Question 1

What Makes Turning Tide Travel Different?

Accepted Answer

We offer travel experiences with depth. Most travel agents and agencies are the middle man between you and the properties and experiences you'll visit and have.  While we do that too, we go a step further: in most cases, we'll have first hand and on-site knowledge of the properties and experiences.  On some itineraries l also act as your onsite guide and companion. This approach is ideal quality control, on-site support and makes for an intimate and warm way to experience a culture.

We take a hands-on approach from start to finish: from the first conversation through planning, booking, and beyond, I’m personally involved every step of the way. What truly sets us apart is that I often travel with you as your guide, helping navigate culture, language, accommodations, and any experiences you want to add along the way.

Our micro-group trips offer extreme flexibility, so your itinerary can adapt to your interests and pace. And because our groups are intentionally small, the experiences are immersive, personal, and in-depth giving you access and insights you simply can’t get in larger, more generic tours. It's why our motto is "Travel With Depth".

Question 2

Are Your Trips Considered Luxury?

Accepted Answer

Our trips fall into the category of classic luxury, but not in the flashy or over-the-top sense.

We define luxury a little differently than the glossy brochures. Classic luxury: charming heritage hotels, attentive service, private transportation, curated experiences, and the comfort of having someone (me!) handle the details from start to finish.

At the same time, the countries we travel to are, in general developing nations, and I believe in giving you an experience that isn’t sealed off behind a bubble. You won’t be insulated from real life and that’s part of the experience.  Now and then, you may encounter things that feel a bit challenging or unfamiliar. Power outages, lively streets, or unexpected schedule shifts are simply part of the rhythm of travel here.

The good news? You’re not navigating any of it alone. I’m with you throughout the journey, smoothing the edges, translating, explaining, adjusting plans, and turning those “what just happened?” moments into stories you’ll tell for years.

You can expect five-star or equivalent boutique accommodations, seamless logistics, private transportation, and experiences curated with care. It means staying in beautiful places with excellent service, enjoying quality meals, and having the space and support to fully relax into the journey.

What makes our approach luxurious is the combination of exceptional lodging and a highly personal, deeply attentive travel experience. Because the groups are small, everything feels tailored: your pace, your interests, and the attention you receive. It’s the kind of luxury where you feel taken care of without ever feeling rushed, crowded, or disconnected from the culture around you.

Question 3

What Kind of Tours Do You Offer?

Accepted Answer

We specialize in creating micro-group  travel for individuals, friends traveling together, and organizations such as museums, textile guilds, design teams, and educational institutions. If you’re curious about culture, heritage crafts, and immersive experiences and you appreciate expert planning and small-group flexibility our trips are made for you.

We not only plan your trip based on your needs, but offer personal guidance on-site.

Question 4

What Are Micro Groups?

Accepted Answer

Micro groups are intentionally small groups of  six to ten travelers.  This size creates a completely different kind of travel experience, one that is more flexible, more personal, and far more connected to the places we visit.

With such a small group, we’re able to adjust the day around energy, curiosity, and opportunity. If you want extra time with a master artisan, if a village festival appears, if the light is perfect and you want that one more photo, here’s room for all of it. Micro groups allow us to say “yes” to the unexpected instead of rushing to the next checkpoint.

They also create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. You’re not fighting crowds, waiting on twenty to forty people, or being herded through experiences. Instead, you can settle in, ask questions, wander a little, meet artisans on their own terms, and shape the journey in a way that feels natural.

Question 5

Do You Create Custom Itineraries?

Accepted Answer

Yes! In fact, that is what we prefer!

Whether you’re traveling as an individual, a pair, a small group of friends, or on behalf of an organization, we design itineraries around your interests, timeframe, comfort level, and budget. We prefer to work this way to take the guesswork out of the way for us, and  give you the experience you're looking for.

Learn more about our booking process below.

Question 6

Do You Offer Planning for Individual Artists or Organizations?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!

We work with museums, textile guilds, universities, cultural institutions, design teams, and small businesses.  If you're an artist with a following and want to offer travel experiences for your clients and fans, we'd love to help build your ideal experience.

Perhaps you’re an individual artist seeking a deeply personal, culturally rich experience, or an organization planning a small group itinerary, I work closely with you to create a journey that’s fully tailored to your interests and goals. From the initial concept to the final details, I handle research, local connections, logistics, and itinerary design. I’m with the group every step of the way, helping navigate culture, language, accommodations, and any extra experiences you’d like to add. Every trip is designed to be flexible, immersive, and uniquely yours.

Question 7

How Do I Know If this Trip is Right For Me or My Organization?

Accepted Answer

If you’re curious, culturally open, and interested in craftsmanship, history, or immersive travel, not tourist-box-checking, then you’re in the right place. You don’t need to be a textile expert or craft expert you just need a spirit of discovery.

If your organization is looking for cultural hands-on experiences  with depth for the growth, inspiration and education of your members or faculty we've got you covered. The smaller tours mean a deeper dive, bringing a higher level of personal connection for your organziation and its members.

Question 8

What About Individuals, Do You Plan Private Trips?

Accepted Answer

We do! Many travelers come to us for a fully private, bespoke journies, especially those interested in heritage crafts, sourcing, food, or deep cultural exploration. Your trip can be as structured or as flexible as you like.

Question 9

What Countries Do You Focus On?

Accepted Answer

Our primary focus is in India (I stay there six months every year!), Nepal and Sri Lanka for textile and craft tours. From indigo dying,  block printing, silver craft, antiques,  textile deep dives and culinary experiences we can introduce you to Rajasthan, Gujarat, and  Kerala as well as the Eastern regions of India through Tamil Nadu and Bengal.

We also have experience with Guatamala and the U.K. and are always delighted to offer trips to explore the fascinating arts, culture and textiles of these countries.

Frequently asked questions