TTS New Member Chat

Hello! I'm happy to be part of the TTS team! I have already met some of you and look forward to getting to know you better during the year. I am excited to learn from each of you and also share my knowledge as well.

Question about villa rentals: I curate Tuscany villa vacations for small groups of 6-12 people adopting the slow travel mindset and immersion in local culture. My challenge is whether to book the villas first before I have the group or get the group then book the villa. The villa deposits are non-refundable so it makes sense to have the group first but then I risk my favorite villa being unavailable. So far I've had all my groups established before booking the villas so this wasn't a problem. But for my 2025 trips I didn't want to lose out on my favorite villa so I booked one week before I had the group and now I'm scrambling to get at least 6 people for a trip that is only 3 months away!

If anyone else handles similar type group tours I'd appreciate any advice in handling the villa reservations. My first thought is I should purchase travel insurance with cancel for any reason so I can get my deposit back if the villa is not filled. Or the logical choice, don't book until I have the group. In the meantime, if you know of anyone interested in either a solo, couples or group trip to Tuscany over Easter week, please let me know! The minimum I need is 6 guests. Max is 12. The itinerary is Easter themed and includes mass at a medieval church, tour of Assisi, traditional Easter lamb lunch, local festivals and events, market day, olive oil tasting, cheese tasting, cooking class and chef prepared meals. Private drivers escort the group everywhere. The villa has 6 individual bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. I'd appreciate any help in filling the villa!

I'd love to connect with any other small group tour operators in the group so we can learn from each other! Thank you!

Cheers!