Group travel is a great option for just about anyone who enjoys exploring the world. While some travelers prefer traveling solo and the spontaneity that comes with it, there are times that group tours make a lot of sense to book. Let’s take a look at some of them.
1. It’s your first solo trip
Your first solo trip is going to be filled with equal parts excitement and anxiety. There will be a lot to consider to make sure everything goes smoothly. Your family will probably be concerned and may even add to your anxiety about the trip.
Group tours are great at helping people ease into solo traveling. Trip planning is taken care of and common questions and concerns are all addressed. Your family will be at ease knowing you have the safety of a group and a tour guide. Many travelers start with group tours and slowly take more trips on their own as they become more comfortable.
Further Reading: Group Travel vs Solo Travel. What’s Best?
2. Unfamiliar language
Booking a trip to a place where you don’t speak the language is very intimidating. You will inevitably encounter situations where you will be unsure of what someone is telling you or unable to get the information you need.
Group tours will include a local tour guide who knows the local languages and can assist travelers with communicating. It can also be a good opportunity to practice learning the language with others in the group who are at the same level as you are.
3. Special permits or access
There are tourist destinations that require you to book through a company that has access to local permits or designated guides. A good example is the four day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu. You can’t just walk onto this trail without any prep. It’s heavily regulated by the Peruvian government and you will need to be with a group that has the required permits to access it.
There are many hikes, historical sites, and remote locations around the world where you will need special permits to see them, and these permits may be difficult, or impossible, to obtain on your own.
4. Special equipment is needed
Are you looking to book a camping trip but don’t own any camping equipment? Group tours are a great fit to access activities that you don’t normally partake in. Taking a multi-day camping trip and staying comfortable requires a lot more effort than just buying a tent and a sleeping bag. Tour companies will be prepared to supply everything you need, as well as a tour guide who knows how to use the equipment.
5. You want to meet new people
This speaks for itself but when you book a group trip you are going to be traveling with people you just met. It’s a great way to make new friends and share your adventures with others. The energy of a group tour is hard to replicate on your own.
Companies will often have trips that focus on specific age groups. The closer in age you are to your fellow travelers the better chances you will have at making connections.
6. Safety is your number one concern
Traveling with a group tour is one of the safest ways to explore the world. You will have a planned itinerary that won’t leave room for getting lost or wandering into the wrong areas of a city. There will be a tour guide who will inform the group about things to be aware of during the trip and places to avoid. You will, of course, have a group of others to travel and explore with, meaning you will never be alone. Safety in numbers!
7. Easy trip planning
Planning the perfect trip can take weeks to research, book, and prepare for. Group tours will be fully organized, leaving you to focus solely on enjoying your trip. The ease of booking a planned tour is one of the biggest draws for travelers.
Group tours can either follow a very strict schedule or include lots of free time and optional activities, making them a great option for just about everyone.
8. You want to push yourself
A group tour might be for you if you have trouble pushing your limits, trying new things, or struggle to make decisions. As you make connections on your trip your new friends will help motivate you to try things that you may not normally do on your own. This could be a new activity, a new food, or talking to someone in a language you don’t know. The excitement from your fellow travelers and the daily itinerary will keep your days busy, helping you overcome any feelings of uncertainty.
There is a level of comfort that comes when you see others enjoying themselves and trying new things. Travelers on group trips are often very supportive and are all looking to help each other.
As you can see, there are numerous benefits to small group tours. Start small and book a short trip to get a feel for the experience. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask the tour company you are booking with. Now, take the leap and go book a small group tour!
