Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is VanArnam Adventures?

VanArnam Adventures creates thoughtfully designed small-group journeys to remarkable destinations around the world.

Our trips fall into four collections: Food & Wine, Self-Drive, Active and Bring It Home. Food & Wine journeys explore a destination through its food, wine and local culture. Self-Drive journeys put you behind the wheel on extraordinary roads. Active journeys are built around experiences such as cycling, hiking and other ways to explore a destination outdoors. Bring It Home journeys connect you directly with exceptional artists and makers, with opportunities to purchase their handcrafted work and trusted local specialists to professionally pack and ship your purchases home.

Each journey combines distinctive accommodations, memorable meals and carefully selected experiences, with the important logistics thoughtfully arranged.

Every journey is personally hosted from beginning to end—either by founders Kent and Allison VanArnam or by a carefully selected VanArnam Adventures Trip Host with a strong connection to the destination and experience.

What types of tours do you offer?

VanArnam Adventures offers three distinct styles of journeys: Food & Wine, Self-Drive and Active.

Our Food & Wine journeys explore destinations through their vineyards, kitchens and local traditions. Self-Drive journeys put you behind the wheel on extraordinary roads and through remarkable landscapes. Active journeys experience a destination through activities such as cycling, hiking and other outdoor adventures.

While every journey is different, they all share the same VanArnam approach: thoughtfully designed experiences, distinctive accommodations, memorable meals and personal hosting.

What is included in the trip price?

Each journey includes the lodging, scheduled group meals, transportation, activities and experiences specifically described on that trip’s webpage. Beverages served as part of scheduled group meals are also included unless otherwise noted.

Separately ordered drinks before or after meals, purchases from hotel bars or lounges, minibar charges, room service, spa services, rentals and other personal purchases are paid directly by each guest.

International airfare, travel insurance and anything not specifically listed as included are not part of the trip price.

What if I’m traveling as a single?

VanArnam Adventures offers three distinct styles of journeys: Food & Wine, Self-Drive and Active.

Our Food & Wine journeys explore destinations through their vineyards, kitchens and local traditions. Self-Drive journeys put you behind the wheel on extraordinary roads and through remarkable landscapes. Active journeys experience a destination through activities such as cycling, hiking and other outdoor adventures.

While every journey is different, they all share the same VanArnam approach: thoughtfully designed experiences, distinctive accommodations, memorable meals and personal hosting.

Who leads the tours?

Every VanArnam Adventures journey is personally hosted from beginning to end. Depending on the trip, your hosts may be founders Kent and Allison VanArnam or carefully selected VanArnam Adventures Trip Hosts who bring a strong connection to the destination and experience.

No matter who is hosting, every journey is designed and coordinated by VanArnam Adventures, with the same attention to detail, personal approach and style of travel our guests have come to expect.

Do I need a passport or any special requirements?

A valid passport is required for our international journeys. Entry requirements, visas and passport-validity rules vary by destination and by the traveler’s nationality, so guests are responsible for confirming the requirements that apply to their trip.

For our Self-Drive journeys, drivers must have a valid driver’s license and be able to provide documentation showing they have held a driver’s license for at least the previous three years. An International Driving Permit may also be required depending on the destination and vehicle provider.

Individual Self-Drive journeys may have additional age, licensing, insurance or documentation requirements. Any trip-specific requirements will be clearly communicated before departure.

How do I book a trip?

When you find a journey you’d like to join, simply follow the booking instructions on that trip’s webpage or contact us directly with any questions.

For journeys departing in 2028 and beyond, a $2,000 per person deposit is required to secure your reservation. Your individual trip page will provide the trip price, payment schedule and other booking details.

After booking, we’ll stay in touch with important trip information, planning details and anything you’ll need to prepare for your journey.

What if I have dietary restrictions or accessibility needs?

We want every guest to choose a journey that is comfortable and appropriate for them. Our trips vary in activity level and may include stairs, cobblestones, uneven ground, walking or hiking, cycling, entering and exiting vehicles or boats, and other activities described in the itinerary.

Before booking, please review the trip details and contact us with any dietary requirements, mobility considerations, medical concerns, or requested assistance. We will gladly discuss the journey with you and communicate requests to our local partners, although specific accommodations cannot always be guaranteed.

Guests should be able to participate independently or with the assistance of a traveling companion and are responsible for selecting a trip suited to their abilities and comfort level. When safety is involved, participation in a particular activity may be limited by the local operator or VanArnam Adventures.

How can I stay updated on new trips and promotions?

Sign up for our email newsletter on the website—it's free and respects your privacy. You'll receive exclusive updates on upcoming tours, wine-focused specials, and travel tips from Kent and Allison. We never share your information and you can unsubscribe anytime.

What makes VanArnam Adventures different from other tour operators?

Unlike larger tour operators, VanArnam Adventures focuses on thoughtfully planned journeys for small groups, with personal hosting and an easy, relaxed atmosphere. Our longstanding relationships with winemakers, chefs, guides, hoteliers, and other local experts provide access to distinctive experiences that travelers are unlikely to find on their own. Every journey is designed for curious, fun-loving travelers who value genuine connections, memorable food and wine, and sharing remarkable places with a great group of people.

How do I contact you for more questions?

We're here to help! Reach out via the contact form on our website or email us. Whether it's trip details, custom requests, or just dreaming aloud, Kent and Allison personally respond to every inquiry.