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Whether you're gearing up for your very first group trip or you've been hosting for years, one thing remains true: generating excitement is key to filling spots and creating a memorable experience.
During a recent virtual gathering, we had the pleasure of connecting with seasoned Hosts to chat all things hosting. Because really—who better to learn from than those who’ve done it best? From standing out with your personal flair to building genuine connections, here are some of the top promotion strategies shared by Hosts who know how to keep their communities engaged every step of the way.
Key Learnings
Lead With What’s Unique to You
Some of the most impactful trips are those that feel like extensions of the Host’s personal brand. From mini-workshops to themed activities, successful Hosts incorporate elements of their passions and expertise directly into the itinerary. These don’t have to be formal events—even something as simple as a guided group discussion can create powerful, lasting memories.
💡 Pro Tip: Use the Informal Gatherings feature to add your personal touch to the itinerary.
Make It Fun & Multi-Channel
When announcing a trip, why not turn it into a game? A fun and creative example came from two Hosts in the spiritual and intuitive space who ran a psychic guessing game to unveil their destination—a playful way to build anticipation and encourage engagement that felt natural for their community.
Don’t stop at one platform. Promote your trip consistently across multiple channels—your Instagram, blog, podcast, or email list—to reach your audience wherever they’re most active. The key is repetition and fun.
Differentiate & Add Depth
One Host carved out a niche by designing trips for LGBTQ+ adults in their 20s–40s, a community often underserved in group travel. By layering in meditations, creative outlets like photography, and connection-focused workshops, they built experiences that offered more than just sightseeing—these trips created space for belonging and deeper connection.
The Emotional Angle: Safety & Belonging
In uncertain times, travel becomes more than just an escape. Group trips offer a rare sense of safety and shared experience. As a Host, you’re creating a container for your community to connect, reflect, and grow together—and that’s something worth highlighting in your messaging.
Storytelling Sells (Without Feeling Salesy)
If you’re unsure how to talk about your trip without sounding like a commercial, focus on the feeling. Instead of just listing logistics, tell the story of what the trip was like—how the group bonded, the moment someone faced a fear, or how a sunset felt after a long day of adventure.
Several Hosts use day-by-day recaps, podcast episodes, and video content to show what traveling with them is really like—helping potential Travelers picture themselves along for the ride.
💡 Pro Tip: Create FOMO by showing the bonding, not just the scenery.
Time Your Promotion Right
Timing is everything. One smart strategy: launch your next trip immediately after returning from your current one. You’ll still be riding the wave of excitement, and your audience will feel inspired by the just-wrapped journey.
Preparing for & Personalizing the Trip Experience
It’s not just about promotion—what you do before and during the trip matters just as much. Here are some creative ways Hosts build connection and elevate the Traveler experience.
Pre-Trip Zoom Calls = Confidence + Connection
Many Hosts recommend hosting 1–2 pre-departure Zoom calls:
- 3–4 months out: Break the ice and answer big-picture questions.
- 1 month out: Reconnect and talk more logistics like visas, packing lists, and transportation.
These calls help Travelers feel confident and connected before they even arrive.
Create Connection Keepsakes
Want to go the extra mile? Get inspired with these thoughtful keepsakes other Hosts have shared:
- Welcome bags with stamped postcards they can mail home before the trip ends, writing a note to their future selves.
- Custom gift bags for each guest.
- One of our favorite stories was when a Host in the spiritual space gifted each Traveler a bag of crystals, and , encouraged the group to swap and trade. This gave them a great opportunity to interact early on and build connections!
- Journals with a handwritten note on the first page from you.
- Personal thank-you notes to close out the trip, mentioning something meaningful from your time together.
These touches are simple, yet create lasting emotional impact and show just how much you care. ❤️
Things Experienced Hosts Wish They Knew Sooner
- Prioritize your rest and boundaries. You’re a Host, but also human. Setting aside some solo time to recharge on your trip is healthy and your Travelers will totally understand.
- Build rapport early with your local Guide. They’ll be your right hand throughout the trip.
- Expect the unexpected. If there is one rule in the world of travel, it's that at some point something will go wrong—what matters most is your energy and how you lead through the challenges. Do your best to remain positive, calm, cool, and collected
More info on what to expect here.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing to remember, it’s this:
You bring something unique to the table. ❤️
Maybe it’s your sense of humor, your niche knowledge, or your ability to hold space for others. The more you lean into what makes you special, the more your trip will resonate with your community.
Thanks for being part of the Trova hosting family. We hope these ideas help you feel inspired and equipped as you plan your next adventure.
Thank You
A heartfelt thank you to all the Hosts who joined us for this Host Gathering. Your presence, stories, and generous sharing of insights made it such a special experience—and helped uplift and inspire the entire Host community.