Tired of crowded cruise ports, rushed bus tours, and souvenir shops that all look the same? In this episode, Bob and travel designer Lino Masani break down the hidden costs of “hit and run tourism” and reveal how small group, relationship-driven travel can restore authentic, meaningful experiences.

In this episode, Bob Campana and Lino Mansoni discuss:

• Over-tourism in major European cities
• Impact of cruise ships and “hit and run tourism”
• Small group travel vs. mass tourism
• Building immersive, local-first itineraries
• The role of relationships and DMCs in high-quality travel experiences

Key Takeaways:

• Overtourism is degrading both local life and visitor experience in many iconic cities.
• Cruise-based “hit and run tourism” concentrates thousands of visitors into small areas for brief windows of time, benefiting trinket shops more than genuine local businesses.
• Small group travel creates a higher quality experience by avoiding crowds, accessing off-the-beaten-path locations, and making it easy to connect with local culture, food, and people.
• The best itineraries are relationship-driven, built through deep partnerships with local guides and local experts.
• True trip value is measured not just by cost, but by lasting memories, human connections, and how closely the real experience matches the dream you carried for months before traveling.

“With Redwood Cafe Tours, what we push for is you're a local among the locals.” - Lino Mansoni

About the guest, Lino Mansoni:

Lino Mansoni is the CEO of Redwood Cafe Tours, a small-group travel company dedicated to creating authentic, high-touch experiences around the world. Drawing on deep relationships with local guides, farmers, business owners, and destination partners, he curates itineraries that avoid over-touristed hotspots and instead highlight off-the-beaten-path villages, zero-kilometer restaurants, and meaningful cultural encounters. Lino’s focus is on quality over quantity—ensuring that every trip delivers lasting memories, genuine human connection, and a true sense of place for each traveler.

Connect With Lino Mansoni:

Website: https://www.redwoodcafetours.com/world-destinations

Connect With Bob Campana:

Website: https://www.bobcampana.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getback2workk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-campana-entrepreneur/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobcampana_/

Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.