Advantages of Group Travel

Is there a quiet revolution happening in adventure travel? Traditionally holidays booked with adventure travel providers have been big, unwieldy beasts taking their clients towards their chosen goal with maximum efficiency but little flexibility. Minimum group sizes, fixed departure dates, huge kit lists and shared accommodation were all seen as necessary evils if the adventure was to be achieved.

Trips lasting several weeks would usually include internal connections, rest days, and sightseeing until they began their adventure. The reality was that an adventure trip of two weeks would often only contain 7 days of adventure, leaving many travellers feeling short-changed.

These days things are changing fast. In the era of Trip Advisor, Expedia, Lonely Planet and social media, independent travellers want to experience the adventure without handing over total control of their holiday to a tour operator.

More and more travellers want to plan their own trips and keep the flexibility to alter their arrangements once they have started their travels.

In this article we will explore the advantages of group travel and why you will absolutely love going on a small group tour.

1. Choice of Destinations

Joining a tour takes the hassle out of your travels. You’ll have the opportunity to see a lot of the a country, relax and have fun. There are also hundreds of trips to book all over the world, so whether you are looking for a gap year tour, an overland adventure, city hopping, cultural journeys, sailing, hiking, trekking, you can be sure to find a trip to match your interests. Some trips last days, whilst others can be joined for months where you explore whole continents.

2. Local Guides

Tour guides are a massive part of anyone’s trip. They can either make or break a tour. Even some of the largest international travel operators employ locally employed people which really know the best places to go.

Tour guides are not only passionate about the destinations but are mostly born and raised there meaning they’re locals! This is a massive bonus for you as you receive expert information and doors will be opened for you that are closed to the everyday tourist. This is what we mean by getting the real experience.

3. Go Off the Beaten Track

Some trips include destinations and excursions which would normally be difficult to be book independently. In some countries it can be a challenge to get around independently via public transport, but on a small group tour you already have transport so it is easy to guide you to some amazing places slightly off the tourist trail.

4. Hassle Free

Transport and accommodation is already organised so you have less things to think about.
If you are going on a hiking or trekking adventure some companies also provide everything you need: daysacks, sleeping bags, waterproofs so you can pack less and let them take care of the rest.

In terms of itinerary and activities, more and more people want an element of adventure in their trip while retaining the flexibility to plan the rest of the holiday themselves, whether that is a beach holiday, luxury break or cultural tour. Travel companies can help you combine all options.

5. Ideal for Solo Travellers

One of the most popular questions asked when people are planning to go backpacking is, is it better to travel solo or book an organised tour. Well, on a tour you can book by yourself, meet other single travellers and get to know them as the trip goes on. Its a great way to meet likeminded people and not have to worry about being by yourself or getting lonely.

6. Professional Experience

Get professional and personal touch from the moment you enquire to the end of you trip. Some travel operators have been in business for decades and have helped thousands of travellers join trips. All staff or tour companies are passionate about travel, and have a wealth of knowledge of responsible tourism and know what it is people want on their travels.

7. Free Time

Most tours have a. structured itinerary but you’ll also get lots of free time to explore independently or go sightseeing so you will get the most action packed experience.

8. Make New Friends & Memories

You will meet people from all over the world and spend a really amazing experience seeing a lot of places within a time frame. You’ll make special memories and possible friends for life.

9. Flexible Tour Dates

Most tour companies have multiple departure dates – you choose your own preferred dates by month. There is also no minimum group size with a lot of tour companies – tour will run regardless of the size of your group. By allowing guests to choose departure dates and having no minimum group sizes.

10. Money Matters

Taking a tour is good value for money. You’re able to take an epic trip that has amazing inclusions, experienced guides, a unique itinerary, premium accommodation and good transport. You could perhaps do it yourself for less but, you may not get the same quality of experience. Tours are ideal as they hand pick everything to make sure it’s the best value without breaking the bank.

11. Safety

They always say safety is in numbers and lucky for you if you take a tour, you’re all sorted! No matter which destination you’re in, someone will always have your back. Also, as the tour guides are local to the country, they know all the ins and outs of keeping you safe, where to go, not where to go and general recommendations of the area you’re visiting. It’s very handy indeed! So, stress less and roam freely.

12. Help Good Causes

Most tour operators have charities or give donations from profits. You’ll be able to give something back through visits you make to local charities and donations given on your behalf – meaning you’ll play a part in alleviating the poverty that affects the countries you visit. Some operators also offer the chance to do more than just sightseeing through volunteering abroad as part of itineraries.

We hope our guide has given you some motivation to go ahead and book a tour. This really can be an amazing way to explore new destinations and have a really incredible experience.

If you’re interested in taking a tour these companies are recommended: