"Explore More, Spend Less: Why Group Travel is Taking Over 2025"

Group travel in the U.S. is gaining popularity heading into 2025, and for good reason, says Tyler Zajacz, President of Tours of Distinction, a Connecticut-based tour operator with over 50 years of experience. “Group travel combines affordability, convenience, and meaningful shared experiences, making it an increasingly appealing travel option,” Zajacz explains. 

According to the U.S. Travel Association, group room demand in the top 25 U.S. markets grew by 9%, and 93% of leisure travelers plan to travel within the next six months, up from 90% at the end of 2024. Several factors are driving this trend, with cost-effectiveness leading the way. “Group travel offers significant savings,” says Zajacz. “From discounted airfare and shared motorcoach costs to reduced hotel rates and group pricing on activities, it allows travelers to enjoy bucket-list trips without overspending. 

Another key driver is the growing desire for authentic, shared experiences. “People value creating lasting memories with family and friends – old and new, and group trips provide the perfect opportunity for these connections,” Zajacz notes. 

Group travel also eliminates much of the stress associated with trip planning. “We handle everything—from logistics to accommodations—so travelers can simply enjoy the experience,” Zajacz shares. Tours of Distinction even assigns a professional Group Tour Director to each trip to ensure every detail goes smoothly, a convenience that appeals to travelers. 

Additionally, group travel offers an added sense of security, particularly for international trips or unfamiliar destinations. 

As preferences shift toward experience-driven travel, the rise of group travel reflects a growing desire for affordability, ease, safety, and connection. This upward trend shows no signs of slowing, offering travelers more opportunities to explore the world—together. 

About Tours of Distinction

 Since 1971, Tours of Distinction has been crafting unforgettable travel experiences for mature adults. From relaxing day trips to epic 7-14 day national and international adventures, we specialize in small-group guided tours designed to make every moment distinctive. For us, travel isn’t just a business—it’s a way of life that fosters connection, curiosity, and community, both at home and across the globe. Let’s make your next journey extraordinary and distinctive!

Compete in Jumpfest’s Human Dog Sled Race for Cash Prizes: A Winter Tradition Like No Other January 31 @ Satre Hill

 

Get ready for an unforgettable winter adventure at Jumpfest, hosted by the Salisbury Winter Sports Association (SWSA). While aspiring Olympic ski jumpers take center stage, this event also delivers one-of-a-kind thrills with the wildly popular Human Dog Sled Race—a unique spectacle found in only a handful of places worldwide. 

This year, the Human Dog Sled Race returns as a fan-favorite tradition, kicking off under the newly installed state of the art lights at Satre Hill in Salisbury on Friday, January 31. New this year, teams will compete for Cash Prizes! The action begins around 8:30 p.m., right after the Target Jumps wrap up. Planning to compete? Be sure to arrive when the ticket booth opens at 6 p.m. to check in, organize your sled, and lock in your spot for the race. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exhilarating winter event! 

Are you curious about what a Human Dog Sled Race is? Think classic dogsledding, but with a hilarious twist—no huskies here! Instead, you and your friends are the "power pups." Here’s the scoop: gather a team of six - everyone must be 18+ and ready for some snowy action. Five teammates will pull the sled, while one lucky rider gets the best seat in the house—along with the laughs! The race spans a .3-mile snow track, so be prepared to bring your A-game. Compete for glory and cash prizes in men’s, women’s, or mixed categories, but speed isn’t your only ticket to victory. The ultimate prize? The People’s Choice Award, given to the team with the most creative costumes and sled design. Think outside the sled—inner tubes, steam-punk rigs, you name it. The crazier, the better! Dress to impress, unleash your team spirit, and let the snow-filled fun begin! 

Registration is open through January 30, 2025. The registration form is online at jumpfest.org. The fee to enter is a modest $25 per team that includes free entrance to Jumpfest! Proceeds benefit SWSA’s Junior Ski Programs. An added bonus is that Friday night of Jumpfest is an all around great time in a beautiful alpine setting. An eighth of a mile of luminaries guide visitors to the site where there are two roaring bonfires and plenty of food and beverages to snack on. The target ski jumping and the Human Dog Sled Races are held under the newly installed state of the art lights, and both are professionally announced! For more information about Jumpfest https://jumpfest.org 

ABOUT SALISBURY WINTER SPORTS ASSOCIATION 

The mission of the Salisbury Winter Sports Association is to acquaint the public with Nordic ski-jumping, cross –country and Alpine skiing, and to teach the skills necessary for their enjoyment. One way of fulfilling this mission is to host the annual Jumpfest Competition on Satre Hill to sustain and ski jumping in Salisbury, Connecticut and the Eastern United States.

Don’t Miss the Premiere of The Jump by CPTV, Hosted by Salisbury Winter Sports Association

Experience the magic of the premiere of CPTV's The Jump hosted by the Salisbury Winter Sports Association (SWSA) on Saturday, January 11th, at 5:30 p.m. at the charming Colonial Theatre (37 Railroad Street, Canaan) for the premiere of The Jump. The Jump is a story that celebrates the heart, resilience, and magic of a small-town community in northwest Connecticut that has embraced ski jumping for decades. 

Produced by CPTV, The Jump takes you on an inspiring journey to Salisbury, Connecticut, where a determined community rallied together to save their beloved ski jump. From the power of volunteerism to the triumph of a local hero who overcame polio to compete in the 1956 Winter Olympics in Italy, this heartwarming film highlights the spirit that makes Salisbury and SWSA extraordinary. 

 Discover the legacy of the Salisbury JumpFest, learn about the incredible individuals who made ski jumping a cherished tradition, and celebrate the pride of a town that never gives up. This is more than a movie—it’s a celebration of resilience, legacy, and the magic of small-town dreams. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., admission is free, donations are welcomed and appreciated.  There are 120 seats available on a first come first serve basis. The film begins at 6 p.m.  

ABOUT SALISBURY WINTER SPORTS ASSOCIATION 

In the winter of 1926, John Satre a resident of Salisbury jumped off the roof of his shed wearing skis to show his friends and neighbors a sport he learned in his native homeland of Norway. Town residents were so amazed as they watched Satre soar through the air that they decided to build a proper ski run that summer, and form the Salisbury Winter Sports Association. The Association hosted the first ski jump competition in January 1927. JumpFest has become a highly anticipated event in Connecticut and throughout much of the East Coast. 

ABOUT JUMPFEST 

 This live in person outdoor event is the oldest Ski Jumping Competition in New England and one of only six ski jump competitions on the East Coast. Athletes including Olympic contenders and some of the best junior ski jumpers in the United States will compete during this three-day festival that includes the Eastern Division National Ski Jump Competition.

A New Era of Sustainable Wood Management The Second Forest Form Summit

 In an era when sustainability and climate change are at the forefront of our minds, how we obtain and use wood is essential to the health of our planet. Tri-Lox, a Brooklyn-based company known for its ethical and environmentally conscious approach to using wood as a renewable resource, and Connecticut’s Great Mountain Forest have partnered to put together the second Forest Forum Summit held in New England. “We are pleased to have partnered with Tri-Lox in hosting their Forest Summit at Great Mountain Forest,” said John Perkins, Board Chair of GMF.

Photo Credit P. J. Roundtree

Bridging Nature and Design

 

The summit's focus was to explore ways to connect the built and the natural environment through sustainable forest management. The most important result of this evolving partnership with Tri-Lox is that it brings designers, foresters, and land managers together in an immersive experience to conceptualize strategies for responsibly sourcing and using local wood. “Our work with Tri-Lox highlights the potential for combining the principles of sustainable forestry with those of sustainable design in the ethical sourcing of materials for use in local construction,” said John Perkins, Chair of GMF.

 

Immersive Learning Highlights

 

Highlights of the summit included a forest walk guided by GMF forester, Matt Gallagher. The walk provided participants with an up close look at different management strategies, timescales, and threats to the forest. The importance of selective harvests such as a future white pine thinning was discussed and why it was important to forest health and regeneration. A working sawmill demonstration showed how grading and sizing impacts the yield of a log and why it is beneficial to connect a harvest with a particular design project. Two case studies; “Connecting the Built and Natural Environment” and “Rural and Urban Land Management” rounded out the summit.

Photo Credit P. J. Roundtree

A Promising Partnership

 

 “This evolving relationship is very exciting,” said Mike Zarfos, Ph.D., Executive Director of Great Mountain Forest. “One of the many benefits of this relationship is that it may help to catalyze more local wood sourcing. If sourcing and use are localized to the same region, this decreases the potential for our consumption to drive unsustainable deforestation abroad and lowers the carbon footprint of wood harvest and use. If the wood is then used in durable products, this can tie up the carbon for a long time while the forest regrows – drawing down more carbon from the atmosphere,” continued Zarfos.

Photo Credit P. J. Roundtree

 

This relationship is very encouraging because wood is a finite resource. It is reassuring to know that designers, builders, foresters, educators and the general public are interested in sustainable ways to use and manage wood so that it will be available for generations to come. In the future, Great Mountain Forest plans to organize additional educational forms and summits for those interested in sustainable forest management’s potential to benefit local economies, craftspeople, and housing.

 

About Great Mountain Forest

Great Mountain Forest (GMF) is a leader in forest stewardship. For more than a century, we have been demonstrating how sustainable management can protect biodiversity and support ecosystems. By serving as a hub for education and research, we are spreading the benefits of sustainable management so that communities across New England derive educational, economic, and recreational and health benefits from their forests—now and well into the future. GMF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit encompassing 6,200 acres of contiguous forestland in Norfolk, Canaan, and Falls Village Connecticut.

 

About Tri-Lox

Tri-Lox is a research, design, and fabrication practice that work with regional, sustainable wood. Based in Brooklyn, New York, Tri-Lox sources wood in ways that have a positive impact on forests, conducting applied research with experts in the fields of forestry, conservation, and building technology. Since its establishment in 2010, the company has been committed to innovative design, environmental integrity, and community stewardship.

 

 

Discover Rochambeau's Revolutionary Route in Middlebury - January 15

The Middlebury Historical Society invites you to a fascinating evening of history, community, and discovery. On Monday, January 15, at 6 p.m., the Society will host a free public lecture at the Shepardson Community Center Auditorium, located at 1172 Whittemore Road, Middlebury. This is your chance to delve into the historical significance of General Rochambeau’s march through the region during the American Revolutionary War.

General Rochambeau

A Closer Look at Rochambeau's Role in American Independence

Renowned local historian John Dwyer, the Municipal Historian for the town of Southbury, will lead the discussion. His expertise will illuminate the pivotal role that Middlebury and Newtown played in supporting General Rochambeau's march with the French Army. This march was a critical chapter in securing American independence.

Participants will discover answers to intriguing questions such as which roads the French soldiers took on their journey and how Connecticut served as a vital supply base for Rochambeau's forces. This lecture connects history to modern life by revealing how local roads we travel today trace the footsteps of Revolutionary War soldiers.

This event is part of the Middlebury Historical Society’s ongoing efforts to foster community engagement with history. As part of the Rochambeau Project, the Society is working to commemorate the General’s army’s encampment in Middlebury through the construction of a memorial at Meadowview Park.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a curious learner, or simply looking for a meaningful way to connect with your community, this lecture promises to educate and inspire.

John Dwyer, Historian

Event Details at a Glance:

What: Free Lecture on General Rochambeau’s March

When: Monday, January 15, 2024, at 6 p.m.

Where: Shepardson Community Center Auditorium, 1172 Whittemore Road, Middlebury

Mark your calendar, bring a friend, and join the Middlebury Historical Society in preserving and celebrating our shared heritage. Admission is free, and all are welcome!

Gourd Ornament Workshop @ Institute for American Indian Studies - December 21

 Discover the traditional art of gourd crafting at an in-person workshop on Saturday, December 21 at 1 p.m. at the Institute for American Indian Studies located in Washington, Connecticut. Gourds have been a staple in the Americas for over 8,000 years, serving various purposes from rattles and drink ware, to birdhouses and drums. Today, they shine as unique decorative pieces like vases and ornaments.

 

Now it is your turn to transform a gourd into a stunning ornament. Join the IAIS educators for an enjoyable weekend workshop where you'll dive into the fascinating world of gourds and create a unique, eye-catching ornament to take home. This isn't just any craft session—it's a hands-on adventure with wood burning tools, recommended for participants aged 7 and up.

 

Hurry, space is limited! Secure your spot by pre-registering on our website https://iaismuseum.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/21315. Participation Fee (including materials): $10 for IAIS Members; $20 for Non-Members. For more information, questions or to pre-register events@iaismuseum.org.

 

Ignite your creativity and make this holiday season truly memorable!

 

About the Institute for American Indian Studies

Located on 15 acres of woodland, the IAIS offers educational programs, both permanent and changing exhibits, and a replicated 16^th century Algonkian village. Its research department maintains and extensive archeological and ethnographic collections and conducts archeological digs and other research. Its “Wigwam Escape” escape room offers an opportunity to solve a puzzle while learning about Indigenous life before European settlement. With a focus on “two eyed seeing,” visitors can learn about the history of the American continent that incorporates the more than 12,000 -year history of human habitation. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, Connecticut.

Sweeten Up Your Holidays with Handmade Chocolates!

Get ready to sweeten your holiday season with Thorncrest Farm and Milk House Chocolates in Goshen, Connecticut! This charming farm is crafting pure magic with its handmade, farm-fresh creations, perfect for spreading cheer and delighting chocolate lovers of all ages.

From whimsical Chocolate Santas and Jolly Snowmen to enchanting Snow-Capped Chimneys and intricately molded Chocolate Nutcrackers, their festive collection adds a touch of wonder to any holiday gathering. Imagine a Chocolate Christmas Tree as your centerpiece—both stunning and scrumptious! And let’s not forget their truffles—over 45 flavors, made fresh daily throughout the season.

Looking for a standout gift or stocking stuffer? Santa’s Chimney is a must-have. This white chocolate masterpiece features Santa with his sack of presents on one side and a festive wreath on the other—a unique treat that’s as delicious as it is charming. Another favorite is the Jolly Snowman, standing 3 ¼ inches tall and available in creamy Milk or rich Dark Chocolate. Tuck him into a stocking or place him at each setting on your holiday table for an extra sprinkle of joy.

And the indulgences don’t stop there! Don’t miss the dark chocolate peppermint bark, beautifully molded Nutcrackers, or the irresistible pecan caramel turtle eggs, freshly made in their creamery every day.

Whether you’re gifting, decorating, or treating yourself, Thorncrest Farm’s chocolates are the perfect way to make the season merry and bright. The shop is open now through Christmas Eve, Monday - Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. 

Soar into Winter Fun: Junior Jump Camp At Satre Hill, Salisbury

When the snow starts to fall, there is no better time to embrace the outdoors and try something new and exciting! Once again this year the Salisbury Winter Sports Association (SWSA) is hosting its annual Junior Jump Camp on Friday and Saturday, December 27 and 28 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Satre Hill, Indian Cave Road, Salisbury, Connecticut. This fun-filled introduction to ski jumping is open to children aged 7 and up. This unforgettable two-day event is packed with fun, learning, and just the right amount of thrill.

Does your child have a taste for winter adventure? Love a good challenge? Or maybe, just enjoys being outdoors in the fresh winter air? This camp is tailor made for them.

 Best of all this two-day camp doesn’t require any prior experience. Children participating in this program should bring their own helmet and alpine skis. Although all levels are welcome, beginners will learn the basics of ski jumping including techniques for jumping safety. When participants feel comfortable, they can jump the smallest of jumps on their alpine skis. Jumping equipment is provided at no extra charge when they are ready for it. This experience isn’t just about individual skills it fosters camaraderie, good sportsmanship, and confidence.

 

Affordable Family Fun

 The cost for this two-day escapade is just $50 per child! That’s two full days of instruction, fun, and memories that will last a lifetime. Lunch is also included. To register please email kennethsbarker@gmail.com or visit jumpfest.org. Spots are limited so don’t wait to long to start your children on this winter adventure.

 

About Salisbury Winter Sports Association

The Mission of the Salisbury Winter Sports Association is to acquaint our nearby communities, especially the children, with Nordic ski-jumping, cross country and Alpine skiing, and to teach the skills necessary for their enjoyment and lifelong pursuit. As part of its mission, SWSA hosts and perpetuates the annual ski-jumping competition on Satre Hill to sustain ski jumping in Salisbury and the Eastern United States.

Beecher Memorial Restored On the Litchfield Green

Since 1908, a memorial to the Beecher family has stood in the center of Litchfield. Members of the Litchfield County University Club raised funds for a field stone monument on the East Green, on the site where Lyman Beecher preached between 1810 and 1826.

The group commissioned a bronze tablet and medallion featuring the likenesses of two of Lyman’s children, Harriet Beecher Stowe and Henry Ward Beecher, both of whom were born in Litchfield. (Harriet Beecher Stowe is known best as the author of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” and Henry Ward Beecher was a clergyman and social reformer who supported the abolition of slavery.)

A century later, the memorial was in jeopardy. A widened road and overhead branches accelerated the monument’s deterioration and obscured its visibility. A group of volunteers organized in 2021 to plan for the memorial’s future. The committee, representing organizations and interests across Litchfield, created a restoration plan that prioritized making the memorial more accessible to pedestrians, maintaining the monument’s historic character, and using more durable materials and methods.

The restoration work is now complete. The public is invited to the rededication of the Beecher Memorial on Sunday, Dec. 15, at 2 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Litchfield (21 Torrington Rd.). The event will begin with welcome remarks and a brief history of the Beecher Memorial, followed by a presentation of the restored monument on the East Green. A reception will follow inside the First Congregational Church. 

The restoration work was generously funded by a grant from the Seherr-Thoss Foundations of Litchfield, with additional support from the Borough of Litchfield, Litchfield County University Club, and Greater Litchfield Preservation Trust. The relocation and restoration of the memorial’s stonework was completed by Litchfield resident and excavation contractor Matt Blasavage. Francis Miller of Conserve Art LLC, a leader in the conservation of monuments and outdoor sculpture, completed restoration of the bronze medallion and plaque.

Illuminate the Night: Join the Full Moon Walk with the Institute for American Indian Studies

Experience the magic of a nighttime winter walk under the last full moon of 2024 at the Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS) on Saturday, December 14 at 6 p.m. Embrace the whispers of the winter woods, the crisp air, and the scent of evergreens as you embark on this moonlit adventure.

The Magic of the Long Night Moon

This full moon, just before the Winter Solstice, takes the highest and longest path along the night sky. Known as the Long Night Moon, it shines above the horizon longer than most full moons, making this walk particularly special. Participants will walk along beautifully maintained wooded trails under this glistening celestial body, learning the various names Native Americans gave the December full moon and what it symbolized for them.

A Journey Through Time

As you walk, you'll discover how different Native American peoples traditionally used the monthly cycles of the moon and nature’s signs to track the seasons. One of the highlights of this experience is witnessing the beauty of December's full moon firsthand, just as Native American communities have done for centuries. Participants will learn that the Mohawks, among other Native American communities refer to this moon as the Cold Moon, aptly describing the chilly days and nights of the season.

The Perfect Ending

The woodland walk concludes at the recreated 16th-century Algonkian village, where a warm fire, hot chocolate, and traditional stories await. This unique setting provides the perfect atmosphere to reflect on the night’s experiences and the historical significance of the December full moon. Remember to dress for the weather, bring a flashlight, and wear sturdy shoes. If the weather looks iffy, check in with us using the contact info below. Space is limited, so pre-register using the link https://www.iaismuseum.org/event/winter-moon-walk-4 Cost: $5 for IAIS Members, $10 for Non-Members.

About the Institute for American Indian Studies

Located on 15 acres of woodland, the IAIS offers educational programs, both permanent and changing exhibits, and a replicated 16^th century Algonkian village. Its research department maintains and extensive archeological and ethnographic collections and conducts archeological digs and other research. Its “Wigwam Escape” escape room offers an opportunity to solve a puzzle while learning about Indigenous life before European settlement. With a focus on “two eyed seeing,” visitors can learn about the history of the American continent that incorporates the more than 12,000 -year history of human habitation. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, Connecticut.

New Culinary Classes for 2025 at Undermountain Pantry

As the winter chill sets in, there's no better time to warm up with hearty, delicious meals. This season, Undermountain Pantry in Falls Village is offering an exciting lineup of hands-on culinary classes designed to celebrate the art of seasonal eating. From diversifying your cooking techniques to savoring a meal with fellow food enthusiasts, our sessions are a delightful way to expand your culinary horizons. Spots are limited, so reserve yours now!

January 11: Anti-Inflammatory Reset 

January 25: Root Vegetables Deep Dive 

February 1: Hearty Winter Soups 

February 8: Winter Greens Deep Dive 

March 1: Handmade Pasta Workshop 

March 15: Maple Deep Dive

Spring classes will feature foraged foods, a kitchen garden workshop, and more! 

Book your culinary adventure now at https://www.hotplate.com/undermountainpantry