Small-Group Trips Hosted by Traveling Tessie

View of rolling green hills at a vineyard in Getaria, Spain with bright blue water behind it.
Young woman in a pink dress standing in front of a pond in Madrid, Spain on a sunny day.

Travel with me!

I decided to begin hosting small-group trips for people who want to discover the world in a more personal way. Forget the overwhelming crowds and rigid schedules of typical tours.

My carefully curated adventures are designed for intimate groups, allowing for meaningful interactions with both the destination and your fellow travelers. Traveling with me means unlocking unique, often off-the-beaten-path experiences you simply won't find elsewhere. It's about building a community of like-minded explorers, sharing laughter, and seeing new destinations together.

Join me for a journey where you're not just a tourist, but part of a community exploring the world together, creating memories that last a lifetime!

2025

Explore Spain’s Rioja Region & Basque Country

September 20th-25th, 2025

  • 3 nights in Haro & 2 nights in Getaria

    Our adventure begins in Bilbao, then we’ll discover the history of winemaking in Rioja and the towns of Haro, Elciego, San Vicente, and Laguardia! Next, we’ll spend a couple of days in the seaside town of Getaria and visit nearby towns like San Sebastian and Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

  • Haro - The Hotel Agustinos dates back to 1373! Completely renovated in 2006, the hotel features a magnificent cloister, which is covered in glass.

    Getaria - Hotel Saiaz is in the historic center and is located on a narrow cobblestone street. The hotel sits over the ocean and is minutes away from a wonderful beach, perfect for a swim before breakfast or dinner!

    • 4+ organized wine tastings

    • A pintxos (tapas) crawl

    • Day trip to Saint-Jean-de-Luz

    • A cooking class in San Sebastian

2026

Offbeat Costa Rica: La Fortuna & Tamarindo

February 3rd-8th, 2026

  • 3 nights in La Fortuna & 2 nights in Tamarindo.

    We meet in San Jose and will be whisked away to the jungle, where our oasis in La Fortuna awaits! Highlights include Arenal Volcano National Park & Rio Celeste. We’ll end the trip with 2 nights in Tamarindo at the beach.

  • La Fortuna: Chachagua Rainforest Hotel & Hot Springs is nestled in the heart of the rainforest. With natural hot springs, lush hiking trails, and cozy rooms, it’s the ideal spot to unwind after a day of adventure.

    Tamarindo: Wyndham Tamarindo is a beachfront paradise located along Costa Rica’s beautiful Pacific coast, offering stunning ocean views and easy access to the vibrant town of Tamarindo.

    • Local chocolate & coffee plantation tour

    • Kayaking & boat ride at Arenal Lake

    • Light hike in Tenorio Volcano National Park to Rio Celeste Waterfall

    • Catamaran snorkeling tour with open bar