Kate is the heart and soul of her garden club’s Visiting Gardens committee. It’s an incredibly active club—one that does it all. From hosting flower arranging workshops for both kids and seniors to spearheading local beautification projects and diving deep into conservation efforts, this group is passionate about making a difference. Their day trips to visit nearby gardens are always a hit, and even their multi-day domestic excursion to the Brandywine Valley was a roaring success.
But now, Kate wants to take things up a notch. She’s been hearing whispers from other clubs about their international garden tours—some even alternating between domestic and international trips every year. The idea of traveling together, immersing themselves in breathtaking gardens, and strengthening the club’s bond is too enticing to ignore.
Why travel internationally with your garden club?
An international tour offers something truly special: A chance for members to share in an unforgettable experience that deepens friendships and creates a unique sense of camaraderie. The shared adventure fosters a stronger commitment to the club, making members even more engaged when they return home. And what does that lead to? A more active, thriving club that’s even better equipped to further its mission.
So when Kate approached me, she was both excited and overwhelmed. “I love what you do,” she said, “and I think our garden club would love to take a trip with you. But getting everyone on board and actually making it happen seems like a real challenge!”
I get it. Organizing an international tour for a garden club—especially one filled with busy, independent, and engaged members—can feel daunting. But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be. Over the years, I’ve helped many clubs turn their travel dreams into reality, and I have a few simple steps that make the process smooth and stress-free.
Step 1: Float the Idea and Gauge Interest
The first step? Just put the idea out there! You might be surprised by how many members are eager to embark on an adventure. The easiest way to get started is to reach out to me for a few sample itineraries tailored to your club’s interests.
Seeing an actual trip take shape helps members picture themselves there—strolling through iconic gardens, soaking in the local culture, and sharing laughter over a meal in a charming café.
Once you have a rough idea of what’s possible, gather your members for an informal chat. A simple show of hands can reveal how many are interested, and that’s when the real excitement begins!
Step 2: Choose the Best Time to Travel
Now that you know there’s enthusiasm for the trip, it’s time to decide when to go. This is a crucial step because not all destinations shine year-round.
For example, if you dream of seeing thegardens of Normandy, May or September is perfect—but October? Not so much. Portugal, on the other hand, bursts into bloom in March and April, but by late May, the heat starts creeping in.
A quick poll of your members can help determine the best time for most people—early spring, late spring, or autumn? Once we have a preferred season, we can narrow down the perfect destination to match.
Step 3: Select the Perfect Destination
With the timing settled, we can now focus on choosing a destination that will be at its absolute best when you visit. Every garden tour I design is crafted around the season, ensuring you experience the gardens at their best.
Once we have a destination and time frame, I’ll put together a detailed proposal outlining the itinerary, accommodations, and experiences. Having this concrete plan in hand makes it much easier for your members to commit.
This personalized approach not only builds excitement but also gives your group a clear vision of what to expect. It transforms the idea from a casual suggestion into a compelling opportunity—one that feels tangible, well thought out, and too beautiful to pass up.
Step 4: Plan Ahead—Way Ahead
One of the biggest mistakes I see clubs make?
Waiting too long to start planning. For international trips, securing the best hotels, gardens, and experiences requires booking at least 9 to 12 months in advance.
For example, if you’re dreaming of a September tour, we should start talking in November of the previous year. If a May trip is on your radar, we should begin discussions even earlier to lock in those perfect accommodations.
I like to stay in small boutique hotels with great personality as I find that makes the experience all the more congenial and memorable. Problem is those places are typically small and don't take more than one group at a time.
That's why securing rooms well in advance is a good idea.
Step 5: Wrap Up Plans Before the Garden Club Year Ends
Most garden clubs operate on a schedule similar to the school year, with meetings winding down in May.
Especially for spring trips, it's ideal to have your trip details sorted before the club takes its summer break. That way, when you reconvene in the fall, everything is in place—hotels booked, dates secured, and anticipation building.
It also gives members the chance to plan ahead, set aside the time, and budget for the experience without feeling rushed.
When the details are finalized early, it sends a message that this isn’t just another outing—it’s a thoughtfully curated highlight of the year, something truly special to look forward to!
The Payoff: An Unforgettable Experience
I know that organizing an international trip can feel like a big leap, especially if it’s your club’s first. But trust me—when you see your members’ faces light up as they wander through a stunning garden, share a toast in a sun-drenched courtyard, or exchange knowing smiles over a magical moment they just experienced together, you’ll realize: it was all so worth it.
Are you ready to turn your travel dreams into reality?
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