Group Travel Specialist

Travelling solo has its perks, sure, but there’s something special about hitting the road with others. Going with your friends, family, or even strangers-turned-buddies, group travel can totally change how you see the world.

I’ve started big here, this is one of my favourite reasons for group travel! First things first, I’m a planner, I enjoy the planning stage of travel, it’s exciting, and the freedom is unbeatable. One of the best ways to enjoy a trip for sure. However, sometimes, if you trust someone, or you’re struggling for inspiration, it’s amazing to have all this stuff planned for you. Let someone else find the best spots, tell you what time to get up, give you the options of what to do and you pick the one you’re most interested in. I love that side to group travel. And honestly, after a long day of travel or group activities, not having to figure out dinner or directions feels like a luxury. It’s also great when your group has different ideas and you can vote on what sounds best. You end up trying things you never would’ve considered as a solo traveler, and some of those turn into the most unforgettable experiences.

Solo travel’s biggest shortcoming is you make amazing memories, but only you were there to witness it. Not to mention the endless selfies we take, because no one can take our photo! So, what about being able to reminisce with lifelong friends from all over the world? Arrange meet ups years later? Look back through old photos or videos, or laugh at that time you did a shot of snake blood in Vietnam (for example!). Sharing experiences is far better. You also get those real, in-the-moment reactions, like the shocked faces when someone tries a new dish or the laughs when a plan goes totally sideways. Having travel buddies means you never have to explain the vibe later, it’s just understood.

For me, this is as important as any on this list. How hard is it in everyday life to do this? Especially for busy working professionals, or if you’re single. It’s aimed at busy, working professionals to experience more from their valuable holiday allowance. I’ve always connected instantly with people from group trips. You share travel stories, have similar interests, and most importantly you’ve made the same decision to see the planet. Some of those people end up becoming friends for life. You meet folks who appreciate new cultures, who don’t mind early mornings or strange foods, and who love swapping hotel room horror stories. It’s a chance to grow your circle with people you’d never meet otherwise. And that’s something I really value.

Whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple or a group of friends, it doesn’t matter. I’ve travelled with group members who are all of the above, even different age groups. When you get a group of people together with similar interests, they just gel. So don’t be put off. Especially if you’re a solo traveller. It’s a great way to make connections, especially if it’s your first time doing something like this. Some folks even bring along family members and still end up bonding with new people they just met. Group dynamics can be amazing when the vibe clicks. Whether you’re in a small group or a large group, there’s usually someone you connect with on day one, and they might just turn into your next travel buddy.

An experienced tour company and the group leader should always be taking you to the best places, and it should be a mixture of touristy “must see” destinations and local hidden gems. These are often places you simply cannot find on your own, or you need an insider tip to find them, that’s why you’ll have to join group tours. Make sure you check the itinerary to ensure the trip you’re spending your hard-earned money on is going to new places that suit you. A local guide knows where to go, what to skip, and how to avoid the crowds. They’ll take you off the beaten track, but also make sure you don’t miss the classic highlights. You get new experiences, discover hidden corners, and usually end up having a great time with your travel companions along the way.

Your group tour guide can make or break your trip, and in my experience they’ve always made it. They should be passionate and knowledgeable of the places they are showing you, and ideally from the area, if not experts in it. Often they will be strict on things like timekeeping and behaving. They’ll push you, test you and keep you in check, but all in a good way! That kind of structure helps a lot, especially on the first night when no one really knows what’s going on.A good trip leader brings energy, keeps the group moving, and sets the tone for how the days play out. 

Some other things to consider with group traveling is it offers a larger degree of safety, it is cost effective, and it can be the foundation for creating life-long friends.