As the summer looms on the horizon, you might find yourself thinking about adventure. Are you ready to break free of the mould and explore far away from home?
If so, summer could be the perfect time for you to do so! In many countries at this time, the sun will be high in the sky, fun-filled activities will be in abundance, and you will be able to connect with nature more closely than alternative seasons may allow.
Without doubt, the best way for many people to go on an adventure is through a group tour. Solo travelling, as tempting as it can be, also comes with certain risks, and there is often safety in numbers when visiting new countries. Plus, travelling alone can be lonely – especially when you’re arranging accommodation and activities on your own.
Group tours solve most of the time-consuming challenges related to global travel; you will get the chance to discover new environments with like-minded people, and almost everything will be organised for you. There is arguably no better way to expand your social circle and build camaraderie with a diverse range of people you’ve never met before.
If a group tour sounds appealing to you, here are a few things you need to know:
- Group sizes can vary
Group tours aren’t “one size fits all”. They can be as small as three people or as large as 12 or more travellers. So, before embarking on your trip, it’s important to consider how many new people you would be comfortable travelling with!
Larger group tours tend to be more budget-friendly and sociable, but adventure leaders and local guides will have more people to liaise with. Smaller group tours provide more personalised attention, although this is completely down to your preference.
Often, tour operators can shed more light on the group you will be travelling with if you get in touch with them before you book.
- Tours should provide experienced local guides
An experienced and knowledgeable local guide can make all the difference to your group tour when it comes to cultural enrichment and connecting with the country you’re visiting on a personal level. Their expertise can help guide you to off-the-beaten-track destinations that you may not have otherwise considered exploring.
If travellers want true cultural immersion and a first-hand experience of the most important traditions, customs, and excursions in the destination of their choosing, keeping a lookout for the inclusion of knowledgeable local guides as part of their group tour will be important.
- Some tours are more flexible than others
For some travellers, action-packed and structured itineraries make the perfect group tour! Every attraction, restaurant, and even hotel can be handpicked for you.
On the other hand, not every adventurer likes a defined schedule. So, you will need to consider the kind of flexibility you want from a group tour before you book it, as each package will be different.
In contrast, some group tours don’t even have set departure dates! Each traveller’s preferences take centre stage. This can bring the freedom of “solo travel” into a group environment, depending on the kind of tour you would like to take.
- They can be physically taxing
Group tours can be physically taxing if you’re backpacking across steep terrain and for a substantial amount of time. You need to be prepared for these mental and physical demands, as adventuring doesn’t always turn out as fun as it looks!
Preparation is key if you are to get the most out of your group tour. Particularly if you have any medical needs or dietary requirements, you should always make your chosen tour operator aware well in advance. Importantly, some group tours cater to travellers of all ages and abilities – so, no one misses out!
- Sustainable group tours are always best
Sustainable group tours are always best. A good group tour won’t only encourage you to limit your environmental impact and respect the natural landscape of the countries you’re visiting, as it will also promote the notion of responsibly contributing to local people and businesses.
A reputable sustainable tour operator will also be dedicated to minimising its carbon footprint, using local and public transport wherever possible. Some tour operators take certain steps such as donating for the cost of planting a new tree in the countries visited for every traveller that books onto one of the operator’s tours.
Discover group tours to South East Asia
If you would like to embark on a truly unforgettable summer adventure, you might be well-advised to discover group tours to South East Asia. Whether you would like to travel from Vietnam to Cambodia or from Thailand to Laos, South East Asia is a beautiful region with many wonders to uncover. It is a region that is fun and exciting, budget-friendly, safe, and remarkably easy to navigate. You can opt for an intense backpacking group tour or a more leisurely experience – the choice is yours.
Our personal highlights are the countless culinary delights that are to be found in South East Asia, ranging from the most scrumptious street food to aromatic national dishes such as Tom Yum Goong and Nasi Goreng. The awe-inspiring temples in this part of the world certainly must be seen and experienced, too. Locals are often more than happy to share their culture and engage in conversation as well. In short, there might be no better place to take on your very first summer group tour.
But of course, the above is only a suggestion; only you can ultimately choose the most suitable summer group tour destination for you and any co-travellers, especially if you haven’t done anything like this in the past.
Are you interested in learning more about the essentials of group travel, and how you can get the best out of your experience on this kind of break? If so, you might be intrigued to read Condé Nast Traveler’s comprehensive guide to the subject.
