How we started
“Old Sod” is a term used by Irish Americans talking about the “old country.” After planning a trip to the Old Sod, founder Tom Casey started offering planning services through Old Sod Travel in 2012. Naturally, clients planning trips to Ireland often wanted to extend their trips into England, Scotland and Wales, and the trip planners used their knowledge of the region to expand into those locales as well.
How we've grown
Founded and operated by native Scandinavians for 38 years, and originally named “Scandinavian American World Tours”, Scandinavian Travel has helped thousands of people visit the region and create memories. In 2019, they joined the Old Sod Collection, where they continue the goal of creating unforgettable experiences and connecting groups, families, companies and couples from around the world with Scandinavia.
Sancho Panza Travel is the latest addition to the Old Sod Collection. The brand name is a playful homage to the epic Spanish novel Don Quixote. As the story goes, the fictional local squire Sancho Panza was a companion to Don Quixote, providing a grounding influence throughout the story’s adventures. Like Sancho Panza, their team members will partner with you every step of the way.
Our Mission
Each company within the Old Sod Collection of brands believes in the transformative power of travel. Our mission is to curate extraordinary experiences that awaken your sense of wanderlust and bring joy and relaxation to every moment of your journey.
We understand that each traveler seeks new and different experiences, and we are dedicated to ensuring that every moment you spend on our trips feels truly extraordinary. Whether it's savoring the finer things in life, immersing in local cultures, or embracing the joy of exploration, we are here to make it all possible.
Dedicated Travel Experts
Our team of travel experts is specially trained in their respective destinations. They have taken the time to travel to the destinations and learn the culture, discover the best experiences and curate one-of-a-kind itineraries. When you plan a trip with us, your travel consultant will be with you every step of the way. From the initial spark of an idea to the moment you return home, we are committed to crafting personalized, bespoke experiences tailored to your unique preferences. Our attentive team will shape your dreams into meticulously-planned journeys filled with unforgettable moments.
Customer Experience
We pride ourselves in ensuring every client has an unforgettable, worry-free travel experience. Our customers enjoy a 5-star experience from the time you start planning through to the last moments away.
See what travelers just like you have to say about their experience planning a trip within the Old Sod Collection. These are just a few of many, many stories our customers have shared with us.
Sustainability
The Old Sod Collection strives to minimize our impact on the environment and uplift the communities we touch. We believe in offering top-quality travel experiences that are also sustainable, enriching both to you as a traveler and the destinations you explore with us.
Working Local
Our commitment to sustainability includes hiring locals as private drivers and guides. This not only supports the communities we visit, but also fosters authentic cultural exchanges for our travelers.
Small Business, Big Impact
We book with small businesses and hotels, allowing us (and you) to contribute directly to local economies and promote community resilience.
Eco-Friendly Partners
Collaborating with eco-friendly partners is another piece of our sustainability efforts. From accommodations to transportation, we seek partners who share our values and prioritize sustainable practices.
Crafting Your Perfect Journey
We are dedicated to curating memorable experiences for every one of our clients. Discover our destinations and join us on a journey that transcends the ordinary, where every step is a discovery, every experience is authentic and every memory is timeless.