For Rachel Willemsen, travelling with her adult children offered the perfect opportunity to put Collette Explorations through its paces – and discover how small-group touring can balance structure with freedom.
The Travel Associates Paradise Point travel manager recently joined Collette sales engagement manager David Farrar to discuss her 13-day Majestic Cities of Central and Eastern Europe journey, travelling with her husband and children, aged 25 and 28.
The family travelled from Berlin to Prague, Vienna, Budapest and Krakow, with Willemsen particularly impressed by the balance between organised experiences and time to explore independently.
“What I loved is with a small group, you have more free time,” she said.
With a maximum of 24 guests, Willemsen said the group quickly got to know each other, while travelling on a large coach meant there was still plenty of space on longer journeys.
The itinerary also gave the family plenty to experience together, from a cooking class in Prague to an evening of traditional food, music and dancing in Krakow.
An optional excursion in Vienna offered private access to Schönbrunn Palace after hours, followed by a classical concert.
For Willemsen’s adult children, who were the youngest travellers on the tour, the cultural focus proved particularly appealing.
“My kids love history, they love culture, and they loved every second,” she said.
The advisor advantage
Willemsen’s experience also highlights the value of experiencing a product firsthand. Through Collette University, the company’s advisor training program, she gained product insights before travelling and was able to experience the trip for at a discounted rate.
And for a travel professional who spends her days organising holidays for others, there was another benefit to handing over the reins.
“When I go on tour, I feel like I can actually hand the responsibility to somebody else,” she said.
