The Spirit of NextTribe Travel

Traveler Community Guidelines

We’re not hung up on making up a bunch of rules for grown women, but since we’re expanding and adding more new travelers and tour leaders to the mix (Jeannie Ralston can no longer lead every trip…when would she sleep?) we thought it would be helpful to align our expectations of each other.

We subscribe to the HEART theory of travel. That’s why we’ve joined all allies of the Transformational Travel Council. As travelers, we are Humble, Engaged, Awake, Resilient, and Thankful. Number one, we want to have fun with you, and we also want to offer lasting value to every place we visit and to every person who travels with us.

So here we’re sharing some guidelines and expectations to make sure all involved have extraordinary experiences.

This  video will tell you if you’re a good fit for a NextTribe trip. We are proud that we’ve become known for how quickly and deeply our groups of women bond on our trips. (Don’t take our word for it: check out our testimonials.) One of our rules: No divas, please.

Bring Your Spirit of Adventure

Be open to new things, whether it’s trying local delicacies or learning a few words in a different language. This is about living fully and fearlessly! The more you put yourself out there, the more awesome memories you’ll make.

Make New Friends

One of the best parts of group travel is connecting with women from different backgrounds. Ask questions, share stories and a few laughs. We have so many common experiences at this age, it’s not hard to find something to talk about.

Respect Your Fellow Travelers

Be on time for activities and be aware of others’ space and needs. Trust us, patience and grace go a long way! And we all look out for each other.

Respect Your Guide

Your guide has responsibility for your whole group. We certainly want her to make room for individual needs and desires. But if she makes a decision you don’t agree with, please understand that she is looking out for the safety and enjoyment of all involved.

The Baggage Principle

Pack and dress for comfort in your own style, keeping  in mind local sensitivities. Don’t bring anything you can’t roll or carry yourself. Watch our packing tips video to see how Jeannie packs so she never has to check a bag, even if she’s going away for a month to multiple places. You can do it! Or at least do with less.

Respect Local People and Cultures

Be respectful of local customs and traditions. Dress code, drinking customs, and noise levels, etc. are all important. Also, be respectful of local religious beliefs and practices, and social norms at the destination, and with your fellow travelers.

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself on this trip! Say yes to that activity that seems a little scary or intimidating. You never know what you’re capable of until you try.

Be Flexible

Travel comes with unexpected surprises–delayed flights, change of plans, language barriers. We encourage you to embrace the unexpected and focus on the magic of new experiences.

Be Mobile

All of our trips include a fair amount of walking, sometimes on cobblestones, sometimes on a beach. If the group is walking somewhere and you don’t think you can walk that far, let your tour leader know (we’re cool with that). You’ll be responsible for getting yourself there, but we can help you make arrangements.

No Whining

If there’s ever an issue, don’t whine to your fellow travelers and ruin their good time. Talk to the tour leader in private. 

No Politics

We’re not going to police conversations between grown women, but we strongly encourage you to enjoy the freedom of being in a politics-free bubble with us while we’re on a trip. Trip leaders are encouraged to steer group conversations towards any topic OTHER THAN POLITICS and this is for everyone’s benefit. There are plenty of other things to talk about as we get to know each other. We hope you’ll find this refreshing. 

Pay Your Fair Share

If your tour leader has done an exceptional job, the average tip is $10-$15 per day. Not all tour leaders will accept tips–for instance, please don’t tip Jeannie Ralston, she’ll have a heart attack–but the offer is always appreciated. 

Airport transfer drivers should also be tipped and we’ll give you guidance on that in the Zoom call before departure. 

Any group meal or activity not covered in the itinerary will be settled at the end of the trip or immediately upon your return home. Before you travel, please download the VENMO or Zelle app so you can make these payments instantly, or plan to pay in dollars or local currency. Thank goodness for calculators on smartphones!

Photos and Videos

We encourage you to take lots of photos and videos of your trip. Unless you tell us otherwise, we will assume you are OK with being in photos and videos–and having those photos published on NextTribe’s website or social media. We are, however, aware of others’ personal space and avoid taking photos or videos of anyone in an awkward or embarrassing situation. We ask that you do the same with your fellow travelers. Do not take photos or videos of locals without their permission. Be especially mindful of taking photos or videos of people who are engaged in religious or cultural activities. Tag any photos in your social media. Facebook: @NextTribe  Instagram: @Next_Tribe

Have Fun and Make Memories

Most importantly, this trip is about enjoying quality time with your fellow globe-trotting new (and old) girlfriends. Savor each moment, soak in the sights and sounds, and relish this time to reconnect with your adventurous spirit.