By Miranda Plunkett

As we emerge from international travel restrictions and contemplate all the places we want to visit, there is something reassuring about the idea of a group trip: the security of being in a unit with all the tedious administrative stuff taken care of.

However, such trips still entail two basic risks—being with a bunch of strangers who might not be exactly simpatico, and inferior guides. One way to overcome these negatives and reduce the risk of finding yourself amongst people you have little in common with is to find a trip which attracts like-minded travelers.

Arcadia Expeditions could be one answer, if you are the sort of person who enjoys discovery and digging deep into a country’s heritage. We’re not talking the size of a hotel bathroom or number of Instagram followers type of travel. Indeed, many of their locations barely have a hashtag. Instead, we’re talking about joining what feels like a documentary series.

Rather than a regular tour guide, Arcadia’s trips are guided by academic experts who focus on a particular storyline, like Rudyard Kiplings’ life in India, Rumi and the mysteries of Sufism in Turkey, or Alexander the Great’s conquest of Persia, and then unfold it for you. Groups are intentionally small, on average around twelve people, and tend to attract like-minded travelers. Comfort levels are high and the best hotels always selected. Consideration is given for breakaway activities; some of the trips are lengthy and the need for personal time recognized. At dinner, philosophical discussions are more likely than a count of the day’s shopping purchases.

Focus-style trips are becoming more prolific, and the ability of travel planners to secure people of interest to join them more inventive. On a recent trip to Cuba, John Illsley of Dire Straits accompanied a cazenove + loyd group, and for an upcoming train journey through South Africa, Sir Nicholas Soames, Winston Churchill’s grandson, will be on board to regale travelers with stories of his grandfather.

The selection of trips has expanded far beyond the familiar art, food and garden tours. And if a particular trip appeals it is always worth asking whether it could be taken on a private basis so you can pick your own dates and travel companions. Some companies, like Arcadia, offer this flexibility.

As we begin to dust off our passports and flex our travel muscles, those in the travel business have been busy devising ways to lure us back. Arcadia is one company that stands out from the pack.

Miranda runs a travel consultancy business, mlpdestinations.com, and advises clients on all areas of travel from whom to travel with to preparing outline itineraries. She now works with Arcadia Expeditions. For a full description of Arcadia’s travel calendar see the website or contact her on 203-564-3974 or miranda@mlpdestinations.com.