Trovatrip Review: I Went on a Blogger Retreat Abroad and Here’s What Happened

Updated: November 2021

Post Summary: I (a non-blogger at the time) joined 15 bloggers at a blogger retreat in Italy in 2019. The trip was through TrovaTrip, so this post is a review of TrovaTrip and an explanation of what happened at the retreat.

I also want to disclose here that there are affiliate links in this post, so purchasing from them help keeps She Travels running! Rest assured that I’d never recommend anything that I don’t wholeheartedly support.

Flower wall in Rome, Italy

–> Read more: The Unfiltered Truth About Traveling Alone <–

Raise your hand if you live in the US and you’ve ever had this thought:

“I don’t want to travel to Europe until I can spend a significant amount of time there – it’s just not worth it otherwise!”

That was me in November 2018. I thought I had to spend at least a month in Europe to see as much as possible. That’s the only way the long, expensive plane ride would be worth it.

And then…

My now good friend, Helene (of Helene Inbetween), announced that she was hosting a blogger retreat in Italy the following May. Now, I had just started following Helene about a month before she made the announcement. So, naturally, I didn’t really think about going at first.

Then I thought – When will I actually go to Italy? Why NOT right now?

I asked Helene a couple questions about it and, in true Millennial fashion, booked the trip before I even asked my boss for the days off.

And then it hit me…

“What’s a Blogger Retreat?”

I had started and abandoned many blogs in the past, but I never considered myself an actual “blogger”. Helene assured me that it really didn’t matter. I didn’t have to attend the blogging workshops if I didn’t want to – I could just come to make friends.

Generally, any kind of “retreat” is centered around a specific topic that everyone is interested in and you all spend some time together working on and talking about that topic.

A “blogging retreat” is no different. Bloggers from all over the world can get together and have some like-minded people to talk to about their blog!

This was a little different in that if a non-blogger went on the trip, I don’t think they’d feel out of place. This is exactly how I went in – as a non-blogger.

Since I knew I’d be skipping the workshops and I figured I’d want to do a lot of things on my own instead of with a bunch of strangers I just met…

I planned quite a few solo activities

I booked an Airbnb experience to go horseback riding through the Tuscan countryside. The plan was also to skip the Vatican tour that everyone had planned together.

I was going to be an independent queen!

And then I met everyone.

–> Read more: 5 Simple Steps to Afford More Travel <–

Florence winery in Tuscany, Italy

The first night…

We all went to dinner to get to know each other. Then, we promptly came back and drank ALL THE WINE in the hotel lobby.

And BOY did we get to know each other!

We talked about everything from travel adventures to significant others to our hopes, fears, and dreams.

Something happened in that hotel lobby that made us all connect on such a deep level and that made the rest of the trip so much better.

We were rooming with someone at each place we stayed and it just felt like I was traveling with a group of close girlfriends (and a couple of their husbands!).

Everyone felt this. It was kind of insane how close we all became in such a short period of time. We would say (and still do) that it’s because Helene is so great at fostering a community of kind, comical, fun people that we all just got along so well.

Dinner in Cinque Terre, Italy

My perspective started to change

Remember how I said I was a non-blogger and I wanted to do things alone? Yeah, well that all changed!

Listening to everyone talk about their blogs and what they’ve been able to do because of them inspired me to get back into it (and here we are, today!). I also decided not to skip the blogging workshops. I figured I’d need some tips to kick my butt back into gear.

Helene did a general blogging workshop and a photo editing workshop. Her husband, Michael did a photography workshop. They were all so so informative. I still use a lot of the tips and strategies we talked about over a year later!

Not only did I attend the workshops, but I also canceled and skipped every single thing I planned to do myself. I couldn’t even get a refund for some of them, but I just knew I’d have such a better time hanging out with my new friends.

I still talk to some of these women on a daily basis. They’ve become some of my closest friends, even though we live nowhere near each other! In fact, it’s now November of 2021 when I’m updating this post and Laurel and I (pictured below) just got back from a trip to Paris with each other.

Exploring Cinque Terre, Italy

Sound like something you’d like?

If you’re reading this and thinking “hmm, maybe I’d like to go on a group trip,” here’s what you need to know!

The trip was setup by TrovaTrip with Helene as the host. TrovaTrip is a company that helps topic experts create, plan, and execute trips based on their topic of expertise. I put together this TrovaTrip review to let you all know just how I feel about them.

From what Helene told me, she worked with TrovaTrip to plan the itinerary and figure out a price they wanted to charge for the trip (the price includes everything except flights and most meals).

What’s nice about TrovaTrip, specifically, is that they have trip managers with you the entire time. Aleks and Hope were our two trip managers and they were incredible! Aleks had lived in Italy for a while, so she was very knowledgeable about the area. She even helped me get to the Apple store when my phone broke and I couldn’t communicate with any of the taxi drivers – read more about that here!

Aside from helping when things go wrong, the trip managers were there to get us from place to place and make sure everything went smoothly. The best thing was that they were so fun to be around. It almost felt like they were just traveling along with us!

Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence Italy

A few tips

Since Trovatrips’ trips are all centered around a specific topic, I’d highly recommend you choose a trip that you’re at least remotely interested in.

I realize that I said I wasn’t really interested in blogging when I went on this trip, but I suppose an exception to this is if the host is someone you are very familiar with and you know you can connect with them. I know I click with people like Helene who are laid back, funny, and adventurous. Chances are, the people that go on the trip will be like that, too.

Do some Insta-stalking if you have to!

The most popular trip topics I see on TrovaTrip are Adventure, Yoga, and Photography. So, if you’re interested in any of these, there’s a trip for you! TrovaTrip also lets past travelers review their experience, so you can find more opinions on their site, too.

These are such a good idea if you really want to travel and maybe don’t have someone to go with, but don’t feel comfortable traveling alone quite yet.

Trust me, the friendships that come out of it will be worth the nervousness going in!

One more tip is to extend the trip! I decided to head to Italy a few days early and explore the Amalfi Coast before heading to Rome to meet up with everyone.

If you have some extra time and want a taste of traveling solo, tack on a few days to the beginning or end of your trip to give yourself that experience.

The question I know is on your mind

Everything I’m saying here is my 100% honest opinion – this trip was incredible. I would have paid twice the amount I did if I knew I would have as good of a time as I did.

However, I was genuinely curious how much of the money we paid actually goes to the activities and hotels, and how much of it was profit for TrovaTrip.

So, in the least offensive way I could muster, I asked one of our Trip Managers when we were in Florence. After she answered, I knew I’d have to put what she said in this TrovaTrip review.

She said that surprisingly, most of the money we pay actually goes toward activities and hotels. They obviously have to make some money to pay the salaries for the people working at TrovaTrip, but most of it is put to good use.

She also explained that since they host so many trips and they’re usually buying tickets and hotel rooms in bulk, they get discounts that you wouldn’t be able to get if you planned the trip yourself. So, that’s how they’re able to use the extra money they saved to pay their employees.

Exploring Cinque Terre

Getting Straight to the Point

If you’re thinking about a group trip, do it!

If you’re wanting to travel, but no one in your life wants to travel with you and you’re not ready to travel alone, a group trip could be the answer to your prayers.

Admittedly, TrovaTrip is the only company I’ve ever done a group trip with, so they’re the only group trip company I can review. However, it turned out so great that I probably won’t need to try another one. Their care and dedication when it comes to the trip-goers’ experience is likely one-of-a-kind.

Just ask my friend, Laurel, who went on not one, BUT TWO TrovaTrip Blogging Retreats! She wrote a post about why you you should try group trips – check that out here!

Have you ever gone on a group trip and/or are you thinking about it? Have you had an experience with TrovaTrip that you’d like to add to this review? Tell me about your experience or any questions you have in the comments!

Bell Tower St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, Italy

Leave a Comment

The Comments

  • Anna
    July 1, 2020

    I’ve never heard of TrovaTrip, but this looks awesome! I hope COVID eases up soon so I can look at going on a retreat or even just to a conference!

    • saraharnstein
      > Anna
      July 1, 2020

      It was! I was actually surprised by how non-camp-counselory the trip managers were. They made it so much better!

    • The Wanderlust Rose
      > Anna
      May 24, 2021

      Awesome! Love this review. I’m starting to host my own trips with Trova Trip so I’m glad to hear you had a good experience!!

  • Laurel
    July 1, 2020

    Kinda feel like I could cry as I reminisce about this trip and how I can’t imagine not having you and our other friends from this trip in my life! 😭 Such a fun experience! 💗

  • Kirstie Will
    July 1, 2020

    This definitely makes me want to be more spontaneous, what an amazing adventure you had!!

    • saraharnstein
      > Kirstie Will
      July 1, 2020

      I’m not always spontaneous 😂 but it has usually paid off when I am!

  • Arielle Kurtze
    July 1, 2020

    What a great way to meet cool new people and make lifelong friends. And see an amazing place to boot! I loved your photos and yes, group travel can be cost effective and if you’re on a budget because tour operators can buy tickets and hotel rooms in bulk. I am looking forward to reading your next post and thanks for sharing!

    • saraharnstein
      > Arielle Kurtze
      July 2, 2020

      Thank you for reading! It was an awesome way to meet people. It’s still so surprising to me!

  • Charlotte
    July 2, 2020

    I have never heard of TrovaTrip before but would be very very interested in going on a bloggers retreat!

    • saraharnstein
      > Charlotte
      July 2, 2020

      I haven’t seen them offer one specifically for bloggers after the one I went on, but I would love to do another one, too!

  • CHELSEA MESSINA
    July 3, 2020

    My boyfriend and I still to this day say “I don’t want to travel to Europe until I can spend a significant amount of time there – it’s just not worth it otherwise!” this sounds like an amazing experience! I’m going to check out some of their tours.

    • saraharnstein
      > CHELSEA MESSINA
      July 3, 2020

      Trust me, I know that feeling all too well! But once you’ll go, you’ll want to keep going back!

  • Sarah Camp
    July 4, 2020

    This is awesome! I was actually just researching some blogging conferences but none will be happening this year due to the pandemic – but this is something I think I might want to do in the future! Looks like a lot of fun!

    • saraharnstein
      > Sarah Camp
      July 4, 2020

      It was! I highly recommend it! I’ll be looking for more once travel starts happening again

  • Melissa
    July 4, 2020

    I’d love to go on a bloggers retreat in the future and this one sounded like a lot of fun! 🙂

  • Devin Held
    July 4, 2020

    I’ve been meaning to check out blogger retreats. It sounds like a great way to connect with more likeminded folks and get inspired!!!!

    • saraharnstein
      > Devin Held
      July 4, 2020

      That’s exactly what it is! It’s so nice to connect with people that actually understand what you do!

  • Andi
    July 4, 2020

    I totally want to create my own blogging retreat now! I have done 1-day events with bloggers before, but never like this and I not would I love to do one, but attending one would be up my alley awesome. I follow Helene, but didn’t pay attention to this trip, but I will in the future. Thanks for putting this on my radar!

    • saraharnstein
      > Andi
      July 4, 2020

      Of course! I’d love to know if you do a blogging retreat like that! I want to do them more often

  • Patti
    July 4, 2020

    I’ve always been interested in these type of retreats. Interesting review about it. I hope I get to find one that’s more diverse to attend once the pandemic is over. Representing POC is so important right now. Great post!

  • Farrah
    July 4, 2020

    I’ve never been on a blogging retreat but would love to go someday! It looks like a great way to meet new people/make friends + explore somewhere new. :]

    • saraharnstein
      > Farrah
      July 4, 2020

      Yes, exactly! It was both educational and an amazing experience!

  • Josy A
    July 4, 2020

    This sounds like a blast, and it is awesome that you made blogging friends before you even got your travel blog started!! 🙂

    I think I would love the photography tours, so it is good to hear that this is even possible. 😀

    • saraharnstein
      > Josy A
      July 5, 2020

      Yes! They help keep me inspired and motivated, so it was the best thing that could have happened!

  • Hannah
    July 5, 2020

    What a wonderful experience and I’m glad it inspired you to pursue blogging! I’d love to attend a retreat. One of the reasons I love blogging is the community you build virtually and it would be wonderful to extend that into a group retreat! I’m definitely going to keep an eye out for some when we’re able tp travel again. Thanks for the inspiration!

    • saraharnstein
      > Hannah
      July 5, 2020

      Of course! I’m going to be looking again once we can travel safely as well. It was the best thing I could have done to meet people who keep me motivated to keep going!

  • Emma
    July 5, 2020

    I did my first blogging conference last year but a retreat sounds really good. Much less people, getting to know everyone more and more opportunity to ask questions. I’d be interested in doing one of these in the future for sure

    • saraharnstein
      > Emma
      July 6, 2020

      I agree! A smaller group and a longer time together definitely makes a difference! I think the added bonus of us being in another country with each other made it so much easier for us to get close since we kind of had to rely on each other for directions, companionship, etc.!

  • Shafinah Neville
    July 5, 2020

    I’ve always considered one of these trips but never took the plunge because I’m so sure I’d stick out like a sore thumb. 😔 Thank you for providing this insider’s perspective – it definitely gives me more courage to sign on the next one that catches my eye!

    • saraharnstein
      > Shafinah Neville
      July 6, 2020

      Yes, I definitely think you should! For the most part, everyone is usually feeling the same nervousness you are going into something like that.

  • Alana Higginbotham
    March 25, 2021

    Thanks so much for this review. I’m considering TrovaTrip to host a mental strategy/life coaching trip for my clients/followers/audience. Hearing your perspective as a trip-goer really soothed me as I prepare a trip that my people will enjoy. I’m grateful for your words.

    • saraharnstein
      > Alana Higginbotham
      March 26, 2021

      I’m glad it helped! The TrovaTrip trip managers were awesome. I also loved how this is the kind of trip where everyone gets along because there’s a common interest.

  • Dee Taylor-Jolley
    October 26, 2021

    Wow! Thanks for sharing this concept of themed trips. Will look into Trovtrip.

  • Jane Lipmman
    September 8, 2022

    The last thing the world needs is more travel bloggers. Or travel bloggers writing about travel bloggers. You skipped things you were going to do to learn more about travel blogging? Great.
    Pretty much what most bloggers do. Snap a picture and leave without soaking in their environment. Clog up travel sites trying to get the perfect photo. Destroy the peace of a beautiful place with their drones.

    You’re pretty much all the same. Out for a freebie and yourselves.

    • saraharnstein
      > Jane Lipmman
      September 9, 2022

      I wholeheartedly disagree. You clearly have no idea how I like to travel and your holier-than-thou attitude isn’t welcome here. I suggest spending more time doing things you like to do instead of shaming others for things they like.

  • Team Elevate
    March 18, 2024

    Sarah’s review of her TrovaTrip experience is captivating and informative. Her vivid descriptions and honest reflections provide valuable insight into what to expect from such a trip. Reading about her adventures makes me eager to embark on my own TrovaTrip journey. Thanks for sharing your adventures, Sarah!

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