From hidden Sicilian piazzas to intimate homes in India, two boutique travel founders reveal how slow travel, shared meals and small groups are awakening a new era of connection.

Words Lucinda Diack

The world of travel is often painted in broad strokes – the rushed bus tours, the ‘10 countries in 11 days’ itineraries, and the relentless ticking of tourist boxes. But for Sarah Meikle and Vicki Ravlich-Horan, the founders behind two distinct, passion-led travel companies, All India Permit and Taste of Tours, travel is not about seeing; it is about experiencing. ‘There’s no depth of understanding in that,’ says Vicki, referring to the traditional large-scale touring model. ‘That’s just ticking boxes saying, ‘Yes, I’ve seen the Eiffel Tower. Yes, I’ve been to the Colosseum.’ But have you experienced it?’

For those who recoil at the thought of a ‘group tour’ – a sentiment Sarah hears constantly – these two organisations offer the alternative. Their model is built on intimacy, connection and an insider’s perspective that large operators simply cannot replicate.

Vicki and Sarah have built thriving businesses precisely by redefining what a group journey looks like. Their
tours are small, curated and highly personal. By keeping groups between eight and 14, they retain the agility to ‘turn on a dime.’ If a guest has a specific interest, Sarah can shift the plan within minutes. If Vicki finds a hidden piazza, her group isn’t blocked by the logistical nightmares of a 50-person bus. They aren’t just touring; they are traveling with what they describe as ‘a group of friends’, led by someone who knows the lay of the land intimately. ‘It’s like having an independent holiday in a group,’ explains Vicki. ‘I often laugh at the nights or days that have been built into the itinerary to allow people to explore the area on their own, as nine times out of ten everyone dines or heads out to see something together.’

‘There is no pressure,’ continues Sarah, ‘if someone wants to spend their day by the pool that is fine, it’s their holiday.’

The target audience? More often than not, it is the well-travelled who gravitate to Sarah and Vicki. ‘They have already seen the major sites and are now craving something more substantial,’ says Sarah. ‘They are people who value comfort, clean sheets and a good night’s sleep, but also possess an ‘intrepid streak.’ They don’t want to be backpackers, but they are weary of the glossy, superficial marketing that often masks a lack of authentic experience.’

For these travellers, the philosophy of food acting as the nucleus provides the perfect bridge. As Vicki notes, food is a window into culture. It isn’t just about a meal; it’s about breaking down barriers. Whether it’s sitting on the floor of a home in India engaging with textiles over a traditional masala chai or sampling granita in a 4,000-year-old Sicilian town while the Instagram-chasing tourists rush past to find a specific set of painted stairs, the focus is on the present moment. ‘You can’t put that on Instagram,’ Vicki says of these shared, quiet moments. ‘But that’s what stays with you.’

‘It’s like being able to give gifts every day to people,’ she continues, capturing the essence of their mission. ‘You’ve awakened something in them.’

The repeat rates speak for themselves. Clients return not just for the destination, but for the company they keep – the ‘tribe’ they find at the dinner table. ‘People often start their communication with us saying how much they don’t like group travel,’ says Sarah, ‘and while they arrive as strangers they often leave as friends, planning reunion weekends or booking their next adventure together. It is really special to see that.’

In an age of digital overload and curated social media feeds, Sarah and Vicki are offering something increasingly rare: genuine engagement. They are inviting you to stop ‘traveling’ and start living, one shared meal and one secret street at a time.

For those hesitant about ‘tours’, it is time to rethink the concept. These aren’t large scale tour buses, these are journeys designed for those who know better – for those who want to see the world not just through a lens, but through an open door.

Small-Group Tours

Define ‘Small’: Don’t be misled by the terminology. A group of 20+ people often requires a bus that must park blocks away from the sights. Look for operators who cap group sizes between 8 and 14 to ensure you retain the agility to walk the backstreets and move easily through local towns.

Check the ‘Lens’: Ask yourself: Does this tour designer share my travel pace and interests? The best tours are curated through a specific ‘lens’ – whether that’s food, textiles or history – and designed for people with a similar travel philosophy.

Look Beyond the Base Price: Mainstream tours often rely on hidden costs. When vetting a tour, ask specifically about inclusions. Are all meals covered? Are the ‘surprise’ experiences included in the price?

Test for Agility: Ask the operator how they handle changes. The mark of a true local insider is the ability to ‘turn on a dime’ – to adjust plans mid-day because of weather, local traffic or a spontaneous opportunity. If the itinerary is rigid, you are on a tour; if it is flexible, you are on a journey.

Start planning your next unforgettable holiday experience today at tasteoftours.com and allindiapermit.co.nz.