What Are Group Tours?

Ready to explore the world, and tired of waiting for others to join you? Group tours are a total game-changer, from solo travellers seeking that social community and safety blanket, to anyone bringing a friend or partner who would prefer to show up and have everything organised for them.

Once you realise how easy group tours are, there’s no going back! Here’s everything you need to know before joining one for the first time.

What Are Group Tours?

Group tours are a great way to meet new people of a similar age who share your interest in travel. Instead of exploring a destination alone, you’ll be part of an instant social circle. 

Joining you for the journey is one of our expert group leaders. Their responsibility is to ensure everyone on the group tour feels supported and can turn to them for guidance. From cultural customs to local recommendations or just a boost of confidence, your group leader has got your back.

Fun fact: Did you know that 70% of our travellers join a group tour solo?

What’s Included on a Group Tour?

Most group tours include accommodation, in-country transport and a dedicated group leader, plus like-minded travellers to make memories with.

Every group tour can look different. Some go big on included activities, whereas others offer more free time. Maybe you’re happy to go for the most budget-friendly option. Or maybe on your perfect group tour, the accommodation is a highlight!

The point is, all travel styles are welcome on a group tour. It’s just about finding the right one for you. Our friendly travel experts are the best people to chat to for advice, as they can match up with your perfect adventure.

You can also get an idea of what to expect on your chosen tour by reading our ‘What’s Included’ and ‘Accommodation & Meals’ sections on each trip page.

What is the Average Group Size?

Our average group size is usually around 20. Although this can vary for each group tour, depending on the time of year. You can always request the demographics for a specific start date if you want an idea of who else is booked on.

A common misconception is that group tours are for extroverts only. When actually, group tours are for introverts, too! 

Needing alone time to recharge your social batteries, or just being a bit more shy, is completely okay. Many of our tours include some free time each day to allow you to unwind at your own pace!

Your ideal tour may be in a smaller group size or with fewer activities included. Many group tours even offer the option to upgrade to private rooms at an extra cost, so it’s always worth popping us a message if you want more details on a trip.

Benefits of Group Tours

Solo, Not Alone

Group tours are basically solo travel made effortless. You get to enjoy all the perks of going somewhere alone, including the freedom to go off and do your own thing when you want to. 

Except you’ll have new friends to share experiences with, from inside jokes to the “I can’t believe we just did that” bucket list moments. Meeting your future besties on a group tour happens all the time!

Less Planning, More Exploring

Ever tried to plan your own trip, only to realise that you have to organise literally everything? Finding the perfect accommodation. Navigating public transport in a foreign language. The “You can’t come here without trying this” activities, which can quickly sell out. 

Decision fatigue is real. Even your most ‘Type A’ friends eventually get tired of calling all the shots. And there’s no worse feeling than triple-checking your plans, only to realise you accidentally forgot to book something.

On a group tour, all the hard work has already been done for you. You’re free to focus on all the fun stuff, like which activities you’re most excited about, or what outfit to wear for the perfect sunset photos. The important things, obvs.

We’ve spoken about group tours being perfect for solo travellers, and it’s true. But group tours can also be great for bringing along a plus one (or two!). 

When the group tour itinerary has already been decided, there’s less worrying about a potential argument. You also have more flexibility to do different things, because it’s a chance to get to know people in your group better.

Local-Led Experiences

Think independent travel is the most authentic way to experience a new culture? Think again!

Group tours connect you in unique ways that you can’t always do alone. Traditional homestays, where your group is hosted by a local family for the night or day, and village visits always end up being travellers’ unexpected favourite moment when included on a tour. 

It’s the best way to experience a new culture, as you’re engaging with real people and overcoming a potential language barrier. There’s usually a fun activity included, like playing games or learning to cook a new recipe (the best kind of souvenir!).

And who could forget about the local recommendations? Chances are, the best food you’ll eat whilst abroad is probably *not* that viral café everyone’s raving about on TikTok… It could be the family-run restaurant hidden away from the main street, that only the locals know about!

See More in Less Time

Sure, with all the time in the world, we could easily spend months exploring a country without getting bored. 

Sometimes you only have 1 to 2 weeks’ annual leave, and you’re looking to make every second of that count. Or maybe you can get away for longer, but you’re trying to tick off as many countries as you can!

The itinerary you see on a group tour has been designed by travel experts. It’s all about seeing all the main highlights on the best route possible, whilst still being budget-friendly.

And if you fancy staying for longer in one place, before or after a group tour ends, you can. Chances are, there may be someone else who’s staying in the country for a bit longer!

Find Your Perfect Group Tour

Now that you’re an expert on all things group tours, it’s time to go out there and live it for yourself! Free travel advice is available to anyone interested in travelling with us, even if you’re unsure where to go. You can get in touch by visiting our Contact Us page for more details on how to set this up in a few clicks.

 

Still shopping about? We have 200+ group tours for you to choose from. So basically, your perfect adventure is right there!