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Solo Travel Vs Group Travel: Pros and Cons

By: Author Zachary Friedman

Posted on Last updated: January 22, 2024

Categories Solo Travel

Home » Travel » Solo Travel » Solo Travel Vs Group Travel: Pros and Cons

When planning a trip, one of the more important decisions you have to make is whether you’re going to travel alone or with a group. This choice depends on a number of factors including personal preferences, where you’re traveling, your budget, and more. There is no right or wrong way to travel. This guide lists the pros and cons of solo travel vs group travel to help you decide which type of travel is best for your trip. We’ll cover costs, the social aspect, safety, freedom, difficulty, and more.

I’ve been solo traveling for the past 12 years to over 65 countries. I’ve also taken a few group tours and traveled with friends. In this guide, I’ll share my experience with solo traveling and group traveling.

I’ve also made this YouTube video to outline the pros and cons of solo travel.

Key Takeaways

– Solo travel gives you more freedom and independence. You can set your own pace and your own budget. You don’t need to find a travel partner. It’s easier to meet people while you travel alone. Solo travel is also adventurous. It builds character. – Group travel is safer. It’s also easier because you don’t need to plan everything yourself. It’s also less lonely. You’ll always have the group around. You’ll also have a tour guide to keep you on track. You can see more in less time. – Solo travel is the better choice for those who value independence, introverts, those seeking solitude, those who value flexibility and spontaneity, adventure seekers, those looking for cultural immersion, those on a tight budget, and digital nomads. – Group travel is better for social travelers, first time travelers, those with mobility issues, those who value convenience, those concerned with safety, and those who only have a limited amount of time to see everything.

Table of Contents

Solo Travel Pros

Solo travel cons.

• Group Travel Pros
• Group Travel Cons

1. Solo travel gives you complete freedom and independence

When you travel alone, you are in complete control of your trip. There is no one there telling you where to go, when to go, or what to do. You don’t have to take anyone else’s preferences into consideration when choosing a restaurant, hotel, or itinerary. You have absolute freedom and independence.

For example, maybe you fall in love with a particular city and want to extend your stay. You can do that. Maybe you spot some interesting street food that you want to try. You can go try it. Maybe you don’t like museums. Then skip the museum and go to the beach instead.

There are no compromises in solo travel. You can be spontaneous. It’s your vacation. You make your own schedule. This feeling of absolute freedom is one of the best parts of solo travel.

2. You get to spend time alone

Introverts will love this point. While solo traveling, you don’t have to talk to anyone or interact with anyone if you don’t want to. You can sightsee and eat by yourself. During your downtime or while in transit, you can think, read, listen to music, or write. This allows you to really take in your destination and unwind. As an added bonus, you really get to know yourself when you spend so much time alone.

3. You can travel at a faster or slower pace

As a solo traveler, you can see more in less time. The reason is that you don’t have to wait around for other people. For example, every time I travel with friends, I end up wasting time waiting for somebody to get ready. There is always a slow packer in the group. If one person gets sick, everyone has to wait until they get better. The more people in the group, the more slowdowns you’ll experience. This adds up to a lot of wasted time that could have been used for traveling and seeing the sites.

You can also slow travel when you’re alone. For example, maybe you really enjoy a particular city and want to spend a month getting to know it better. You can do this. For example, I spent a month exploring Mexico City alone last year. Maybe you’re just tired and you want to move more slowly. You can do this if you’re by yourself. On a group tour, you must maintain the pace of the group.

4. You can stick to your own budget

We all like to spend our money on different things. Maybe you prefer to spend money on nice meals than a fancy hotel room. Maybe you’d rather take a bus than fly to save yourself $100. You can also hunt for bargains and discounts. While solo traveling, you control exactly how you spend your money.

When you’re on a group tour, everything is already paid for upfront. You can’t adjust your spending as you go. When you’re traveling with a group of friends, you may feel peer pressure to spend more money. For example, maybe your friends want to eat at a fancy restaurant but you just want to eat street food. Of course, you don’t have to go with them but you may feel pressured to.

5. You don’t have to worry about finding a travel partner or having your travel partner flake out

If you don’t want to book a tour, finding someone to travel with is not easy. This is particularly true if you enjoy traveling to off the beaten path destinations. After all, how many of your friends really want to travel across Africa by bus ? Your travel buddy also needs to have the money to travel, similar interests, and a personality that you can get along with for weeks or months on end. Finding a suitable person to travel with can be a challenge.

If you do manage to find a travel buddy, there is a good chance that they’ll flake out on you before your trip begins. Some travelers end up not going on their trip simply because they couldn’t find someone to travel with. Solo travelers don’t have to worry about this. Of course, this point only applies if you’re traveling with friends. If you book a group tour, you don’t have to worry about this point.

6. You get to meet a wide variety of people

Every time you check into a hostel you meet a new group of interesting travelers from all over the world. Just walk into the kitchen or common area and chat some people up and chances are, you’ll have some new friends. You’ll also meet people while in transit, on day tours, and while out and about sightseeing.

As an added benefit, as a solo traveler, you’re also much easier for others to approach than a group. You may receive invitations to go sightseeing, go out to a bar, or even travel with others. Locals often approach you and strike up a conversation. While solo traveling, you’re rarely alone.

Group travelers, on the other hand, tend to stick to their group. They don’t meet as many people because they already have each other. When you’re on an organized tour, you’re pretty much stuck with the tour group.

If you’re worried about not being able to make friends during your trip, check out my guide: 19 Ways to Meet People While Traveling. 

7. Solo travel builds character, teaches you about yourself, and helps you develop as a person

Personally, I’m not a fan of the ‘travel to find yourself’ meme. Having said that, solo travel can absolutely make you a better person.

When you travel alone, there will be hardships to deal with. For example, you may have to deal with a language barrier and navigate bureaucracy. You may be discriminated against. You might even fall victim to a crime. During your trip, you will experience loneliness, depression, anxiety, hopelessness, and confusion. This is all part of the journey. These experiences build character. The way you deal with these feelings and situations can tell you a lot about yourself. You’ll also be better prepared to deal with similar situations back home.

When you solo travel, you become more independent, more adaptable, more confident, more courageous, more patient, and more accepting of others. These are all positive traits that make you a better all around person.

8. It’s easier to meet locals while solo traveling

One of the most rewarding parts of solo travel is making local friends. Chatting with locals is a great way to experience the culture and get to know the country better. For example, locals can recommend you different restaurants to try, cities to visit, and foods to try. They can show you the non-touristy sides of your destination and give you a local perspective of current events. If you’re lucky, you might even get invited into their home.

While solo traveling, you meet locals when going about your day to day life. For example, when you take public transportation, eat in a restaurant, shop in a market, or just walk down the street, you could make an interesting local friend. Because a single person is much less intimidating to approach and talk to than a group, local people are more likely to chat you up if you are alone. My favorite way to meet locals is through online dating. Couchsurfing is another great way to meet locals while traveling alone.

On a group tour, you’re kind of isolated with your tour group. The only locals you meet will be those working in the tourism industry. When you’re traveling with a group of friends, you’re less likely to be approached by locals.

9. Solo travel feels like an accomplishment

Solo travel is a personal challenge. During your trip, you’ll have to deal with adversities such as a language barrier, loneliness, getting lost, going outside of your comfort zone, dealing with new situations, etc. Something as simple as learning how to navigate a new public transportation system or ordering a meal in a foreign language feels like an accomplishment.

After crossing a continent by yourself, you’ll feel proud and accomplished. You will know what you are really capable of. You don’t get that feeling when you take a group tour because all of the difficult parts of traveling are handled for you.

10. You’re not stuck with the same people

If you grow tired of one of your new travel buddies or you don’t get along with someone at the hostel, you can just leave. Move to a different dorm, hostel, or go on to the next city. You never have to see or talk to that person again.

This isn’t an option when you’re traveling with a group tour or friends. You’re stuck with the annoying individual until the trip is over.

11. Random and unique experiences

Solo travel allows you to be spontaneous. You never know what kind of interesting opportunity will present itself. For example, while visiting the Omo Valley, I spent an afternoon with a woman from the Hamar tribe in Dimeka, Ethiopia. We spent the day walking around town, drinking, and eating. We didn’t share any language in common. In Addis Ababa, I spent a day hanging out with an Ethiopian con man. He explained his scams and introduced me to his girlfriend, who lived in the slums. I wouldn’t have had these wacky experiences if I was traveling on a tour.

Group tours are much more predictable. Every day is pre-planned. You don’t have time to stray too far from the group.

12. You can travel with others if you want

The whole trip doesn’t have to be done alone. If you meet a group of people and really hit it off, you can travel together for a while. You can even change your itinerary if necessary. If a friend wants to meet up somewhere along your journey, you can travel together for a time. It’s up to you how social you want to be. Solo travel doesn’t have to be lonely. For example, while traveling in Kenya, I met an Irish guy at the hostel. We ended up spending the next three months traveling to Cape Town together.

13. Solo travel is more adventurous

You have only yourself to rely on. If things turn south, it’s up to you to remedy the situation. Sometimes you feel like a pioneer or explorer when you’re out in the middle of nowhere all alone. It’s exciting. 

For example, when traveling across Malawi, the police detained the bus I was riding because they suspected it was carrying some kind of contraband. I ended up having to find a place to stay in the town of Mzuzu, Malawi in the middle of the night. I ended up staying in a nice hostel and spending an interesting day exploring the town before catching a bus the next night. This experience wouldn’t have happened if I was traveling on a group tour.

1. Solo travel is lonely

While solo traveling, you can be surrounded by other people and still feel lonely. This loneliness can make you depressed, homesick, isolated, and sometimes anxious. When you get feeling down, you have to be able to pick yourself back up.

Traveling by yourself gets lonely at times. There is no avoiding it. During your trip, you may spend days on end without having a conversation with another person. You will spend countless hours on busses, trains, and walking around without speaking a single word. Sometimes you’ll check into a hostel and not meet anyone. You will eat alone and sightsee alone. This is just part of the solo travel experience.

The best way to deal with this feeling of loneliness is to find someone to talk to. If you’re a naturally social person, this is easy. There are friendly people everywhere. If you’re socially anxious, striking up a conversation can be a challenge.

To meet people while traveling, you can stay in a social hostel, use social media and online dating, go to a bar or club, join a day tour or walking tour, go couchsurfing, take a class, or volunteer. You can also call your friends and family back home.

2. Solo travel is more expensive

When you travel alone, you have to cover the full cost of hotel rooms, taxi rides, food, or tours by yourself. You can’t split costs with friends or take advantage of group discounts. As a result, solo travel ends up costing more than group travel.

The price difference depends on where you’re traveling. Some destinations are more suited to solo travel than others. For example, in Central America and Southeast Asia, there are hostels, shared busses, and street food. You can solo travel cheaply. On the other end of the spectrum, much of Africa is expensive to solo travel because there are few hostels. You must spend most nights in overpriced hotels. Costs add up when you have no one to split the room with.

There are always ways to cut costs when solo traveling. You can walk, hitchhike, or take shared busses instead of taking taxis or Ubers. Camping and couchsurfing are excellent ways to reduce your accommodation cost. If you adopt a minimalist lifestyle, you can travel with shockingly little money.

3. Solo travel is more dangerous

A single person is more likely to fall victim to a crime than a group. The risk of getting mugged, drugged, assaulted, scammed, or victimized in some way is higher when you travel alone simply because you are an easier target for criminals. After all, it’s much easier to trick or overpower an individual than a group of people.

When you travel alone, you also don’t have anyone you trust to help you out if you find yourself in a dangerous situation. For example, if you get sick, injured, or arrested, you don’t have any friends to take care of you or call your emergency contact. You’re pretty much on your own.

Of course, if you take some basic safety precautions, solo travel is a perfectly safe way to travel. Read up on the travel advisories of the country you’re visiting. Avoid wandering into sketchy neighborhoods after dark. Don’t carry valuables or dress too flashy. There is no need to be paranoid about safety while solo traveling if you’re cautious.

For more info, check out my guide Is Solo Travel Safe: Avoiding Crime, Scams, and Injury While Traveling Alone.

4. You have to eat alone and cook for one

Having to eat alone is one of the most difficult parts of solo travel. Probably because eating is such a social activity. When you’re eating your meal, you’ll feel lonely and homesick at times. It’s easy to feel self-conscious sitting in a restaurant alone. When you travel solo, you’ll have to get used to this feeling. You will eat alone regularly.

If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll probably want to cook some of your own meals. Unfortunately, it’s hard to motivate yourself to cook when you’re alone. Buying ingredients and cooking is a time-consuming and annoying little job. It’s tempting to forget about cooking and just eat something quick. This is less healthy and oftentimes more expensive.

5. You have to plan and arrange everything by yourself

Planning an international trip takes quite a bit of work. You must create a budget, plan a route, arrange visas, research transportation, book accommodation, research activities, and more. A complicated trip can take weeks or months to plan. When you’re in the country, you’ll have to research and book hotels, find restaurants, and figure out the public transport system. This takes quite a bit of time.

Some aspects of travel are tedious and annoying to deal with. For example, when you travel alone, you must research transport schedules and book tickets, navigate unfamiliar cities, negotiate prices, and more. You must take care of everything related to the trip by yourself. These little jobs get exhausting after a while.

When you travel in a group tour, you have a guide to take care of all of the planning and most of the annoying little jobs. When you travel with friends, you can delegate tasks so everyone has less work to do.

6. The friendships you make don’t last long

You will meet plenty of new people while traveling alone. It’s easy to form quick friendships with other solo travelers as well as locals. After spending a few days in a hostel, you may feel like you’ve known your new friends for years.

The problem is that these quick friendships fade quickly. After you move on to the next hostel, you’ll meet a new group of people and quickly forget about your previous travel buddies. When you return home and get back to your regular schedule, the friendships you formed during your trip will fade further.

7. Solo travel doesn’t suit all personality types

While solo traveling, you’ll spend many hours alone with your own thoughts. There’s no getting away from it. Sometimes there just isn’t anyone around to talk to. This is often the case while in transit. Sometimes you’ll check into a hostel and find the other guests to be unfriendly. If you’re an extrovert and you’re not used to being alone, this can be a challenge. For some, it can even be frightening to spend so much time alone with your thoughts.

8. You have to rely on yourself for everything

Coming to the realization that you are completely alone in a foreign country, can be anxiety-inducing. If you fall ill, get injured, get robbed, run out of money, lose your passport, or get arrested, you’re on your own to deal with it. There is nobody there to help you out.

In addition, you have to research, plan, and book everything by yourself. This realization can feel overwhelming and scary. In fact, some people may not be competent enough to solo travel. On the first day of my first solo trip, I wondered if I was in over my head. Luckily, I figured things out.

9. You’re more likely to get scammed

Scammers tend to target solo travelers. The reason is that it’s easier for them to trick an individual than a group of people. A fast-talking con man can approach you and swindle you out of some money. There are some elaborate scams out there. You can’t catch them all. Maybe you’re tired and you’re not thinking straight. For example, a scammer sold me a fake bus ticket in Ethiopia. That cost me $10.

For more info, check out my guide to 19 Common Travel Scams.

10. You’re more likely to get pickpocketed

Pickpockets often target solo travelers. The reason is that it’s easier for them to distract an individual than a group. After all, you only have one set of eyes to keep track of all of your belongings. A pickpocket can distract you while their accomplice steals your wallet, phone, or camera.

For some tips, check out my guide: How to Avoid Getting Pickpocketed While Traveling.

I’ve been pickpocketed twice in my travels. Once in Tanzania and once in Tijuana. In both cases, the pickpocket took my phone. Miraculously, I was able to get it back both times.

11. There is no one to share your excitement or suffering with

Humans are very social. Sometimes we want to experience the beauty of a destination or the absurdity of a situation with another person. While traveling alone, there is no one to share your comments or thoughts with. You have to keep your amazement to yourself. This makes the experience feel a bit less special. Visiting a major destination with a good friend makes it feel more memorable.

Sometimes you want someone else to commiserate with. Enduring an unpleasant experience is much easier if there is someone there to share the suffering with. For example, some of my lowest points while traveling have been during long night bus journeys. The loneliness becomes excruciating. While traveling with a friend, the same long bus journey becomes fun. You can joke around and chat to pass the time.

12. Sometimes you’ll feel like the third wheel

When going out with a group of other travelers from the hostel, you may be the odd one out as a solo traveler. This may happen when you spend time with a couple or group of friends. Hanging out with people who share a common language that you don’t speak can also be awkward. If they start speaking among themselves in their language, you’re left out of the conversation. The good thing is, if you’re not having a good time, you can just go off on your own or find another group of people to socialize with.

13. Solo travel can limit be limiting

There are some places that you might not want to travel alone. For example, you may not feel comfortable traveling too far off the beaten path by yourself out of fear of getting lost or stranded. You may choose to limit yourself to the tourist trail instead to be safe. I felt a bit nervous while visiting the Omo Valley alone because I was so far from a hospital and embassy. If something went wrong, I may have been in trouble. Some solo travelers may not feel comfortable going out drinking alone or visiting certain neighborhoods alone out of fear of getting drugged or robbed. With a group, you may not have these fears.

There may be some activities that you don’t want to do alone. This is often the case in romantic destinations. For example, you probably wouldn’t want to go for a gondola ride in Venice by yourself. You wouldn’t want to go to a romantic restaurant alone. You may not want to go hiking alone for safety reasons.

14. Sometimes you feel awkward

Going to a bar or restaurant alone takes some getting used to. Some tourist sites are best experienced with a friend. Even after solo traveling for years, I still don’t enjoy going out for a drink alone. I also hate taking selfies but do so anyway on occasion if there is no one around to take a photo for me. It can be an awkward and embarrassing experience sometimes.

15. You have to carry and keep track of all of your gear by yourself

When you travel alone, you must carry everything you need for your trip in your backpack or suitcase by yourself. There is no one else to help you carry gear. In addition, you have to keep an eye on your gear at all times to make sure it doesn’t get stolen. You cannot leave your gear unattended while you go grab a coffee.

When you travel with a group, you can share some items among the group. This way, everyone carries less weight. There are also more eyes to watch everyone’s gear.

16. People feel sorry for you

Occasionally, someone will ask you where your friends or family are. They may ask why you’re alone. Many people just don’t understand solo travel. In these cases, people may pity you or think you’re weird. To me, this gets kind of frustrating and depressing. Some people just can’t get through their heads that I’m traveling alone by choice. 

17. You have to take selfies

When you travel alone, it’s difficult to get a decent picture of yourself. Much of the time, your only option is to take a selfie. Unfortunately, selfies are often low quality and kind of cheesy. It’s hard to get a good shot of yourself.

Another problem is that some solo travelers feel self-conscious when taking selfies. Particularly when everyone around has a friend to take pictures of them. It can feel kind of embarrassing and awkward to take selfies.

There are some solutions. You can ask a stranger to snap a photo of you. You can also pack a tripod and use your camera’s timer to take photos of yourself. Still, your photos won’t be as good as if you had a friend helping you get the best angle.

Pros of Group Travel

1. You develop a close bond with your travel group

When you travel with friends, you’ll grow closer to them. Even if you’ve known them for years. Overcoming hardships, navigating unusual situations, and viewing incredible sites together strengthens friendships. For the rest of your lives, you will share memories of your travel experiences together. You’ll always have an interesting travel story to reminisce about.

When you travel on a group tour, you spend the entire duration of your tour with your tour group. During that time, you will bond with your new friends. It’s not uncommon for lifelong friendships to form.

When you travel alone, it is difficult to form a strong bond with anyone you meet because you’re moving around so frequently.

2. Meeting people

When you take an organized group tour, you are guaranteed a built-in group of people to hang out with, travel with, explore with, and get to know for the duration of your trip. You never have to be alone. Organized tours also introduce you to like-minded people from around the world that you otherwise would never have met. You’ll meet a different type of travelers than you would meet when traveling alone.

Organized tours are also an excellent choice for shy travelers because they make it easy to meet people. You’re guaranteed to make friends with some of the people in your group because you are forced to spend so much time around them. It’s easy to strike up a conversation with someone you’re traveling with because everyone shares the same interest in the destination country.

3. Group travel can be cheaper

You can split the cost of hotel rooms, taxi and Uber rides, food, and tours with your friends. For example, if a taxi ride from the airport to your hostel costs $15, it only costs you $5 if you split it with two friends. If you want to hire a tour guide to show you around a site, you can split the cost with your friends. When you travel alone, you can’t split costs with anyone.

4. You can split work up amongst the group

Travel involves a number of annoying and tedious little tasks. Examples include looking up train schedules, negotiating the price of a taxi, cooking, and buying bus tickets. When you travel with a group, you can divide these little jobs among your group members. If one person gets sick and needs a break, the other group members can continue planning the trip. When you travel alone, you have to take care of all aspects of the trip by yourself.

5. Group travel is safer

As the saying goes, there is safety in numbers. When you travel in a group, you are far less likely to fall victim to crimes like mugging or assault. A criminal can’t overpower a group as easily as an individual. For this reason, bad guys are far less likely to target a group of travelers.

In addition, you’re less likely to get lost when you’re with a group because there are multiple minds navigating. If you get injured or fall ill, your group members can help you get to a hospital and call your emergency contact for you. When you’re on an organized group tour, the guide will make sure you only visit safe destinations. When you’re alone, you’re on your own.

6. The tour guide

Every organized group tour has a guide. The guide is usually a local with a deep knowledge of the region and training in hospitality. They can teach you about the sites you’re seeing, make sure you stay safe, translate the local language, help you navigate the culture, assist with immigration, and smooth out any bumps. The guide can also be your friend. A good guide can really make a group tour.

7. Sometimes you have no choice but to travel in a group

There are a handful of countries that prohibit independent travel. If you want to visit, you are required to be on a tour. Sometimes this requirement depends on your nationality. A few examples of countries with this requirement include North Korea, Iran, Bhutan, Turkmenistan, and Tibet.

In some cases, it’s simply easier to travel in a group. For example, many travelers choose to travel Africa on an overland tour instead of independently.

8. You can carry less gear

For some items, you only need one to share between the group. For example, you could get away with carrying only one water filter, tent, camp stove, and a bag of food for the whole group. Each person can carry part of the load. Everyone carries less weight as a result. When you travel solo, you have to carry everything by yourself.

9. It’s easier because there is no research and planning required

When you book a group tour, the tour company takes care of all researching, planning, reservations, and logistics for you. You don’t have to worry about reading hotel and restaurant reviews, making bookings, or looking at transport schedules. You pay one fee then you can relax and enjoy your trip. It’s easier. The guide can help you navigate the language barrier if there is one.

10. No wasted time

Most people have a limited amount of time to travel. Usually 1-2 weeks. When you take an organized tour, the company sets the pace and makes sure that time is utilized wisely. There is a rigid itinerary that the tour sticks to. You will visit all of the major attractions and a few hidden gems. You won’t miss any major sites when you take an organized tour.

When you travel alone, it’s easy to get lazy and miss out on some sites. You also have to waste time taking care of boring tasks like finding a restaurant or researching a bus schedule.

11. Someone is always there to help you out

If you catch malaria or sprain your ankle, your friends are there to take you to the hospital or carry your backpack for you. If your debit card gets stolen and you run out of money, your group members can lend you some cash so you’re not stranded. It is comforting to know that someone you trust is there and willing to help you out if you need it. You don’t have to rely on yourself for everything.

12. Falling victim to a scam is less likely

Scammers don’t approach groups as often. The reason is that it’s more difficult to trick a group of people than an individual. Chances are, someone will identify the scam before it takes place because are multiple minds analyzing everything. Of course, a group can still get conned. There are some shockingly elaborate scams out there.

13. Theft is less likel y

It is also harder for pickpockets to steal from a group because there are multiple sets of eyes watching everyone’s gear. You can also ask your group members to keep an eye on your gear while you go to the bathroom or into a shop.

14. Someone is always there to experience the moment with you

When traveling with friends, you always have someone there to share the beauty or misery with. Sometimes you just want to complain about the situation or comment on your surroundings. Sometimes you want someone to appreciate a site with. If you’re all alone, you don’t get to do this. Some destinations are best experienced with friends by your side.

15. You can travel further into the middle of nowhere

When you’re alone, you have to consider how you will get back to civilization in the event of an unexpected accident or event. When you have friends with you, someone can go for help if the worst happens. For example, imagine if you fell while hiking and broke a leg. If your friend is there, they can carry you or find help. You may not feel comfortable wandering as far by yourself. 

16. No Experience Required

You don’t need any skills or travel experience to travel in a group. The guide takes care of all of the difficult parts of the trip for you and helps you stay safe. You can travel wherever you want. Also, some people just aren’t suited for solo travel.

For some destinations, you may need some travel experience if you want to visit alone. For example, most people wouldn’t feel comfortable traveling to Nigeria or Afghanistan on their first solo trip.

17. You’ll get better travel photos

When you travel with a group, there is always someone there to take pictures for you. You don’t have to bother with selfies. You can also take group pictures. It’s fun to look at pictures with your new friends together. At the end of the trip, you can swap photos with your group members. If you’re lucky, you’ll get some awesome candid shots of yourself as well.

Cons of Group Travel

1. You have to make compromises

When you travel with a group, you can’t always get your way and do what you want to do. For example, maybe your travel group wants to go to the beach and you want to go to a museum. Maybe one person wants to eat at a fancy restaurant and you want to eat street food. Everyone has their own preferences.

When disagreements occur, you must negotiate and compromise with your group members. You don’t get to do what you want all of the time. When you travel with a group, it’s not your trip. It’s the group’s trip. This can be difficult to accept.

When solo traveling, there is no compromise. You make all of your own decisions and do whatever you want.

2. You have less freedom and independence when traveling in a group

When you travel on an organized group tour, the itinerary is already set. You don’t get to choose which hotel you stay at, which restaurant you eat at, when you wake up, or when you go to sleep. You follow the pre-planned itinerary. There is very little freedom or independence.

When you travel with a group of friends, you have a bit more freedom but you still must follow the group. If all of your friends want to fly to your next destination but you want to take the train, you’re out of luck. You could go off on your own but then you’re not really traveling with a group.

When you travel alone, you have absolute freedom to control every aspect of your trip. You can be as spontaneous as you wish.

3. There will be arguments and disagreements

Traveling in a group can be a real test of your patience and relationships. Disagreements and arguments will happen. it’s inevitable. Even if you’re traveling with your best friends.

Arguments are common for a number of reasons. First, travel gets stressful. For example, maybe you’re running late for a flight. Some people become snappy when they get stressed. Travel is also exhausting. For example, you may get a poor night of sleep while taking a night bus across a country. Some people get cranky and argumentative when they’re tired. While traveling, you are also forced to spend a great deal of time in close proximity to your group members. Sometimes different personalities don’t mix well.

All of this makes for a perfect environment for disagreements and arguments to happen. A tense atmosphere is uncomfortable for everyone in the group. If arguments aren’t resolved and the relationship between your group members turns toxic it could ruin the trip. Friendships can even end.

If you get in an argument with one of your group members, try to distance yourself from them for a while. Give yourself and your group some space and let things cool down if possible. Don’t be afraid to apologize if you made a mistake.

4. It can be difficult to make decisions

When you travel with a group, you have to take everyone’s preferences into consideration and make sure everyone is content with every decision. The more people in the group, the more difficult it becomes to make a decision. Everyone has an opinion. You can’t make everyone happy.

One problem that can arise is that one group member takes the role of the leader. This is often the group member with the strongest personality. This person may try to take over the trip and make your decisions for you.

If this happens, you must make sure that your voice is heard. Speak up and tell the group what you want to do. This can be difficult if you’re a passive perosn. If you take the leadership role, you must listen to your group members and consider their desires. You need to be a team player, listen, and sometimes compromise.

5. You may dislike your group members

When you travel on an organized group tour, you don’t get to choose who you’re traveling with. You won’t know who is in your group until you meet everyone when the tour starts. An average-sized group tour has 10-20 people. It is highly likely that you won’t get along with at least one of them.

There are plenty of reasons why you may not get along. For example, maybe one of your group members is always complaining. Maybe someone is rude to the locals. Maybe you have nothing in common with your group members. Whatever the case, traveling with someone you don’t like can be awkward and annoying. It could even ruin your trip. This is a major risk of booking yourself on a group tour.

There are a couple of ways to reduce your chance of getting stuck in a bad group. First, you can book yourself on a small tour. The fewer people there are, the less likely that there will be an annoying member. You can also book yourself on a tour that fits your age and personality. For example, if you’re young and active, book yourself on a tour that is designed for backpackers. Don’t book yourself on a tour for retirees.

Of course, you could also find that you don’t get along with your group if you’re traveling with friends. Some people behave differently when abroad. Some people just don’t travel well. In this case, you could go off on your own.

6. No privacy or alone time

When you travel with a group, chances are you’ll be sharing hotel rooms, eating together, and taking the same transport as your group members. You don’t get any privacy or time to yourself. Spending so much time in such close proximity to your group can be a challenge. Particularly for travelers who are more introverted.

When you’re traveling with friends, you can usually split up from your group for some time. Maybe you spend a day exploring by yourself then meet up with your group for dinner. When you’re on an organized group tour, you may not have this luxury. Generally, the itinerary is so tight that you’re with your group for the entire duration of the tour.

7. Meeting other travelers is harder

When traveling in a group, you tend to stick to your group. There is less incentive to socialize. You’re not lonely. You already have friends and don’t need to make new ones. When on an organized group tour, you’re staying in hotels instead of hostels so you’ll have fewer opportunities to meet other travelers. Other travelers are also less likely to approach you or invite you out for meals, sightseeing, or activities because it is intimidating to approach a group. As a result, you’ll meet fewer people. You may miss out on a new friendship or relationship.

8. Finding a group to travel with can be a challenge

It’s not that easy to find a group of people to travel with. Friends often flake out at the last minute. Many people don’t have enough money. Some have different interests. If you decide that absolutely have to travel with a group, you may end up not going at all. Finding a suitable person to travel with is a challenge. 

Of course, if you really want to travel with a group but you don’t have any friends that want to go, you can always book yourself on a tour.

9. You don’t get to explore an area in detail

Most group tours just hit the main sites. You might only stay in a city for 1-3 days before moving on to the next destination. You miss out on the smaller tourist sites. The tours move at a fast pace as well. You don’t have any time to stop and smell the roses. You’ll encounter the same problem when traveling with friends. Chances are, they’ll want to keep moving.

When you travel alone, you can spend as much time as you want in each city or country. If you fall in love with on place, you can spend a month there and explore it in detail.

10. Group travel can be more expensive

When you travel on a group tour, you are paying the tour agency to plan the trip for you. They take care of all logistics, bookings, and maybe even visas. You are also paying for a guide for the duration of the tour. Both of these costs are baked into the price of the trip. At the end of the trip, you’ll also be expected to give the guide a tip if they provided a good service.

Prices are also locked in. You are paying for all of your food, accommodation, transportation, and activities at the time of booking. You can’t eat street food or stay in a cheaper hotel to save money because you have already paid for everything when you booked.

When you travel alone, you can cut corners, bargain hunt, and adjust your budget as you go. If you’re frugal, solo travel can be cheaper than group travel.

11. Your group can slow you down or rush you

With more people, more problems come up. For example, someone could get food poisoning on a travel day. That means you lose a day waiting for them to get better. Someone could have their phone pickpocketed. That means you have to spend time going shopping for a new one. While traveling in a group, it seems like there is always a crisis. This slows everyone down .

Your group can also rush you. For example, maybe you’re a not a morning person but your group likes to start the day early. You may feel rushed. Maybe you like to spend 6 hours in museums but your group rushes through in an hour. You’ll feel like you missed out.

12. Group travel is less adventurous

When your friends are around, it just doesn’t feel like an adventure. It’s just too familiar. There is always someone there to rely on and talk to. It feels more like you’re just hanging out. You don’t have to deal with the loneliness or struggles of solo travel. As a result, you won’t really grow as a person or learn as much.

13. Meeting local people is more difficult

When you travel on an organized group tour, you probably won’t meet many locals. The locals that you do meet will be those who work in the tourism industry. The reason is that group tours tend to stick to touristy areas that regular locals avoid. You stay in hotels and eat in restaurants that are frequented by tourists. When you travel from one destination to the next, you’ll sit next to a group member or take private transport. You are somewhat isolated from regular locals when you travel on a group tour.

Local people may also be less likely to approach you to chat when you’re traveling in a group. It can be intimidating to approach a group of foreigners.

When you travel alone, you encounter locals while in transit, while eating, and while out walking around. Solo travelers are also much easier to approach. You also have the freedom to seek out local friends.

My Experience

I have been traveling, off and on, for the past 10 years. The vast majority of this time has been spent solo traveling. I prefer it for a number of reasons. First, solo travel just better suits my personality. As an introvert, I prefer to spend most of my time alone. When I want to socialize, I can always meet some fellow travelers in the hostel. I also value having the freedom to do what I want without compromise.

On the few occasions that I have traveled with a group, I have thoroughly enjoyed it. Group travel is great in small bursts. For a short trip, I may even prefer group travel. After a while, I inevitably grow tired of my travel buddies. That’s just what happens if you spend too much time in such close proximity to another person.

In my experience, the first 2 weeks of each solo trip can be a bit rough. It takes time to get into the solo travel mindset. Living in close quarters in hostels, spending long hours on buses, and navigating unfamiliar places alone takes some getting used to.

During this time, I sometimes think to myself, why do I do this? After that rough couple of weeks ends, I’m back into the swing of things and don’t want to travel any other way. The absolute freedom of solo travel is addictive.

Final Thoughts

Solo travel certainly isn’t for everyone. It’s lonely, more difficult to plan, and slightly riskier. With that said, it’s definitely something that everyone should try at least once. It’s one of those things that you just never know whether or not you’ll like unless you give it a try. After my first solo trip, I was hooked.

Having said that, sometimes group travel is the better choice. A short trip with friends can be an excellent bonding experience. Group tours are a great way to visit difficult or dangerous destinations safely and easily. Group travel is also a bit safer and less stressful. Even if you’re a hardcore solo traveler, consider giving a group tour a try.

In the end, this decision comes down to personal choice. There is no best way to travel. Hopefully, this guide helps you decide which style of travel is best for your next trip.

Where do you stand on the solo travel vs group travel debate? Share your experience in the comments below!

More from Where the Road Forks

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• Summer Travel Tips: Beat the Heat, Avoid Crowds, and Save Money
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Zachary Friedman is an accomplished travel writer and professional blogger. Since 2011, he has traveled to 66 countries and 6 continents. He founded ‘Where The Road Forks’ in 2017 to provide readers with information and insights based on his travel and outdoor recreation experience and expertise. Zachary is also an avid cyclist and hiker. Living as a digital nomad, Zachary balances his professional life with his passions for hiking, camping, cycling, and worldwide exploration. For a deeper dive into his journey and background, visit the About page. For inquiries and collaborations, please reach out through the Contact page. You can also follow him on Facebook.

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Wednesday 28th of September 2022

T love this. I enjoy solo traveling due to its flexibility. You can enjoy anywhere you choose for as long you want. However, I sometimes dabble into group travel because this enables us to split the cost of travel.

jasonlikestotravel

Saturday 13th of July 2019

Great read. I agree everyone should at least try traveling solo to see if it's for them. I'd probably also agree that I prefer solo travel although there are pros to having company.

wheretheroadforks

Yeah, there are definitely benefits to having company. Particularly during a long bus or train ride. Overall, I really enjoy traveling alone.

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Benefits of Group Travel: Why Every Traveler Should Experience It

At every stage in a travelers life they should experience group travel. While solo backpacking , or couple travel, can be rewarding in its own right, there’s nothing quite like exploring a new destination or activity with a group of friends.

Whether you arrange a trip with your closest friends, or join a tour company, traveling with other people helps create new friendships and solidify old ones. The new experiences help create lifelong memories and bonds between people that extend well beyond your trip. No matter what type of traveler you are, here are a few top reasons you should travel in a group.

Benefits of Group Travel with Friends

One of the best things about traveling as a group is being able to share all the wonderful new experiences with some of your closest friends. Back home you’ve got your everyday memories together from school or work or social events, but now you’re off gallivanting around the world making stories that you’ll never forget.

Move over hilarious story about the time Susan slipped over at work, let’s replace that with something slightly more interesting. How about an exciting trip to the party island of Thailand for a half moon party in Koh Phangan?

Forget about the time Will threw his school books off the library roof, now Will is legendary for doing a backflip off the second story guesthouse into the pool… responsibly of course. Traveling as a group will not only solidify your friendship, but you’ll be reminiscing about those memories for years to come.

Making New Friends when Traveling as a Group

A lot of people don’t have a group of friends that are willing to pack up and take off on a three month trip around Southeast Asia . Some of them might not even want to pop over to Bali for a week long holiday, so you have to branch out and find a group to travel with.

Organizing a group tour can be an easy way to find a likeminded 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.

Some on my closest friends over the last few years are people I’ve met while traveling as a group. Back in 2015, when we were traveling with a group of people in Thailand for two weeks, we became so close that we all decided to get matching tattoos (true story!). To this day we still stay in touch and we may or may not have added to our matching tattoos (spoiler alert, we did!).

Traveling with new friends gives you the chance to get really close to them, really quick. You spend more time with these new friends in a week than you probably do with people back home for months. Plus the memories and stories you make together will now bond you for life. Everything is accelerated when you’re traveling and spending 24/7 with someone, so friendships become deep really fast.

Imagine spending a week with someone traveling the Nusa Islands  in Bali, everyday more exciting and adventurous than the last. During the day you swim through waterfalls, zip around on scooters, relax on beaches and explore local temples together. While each night you sip on Bintang beers and share stories from other travels or back home. Adventures + cheap beer = best buds for life!

Group Travel as a Couple

Just because you’re in a relationship, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the benefits of traveling with a group. In fact, sometimes connecting with a group tour is the perfect way to branch out and for you and your partner to meet new people.

When you’re traveling as a couple, it can be a bit more difficult to meet new travel friends naturally. When you’re solo, you’re generally a lot more open to meeting other people on the road. Because you’re alone you put more effort into being social and it’s easier to meet and spend time with other solo travelers.

However, when you’re traveling as a couple, sometimes its hard to find new travel friends. Other solo travelers see you and your significant other as unapproachable. They might think you would prefer to spend time with your partner, even though you’re hanging around a bar waiting to make new friends.

Both Christine and I are extremely social people, so we enjoy meeting new travel buddies. We love the fact that travel brings you closer to people and lets you connect with others from different walks of life. When we travel we sometimes found it hard to meet people in hostels and guesthouses or while going out. We often find ourselves connecting with other couples, but even that can be challenging at times.

Traveling in a group, even as a couple, gives you the added bonus of being with your partner, but also being able to hang out with a bunch of new potential friends. It also stops you from having to spend 24/7 with your partner, which can cause problems on its own. Not that Christine and I ever want to kill each while traveling  of course….

Managing Group Travel Expectations

One of the hardest things about traveling in a group is trying to manage everyone’s different expectations and needs. Some people are early risers, some party until the break of dawn. Some like history and culture, others are more into lazing about on the beach and sipping cheap cocktails.

No matter how hard you try, it’s always going to be difficult to travel as a group and please everyone. That’s why it’s important to manage group expectations and learn to compromise.

The best way to avoid any potential problems is to have open and honest discussions within your group about the activities they want to do. Let people voice their expectations and try to either work out a compromise or an easy way to split up for the day.

You might find it’s as easy as half the group spending the day at a museum or temple, and half the group going to explore the local market. You can coordinate a time to meet up later in the day and everyone wins. That keeps the group happy and your friendships intact!

Regardless of how you approach group travel, with friends, solo or as a couple, you’re bound to have an amazing time! Having people to share your travel experiences with helps you relive them for years to come. It also means you’ve got some travel buddies that are ready for the next group trip when it comes around!

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Everything You Need to Know About Group Travel

Still undecided on group travel? Not to worry – check out our in-depth answers to your most pressing tour-related queries.

How many people should i expect to be with.

Well, that depends. Group travel doesn’t have to be coach-party big. Choose a cheaper package from a big name and you can expect a crowd. Before deciding, it is best to check out the size of the tour on the company website. And it’s not just numbers that make the difference. Ask the company to give you a rough age demographic too; many tours cater principally to the over 50s. If you want to be really sure, choose a group tour with a clear limit on capacity – TRIPS by Culture Trip are designed for small groups of like-minded travellers, and offer a host of exciting itineraries in destinations around the world.

Will it cost less than going it alone?

Not always. It’s true that booking a group tour through an agent back home will bring savings on hotels and guides , but you need to offset this against the cut taken by your travel agent and their on-the-ground tour operators. They need to cover costs and generate revenue, after all. Another option is to organise a DIY freewheeling trip with friends – lots of hassle, but you’ll make big savings. To be sure you’re getting the best possible experience and value for your money, book with TRIPS by Culture Trip. We work with some of the best local operators to ensure the most competitive small-group rates around.

Do I need to have an outgoing personality?

No one expects you to be the life of the tour party, and every traveller is different . It’s really the responsibility of the tour guide – who will either fly out with the tour or meet you on the ground in your destination – to make sure that things run smoothly and everyone is happy. And while many travellers end up forging close friendships on group tours, there’s no pressure to make conversation and activities and meals are optional. So, rest assured, you can be as social or as self-contained as you like.

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Will I get any privacy? Will I have to share a room?

Privacy can be an issue. Group travel means that you will share not just the tour but almost all your mealtimes. However, most itineraries – including TRIPS by Culture Trip – are designed with time off for travellers to do as they please, usually in cities. And you can always add on a couple of extra days at the beginning or end of a group trip to explore more of your destination solo. Cheaper tours – even with small groups – can include a room-share, but you can usually upgrade to a private room, at additional cost.

Will we get benefits like priority access to attractions?

Some high-end group tours offer privileges you just can’t get as a solo traveller without paying big bucks. Think early entry to a museum, late nights in an art gallery, a private table with a fabulous view, or an intimate dinner in a family home. Remote wilderness destinations that require chartered four-wheel drives, boats or planes to reach become readily accessible when you join a group tour. As do unique experiences – like kayaking around isolated Scottish islands or staying with a Bedouin family in the Jordanian desert .

Which kind of destinations/ experiences really lend themselves to group travel?

Some destinations – for instance, Antarctica or the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – are only accessible if you’re booked onto a pre-arranged group tour. And some experiences are pricey for those going solo, but great value for groups: a safari in Kenya is better with a wildlife expert who can spot those elusive animals and tell you all about them, a London palace comes alive with a specialist Blue Badge guide revealing its secrets and a good yoga or meditation instructor is crucial to the success of any wellness retreat .

What if I find (some members of) the group irritating?

While you’ll make new friends on a group trip, there’s absolutely no guarantee you’ll get on with everybody all the time; and no one expects you to. But it’s down to the tour guide to grease the wheels a little to ensure everyone feels relaxed and included. If they fail to do this, you could have a quiet word with the guide to suggest a different approach to dealing with the social dynamics – or cleverly take matters into your own hands .

TRIPS by Culture Trip are curated specially for culturally curious travellers, so you can be fairly sure you’ll have plenty in common with your new travel companions.

Won’t we all stick out like sore thumbs among the locals?

Travel in a group and – yes – you’re more obviously not a local than if you were exploring solo , or with a friend or relative. Despite that, small numbers on a tour (rather than a crowd) mean more contact with the people you meet along the way. And don’t forget – you may well need to speak the local lingo in order to communicate and follow up on recommendations. This is where small-group travel really comes into its own; with a clued-up local insider you’ve got the happy medium: welcome exposure to the culture and people, without tricky barriers.

Is group travel safer?

Yes, there’s safety in numbers. Sure, group travellers are more obviously tourists than solos or duos – but they’re also the least exposed. Someone else is responsible for your transfers, your room, your luggage and ultimately your safety. Groups are safer on adventure trips , where it can be easy to get lost or where you need technical equipment. And there are destinations where even the most intrepid solo traveller wouldn’t wander: wildernesses such as the Chitwan National Park in Nepal or the East African Serengeti, or countries with strict laws.

Is group travel less flexible?

To an extent, you know what you’re going to get on a group trip before you reach the airport. Hotels, tours and meals are planned ahead – all you have to do is show up. While most itineraries include some free days, you might find it hard to squeeze in a small detour or a restaurant highly recommended by a friend. The solution? Build on some time of your own to go solo at the end of your trip – you’ll be able to visit those didn’t-see-but-must-see gems under your own steam. Take the plunge and book a specially curated small-group adventure with TRIPS by Culture Trip .

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Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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How to Make a Group Travel Itinerary: A Complete Guide

The stories you’ll tell, the experiences you’ll share, and the memories you’ll make on a group trip all start with a thoughtful and thorough group vacation itinerary. Use this guide to create a group travel itinerary that harnesses your travel inspiration while balancing group members’ expectations. Be sure to get input from the group, whether it’s your family, friends, or coworkers throughout the planning process. And consider hiring a group travel advisor who can help optimize your group travel experience and ensure your travel companions’ travel needs and wants are fully accounted for.

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1. Decide Who’s Going on the Trip

It’s tempting to label this first step “0” because before you start planning you must consider who your itinerary is designed for. After all, group trips include vacations, reunions, and even work trips like destination team-building experiences for close friends, family members, or colleagues.

These groups have different needs and preferences, each desiring something different from travel. The same destinations can have radically different itineraries if, say, children and elderly individuals require more rest and downtime to comfortably accompany you on a group trip.

2. Choose a Destination

Perhaps you’ve already planned on taking a trip and want to choose an enticing destination to encourage friends or family to join you. Or maybe your friends from work or school have decided to travel together but haven’t chosen a destination yet. You’ll want to nail down your destination early in the itinerary process to get a sense of what sort of sights, activities, attractions, accommodations, and transportation options are on offer.

Consider the weather, the season, and any major events coinciding with your itinerary when choosing a destination. Remember that the seasons in the northern and southern hemispheres are opposite. So when planning a group trip to say, Argentina, remember winter in the US is actually South America’s summer.

3. Set the Schedule

Another big step to creating a thorough and enticing group itinerary is the schedule. You’ll need to put some thought into which days are most convenient for your group to arrive and depart from your chosen destination.

Adding a schedule to your group trip itinerary will ensure everyone knows where to be and when so you don’t miss a moment together. Some questions to consider as you build your itinerary’s schedule include:

• When is everyone in your group available for a trip?
• What season of the year is best for visiting your preferred destination (and why)?
• How long is your ideal vacation?
• Are there other factors that impact the date the group arrives to your destination?
• Does your prospective vacation include more than one destination or mode of transportation (e.g. a three to seven day cruise with onshore excursions)?
• Are there any events or seasonal activities happening at the destination your group would be interested in attending?

The best time to visit a location may be during its offseason, especially for large groups. Without sacrificing fun, costs can be lower and the destination easier to navigate during its offseason.

4. Set Expectations

Every trip has a goal and it is important everyone understands what that goal is. Goals can be general, such as to relax or experience something new. Or, maybe, in the case of multigenerational travel , your vacation is to foster strong bonds between family members. It isn’t just about what is listed in the itinerary, but whether the itinerary captures what a destination offers. A more rigorous, detailed itinerary may not be received well if your travel companions don’t understand its design. Maybe you have to balance competing interests among group members. Even if parts of your itinerary don’t appeal to everyone, be transparent with disgruntled individuals about your choices.

5. Set a Budget

The most common group vacation expenses include these items. Keep in mind that fees and/or taxes may be attached to each.

• Lodging and accommodations
• Transportation to the destination
• Transportation within the destination
• Foods and drinks such as meals, snacks, and eating as vacation activity (e.g. stopping at street food vendors on a group foodie vacation )
• Entrance fees or tickets to activities, events, or sites
• Potential emergencies or need for medical care
• Travel insurance
• Any apps or digital experiences that simplify or enhance the group trip experience

Having a clear idea of what your group can comfortably afford goes a long way to prioritizing activities and accommodations.

When budgeting, keep these ideas top of mind:

• Is the emphasis of your group vacation luxury, affordability, or something in between?
• How important is cultural immersion and how can it be achieved at a chosen destination?
• Do you expect to take advantage of any discounts through airline or credit card points programs, travel agents , travel apps, or a destination’s tourism authorities?
• Are there alternatives to traditional lodging options that could lower the cost of a group stay, such as hostels or short-term rentals?
• If traveling internationally, what is the currency exchange rate?
• How important is staying within budget? Is the budget a general guideline or a hard ceiling?
• Should budgets be established by the group, individual group members, or families? If more than one person is overseeing vacation spending, how do you ensure control over the budget?

6. Schedule Activities

Now, for the fun part of itinerary building: choosing the activities and experiences that will comprise the bulk of your trip.

Work out the details like the day and the time as well as an estimated head count to prepare for each activity. Make advanced reservations for the activities that require it or you expect to be crowded. The time of year, type of group, and preferences of individual group members will all impact the types of vacation activities and attractions you choose.

Activities can be:

• Enjoyed indoors or outdoors.
• Thrilling, relaxing, or something in between.
• Familiar or wholly new to your group.
• Intended to immerse or entertain.
• Popular and well-known or off the beaten path.
• Slower-paced, like sightseeing, or faster-paced, such as deep-sea diving.
• Inspired by nature, history, culture, food, or romance.
• Spontaneous or planned.
• Designed for children, adults, or those who live with a disability.

Examples of common group activities are:

• Iconic sites and natural wonders
• Sporting events
• Tours by land and sea
• Boating or fishing
• Adult gaming
• Unique eating experiences such as themed restaurants
• Escape rooms
• Plays or concerts

7. Choose Accommodations

The modern travel environment offers group travelers plenty of accommodation options that combine spacious, comfortable lodgings with affordability. Depending on the destination and the type of trip, accommodations may be a central attraction —as in an all inclusive resort getaway —or simply serve as a layover before diving into the next activity.

When choosing accommodations or lodgings there are a few factors to consider:

• Type: Modern lodging options are varied. They can include hotels, motels, vacation rentals, short-term rentals, hotels, bed and breakfasts, and resorts.
• Location: The location of your group’s accommodations could include urban centers or destination outskirts. Beachside hotels, alpine lodgings, and casino hotels are all examples of how accommodation settings can add to the group vacation experience.
• Price: Cost will be a major factor in your choice of accommodation. Group vacationers have more options than ever to access affordable accommodations.
• Ratings and recommendations: This one’s self-explanatory; a higher customer rating usually means a better experience.
• Amenities: Free WiFi, breakfast, and exercise rooms are common amenities you should look out for. Luxury amenities include towel warmers, full kitchens, and plush bathrobes.
• Special offers, discounts, or rewards programs: that can be applied to your stay.

8. Arrange Transportation

Transportation includes both reaching and departing as well as any mobility needs you’ll have while at your destination. If traveling by air with a large group, you’ll want to encourage travelers to arrive at the airport early. When booking flights, consider the time zones you’ll pass through, how they will affect your arrival time, and any jet lag group members could experience.

For vacations that include multiple destinations or a lot of travel within a destination, consider a vehicle rental. The right vehicle can greatly simplify your travel experience and help you see and do more. Cover more ground while hauling the gear necessary to enjoy hiking, swimming, or skiing.

If your destination has reliable public transportation, consider a bus, train, or subway pass. These are sometimes available online through apps or your destination’s tourism website. Organizing rentals or transportation passes for you and your group are just one of the many perks of using a travel advisor .

9. Reserve or Pre-Plan Meals

Meals can be tricky on group vacations, especially if your group includes picky eaters or you are headed to a remote or unusual destination where the food options are unfamiliar. To avoid breakdowns at mealtimes by kids (or adults), investigate possibilities beforehand. Ensure that the restaurants you choose have something for everyone and have the seating and staff to serve large groups.

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22 Essential Group Travel Tips to Prepare for Your Trip

Never been on a group tour before? Then you’ve come to the right place. Over the past 11 years, Under30Experiences has run thousands of small group tours all over the world. We’ve seen and heard just about everything a traveler can encounter during that time. Group travel is not a new concept but if you haven’t been on an actual group trip before it can be intimidating. 

In this guide, I will break down everything you need to know to prepare for your first group tour. When you are finished with this guide you will be able to confidently book and attend a group tour knowing you made the right choice. 

The 22 group travel tips are broken into four sections:

• What to know before booking group travel.
• What to do after booking your group tour.
• What to do when you arrive at your destination on your group tour.
• How to keep in touch with travelers and stay involved in a community after your group tour is over.

What is group travel?

The term “group travel” or "group tour" refers to any organized, multi-day trip that you pre-book and meet a group of other travelers who booked the same trip. Group tours are popular because they involve very little planning, you get to meet new people, there is safety in numbers, and you will have a dedicated trip leader with you. Group tours and group travel are often used interchangeably so don’t be alarmed if you see a company use either term. 

Group tours are a great way to go from a beginner traveler to a confident and experienced traveler. Many people start out taking international trips with groups and as they become more comfortable they start to take more trips on their own. It’s a really great way to experience the world and get out of your comfort zone without being completely on your own. 

Further reading: Group Travel vs Solo Travel. What’s Best?  

What to know before booking group travel:.

When researching trips it can be overwhelming to pull up trip pages that have hundreds of images, words, reviews, videos, and marketing materials for the trip. This is more information than you would ever need, but there are a few specific things you should always double-check before booking. 

Length of your trip 

While this seems obvious, it’s important to think about just how long you want your trip to be. If this is your very first group tour, I recommend a trip no longer than a week. Even in small groups, the social aspect of the trip can be overwhelming and exhausting! Testing out the experience with a shorter trip is helpful to better understand how you feel about group travel before booking a whirlwind month-long trip. 

Further reading: The Introverts Guide to Small Group Travel .

Make sure you look at the exact departure dates you are considering and the price associated with those dates. Many companies will advertise a price for a trip, but this might be the lowest rate they offer at some point during the year. If you are looking at a trip departure during the high season or on a holiday weekend, you might find the departure is significantly more expensive! 

The easiest way to compare trip prices with different companies is to calculate the “cost-per-day” of each trip. For example, a 7-day trip that costs $1500 would be $214/day. It can be difficult to find trips across different companies that are the exact same length but by calculating the “cost-per-day” you can quickly see if the prices are similar. 

What’s included vs not included

It’s crucial to read this section of any trip you are looking at. Often, you will find that things like lodging, transportation to and from activities, breakfasts, and some lunches or dinners are included in the costs. Here are some questions to ask or research:

• Are the accommodations camping? Hostels? Or boutique hotels?
• How much free time is there during the trip?
• What are the costs of the optional activities in the area?
• How many dinners are NOT included? This is the most costly meal of the day. Remember that the cost of a dinner in London is very different from the cost of a dinner in Thailand. 
• Is transportation to and from the airport included?
• Are you supposed to tip your guide?

Pro Tip : Bring cash in the local currency. Most tours will suggest an appropriate amount of cash to bring for food and optional activities. Keep in mind that, in many countries, not all vendors will accept credit cards, especially American Express.

Bonus Pro Tip: Sign up for a credit card with no foreign transaction fees for international travel. 

Where you go can have a big impact on your experience. For example, an English-speaking country like Ireland has a lot less culture shock compared to Southeast Asia. You should also consider how long it takes to get to your destination and the jet lag you may encounter. It can take three layovers over the course of two days to get to Southeast Asia from North America. It’s part of the adventure but just understand what your travel time will look like before booking your trip. 

If the travel times seem intimidating, know that there are always more reasonable options. You can get to Costa Rica or Iceland in less than six hours from most US airports. In Costa Rica, you may even be in the same time zone as at home. 

If your travel times are longer than six hours you will have to think about how to deal with your jet lag . Many group trips will hit the ground running on day one! 

Style of trip

Are you looking to spend time at the beach or the mountains? Outdoor adventure or city exploring? Maybe a combination? Most companies will label their trip styles, in some fashion, to help guide you to what you are looking for. Just keep in mind that your group might also reflect the style of trip you choose. A city trip will probably have more partiers looking to stay out late and explore the local nightlife. The outdoor hiking trip will likely have more people going to bed right after dinner to prepare for another big outdoor adventure. These rules don’t always apply, but it’s a good guideline to go by.

Group size and demographics

You will find that group trips range in size from 5-50 people, depending on the company. Some will focus on similar ages, like Under30Experiences , while others will be open to anyone. If it’s your first group trip, smaller group size is generally better, so you’ll have more individualized attention from your guide. I recommend ten to fifteen other travelers, which is a nice size to meet people and make friends, but not too overwhelming. 

You can also reach out to the tour company and ask about the demographics currently booked on the trip. Are you the only female traveler joining an all-male trip, or vice versa? If the company doesn’t target specific age groups you may want to know how wide the age ranges are on the trip. If you are traveling solo you will want to know if the group is made up of other solo travelers, or if it is primarily friends or couples traveling together. Tour companies should be able to tell you the basic makeup of the trip, and you can then decide if it’s right for you or not. 

Pro Tip: I think it’s important to find out how many other solo travelers are on the trip before you book. Groups of friends or couples tend to isolate themselves more than most solo travelers on a typical group trip, and it can be difficult to connect with them. It’s fine if there is a handful of people who already know each other on the trip but just make sure you have at least a few other solo travelers in the group with you. They are the ones most eager to make new friends and go out of their way to connect with others in the group and make friends. 

Travel insurance

Travel insurance protects against things like lost luggage, canceled flights, medical costs while overseas, trip costs if you can’t travel last minute, and many other trip-related issues. What some people don’t realize is that almost all tour companies will require some level of travel insurance for the trip. Each company has its own requirements, but you can expect to pay somewhere between $50-$200 for the insurance plan depending on the length of your trip. 

My best advice is to make sure that you understand the insurance coverage you are purchasing. If something happens on your trip you will be dealing with the insurance company and there are always things that are not covered in the policies. One of the most common questions to ask the insurance company is how they deal with flight delays or cancellations, especially if you miss the start of your group tour. 

Refund & Cancellation Policies

This is one of the more important policies to find for any company you are researching. Some companies offer a lot of flexibility while others, not so much. A relatively normal policy will usually give you a deadline of 1-3 months before your departure to let them know if you are canceling your trip. At this point, you may lose a set percentage of your deposit or with more flexible policies, like at Under30Experiences, you will be able to put your funds on hold for use at a later date. 

It’s also important to read these cancellation policies in full. Most companies have different policies for specific locations that are stricter than their general policy. This is usually due to permits and government regulation for certain places like the Inca Trail or Galápagos Islands. 

If you’re joining a group tour you should expect to have a roommate, or multiple roommates, for the entire trip. It’s important to find out how many roommates you will have and if travelers are grouped by gender or not. If you’ve ever stayed in a hostel, you probably know that some rooms can be big, sleeping 8-12 people at a time. This can be cost-effective for the tour operator but is not always a great experience for a traveler on a long trip. 

You will also find that some tour operators use houses or villas during the trip where you will have a roommate and share a bathroom with the house or floor. This is just personal preference, as some of these houses can be beautiful, but always find out how many bathrooms are in them. It can be difficult for a dozen travelers to all get ready in the morning if there are only a couple of showers. 

Is it possible to get a private room? Most tour companies offer this option for an additional fee. It’s almost always dependent on the exact trip and availability. If the single rooms are already taken, or there is only one seat open on the trip, you may not have the option. The fees can range from a couple of hundred dollars to thousands depending on the trip. The costs are usually higher than it’s worth.

Pro Tip : It’s never a guarantee, but if you are signing up last minute for a trip you may get a room all to yourself without an extra charge. If there is only a single room available or a double room, but you are the only person in it, there shouldn’t be an extra charge. You can always ask the tour operator about their trips to see if you would be the first person in a room or if you are joining another traveler in the room. 

It’s like buying a last-minute plane ticket and picking a seat where the one next to you is also open. Another traveler may sign up at the last minute and fill that seat, but sometimes it just stays empty! 

Arrival & Departure Times

Seems simple right? Not always! When researching flights to a destination, there is usually a cheap option that can look very attractive. But does that flight's arrival or departure time align with your group's arrival? The cheapest options usually have the most obscure travel times which might mean missing your group's airport pickup. In some locations, airport pickup may be available all day if your destination is close by. 

For example, in Costa Rica, we have a set time to meet at the airport because it’s a 3+ hour ride to the trip's destination. If you miss that van, you will have to pay for a taxi for that 3-hour trip. In other destinations like Thailand, you can arrive in Bangkok at any time because your first night is at a hotel in the city, so we can easily arrange transportation. 

It’s a small detail but don’t assume that the cheapest flight you find on Google Flights will automatically work for your trip!  ‍

Looking for a flight deal? Check out our Flight Hacking Guide before your next trip! 

Traveling vs being a tourist 

I always recommend finding a company that makes an effort to highlight the true local culture of the area you’re visiting. We all love to see the popular tourist sites and Instagrammable spots but there is so much more to these areas. There is history, local traditions, cultural norms, foods, and hidden spots that are a little too far off the beaten path for the big tour buses to reach. You should strive to be a responsible traveler and come away with an understanding of the people and places that you visited. 

Some of the best days of traveling are eating at small restaurants, finding the “locals” bar, or finding that hidden beach that was a hell of a hike to get to but worth it in the end. 

Pro Tip: The bigger the tour group size, the less likely you are to have the “local” experience. Small restaurants, bars, and charming places only the locals go to can’t accommodate large groups. Small group tours will often focus on the hidden gems a little more. 

Read reviews 

Reviews are the best way to see some honest opinions about other people’s experiences with the company and on their trips. Try to find a review that mentions the exact trip you are considering. It’s important to understand that comments in reviews should be taken with a grain of salt. Many people don’t do enough research before booking something and then end up surprised when they get there. But that won’t be you!

Keep in mind that things like the weather, flight delays, and numerous other factors that are out of a tour company's control often influence a traveler’s overall experience. 

Most companies will have reviews on Facebook, Google, & Yelp. Third-party review sites are always your best bet vs reviews published directly on a company's website. 

What to do after booking your group tour:

Booking your flights .

Depending on when you book your trip, you may not be able to book flights immediately. Tour companies will usually send out flight information a set number of months before your trip letting you know the arrival and departure details. 

When you are ready to book flights, pay close attention to the arrival & departure details. Things to consider: 

• Look for flight deals that arrive a day early or depart a day late. Use this time to extend your stay in the country and explore somewhere new. 
• Almost all airports have airport hotels that are nearby. This is a popular choice for travelers who arrive a day early or depart a day late. 
• The optimal time to book international flights is 3-4 months before departure and 2-3 months for domestic flights. 

Further reading: Travel Hacking: Saving Money and Finding Cheap Flights .

Prepare for travel time.

Most group tours will include various amount of time traveling from one location to another. Make sure to look at your itinerary to understand just how much time is spent on buses, trains, or planes. You'll find that some trips include a lot of time traveling as the tour is packing in as many locations as it can into an itinerary. Other tours may stay in one or two locations but you still might find yourself traveling to and from the airport or activities.

While too much travel time can be a negative to some people others use it to get to know their group. It's a great chance to talk, play games, and learn about everyone on your trip.

Join any pre-trip groups that are available 

This is something that everyone should take advantage of. Many companies provide a way to contact your fellow travelers before your trip. Not everyone will participate, but it is a good way to see if anyone is traveling from your city, arriving early, or is even on the same flight. 

Even if the group seems quiet, speak up and lead the way. Introduce yourself and let the group know where you are traveling from and what you are looking forward to doing on your trip.

Pack like a pro 

You will have to do some research here depending on the country you are going to, the time of year you are traveling, and the style of your trip. The most important thing to remember is that less is more. The #1 packing mistake we see are travelers who bring too much and struggle to move their bags from buses to hotels to ferries to flights and so on. 

Remember, all cities around the world are not created equal. Be prepared for dirt or cobblestone streets, long walks, hikes, no elevators, boats, planes, and small vehicles. 

The bag of choice for almost all of our travelers is a travel backpack. There are a ton of options that meet carry-on requirements, but even ones that you have to check are a great option. You’ll find that a large backpack is still easier to manage than a small suitcase in unknown areas. 

If this is your first time packing for a longer trip, it’s best to start the process early. Begin packing a few days before your departure and test ways to organize your bag and slowly eliminate items that you realize may not be necessary and take up a lot of space. 

If you prefer a roller bag, this one is most popular with our travelers.

Further reading: The Essential Guide to Packing Like a Pro .

Further reading: how to pack your life in a backpack ., what to do when you arrive on your group tour:, have an open mind.

Group travel can lead to some of the best memories of your life, but it will, no doubt, test your patience a few times as well. Be ready to meet new people and try new things. Go into the trip expecting to be uncomfortable. Know that your roommate may not be your first choice and that’s okay. Join in on conversations and games when they happen. Keep a positive attitude and go with the flow. 

This is a group trip, so the more you get involved and get to know your fellow travelers the more fun you will have. 

Participate. Participate. Participate.

Stay with the group as much as possible during the first few days of the trip. Join others if they go out at night or wander around during free time. Connections happen early on these trips and if you wait to participate with others, you may find they have already formed small cliques. 

If you are tired a few days into the trip, just remember that everyone else is too. When travelers skip out on activities or time with the group they often regret it later. It’s your choice, but you are only in your exact location for a short time before moving on. Use the group’s energy to your advantage!

Pro Tip: Trip leaders will often sit next to different people at meals, on the bus, and during activities to help connect with everyone. I highly recommend that you do the same at least a couple of times. While seated during meals and on buses are the best chances of having really in-depth conversations with other travelers. If you stick to the first couple of people you met, you may miss out on other great friendships!  

Get to know your tour leader

Your tour conductor is your best resource while you’re on the tour. They will be happy to help you with any questions about the local area, provide suggestions on what to do, or just have a friendly conversation. 

They have, most likely, grown up in the region and have run group trips before. Tour leaders love talking about their country and are proud to educate others about it and show off all that it has to offer. Your trip leader probably has some funny stories about other groups or travelers they have come across while on the job. Asking about these stories is always a great way to connect with them. 

Remember, they are part of the group so don’t be shy about engaging with them and getting to know them just like you are getting to know your other travelers. They are there to help so take advantage! 

Pro tip: You will be able to connect with your tour leader more on a small group tour. Even if your trip has 50 travelers on it there will still only be one tour leader. 

This is more important than you might think. Smiling brings good energy to you. It helps other travelers feel that you are approachable. It will also keep your mind focused on the positive. 

As I have mentioned in this article, group travel, and honestly, any type of travel, can present all kinds of challenges that might make you uncomfortable. It’s important to stay positive and realize that it is all part of the experience. 

How to stay involved after your tour is over:

Use your new friends for local trips.

A great thing about meeting new people who have traveled from different locations is that you now have friends in cities around the world. Use this opportunity to travel and explore these places while staying or meeting up with your new friends. They’re great resources to have and make solo trips a lot more fun. 

Plan reunions

We’ve seen a lot of Under30Experiences groups plan awesome reunions after returning home. Entire groups have gotten together in places like Lake Tahoe , Asheville, Austin, and many others. These are usually quick 3-4 day weekend trips to anywhere the group agrees on. Not every group clicks at this level, but when they do it’s a lot of fun to see these things come together. 

Don’t be afraid to take charge and help plan a reunion trip like this. You’d be surprised how many people are interested and are just waiting for someone to take the lead.

Leave a review or provide feedback

Every travel company works hard to provide a great experience for their customers. It is extremely difficult to control everything that happens while exploring foreign countries for days or weeks at a time. A company needs its travelers to provide feedback to know how things went on the trip itself. Companies will collect this feedback in different ways but at Under30Experiences we ask travelers to fill out a trip feedback form and leave a review online. 

We also ask travelers to contact us directly with both good and bad feedback. It’s how we improve, and we love hearing from everyone. 

It’s Time to travel! 

You’ve done the research, and now it’s time to book a small group tour . Remember, start small and work your way to longer and more expensive trips. Wherever you decide to travel it will be a memorable experience, and you won’t regret it. 

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Your Ultimate Guide to Group Travel

Considering group travel here’s what you need to know ., blog written by  helene sula,   @heleneinbetween.

With a 50% increase in group travel booking rates since 2021 , it’s no secret that group travel has emerged as one of the best ways to explore the world. If you’re looking for a unique way to travel and make lasting memories, then group trips are for you! And whether you’re an experienced traveler or just starting out, there are so many benefits to going on a group trip. Let’s dive into what group travel is all about and why it’s a great option if you want to meet and travel with like-minded people without the stress of planning a trip.

What is group travel?

Simply put, group travel is exploring the world with like-minded people. But it’s so much more than that—it’s an easy and seamless way to experience a destination without endless researching, booking and planning. 

For anyone that's been on a trip, we know there is a lot to navigate which can make a vacation more stressful than fun. That’s why it's necessary to have a skilled professional organize your trip. I turn to TrovaTrip (a group travel planning and booking platform designed for Content Creators) to ensure my trips are planned seamlessly with unique itineraries, great restaurants, hotels, and local guides who make sure all my guests are taken care of. 

Plus, group travel leaves you with experiences that are truly unforgettable; like the time I was in the middle of the streets of Florence, a warm summer breeze tickled the back of my neck. Suddenly an entire band in full black and white ensembles approached the streets and started serenading the group of 18 women. "We had to sing for all the beauty!" one man exclaimed after finishing his Italian song. This is the type of experience you can only have when you take a group trip.

After all, a good trip is nothing short of life-changing—and I should know! The first trip I hosted to Portugal was back in 2017. I recently traveled with 2 women who went on that trip in 2022...5 years later! These relationships, connections, and friendships are priceless.

The benefits of group travel

Stress-free travel.

Let someone else worry about the planning and logistics. One of the biggest benefits to group travel is that the itinerary is already designed which allows you to truly enjoy, relax, and learn. Group travel is the perfect way to explore a destination and spend your time discovering, rather than worrying about if your taxi is going to arrive or if your hotel will live up to its online reviews.

Have a local guide to lead the way and speak the language. Another perk of signing up for organized group travel is that the trips offered through companies like TrovaTrip are  professionally designed and managed by experienced operators who know all the ins-and-outs of the destination. This means all activities are vetted and planned for the group in advance—no searching required! The operators even employ local guides who know everything about their city or country, and provide incredible insight into what makes this place special, creating an unforgettable journey for everyone involved.

Want to know the best place for paella in Barcelona? Your guide will tell you. Decide on a whim to take a flamenco class? Your guide knows where to go!

Having an experienced guide who knows the area means that you can ensure you're getting an enriching and meaningful experience.

Form connections

Travel has a way of broadening our perspective and opening us up to more people and experiences than we might have at home. When we do this, it naturally sets us up to form connections unlike any other.

On one of the group trips I hosted with TrovaTrip in Europe, it was several people's very first time abroad. One night, we celebrated a traveler, Megan’s birthday. We surprised her with a cake and all 16 of us crowded around the table, shrouding the cake lit with candles and uncontrollably giggling as we sang "Happy Birthday." It was in this moment that I realized these strangers - mere days ago - were now lifelong friends. You simply can't recreate this type of environment anywhere else!

Maybe you're itching to explore the jungles of Bali or the volcanoes in Iceland. Now, you get the benefit (and memories!) of going with others.

Being a part of a group decreases the likelihood that you will be targeted by thieves, and having secure lodging every night eliminates any chance that you might find yourself wandering through an unfriendly neighborhood in search for a hotel at 1am. You also have reliable transport and your guide knows which areas to avoid. 

Group travel is also a great option for solo female travelers who may be hesitant to explore on their own. When traveling in a group, there are others to share and navigate your experiences with, and your local guide is there to show you the way, making it much safer than traveling alone.

Having been on a group trip to Morocco, I know it’s an incredible destination, but not one I’d choose to visit solo. Having a group to explore the streets at night made me feel so much safer than I would have wandering around on my own as a woman. 

By traveling in a group, you feel empowered and ready to explore unfamiliar cultures and environments with confidence. There is safety in numbers and much less of a chance of getting lost on your own. With group travel nothing holds you back from experiencing all that's out there—whether it’s taking an evening walk along the shoreline or wandering through remote Mediterranean villages.

Interested in learning about hosting your own trip? Fill out the form below.

What's it like going on a group trip?

I tend to freeze up in new environments when I'm meeting new people. But something about group travel is different—it presents ample opportunity for discussion and you already know you’re surrounded by like-minded people. Plus there is no better way to bond than by experiencing new things together!

In a pasta making class in Rome, one of our first group outings, we all sat at tables getting to know one another. After making the pizzas, we all cut them up into 20 different pieces so everyone could try each person's concoction. We then spontaneously voted on whose was best. At the end, the staff was so tickled that they gave bottles of wine to our top picks! We ended up all splitting the wine. It's a memory we would never forget, and from then on we might comment on each other's Instagrams with "Pizza Competitor" as a reminder.

These inside jokes and shared connections form lasting memories you simply can't create from behind a screen. 

So, who's on these group trips? Typically you'll find that most travelers are solo. Meaning, they booked the trip alone. You'll also find couples, friends, and sometimes a mother-daughter duo in the mix. But rest assured that everyone who books the trip goes with the intention of making new friendships!

And while you make long-lasting connections, you also grow personally. You'll be able to reflect, take a break from the norm, and learn about yourself throughout the process.

Logistics of group travel

Pace and physical activity of a trip. The pace of the trip and physical activity level are up to you! If you check out TrovaTrip's website, you'll see a variety of trips and options. They are different lengths of time, places, and activities with everything from days spent lounging on the beach, to summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro! The trips are even rated 1-5 based on the level of physical exertion they require so you know what you're getting into when you sign up.

Rooming and privacy. Group trips tend to vary, but often provide a couple rooming options to choose from. You can either have a shared room, or choose to have your own private room depending on the trip. I always recommend sharing a room because it's a great way to make friends! With TrovaTrip, Hosts have their own room while travelers typically have a double occupancy room unless otherwise requested.

What’s included? Total cost of the trips depend on what is included. Examples of inclusions provided by TrovaTrip are accommodations, some meals, activities, transportation to and from airports, and your local guide.

Typically flights to and from the destination are not included, but it depends on your package. In short, you'll usually see a fixed total price that lists all these elements before booking. 

Pro travel tip: A benefit of not having every meal included? You get free time to try that local café on the corner that caught your eye!

The local guide is there to run the show. Your local guide is the go to expert for your trip. They not only ensure your safety they help facilitate trip logistics, help you maneuver in your destination to make for a wonderful trip. Your guide is also fluent in the local language and knows all about the local customs, history, and cultural norms such as tipping.

I remember on one of our trips our train was delayed which meant we'd miss a connection. Our guide helped to swiftly navigate our group and we were only five minutes delayed. These kinds of travel hiccups can happen and having a local guide helps ensure a smooth trip.

Your guide also points you in the direction of the best places to eat, hidden gems, nightlife, or get you to a bank, pharmacy, or hospital.

One of my favorite memories was going to a local bar in Florence recommended by our guide and it was the absolute perfect place for us! We'd never have found it if it wasn't for our guide.

As a Host with TrovaTrip , you can feel confident since your guide is the authority on your trip. Their job is to make the trip go off without a hitch and give you and your travelers the ability to relax and focus on having fun and making connections!

What kind of group trip should you take?

Now that you know all about group trips, what kind of trip would be best for you? I would recommend choosing a trip with an itinerary and destination that reflects your interests and passions!

One way to find a trip is to see what options creators are offering for their trips . For example, I'm from the USA but I love sharing my passion for travel in Europe. I often select city itineraries that are a mixture of food, wine, tours, and time to explore. So my travelers tend to be those highly interested in Euro-travel with an interest in content creation.

Do you like to explore and see as many different places as possible? Or do you prefer to stick to a few cities or regions? Do you like adventures with lots of hikes or would you rather spend time relaxing at beaches or pools?

If you want to host a trip, TrovaTrip provides a survey so you can learn exactly what your audience interests are, their budget and what your followers might want out of a trip. Maybe an adventure in Patagonia, a photography tour in Morocco, or an exploration of Costa Rica. You can cater the trip to your needs!

No matter what type of group trip you choose, you can be sure that you'll have unforgettable experiences, new friends and countless unique stories to share!

What makes TrovaTrip travel experiences different

Connections. TrovaTrip enables Creators to bring their communities together, uniting those of similar interests, and generating strong connections that can transform lives.

Peace of mind. Group travel offers something special—the chance to really immerse yourself in your destination without having to worry about planning every little detail yourself. From meeting new friends to exploring unique experiences together, there are so many reasons why joining a group on your next adventure might be the best decision ever!

Your safety is always the number one priority at TrovaTrip. For female solo travelers, visiting destinations such as Morocco or hiking solo in Bali can be a daunting experience. TrovaTrip is committed to providing an environment of safety and assurance while enabling women and explorers to bond with like-minded adventurers.

Giving time back. TrovaTrip allows creators have time to focus on what they're passionate about—making meaningful connections with their audience. Plus, all the difficult logistics are taken care of so that even more energy and attention can be devoted towards enjoying amazing experiences!

With so much of the world to explore, a unique group travel experience awaits! If you're looking to host a group trip with your community, fill out the form below to learn more.

Looking to join a trip as a traveler? Book a spot on an upcoming trip.

Group Travel FAQ

• What types of destinations and experiences can you do with group travel?
• Group travel can take you all over the world! You can choose from a variety of experiences, such as photography tours in Egypt, adventure trips in New Zealand, relaxing beach getaways in Thailand, and more. The possibilities are endless!
• How many people go on a trip? 
• Most trips usually have around 10-20 people. This allows for a perfect balance of togetherness and personal space.
• Do I need to be outgoing to host a trip? 
• Not necessarily. As a Host, you can survey your community to learn insights and pick the perfect itinerary; selecting locations and activities that are the best fit. Plus, when you have the added benefit of an experience, it makes an easy way to connect. Sharing new experiences makes it easy to connect with people, even for those who may feel shy at first. 
• What is the rooming situation like on a group trip? 
• Most often you'll find double occupancy rooms. So 2  to a room, each with their own bed. With TrovaTrip, Hosts have their own room and travelers share a double occupancy room unless otherwise requested.
• Is there privacy or downtime on a group trip? 
• Of course! Trips are full of activities and experiences, but there is also plenty of downtime for you to relax or explore on your own. After all, it's your vacation!
• Do I need to be an experienced traveler? 
• No experience necessary! TrovaTrip's team of experts are always available to help make sure you have the best trip possible. They'll handle all the logistics, so you can relax and enjoy your journey.
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Does Anyone Actually Enjoy Group Travel?

By CNT Editors

Travel Debates is a series in which our editors weigh in on the most contentious issues that arise in-transit, like whether you should ever switch seats on a plane or if you should check your work email while on vacation.

In our last debate , we delved into the contentious matter of splitting the bill when embarking on group travel. A heated discussion amongst our editors revealed an even juicier question lurking in plain sight: Would you even be on said group trip in the first place? As people sounded out their answers it became increasingly clear that many at  Condé Nast Traveler  avoid group trips altogether. Whether for reasons underlined the last time—one too many travel companions that took their time to pay back their debts, or failed to do so entirely—or because of trauma incurred from being the perennial trip planner, members of the team have strong feelings.

This doesn’t mean, however, that all of us draw a hard line. With the right mindset and proper boundaries in place, many agree that group travel can be pure magic. Do you enjoy group trips? Our editors weigh in below.

Yes, but only with people I truly love

My ultimate fantasy is having all the people I love together at once, so group trips (especially when I’m curating the crowd) are something I look forward to. Sure, you have to be more easygoing than when you travel solo, and sometimes you’ll compromise on the restaurant you eat at, but I’m there for the group hang first and foremost. I take enough other trips—solo, work, just me and one other person—to get my fix of total-itinerary-control elsewhere. But I do feel strongly that you should only go on group trips with people you would be happy doing absolutely nothing with—mainly because that means they’re worth spending your time and money jetting around for, but also because the details of everything else fade into the background when you’re just glad to be together. Maybe my experiences have been so favorable because I’m selective about the group trips I join; but I do think everyone should feel empowered to say no to group trip invites they aren’t stoked about—if you’re just going out of obligation, you’re really going to hate it when they pick that mediocre breakfast spot.  —Megan Spurrell, senior editor

Yes, but I won't plan them

As the big traveler amongst my friends and family, it’s normally up to me to help plan the group trip. Planning isn’t my favorite, because with large groups there are so many voices chiming in with strong opinions. People might want to do their own thing and it takes a lot of time and effort to curate an itinerary that everyone is going to like. I’m also the type of person that wants to make sure everyone is having a good time, so I tend to worry if my friends or family are going to like the plan I helped create. Being invited on a group trip is different—I can just show up and go with the flow. But in the end, I get to be around the people I love, share laughs, and experience a new place together. —Kayla Brock, associate social media manager

Yes, but on the condition of equity

Group trips are some of my favorite memories. It makes my heart so full to shuck off the sometimes tedious humdrum of doing the same day-to-day group restaurant dining, city walks, and home game nights for the excitement of a brand new destination and its accompanying experiences. However, a key element of success—at least for me—is a sense of shared responsibility amongst your traveling crew. Maybe one person does the grocery shopping for your Airbnb while somebody else makes the dinner reservation for the next day. Or you each take a day to plan a full itinerary, keeping in mind things that everyone might enjoy. Without the divide-and-conquer approach, it can be a lot to ask of one or a few group members, and can quickly leave people feeling resentful or just plain exhausted. Group travel tip that I've been itching to try that I think has built-in support for an equitable experience? A group cruise! It's on my list for 2023 and I think it'll be the perfect way to escape with all of my loved ones without leaving a lot of planning work to be tackled. —Lara Kramer, associate director of audience development  

No, not always 

Don’t get me wrong—I love my friends and have some great memories from group trips—but I find that sometimes when traveling: the more people, the more stress. Group trips can feel like you’re back in school working on a group project and there’s the student who plans everything, the one who is slow to respond to anything, and the one who does nothing to help. I hate any type of conflict with friends, so I prefer to avoid being annoyed if some of my friends (that I love!) fall into some of those roles. It can be difficult to plan an itinerary that pleases the whole group, and people tend to have different expectations for how things will go. This doesn’t mean I’ve sworn off group trips entirely, but I am very intentional about who I’ll go with, and make sure it’s a trip that I’m excited to be part of. —Meaghan Kenny, associate commerce editor  

Rarely, if ever

I love a good  small group trip—but I find that it can be difficult to pull off a successful one, especially as the person who usually gets stuck with all the planning. I’m happy to research and book things, plus craft a very loose itinerary for a group (and as a guides editor I nerd out on it, honestly), but when a group size hits any more than four people there’s almost always someone who ends up unhappy with the plan (and who wasn’t vocal about it when all the decision making went down). It’s never a surprise to me when this communication breakdown happens, but it does have a way of making things uncomfortable for everyone involved, and a vacation is no time to be uncomfortable! Give me a small getaway with three of my closest friends, or my husband and another couple, any time! But I’ve found that anything bigger toes the line of social exhaustion. —Shannon McMahon, destinations editor

Almost never…save with family

I have a lot of accumulated trauma from group trips undertaken in the past. My last one involved playing credit card roulette for the best room in the rental (that I wasn't in charge of booking), sharing a toilet with failing plumbing, and extremely bad snacks. Granted, this wasn’t a group of best friends, but I’m loath to travel in large groups even when there are close friendships involved. On one such occasion, a couple decided to let their marriage unravel in front of us. As the trip progressed, it became apparent that the end for them was nigh—and our trip was irrecoverable. Since then, my kind of grouping involves meeting and hanging out with locals in the places I visit. Or traveling with just one close friend. These better suit my traveler personality, and I end up having an exponentially better time. My only exception to this rule is traveling with family—we're all apples that fell from the same tree, and are generally agreeable around each other even over long periods—something that flummoxes my husband no end.  — Arati Menon, global digital director

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What is group travel?

So, what exactly is group travel and how does Group Leisure & Travel magazine fit in?

Ever heard of the term ‘group travel organiser’? Well, GTOs are the primary audience for our portfolio of specialist magazines, directories, websites and events which are all geared towards people who organise group trips and holidays.

We’re also read by coach operators and people who work within the group travel trade.

Lin Wilson (second from right) who runs Solent Events & Leisure / Solent Events is one of our readers. Here she is with members of her group climbing The O2 Arena in London.

There is a whole world of group travel delights out there, whether you regularly organise for a club, society, company - or the odd trip for friends.

Benefits include:

• Great group discounts
• Exclusive after-hours tours
• Priority theatre seats
• Free places for the group organiser
• Dedicated group departments with specialist advisors
• The opportunity to meet new like-minded people

…. the list goes on.

Register with Group Leisure & Travel and request the magazine too

If you organise group trips and/or holidays register with this website for complete access so you can read as many stories and features as you like, completely free.

You can also opt in to receive our newsletter

As part of the website registration process, you have the choice of requesting a free regular subscription to Group Leisure & Travel Magazine, out every month in print and online digital edition. Its full of news, ideas, contacts and advice - and you can read about other people who organise group trips too. Each issue we interview a group travel organiser and find out a little more about them and their travel organising.

Plus, each issue is full of adverts promoting group services, deals and offers.

Find your perfect group trip…

You can read the latest edition of Group Leisure & Travel Magazine any time at groupleisureandtravel.com/emag .

To register with our website and to request a regular free subscription to the magazine and / or our newsletters click to groupleisureandtravel.com/register .

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The Benefits of Group Travel: Why Traveling Together is Better

Table of Contents

Did you know that 75% of travelers who have taken a group trip reported feeling safer and more secure throughout their journey? In this article, we will explore the numerous benefits of group travel and why traveling together is a superior choice. From shared costs and savings to enhanced social connections, exclusive discounts, and unforgettable memories, there are countless reasons why joining a group can enhance your overall travel experience. So grab your friends or join a like-minded community – let’s dive into the advantages of exploring the world with others by your side.

Key Takeaways Increased safety and security Shared costs and savings Enhanced social connections and networking Convenience and logistics

Increased Safety and Security

Traveling together in a group provides increased safety and security for everyone involved. When you travel with others, there is an increased sense of peace of mind knowing that you have others to rely on in case of emergencies or unexpected situations.

One of the main benefits of group travel is the added safety it brings. Being part of a group means that you have more eyes watching out for potential dangers or threats. Whether it’s navigating through unfamiliar streets or visiting crowded tourist attractions, having fellow travelers around can help deter pickpockets and other criminals. Additionally, traveling in a group allows you to share the responsibility of keeping each other safe, making it less likely for anyone to become a target.

In terms of security, traveling as a group offers several advantages. Group tours often come with experienced guides who are familiar with the destination and can provide valuable information about local customs and potential risks. They can also assist in arranging transportation and accommodations, ensuring that you stay in reputable establishments and use reliable services. Furthermore, being part of a group means that you have support if any unforeseen circumstances arise during your trip, such as lost passports or medical emergencies.

Overall, traveling together in a group not only increases your sense of safety but also provides peace of mind throughout your journey. Knowing that you have others looking out for you and sharing the responsibilities can greatly enhance your travel experience. So next time you plan a trip, consider joining a group tour or traveling with friends – it’s not just about companionship but also about staying safe and secure wherever your adventures take you

Shared Costs and Savings

When traveling in a group, there are several ways to share costs and save money. One way is by splitting accommodation expenses, where the cost of the hotel or vacation rental can be divided among all members, resulting in significant savings compared to booking individual rooms. Additionally, many activities offer bulk discounts for larger groups, allowing everyone to enjoy popular attractions at a lower price. Moreover, shared transportation costs can be minimized by carpooling or renting a van together, reducing expenses and making it more affordable for everyone involved.

Splitting Accommodation Expenses

Splitting accommodation expenses is a convenient way for travelers to save money. When traveling with a group, sharing the cost of accommodations can significantly reduce your individual expenses. Accommodation sharing allows you to split the cost of hotel rooms, vacation rentals, or even campgrounds among all the travelers in your group. By doing so, each person pays only a fraction of the total expense, making it much more affordable for everyone involved.

Not only does splitting accommodation expenses save you money, but it also provides an opportunity to stay in nicer and more spacious accommodations that would be out of reach financially if you were traveling alone. With the cost divided among multiple individuals, you can afford to book larger rooms or even luxurious vacation homes that offer more amenities and comfort.

In addition to financial benefits, sharing accommodation also adds a sense of camaraderie and adventure to your trip. You get to spend quality time with your travel companions and create lasting memories together while exploring new places.

Overall, splitting accommodation expenses is a practical approach that allows you to save money while enjoying better accommodations and fostering stronger bonds with your fellow travelers.

Bulk Discounts on Activities

If you take advantage of bulk discounts on activities, you can save even more money during your trip. Many attractions and tour companies offer discounted rates for groups, allowing you to enjoy popular activities at a fraction of the cost. Whether it’s a guided city tour, a visit to a theme park, or an adventure excursion, group savings can make these experiences much more affordable. By booking as a group, you not only benefit from lower prices but also get the chance to share these memorable moments with your travel companions. Additionally, some destinations have special packages exclusively designed for large groups, providing further discounts and exclusive perks. So make sure to research and inquire about discounted activities for groups before planning your itinerary to maximize your travel budget .

Shared Transportation Costs

Shared transportation can significantly reduce costs for everyone involved. By sharing rides or renting a bus or van, you can split the expenses among the group, making it much more affordable than individual travel. This not only saves money but also reduces the environmental impact by minimizing the number of vehicles on the road. Additionally, shared transportation allows for efficient travel planning as you can coordinate pick-up and drop-off locations that are convenient for everyone. With reduced costs and streamlined logistics, you can focus more on enjoying your trip rather than worrying about transportation arrangements.

Furthermore, traveling together in shared transportation provides an opportunity for enhanced social connections and networking. As you spend time together during the journey, you have the chance to bond with your fellow travelers, share stories and experiences, and build new friendships. Whether it’s carpooling with friends or joining organized group tours, shared transportation creates a sense of camaraderie and fosters a stronger sense of community among travelers. So not only does traveling together save money and reduce environmental impact, but it also enriches your overall travel experience through meaningful connections with others.

Enhanced Social Connections and Networking

When you embark on a journey with others, you have the opportunity to strengthen your bonds and create lasting memories together. Traveling together opens up new possibilities for forming friendships and connecting on a deeper level. Additionally, exploring new places can also expand your professional network as you meet people from different industries and backgrounds who may become valuable contacts in the future.

Strengthened Bonds Through Travel

You’ll love how traveling together strengthens your bonds and creates lasting memories. Group travel has the power to build relationships and create lifelong memories like no other experience. Here’s why:

• Shared Experiences: When you explore new destinations with others, you share unique moments that strengthen your connections. From navigating unfamiliar streets to trying local cuisine, these shared experiences create a sense of camaraderie.
• Overcoming Challenges: Traveling as a group often involves facing unexpected challenges together. Whether it’s getting lost in a foreign city or dealing with language barriers, overcoming these obstacles as a team builds trust and resilience.
• Quality Time: Group travel offers the opportunity for uninterrupted quality time with loved ones or new friends. Without the distractions of daily life, you can truly connect on a deeper level and forge lifelong bonds.
• Collective Memories: The memories created during group travel become cherished stories that you can reminisce about for years to come. These shared adventures strengthen your bonds and provide a source of joy whenever they are revisited.

Opportunities for New Friendships

Meeting new people while traveling is a fantastic way to expand your social circle. Group travel provides ample opportunities for making new connections and forming lifelong friendships. By joining a tour or participating in group activities, you are exposed to a diverse range of individuals with similar interests and passions. Whether it’s striking up conversations during meals or engaging in shared experiences, the bonds formed while traveling together can be incredibly strong. These new friendships have the potential to last a lifetime, as you create lasting memories and share unique adventures with like-minded companions. As you continue to explore the benefits of group travel, expanding your social circle is just the beginning. Not only will you meet interesting people from all walks of life, but you’ll also have the chance to expand your professional network in ways that can enhance your career prospects.

Expand Professional Network

By joining a tour or participating in group activities, you can quickly connect with professionals who may offer valuable career opportunities. Here’s how expanding your professional network through group travel can benefit your career advancement:

• Access to diverse industries: When traveling with a group, you’ll meet people from various backgrounds and industries. This allows you to expand your network beyond your current industry and gain insights into different fields.
• Exchange of ideas and knowledge: Engaging with professionals during group activities gives you the opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences, and learn from each other’s expertise. This can broaden your knowledge base and provide new perspectives on your own career path.
• Mentorship possibilities: Group travel often involves experienced professionals who are willing to mentor younger individuals. By connecting with these mentors, you can gain guidance, advice, and support for your career development.
• Increased visibility: Being part of a group provides visibility within professional circles and increases the chances of being referred or recommended for job opportunities.

Expanding your professional network through group travel opens doors to new connections, collaborations, and potential career advancements that might not be possible otherwise.

Access to Exclusive Group Discounts and Deals

Traveling with a group gives you access to exclusive discounts and deals that are not available to individual travelers. Group travel benefits extend beyond the joy of exploring new destinations with like-minded individuals. One significant advantage is the ability to secure exclusive deals that can save you money on various aspects of your trip.

When you travel as part of a group, tour operators and accommodations often offer special rates and packages specifically for groups. These exclusive discounts can include reduced prices on transportation, accommodation, meals, attractions, and even guided tours. By taking advantage of these deals, you can enjoy significant savings compared to booking as an individual traveler.

In addition to discounted rates, group travel also opens up opportunities for unique experiences that may not be accessible to solo travelers. Some attractions and activities have minimum participant requirements or offer discounted rates for larger groups. This means that by traveling in a group, you can gain access to exclusive experiences such as private tours or behind-the-scenes access at popular tourist sites.

Furthermore, group travel allows for better negotiation power when it comes to securing favorable terms and prices. Tour operators often work closely with hotels, restaurants, and transportation providers on behalf of their groups. They leverage their relationships and buying power to negotiate better deals than what an individual traveler could achieve on their own.

Overall, traveling with a group offers more than just companionship; it provides access to exclusive discounts and deals that can make your trip more affordable while offering unique experiences not available to solo travelers. So next time you plan a trip , consider joining a group tour or organizing one yourself – the benefits are worth it!

Shared Experiences and Memories

When you’re part of a group, you’ll always have someone to reminisce with about the shared experiences and memories. Group travel not only allows you to explore new destinations together, but it also creates lasting bonds through these collective moments. Here are four reasons why shared experiences and memories make traveling together an unforgettable adventure:

• Deepens Relationships : Traveling with others fosters a sense of camaraderie as you navigate unfamiliar places and overcome challenges together. From hiking up a mountain to exploring local markets, these shared experiences create unique memories that strengthen your connections.
• Enhances Cultural Understanding : Experiencing different cultures becomes richer when done in a group setting. Engaging with locals, trying traditional cuisine, or participating in cultural activities alongside your travel companions deepens your understanding and appreciation for diverse perspectives.
• Creates Inside Jokes : Nothing brings people closer than inside jokes born out of shared adventures. Whether it’s getting lost in a maze-like city or taking funny photos at tourist spots, these moments become cherished memories that continue to bring laughter long after the trip ends.
• Provides Support System : When faced with unexpected situations or homesickness while traveling, having a group by your side can provide comfort and reassurance. Your fellow travelers offer emotional support, problem-solving skills, and help alleviate any anxieties that may arise during the journey.

Traveling alone certainly has its merits, but there is something truly special about sharing experiences and creating lasting memories with others by your side. So gather your friends or join a group tour – embark on an adventure together and let the joy of shared moments enrich your travel experience like never before!

Increased Cultural Immersion and Learning Opportunities

Immerse yourself in the local culture and expand your knowledge by exploring new destinations with a group of like-minded individuals. Group travel offers increased cultural immersion and learning opportunities, allowing you to fully engage with the destination and its people. Through cultural exchange and language immersion, you can gain a deeper understanding of different customs, traditions, and ways of life.

When you travel in a group, you have the chance to interact with locals on a more personal level. This can be through homestays or community visits where you get to experience their daily routines and participate in their activities. By engaging with locals, you not only learn about their culture but also establish connections that can last beyond your trip.

Language immersion is another benefit of group travel. It gives you the opportunity to practice speaking the local language with native speakers. Whether it’s ordering food at a restaurant or asking for directions on the street, using the local language allows for better communication and deeper connections. Being able to communicate directly in another language enhances your overall travel experience.

Here is an example table showcasing some benefits of cultural exchange and language immersion during group travel:

Support and Assistance From Travel Companions

With the support and assistance of your travel companions, you can navigate unfamiliar surroundings and overcome any challenges that may arise. Traveling with a group not only allows you to share experiences and create lasting memories, but it also provides a sense of security and comfort knowing that you have people by your side who are there to help and support you.

Here are four ways in which the assistance and support from your travel companions can enhance your journey:

• Navigation: Exploring new destinations can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Having travel companions means having extra sets of eyes to read maps, ask for directions, or simply brainstorm the best way to get from point A to point B.
• Language barriers: Communicating in a foreign language can sometimes be challenging. However, when traveling in a group, someone might have language skills that others lack. This linguistic diversity within the group ensures that someone will always be able to assist with translations or negotiations.
• Problem-solving: Unexpected situations can occur while traveling, such as missed flights or lost belongings. When faced with these challenges, the collective problem-solving abilities of your travel companions come into play. Together, you can brainstorm solutions and provide emotional support.
• Bonding and camaraderie: The shared experiences during group travel often lead to strong bonds and deep friendships among travelers. The mutual assistance provided by each member fosters a sense of camaraderie that adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the journey.

Opportunity for Personal Growth and Development

You can truly expand your horizons and discover new aspects of yourself through the opportunities for personal growth and development that arise during group travel. When you travel with a group, you have the chance to step out of your comfort zone and engage in activities that challenge you both physically and mentally. Whether it’s trying new foods, participating in adventure sports, or immersing yourself in a different culture, each experience presents an opportunity for self-discovery.

Group travel allows you to meet people from diverse backgrounds who share a common passion for exploration. Interacting with fellow travelers can broaden your perspective and expose you to different ways of thinking. Through conversations and shared experiences, you may gain valuable insights about yourself and others. This increased self-awareness can lead to personal growth as you become more understanding, adaptable, and open-minded.

Furthermore, traveling with a group often involves teamwork and cooperation. Collaborating with others to plan itineraries, make decisions, and overcome challenges fosters important life skills such as communication, negotiation, problem-solving, and patience. These skills are not only beneficial during the trip but also transferable to various aspects of your personal and professional life.

In addition to interpersonal skills, group travel provides opportunities for introspection. The time spent alone during flights or long bus rides gives you space for reflection on your goals, values, strengths, weaknesses, fears, dreams – all contributing factors to personal development. You may find clarity on what truly matters to you or gain a renewed sense of purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any age restrictions for group travel.

When it comes to group travel, age restrictions can vary depending on the specific trip or tour. However, there are many benefits of traveling in a diverse group that includes people of different ages. For younger travelers, they can benefit from the wisdom and experience of older individuals. Older travelers may appreciate the energy and enthusiasm of younger ones. Ultimately, traveling with a diverse group allows for a richer and more rewarding experience for everyone involved.

How Do I Find a Reputable Group Travel Company or Tour Operator?

To find a reputable group travel company or tour operator, start by doing some research online. Look for companies with positive customer reviews and high ratings. Check if they are members of any industry associations or have received awards for their services. It’s also important to consider their experience and expertise in organizing group tours. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations from friends or family who have had good experiences with group travel.

Can I Join a Group Travel Tour if I Have Specific Dietary Restrictions?

Yes, you can definitely join a group travel tour even if you have specific dietary restrictions. Reputable group travel companies or tour operators understand the importance of accommodating dietary needs to ensure a positive group dynamic. They will work with you to provide suitable meal options that meet your requirements. Whether it’s vegetarian, gluten-free, or any other dietary restriction, they will strive to make sure you have an enjoyable and satisfying dining experience during your group travel adventure.

What Happens if I Don’t Get Along With the Other Members of the Group?

If you don’t get along with the other members of the group, dealing with conflicts can be challenging. However, finding common ground is key to resolving differences and maintaining a positive atmosphere during your trip. It’s important to communicate openly and respectfully with others, listening to their perspectives and trying to understand their point of view. By compromising, being flexible, and focusing on shared interests or goals, you can work towards building better relationships within the group.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Hidden Costs Associated With Group Travel?

When it comes to group travel, it’s important to consider if there are any additional fees or hidden costs. Unexpected expenses can quickly eat into your budget if you’re not prepared. It’s always a good idea to do some research and ask the tour operator or travel agent about any potential extra charges. This way, you can budget accordingly and avoid any financial surprises during your trip.

In conclusion, traveling with a group brings countless benefits and can make your journey even more enjoyable. From increased safety and security to shared costs and savings, the advantages are abundant. You’ll also have enhanced social connections, access exclusive discounts, and create shared experiences that will leave lasting memories. Moreover, group travel allows for increased cultural immersion and learning opportunities while providing support from your companions. So don’t miss out on the opportunity for personal growth and development that comes with traveling together!

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7 tips to help you keep the peace when traveling with a group

Going away together — as a couple or in a group — sounds exciting, but the cocktail of travel's inherent stresses and a group's personality differences can sometimes combust. There are ways, however, to have a good time and deepen your connections. We mined conflict coaches, therapists and group tour guides for their top tips on navigating the social dynamics of traveling together.

1. Align your expectations ahead of time.

Agree on the why of the trip, and then go from there. "Have a fun conversation over a meal about what you want this trip to be," says Priya Parker , a conflict counselor and the author of The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters .

Ask yourselves, why are we going on this trip? To relax or to work? To learn about history, to reunite a family, to conquer a physical challenge? Talk about the goal and intentions.

Call it what you want — pre-trip counseling, setting up a social contract, level setting — this is all about anticipating potential issues in advance. "One of the core elements of conflict resolution is you imagine future problematic scenarios, and you ask people about them ahead of time," says Parker.

Beyond The Grind: Find Meaning In Travel — Abroad Or In Your Backyard

One often-overlooked issue is how the group will make decisions.

"You can decide based on consensus," Parker says. " 'We'll go with however the most tired person is feeling.' Or, 'We'll go with whoever is willing to foot the bill for everybody else.' You can be playful around these decisions." Having a template decided in advance can stave off issues while traveling.

2. Set boundaries for how you'll spend your time.

If you're an introvert, plan to carve out your me time, so the trip doesn't become overwhelming and miserable.

"I always do this," says psychotherapist and self-described introvert Lisa Kays . "I look at, like, how much group time? Where do I get my alone time? Figure out [in advance] what are the things I'd want to do alone, and if I am traveling with somebody, letting them know that. It's not personal at all. This is something I'd be doing even if I was hanging out with my favorite celebrity."

It can be easy to get caught up in people pleasing and being polite, says Kays, but if you're not getting what you need, things can start to deteriorate. You'll be a better travel companion if you're rested and recharged.

3. Have a mix of scheduled days and unscheduled days.

Some travelers like to plan every moment; others are more spontaneous and want to see where the mood takes them. Having a mix helps balance out a trip. "If you're going on a five-day trip, saying look, we're gonna have two days of downtime, or two days where it's unscheduled, but then let the planners do their thing!" Kays says.

4. Don't forget your grown-up lovey.

"I think that we can underestimate sometimes the stress that goes on when we're traveling," says Kays. "Even if you're having a great time, it is a bit of an assault on your body and your mind."

Bring something from your home routine to help you stay sane on the road — anything from a song you like to hear to a few yoga poses you always do in the morning.

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Ask yourself, "What's my transitional object that I could take with me, to make myself feel better," Kays says. "And how can you bring it with you so that you don't lose touch with your at-home self."

5. Confront any social issues that arise head-on, with honesty.

Don't avoid conflict in order to be polite, and don't let "unhealthy peace" fester.

"Unhealthy peace is peace that's not really peace," says Parker. "It's where ... if a stranger was looking at you, the stranger would think, 'oh, everything's fine here. They seem to be enjoying themselves. Everybody's kind and polite, and this looks like a really great group.' But underneath, everybody's simmering and seething."

Defuse tension by talking out any social issues honestly.

Want to make all your arguments win-win? Stop fighting and start brainstorming

"The deepest element of conflict resolution is an invitation to make the implicit explicit," Parker says. When there's unhealthy peace, usually everyone in the group can recognize it's there. So be unafraid to bring it up. Maybe by cracking a joke, or just asking to do a check-in to see how everyone's feeling.

"I know that groups recover better and can deal when somebody says, like, guys, is something weird?" says Kays. "Usually everybody's like, 'Oh, thank God, somebody said it.' "

6. Couples drama doesn't get to dominate the group dynamic.

We all love love, and people fall in love while traveling. People get into cliques, too. If pairs or triads break out, maintain an inclusive group with a rule: Your romantic drama doesn't get to dominate the dynamic.

"You can certainly encourage some norms and behaviors and expectations around how it gets dealt with in the group because it can be annoying," Kays says.

If drama does arise, Kays suggests asking the people involved to discuss it with a friend who isn't on the trip over the phone so that gossip doesn't impact the group dynamics.

7. Be friends enough to forgive.

"Generally conflict tends to get more awkward the longer it goes on," says Kays. So try to address conflict when it arises. "It's a brave thing to do. It's a hard thing to do," she says.

Then you can focus on making the kind of memories you'll look back on fondly.

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The Pros & Cons of Group Travel

'I've never done a group trip before...is it really for me?'

I was talking to a new member of our community of travellers here at Wheel & Anchor recently and our conversation took a fascinating turn as we got into the subject of group travel and who it's really for.

No question - it's not for everyone. Many travellers fit the independent adventurer mold and want to do all of the planning and free-wheeling exploring on their own (I've done a lot of that myself, and it can be fun!).

But just because you've never travelled with a group before doesn't mean it 'isn't for you' - it very well may be something you love but didn't know it yet! Sometimes it's just a matter of going on the right kind of trip with the right kind of people.

Appreciating that going on your first group trip is a bit of a leap of faith, I made a short video this week discussing some of the pros and cons of group travel:

There are a lot of decisions to make when it comes to travel — and one of them is whether it’s smarter to travel with a group, with a partner, or with yourself. Group travel has its merits, which make it a very attractive option for many prospective vacationers — even for first-timers.

Group travel pros! Wheel & Anchor exploring Egypt, January 2020

What is group travel?

In the context of commercial tourism, group travel often involves a group of strangers coming together on a common trip itinerary via one tour company. It’s an excellent way to network, manage costs, and still experience what the world has to offer.

Nothing in life is perfect, however, and group travel comes with its own benefits and drawbacks. Here are some common pros and cons of group travel:

What are the pros of group travel?

No planning, just enjoying With group travel, you can just lay back and go with the flow. Touring with like-minded people is a great way to live in the moment, as you won’t have to worry about the nitty-gritty. There’ll be more discovery of what a country has to offer in terms of food, culture, and experiences, and none of figuring out how much to tip and which areas are senior-friendly.

Reputable tour companies have the ability to provide a memorable experience for all sorts of people. At Wheel & Anchor, for instance, we put a premium on bringing together travellers with similar tastes. This way, all of our trips are memorable all throughout.

Experiences you might not be able to have alone Solo travel is in many ways as therapeutic as advertised, but many trips simply can’t be done alone. Some things just are much better shared. With group travel, you’ll be able to share a meal, ask a groupmate for a photo against a scenic landscape, and more.

Safety in numbers Not every city is postcard perfect. You can always run into trouble, such as pickpockets, poorly disciplined drivers, and the like. Many travellers sometimes run the risk of having an encounter with unsavory elements such as those listed above, but being part of a bigger group may help lower that risk.

Travelling with a group means you’ll have extra sets of eyes and ears watching your back, helping to protect yourself and your belongings. Needless to say, that is also something your travel companions will expect of you. Being in big groups also makes it harder for attackers to corner one prey and harm or mug them.

People to talk to and make experiences with The most successful group tour companies are those that are led by charismatic and knowledgeable guides who are able to gather a group of strangers and create a memorable and enjoyable experience for them. A sense of togetherness is often fostered among members of these kinds of tour groups, and it’s also a great way to make new acquaintances and even develop friendships.

It pays if your tour company primarily caters to certain demographics, as it will give you the best chance to be grouped with persons of similar tastes and characteristics.

Rely on expert advice Reputable group tour companies like Wheel & Anchor are passionate about your overall experience. We’ve gone lengths to ensure that we know each tour location and itinerary like the back of our hands. This expert perspective sets our group trips above the crowd.

Expert advice pays off when it matters the most. From keeping with the local customs to finding lesser-known gems off the beaten path, our seasoned travel guides and tour developers will make sure that your trip is enjoyable, safe, and one of a kind.

What are the cons of group travel?

Less flexibility with schedules Tours are usually predefined long before the actual trip, so don’t expect a lot of leeway in terms of departure times, destinations, and the like. Tour companies often reserve the right to make changes midway, particularly for safety reasons, but the vacationers themselves rarely get to decide on those changes. This is how tour prices are kept competitive.

Many regular tours don’t allow free time Unsurprisingly, many group tours rely heavily on tourist traps for their activity lineups. Many tour companies try to cram as many of these target destinations into an itinerary so that their customers can experience as much a country has to offer as they can. The problem with this is that between distance, traffic, and many other variables in between, there’s rarely any free time left for tourists to have to themselves.

Here at Wheel & Anchor, we intentionally plan our trips with balance in mind — which is why our tours always have room for “me” time.

Consider your own personality and interests when deciding on travelling with a group, but also, don’t forget to check on the tour provider’s reputation and track record. For instance, Wheel & Anchor is known for the quality and level of curation of the experiences we provide.

We also limit our tour group sizes, moderately pace our itineraries, and make sure that our guides have intimate knowledge of the destinations. Why not try one of our shorter weekend tours in Panama and the Azores to see what it’s all about?

Wheel & Anchor is a community of people with a passion for travel. Build relationships and experience the world with our list of unforgettable experiences. Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest inspirational travel tales and don’t forget to check out our upcoming tours . Sign up today .

Gordon Dreger

Founder, Wheel & Anchor

Gordon Dreger is the founder of Wheel & Anchor and has been in the travel industry for over 30 years. Travel is a self-expression for him, and there is nothing he likes more than talking about travel and sharing all of the joys of it with others.

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THE BENEFITS OF GROUP TRAVEL

By Author Katie

Posted on Last updated: July 21, 2022

Planning a future trip? We share the benefits of group travel for those considering a group tour or trip for your next adventure!

When we speak of group travel, we’re talking about all-inclusive tour packages designed for savvy travelers who want to take advantage of pre-planned, pre-paid trips that include anything from a professional guide and transit to accommodation, some meals, and entrance fees to amenities along the way.

Modern group travel companies recognize that come in all different shapes and sizes, with a wide range of interests, and that’s why the traditional group tour has been repurposed for 2021 and beyond.

Here are a few of the most significant advantages of group travel:

Every Last Detail Has Been Taken Care Of

Colorado group adventures can be a lifesaver, whether you’re traveling alone or simply enjoy the ease of not having to spend hours online choosing where to stay and which path to take.

Many people love the planning stage and build binders full of detail, but others simply want to go and explore.

This is where a pre-planned guided trip is especially useful – everything is laid out for you, and all you have to do is get aboard and enjoy the trip.

You’ll Have Free Time For Whatever You Want

Just because you’re going on an adventure with a group of people doesn’t mean you have to be attached at the hip all of the time.

In reality, if you travel with a group and pursue a package deal, you are usually welcome to have your package customized and there will be plenty of time in the itinerary for you to go off on your own.

You will have free days in a number of cities depending on the community travel tour you enter. This is the best time to look for attractions that are special to you.

It’s Safer To Be In A Group

It can be intimidating to travel alone. Many people are enticed by last-minute solo vacations, but they are wary of traveling alone, particularly when it comes to single vacations abroad.

The younger generation takes longer to marry or pair up, which means that even though they are able to travel the world, they do not always have a companion with them.

In situations like these, group travel is perfect – you simply reserve your seat, board the bus with a group of other eager passengers, and enjoy the comfort of numbers while traveling.

It’s A Lot Less Expensive!

Nobody wants to go on the most expensive tour. The simple truth is that community travel tours are more affordable due to a simple economic concept known as “buying power.”

Since they send so many people their way, group travel companies have a lot of clout with accommodation and activity providers.

As a result, they are able to obtain attractively priced rates that you would not be able to obtain on your own. The same can be said for hotels, tourist attractions, and other establishments.

It’s A Fantastic Way To Meet New People

With the internet, we can now book wonderful vacations or place food orders without leaving our couches, but on the other hand, we are more lonely than ever before. In several countries, loneliness has been designated as a major public health problem.

So, while the prospect of getting on a bus with a perfect stranger to go on an adventure may seem odd at first, it’s really a fantastic way of meeting people you wouldn’t normally meet in your daily life.

And who knows what could happen? You might end up with a slew of new friends from all over the planet.

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Defining the Value of Travel

H ow do you define the value of travel in today’s world.

In a normal world, we talk about the value of travel — or anything else — in terms of the price paid and the goods or services received. But the world hasn’t been normal for years now.

For a while, nobody wanted to travel. Now, it seems, everyone wants to travel, and they’re willing to pay a lot of money to do it. This surge in demand, coupled with inflation nearing the 10% mark, has pushed travel prices to staggering heights. At the same time, labor shortages and supply chain issues are forcing travel providers to cut services to the bone.

In other words: Travelers are paying more and more while getting less and less.

This is true across every part of the travel industry. But it seems especially evident in the hotel sector.

According to STR and Tourism Economics, the nationwide average daily rate for hotels is $145 — a 16.5% increase over 2021. But though prices are high, the number of employees in hotels nationwide has shrunk by some 30%, meaning hotels don’t have the staff to offer many services travelers were accustomed to before the pandemic.

And this pricing environment may be here to stay. On a recent episode of “Gather and Go,” Hannah Smith of STR told me her firm expects continuing price increases through 2024. (You can hear the whole conversation at grouptravelleader.com/podcast or in your favorite podcast player).

But enough with the numbers. What does this mean for a travel planner like you?

First, it means you can no longer count on being able to offer low prices for your tours. And second, it means you and your travelers may have to adjust expectations regarding the level of service during a trip.

This poses a unique challenge for the group tour market. For decades, a significant portion of tour companies have sold their products primarily on price, touting the cost savings of traveling in a group instead of traveling alone. Others have taken the opposite tack and sold their products primarily on service, advertising features such as door-to-door luggage handling.

But if group travel is no longer cheap and may not include the frills and services it used to, how should those organizations sell their products today?

The answer is to find a new way to define the value of group travel.

Even when prices are crazy and services are scarce, there are still many great reasons to travel with a group. It gives your customers the opportunity to visit the best places on earth alongside old friends or to bond with new friends over shared experiences on the road. It invites them into expertly curated journeys that promise to surprise and delight them around every turn.  

Group travel makes even the farthest and most exotic destinations feel safe and accessible. And it affords travelers opportunities to connect with local cultures on a meaningful level and make a positive impact on the places they visit.

If you ask me, these have always been the most powerful things about group travel. Maybe it’s time we start promoting these underappreciated values that have been the most important parts of group travel all along.

Brian Jewell

Brian Jewell is the executive editor of The Group Travel Leader. In more than a decade of travel journalism he has visited 48 states and 25 foreign countries.

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We will coordinate everything from start to finish. Our expert travel consultants will handle everything from creating a group flyer to coordinating dining plans. Do you want a venue to get together to share family memories, or just to catch up with old friends? We will arrange it for you. Does your group want to charter a snorkeling boat on a Caribbean island? We can do that too!

Group travel is a great way to reunite family and friends. Whether it's 8 staterooms, or you have enough people to charter an entire ship, we'll work for you so you enjoy the maximum benefits of group travel.

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Group cruising is also the best value for the money because the price of your cruise can include all meals, snacks, plus 24-hour room service, entertainment, activities, accommodations, health and fitness club. Not to mention that a cruise ship visits many different ports offering adventure every new day.

If you haven't cruised, we will explain the incredible variety of options that are available to ensure that you choose the right ship, the right itinerary and the right time of year to travel.

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We have an incredible range of options for you, from beach and golf resorts, to city center hotels, to destination spas, to lodges in unique locations. Our portfolio of worldwide hotels is unmatched...and of course we'll be sure to negotiate the very best values and special amenities for your group.

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Our preferred operators are the best in the business, and offer guided vacations all over the world. We'll help you find the destination, the itinerary and style of tour to perfectly match your group's needs.

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Simple Flying

American airlines' group travel policies: everything you need to know.

Looking to book travel with a party of 10 or more?

While flying alone can be incredibly stress-inducing, traveling can be even more so for large groups. However, in an attempt to appeal to a larger market and offer travelers an anxiety-free experience, American Airlines, the largest airline in the world, makes group travel easier via the American Airlines Group Travel feature that facilitates every step of the way.

Over the years, American Airlines has stepped up its group travel policies for a better customer experience. But before we get into its policies, what constitutes group travel? According to the carrier , group travel includes ten or more passengers flying together on the same itinerary. With that settled, let's look at its group travel policies.

(Still) The World's Largest: The American Airlines Fleet In 2024

Terms and conditions.

Like with any special ticket, travelers must meet specific criteria and adhere to attain the benefits. Group travel is no different. For starters, group travel on American Airlines is only available to groups of ten or more passengers. According to the Dallas-based carrier, groups traveling on business can book a discounted flight ticket. Although groups flying for leisure also get discounted rates, they do not get the same discount. Although rare, as with any ticket, Americans clearly state that they have the right to cancel group bookings if the flight is unavailable or in the event of an emergency. Group travel can be booked in any cabin offered on American Airlines and to all destinations served by the airline or by its oneworld alliance partners.

The airline offers one free name change per ticket up to 48 hours before departure. This means that if a group member cannot make the flight, the organizer can switch their ticket for someone else as long as it is two days before departure. This gives group travel organizers lots of flexibility, as they can switch tickets instead of leaving the seat empty if the person cannot make the flight.

Other rules that must be followed include passengers that are traveling in groups must have at least one common flight segment; for any international outbound segment except from the United States to Canada or vice versa, the group will need to travel together, all groups members must begin their outbound travel on the same date, and each traveler needs to return within a week with the time difference between the first and last person returning can not exceed 168 hours apart. Lastly, groups can add members with the same or adjacent travel dates after booking the group ticket. It is important to note that if any of the requirements are not met, American can cancel their reservations, meaning unless travelers adhere to all the conditions, they will not be able to book a group flight.

Booking group travel

As with any trip, planning a group trip begins with the booking process, and there are multiple ways to book a group ticket. However, when booking for a large group, you must undergo a slightly different process than booking one or even five tickets for a future trip. The first way for groups to reserve tickets for more than ten passengers (as classified by American as group travel) is to book tickets under bunch travel on the American Airlines website. Group travel can be booked up to eleven months in advance and as late as 48 hours before the flight's scheduled departure. However, booking as much as possible in advance is suggested to ensure there are enough seats on the aircraft to accommodate the whole party.

As such, similarly, when booking a flight on American Airlines, someone looking to purchase over ten tickets will head to American's website and select the "Group Travel" Option. Unlike booking a regular ticket, group organizers will have to request a group rate first before being able to book. After selecting the "Group Travel" Option, a series of prompts will pop up, all needing to be answered regarding essential details about the upcoming trip. After the data, which ranges from the flight details to the number of people on the group ticket, is inputted, the carrier will reach out with a quote (price) for the flights. After receiving the quote, there are two options: the first is to purchase all the tickets then, or the other is to lock in the quote; as the price often increases as the departure date gets closer, a person from the group will have to pay a small deposit to hold the tickets. Then, they will pay the total amount as the departure date approaches. For the second option, once a deposit is made, American will ensure seats on the flight will be allocated.

The Story Of American Airlines - How The Airline Is What It Is Today

The other option for those who are not as tech-savvy is to book over the phone. American has a personalized group travel desk where customers can call a dedicated team that will assist in not only the booking process but also answer any questions a customer may have. Booking over the phone is similar to the online booking option, except in a faster manner.

Different fares and perks

For group bookings, there are two different types of fares: "Air Only" and "Zone Fare." For starters, "Air Only" fares are for ten or more people flying together from one or multiple origins to the same destination for any reason. For those who fit those criteria, Americans will offer a guaranteed fare. Some of the notable peaks of the "Air Only" fares include the ability to block space up to 330 days ahead of departure, automatic seat assignments, and return flight changes as long as it is within a six-day window, among others.

The other type of fare, known as "Zone Fare," is for groups of ten or more passengers from two or more countries traveling to the same destination. This ticket can be purchased for travel from the United States or Canada to any destination in Europe, the Pacific, North America, the Caribbean, or the Pacific. Some perks of the "Zone Fare" ticket include adding other names later, transparent pricing with set fares, flexible booking options and refundable tickets, and automatic seat assignments.

American Airlines not only makes it easy to purchase group travel but also makes it as appealing as possible. As previously stated, when booking group travel, each seat has discounted fares . Another perk is sitting together as a group. American ensures that as long as the ticket is booked in advance, they will try to seat group members together to stay connected.

Bottom line

American's newly established group travel platform makes traveling with friends and family easy and less expensive. However, to ensure a hassle-free experience, it's better to book as early as possible to tailor the trip to your liking.

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The University defines group travel as three (3) or more employees/non-employees traveling to the same location for the same official University business.

Christopherson Business Travel (CBT) defines group travel for booking airline tickets as ten (10) or more employees/non-employees traveling together.

Booking Group Travel

For a group of ten (10) or more travelers traveling on the same flight to the same destination, contact the group travel expert at Christopherson Business Travel (CBT).

Advantages to booking group airfare can include:

• Discounts may be available (depending on the airline, destination, size of group, and lead time of travel);
• Secured seats can be booked up to 11 months prior to the trip;
• Number of seats can be reduced up to 90 days prior to departure date;
• Flights can be secured with an "estimated" number of travelers (depending on the airline, a final list is not due until 35-45 days prior to departure);
• Flights can be secured with a deposit, with full payment not due until 30-45 days prior to departure date;
• Ground transportation between airport and destination can be coordinated to ensure travelers are not separated from each other; and/or,
• In case of flight changes or cancellations, all travelers are rebooked together.

Group Travel Purchases

An employee who is the group leader can make pre-trip arrangements and in-travel purchases related to group travel using his or her Travel Card. Examples of these purchases are: cost of conference registrations, hotels, ground transportation, and group meals. All expense related to the group trip should be claimed on the group leader’s expense report.

Employees are encouraged to obtain a Travel Card for University travel-related purchases.

If a group of employees is traveling to the same event but will be submitting individual travel expense reports (meaning there is no group leader covering costs), each employee should pay for his or her own expenses. Each expense report should be a record of one traveler’s trip and one traveler with a Travel Card should not use that card to cover another employee’s trip expenses. The exception is if a vendor cannot separate cost of shared lodging: In this case, one employee should pay the total bill and identify the other employee/s (whose lodging is also included on that bill) in comments on the expense report.

Ground Transportation

Shuttle, charter bus, or other forms of ground transportation can be purchased ahead of time on a purchase order or on the group leader's Travel Card.

Group Meals

The group leader can use his or her Travel Card to purchase food directly for the team or group. Per diem limits apply to group meals, i.e., the total cost of the group meal cannot exceed the total of the individual per diem amounts for that meal. Attach an itemized receipt along with a list of group members to the group leader's expense report. The group leader can provide the team or group with cash so that group members may purchase their own meals. In this case, the group leader can request a cash advance prior to travel. A list of group members, along with the total amount of per diem paid each day, must be attached to the group leader's expense report. For additional information see  Requesting Cash Advances for University Trips .

Reconciling Expenses

Use the Concur Travel & Expense System (Concur) to reconcile expenses related to group travel. Keep in mind the following:

• The group leader reconciles expenses on his or her trip expense report.
• To avoid tax consequences, the expense report must be submitted within 90 days of the trip's conclusion. If a cash advance is involved, the expense report must be submitted earlier according to cash advance reconciliation requirements (see PSC Procedural Statement Cash Advances ).
• If the group leader used a Travel Card or personal credit card to cover the cost of group meals, he or she must attach itemized receipts and a list of attendees to the expense report.

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