When the terminology “quilt tour” is used, I suppose it does conjure up the vision of ladies and gentlemen traveling to work on quilt. However, quilts and/or textiles are the passion that often brings the group together, and there is not always an active quilting component on every group.

The purpose for the experience varies from group to group. I have groups of quilt and textile historians that travel to see historic pieces while other groups travel to shop for exotic and hard to find fabrics. Still, others travel for the fellowship with those who share their enthusiasm. It seems that when one exists, often the actual quilting project is not as important as spending time with others who have a built in connection through quilts and quilt-making.

How often they travel often depends upon their economic and family situation. I have some clients who have been on many of our trips, others who travel with me once a year, and some who look at a single tour as a way to a brief respite from the ordinary.

Outside of providing value in a quilt and textile related vacation experience, inspiration is the key essential on any trip; this is found in many ways. Quilters and textile enthusiasts are often inspired by landscapes, museum visits, quilts and textiles they see, by sharing with each other and the bonds they make with their fellow travelers. While the focus of any itinerary is inspired by quilts, a theme is often important in terms of how local quilt-making customs or historic textiles relate to the community that is being visited. One activity that most everyone looks forward to is any opportunity to shop for unusual or locally produced fabrics that will further inspire their quilt-making once they return home.

On our quilt history tours, for those who are historians, I feel it is important to include visits to historic archives and provide unusual opportunities to see antique quilts that are not often available for public viewing. An essential element for me then as a quilter as well as a quilt historian is to have a professional relationship with my colleagues within these institutions as this often opens doors to archives where we would not otherwise have access.

I believe it is helpful when the planner is knowledgeable about quilts and spends time with quilters in areas not surrounded by travel. As a quilter, show judge, appraiser and author, I spend a lot of time around quilts and quilt-makers. This helps me know their special interests and my tours are planned specifically around these things; they are not tours planned and then marketed to those who make quilts. In order for them to produce results, I have noticed a number of “quilt tour” providers that have hired a guest quilter to accompany a land tour group. Many times, this may seem like a benefit to the traveler, but, just as often, an additional cost is added to the tour in order to pay for the famous named guest who is coming along. I will not burden my travelers with those types of additional charges. If I feel that having such a guest would benefit a group or the overall tour experience, I will have one, but it is not a factor I often consider.

It is also important to have knowledge of class and workshop limitations. When planning actual quilting classes the planner should be aware of time constraints, materials and the facility suitability to the project.

I believe my most popular destinations to date have been Ireland, France and Bali, each for different reasons. The beauty of Ireland speaks for itself and we enjoy many scenic vistas along our way. Additionally, we stop at quilt shops up and down the Emerald Isle.  Often, we’ve been compared to an “Irish Quilt Shop Hop”. France is known in history for its contributions to both the fabric and quilt world, and Bali for its exquisite batik fabrics and special culture.

Our most popular cruises have been the ones that go to Alaska, the European Christmas Markets or international destinations such as the Baltic or Asia.

The most popular activity by far is shopping. I try to plan tours that not only offer rewarding textile experiences but also provide a truly memorable experience. Most of my travelers choose a destination they have always wanted to visit.

As a quilter and travel enthusiast, I plan each tour as if I am planning it for myself or my family. I take every stop into consideration. It sometimes takes weeks or longer to create the perfect itinerary. To me, travel is about the total experience as well as providing a good value and I do all that I can to keep the travel experience affordable. I am not a large travel agency; all of my group travel experiences are simply about quilts and textiles.

When selecting a quilt tour or cruise provider, it is important to note there may be others who promote quilt trips that will happen to coincide with their other special-interest group tours. While it might be a fun group I believe that it might be surprise for a group of 10 quilters to find themselves sharing a motor coach with poker players (this has happened). This would be a convenient way for some to fill a coach, but I do not mind keeping my groups small. I find when everyone in a group shares the same passion, bonding is almost instant. Always ask your quilt tour provider if they are promoting the same tour or cruise to any other type of hobby or interest group.

I promote quilt related travel simply for the joy of sharing the world of quilts and textiles with others. I love to travel – and what better way is there to see things than with others who share similar interests.

Our travelers are of all ages and from all parts of the world. They share a passion for quilts and quilting, textiles, arts and crafts, and share a desire to connect with the lives and cultures in the places they visit. Many who travel with us are first time travelers, while others have done a lot of travel in the past but are looking for something unique that they can’t organize on their own and/or enjoy the company of others with the same interests. The age group of our tour participants ranges from around 35 to 85 years of age but we have had travelers from 13 up join our groups.

Yes absolutely – although we focus on quilts and textiles there is always something else for those with other interests to do or see. In general, about 20 – 25% of our groups are companions in this category. We always have husbands who come along, so if you want to bring yours, chances are he will not be the only one.

While Deb does provide a variety of visits, hands-on classes and workshops they are not mandatory. This is your vacation; you may do whatever you like. While the activities are designed for every level and many are purely for fun and interaction with the local people, if there are any activities that you don’t want to do – just let us know and we will suggest alternative activities for you or you may adventure out on your own.

Some of the tours do have periods that require active walking and a few may feature extended coach or train rides (greater than 4 hours) We have found that most people of normal fitness and mobility are able to participate fully. Those who may have difficulty walking may participate at a level comfortable to them. Please see our terms and conditions regarding health issues. Because we are not aware of any individual’s health condition, we do ask that you receive an okay from your health practitioner to participate on any of our tours.

Our groups are a mix of single travelers, couples and friends. If you are a solo traveler and wish to share with someone we will attempt to find someone else on the tour who wishes to share a room. If there is no one wanting to share the only difference in your cost is that of the single room supplement that we pay to our hotels or you may choose not to participate with a full refund of your deposit.

Yes, we provide travel protection through several suppliers. On your trip web page, a link is provided to the travel insurance coverage which will also provide you with information about the insurer. You may choose to purchase travel protection through us, or from any provider of your choice. There are many online travel insurance options available to you.

No, we provide it as an option to you, or you can purchase it from any travel insurance provider. However, because unexpected things do happen, we strongly suggest that you have coverage.

Yes, your deposit is completely refundable (less a $100 administration fee, $200 administration fee if on a Viking Cruise) if you change your travel plans and cancel up to 45 days prior to the final payment deadline. Please refer to our terms and conditions for additional tour or cruise refund rules.

Final payment is approximately 90 days prior to the beginning of any cruise or tour. You will receive an invoice by email about 30 days prior to the deadline.

You may pay with a personal check (if you reside in the US), money order, cashier or bank check (if you reside outside of the US) or, you may use PayPal or Google Pay. Please note, the quoted tour price includes a 3% discount for those paying in by check. Those who choose to pay through PayPal using a credit card will not receive this discount.

You may still sign up for the trip after the final payment deadline, providing there is still space available. We will need your payment in full at the time your register however.

You are required to have a passport valid for six months past your tour date for trips outside your country of citizenship.

Most of our tours do not require special immunizations, but some do. Your health care provider is the best judge as to what you may need for your trip. To guide you as to possible immunizations suggested for your itinerary, please refer to http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel.