machines. 
But now, thanks to the incredible encouragement and support from our amazing travelers, we've chosen to take a more direct route and offer our trips directly to you! Despite our wealth of experience and previous success, we're deliberately starting this new part of our business slowly. Why? Because we believe in building a solid foundation and, importantly, investing more of the tour price directly into your trip rather than hefty advertising costs to attract ever more people to join us. It's not just a business decision for us; it's a heartfelt choice. This challenge excites us, and we genuinely can't wait to embark on this adventure with you (or see you again!) on one of our carefully crafted trips.

Question 6

How do you find the places/activities in your itineraries?

Accepted Answer

This is the most common question we get from our travelers -and we take it as a compliment. Planning our tours is a journey in itself, woven with a profound sense of purpose. It all begins with an intangible pull, a desire to share a place so special that it sparks the imagination. 
Our process is a blend of modern exploration on the internet and timeless connection with local people and of course we always test everything out in person ourselves! Drawing from our collective experience as tour directors, we filter through possibilities with a discerning eye, seeking not just the expected but the extraordinary.
If something is merely a checkbox on a standard group tour, we’ll probably decide to skip it. Our tours aren't just smaller; they embody a different essence, not just a sightseeing but a discovery.

Question 7

How big are your groups?

Accepted Answer

They're not big at all; in fact, you might even call them tiny. We cap our groups at 11 travelers, with an average size of 8. Why keep it so cozy? Because we want our tours to be a chance for you to truly connect with your fellow travelers and your trip leader(s). By the end of the journey, our hope is that you'll feel like you've shared a special adventure with close friends or family—minus the bickering, of course! Many of our travelers stay in touch for years after our trips, and some become so close that they even plan their next travel adventure together.

Question 8

What age are your travelers?

Accepted Answer

Throughout the years, we've welcomed travelers aged 18 to 80, and some of our favorite trips have featured a delightful mix from both ends of the spectrum. We genuinely believe that age is just a number and one of the least interesting things about our travelers. However, if you're curious, the majority of our explorers fall within the vibrant range of 35 to 70. We're thrilled to share adventures with a diverse community of almost all ages, but sadly, we can only offer tours to those who are at least 18 years old when the trip begins. There may be some exceptions if you book a private departure; contact us for details.

Question 9

Are your tours Solo Traveler friendly?

Accepted Answer

At Small Wonders Travel, we absolutely love solo travelers! We make every effort to keep the SOLO SUPPLEMENT as low as possible. In our regular departures, you'll typically find a great mix of solo travelers and others journeying with a partner, friend, spouse, or family member.

Question 10

Can I share a room with another Solo Traveler on the trip?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, we do not provide a room-sharing option for solo travelers who don’t know each other. We understand that some companies offer this choice, but while it  sometimes works out fantastically, we've also experienced situations where it goes terribly wrong and affects our travelers' ability to fully enjoy their trip.

Question 11

Do you offer SOLO WOMEN TRAVELER departures?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do. We openly welcome all genders on our trips, but as a women-owned company, we understand that sometimes it’s just plain fun to have some girl-time, especially if you are traveling solo! And in case you’re wondering who we include as “women” -if you consider yourself a woman, so do we!

Question 12

What are the physical requirements of your tours? Are your tours wheelchair accessible?

Accepted Answer

While our trips aren't exceptionally adventurous, they do entail being on your feet for extended periods, walking medium distances and navigating uneven surfaces, hills, and stairs. Unfortunately, our international destinations aren't suitable for wheelchairs and/or large walking devices.
Certain itineraries may involve activities such as kayaking or riding a zodiac on the open ocean, so it's crucial to carefully read the trip itinerary. Skipping specific activities may be possible, but it's essential to clarify this with us before booking your trip.

Question 13

What if I have dietary restrictions or requirements?

Accepted Answer

We're here to make your culinary experience delightful, so please let us know about any special dietary requests during the booking process or by emailing us before your tour begins. We work closely with our Third-Party Suppliers to try and meet your needs. However, please keep in mind that while we do our best, we can't guarantee that all dietary requests can be fulfilled at every meal. There might also be limited alternatives, especially in certain destinations. Check out the important details at the bottom of the specific tour page you are considering. If you have any doubts or need more info, please send us an email at info@smallwonderstravel.com before booking, we're happy to help!

Question 14

How much should I budget for trip-related gratuities?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely nothing! Gratuities for all group services, meals, and activities are already included when you purchase a tour. This covers our Trip Leader(s), coach drivers, hotel staff, restaurant servers, activity providers, and local guides. If you feel like giving something extra due to exceptional service, you're more than welcome to, but it's neither required nor expected.

Question 15

Are flights and airport transfers included in the tour price?

Accepted Answer

Air transportation to our tour destinations is not included. However, some of our trips do offer the convenience of airport transfers to or from the hotel. To find detailed information about what is and isn't included for each tour, simply check the section right below the itinerary description on the tour page.

Question 16

Do you offer any discounts to repeat travelers?

Accepted Answer

We absolutely love it when our travelers have such a great time on our tours that they want to join us again! We can’t wait to see you again. To show our appreciation, we're excited to offer a 10% discount to all those fantastic folks who have been on one of our previous tours and book directly with us. Your continued support means the world to us! Just send us a quick email and we’ll happily share the discount code with you.

Question 17

How do I book a trip?

Accepted Answer

We're thrilled to have you join us! Once you've found your perfect journey, just click "Book Now" and follow the simple steps. To secure your spot, a $500 per person deposit is needed when booking. This deposit is non-refundable after 10 days or until 100 days before the group trip starts—whichever comes first. If you decide to reschedule, we're happy to transfer your deposit to a new booking anytime. For further details about your payment schedule please see the Payments section of our Booking Terms & Conditions.

Question 18

Why am I being linked to WeTravel when I book?

Accepted Answer

In order to streamline the booking process and keep your data secure, we work with a global booking platform specializing in multi-day tours called WeTravel. They will process all your payments and securely store the information you share with us during the booking process. For more details about who they are and how they work, click here WeTravel.

Question 19

Do you work with Travel Advisors/Agents?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do! If you are a licensed travel advisor or agent please send us an email so we can discuss details with you directly.

Question 20

Should I purchase travel insurance?

Accepted Answer

You definitely should! Our trips don’t include individual travel insurance. We strongly recommend purchasing an insurance policy which includes cancellation for any reason, trip interruption, stolen or damaged personal items and sufficient medical coverage which includes emergency evacuation and assistance. Please remember policies must be purchased near to the purchase date of a trip. 
During the booking process you will be given the opportunity to purchase World Nomad coverage, but you are free to choose any insurance provider you would like.

Question 21

Is it possible to add an extra night at the beginning or end of my trip?

Accepted Answer

Yes, booking pre and post-tour nights is possible at an additional cost, but subject to availability. You can request a pre/post room during the booking process or send us an email request once you have finalized your travel dates.

Question 22

What travel documents do I need?

Accepted Answer

To make your international travel as smooth as possible, please ensure you have a valid passport for the entire duration of your trip. Keep in mind that some countries may require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, with a minimum of two blank pages for entry/exit stamps.
Starting in 2025, U.S. passport holders visiting Europe will need to obtain authorization through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before their trip.
For more information specific to your destination, we recommend checking the US Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs.

Question 23

Is my trip guaranteed to run?

Accepted Answer

We intentionally offer very few trip departures because we don’t want to promise more than we can fill. Our goal is to provide you with a worry-free experience, so we make every effort possible to avoid cancellations. If your trip has the minimum number of travelers confirmed (check the itinerary page for specifics), at 95 days before a tour, it's a confirmed go!
But sometimes, things go wrong, and we retain the right to cancel or reschedule any departure at any time. This could be due to insufficient demand, unsafe conditions, or events beyond our control. For more details, please read the "Cancellation by Us" and "Cancellation due to a Force Majeure Event" sections in our Booking Terms & Conditions

Question 24

What if I want to travel with a group of my friends or family?

Accepted Answer

You're more than welcome to book a private departure—it's all about tailoring the experience to suit you, your friends, and family. We can work with an existing itinerary and even tweak some details to make it extra special for your group. We might even be willing to build you an entirely new tour! The trip cost may vary based on group size and travel dates, and there are specific deposit and cancellation terms to consider.
If the idea of a private departure appeals to you, just drop us an email at contact@smallwonderstravel.com. We'd love to chat more about making your travel plans uniquely yours!​​

Question 25

What if the person I’m sharing a room with cancels?

Accepted Answer

If you initially booked the trip intending to share a room with someone, but your travel partner cancels, you will automatically become a solo traveler. You will be responsible for covering any portion of the solo supplement costs that cannot be offset by the cancellation fees of your travel partner. Feel free to ask us for more details.

Question 26

What if I want to cancel or reschedule my trip?

Accepted Answer

We totally understand—plans change! You can cancel your booking anytime and you will always retain the option to transfer your $500 deposit to another one of our tours. But, since we're a small company, cancelations leave us with some big expenses, especially the closer we get to your departure date. That’s why our cancelation fees increase the closer we get to your trip departure date. 
If you cancel or reschedule 100 days before your trip is scheduled to start, all payments made to Small Wonders Travel, excluding the non-refundable deposit of $500, will be refunded. If you opt to reschedule your trip with us, we would be happy to transfer your $500 deposit, along with any other monies paid to your new tour booking.
If you cancel or reschedule between 99 to 31 days before your trip is scheduled to start, a cancellation fee of 75% of total trip price applies but you still have the option to transfer your $500 deposit to a new tour booking with us. 
If you cancel 30 days or less before your group trip is scheduled to start, a cancellation fee of 100% of total trip price applies. You may still opt to have us transfer your $500 deposit to a new tour booking with us. 
More detailed information about our cancelation policies please see our Booking Terms & Conditions.

Question 27

Can I transfer a confirmed booking to someone else?

Accepted Answer

While it may be possible to transfer your confirmed booking to someone else, please note that this process requires written approval from Small Wonders Travel and is entirely at our discretion. Additionally, a small transfer fee may apply to cover administrative costs. If you would like to discuss this option in detail, please feel free to reach out via email at info@smallwonderstravel.com.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Small Wonders Travel the right tour company for me?

What if I have doubts about group travel?

What is a meaningful luxury?

If meaningful luxuries aren’t necessarily expensive, why are your tour prices higher than others I’ve seen?

Why do you offer so few tours?

How do you find the places/activities in your itineraries?

How big are your groups?

What age are your travelers?

Are your tours Solo Traveler friendly?

Can I share a room with another Solo Traveler on the trip?

Do you offer SOLO WOMEN TRAVELER departures?

What are the physical requirements of your tours? Are your tours wheelchair accessible?

What if I have dietary restrictions or requirements?

How much should I budget for trip-related gratuities?

Are flights and airport transfers included in the tour price?

Do you offer any discounts to repeat travelers?

How do I book a trip?

Why am I being linked to WeTravel when I book?

Do you work with Travel Advisors/Agents?

Should I purchase travel insurance?

Is it possible to add an extra night at the beginning or end of my trip?

What travel documents do I need?

Is my trip guaranteed to run?

What if I want to travel with a group of my friends or family?

What if the person I’m sharing a room with cancels?

What if I want to cancel or reschedule my trip?

Can I transfer a confirmed booking to someone else?

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Small Wonders Travel the right tour company for me?​

What if I have doubts about group travel?

What is a meaningful luxury?

If meaningful luxuries aren’t necessarily expensive, why are your tour prices higher than others I’ve seen?

Why do you offer so few tours?

How do you find the places/activities in your itineraries?

How big are your groups?

What age are your travelers?

Are your tours Solo Traveler friendly?

Can I share a room with another Solo Traveler on the trip?

Do you offer SOLO WOMEN TRAVELER departures?

What are the physical requirements of your tours? Are your tours wheelchair accessible?

What if I have dietary restrictions or requirements?

How much should I budget for trip-related gratuities?

Are flights and airport transfers included in the tour price?

Do you offer any discounts to repeat travelers?

How do I book a trip?

Why am I being linked to WeTravel when I book?

Do you work with Travel Advisors/Agents?

Should I purchase travel insurance?

Is it possible to add an extra night at the beginning or end of my trip?

What travel documents do I need?

Is my trip guaranteed to run?

What if I want to travel with a group of my friends or family?

What if the person I’m sharing a room with cancels?

What if I want to cancel or reschedule my trip?

Can I transfer a confirmed booking to someone else?

Is Small Wonders Travel the right tour company for me?