How Leaps Work
What to expect from our small group trips, from announcement to arrival.
Enjoy community, but also value their space
You like sharing experiences with others while still having the freedom to do your own thing.
What Is a Leap?
Leaps are small-group travel experiences designed for people who want more than sightseeing and packed itineraries.
This isn’t a speed tour. We’re not rushing from selfie to selfie.
It’s real life, lived somewhere interesting. Together.
Our signature 2-week experience includes a private room with a kitchen or kitchenette in a hotel or aparthotel, giving everyone a shared home base while we settle into a destination together.
With plenty of group activities, open time, and a relaxed pace, Full Leaps are designed for travelers who want to experience what it feels like to truly live somewhere, not just visit.
Bring-Your-Own-Lodging (BYOL) Leaps
Our flexible lodging, community gatherings includes several organized activities so we can all get to know each other and explore the destination together.
You’ll book your own accommodations, making it easy to choose the location, style, and budget that work best for you.
Whether you choose a Full Leap or a BYOL Leap, you’ll experience a destination alongside a welcoming community of like-minded travelers who value meaningful conversations, authentic local experiences, and the freedom to travel at a more relaxed pace.
Who These Leaps Are For
Leaps are designed for adult travelers who love to travel and want to make new friends.
They’re a great fit for people who:
What a few past Leap members had to say…
“It’s the perfect way to travel, with the Turtle Travel Club, because you are so flexible in everything that you can do. You can be alone or join the group. To me, it’s the best of both worlds. This is built in perfection.”
“As a single woman, I would never plan the things that are available in the Turtle Travel Club. This is one of the best trips I’ve ever had. If I travel, it’s going to be with the Turtle Travel Club.”
“This Leap has been fantastic! We’ve made so many friends. It’s a wonderful way to travel with a group and feel connected.”
“I like the immersion aspect. Meeting more people and learning the neighborhood and the culture.”
“I connected with solo travelers and couples. On other tours you’re expected to do everything, but with this group, you can go at your own pace and I love that.”
“The experience was super cool, being able to meet all kinds of people from around the world in different stages of their travel life.”
“We’ve made a lot of new friends that we’ll be seeing outside of the Leaps.”
“I’m so glad I had this experience and I want to do more. Just go for it!”
What’s Included in a Leap
We handle the logistics so you can focus on the experience. Leaps are designed to make travel simple, comfortable, and connected without over-scheduling your days.
Every Leap Includes
A small, like-minded community
Travel with people who value flexibility, curiosity, meaningful conversations, and a relaxed pace.
On-site facilitation by Amelia and JP
We’ll be there throughout the event to help coordinate logistics, answer questions, and support the overall group experience.
Group activities
Each Leap includes several activities, such as a welcome gathering & tech support, guided tours, meals, happy hours, and walking explorations. The exact details are defined on the Leap-specific pages.
A dedicated community space
Connect with fellow participants before the event, coordinate plans during your stay, and keep the friendships going long after you return home.
Pre-Leap Huddle (Zoom Call)
A casual online gathering a couple of weeks before the event so everyone can meet, ask questions, and feel more comfortable before arriving.
Optional shared experiences
We’ll organize several unofficial opportunities to gather throughout the stay, but participation is always optional. Join what interests you and enjoy the freedom to spend the rest of your time however you’d like.
When Lodging is Included
Private accommodations for two weeks. Stay in a hotel, apart-hotel, or similar accommodation with a kitchen or kitchenette, giving everyone a comfortable home base to settle in and experience what it feels like to live in the destination, not just visit it.
Since these Leaps are longer, you’ll also have several open days without official activities so you can recharge or do your own thing.
When Lodging is Not Included
Join us for daily activities, such as walking explorations, shared meals, happy hours, local attractions, and more. You’ll choose your own accommodations, giving you the flexibility to stay where you prefer. We’ll designate a meeting place to start each day’s activity and coordinate everything in the dedicated Leap space inside the community.
We’re travelers too, so you’ll find us sharing meals, exploring neighborhoods, and enjoying the destination right alongside everyone else.
What to Plan for Separately
While we take care of the on-the-ground logistics, there are a few standard travel items you’ll arrange on your own.
This keeps Leaps flexible and allows everyone to travel in a way that works best for them.
Here’s what to plan for separately:
Flights and transportation to the destination
You’re free to choose your preferred airline, route, and arrival timing. We’ll share suggested arrival windows and airport information ahead of time. We encourage you to arrive early and stay late so you get the most out of your travel experience and have time to adjust to jet lag if you’re flying across time zones.
Travel insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers medical care, trip interruptions, and cancellations.
Meals not specifically included
Some shared meals or activities may be bundled into a Leap, but most day-to-day meals are on your own giving you the freedom to eat where and how you like. On past Leaps, members who eat the same way naturally gravitated to each other and frequently shared meals.
Personal activities and excursions
You’re welcome to explore independently or join optional group activities. Anything not listed as included on the Leap page will be paid separately.
Personal expenses
Items like tourist fees, laundry, souvenirs, additional transportation, or incidentals are handled individually.
Specific details, including what’s included for each Leap, will always be clearly outlined on the individual Leap page before you book.
Leap Booking Process
We’ve designed Leaps to be simple, flexible, and community-first so you can focus on the experience, not the logistics.
Here’s what to expect, step by step.
1. Club Membership
You do NOT need to be a Full Club Member to book a Leap.
If you’re not already a full member, a Lifetime Turtle Travel Club Membership is included with your Leap booking fee, so you’ll become a full member right after payment.
Club members receive 24-hour early access so they’re often the first to hear about new destinations and have the best chance of securing a spot before Leaps fill (they often sell out within an hour or two).
Full membership also unlocks private messaging, which is required to organize Leap logistics and communicate with fellow participants.
Not a member yet? Join the Turtle Travel Club to gain early access to Leaps and all other Full Member benefits:
2. Request to Book & Reserve Your Spot
When registration opens for a Leap, you’ll be invited to submit a booking request.
Full Leaps require a $395 per person deposit.
At that time, you’ll be able to:
- Select your room preference (Full Leaps Only)
- Share any relevant details
- Review the full Leap terms before confirming
Once your payment is successfully processed, your spot is confirmed.
3. Deposit & Cancellation Terms
Full details are available in our Payments Policy.
4. Connect Before You Go
After booking, you’ll receive access to a private, Leap-specific space where you can:
- Meet fellow Leap participants
- Share travel plans
- Receive updates and important information
We’ll also schedule a Pre-Leap Huddle (a casual Zoom call) about two weeks before the Leap begins, so everyone can meet and feel more comfortable before arriving.
5. Book Flights and Travel Insurance
Once your spot is confirmed, it’s time to book your flight and purchase travel insurance.
We’ll provide:
- Suggested arrival windows
- Nearby airport information
- Ground transportation options to the lodging or area
These details will be included in the Leap space.
6. Arrive and Settle In
When you arrive, you’ll check into your accommodations and have time to get oriented.
On the first full day of the Leap, we’ll host a casual welcome gathering to meet in person, break the ice, and ease into the experience together.
7. Join What Interests You
During the Leap, we will organize a handful of shared meals, outings, or informal activities.
Participation is always optional. You’re free to:
- Join group activities
- Explore on your own
- Do a mix of both
There’s no required schedule and no “must-do” list.
8. Settle Into the Experience
Leaps are about living, not rushing.
That means:
- No packed itineraries
- No forced fun
- Plenty of time for connection, rest, and everyday life
You’re supported, but never managed.
A Note on Details
Specific Leap logistics, such as what’s included, accommodation details, and exact dates, are always clearly outlined on each individual Leap page before you book.
If you have questions at any point, we’re always happy to help.
What It’s Like to Join a Leap
Here’s what Jodie had to say after our Leap to Cuenca:
Want to hear more stories from past Leap participants?
Popular Leaps
Cuenca, Ecuador
Old world charm • Café culture • Spring-like weather
Bali, Indonesia
Beautiful beaches • Colorful sunsets • Curious monkeys
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Incredible history • Cultural depth • Friendly locals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
See Where We’re Headed Next
View upcoming Leaps, including location details, dates, and availability.
The Turtle Travel Club
The Turtle Travel Club is a community for world travelers to form real friendships, stay connected across borders, and belong to a global circle of like-minded people who love to travel.
A co-founded, woman-owned business.
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