Small Group Travel – Why go with E.Y.H.O.?
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought travel as we knew it to an absolute standstill. But from what you’ve been telling us, at some point you will be ready to venture out again.
What will post-COVID-travel look like? Which long-distance travel scenario makes you most comfortable? Based on travel industry surveys and trends, here is what we’ve been hearing. We’re listening and readying ourselves.
Take care of all logistics
Within a destination, where is it safe to travel? Combination of flights to get you there safely and comfortably? Safest activities? What if lockdown measures are effected after you’ve committed? How will you travel from A to B within a country? With so many shifting scenarios, it’s easy to let something slip.
At the best of times, E.Y.H.O. does its homework exceptionally well. Now, even more so. From our continual research and staying tapped into regional situations, you won’t have to agonise over every detail. We draw on decades of experience, deep knowledge of destinations, and reliable supplier network. We’ll communicate it clearly and in a timely fashion. Take a look at our small group tour offerings.
Safety protocol
Rapid antigen tests with results turnaround in 30 minutes are fast becoming the standard. While their current accuracy isn’t comparable to a conventional nose swab’s, improvements are coming fast. To ensure everyone’s safety, we will rely on results of rapid tests as well as negative COVID tests. PPE is recommended for the few occasions when we might venture into a crowded space. Hand sanitisers on transportation and at accommodations will be mandatory. Our private transportation will allow distanced seating and we will recommend masking up in confined spaces.
Smaller Groups
Gone are the days of traipsing 30 or 40 people through a crowded tourist site. Our groups have never been that large. Post-COVID, a group size of 10 will let you feel you are exploring a destination on your own. At the same time, with a responsible tour leader in charge, you can enjoy the social vibe and group camaraderie.
For solo travellers, a small group has its advantages. You can instantly tap into a group of like-minded friends whose travel style meshes with your own.
Wildlife safaris take care of many concerns of post-COVID travel.
Longer stays in each location
You’ve battled your way to the start point of a tour. From there on, the less uprooting, the better.
We are reconfiguring our itineraries to include longer stays at each location. So, for example, a 3-night stay in Jaipur will stretch to 5 nights. Fewer stops mean better control over safety and sanitisation, and you’ll get a deeper exploration of each place.
Are you ready for a long stay on a beach in Kenya or Bali? We can help.
Transportation and Accommodations
Travelling with a small group in your own transportation bubble is arguably one of the safest ways to navigate a destination. On your own will necessitate public transport which poses safety issues. Accommodations for a small group can be smaller too, which allows for better control over sanitisation checks. Each of E.Y.H.O.’s accommodations and transportation choices will be selected based on in-country mandated safety protocols.
Revamped packing lists
Post-COVID travel packing lists will look different. We recommend PPE and you’ll likely pack more clothing to allow for frequent laundering. Good news, you’ll be in a destination longer to get those fresh clothes back in time. Bring your supply of masks . . . we will have themed mask days for a bit of fun, and on textile tours, perhaps mask-making workshops with natural dyed, handwoven fabrics which offer great comfort next to your skin.
Sensitive to local needs
Our itineraries are designed to give back when we visit. The need in our communities is dire. Besides the financial support our visits bring, the benefits of a morale boost of visitors from abroad cannot be overstated. We encourage you to bring small and meaningful gifts for the children and leave behind a token of your compassion. While you’re here, take a look at our 100% Direct to Weavers initiative for gorgeous handwoven stoles, yardage, and saris from vetted weaving clusters.
Great value
Let’s get frank. By the time you’re ready to travel, you are likely to feel the financial pinch from disruption that a pandemic can wreak. On the other hand, cost of travel is likely to rise to allow for lower capacity. Responsible travel companies face a juggling act in order to deliver best value.
E.Y.H.O.’s low overheads (only chickens here – mostly just me!), high repeat customer rate, and low marketing costs due to word-of-mouth recommendations, means we are able to protect your pocketbook without beggaring our suppliers or ourselves. We perform exhaustive line-by-line comparisons for every tour to ensure our tours offer the best value.
Do write and let me know what else you’d like us to consider. In the meantime, we have great ideas to keep you engaged and enquiring from the comfort of your home. Check out our virtual travel speaker series.
Thanks for taking a look! I am Shila Desai, owner of E.Y.H.O. Tours. I personally handcraft travel itineraries, infusing them with curated activities, accommodations, and sightseeing. Together with my in-country teams, we deliver exceptional holidays every time. E.Y.H.O. specialises in Indian sub-continent, Africa, Turkey, and Mexico among other locations. I invite you to leave me a comment or write shila@eyhotours.com