This month, I want to take you on a journey beyond the usual holiday and inspire you to try something new. Small group adventure travel is where heart meets horizon—where you step into the unknown not just to see the world, but to feel it, connect with it, and let it shift your perspective in the most beautiful ways. For me, travel has always been about more than ticking off the big landmarks. It’s about the quiet moments in a remote village, the conversations with locals, the friendships formed with fellow travellers, and the profound sense of belonging you find in places far from home.
Why Small Group Adventures?
More and more of my clients are craving something meaningful. They’re not just asking where to go—but how to travel. Small group tours offer the perfect in-between: the ease of having it all organised without losing that sense of freedom, discovery and heart. Here’s what makes them so powerful:
Deeper cultural immersion with local guides who truly know their home
Access to remote and authentic experiences
Connection with like-minded travellers or families Stress-free planning with all logistics handled
Responsible tourism that gives back to communities
This is why I’ve chosen to spotlight three incredible travel operators this month—each one aligned with my values, each one redefining what it means to travel deeply and consciously and effordibly. Let me introduce you to Crooked Compass, Intrepid Travel and G Adventures. Plus, I’ll be sharing:
Inspiring stories and favourite off-the-beaten-track tours
Travel styles from budget, family-friendly to luxurious and solo-friendly
Smart tips for booking and how to travel with friends for less
A client story that shows what’s possible when we dream and plan together
“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.”
Let’s explore how you can travel deeper, discover more, and maybe even rediscover yourself along the way.
Travel Differently with Crooked Compass
For the Curious Traveller Who Craves the Unusual
If you’re someone who dreams of journeys that challenge convention, immerse you in culture, and take you far from the crowds, then Crooked Compass might be your perfect match.
This boutique Australian tour company is all about showing you a different side of the world—one that’s raw, authentic, and rarely seen. They specialise in experiences that connect you with ancient cultures, lead you into untouched landscapes, and leave you feeling changed in the best possible way.
“Travel isn’t always about going far. It’s about going deep”.
Why Choose Crooked Compass?
Hidden Gems – Explore destinations most travellers have never heard of.
Tiny Groups – Travel in small, intimate groups (often fewer than 8).
Authentic Encounters – Meet elders, nomads, artisans, and locals living traditional ways of life.
Handcrafted Itineraries – No cookie-cutter experiences—every trip is designed with cultural integrity and conservation in mind.
Support for Local Communities – A portion of every trip goes back into supporting the people and places you visit.
“Go where the map ends. That’s where the magic begins”.
A Founder Who Leads With Heart
One of the reasons I’m so drawn to Crooked Compass is the incredible woman behind it.
Lisa Pagotto, the visionary founder, is a true inspiration in the travel industry. Her efforts have helped shape the experiential travel movement, driven by a deep sense of curiosity and a bold, pioneering spirit. Lisa has created an eco-system where travellers can have real, raw, enriching experiences—without anything feeling staged or manufactured. Her passion for cultural preservation, environmental responsibility, and conscious exploration sets a new standard for how we travel today.
Popular Experiences That Travel Deeper with Crooked Compass
Here are some examples of Crooked Compass journeys that will spark your curiosity:
Nomadic Mongolia Expedition
Ride horseback across the Mongolian steppe, sleep in traditional
gers, and share stories around the fire with nomadic families. You’ll travel through remote mountain passes and untouched valleys gaining insight into a way of life unchanged for centuries.
📍Best for: Culture seekers, photographers, and adventurers.
Papua New Guinea – Sacred Tribes & Ancient Rituals
This rare journey takes you deep into tribal villages where rituals, song, and dance are still part of daily life. Stay in remote eco-lodges and witness incredible cultural festivals with full traditional dress.
📍Best for: Cultural immersion, anthropological curiosity, off-grid explorers.
Remarkable Rwanda
This tour is one of our most inspiring and memorable tours —not just for its incredibly unique wildlife experiences but because of Rwanda’s story from ruin to being one of the world’s safest countries and most progressive leaders in East Africa.
📍Best for: Nature lovers, culture seekers, and adventurers.
Crooked Compass is perfect for those who feel called to travel consciously, explore deeply, and return home transformed.
Travel that Changes You—And the World Around You
If you believe that travel should mean something, that it should connect you with the heart of a place, then you’ll love
Intrepid Travel as much as I do. Intrepid is more than a tour company—it’s a movement for meaningful, responsible travel. They’re here to create positive change through the joy of travel, and their small group adventures are designed to inspire, connect, and give back.
“Travel, when done right, is one of the most powerful forces for good”.
From walking with warriors in Kenya to learning to cook with grandmothers in Vietnam, every Intrepid trip is a gateway into real stories and real people—not a packaged experience or tourist show.
Why Choose Intrepid Travel?
Small group size (10–12 max) for a personal, social, immersive journey
100% carbon-neutral travel with a real commitment to sustainability
Stay in authentic places—homestays, eco-lodges, village stays—not international hotel chains
Use local transport to reduce emissions and connect more deeply
Local leaders, not imported guides—so money stays in the community
A portion of every trip supports social projects, women’s empowerment, education, and conservation
B Corp Certified, meaning they meet the highest standards for ethical business and social impact
Inspiring Intrepid Adventures
Family Holiday with Teenagers to Borneo
A wild and wonderful introduction to Southeast Asia’s rainforests, rivers, and remarkable wildlife. Trek through jungle, stay in a jungle lodge, float down the Kinabatangan River in search of orangutans and pygmy elephants, and visit a local village for a traditional lunch.
📍Best for: Families with teens who want nature, adventure, and culture.
Food Lovers’ Dream in Vietnam
An immersive culinary journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Cook with locals, explore spice markets, feast on street food tours, and experience the joy of Vietnamese cuisine with every bite.
📍Best for: Foodies, culture seekers, solo travellers.
Women-Only Cultural Escape to Jordan
Experience Jordan through the eyes of local women—stay with a female shepherd in the Dana Biosphere Reserve, learn Bedouin cooking with community leaders, and meet women entrepreneurs breaking ground in Amman.
📍Best for: Women looking for connection, empowerment, and cultural depth.
Ways to Travel with Intrepid Travel
Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with family—there’s an adventure for every kind of explorer:
One of my incredible clients recently ticked off a father-son bucket list trip to Africa with
Intrepid Travel—and what unfolded was next level. Thank you Wayne for allowing me to share with my tribe.
“The bucket list trip to Africa didn’t disappoint as my 17 year old son and myself had all the thrills from bungee at Vic Falls over the Zambezi River to rafting the Zambezi River… high adrenaline thrills. But I think the bigger adrenaline pumping experience was camping in our tent and being awakened by a Male lion territorial roar… the sound vibrated right through us and in that moment we knew this beast was the Apex land predator of the world. The lion was obviously not that close I told my son as I unzipped my tent for a quick leak, well the next morning when we arose there were paw prints (yes they were Lion) within a meter of our tent WOW!!!! Awesome!!!
We experienced an absolute plethora of animals. The abundance is mind blowing. We stayed in a local village, camped with the Black Mambas (an all female anti poaching group). That night we were awakened by something crunching very loudly. We shone a light out from our tent to say a large male Hyena 30 meters away chewing on what I thought was a carcass. Moments later it was sniffing our tent, we froze while it checked us out, hearts pumping there was 12 inches and a fly screen between my face and his face. He walked away with something in his mouth. I slowly unzipped and shone the flashlight to see what it was, then my son said hey that’s my shoe!! This cheeky hyena had been stealing all the shoes and thongs from several tents and destroying them. We pulled in the remaining shoes and the next morn found my son’s missing running shoe which now has a chunk missing from the heal and death marks all over. Now that’s a conversation starter when he’s wearing those !!!”
G Adventures – Travel That Transforms
Explore South America with Purpose, Passion & Heart
When I think of travel that’s both soul-stirring and socially impactful, I think of G Adventures. Founded on the belief that travel can change lives—not just for travellers, but for the communities they visit—G Adventures has spent decades creating small group tours that are authentic, ethical, and adventurous. The offer over 700 trips across 100+ countries, but it’s in South America where G really shines. This is where they started—and where their mission comes to life most powerfully.
“G doesn’t just show you the world. They invite you to be part of it”.
Why G Adventures?
Small group size (average of 12) for deeper connections
100% guaranteed departures—if you book it, it’s happening
No single supplement—solo travellers welcome!
Chief Experience Officers (CEOs)—local guides who know their culture inside-out
G for Good projects—every tour includes ways to give back
Travel styles for every kind of explorer—from active to wellness, classic to family, 18-to-Thirtysomethings and beyond
Travel That Gives Back – G for Good
Every G Adventures trip includes a G for Good moment—a powerful way to directly support local communities. What does that look like?
Eating at a community-run restaurant that trains youth
Visiting a weaving cooperative run by Indigenous women
Exploring nature reserves that are protected through your visit
Staying in a community homestay, where your money goes straight to the family
“It’s not just where you go—it’s what your presence supports while you’re there”.
Spotlight: South America – Real. Raw & Unforgettable
Inca Trail & Machu Picchu
One of the most iconic treks in the world, this journey is about more than ruins—it’s about connection. Trek with purpose through breathtaking Andes landscapes, and arrive at the Sun Gate as the morning light hits Machu Picchu. Along the way, visit women’s weaving cooperatives, support rural communities, and meet the people keeping traditions alive.
📍Perfect for: Adventure seekers, culture lovers, solo travellers.
Galápagos Island Hopping
Cruise or hop from island to island with expert naturalists as your guides. Swim with sea lions, snorkel with turtles, and walk among ancient iguanas. This is not just about wildlife—it’s about understanding a delicate ecosystem that’s being fiercely protected—with your trip helping to fund conservation and community projects.
Explore the surreal salt flats of Uyuni, the vibrant culture of La Paz, and the mystical Sacred Valley. Stay in local homestays, take the scenic train to Aguas Calientes, and support
grassroots tourism initiatives every step of the way.
📍Perfect for: Travellers who want the full sensory journey—landscapes, people, and purpose.
What Travel Style Will You Try?
Find Your Perfect Adventure Match
Not every traveller is the same—and that’s what makes small group adventures so powerful. Whether you’re after connection, comfort, culture, or challenge, there’s a style that suits you.
Here are just a few of the ways you can explore the world:
Walking & Trekking – Hike trails from Patagonia to the Dolomites
Cycling – Ride through rice paddies, vineyards, or medieval towns
Polar & Expeditions – Venture to Antarctica or the Arctic
Food & Culinary – Discover destinations through local cuisine
Family Travel – Adventures designed with kids (and parents!) in mind
Cruises & Sailing – Small ships, island hopping, and scenic coastlines
Rail Journeys – Train your way through Europe, Japan, or the Rockies
Wildlife Encounters – From African safaris to Borneo’s jungles
Women-Only Tours – Supportive, inspiring, and empowering trips
Festivals & Culture – Dive into vibrant, local celebrations
Real Story: The Journey of Chris & Her Teen Son
One of my favourite planning moments last year was helping Chris and her 15-year-old son create a special mother-son European escape—blending small group tours with tailored independent travel. Here’s what she had to say:
“We only had three weeks, and Petra helped us decide to focus on just two countries—brilliant advice! We started in London, joined a 5-day small group tour through Cornwall and Devon (highly recommend!), then explored the city at our own pace. Petra suggested a central Apartment with laundry and a kitchenette, which made everything easy and relaxed. A sunset West End show in Regents Park? Magical. Then we flew to Venice and joined an Intrepid Food Tour through Italy—my son’s pick! From cooking classes in Bologna to wineries in Tuscany and finishing in Rome, it was all about the food. It’s the small things like suggesting a hotel within walking distance of the starting point of our tour that made it so smooth. We had the best holiday ever—and we’ve booked several more trips with Petra already!”
Travel Smart, Travel Deep – Tips from Petra
Let’s make your next trip effortless and extraordinary. Here are some tips I often share with clients to make the most of their small group travel experience:
Petra’s Top Travel Tips:
Start planning 9–12 months ahead for the best availability—especially for popular trips and school holidays.
Choose a tour that matches your energy, not just your dream destination. Want to relax? Go slower. Want to challenge yourself? Let’s find a trek or active escape.
Leave space before and after your tour. I always suggest adding a few days at the beginning to settle in and at the end to rest, reflect, and soak it all in.
Travel with friends or family? Ask me how to turn an existing itinerary into a private departure—often the most cost-effective way to travel with your own group.
Solo traveller? Many of these trips are perfect for solo explorers—there’s no single supplement, and you’ll meet like-minded people from day one.
“It’s not just about where you go—but how you feel while you’re there. That’s what I help create”.
Why Book with Petra’s Travel Studio?
When you engage me to plan your journey, there are no extra hidden costs—just personalised travel planning at no extra cost to you. I handle the entire package, including flights, travel insurance, and any add-ons before or after your small group adventure. These trips work perfectly as a stopover when visiting family or friends overseas, allowing you to combine a bucket-list adventure with quality time with loved ones. Let me help you craft an itinerary that seamlessly fits your travel goals!
Article by Petra's Travel Studio
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