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Apply
Tell us about your group: what it is, how big, how often you meet.
Turn Your Group Into Your Next Great Adventure
If you already lead a book club, garden club, classroom, or community group, you already have what it takes to host an unforgettable trip. And when you do, you can travel free as the host.
Become a Pied Piper
You Already Have the Hardest Part
Building a group takes trust. You've already done that, through years of meetings, shared projects, shared classrooms, shared Sunday afternoons in the garden.
We handle the travel. You bring the people who trust you.
Together, we turn your community into a group of travelers, and you lead the way, free of charge.
From Group Leader to Group Host
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Get Matched
We help you choose a trip that fits your group's interests and budget.
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Invite Your People
We provide the marketing materials, itinerary, and booking support.
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Travel Free
Your sweat equity pays off. As you build and support your group, your own trip cost can be significantly reduced.
Is This You?
- You lead a book club, garden club, or community group
- You're a teacher with a class, alumni network, or parent community
- People already look to you for recommendations
- You've ever thought, "We should all take a trip together"
The Host's Share
What You Get as a Pied Piper
- A complimentary trip as the group host
- Done-for-you itinerary planning and logistics
- Marketing support to help you invite your group
- A dedicated travel advisor managing the details
- The joy of experiencing it all with the people you already love spending time with
Your Group. Your Journey.
The Best Trips Start With the People You Already Know
Whether you’re part of a social club, alumni group, professional organization, hobby community, or simply a circle that loves spending time together, Pied Piper makes it easier to turn that connection into an unforgettable group journey.
Travel Together
Turn the connections you already have into experiences you’ll remember together.
Explore Somewhere New
Discover inspiring destinations while sharing every moment with your community.
Share the Experience
Great journeys become even more meaningful when they’re experienced with familiar faces.
Built Around Your Group
From shared interests to special occasions, your journey can reflect what brings your group together.
Make Time to Connect
Step away from the everyday and enjoy meaningful time together in a new setting.
Create Lasting Memories
Come home with more than photos—bring back stories and experiences your group will share for years.
A Note from Angela
I started the Pied Piper program because the best trips I've ever planned weren't for strangers, they were for people who already knew and trusted each other. Community leaders spend years building that trust, and they deserve to see the world with the very people they've gathered. You bring your people. I'll take care of everything else.
Experienced Guidance for Your Group
Angela Hughes is the Owner and CEO of Trips & Ships Luxury Travel, with 40 years of experience and firsthand travel to more than 121 countries. She holds a master’s degree and is an adjunct professor of Geography and Travel and Tourism.
An award-winning travel advisor, industry leader, and media contributor, Angela specializes in luxury cruises, expeditions, safaris, and custom journeys. Through the Pied Piper program, she brings that experience to community leaders who want to turn their connections into thoughtfully planned group travel experiences.
Professional Travel Planning
Support for organizing the travel experience for your group.
Group-Focused Support
Guidance designed around bringing established communities together.
A Team Behind the Details
You bring your community; Trips & Ships supports the travel planning.
Your Group Is Ready. Are You?
Fields marked * are required. Applying is free.
Questions, Answered
Do I need travel industry experience?
Not at all. You bring the group — we bring the expertise.
How many people do I need to bring?
We'll go over the minimum group size when you apply. It varies depending on the trip.
What if my group is small?
Apply anyway. We'll help you figure out what's realistic and what trip fits your group's size.
Is there any cost to apply?
None. Applying is completely free.
What does “travel free” mean?
Once enough members of your group book the trip, your trip is complimentary as the group host.
Do I have to plan and manage the trip myself?
No. Trips & Ships Luxury Travel provides itinerary planning, logistics, marketing support, booking assistance, and a dedicated travel advisor to help manage the details.
Trips & Ships Luxury Travel is an independent travel advisory service. Supplier names, ship names, itinerary details, and images are used descriptively for travel-planning purposes and do not imply supplier ownership or official representation. Pricing, availability, itineraries, and terms are subject to change until confirmed. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.