Going on a group trip for your next vacation is a way to meet like-minded travelers and get more from your money, according to Heidi Podjavorsek, the vice president for sales and marketing at the Signature Travel Network and a specialist in group vacations. “Since the others on your trip are interested in the itinerary, you’re with people who share a common interest,” she said, “and the cost of the trip usually covers some meals, tours of popular attractions and other inclusions, which add up to a big money savings.”
There are hundreds of options when it comes to picking a group trip. Here, Podjavorsek shares her advice on finding the best one for you.
Match a Trip to Your Style: All group trips to the same destination aren’t created equal, and it’s important to book one based on your priorities — some are activity-based, while others focus on culture, gastronomy or luxury accommodations. If you’re interested in Tuscan wine, for example, Butterfield & Robinson and Backroads offer bike tours of Tuscany, while the itineraries for the region from Abercrombie & Kent include access to some prestigious wineries and high-end meals. Trips from Globus and Trafalgar visit more wineries that are less exclusive; these trips also cost less.
Is Flexibility Important?: Some group trips, according to Podjavorsek, have itineraries with activities from morning through dinner and are ideal for travelers who want little free time. Others, such as those from G Adventures and Insight Vacations, allow for more flexibility — they may include only a half-day of activity while the rest of the day is left open for exploring on your own. Decide which appeals to you more.
The Case for a Smaller Group: Generally, a group trip shouldn’t have more than 16 people, Podjavorsek said. “Everything takes longer when you have more people, including hotel check-in and meals,” she said. Also, larger groups rely on buses for transportation, which are too big to get into the city centers of many small towns, especially in Europe. But a benefit of traveling with a larger group is the price — these trips are usually less expensive than their smaller counterparts.
Age and Diversity:If you want to travel with people in your age range, pick a trip accordingly. Companies that tend to attract travelers older than 50 include Insight Vacations, Globus and Natural Habitat Adventures. Younger travelers are drawn to G Adventures, Contiki Tours and Cosmos. If you want to travel with people from countries besides the United States, trips from Trafalgar, Insight Vacations and Abercrombie & Kent attract travelers from around the world.
Is It Family-Friendly?: Many group trips aren’t ideal if you’re traveling with young children or teenagers, while some are meant specifically for families. Adventures by Disney, Backroads, Butterfield & Robinson, Tauck Bridges, Trafalgar and Cox & Kings offer high-quality family-friendly group trips.
