What is small group travel?
Group tours (also known as adventure tours) place an emphasis on adventure (no surprise there) and make an effort to take you off the beaten track so you can experience a country from the inside. They tend to share a few things in common; group sizes are limited (normally to about 15 people) and, this type of exploration is more about being a traveller than being a tourist. There is an array of different adventure tours to choose from, whether you fancy trekking to Everest base camp, exploring Amazonian backwaters or driving across the Serengeti in search of the ‘Big 5’.
Many people decide to go travelling alone, but opt to include a small group tour or two, in order to meet people or to get off the beaten track in a destination that's safer to travel with a group.
Which type of tour should I choose?
If you’re after advice on including a tour in your round the world trip, you’ve come to the right place. Most of our consultants have been on adventure tours so we’re perfectly placed to advise on what which type of tour will suit you best. We work with an extensive range of specialist tour operators, but G Adventures is our main partner, so these tours are shown on the small group tour section of our website. If you don't see the tour you'd like, we can easily find a different tour operator with something to suit your budget, style or dates.
With G Adventures, there are many different styles of tour, for example family tours, "18-30 Something" tours (often shoestring tours or they may include camping to keep the price down), 'National Geographic Journeys' (which have more comfortable accommodation and more included experiences) and 'Classic' tours which suit most ages. We can explain the differences help you decide which tour to go with.
So that's what we mean when we're talking about small group travel - and here are some reasons why we rate this kind of travel so highly:
1. See the world with like-minded companions
You’ll get a kick out of being in the company of like-minded travellers who are taking time to explore the same part of the world as you, in the same way. Shared interest and experience tends to bond people together very quickly, whether you’re travelling on a converted truck across Africa or kayaking in Costa Rica. Small group tours generally consist of 10-15 people, all sharing amazing, often life-changing experiences. You’re bound to come away from your tour experience with great memories and some new friends!
2. Get further off the beaten track than you would on your own
Taking a tour is like independent travel, but without the organisational hassle and it’s especially beneficial if you’re short on time but want to explore more than superficially. In addition to the iconic sights, your tour guide will take you off the beaten track to enjoy a real taste of local life and discover tucked away places untouched by tourism. No queuing for bus tickets or haggling over the cost of accommodation – the logistics will be organised for you, which means you’ll spend more time experiencing the locale.
3. Enjoy authentic, local experiences as you travel
Throughout the course of your tour, you’ll come face to face with fascinating cultures, customs and wildlife, as well as staying in local accommodation, which is an integral part of any adventure. Depending on where you stay, that could mean camping, small hotels/pensions, maybe even a yurt! You’ll also be travelling by local transport which is another opportunity to meet local people and gain real insight into the country you’re visiting.
4. See and do more with others than you would by yourself
You can choose the tour that takes in all your ‘must-see’ sights, whether you’re a history, nature or adrenalin activity enthusiast! Joining a tour will allow you to see far more of a country in a short space of time than you could do if you were travelling independently.
