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 with the help of people 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 benefits of travel groups
The biggest advantage of going on a travel tour for young adults is that all the planning is done for you. All you have to do is pay and show up, without having to figure out ground transportation, lodging or itineraries. The framework of the trip is organized by the tour company, but you’ll typically still have the chance for some free time so you can explore a bit on your own.
Also, as a young adult, it can be hard to organize vacations when you and your friends all have different work schedules and travel budgets. With a group tour, you pick the dates you want and get to travel with people in your age group, giving you the chance to make new friends during your trip.
The best tour companies for young adults
There is no shortage of companies organizing group tours for young adults. Some are international, while others focus on a specific country or region. We’ve rounded up some of the top travel companies for young adults to help you plan your next adventure.
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.
Exodus Travels
This premium adventure travel company lets you experience your wildest dreams in destinations across 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 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.
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 offers overseas tours on every other continent.
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.
Travel group tips
Traveling on a group trip is a unique way to see the world and can be a very different experience than traveling alone or with friends and family. Even if you’re a seasoned traveler, keep these tips in mind as you get ready for your trip:
Avoid overpacking: Travel tours for young adults typically follow itineraries that include multiple destinations. That means you may need to carry your luggage on buses, trains and planes. Pack light with only the most useful travel accessories so you’re not weighed down and end up regretting all the extras you may not actually need.
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, local travel expenses or activity admission.
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 an introvert who’s 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 for drivers under 25 years old or 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.
