Recently launched 1001Worlds is the first tour organizer to put social media into good use: users create a profile, browse through others’ and decide on a group with like-minded travelers. This eliminates the chance that customers end up on a tour with a much older or younger group, or one with completely different interests from theirs.

(TRAVPR.COM) USA - May 8th, 2013 - 1001Worlds features unique tools such as an option for customers to start their own group if the existing dates or trip themes don’t match their vacation times or interests [http://www.1001worlds.com/groups?id=4], and an online forum, called The Playground, where the group members can start getting to know each other and the tour leader before the trip.

Destinations are not the usual suspects but center on the Middle East and the Caucasus: Istanbul, South-Eastern Turkey, Beirut & Lebanon Georgia, Armenia, with a less traveled to African country, Uganda, as a winter destination. Groups are always small, from 6 to 11 people, to maximize fun interactions and group dynamics. Unlike on most tours, there is an emphasis on food and wine, bars and culture and meeting with locals, but also on history or nature if the group so wishes: customers have a say on the focus and activities.

1001Worlds hires only hip, local tour leaders, who facilitate decision-making and provide a fast in on the destinations.  Upcoming themed trips this season include “Georgia: Tracing the Roots of Wine Culture,” “Gay Istanbul and Oil Wrestling,” “Armenia: Brandy and Mystical Landscapes,” “An Istanbul Summer” and “Buzzing Beirut.”

1001Worlds is a young online company, based in New York. Founded by two passionate travelers, it is designed according to the needs of the urban traveler, who craves new experiences, but doesn’t have time to do the travel research, and who wants to share the new experiences with like-minded nomads.

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