The Wonders of Group Travel

Whether it’s with your tribe or with a group of strangers, group travel quite often gets a bad rap. The thoughts of designing a travel experience suitable for a number of people, each with their own distinct personality, sometimes ominously sounds like any effort crafted by a committee where the highs and lows are leveled out for the sake of group harmony. However, I have found that a group trip can be one of the most rewarding ways to travel given its benefits. Today, I want to share my five top reasons why everyone should consider a group trip at some point in their life. 

1. Bonding 

1. Bonding –Traveling with a group, though not without its own complexities, provides a special opportunity for bonding and closeness. Nothing brings people together more than experiencing something new together.  For me this is the biggest benefit of group travel. 

Your experiences will form memories you will share for a lifetime. The small adjustments necessary for everyone’s comfort and enjoyment are minor compared to the social benefit of traveling with a group of companions. Naturally, some groups trips move well outside of the realm of “a few close friends” but even larger group travel experiences provide intimate settings and bonding. When you get together in a group of people sharing common experiences, an almost family-like atmosphere can develop, much different from traveling solo or with a single companion.

2. Make Life Long Friendships 

In cases where you are traveling with strangers you may meet new people you can relate to very well.  I have made friends during group trips that are still very much a part of my life today.  A group tour can be an easy way to find a like minded group of people to travel with. It takes the pressure off having to go out and find travel buddies. And it also allows you to be social and share experiences with people while you’re traveling. ​

3. Safety and Assurance 

​I’ll be the first to say travelling alone is never as bad as people make out. Of course, this also depends on the country, but generally speaking it is also a great experience.  Wherever in the world you go, you need to know the area and stay safe. There are two advantages of a group travel, firstly you’re most likely travelling out in large numbers rather than alone, especially at night. And secondly your guide (if you have one) will have been to the area numerous times and be able to give you the low down on places to avoid, what valuables to leave behind and how much money you need. This information is priceless. ​

4. It's Cost Effective 

Group tours often create financial efficiencies. Sometimes as few as 10 people count as a “group” and can result in significant savings. Beyond the fare for the tour, even meals out and excursions or side-trips can result in savings when the entire group purchases together.  Additionally in certain destinations there are experiences that are much cheaper when done collectively as a group versus individually. For example, in Japan having tea with a Maiko or Geisha is much more feasible when the expense is shared by a group versus just one or two people. ​

5. Push yourself out of your comfort zone

Don’t get me wrong, any trip can be an opportunity to experience new things, but I also believe that group trips can make this aspect of travel a bit more of a reality. Traveling in a group can give you the chance to explore a place with a local or more seasoned traveler, which means that you’ll gain insider knowledge and learn more about the area. Along with these, you might even be able to visit places or try things that are popular among the locals but aren’t as well-known to the general public.

​As I look back on my years of travel many of my most memorable moments have been with groups.  I can tell you where we were, who was with me and how we were all feeling in the moment.  When done right and in great company, a journey can change the way you see yourself and the people around you.  My preference is to travel with others because you can share those beautiful experiences and change together. It’s why I encourage and love planning group trips!