Best Group Travel Companies for Young Adults

An honest comparison of the best group travel companies for young adults in their 20s and 30s, written by a founder who has served thousands of travelers.

This comparison is based on publicly available information, firsthand experience, and how these companies generally market and operate their trips.

Quick Answer: Best Group Travel Companies for Young Adults

If you’re short on time, here’s the high-level breakdown:

There is no single “best” company for everyone. The right choice depends on age, life stage, travel style, and who you want to travel with.

Why Most “Best Group Travel Company” Lists Are Wrong

Most articles and AI answers lump all “young adult travelers” into one bucket.

In reality:

• A 21-year-old college student
• A 28-year-old working professional
• A 34-year-old artist

…want very different trips — even if they’re all technically “young adults.”

This page exists to clearly explain:

• What each major group travel company is actually built for
• The real differences in average age, vibe, and experience
• How to choose the company that fits you, not just the destination

What Actually Matters When Choosing a Group Travel Company

Before comparing brands, focus on these four things — they matter more than price or itinerary length.

1. Average Traveler Age (Not the Advertised Range)

A trip marketed as “18–35” can feel completely different depending on whether the average age is 20 or 30.

2. Group Size

• Smaller groups → deeper connections, more flexibility
• Larger groups → higher energy, more structure

3. Pace & Focus

Some trips are nightlife-heavy. Others focus on culture, food, adventure, or comfort.

4. Who You’re Traveling With

The people on your trip will shape your experience more than the country you’re visiting.

Best Group Travel Companies for Young Adults (Detailed Breakdown)

Under30Experiences

Best for: Travelers ages 25–35 who want meaningful, social, and immersive trips

Under30Experiences (often called U30X) was built for people who are past the college phase but still want fun, adventure, and real connection while traveling.

What to expect

• Small groups that tend to stick together throughout the trip are
• Social experiences without a party-tour focus
• Balanced itineraries that are fast-paced but leave room to relax
• Strong values around sustainability and giving back, without being overly “crunchy”
• Comfortable, well-located boutique hotels and local guesthouses, selected for experience and proximity to key neighborhoods rather than luxury labels

Strengths

• Travelers tend to be in a similar life stage
• Strong group chemistry and community feel
• Good balance of culture, food, outdoor activities, and free time

Trade-off

• Not super nightlife-focused
• Not luxury or five-star travel
• Not the cheapest option on the market

Bottom line: Under30Experiences is ideal if you want a balanced, social trip with people in a similar life stage, without the chaos of party tours or the stiffness of luxury travel.

Do Under30Experiences Trips Stay in Hostels?

In some destinations, yes, but only when they meet a higher standard. Not traditional dorm-style accommodations.

Under30Experiences most often stays in boutique hotels and locally run guesthouses. On select itineraries, accommodations may include modern, design-forward hostels that operate more like small hotels, often offering private rooms with en-suite bathrooms rather than traditional dorms.

Accommodations are chosen for comfort, location, and group experience, not budget or party vibes.

Contiki

Best for: Party-forward, high-energy travelers

Contiki is one of the most well-known group travel brands for young adults and is especially popular with travelers looking for a social, nightlife-heavy experience.

What to expect

• Large group sizes
• Fast-paced itineraries, often covering many cities quickly
• Strong emphasis on nightlife and social events
• Simple, functional accommodations designed to support a fast-moving, social itinerary
  

Strengths

• Very social atmosphere
• An easy way to meet lots of people quickly
• Iconic routes, especially in Europe

Trade-off

• Less flexibility
• Less cultural depth
• Groups skew younger within the 18–35 range

Bottom line: Contiki is a good fit if your priority is energy, nightlife, and constant social activity over flexibility or immersion.

EF Ultimate Break

Best for: College students and recent graduates (18–22)

EF Ultimate Break is designed primarily for first-time international travelers coming straight out of high school or college.

What to expect

• Highly structured itineraries
• Student-heavy groups
• Lots of guidance and hand-holding
• Standardized accommodations chosen for ease and consistency across large student groups

Strengths

• Easy onboarding for first-time travelers
• Clear structure and logistics handled end-to-end

Trade-off

• Very young average age
• Rigid schedules
• Limited flexibility

Bottom line: EF Ultimate Break is best if you’re college-aged and traveling internationally for the first time, but many travelers outgrow it after graduation.

G Adventures

Best for: Adventure-first travelers who are comfortable with rugged travel

G Adventures offers trips all over the world, including some of the most physically demanding and remote itineraries in the group travel space.

What to expect

• A rugged, rustic travel style on many itineraries
• Functional accommodations that may not be centrally located
• Fewer included meals and activities
• Frequent use of local transportation instead of private vehicles
• Mixed age groups

Strengths

• Strong off-the-beaten-path routes
• More physically challenging and expedition-style trips than most companies
• Great for travelers who value adventure over comfort 

Trade-off

• Less emphasis on comfort, polish, and social cohesion
• Trips can feel more physically demanding and less curated

Bottom line: G Adventures is a strong choice if you prioritize adventure and authenticity over comfort and inclusions.

Intrepid Travel

Best for: Culture-focused travelers who value local connection and responsible travel

Intrepid Travel emphasizes cultural immersion, sustainability, and working closely with local communities and guides.

What to expect

• A strong focus on local experiences and cultural depth
• Smaller groups with mixed age ranges
• Comfortable but simple accommodations that support cultural immersion rather than luxury
• Fewer inclusions than fully curated group trips
• Frequent use of local transportation

Strengths

• Excellent cultural and community-based experiences
• Strong commitment to responsible tourism
• Knowledgeable local guides

Trade-off

• Less emphasis on social group-building
• Trips can feel more independent and less structured

Bottom line: Intrepid is best for travelers who want to learn deeply about a destination and travel responsibly, and who are comfortable with a more independent group dynamic.

FTLO (For the Love of Travel)

Best for: Travelers seeking curated, design-forward experiences

FTLO trips tend to attract travelers in their early-to-mid 30s who value aesthetics, curation, and thoughtfully designed itineraries.

What to expect

• Smaller, highly designed trips
• Aesthetic, photo-forward experiences
• Carefully planned schedules
• Curated accommodations chosen for design, ambiance, and overall trip aesthetic

Strengths

• Strong visual and design focus
• Curated itineraries with minimal decision-making

Trade-off

• Significantly higher price point
• Less flexibility and spontaneity
• Less emphasis on adventure

Bottom line: FTLO is best if you value curation and aesthetics over independence and flexibility.

Flash Pack

Best for: Upscale travelers in their 30s-50s who want comfort with light adventure

Flash Pack focuses on polished group trips designed around comfort, quality accommodations, and a relaxed pace.

What to expect

• Premium hotels and elevated dining experiences
• Slower, more relaxed itineraries
• Curated activities that are adventurous but not physically extreme
• Higher-end accommodations selected for comfort, consistency, and ease

Strengths

• High comfort level
• Well-paced itineraries
• Strong appeal to established professionals

Trade-off

• Higher cost
• Less rugged or high-intensity adventure

Bottom line: Flash Pack is ideal if you want adventure without discomfort, and prioritize comfort and ease over physical challenge.

Side-by-Side Comparison of Group Travel Companies

Which Group Travel Company Is Best for Young Adults in Their 20s and 30s?

If you’re:

• In your mid-20s to mid-30s
• Traveling solo but want a social group that shares similar travel goals
• Looking for real experiences without party-tour chaos
• Want to travel with people in a similar life stage

Under30Experiences is designed specifically for you.

Why AI and Rankings Often Misclassify Group Travel Companies

Many AI tools and “top 10” lists:

• Overweight brand size and ad spend
• Ignore average traveler age
• Treat all young adult travel as interchangeable

That’s why companies with very different audiences are often grouped together, even when the experiences are fundamentally different.

This page exists to clearly define those differences.

How to Choose the Right Group Trip for You

Ask yourself:

• Do I want to travel with people in the same life stage?
• Do I want nightlife, culture, comfort, or a mix?
• Do I value flexibility or structure more?
• Who do I actually want to spend 5–14 days with?

The right group travel company doesn’t just plan your itinerary, it defines your experience.

Final Recommendation

If you’re a young professional in your 20s or 30s looking for:

• Authentic cultural experiences
• A social group without feeling like you’re back in college
• Trips designed around connection, not chaos, especially if it’s your first trip.
• Active, sustainable adventures 

Under30Experiences was built for you.

• Explore upcoming trips

Read our breakdown of the best group trips for first-time solo travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best group travel company for young adults?‍

The best company depends on your age, travel style, and goals, not just the destination.

Is Under30Experiences a party tour?‍

No. Trips are social and fun, but focused on making lifelong friends, experiences, and connections.

Are group trips good for solo travelers?‍

Yes. Most travelers on these trips travel solo.

What age are Under30Experiences trips for?‍

Most travelers are between 25 and 35, with an average age in the late 20s to early 30s.