Authenticity is the key to meaningful travel.
Gone are the days of falling into tourist traps and staying within the confines of a resort. Travelers are demanding their trips incorporate what’s distinct about the destinations they visit, whether that’s a culinary excursion, a cultural tradition or a one-of-a-kind festival. Including this authenticity into a group’s itinerary is a sure-fire way to boost engagement with the destination, make lasting memories, and forge positive connections across cultures and borders.
Here are some group experiences that can’t be replicated at any other destination.
Swim with Manatees
Crystal River, Florida
Manatees are known for their gentle, laid-back and sometimes playful personalities. It’s easy to see how they earned the nickname “sea cows” when one witnesses these large aquatic mammals drifting by in shallow estuaries or grazing on freshwater vegetation. They require water temperatures greater than 68 degrees to stay alive and often gather in warm climates during the winter.
One such gathering spot is Crystal River, Florida, home to the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Manatees can be found year-round here, though they tend to congregate in record-breaking numbers in the winter. Because they are a protected species, it is prohibited to intentionally interact with wild manatees; the only place to legally do so is in Crystal River.
One of the many tour operators in the area that provides this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is Plantation on Crystal River Adventure Center. On their manatee tours, groups will head into the heart of Kings Bay. Participants are first shown an educational video about interacting with manatees safely and respectfully. They are then provided with wetsuits to keep them comfortable and snorkel sets to enjoy the views of these gentle giants in the water. They require visitors to practice “passive observance” and let the manatees initiate interaction — and since they’re curious animals, they usually do. Underwater photography captures the visitors’ interactions with manatees.
If a group would prefer to stay dry, above-water tours are offered, where visitors can still enjoy views of the manatees in the crystal-clear waters. Groups of up to 48 can be accommodated in multiple boats.
Experience an Authentic Luau
Oahu, Hawaii
Luaus, Hawaiian or Polynesian gatherings filled with food and dancing, have long-standing social and cultural significance to the people of Hawaii. Luau-like celebrations are associated with the island chain and recall grass skirts and leis worn at backyard barbecues or summer celebrations. However, when visiting Hawaii, groups can be treated to a luau brimming with authentic Hawaiian culture.
The Toa Luau at Waimea Valley gives them that chance. Located on Oahu, home to Honolulu and many of the state’s top resorts, Waimea Valley is found on the island’s northern shore, not too far from Waikiki. It’s known for its beautiful botanical gardens and a waterfall where visitors can swim. The luau, hosted by a company called Hawaii Luaus, comes with admission to the valley. Groups can come early to explore the breathtaking natural beauty and learn why this land is considered sacred to native Hawaiians.
The luau itself begins with a lei welcome, then an imu cooking demonstration. Imus are the in-ground ovens used to prepare traditional luau feast foods, and learning about this fascinating cooking method is a rewarding experience. Cultural activities take place on the lawn for groups to observe at their leisure, from husking coconuts to weaving headbands.
At the luau feast, visitors are served traditional Hawaiian foods such as coconut pudding, Kalua pork, barbecue chicken and macaroni salad. The evening concludes with entertainment, including traditional Polynesian dances and a fire-knife performance.
Trip leaders will need to arrange transportation to and from the luau, as there are no shuttles to Waimea Valley.
Watch the Kentucky Derby
Louisville, Kentucky
The Kentucky Derby draws high-profile celebrities and ordinary patrons from around the world to Churchill Downs in Louisville each year; millions more tune in to watch the race on their screens at home. Festive outfits (including many large, brightly colored hats), mint juleps and upscale revelry perfectly complement the “most exciting two minutes in sports.” This race, held on the first Saturday of May, embodies Kentucky’s horse industry and is the highest-profile horse race in the world. This opulent event can’t be replicated, making it a highly coveted activity for groups looking for a signature experience in Louisville.
Derby Experiences, the official experience package provider of the Kentucky Derby, was founded in 2008. It provides a variety of packages for groups that wish to experience the event to the fullest. They include access to some of Churchill Downs’ exclusive hospitality lounges, which offer climate-controlled spaces to enjoy refreshments and watch the race in style.
Festivities surrounding the Derby lasts far longer than a single day — there’s the Derby Week leading up to the event, replete with exclusive parties and events. Derby Experiences can score a group access to these parties, as well as tours of Churchill Downs and Louisville to explore more of the Derby’s history. Bourbon distilleries and horse farm tours are also popular. Hotels and transportation can be arranged with some ticket packages to make the group’s experience more seamless.
Visit a Vermont Sugarhouse
Cabot, Vermont
When spring rolls around in Vermont, the melting snows and longer days are not the state’s sweetest offering. It’s also maple syrup season, the glorious time in late March and early April when the harvest brings festivities and plenty of sugary goodies to all. The Maple Open House Weekend, held one or two weekends each year, invites travelers and locals to visit sugarhouses and enjoy syrup-laden treats across the state. The Vermont Maple Festival, held at St. Albans, spans three days and boasts a parade, entertainment, crafts, exhibits and food all centered around maple syrup.
While both events can be enjoyed by groups, touring a sugarhouse is also a highly recommended experience. One such farm that easily handles large groups, with parking for up to 10 buses, is Goodrich’s Maple Farm in Cabot. The site has been family owned and operated since 1840. Tours tell visitors how maple syrup is made, from tapping maple trees to boiling and bottling the sap. Groups can see antique sugaring equipment and learn the history of the sugaring process and its contributions to the state’s economy. Then, they can enjoy tasting syrups and jellies. A visit to the farm is especially recommended when the maple sap is boiling.
The group can round out the tour in the farm’s gift shop, where they can buy maple candy, maple sugar and maple cream, as well as jams and jellies, and of course, pure Vermont maple syrup, bottled right on-site.
Attend the International Balloon Fiesta
Albuquerque, New Mexico
The iconic image of hundreds of hot air balloons floating against a clear sky illustrates what may be the greatest treasure of Albuquerque, New Mexico: the International Balloon Fiesta, the largest ballooning event on Earth. The event has taken place every October since 1972. What started as a meager 13 balloons now consists of over 500 balloons being released from a 78-acre launch field. It’s among the most photographed events in the world.
One of the most picturesque, breathtaking scenes of the entire Fiesta is the early morning balloon ascension, when all the participating balloons are released simultaneously. The mass ascension comes in two waves to ensure the safety of all involved, but that also means twice the photo ops.
Groups of 14 or more arriving in motorcoaches can opt for the
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Group Tour Package, which includes bus parking, admission to the event and even access to a hospitality tent. Here, they’ll have access to light refreshments, including coffee, tea, doughnuts and cookies. This provides a shaded area for groups to enjoy the festival. Transportation to the tent by golf cart can also be arranged to accommodate guests with mobility issues. From there, groups are free to enjoy the sights and sounds of the festival. They can talk to the balloon pilots, see the balloons on the ground and learn about the art of ballooning.
In addition to the main attraction, groups will find artisans, performance artists and live music to keep them entertained. Concessions along Main Street also provide plenty of refreshments.
Board the Napa Valley Wine Train
Napa Valley, California
Few wine regions in North America are as popular or lauded as California’s Napa Valley. Hundreds of area vineyards, wineries and tasting rooms that produce wines enjoyed around the world make it a bucket list destination. It’s a frequent site for honeymoons, girlfriend getaways and, of course, group tours. Wine lovers and those who simply want to take in the gorgeous region, with its mild California climate and sun-soaked vines, are sure to be impressed by one of the most luxurious and comprehensive ways of enjoying the region: the Napa Valley Wine Train.
Running on a rail line that was built in 1864, the Napa Valley Wine Train has been showing off the valley’s beauty — and its wine — for 35 years. The train offers a variety of experiences for groups. These include daytime trips, evening journeys, seasonal experiences, murder mystery dinners and even a grape stomp trip, where passengers are taken to a winery to stomp grapes and enjoy a tasting.
One of the most luxurious experiences offered during daytime hours is the Legacy Experience, which lasts six hours. The trip begins with a group photo-op in front of the train, a welcome glass of sparkling wine and a breakfast course. Then, from an open-air car, guests can enjoy the gorgeous sights of Napa Valley. The train’s first stop comes at the Napa Valley sign, where a tasting and photo-op await. This is followed by a lunch course, then another vineyard and a cheese course.
Finally, the train takes the group to Napa Valley’s Main Street in St. Helena, where they’ll visit a historic winery and enjoy a tasting. On the train ride back, the group will enjoy a dessert course.
All menu items are brimming with local, seasonal ingredients, but can be customized to meet passenger needs. Options for lunch include dishes like local, seasonal risotto, penne primavera or cracked mustard-cider glazed salmon, and the dessert is made daily. All wines are expertly paired to be enjoyed with each dish.
