Questions, answered.

Everything you need to know before you join the flock.

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What is The Starling Collective?

A collective of families who travel the world together, deeply
Immersive, off-the-beaten-path trips — planned end to end for you
Paid in simple monthly installments, not one big lump sum

Who is it for?

Families with kids ages 10 and up
Kids old enough to want real immersion, not stay home in the backyard
Parents who see travel as an investment in who their kids become

How does payment work?

Hold your place in line with a $100 per person refundable deposit
Your trip cost is split into monthly payments
Payments must be complete about 60 days before departure
The sooner you join, the more payments you have — and the lower each one
No markup on trip costs — you pay the real, group-negotiated rate

What does my deposit actually do?

It holds your place in line for the trip you choose — it is not yet a confirmed spot
It's fully refundable
A trip runs once enough families have joined and final pricing is set
Then everyone with a deposit is invited to sign up for the payment plan — first come, first served, until the trip is full
Signing up for the payment plan is what confirms your family's spot
Prefer November? Your deposit can be held for Greece instead

What's included in the trip price?

All accommodations in unique boutique, eco, or agritourism properties
Several meals, hand-curated cultural activities, guides and hosts
All in-country transportation per the itinerary
Not included: international airfare, airport transfers, some meals, gratuities, personal expenses

Is there childcare on the trip?

No. Starling is a family travel collective, not a kids' camp or cruise kids' club
Parents travel with and are responsible for their own children throughout
That's by design — the magic is families experiencing the world together

How big are the groups?

Intentionally small and intimate — space is limited on every trip
Both founders travel with the group on the first departures
Once a trip is full, new deposits join the waitlist, with the option to apply to a later trip

What about flights?

Families book their own international flights (use your miles!)
Esteem Journeys can book them for you for a small per-person fee

Trip prices are estimates until finalized, and are quoted in good faith. Rates may change with exchange rates, inflation, and supplier costs. Final pricing is confirmed before any deposit becomes committed.