Multi-day guided tours are surging, according to statistics from travel research firm Arival and the United States Tour Operators Association. For solo travelers, a group tour can feel like a safer way to see the world and maybe even make new friends. But there are considerations you’ll want to think about before signing on with a travel group. You’ll also want to weigh the pros and cons for your specific situation.
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Pros to Multi-Day Group Tours:
- Safety in numbers
- Make new friends
- All-in-one packages mean less planning
Cons:
- Less flexibility and freedom to explore
- Getting along with others
- Higher upfront price
- May not be fully accessible for all ability levels
Safety
Traveling alone can feel daunting. By joining a group, someone always knows where you are and can reach you.
“There’s no stress about navigating unfamiliar places alone,” said Leslie Coleman, founder of Suitcase Gals.
Bonding experiences are part of the trip
Small, intimate group tours may give you more than you bargained for. In addition to seeing new places, you might connect deeply with other people in your demographic. This can be a pro or a con, depending on how you view it. And it can hit differently for women over 50, who might be in a new chapter with an empty nest and retirement on the horizon.
“There’s something powerful about gathering a small group of like-minded women who are open to laughter, meaningful conversation, and shared experiences,” Coleman said. “Women arrive as strangers and leave already talking about the next journey together.”
Group travel alleviates planning stress
If you’ve spent most of your adult life planning trips for your family, including finding the best hotel rates, weighing meal plan options at theme parks, and making sure everyone has packed underwear, toothbrushes, and their favorite stuffed animals, having someone to take care of it all feels appealing.
“You get to simply pack your suitcase and show up ready to enjoy the journey,” Coleman said.
Coleman warned that a luxury group travel experience may cost more than traveling on your own and choosing activities ala carte. For travelers on a budget, the ability to choose lower cost or free experiences could make a difference.
“Group travel often includes a lot of value, curated experiences, private tours, quality accommodations but the upfront pricing may appear higher compared to a bare-bones DIY trip,” she said.
One of the biggest drawbacks to group travel is the lack of flexibility in the schedule, Coleman warned.
“When you travel independently, you can wake up and decide to change your plans, skip a tour, or spend the entire afternoon lingering in a café. In a group setting, the itinerary is set,” she said.
Choosing a Tour Group
Benefits and drawbacks may differ depending on the tour group you choose. The important thing, Coleman said, is to find a company you can trust that fits your needs, whether it’s a luxury experience or a highly active adventure.
“A beautiful trip starts with clear expectations,” Coleman said.
Traveling in a group of 12 or 40 can create an entirely different vacation experience. Larger groups mean you can blend in with the crowd and you’re likely to get along with a few people on the trip.
Smaller groups mean more intimacy, connection and flexibility but also opens doors to personality conflicts.
“Even in the most wonderful groups, you’re bringing together women from different backgrounds, travel styles, and energy levels,” Coleman said. “Most of the time this balance works beautifully, but it does require patience, communication, and a willingness to compromise occasionally.”
“When you travel independently, you can wake up and decide to change your plans, skip a tour, or spend the entire afternoon lingering in a café. In a group setting, the itinerary is set.” — Leslie Coleman, founder of Suitcase Gals
Consider pacing
While group travel tours can be a rewarding, exciting and safe experience, it’s important to choose the right company. If you need special accommodations, whether that means a handicap-accessible room or dietary restrictions, it’s important to convey those needs before you book.
Beyond that, Coleman said, look at the pace of the itinerary. “Even with beautiful planning, some trips are more active than others,” she said, noting that walking tours or full-day excursions can mean different things depending on the destination and the touring company.
She suggested evaluating the pacing of any tour. “I want to know how many hotel changes there are, how early the mornings start, how much walking is involved, and whether downtime is built in,” she said.
Accommodations and cancellations
Finally, ask about whether you’ll be sharing a room or not – and what happens if your roommate cancels. “I’ve seen situations where travelers are surprised by additional costs because they didn’t clarify this ahead of time,” Coleman said.
Also ask about cancellation policies and consider purchasing travel insurance to cover your costs should unexpected events occur, the same as you would if you were booking a trip on your own.
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