Why I Scout Destinations Before Taking Groups

Scouting a group trip in Serifos, Greece

Right now, I’m on a flight to a place I’ve never been. And, to be totally candid with you, I’m a bit nervous.

Travel doesn’t make me nervous all that often because, well, I travel all the time. Hopping on a plane to a random place is my love language.

But if I’m being honest, it’s been a good opportunity for me to reflect and remind myself that it’s okay to be nervous about travel. Pre-trip jitters are very normal, and it’s okay to be anxious about the unknown—even when you’re excited about your upcoming adventures.

To provide a little more context, about two weeks ago I was given an amazing opportunity to do a last minute scouting trip. But truthfully, I wasn’t mentally prepared to be traveling after a busy six weeks of leading groups in Cuba and scouting a trip in Georgia. This wasn’t a trip I’d planned to take, and it wasn’t a place that I’d planned to go to anytime soon, even though it was on my travel list (let’s be real—what isn’t? 😅). And it’s far—like, really really far.

March was supposed to be my break from travel. My “me time” to catch up on work and life before I take an amazing group of women to Morocco next month.

Sahara Desert, Morocco

But I do believe things happen for a reason. This might sound crazy, but despite not having any travel plans, I had a gut feeling that I’d end up somewhere in March. I even declined plans on several occasions and kept my calendar clear, just in case something came up.

So even though I wasn’t mentally prepared to go on a long trip on short notice, I didn’t want to regret turning down the trip of a lifetime just because I was a little hesitant.

So I said yes.

Once I agreed to go on this last-minute scouting trip and the reality set in that I was leaving in less than two weeks, I suddenly had so many questions running through my mind:

Is this country safe for female travelers?
What is appropriate to wear?
Who am I rooming with?
Do I need a visa?
Can I drink the water?
Do I need vaccines?
Will I get Hepatitis?
Is this even a real trip?
AM I MAKING A HORRIBLE DECISION?!

Let’s just say my anxiety got the best of me, and I did a lot of Googling over the past couple weeks.

So here I am being very candid about my anxiety over traveling with a group of strangers to a place that’s very different from anywhere I’ve ever been, not being prepared whatsoever by the company I am traveling with, and not having any idea who my travel companions will be.

Sound familiar?

The irony of all of this isn’t lost on me. I’m supposed to be the one who has it all together. I’m used to being calm, cool, and collected about travel so everyone else is too.

But there’s one key difference between this travel experience I’m about to have and my own group trips (and it’s a large contributor to my anxiety): nobody has prepared me for this.

I was given a vague itinerary and dates, and the rest was for me to figure out on my own—in a very short period of time, nonetheless. No packing list, no travel tips, no orientation call. Nada.

And then I also reminded myself that this is exactly why I do what I do. 

I go to new destinations to figure out what to do and see. What to pack. How the currency works. What to watch out for. How to not get scammed. How to stay safe. How to navigate cultural norms that are totally different from our own.

All of those questions that you have about traveling–I have them too, and that’s why I always go to these countries before I take groups. I go to get the lay of the land, meet my local guides in person to vet them, familiarize myself with everything humanly possible, think of every potential question that you might have, work out all the kinks, and make all the mistakes so you don’t have to make them too.

And then when I return home, I plan an amazing, kick-ass travel experience for my groups.

I essentially do everything in my power to make sure you don’t feel like I do right now: unprepared.

Despite how it might appear from the outside, my job is not just to go on group trips for fun.

My job is to bridge the gap between our two cultures by being your travel planner, your trip leader, and, most importantly, your advocate. I’m here to prepare you and answer all your questions before, during, and after the trip. I’m here to sit in that discomfort with you and help you work through the pre-trip jitters. To anticipate your needs or concerns—often before you might realize you have them. To help you stretch yourself and encourage you to step outside your comfort zone so you can ultimately have the most amazing trip of your life. 

So by now you’re probably thinking, “this is all great to know, Laura, but where the hell are you going?”

I’m on my way to India right now, and I will be there for Holi—one of the most unique travel experiences a person can have in their lifetime. 

And despite being vulnerable and sharing how nervous I am, I am ultimately truly excited for the opportunity and so excited to share it with you.

If India has been on your bucket list, you’ll have the opportunity to join me on the adventure of a lifetime in 2025. More details will be coming soon, but in the meantime…