I was one of those people that was a bit against tour group travel. I was not too excited about big groups following a flag around or eating at mediocre places because they are included in the package. But then an acquaintance introduced me to Penny Pinching Globetrotters & my feelings about group travel are changing! Their small group size, the freedom of exploring on your own & the wonderful people that seem to gravitate towards Melissa & Wade are big factors influencing & changing my view on group travel. I have just completed my second trip with them, Slovenia & Croatia and it did not disappoint. My first trip was to Galapagos & it exceeded my expectations. I have another trip booked for Africa & will probably will join them in Asia next year. I might be a convert after all!! Thank you Melissa & Wade!

My family has been my rock.....my greatest source of strength when my world was falling apart. When I told them about my plans to get back to traveling and the possibility of traveling solo, they all had the same request....please don't go 100% alone...find you a group or tour company. After looking at more than I can remember and realizing that most just weren't the right fit for me, I found Melissa and Wade and Penny Pinching Globetrotter. Their small group sizes, culturally immersive and eco-touristic active itineraries were just what I was looking for. With the opportunity to journey through a new country with like minded travelers, I was sure that this group was for me. Even though I would be traveling alone both to and from the destination, once there, I would still be traveling to meet new people and experience new things...just not completely on my own. And I was right! I had a wonderful experience with a terrific group of people that began as strangers, but ended as friends ❤️

This is my 2nd trip with Melissa and Wade. Having now spent a month of days with them, two continents and destinations I can tell you if you’re looking for a real experience without a lot of the hassle their trips are ideal. I have travelled solo and done all the work so I have a good frame of reference for what goes into planning an idyllic experience. Melissa and Wade with the help of a local guide really take the worry and stress out of planning. When things don’t go as planned they will remove the obstacles and get you back on track whether that’s illness or just circumstance they’ve got you covered. If you yearn to learn about the culture and have a real experience meeting the local people and getting off the beaten path these trips are for you. I have some solo trips planned but hope to travel with them again.