When travelling you will have the option to travel independently, in a private group or join a group tour. Group tours are very common and have been conducted for hundreds of years. Group tours can be fun and excellent value!
Many different tour groups exists for small and big budgets. Groups can be open either to everyone including families and children, or for specific participants like:
- singles only
- young adults only
- women only
This leaves the door open for nature lovers, party goers and city dwellers, for comfortable luxury travel, active vacations and adventurists, for religious groups and athletes. Transportation may be in a coach (bus) or truck, but bicycle tours and walking tours are also very much in demand. Some small group tours even use public transportation. Meals may be included for a part of the journey.
River cruises and sea cruises are a special kind of group tours. Instead of using roads, travel will be mostly conducted via waterways. Buses and bicycles are used for daily excursions. Overnight accommodations and most meals are on board. There is no need to check-in/out hotel rooms on a daily basis.
Groups may visit natural settings, world wonders, beautiful cities and colourful markets. The group leader knows the way and can recommend nice restaurants. Tickets for attractions like museums may be pre-purchased and queues can be skipped. The tour operator will assist in case of medical or other emergencies.
Group Travel means travelling in a group of 10-40 people with a pre-defined and agreed itinerary. Most days are scheduled, some days are free. During travel days this may result in an early bus departure at the hotel, scheduled meals at pre-selected restaurants as well as toilet-stops. It may also mean that the group will visit an attraction together and nobody can take longer than the scheduled time. Check-in at night is set at a pre-booked hotel.
When choosing the operator and the tour, there are a few choices to be made and this will have an effect on the travel experience. When you choose a local, outbound operator with a package that includes your flight, you will be travelling with fellow countrymen & women, who know your culture and speak your language. If you travel in an international group, you may meet people of different cultures, where English is the common language by travellers and tour leader. What do you talk about with whom during long days in the bus besides travel? Exchange ideas and experiences with people from different countries, or discuss local restaurants and issues with people from your own country?
See also
Choosing a Tour OperatorSee also
Overlanding with truck and campingSee also
Travellers in age group 18-39Group Travel certainly has many advantages and benefits but may not be for everyone. Itineraries are usually fully planned with a lot of things to see and do in a limited time. The traveller just needs to be ready in the morning and the rest is taken care of. There is a lot to enjoy with very few risks, whether travel-wise or money-wise. In most cases you’ll be able to make friends easily, especially when travelling solo. There are no big surprises: you know what you get when you join a group.