5 Times Group Gurus Stole the Show
No adventure is complete without a Group Guru by your side! Passionate, caring, and well-travelled, these leaders go above and beyond to make every Approach Tour an experience you won’t forget. Hear it from some of the 20K+ Canadians who’ve trusted us to show them the world.
“I have nothing but good things to say about our tour to South Africa & Victoria Falls. Everything was as described, with quality accommodations, tours and flights. And there was certainly no fear of going hungry! Our tour guru (Kamille) was exceptional, constantly on the lookout to lend or hold a hand, kind and caring; our local quide made everything fun and entertaining. I thoroughly recommend Approach Tours.” – Julie
1. USE SHARED PHOTO ALBUMS
Travelling means collecting moments worth sharing. A shared photo album lets your family experience the trip in real time! If you’re worried that sending individual photos to everyone will become overwhelming and time-consuming, a shared album makes sharing memories as simple as uploading your photos once.
Before you leave, set up a shared album through Google Photos or Apple Shared Albums and invite your family members to join. Every time you connect to WiFi, upload your latest photos and they’ll appear instantly in everyone’s phone. This way, your family feels like they’re watching your adventure unfold day by day — and you never have to send the same photo twice.
2. RECORD THE MOMENT
While a photo shows your family where you are, your voice brings them into the moment with you. If you’re worried about time zones making live calls difficult, these are the perfect solution: you send voice messages when it suits you, and your family listens when it suits them. A voice message captures the excitement, the wonder, and even the funny mishaps of travel in a way that a photo simply can’t.
Using WhatsApp or iMessage, simply hold the microphone button and record your message. Describe the meal you just had, the view from your hotel window, or the moment that made you laugh out loud. Your family gets something far more personal than a text, and they might even replay it again and again!
Videos can also be a great way to show your live reaction to a travel moment. Even a short clip can make your family back home feel like they’re right there with you!
3. CALL FROM EVERYWHERE
If you’d like to see a familiar face or hear someone’s voice in real time, you may need some help matching up time zones while you’re travelling. A website like Time and Date can help sort out when you’re both free to talk, even if you’re on different sides of the world!
If you’re worried about expensive international calling fees, the good news is you don’t need to pay a cent — apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Facebook Messenger, and Google Meet make calls completely free over WiFi. Before you leave, agree on a standing call time and make sure everyone has the same app downloaded and ready to go. The result is a trip where home never feels too far away — and your family has a regular moment to catch up with you.
4. USE AN eSIM
You may be thinking, aren’t these calls going to hurt your pocket if you’re out exploring and disconnected to WiFi? One way to stay connected wherever you are is with an eSim. An eSim is a digital SIM card that lets you use cellular data plans of different providers. It can be purchased and installed directly on your phone before you leave — no physical swapping required. With an eSIM, you’re never out of reach — whether you need to send a quick message, share a photo on the go, or make a call from the middle of a cobblestone street.
We recommend using Airalo! To find the best eSIM for your tour, click here, select your destination and the data plan you need, then create an account and download the app to access your eSIM.
5. SHARE YOUR LOCATION
Travel is exciting, but for family members waiting at home, not knowing where you are can be a source of quiet worry. Sharing your live location gives your loved ones peace of mind without requiring any extra effort on your part. If you’re concerned about privacy or battery drain, you can choose exactly who sees your location and turn it off whenever you like.
Using Google Maps location sharing or Find My on iPhone, simply select a contact and choose how long to share your location — for the duration of the trip or just a specific day. The end result is simple: your family can where you are, you can focus on enjoying every moment of your trip, and everyone travels a little easier.
BONUS TIP:
With these tips, you can savour every meal, soak in every view, and keep in touch with your family along the way!
Ready to start your adventure? Browse our upcoming tours below.
Authentic Thailand & Phuket
From the picture-perfect landscapes and soft sand beaches to the opulent temples and royal palaces, Thailand is packed full of riches. Dart through the noisy hustle and bustle of modern life in Chiang Mai on a Tuk-Tuk. Peer into the lives of Thai royalty at the Grand Palace and Ayutthaya Historical Park. Splash around in the tranquil waters of a 1,500-metre-long waterfall, in a pond with an elephant, and on the pristine beaches of Phuket. Sample the wide range of traditional Thai flavours, effortlessly blending savoury, spicy and sweet. Run your hands over artisan-made silks and teak carvings. Awaken all your senses at once in this timeless paradise.
Departures: October & November 2026January, February & March, October & November 2027 (+$200)
Ethereal Iceland
Few places on earth immerse you in the magic of nature like Iceland. Feel your eyes widen in awe as you see Strokkur shoot a column of boiling water into the arctic sky. Stand above the seam of two continents in a vast rift valley at Thingvellir. Watch as the Golden Waterfall plunges into two-tiered depths, the thunder so powerful you feel the vibration deep in your chest. Inhale the crisp air above Vatnajökull Glacier, refreshing and invigorating with each breath. Sink into the warmth of the Blue Lagoon and feel its geothermal power coursing through you. Iceland offers an experience unlike any other — mystic, elemental, and impossible to forget.
Departures:
May, June, September & October 2027
Iconic Greece & the Cyclades
With some of Europe’s oldest civilizations developing in this country, impressive monuments still stand as proof of the empires that once called the ancient Panhellenic capital home. While the mainland’s architecture will take you on a trip through time, the Cyclades of Mykonos and Santorini will inspire you to cherish the simpler things in life. Endless blue seas, whitewashed buildings at dramatic angles and pink skies play backdrop to the distinctive cultural heritage and fascinating local traditions of a millennia-old and multifaceted civilization. Local favourites of fresh seafood, strong Ouzo liquor, sun-filled tomatoes, perfectly ripe olives and organic feta cheese will quickly become yours, too.
Departures: September & October 2026April, May, September & October 2027 (+$200)
Colours of Morocco
The vibrant contrast of the orange clay architecture against electric blue skies will draw you further into the lively yet ancient culture of this modern kingdom. Marvel at the splendour of royal palaces, coastal havens, lavish Riads, disorientating souk streets, and local artisanry. Savour local cuisines, both unexpected and familiar. Venture through the Merzouga desert on camel back, knowing that a unique and restful night under the stars of the Sahara awaits.
Departures: September & October 2026
March, April, September, October & November 2027 (+$100)
Vietnam & Angkor Wat
If you come to Vietnam for the delicious food, dramatic landscapes and bustling markets, you will stay for the people whose complex history and rich heritage continue to seduce even the most seasoned travellers. Be humbled by the recounting of war-time stories with French colonial buildings as a backdrop in Ho Chi Minh City. Embrace the sense of awe that takes over while waking up to the dragon-like island formations dotting Ha Long Bay. Get up close and personal with locals while discovering true foodie culture, spanning from humble broths to rich curries. The sprawling temples of Angkor will leave you speechless, as Cambodia’s ancient traditions contrast with modern culture.
Departures: October & November 2026February, March, October & November 2027 (+$200)
South Africa & Victoria Falls
Sweeping panoramic views, a rich and diversified cultural heritage and a true wildlife haven are here to be discovered. In a few words, be ready to feel small — stand between two oceans at the southern tip of the continent, witness the Big Five up-close in their natural habitat, and cruise near the world’s largest waterfall. Enjoy some of the finest wines, a product of this unique climate. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure will awaken all your senses.
Departures: August, September, October & November 2026January, February, March, April, August, September, October & November 2027 (+$200)
