Hello! Congratulations, you’re now a Garden Carex-plorer.
You’re here to travel to some rather special destinations, while ticking mesmerizing gardens off your bucket list. And it doesn’t get much more exciting than that! Small group travel is great – you’re going to meet others as intent on enjoying the trip just as much as you are and there’s a comforting element of safety for solo travelers.
In our experience, we see the habits and behaviors outlined here occurring naturally within our groups, however, we also feel that a reminder doesn’t hurt!
Going on a group trip isn’t like going to a restaurant, where you sit back and enjoy the service. Each person’s experience also depends on their fellow group members. Being a shared trip, it means you’ve all had to pitch in for the services of your driver and tour leader. Each person has paid the same amount, and if we work as a team everyone can have an amazing time.
Here’s how you can do your bit to help ensure a great time for all on your trip:
1.Respect cultural customs
Your tour leader knows all the requirements – if they ask you to cover your shoulders and knees, or remove your shoes, please do so. Please pay attention to the cultural tips in the document.
2. Be the ‘positive person’ !
Over the few days, with so many things happening, something is bound to go off track somewhere. Transport may be late, air conditioning may not work, music may suddenly start blaring outside the hotel at 1am, someone may comment about your religious beliefs or make unsavory remarks about a politician that you happen to respect… whatever it may be. As much as we work to keep these issues at bay, they can and do occur. Sometimes, these things happen when we’re feeling tired or grumpy. It stands to reason that when you’re feeling tired, it’s likely that others are too. This is the perfect moment to let your gracious nature shine through. In group travel, humor is always your secret weapon. Let’s keep it light and respectful. If you are having an issue, please be discreet and bring it directly to your guide or hotel staff.
3. Bring a readiness to adventure
You’re traveling to a distant destination. Rather than put up an emotional barrier, lean into the trip! Put aside the comparisons to the US/Canada and embrace it all. Learn a few words in the local language, try some new foods, wear different clothes, volunteer for new experiences, help the tour leader where you can. Immerse yourself in local culture! Nothing will boost your enjoyment more than this!
4. Do your research
When traveling in a group, you’re free from major decisions and concerns. Simply let us take the wheel and enjoy the ride. However, this doesn’t mean you’ll avoid all physical effort on the trip. If you know what you’re signing up for, you won’t be caught by surprise later on. So, it’s a great idea to study your itinerary and even do your own research on it. Be aware of drive times and roughly how much walking is required each day.
5. Look out for your fellow traveler
Over the course of the trip, someone may experience culture shock, a dodgy stomach, or perhaps some bad news from home. It happens! If you see someone feeling unwell or uncomfortable in some way, why not check on them gently, privately, if they’re ok? If someone is in a bad mood and this is affecting the group, keep in mind that there’s probably an underlying reason. If no one else has noticed, it may pay to check in with them when you have a private moment. Keeping everyone safe and happy is a group effort.
6. Look out for yourself
Pay attention to your health. Listen to your body. Don’t push yourself if there’s no need. Stay hydrated! Don’t be afraid to let your tour leader know if you’re tired or if the pace is too fast for you.
7. Don’t be the cause of delay
Even though when traveling things may go unexpectedly, we ask you to respect everyone’s time and be as punctual as possible. Don’t let the tour leader and the whole group wait for you. Being on time helps any group trip run smoothly.
7. Be polite, respectful, and grateful for your trip leader and driver
Your tour leader and driver are your local insiders that will look after you and introduce you to the country’s culture and gardens. They are friendly faces that will welcome you and escort you safely to get you on your way home after the trip ends. Don’t hesitate to ask them for help with anything. We also ask that you follow any advice and instructions they give. Please be respectful and thankful as they will be working hard to make it all happen! They’re there to take care of you so you can enjoy a magical trip.
8. Be flexible
You should be prepared for slight changes to the itinerary in regards to daily activities. Our tour leaders are encouraged to make adjustments to the trip depending on: local conditions (bad weather, landslides and so on), group requests or interests, and of course new opportunities presenting themselves (festivals, special events, unexpected good weather and so on). The tour leader will always communicate this clearly and the group’s input will always be sought – and from there, the tour leader will make the final call.
9. Remember, group travel is sharing
We want to make sure everyone has an opportunity to see attractions from the front row. So, we ask that you rotate spots on the vehicle. Don’t hog the best spots! Your tour leader will advise on the seat rotation and we ask you to respect them. Remember, a group trip is teamwork and we ask you to be a team player. Thank you for that!
10. Skipping a meal
Sharing a meal is the best way to bond with people. However, if you’re not up for dinner on some nights – perhaps you’re feeling tired and want a bit of time for yourself – this is also fine. Be sure to let your tour leader know upfront that you’ll skip dinner.
11. Take care of places you’re visiting
Leave nothing but footsteps, as they say, and we agree! We encourage you to use reusable shopping bags instead of plastic ones. Also, please bring refillable water bottles for the destinations where tap water is safe to drink. This information will be available in our Trip Notes.