In a world overflowing with travel options, affinity travel stands apart—not just as a getaway, but as a meaningful journey built on shared passions and purpose. Whether you’re dreaming of a wine cruise, a yoga retreat, or a history-themed European tour, affinity travel transforms strangers into friends and travel into something unforgettable. It’s not just about where you go—it’s about who you go with and why.
What Is Affinity Travel, Really?
Affinity travel is group travel designed around a shared interest, profession, identity, or cause. Think of a photography group touring Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, a group of alumni revisiting their college town in Tuscany, or dog lovers hiking the Pyrenees with their four-legged companions.
It’s for people who want to belong, not just travel. Unlike cookie-cutter group tours, affinity travel is deeply personal and highly curated. It’s built on connection, community, and shared excitement for a theme or mission.
You Don’t Need a Big Organization—Just a Shared Passion
You don’t have to be a nonprofit, alumni association, or large company to create an affinity travel experience. You just need an idea and a tribe—no matter how small.
- Are you part of a wine club and dream of tasting your way through Burgundy or Sonoma?
- Do you host a podcast and want to meet your listeners in person?
- Are you in a mastermind group or coaching circle and want to celebrate your growth together abroad?
You can become the host of a curated travel experience that brings your people together in meaningful, memorable ways.
Why Affinity Travel Works So Well
- Built-In Connection: Everyone starts the journey with something in common—conversation flows easily, and bonds form fast.
- Deeper Engagement: It’s not just about sightseeing; it’s about shared learning, joy, and discovery.
- Personalized and Purposeful: The trip is crafted around what you and your group care about—food, art, wellness, faith, business growth—you name it.
My Story: Wine, the Rhine, and a Crew I’ll Never Forget
Many years ago, I took a chartered wine cruise in Germany, drifting down the Rhine and Mosel rivers with a group of about 50 people, most from their hometown the beautiful wine region of Walla Walla, Washington. I only knew a handful of them when we boarded, but something unexpected happened over seven unforgettable days. As we explored hilltop castles, wandered cobblestone streets in fairytale villages, and tasted crisp Rieslings in candlelit cellars older than the U.S. itself. The evenings brought lazy hours on the top deck with glasses of wine in hand, trading stories as the sun set behind vineyard-covered hills.
Top Deck Crew—you know who you are. You made it legendary.
We weren’t just tourists—we were adventurers with a common spark: a love of wine, travel, and curiosity. That experience didn’t just give me great photos; it gave me lifelong friends.
That experience also planted a seed: what if I could help others create that same magic?
You Don’t Need to Be a Professional Trip Planner—That’s Where I Come In
You bring the idea. I help you shape it into a real, unforgettable experience.
At Compass & Cork, I work with individuals, community leaders, creators, and passionate hosts to design trips that go far beyond the guidebook.
Think:
- A wine and food journey through Portugal for your book club
- A wellness retreat in Costa Rica for your coaching community
- A jazz-lovers river cruise through the South
- A photography adventure in the Scottish Highlands
Together, we’ll design the itinerary, pick the perfect spot, manage the details, and make sure your travelers feel cared for every step of the way.
Let Me Help You Bring Your Group Together
I specialize in helping people like you design and launch affinity group travel experiences—no prior hosting experience required. I’ll walk you through everything:
- Helping you define your travel theme and ideal group
- Selecting the perfect destination and designing a one-of-a-kind itinerary
- Managing logistics, booking, and group coordination
- Even helping you market the trip to your community
Together, we’ll build something beautiful—whether it’s a culinary journey through Spain, a wellness escape in Costa Rica, or a vineyard-hopping river cruise in Europe.
Let’s chat about your idea and bring it to life.