Top 4 travel groups for young adults

Taking a group tour as a young adult is a great way to explore the world while meeting new people. It can push you out of your comfort zone to travel to different destinations, but provides some peace of mind to be led by guides who know how to navigate the area. Find out why a group trip may be exactly what you’re looking for, along with recommendations on the best travel programs for young adults.

The best travel groups for young adults

There is no shortage of companies organizing group trips. Some are international, others focus on a specific country or region, and some cater to specific demographics like women travelers. We’ve rounded up some of the top travel companies to help you plan your next adventure.

1. Topdeck Travel

Topdeck offers both domestic and international trips designed for those from age 18 into their 30s. In the U.S., travelers can opt for either a deep dive of one region, such as traveling through California from Los Angeles to San Francisco, or hitting up multiple iconic destinations from coast to coast. Trips start around $2,000 per person, depending on the itinerary and trip length.

2. Exodus Travels

This premium adventure travel company lets you experience your wildest dreams in destinations around the world. Go on safari in Kenya, cycle through the historic sites of Greece or head to the Antarctic Circle for a polar expedition. The options from Exodus Travels are truly inspiring. Prices start around $2,000 and exceed $15,000 for some of the longer trips to far-flung corners of the world.

3. Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel offers tours that focus on small group sizes and fun, thematic trips.

For instance, you can follow the southern music trail from Memphis to New Orleans for around $1,900, or check out the New England coastline from New York to Boston for the same price. In addition to North American trips, Intrepid Travel offers overseas tours on every other continent. 

4. G Adventures

G Adventures’ 18-to-thirtysomethings tours can take you around the world with a small group of 10-15 peers. Itineraries include everything from a road trip down Highway 1 in Utah and Yosemite National Park, to a tour around the entire South Island of New Zealand, or trekking the Inca Trail in Peru. Trips start at around $130 for a single-city tour and can exceed $7,000 for longer adventures.

Young adult travel group tips

Even if you’re a seasoned traveler, keep these tips in mind as you get ready for your trip:

1. Avoid overpacking: Group tours typically follow itineraries that include multiple destinations. That means you may need to carry your luggage on and off of buses, trains, cars and planes. Pack light with only the most useful travel accessories so you’re not weighed down.
   
2. Find out what costs are not included: While your group tour fee covers many of the major expenses associated with the trip, not everything will be included. Read the fine print to see what you’re responsible for purchasing separately, such as airfare, meals or activity admissions.
   
3. Be open to making new friends: Traveling in a group is fun, but it can also be overwhelming to meet so many new people at once. Don’t worry if it takes a few days to settle in with the group. If you’re afraid of getting lost in a crowd, you may opt for a tour that keeps the group size small.

Enjoy your down time with Avail

While many group travel packages plan most of your excursions, you’ll still have some time to yourself to explore without a guide. When traveling in the U.S. near Chicago or Denver, take advantage of your free time by borrowing a car from Avail. Book and pick up your car hassle-free. Plus, Avail doesn’t charge a fee to add a second driver. It’s an affordable way to explore the area and even head out of the city for an adventure off the beaten path.