I love independent travel.

I love being able to go where I want, when I want, and experience a destination in my own way.

So I wasn't entirely sure how I would feel about small group travel.

Yes, I know.

I offer small group trips. 😄

But turns out, I love it.

In this episode, I'm sharing 9 reasons why independent travelers might just love small group travel too — from handing over the logistics and having knowledgeable local guides to getting into places that can be more difficult to experience on your own.

We'll also talk about soft adventure, spending time in nature, experiencing the culture of a destination, leaving room for spontaneity and — perhaps most importantly — sharing those incredible travel moments with a small group of like-minded travelers.

And small group travel doesn't mean giving up your independence completely.

There's still room for downtime, wandering on your own and simply doing your own thing.

Small group travel may not be for everyone.

But if you're an independent traveler who has always thought, "Group travel isn't for me," this episode might just change your mind.

In this episode:

0:50: Intro

7:30: First...a story

11:34: Don't have to worry about logistics

13:47: Experience places you may not get to on your own

17:02: Local guides and their knowledge

20:50: Time for soft adventure and in being nature

27:22: Cultural experiences as well

31:00: Allows for spontaneous moments

34:41: Sharing moments with others

39:31: Small means small

41:49: Maintain your independent time

44:57: Recap

47:05: Final thoughts

53:39: Wrapping it up

In this episode:

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way

What if traveling more slowly isn’t about how much time you have, but how you choose to use that time?

In this episode, I’m joined by Renee Hannes of Dream Plan Experience to talk about slow travel, intentional travel and the joy of returning to places we’ve already visited.

We chat about why asking “How do I want this trip to feel?” can completely change the way you plan, how leaving more unplanned time can lead to some of your favorite travel memories, and why you don’t have to see everything on one trip.

We also delve into the benefits of revisiting destinations — one of my favorite things to do.

Returning to a place you love gives you the chance to peel back another layer, discover something you missed the first (or second) time and experience it through a completely different lens.

And Renee and I share a few simple ways to incorporate slow travel into your next trip to Europe — even if you only have a week or two.

If you’re ready to travel with a little more intention and a little less rushing, be sure to tune in.

Want to chat more about slow travel?

Send me a message at Lynne@WanderYourWay.com.

In this episode:

2:28: Renee Hannes' bio

5:40: Renee's travel story rooted in Germany

12:08: Starting a travel business

15:55: Tuscany retreat

17:40: Mindset for slow travel

27:17: Revisiting places

39:07: Same place, new discoveries

50:00: Revisiting places is for some and not for others

55:25: Final thoughts from Renee

57:40: Some final thoughts from Lynne

1:01:28: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Dream Plan Experience

Slow Travel

10 Helpful Things I Wish More Travelers Knew About Europe

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way Resources

Eagle Creek

Germany is so much more than Bavaria, beer gardens and castles.

In this episode of the Wander Your Way podcast, I’m joined by Germany travel expert Cate Brubaker of My Germany Vacation to dig a little deeper into this fascinating and diverse country.

Cate has been traveling to and living in Germany since she spent her senior year of high school there.

She went on to earn bachelor's, master's and PhD degrees in German and has spent decades exploring the country.

So when it comes to Germany, she has a lot of knowledge to share!

We talk about some of Cate's favorite places, including history-filled Berlin, the lively university city of Freiburg and the beautiful Black Forest, and the maritime city of Hamburg in northern Germany.

But we venture even farther beyond the usual stops as Cate introduces us to Germany's northern islands, including Sylt, Rügen and the car-free island of Hiddensee, where you'll find beaches, hiking trails and landscapes that might completely change the way you picture Germany.

Along the way, Cate shares practical advice about traveling by train versus renting a car, getting around without speaking German and why your travel style should help determine how you move around the country.

And, of course, we couldn't talk about Germany without talking about Christmas markets!

Cate shares some of her favorites and explains why smaller neighborhood markets can sometimes offer an even more memorable experience than the famous ones.

If you've only thought of Germany as Munich, Bavaria and the Alps, this conversation just might inspire you to dig a little deeper.

Want to chat more about Germany?

Send me a message at Lynne@WanderYourWay.com.

In this episode:

1:58: Intro

4:08: Getting to know Cate

13:46: Cate’s top 3 destinations

16:40: Berlin: The Wall

25:51: Freiburg: The Black Forest

39:54: Hamburg: Harbors, Canals, Lakes

48:15: Honorable Mention: The Islands

52:12: Logistics & Tips

55:45: Christmas Markets

1:06:06: Final thoughts

1:08:18: Wrapping it up

Important links:

My Germany Vacation

Germany Travel Planning Podcast

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way Resources

REI