group travel blog

The Complete Guide to Group Travel

By Stephanie Wu

The paella was a breaking point. I was in the middle of the most complicated group trip I’d ever planned—13 people, flying in from six different cities, all gathering in a seven-bedroom villa in Andalucia . We were there, ostensibly, on a joint 30th-birthday trip, a group vacation we’d been planning for years . As high school classmates, some of us had known each other for decades, and the group had grown to include significant others and even a not-yet-announced pregnancy.

It would have been an ambitious trip no matter how many people were attending. We had chosen Spain as a middle ground between North America and East Asia, where my friends and I had scattered after college graduation. We were basing ourselves in Ronda, but rented several cars and planned day trips to see the bigger cities—Seville, Granada, Cordoba. But, inevitably, the dreamy idea of bringing us together for a milestone trip took on a life of its own: destination suggestions ranged from Croatia to Marrakech , and a total of 26 people were invited at some point. And I was wrangling it all— finding a villa , planning activities, making restaurant reservations, confirming the rental cars , and generally making sure it all went smoothly. Thankfully, I had some help: a villa specialist , plus a subset of friends I could count on for strong opinions and quick decisions. I took on this role naturally—and my friends were great about checking in to see if I needed any organizational help whatsoever. But generally, it was up to me to shape the flow of the trip while accommodating every travel personality, from super-planner to totally blasé.

Like every group vacation I’ve ever been on, our Spain trip had its ups and downs. On the first night, my head spinning while trying to keep track of a group text chain that had lost all sense of reason, I found myself struggling to keep my eyes open. Even though I was seeing my friends for the first time in a while, enjoying a home-cooked, multi-course meal as we shared exciting news (A new job! An international move! That pregnancy!), all I wanted to do was lie down after a very long travel day of planes, trains, and cars. On day two, I came downstairs to a breakfast spread of eggs, cheese, meats, and bread (there’s nothing like traveling with someone who likes to wake up early and prepare breakfast), and proceeded to try and block out the morning noise—questions about what to wear, what to bring, where the chargers were—way too much before I'd had my morning caffeine.

I hung back a bit that day during the group tour, scanning the crowd to make sure all my friends were having fun. Did they like the tour guide we had booked? Were they tired and jet lagged? Was the lunch reservation at an appropriate time? That night at dinner, a random spot we found within walking distance of our villa, I was happy to let someone else take the lead in ordering for the group, since the menu was only printed in Spanish. And then, the next night, we were so excited when our paella was delivered. It was in a massive pan the size of my wingspan, and took two people to carry. The saffron-infused aroma was coming through the aluminum sheets, and we were all crowded around the stove, awaiting the big reveal—until we uncovered the aluminum and realized they hadn’t seen my note about dietary restrictions, and my friends with shellfish sensitivities would be eating leftovers instead.

At its best, travel has a way of making every daily anxiety feel absolutely insignificant. And at its worst, even the tiniest mishaps, like the wrong ingredients in the paella, feel like the end of the world. This is even more the case on group trips, when you’re dealing with people of different ages, needs, and activity levels, or traveling with a group of friends of friends, where you’re close with some and not quite as comfortable with others. When you’re trying to accommodate everyone’s travel wishes, but somehow end up pleasing nobody. And of course, that moment when you realize you’re going to need a vacation to recover from this vacation.

That’s not to say that I didn’t have a great time in Spain. When I look back, I think about the one night we picked to be our joint birthday dinner. We were all gathered around restaurant table, 13 of us trying to blow the candles out together, each dissolving into giggles at different times. And of the one day we smartly split up into smaller groups—one group exploring the town, the other hanging by the pool—and then gathered together at night to share the highlights of our day. And how our long car rides led to long conversations, which was a way for me to really get to know my friend’s significant other—something that would have been nearly impossible otherwise, as they live in Toronto and we only see them a few times a year.

It always takes a few days for me to settle into vacation mode, but this time around, I had the added stress of worrying about everything that could go wrong, when a group of people who became friends at 18 meet again to travel together a dozen years later. I needed those moments of joy, of spontaneous laughter, of lounging around in silence, to be reminded of why we were all together in the first place—and why a few years earlier, we had known that we needed to prioritize setting aside time in our schedules to find a week that worked for all of us.

I think about how, during the vacation, we fantasized about what the next reunion would look like. Would we alternate continents? Would we take a cruise? Would we bring partners and kids along for our 40th birthday trip? At one point, someone brought up making it an annual trip —but the panicked look on my face might have nipped that suggestion in the bud immediately.

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Group travel requires a herculean amount of coordination and compromise. But there’s something about having a group of people in the same place at the same time that can give every trip that once-in-a-lifetime feeling—an adrenaline rush that I only get when I’m traveling. I got to see a new side of my friends, who I haven’t lived in the same city as since I was 18—how some woke up early to check in at the office, how others were unflappable through hours of traffic and confusing driving directions, and how the parents-to-be soaked up the last few months before they became a family of three. That’s the magic of a group trip—you get to see your travel companions out of their daily element, in their vacation selves. And, if you can manage to stay calm throughout the planning process, the truth is, that’s often our best selves.

Why we built this guide

Group trips don’t all have to be stressful before they get good. If you’re reading this, it’s likely because you’ve been tasked to be the planner, at least in some part, for an upcoming trip. Here at Condé Nast Traveler , we embrace group travel in all forms, from big family vacations to a core group of friends that always travels together to traveling alone in a larger group. And we put this package together to help you take care of the big things—from where to stay and how to save money with points and miles —to the little ones, like how one app can change the group travel game.

We’re also letting you in on our best-kept secret, for when it’s time to throw your hands up and let the travel gods take over: Book a cruise . It’s what I did for my recent bachelorette party, where we paid just over $300 per person for 3 nights in the Caribbean, unlimited food and drinks, and endless entertainment. Okay, there was still a little planning, but it was limited to where we’d eat lunch on port day and whether we had brought enough sunscreen for our kayaking trip. As the de facto planner, I never had to think about signing a bill , or making sure everybody was entertained. I simply soaked it all in as my friends congregated in various combinations and got to know each other in vacation mode. It was the best gift I could have given myself—second to this guide, of course.

Four golden rules for every group trip

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30 Best Group Travel Blogs and Websites

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Immersive experiences are more important than skimming the surface through a "been there, done that, got the t-shirt" mentality. "Slow travel" or staying longer in one place gives you time to feel the culture. Hotel deals for longer stays (e.g., stay three nights, get the fourth night free) are on the rise.
Remote work, as a digital nomad or a "paycation", is prompting hotel chains to add accommodations that include kitchenettes, more robust fitness centers and enticing "month-long stay" rates.
The desire for more quality time among multigenerational families (such as grandparents, adult children and grandchildren) also adds to increased resort options in terms of suites with added sleeping, kitchen and dining spaces, an additional bathroom, and private patio plunge pools in many Caribbean resorts. Many hotel chains now offer home rentals and onsite villas.
Affordability: Many families are looking to travel more, or longer, and stretch their travel dollars. A survey by the Family Travel Association and NYU's Tisch Center of Hospitality showed that consumers are getting savvier; half of those surveyed will try to avoid hotels and airlines that charge hidden fees (e.g., a nightly resort fee or charge for Wi-Fi) About half of surveyed travelers are paying closer attention to cancellation penalties and refund policies.
More people are buying travel insurance. With more missed connections, lost luggage and concerns about illness prior to or during an international trip, protecting a travel plan is perceived more widely as a smart investment. (Frequent travelers might consider an annual insurance plan.)
Solo travel. Maybe people got used to spending time alone during the pandemic. A yearning for independence and an increased sense of confidence is combined with the fact that many people are less willing to compromise on what they want from their journey. And some people are just tired of waiting for a travel companion, so they pack a bag and go where they want, when they want.
While some people are totally comfortable traveling solo, others are not. For these people, It's easy now to travel solo, but not alone, by joining a solo traveler small group where you can meet like-minded individuals and never feel like a third wheel.
People are checking off the boxes on the bucket list. "If not now, when?" This often includes booking further in advance than ever before. While most of us are thinking about 2024, the tour operators and river cruise companies have already announced their itineraries and pricing for 2025 – with very attractive early booking discounts. The best staterooms sell out quickly.
On the other hand, there's a joy in last-minute spontaneous travel. Taking advantage of unfilled space can reap steep discounts. This generally involves grabbing the rooms others don't want or traveling at a time that's not as popular.
Off-peak travel gives you more options for lower airfares, lower hotel prices and perhaps most importantly - fewer crowds so you're not jammed into a museum, following a herd on a popular hiking trail, or waiting an hour for a restaurant table. Shoulder seasons of early spring or late fall can be a beautiful time to experience the real essence of your destination. Check weather patterns for rainy seasons and average day and nighttime temperatures to find your travel window.

The Italian Lakes – Como, Maggiore and Garda

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Wear comfortable shoes with a good grip. Trails can be slippery, especially going downhill after a rain.
Allow plenty of time. This area is too beautiful to rush through it.
Start each day with a fully charged phone if you use your phone to take photos.
Get an early start. After 11 am the main trail begins to get crowded, and from May through summer, the sun can be strong and weather hot.
Bring water.
Bring snacks. Pick up a sandwich at a cafe or salumeria before heading out and take a break for lunch.
Don't be fooled by the distances. Because you'll be walking uphill and down, it takes longer than it looks. You'll want to stop frequently to take it all in.
Get a Cinque Terre Train Pass. The rail system is intended to shuttle residents and visitors easily and quickly from one village to another. The distances are very short, and this gives you lots of freedom.
Travel mid-week in shoulder season to avoid the crowds.
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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.

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.

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.

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.

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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Adventure Awaits

Category: Group Travel

Group Travel may seem daunting to some, but absolutely essential to others. Group tours strike a balance between not travelling at all or traveling solo. Let’s face it, given the option, most of us would prefer to travel with our friends, partners or family. However, this introduces compromises in where you go, how long for and what you do. Sometimes you also end up compromising on whether you even go at all.

Not everyone has the confidence or desire to travel solo. However, people also don’t want to miss out on life experiences by waiting for their friends to take part. This is the joy of group travel. Joining a tour group is the half way house between solo travel and travelling with friends. You join a global group tour on your own, but you travel within a small group. Your itinerary is planned for you, the hotels are taken care of and you still have the flexibility and freedom to do other activities or relax in your own time.

This travel blog will give you an insight into the different locations and experiences that are great for group travel. I will also provide tips and ideas about group travel in itself so that you can make an informed decision.

Group Tour Providers

If you’d like to take a look at some of the main tour group providers, then the two I would recommend for quality and well organised tours are:

G Adventures
Intrepid Travel

If you travel with a tour group, you will have an experienced local tour guide. This will help you learn about the culture and history of the country you’re visiting. Having this local insight will give you a more rounded experience, as well as ensuring you’re kept safe.

One thing is certain, you should experience group tours at least once in your life. Research some of the more challenging locations that you’d like to tick off your bucket list but don’t fancy doing solo. This will help you see the options and if you go ahead, you will visit countries you may have never experienced on your own.

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Hey! I’m Eileen. I’m based between Boston, MA and London, UK.

I’ve been a travel journalist and blogger since 2008. I’m a former London expat and currently reside just outside Boston, MA. I love traveling to at least a dozen countries a year, learning about the best ways to pack & plan as well as the beautiful spirits of every unique destination. My team of travelers and I (ok, mostly friends) have experienced the world to offer fresh ideas, sassy stories and informative, expert tales that get you motivated to book that unforgettable trip with your squad.Welcome to the Pure Wander group travel blog! Anybody who has traversed the globe in groups of three or more are welcome to join in on the fun. Is it time for a giant reunion and vacation abroad? Want to get away with a few of your favorite couples? Or maybe you planning an epic destination hen-do/bachelorette? Our real guides and advice will make sure you finish planning up quickly and get to the good stuff – traveling! Group travel can be life changing, whether you’re bringing your besties on the road with you or making new friends along the way. Almost every article on Pure Wander are first-person accounts, so you can experience new destinations with us, from Sri Lanka and Australia to Texas and Aruba (& everywhere in between!) We welcome ALL of you to explore along with us.

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The first time Eileen left the country, on the very first day, her passport was stolen. She almost turned back home that moment, but stuck it out instead and realized the world of traveling would change her life. With a few continents and countries now under her belt, she’s devoted her career to telling the stories of those she meets abroad and the adventures she gets into as a freelance travel writer. Classically trained in journalism, Eileen brings her expertise in print and storytelling to the table to make Pure Wander a cut above the rest. IG: @Pure_Wander

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Sara is finishing up her degree in journalism at Boston University and loves writing about arts, culture and travel. She spent a semester abroad interning in London and traveling around Europe, and can’t wait to travel some more post-grad. You can find her on Twitter: @ Sara_Frazier .

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Elena is a travel and lifestyle writer originally from Spain that lived for a year in Portugal and now is based in London. Currently. she is on a three-month trip to India with her partner. She prefers to travel like a local rather than get to know all of the touristy monuments in every place she visits. Her independent approach makes her aware of all the trends and upcoming cultural events wherever she is. Find her on Twitter: @ElenaEchaveM .

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Group Getaways

December 13, 2023

5 minute read

How to Plan a Group Trip Your Friends Will Love

Happy friends sitting on the beach singing and playing guitar during the sunset

Traveling with a group of your closest friends or family can be a truly wonderful experience. The joys of group travel reside not only in the destinations explored, but the laughter shared, memories forged, and unexpected adventures that arise along the way.

Whether navigating bustling city streets, venturing into the heart of nature, or immersing in various cultures, the collective energy of a group amplifies the excitement! Orchestrating a seamless group vacation takes meticulous planning and thoughtful consideration of the diverse preferences of your party.

Here’s how you can plan an unforgettable group travel experience that everyone will love.

Collaborate on Your Itinerary

Planning a great group trip means taking the various expectations and preferences of your fellow travelers into consideration to ensure everyone's satisfaction. Begin by establishing a collective vision and goals, and engage in open discussions to understand the diverse interests within the group.

This will serve as the foundation for crafting a well-balanced itinerary featuring a harmonious blend of activities catering to the varied preferences within the group. Whether exploring cultural landmarks, embarking on outdoor adventures, or relaxing in luxury—a diverse mix of group and individual activities ensures everyone has an enjoyable time.

Establish effective communication channels to keep everyone in the loop throughout the planning and booking process, and be sure to include contingency plans for unforeseen circumstances.

Consider Your Budget

The next crucial aspect of travel planning is establishing a budget.

Depending on your party’s preferences, you may opt for a luxurious, shared suite in the heart of a bustling city, or more rustic accommodations for a budget-friendly stay.

Be sure to assess your individual financial constraints and considerations, and collectively explore cost-effective options for the best lodging, transportation, and activities.

Decide on a Destination

Pay careful consideration to the group's collective interests.

Whether the allure of vibrant cityscapes, tranquility of natural landscapes, or richness of cultural experiences, finding the perfect location is essential.

Consider factors such as how much privacy your group desires, whether you crave the ability to cook for yourselves, and what activities you wish. And, of course, give everyone in the group a say to narrow down options and vote on favorites.

Find the Right Time to Book & Travel

Timing is crucial, and collaboratively determining the most convenient dates and optimal duration ensures every member of the group synchronizes their schedules— minimizing conflicts and maximizing participation.

Assess seasonal factors such as weather conditions, crowd sizes, pricing changes, and the overall atmosphere of the chosen destination to determine the best time for your trip.

Choose Where to Stay

Accommodations play a pivotal role in the overall experience, so invest time in researching and booking options that align with the group's needs and expectations. The place you call "home" during your journey sets the tone for daily routines and shared moments.

Ensure that the lodgings align seamlessly with the diverse needs and preferences of the group, whether seeking the cozy intimacy of boutique hotels, communal spirit of rustic lodges, or flexibility of vacation rentals. Each option brings a unique flavor to the collective experience!

Work With a Professional Travel Advisor

Navigating the intricacies of group travel planning can be a complex and time-consuming endeavor, so the best way to ensure an unforgettable and worry-free experience is to work with a professional travel advisor.

These seasoned experts have a wealth of knowledge, industry connections, and keen understanding of unique destinations and travel offerings.

They Secure the Best Deals

Travel advisors find tours that aren’t listed publicly, leverage their relationships with various travel partners such as airlines and hotels to secure discounts , and even score upgrades and unannounced perks. Occasionally, travel partners will give discounts for block purchases, such as hotel reservations, which your advisor can advocate for— saving your group even more money than if you went onto a discount travel website or booked directly.

Finally, when you use a travel advisor, you can book with a deposit instead of having to immediately pay in full. That means your group can choose where to go, where to stay, and what to do—without substantial up-front costs.

They Take Care of the Logistics

Coordinating flights, transportation, lodging, and activities is a challenge even when you’re only taking care of yourself. Now imagine trying to get a group of people on the same flight or, at the very least, to your destination in the same time frame, booking multiple hotel rooms, and coordinating who will track down and schedule tours, restaurants, transportations, and rentals.

Travel advisors secure flights for all members of your group and work to meet each individual’s unique needs. They also book room blocks, identify any documentation needs—if you’re going to an international destination, and one of your friends has a passport from a country that has visa specifications, for example—and schedule your trip from start to finish in a time- and money-saving manner.

They Recommend Group Activities

Say you and a friend really want to go whitewater rafting, while the two other members of your group would rather have a spa day. All four of you agree that you don’t want to spend time apart. Travel advisors are trained to advise you on alternate locations, solutions to logistical problems, and anything else that might occur. They may even be able to find whitewater rafting hosted by a hotel that has a spa!

They Help Address Any Hiccups or Mistakes

One of the many benefits of working with a travel advisor is the peace of mind deriving from knowing they’ll continue to advocate for you throughout your trip. Say your friend’s flight gets canceled, or you schedule a group tour and the company only reserves five seats when you actually need six. Instead of wasting precious vacation time on the phone, alert your travel advisor, and they will talk to airlines, tour operators, and whoever else on your behalf.

Just focus on having a fun time with your friends.

InteleTravel Will Handle All Your Group Travel Planning

When it comes to arranging the perfect group vacation, InteleTravel is the number-one expert.

Our certified team of travel experts works with you to ensure your vacation goes off without a hitch, overseeing all the various aspects of your vacation so you won't have to worry about anything.

Our advisors go above and beyond to ensure a seamless journey. They book every element of your trip and craft a customized itinerary based on your group’s specifications. They even provide exclusive upgrades and travel bonuses to elevate your travel experience to new heights.

What's more, their support extends far beyond the planning phase. They’ll be on hand throughout your entire journey, ready to assist in case of any unexpected occurrences abroad.

The best part? InteleTravel Advisors provide their expertise at no additional cost to travelers . So why wait?

With an InteleTravel Advisor, enjoy the peace of mind from knowing every detail of your trip is in expert hands.

To get started planning your group getaway, contact InteleTravel today !

Where would you like to travel, select your destination, and we'll pair you with an inteletravel advisor based on your travel needs., north america, south america, asia & south pacific, leave a comment, never miss an update.

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10 Reasons Why Group Travel Is For Everyone…

Written by Adam Whitehouse

Posted, 24th May 2021

It really doesn’t matter whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a newbie to the whole solo travel scene, group travel really does have something for everyone and here are 10 reasons why group travel is for everyone…

Completely hassle-free 🙌🏼

Planning that big adventure can be quite a daunting task, maybe you struggle to find the time or you have absolutely no idea where to start. The backbone behind group travel really is in the ‘planning’, travel companies have teams of passionate individuals that are desperate to find not only the best experiences but also the most unique & local. Obviously, you need to sift through the reviews, find out exactly what’s included in each trip – but if there is one thing we know for sure… doing it alone will take far more time & preparation!

Almost everything included 🏝

Worrying about your budget and whether you will run out of money is never a nice feeling when you’re on the road. Such a huge benefit of group travel is the feeling that pretty much everything is included from the moment you arrive until the moment you leave; airport pickup, accommodation, transport, activities, local experiences and of course your group leader will know all the best places to eat and drink (my favourite!).

Instant group of travel buddies 👫

One of the toughest things about solo travel is stepping outside your comfort zone and pushing yourself to make friends along the way. Well, that is why group travel is such an incredible way to knock down that barrier. From the moment you arrive, you will have an instant group of friends all itching to share the adventure with people just like you! What makes it even more special is that you’ll meet people on group tours that share the same passion and love for travel as you do. Friends back home will always be your friends, but the buddies you meet on your travels will always be ITCHING to jump on that next ADVENTURE with you!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Feel Free Travel 🎒 Group Tours (@feelfree.travel)

Travel is always safer in numbers 💪🏼

Travelling alone can always be a little daunting. Plus booking that last-minute trip doesn’t always give you the time and confidence to do it on your own. Group travel is such a great way to bridge the gap between having the freedom of travelling solo and the safety and security of doing it within a package. You just simply reserve your spot, get your flight ticket booked and turn up at the airport where one of the team will be there to pick you up… easy right?!

Stepping outside your comfort zone 🙈

Joining a group tour will give you the heaviest appetite of FOMO while you look at what others are doing and naturally ‘follow the crowd’ as they say. You will experience things that you never knew you had any interest in and the bond you will form within the group will give you that confidence to take on any adventure!

Becoming part of a community 💕

I touched on this a little earlier, but imagine joining a travel community of individuals that share the same desire to jump on a flight halfway across the world in search of new adventures and life-changing experiences? Well with the power of social media and online communities like the ‘Feel Free Family’ you’ll have this network of friends at your fingertips. Also, it’s a great place to find out about new and exciting experiences that we are working on!

Click here to join the Facebook Group and getting chatting to other travellers just like you!

It’s much more affordable! 💰

Ok, so you might be reading this intrigued considering you’ve read a few blogs online by Nomadic Mat saying you can travel on as little as $30 per day. But in reality to achieve that you’ll need to plan things out and spend a huge amount of time researching places to stay and things to do (to save money). Group travel companies on the other hand are able to hustle a good deal because they book everything in larger numbers. Where you’d probably never be able to afford to stay in boutique hotels or floating bungalows in the rainforest – group travel companies are able to give you that huge benefit & value.

Flexibility when booking 🤸🏼‍♀️

As we all know from the recent events of 2020 (I don’t want to mention the ‘C’ word), the importance of flexibility when booking that big adventure is hugely important. This is such a big reason why group travel companies will give that worry-free feeling when booking your trip. Always be looking for ‘Free Date Changes’, ‘Low deposits’ and the ability to ‘Book Now, Pay Later’ when planning your trip.

Free time in the best spots ☕️

Just because you’re booking a group tour doesn’t mean you are joined at the hip with your groupies 24/7. The trips have been carefully crafted to give you free time in all the best places for shopping, brunch cafés, hiking and any other things that take your fancy. Naturally, the groups tend to stick together with the expert guidance of your Group Leader.

Your Group Leader & Local Guides 🤠

I thought I would leave the best until last – your Group Leader and Local Guide will be there for you every minute of every day, it really doesn’t matter whether you need help communicating, need someone to talk to or you’re in need of a dance partner. What makes these individuals so special is their passion for travel and their ability to keep everything moving so effortlessly.

Well there you have it… ‘ 10 reasons why you should consider group travel ‘ on your next adventure. Hopefully, we’ve inspired you to get planning and make that next trip a group one!

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Adam’s an exceptionally tall human and one of the co-founders at Feel Free Travel. You’ll often find him near the beach sitting in front of his laptop with a coffee in hand. When he’s not bashing away at his keyboard he’ll have a camera in hand shooting some cool and exciting new content!

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The 10 Best Group Travel Tour Companies for 2023

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her adventures around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

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For those truly epic, once-in-a-lifetime destinations, you want to leave your itinerary to the experts. Whether your dream is to see the Big Five on an African Safari, trek tall mountains, explore European cities, or something even wilder, a group tour is the easiest way to do it.

However, picking the wrong group tour company is the quickest way to ruin your trip. Make sure you choose a tour company that aligns with your goals and travel styles. Do you want an intimate group tour or do you prefer to make lots of new friends in a big group? Does the price line up with what you like (luxury vs. budget)? Is the itinerary going to all the places you want to see?

We’ve done the research and found the very best group travel tour companies for 2023 for every type of traveler.

Best Overall Group Travel: Exodus Travels

Images of nature around the mountains and lakes of Slovenia as seen on the Exodus Travels' Lakes and Mountains of Slovenia walking tour

With trips on every continent, Exodus Travels covers anywhere on this planet that you could possibly want to go, from popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast to well off-the-beaten path adventures like Tajikistan. This award-winning group travel company boasts thousands of repeat customers who sign up for trips year after year (97% of past participants would recommend Exodus Travels to a friend).

These small group tours operate with only around 12-16 people, and always feature experienced local leaders who can give you a unique insight into your destination. Exodus Travels caters to any type of travel style, including trips broken down by type of activity (think walking, cycling, multi-adventure, winter, or cultural) as well as type of traveler (family, age group, etc.). There are curated collections (coastal, “away from it all”, European wilderness, and trips of a lifetime) to inspire you, as well as self-guided options for when you want all the benefits of a group tour planner without the actual group. Looking for that special safari? Exodus Travels just partners with the African Wildlife Foundation to create carefully curated luxury adventures that go above and beyond the standard safari.

Exodus Travels tours work for almost any budget, with options that range from affordable to premium.

Top Trip: Explore under-the-radar Europe by foot on Exodus Travels’ Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia walking tour .

A Taste of the Sweet Life in Slovenia

Best Adventure Group Travel: World Expeditions

Groups of hikers walking and camping around the mountains of Kilimanjaro with World Expeditions

World Expeditions has been taking adventurous travelers to remote locations all over the world ever since its first group trek through Nepal in 1975. Today, World Expeditions offers active itineraries on every continent. Intrepid travelers can opt for trips themed around mountaineering, rafting, cycling, hiking, and more.

World Expeditions aims to leave communities and places where they operate tours better than they found them. Trips are created using the company’s Thoughtful Travel Charter as a guideline, which emphasizes respect for the environment, sustainability, having a positive impact on local communities, protecting wildlife, and more.

World Expeditions’ trips are capped at just 16 people to provide a good experience for participants, and there are no single supplements for solo travelers willing to share a room with someone of the same gender.

Top Trip: Summit Africa’s tallest mountain on a fully-supported trek up Kilimanjaro on World Expeditions’ eight day trip up the beautiful Lemosho Route .

Best Budget Group Travel: G Adventures

People visiting famous sites around China with the G Adventures' China Express group travel tour

For travelers on a budget, G Adventures offers cheap group tours that make dream destinations accessible to nearly anyone. (Think: sailing the Galapagos for just $1,124 , criss-crossing India’s Golden Triangle for $559 , or spending 8 days in Bali for less than $800.)

G Adventures is one of the best tour companies for solo travelers as well, as most trips don’t have a single-supplement. You can choose to share a room with another G Adventures solo traveler, or pay extra to have your own space.

G Adventures keeps costs down by opting for cheaper hotels and local meals, and making certain activities optional (for an additional cost). Pick your travel style—options range from “basic” to more luxe tours run in partnership with National Geographic. Family tours, local living tours (featuring homestays), and wellness-focused tours are also available.

Top Trip: G Adventures’ China Express trip is a great way to see the highlights of China if you’re short on both time and budget.

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Best Educational Group Tours: EF Go Ahead Tours

When you really want to learn about a destination, consider a group trip with EF Go Ahead Tours . EF is the world’s largest private education company, and the Go Ahead Tours arm capitalizes on the company’s relationships with local educators, historians, and tour guides to create group trips that take you deep into a destination.

These small group tours generally cap at 38 travelers, and feature unique educational experiences. For a bucket list trip, EF Go Ahead Tour’s special event tours are particularly enticing, as they offer behind-the-scenes access to tough-to-plan trips like Oktoberfest in Munich or Cherry Blossom season in Japan.

Intimidated by solo travel? EF Go Ahead Tours is a great option for solo travelers, since it offers designated trips for solo travelers , where everyone is traveling alone, making it less intimidating.

Top Trip: Bring the tastes of Italy home with you on EF Go Ahead Tours’ Food & Wine: Piedmont & Tuscany tour (operated in partnership with America’s Test Kitchen), where you’ll learn how to make local dishes.

Best Responsible Group Travel: Intrepid Travel

Shots from around Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and accommodations provided by Intrepid Travel's Premium Uganda & Rwanda trip

Looking for a responsible group travel operator that focuses on bettering the communities and destinations they visit? Intrepid Travel is the world’s largest travel B Corporation, a certification for companies doing good.

Intrepid Travel’s tours focus on sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and sustaining communities. The company has its own charity, The Intrepid Foundation , which has donated over 7 million dollars to over 130 community organizations.

Intrepid Travel’s small group tours attract a wide range of travelers, but they are especially great for younger travelers, as they have a large number of trips designed for people aged 18-29 . (Other trips, including family-focused trips, are geared toward any age.)

Top Trip: Experience unforgettable wildlife encounters on Intrepid Travel’s Premium Uganda & Rwanda trip which includes time with the mountain gorillas of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

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Best Private Group Travel: Kensington Tours

Aerial shots of various islands and coastlines around the Croatia and Dalmation Islands and shot of sailboat belonging to Kensington Tours

Whether your group consists of just two people or involves taking the entire extended family, Kensington Tours will take all the hassle of planning out of the equation. This private group operator creates personalized trips and itineraries tailored to your preferences, while their experts handle all the logistics and bookings.

Plans are entirely flexible, and can even be changed while on the trip on a whim. Need some inspiration? Browse Kensington Tours’ travel ideas , to get some ideas for your next adventure.

Top Trip: Sail around the stunning shores of Croatia and the Dalmation Islands on a private luxury catamaran on Kensington Tours’ fully customizable tour .

Best Polar Group Travel: Chimu Adventures

Shots of the interior and exterior of the Ocean Adventurer ship and shots of nature around Antarctica as seen on the Chimu Adventures' Antarctica Fly Cruise

Whether you’re headed north to the Artic or south to Antarctica, Chimu Adventures has the perfect polar group trip for you. Chimu Adventures has some of the most variety for polar trips, with options to fly, cruise, or a combination of both to get to your destination.

For an ultra-unique Antarctica trip, Chimu Adventures offers cruises departing from Australia or New Zealand (most Antarctica trips depart from Argentina). Can’t stay long? Book one of Chimu Adventures’ scenic flights to Antarctica , which fly as far as the south pole in one spectacular 16-hour day.

Chimu Adventures is one of the cheapest group trips to Antarctica, with rates starting under $5,000.

Top Trip: If you’re pressed for time (or simply don’t have the stomach for the Drake Passage), Chimu Adventures’ Antarctica Fly Cruise will get you to the ends of the earth quickly and smoothly.

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Best Group Tours for Solo Travelers: For the Love of Travel

Collage of images from the For the Love of Travel Lapland Tour

Group tours can be a great way to meet new people, but they can sometimes skew on the older age range. If you’re between 25-39 and a solo traveler looking to meet new people, you’ll love For the Love of Travel . All participants on the trips are between 25-39, and according to the company, 80 percent are solo travelers—so you’ll make friends fast. Hoping to meet someone who will be more than just a friend on your next trip? Trips include a balanced number of “gal and guy spots” to ensure an even balance of genders within groups (and of course, non-binary genders are always welcome).

For the Love of Travel offers weeklong (or longer) international trips as well as shorter weekender trips to nearby destinations like Mexico or Denver—perfect for people without a lot of vacation time.

Top Trip: Sleep in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights, go sledding with huskies, and warm up in traditional saunas on For the Love of Travel’s Lapland tour , already booking dates for 2024.

Best Biking Tours Group Travel: DuVine Cycling

Collage of shots from DuVine's Holland Bike Tour

Biking through the rolling hills of Italy or across the mountain roads of Chile sounds like a dream, but the logistics seem daunting (especially if you don’t want to haul all your own stuff from point-to-point). Enter: DuVine Cycling , a luxury small group tour company that specializes in bike trips.

With trips across Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the United States, DuVine Cycling is a cyclist’s dream. Choose from all-biking trips or mix things up with a cycle and sail bike tour or a multi-sport adventure —no matter what, everything is included, from luxury boutique accommodations to top-quality name brand bikes.

Top Trip: DuVine’s Holland Bike Tour promises “tulips, windmills, beer, and cheese”—what more could you need?

Best Luxury Group Travel: Abercrombie & Kent

Collage of images from the different cities involved in the Abercrombie & Kent Wildlife Safari: Around the World by Private Jet trip

Abercrombie & Kent has been delighting discerning travelers since 1962. Today, they take travelers on unforgettable adventures across over 100 different countries and all seven continents. Although Abercrombie & Kent’s trips are pricey, they encompass once-in-a-lifetime experiences like private jet tours around the world or luxury chartered cruises .

There are trips designed for solo travelers and families , and the small group journeys max out at around 14-18 guests.

Top Trip: Swim with whale sharks in the Philippines, feed proboscis monkeys in Malaysia, and photograph wild tigers in India on Abercrombie & Kent’s Wildlife Safari: Around the World by Private Jet trip , already booking dates into 2024.

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The future of group travel: top 10 trends & insights for 2022

As we near the end of 2021, we have our hearts set on all the travel opportunities to come in 2022. Think: twirling a plate of truffle pasta in Florence, making your friends go green with envy when they see your photos at the Cliffs of Moher, or even finally catching that creamsicle-colored Santorini sunset. That’s why we’re sharing the newest group travel trends and insights with you, so you can be in the know when picking where to go next year.

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Are you itching to get away this winter? No matter where you’re from, once the holidays end, the winter season can feel stagnant and boring, for lack of a better term. One of the best ways to cure this seasonal boredom is planning a trip that you can look forward to. The only thing better […]

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Group Travel: The Ultimate Guide to Cost-Effective and Fun Adventures

Discover the Benefits of Group Travel, Types of Trips, and How to Plan the Perfect Experience

In recent years, group travel has gained considerable popularity, and it’s easy to understand why. Embarking on adventures with a group can be incredibly enjoyable and often more budget-friendly compared to solo trips. There are numerous group categories that can take advantage of these group excursions, such as family reunions, corporate getaways, or even trips based on specific interests. This comprehensive guide will delve into the numerous advantages of group travel, and the various trip styles available, and offer guidance on organizing an unforgettable group journey.

Above Picture: Cumberland River – Nashville – Tennessee | Jonathan Ross | Dreamstime

The Benefits of Group Travel

Cost-effective travel.

One of the most compelling reasons to consider group travel is the cost savings. Traveling with a group can help to reduce the overall cost of the trip significantly. Group discounts on accommodations, transportation, and attractions are often available, which can be especially helpful for budget-conscious travelers. Additionally, many group tours offer inclusive packages that include meals, which can help to lower costs even further. The larger the group, the more significant the potential cost savings, so it’s worth considering group travel for larger parties. By taking advantage of these cost savings, groups can use the extra money to indulge in additional experiences, upgrade accommodations, or simply put the savings toward future travel adventures.

Socializing and Networking

Traveling in a group presents a fantastic opportunity to establish new connections and form long-lasting relationships with like-minded individuals. Whether it’s a family reunion, a corporate retreat, or a special interest trip, group travel offers the chance to network and socialize in a unique setting. Being part of a group creates a sense of community and shared experiences can help build bonds that last well beyond the trip itself. For solo travelers, group travel is an excellent way to find travel companions who share similar interests and make new friends. In a professional context, group travel can also create opportunities to connect with others in your field, potentially leading to future business ventures or collaborations. Regardless of the motivation, group travel offers significant social benefits that should not be underestimated.

Safety and Security

One of the most significant benefits of group travel is the added sense of safety and security it can provide, especially when exploring new or unfamiliar locations. Group members can rely on each other for support and assistance, which can help navigate challenging situations and unexpected obstacles. In addition, traveling as part of a group can serve as a deterrent to potential safety risks. A group of travelers is less likely to be targeted by criminals or pickpockets than a single traveler, making it an excellent option for those concerned about safety. It’s also reassuring to know that there are others around who can offer assistance in case of an emergency. Overall, group travel can provide peace of mind when exploring new destinations, allowing travelers to relax and enjoy the experience without worrying about potential safety risks.

Shared Experiences

One of the most significant advantages of group travel is the opportunity to share experiences and create unforgettable memories together. Whether it’s exploring new destinations or participating in group activities, these shared experiences can lead to stronger bonds and a sense of camaraderie among group members. Exploring new destinations as a group can create a sense of shared adventure and excitement, and the memories made together can last a lifetime. Group activities, such as adventure travel or team-building exercises, can foster teamwork and create opportunities for shared accomplishments. In addition, group travel can offer a chance to experience different cultures and perspectives, broadening one’s horizons and creating meaningful connections with others. Overall, group travel allows for the creation of memories and connections that can last far beyond the trip itself. Incorporating group travel into your future travel plans can provide a unique and enriching experience that you will cherish for years to come.

Popular Types of Group Travel

Group travel for special occasions is on the rise, and it’s no wonder why. Whether you’re planning a destination wedding, renewing your vows, or celebrating an anniversary, group travel offers a unique opportunity to create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Choosing the right location is key, so be sure to select a destination that is easily accessible and offers a variety of activities to suit your guests’ interests. From beachfront weddings to mountaintop vow renewals, the possibilities for special occasion group travel are endless. Don’t forget to consider working with a travel provider to help ease the planning process and ensure a stress-free experience for all.

Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties

Looking for the perfect way to celebrate a bachelor or bachelorette party? Look no further than group travel! With endless options from exciting city breaks to relaxing beach getaways, group travel can create unforgettable experiences for the bride or groom and the entire group. Make sure to prioritize the preferences of the guest of honor and cater the trip to the interests of everyone in the group. From adventure activities to spa retreats, group travel can make the bachelor or bachelorette party truly special. Don’t forget to choose a location that offers easy accessibility and a range of activities to keep everyone entertained.

Birthday Celebrations

Looking to celebrate a milestone birthday or throw a surprise-themed party for a loved one? Group travel is an excellent option for creating unforgettable memories with family and friends. Choose a destination that aligns with the interests of the birthday person and plan activities that cater to the group’s preferences. Whether it’s a relaxing beach getaway, adventurous outdoor activities, or a city break to explore new cultures, there are countless options available for a fun-filled celebration. Don’t forget to plan ahead to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience, and consider working with a travel provider to make the planning process easier.

Family Reunions

Group travel simplifies the planning process and ensures that everyone in the family reunion can participate in activities and sightseeing, creating new memories and opportunities to reconnect with loved ones. Family reunions offer a unique chance to make unforgettable memories, but planning the perfect event can be overwhelming, especially when considering the needs and preferences of every participant. Group travel helps to simplify the planning process, offering pre-planned itineraries that cater to all ages and interests, including guided tours, adventure activities, and team-building exercises. It also ensures that everyone can enjoy the trip without worrying about logistics like transportation, accommodation, and meals. By incorporating group travel into your family reunion plans, you can create new bonds that will last a lifetime while enjoying an unforgettable experience together.

Sport Teams

When it comes to sports teams traveling in groups, there are various factors to consider to ensure a smooth and successful trip. Firstly, selecting the right transportation and accommodation is crucial. Look for group discounts on flights, buses, or rental cars to help reduce the overall cost. Additionally, consider accommodations that offer ample space for team bonding and relaxation, such as vacation rentals or team hotels. Secondly, planning ahead for meals and snacks is essential. Look for restaurants or caterers that can accommodate the team’s dietary needs and preferences. Packing healthy snacks can also help keep energy levels up during games and training sessions. Finally, ensure that all necessary equipment and gear are packed and transported safely. Consider investing in durable travel bags and labeling them clearly to avoid any confusion or loss. Overall, group travel for sports teams can provide invaluable opportunities for team bonding and skill-building. With careful planning and consideration, it can be an unforgettable experience for all involved.

Adventure or Outdoor Enthusiasts

Are you ready for an adrenaline-pumping adventure in the great outdoors? If so, group travel for adventure enthusiasts is an excellent option for you. Whether you prefer hiking, cycling, or mountain climbing, there are endless opportunities to explore the natural world and connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion. To ensure a successful adventure trip, it’s important to consider the physical demands of the activity and select a destination that caters to the interests and abilities of all group members. Additionally, research the location’s climate, terrain, and customs to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Packing the right gear and supplies for your chosen activity is crucial, and working with a reliable travel provider can help you plan and organize the logistics of the trip. Ultimately, group travel for adventure enthusiasts is a fantastic way to challenge yourself, connect with others, and make unforgettable memories in breathtaking natural settings.

Corporate Retreats

Corporate retreats provide an excellent opportunity to improve employee morale and strengthen team dynamics, and group travel can enhance these benefits even further. By incorporating group travel into corporate events, organizations can provide their employees with opportunities for team-building exercises, training sessions, and networking opportunities, leading to improved performance, productivity, and job satisfaction. Group travel activities such as adventure travel, cultural tours, or wellness retreats can foster teamwork and collaboration while allowing employees to relax and unwind. Additionally, traveling together can create a sense of shared adventure and excitement, building stronger bonds among coworkers and fostering a positive and supportive work environment. Overall, group travel is a great way to enhance the benefits of corporate retreats and create a more cohesive and motivated team.

Special Interest Trips

Special interest group travel provides a unique opportunity to indulge in hobbies and interests, such as photography, food and wine, history, or adventure sports, while enhancing the overall experience with like-minded individuals. Group travel enables participants to learn from each other, share insights, and grow on a personal level. Activities like photography workshops or food tours provide chances for learning and personal growth, while traveling together fosters new friendships and a deeper appreciation for one’s interests. Whether traveling alone or with friends, special interest group travel is an excellent way to expand knowledge, connect with new people, and make unforgettable memories.

Educational Tours

Group travel offers a perfect opportunity for students, teachers, or lifelong learners to explore new cultures and destinations while gaining knowledge through educational tours. Group travel can make these experiences more accessible and enjoyable, providing a supportive and engaging environment for learning and exploration. Group travel activities like study abroad programs, cultural tours, or language immersion offer chances for hands-on learning, cultural exchange, and personal growth. By traveling together, participants can share insights, learn from each other, and build lasting connections. Whether you’re a student seeking to study abroad or a lifelong learner looking for new experiences, educational group travel can offer an enriching and unforgettable experience that enhances knowledge and broadens horizons.

Planning the Perfect Group Travel Experience

Choosing a destination.

Planning a group trip requires choosing the right destination, and it’s vital to consider the interests and preferences of each member. Opting for a location that offers a diverse range of activities and attractions can ensure a fun and enjoyable trip for all. Whether it’s cultural tours, adventure sports, or lounging on a beach, the destination should provide opportunities for everyone to make unforgettable memories. Additionally, researching the local cuisine, language, and customs of the destination can create a more immersive experience, giving a deeper understanding of the culture and making the trip more memorable. Ultimately, selecting a destination that caters to everyone’s interests and preferences is essential for a successful group trip, enabling all members to have a great time and create lifelong memories together.

Selecting the Right Travel Provider

When planning a group trip, working with a trustworthy travel provider can alleviate the stress and make the process much more manageable. Researching various group travel companies and selecting one that specializes in the type of trip you’re planning can simplify the process and guarantee a smooth journey. A travel provider can assist in selecting the best destination, arranging accommodations and transportation, and organizing activities and events for the group. They can also provide invaluable advice on the best times to travel and offer insight into local customs and cultures. Additionally, a reliable travel provider can ensure the safety and security of all group members during the trip, providing added peace of mind. In short, collaborating with a travel company can be an excellent choice for those looking to organize a successful and stress-free group trip.

Establishing a Budget

Budgeting is crucial when planning a group trip to make sure that all members can afford to participate. It’s important to consider the cost of accommodations, transportation, meals, and activities when creating a budget. Group discounts can be an effective way to save on expenses, such as group hotel rates, flights, and packaged activities. Comparing prices and researching the destination can also help identify cost-effective options. It’s also wise to have a contingency budget in case of unexpected expenses. Planning and budgeting can help alleviate financial stress and allow everyone to enjoy the trip without any financial burdens.

Communicating with Group Members

Having open communication with all group members is key to a successful group travel experience. Sharing information about the destination, itinerary, and any special requirements or considerations ensures that everyone is well-informed. This includes sharing information about the local culture, customs, and any safety concerns. Keeping everyone in the loop about the schedule, activities, and any changes that may occur is also important. It’s also essential to have clear channels of communication in case of emergencies or unexpected situations. Making sure that everyone has access to contact information for the group leader and other members is crucial. Maintaining open communication not only ensures that everyone is informed but also helps to create a sense of camaraderie and mutual trust within the group, which ultimately makes the trip more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Group travel has become increasingly popular due to its numerous benefits. It offers potential cost savings through group discounts on accommodations, transportation, and attractions. Traveling with like-minded individuals creates opportunities for socializing and networking, strengthening relationships, and expanding personal growth and learning, especially on special interest trips or educational tours. Group travel also provides a sense of safety and security when exploring unfamiliar destinations as members can rely on each other for support and assistance. Finally, working with a reputable travel provider can ensure a stress-free trip and maximize the travel experience. Overall, group travel is an excellent way to make unforgettable memories and build lasting relationships while enjoying numerous benefits.

Geovea makes Group Travel Simple

Geovea is built to make travel planning simple for all types of travelers from solo travelers to large groups. Some of the features that help groups create and take trips together include:

Sharable Trips
Sharable PDF and Email Trip Itineraries
Trip itineraries that can track estimated and actual costs
Robust calendar date and time scheduling of Destinations and Events
Trips are viewable on smartphones for easy navigation while traveling

What are you waiting for? Create your first trip now!

Add Destinations (up to 25) and unlimited Places
Add optional Trip Plan Title (one will automatically be created)
Select the “Create My Trip” button
Then view and modify the trip for your travel needs

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Welcome! Every day I wake up with one goal in mind: “How can I help other people travel better for less?” It’s my mission now to help travelers like you to realize their travel dreams.

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The book is a memoir of my ten years traveling and backpacking the world and the lessons I learned from that. It follows the arc of a trip around the globe: getting the bug, the planning, setting off, the highs, the lows, the friendships made, the relationships forged (and lost), the emotions you feel when it's all over.

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How a group tour changed my whole approach to travel

I 've always considered myself a fiercely independent traveler. I've navigated more than 50 countries on my own, and while I have sometimes booked short excursions, usually for a day, it had never occurred to me to book a group tour. That changed when I decided to take two of my children on a family tour with Intrepid Travel .

I had planned on spending our winter break in the Middle East but changed my mind at the last minute due to safety concerns . Because of the abrupt change, I knew I wouldn't have time to plan an itinerary, book hotels and arrange transportation before our departure date. However, I didn’t want to let that stop me from having an adventure. I'm glad I took a chance on a group tour because it changed the way I travel. Here's how.

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The trip planning was stress-free

I spent a little time comparing tour companies but quickly honed in on Intrepid. The company offers a variety of itineraries for families at different price points, and a few of my friends had been on its tours and had a good experience. I also liked that Intrepid offers specialized tours for different types of travelers, including family tours .

At first I planned on an "original" style family tour but upgraded to a "comfort" tour, which included more activities and meals along with upgraded accommodations. Although it cost more, the company's 10-day Morocco Family Holiday tour was still within my budget and looked like a good value.

BEFORE YOU GO: The 5 most important questions to ask yourself before booking a tour

Once I committed to a tour, my planning was essentially done. That was a huge relief. I normally spend hours searching for hotels , figuring out some must-do activities in every location along with some off-the-beaten-track attractions, researching transportation options, and gathering restaurant recommendations. Although I often find it's fun, it’s also time-consuming and can become draining for trips that involve several stops.

Even though a group tour was not exactly what I would have planned on my own, Intrepid's Morocco itinerary was fairly close. I thought giving up some control was well worth the trade-off of not having to do all the planning on my own. Because Intrepid uses local teams based at its tour destinations to plan trips, I also hoped having a local involved would bring me to places I never would have found on my own.

SAVE MONEY: Kids stay free at these 10 all-inclusive family resorts

Instead of reading hotel reviews and booking entry tickets, I spent the weeks leading up to my family vacation learning more about Moroccan culture. I knew this would enrich my experience more than figuring out all of the details for a trip abroad to run smoothly. I'm usually a mix of excited and stressed in the week or two leading up to a big trip. This time I was mostly excited, and my stress was at a minimum.

Though I won’t stick exclusively to group tours in the future, this trip taught me to not sweat the small stuff so much. I don’t need to spend so much time finding the perfect hotel or restaurant to have a great trip.

Group trips are fantastic for solo travelers and parents traveling on their own

Before I had a family, I often traveled on my own. Though I enjoyed solo travel , it was lonely at times, even more so when I stopped staying at youth hostels and lost access to the fantastic communities they provide. Now I frequently travel with my two younger children. They are fantastic travel companions, but on longer trips I sometimes find myself longing for adult interaction or an extra pair of hands. Additionally, even though my kids usually get along well, they sometimes get sick of each other in the absence of any other playmates.

TRAVEL WITH TEENS: 10 best vacation ideas for families with teenagers

On my Intrepid trip, I had other adults to talk to throughout the day. That was a refreshing change from my usual experience of going a week or more without speaking to another adult for more than five minutes, usually for transactional matters like checking into a hotel. My kids also quickly made friends with the other children on the trip. Not surprisingly, all of the families on the trip had similar interests and an adventurous spirit. My children and I were the only Americans in the group, and it was interesting learning more about life in New Zealand, Canada and Australia from the other families.

The parents in the group quickly started leaning on one another for support. One mom, also traveling alone with her children, asked me to take one of her daughters on an outing so she could get some one-on-one time with her other child. I asked a different mom to keep an eye on my son while I packed our things for the next day. It was nice not feeling as if I was on my own.

UNIQUE TRIPS: Hate bus tours? These 7 unique guided tours were made for you

This "it takes a village" spirit is something I want to bring with me in my future travels. Although it’s not possible to replicate the experience of traveling with other families, it is possible to seek out connections away from home. For example, on a recent trip, my son wanted to play soccer with local children who lived near our hotel. Instead of rushing him away so we could squeeze in another activity, I let him play. He wound up meeting up with the other kids every night we were there, sharing candy and communicating with an app. The nights playing soccer were a highlight of that trip for him and something I probably would not have let him do before my experience with a group tour.

I appreciated a slower pace

I have serious FOMO and often pack too much into my days when I travel. When I first reviewed the itinerary, I noted right away that it had downtime and even an entire free afternoon built into the trip. Though I know many people enjoy that balance, I was worried I would feel bored and come away feeling as if I had traveled halfway around the world and missed seeing all there is to do.

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The reality is it’s impossible to do everything. Trying is exhausting and impossible. There is always something left on the to-do list at the end of the trip. It was refreshing to go into a trip not trying to see an entire country in two weeks and being OK with that from the outset.

Though there were a couple of other things I would have liked to have squeezed in, I was very happy with the balance of activities and downtime. Other than all-inclusive family vacations and trips to family resorts , I normally don’t schedule time to just relax while I am traveling. It was really nice to have time to read and play UNO with my kids. I also liked that Intrepid had a couple of optional activities for those of us who didn’t want quite as much downtime as others.

MONEY MATTERS: How much should you tip on a guided tour? All your gratuity questions answered

I do still feel pressure to see and do everything when I travel, but going on a group trip helped me see the value in traveling at a slower pace. Some of my favorite moments from my Intrepid trip happened during scheduled downtime; they gave me and my children time to just enjoy being with one another without the pressures of work and school. It’s a lesson I’ve tried to carry with me as I’ve planned future trips.

Learning from a local is invaluable

One reason I chose Intrepid is the company uses all local guides, and most tours use the same guide throughout the trip. It may sound obvious that learning from locals is the best way to get to know a country, but I had underestimated just how valuable traveling with a local guide would be.

TOUR REVIEW: Adventures by Disney’s South Africa tour is a lesson in culture, history, and beauty

I learned much about Moroccan culture through our tour guide, who was always willing to answer questions about his life and traditions. He even brought us to his family home to meet his parents and niece, which was a very special experience. Aside from being able to share the history of everywhere we visited, I also liked that our guide warned us about scams to watch out for, shared the tipping culture and gave advice on bargaining. He was also helpful when it came to practical matters like finding an ATM.

For future trips, I will be more open to taking guided tours with local guides, even if it’s just for a few hours. I will also make it a point to try to talk to more locals, as long as I can do so without bothering them too much.

Even though it wasn’t what I had originally planned, not only did I have a great experience on my trip with Intrepid, it has also forever changed the way I plan to travel.

How a group tour changed my whole approach to travel originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com .

More from TourScoop:

9 best travel companies that specialize in women-only tours
8 best senior travel tour companies
4 great tour companies with independent tours

The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology , we review and select family vacation ideas , family vacation spots , all-inclusive family resorts , and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators , tour operator reviews , tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations .

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How a group tour changed my whole approach to travel

The camel ride on Intrepid's Morocco family holiday was a memorable highlight for my kids.

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Congrats, Your Trip Made It Out Of The Group Chat — Here Are 35 Things You’ll Want To Bring

"Exactly what we needed for a group of six to sit in the sun and relax." —a reviewer who took this extra-large beach blanket to Puerto Rico

BuzzFeed Staff

1. A very thorough travel checklist if you’re the go-to "parent" of the group and you just know that someone's going to leave their sunscreen behind or forget their sunglasses as soon as you hit the road. From extra pairs of socks to Advil, this list makes sure all your bases (and then some) are covered. You can never be too prepared!

The pad has 60 sheets, so it'll last a long time — even for frequent fliers.

Promising review: "We travel frequently and have two children. As any parent knows, packing for yourself and your children can be overwhelming — especially for trip longer than a few days. I have found this list to be a lifesaver and I also give it as a gift for other traveling families. It is easy to plan, organize, and list out items that are easily forgotten. You can also list the quantity of each item needed. Variety of clothing options and space to add more. As my children reached their pre-teen years I have been able to make them their list on these sheets and then they can use it to do their packing. I just show them how to highlight each item after it has been packed so it is easy to see you took that one off the list. Overall, wonderful purchase and has likely saved me many forgotten items!" — I-really-bought-this

Get it from Amazon for $7+ (available in three styles).

2. A set of packing cubes letting you separate your pieces, creating more space in your suitcase for all your stylish must-haves. No more guessing games or cramming — you'll have everything organized and easy to find.

reviewer photo of the pink and mesh packing cubes in a suitcase

Promising review: "I absolutely love these. I’ve actually purchased a few different sets in various colors. They help organize the suitcase better and save a ton of space. It was so much easier to pack and combine outfits into separate bags. I had a bag set up for each day of my vacation and everything I needed was in there. I was all set. No searching or digging around my suitcases . Just a little planning before we left and everything went smoothly using these bags." — Owl Lady

Get a set of six from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in 20 styles, including a set with a laundry bag).

3. A universal travel adapter with a number of ports that can power up to four devices simultaneously, so everyone can juice up their phones before heading out on that eight-hour-long excursion. This device has different plugs built into a single unit that's compatible in over 150 countries.

travel adapter plugged into an international outlet

This style has one universal input and three USB ports, including two USB-A and one USB-C, so you can charge up to four devices at once. It works with outlets in most parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Dubai.

Note: This isn't a voltage converter , so be sure to check what voltages your devices are rated for.

Ceptics is a small business that makes travel plug adapters for worldwide travel.

Promising review : "I bought this adapter some three months ago and it worked perfectly in Vietnam, Cambodia, Bahrain, Oman, and Italy (where I saw two different outlet types). My phone is at the stage where it needs to be charged once or twice per day. This is my 'need to pack item' when traveling. I also like the fact that it has USB outlets because I often have to charge my phone and something else at the same time. By the way, it also worked well in the Delta One cabin and in the ANA All Nippon Business cabin. This is also what I use for charging my phone, iPod, and smartwatch using the USB connections right here at home in the US." — Mark, WV

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 .

4. Plus, an ingenious 3-in-1 foldable magnetic wireless charger you can use to charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all at the same time in case your beautifully renovated historical hotel room only has one working outlet. It folds up compact so it's not taking up too much room in your luggage.

The white charger pad laid out to charge a phone, watch, and AirPods

Promising review: "I use this product to charge my iPhone 13, AirPods, and Apple Watch. Prior to this 3-in-1 compact purchase, I have purchased three different kinds of 3-in-1 chargers — I frequently travel between school and home with carry-on bags on airlines and all of the previous stand version chargers doesn't fit well in my bags or I am always worried I would break. This is compact and folds so well that I can fit in my carry-on or in any zipper pockets without having to worry about breaking anything. Charger works really well and it is the best compact one you can find in market. Love it and been using it for two months now and no issues!!" — Sbreddy

Get it from Amazon for $29.96+ (available in nine colors).

5. An extra-large beach blanket designed to accommodate up to eight people. This lightweight blanket is comfortable to lay on and folds up super easily (which is perf because it won’t take up too much room in the luggage) and also comes with little stakes to keep it securely in place. Plus, it's water- and sand-resistant so a quick shake will keep it pristine!

Hand holding the blanket folded up in its bag

Promising review: "We just got back from Flamenco Beach on the island of Culebra, Puerto Rico. This blanket was exactly what we needed for a group of 6 to sit in the sun and relax as we enjoyed the changes of the ocean colors throughout the day. The white and turquoise blanket stayed cool for us, reflecting the sun rays. And the material is fantastic — so soft and lightweight. The stakes easily held the blanket secure with the gentle ocean breezes. This blanket is easy to wash and comes with an attached pouch for compact storage. Highly recommend this product!! The extra large size was perfect for our needs." — Sheryl Shenk

Get it from Amazon for $37.98 (available in seven colors and two smaller sizes).

6. A mini belt bag made to keep your phone, wallet, passport, and other essentials close by whenever you travel (and for day-to-day use). Reviewers love that the versatile strap can be worn crossbody or around the waist, keeping their hands free while on the go.

A reviewer photo of the inside of the black belt bag, showing that it can hold a phone, lipstick, lip balm, and many other little things

Plus, reviewers say this is a great swap for the trendy, pricier Lululemon belt bag!

Promising reviews: "I bought this as a purse for traveling to populated European cities as there are heaps of pickpockets. It worked perfectly! It is the perfect size to fit everything I need and was super comfortable . Highly recommend." — Jessie Anela

"I bought this fanny pack to take on our trip to San Francisco and it worked out better than I thought it would! We hiked through Muir Woods and I loved that my hands were free from holding a purse! Then we walked across the Golden Gate Bridge, went to Chinatown, the wharf, etc. and again it was great not having to hold anything. This is by far the best bag I've ever traveled with. It is almost the same exact size a (name brand) bag but a lot less. Best purchase for the vacation :)" — Pat

Get it from Amazon for $12.98+ (available in 43 colors).

7. A Bluetooth JBL speaker just begging to be brought on that group float tri or beach hang. This little guy is not only waterproof but also offers up to five hours of playtime on a single charge. Reviewers are absolutely gagged at how loud the sound can get from this itty-bitty speaker!

A red kayak with a JBL portable speaker attached, floating on water

Promising review: " This small, and I mean small, speaker is awesome! If you're looking for something which provides excellent sound quality (bass, treble, highs, lows, clarity, and surprisingly loud volume) then this is the small wireless Bluetooth speaker out in the world! JBL has an excellent reputation and makes quality items, I just didn't expect this little one would have just as strong output as my larger one! I can watch water droplets bounce on top of this little one when the bass hits! I needed something to just carry around, take to the pool, take to the river when floating in the tube down the Comal River and for myself and/or my group to clearly hear the music. This little one can be CLEARLY heard from at least 15 yards away, even outdoors with a crowd at my pool! Excellent system." — Stormy M.

Get it from Amazon for $39.95+ (available in nine colors, combo packs, and two versions).

8. A digital luggage scale to avoid that awful stomach drop feeling when you're hit with an oversized suitcase fee at check-in. This trusty scale can help you gauge how overboard you can go with the souvenirs you plan on bringing back without the risk of your luggage being 20 pounds overweight.

reviewer using the digital luggage scale to weigh a small bag

Just hook the scale to your luggage handle, lift up, and the LCD display will show the weight! You can also switch between pound and kilogram measurements. BTW, BuzzFeed Shopping editor Elizabeth Lilly recently put this scale to the test while packing for a trip to Iceland — check out her demo of how it works on TikTok !

Promising reviews: "Took this on several overseas trips in the first two months. I can't believe I used to hold my bags and weigh myself and the bag on scales — and then subtract my weight. It was so time consuming, especially when we were either close to the limit or over. This small device literally saved us hours of frustration and possible unpacking at the airport check-in line. We couldn't live without this item now. We bought another one as a backup. Wouldn't hesitate to buy this exact item again." — AB

"Took this for a 10-day trip overseas with lots of flights. Weighed the luggage as things were added to it/purchased, and when we weighed in at the airport it was perfectly accurate. Very important when the airline will charge $70 more for a suitcase that is too heavy or make you open the whole thing up and take stuff out in order to fly with it. Saved so much hassle." — B. M. O'Connor

Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in five colors).

9. Some homeopathic jet-lag tablets so you can help reduce that “off” feeling from switching time zones — now the fun can start as soon as you hop off your flight.

The instructions say to take one at take off, every two hours during the flight, and then again after you arrive. One box is good for 50 hours of flying!

Promising review: "I swear by this stuff — it works if you take the doses exactly as indicated. I set my timer on long flights to make sure I wake up on time for my next dose. And drink plenty of water, which sucks on long flights having to use bathroom all the time, but it's worth not getting jet leg. I was a flight attendant for six years and always used this when I worked long flights!" — Jvelez

Get a pack of 32 tablets from Amazon for $15.50 .

10. A portable cornhole board guaranteed to provide hours of entertainment for everyone. It conveniently folds up and slides into this neat little bag (with a handle) so you can easily carry it to the beach, park, or campsite. Everyone is going to BEG for you to bring it on future trips.

Two people playing with the cornhole game

Promising review: " I bought this for my twentysomething daughter. She uses it all the time with her friends (both male and female) and has been urged to take it along on a planned camping trip. She says it’s super easy to set up and that it is both easy and fast to get it put away in its pouch. She loves it!" — Donna A.

Get it from Amazon for $39.99 .

11. A spacious two-room tent that'll comfortably fit the whole crew (10 people, to be exact). This tent is equipped with five generously sized mesh windows to let in the breeze, a double-layer shield for extra protection, and a zip-up privacy curtain to create separate spaces or open it up for one massive hangout spot. And guess what? You can even gaze up at the twinkling stars through the top mesh roof when night falls.

A spacious tent is set up near a serene lake, with a picnic blanket, guitar, and lantern beside it, depicting a peaceful camping scene

Promising reviews: " We went camping last weekend. The tent is pretty big (even though it was three of us in there, we could easily fit more people). Good material as well. Not super thick and not thin. I had some issues with assembling it, but it was my first time assembling the tent lol, so it may be me problem. I hope for many more camping days with my friends and this tent ." — Inna

"This tent is huge, we fit a queen air mattress and 2 cots and had plenty of space. Camped with 2 adults, 2 kids and 2 dogs for a week. It did rain 1 night while we were camping and although you could feel slight dampness on the walls no water penetrated the tent (we did waterproof prior to camping with 3 cans of waterproof spray ). My only complaint is the zipper requires two hands and kids can easily struggle with it." — Heather Fazekas

Get it from Amazon for $169.90 (available in six colors).

12. Prefilled hangover helper kits , because these magic bags of goodies will have everyone's backs when the previous night out involved more drinks than planned. Inside this lifesaver, you’ll find all the essentials like liquid IV, Advil, under-eye patches, makeup remover wipes, a hair tie, ginger chews, and mints.

Hangover kit bags with assorted recovery items like snacks and toiletries displayed for shopping

Promising reviews: " I love the quality of the bags, just as expected!! Love how they’re packaged. Bought this for a girls' trip and I can’t wait to show my friends! This is a must have for any type of outing or event." — AnonymousC

"I absolutely love these packs! Everything inside serves its purpose & was well thought out . It makes as a great gift, funny yet practical. I had a couple extra after giving to my nieces for their 21st birthday so I'm putting one in my car and one in my travel case lol. They're bigger than I was expecting too which is great! I highly recommend getting these!" — Steph06

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 .

13. Bestselling Adidas Cloudfoam sneakers that, as the name suggests, feel like they've bottled up a cloud and put it right under your feet. Now your feet won’t be in complete shambles for the rest of the trip after that marathon of a walking tour your bestie talked everyone into.

reviewer playing tennis in white top, blue shorts, and white sneakers

Promising reviews: "They felt weird the first time I put them on…but as I started walking in them it got better! Usually my feet are killing me by the end of the day or I’m just super sweaty in my dress shoes, but these are like walking on a literal CLOUD ☁️ and they let my feet breathe! " — Alyssa

"Literally the BEST shoes ever! So comfy. I spent a whole day at Disney with no complaints , normally I'm tired after two hours of walking in the park, but with these babies, I was up and walking alll day with no problem." — Katherine

Get them from Amazon for $33.32+ (available in sizes 5–11 and 30 colors).

14. A wedge doorstop alarm for an extra layer of safety — when this clever little device is activated by door pressure, it unleashes a booming 120-decibel siren that's guaranteed to send any would-be intruder running for the hills. It'll give the entire group some peace of mind, especially if you're staying in an unfamiliar area.

a reviewer photo of the wedge alarm inserted underneath a door

No wiring is required, either — just pick up a 9V battery .

Promising review: " Travel must-have. I use this traveling, and it provides extra peace of mind in motel rooms considering I'm a cheapskate and stay in dives and my dog is getting so old he is likely to refer any criminal who breaks and enters to me for further processing. Works well, as a startled maid in a West Virginia motel can attest when she thought I had checked out and unlocked the door to clean. I gave the second one to my sister, who uses it at home." — QuintessentiallyYours

Get it from Amazon for $13.80 .

15. A set of Sea Bands if you're someone who suffers from motion sickness and don’t want it to ruin your BFF's b-day cruise. These little bands apply acupressure to a specific point on your wrist, helping to relieve nausea without needing to carry around bottles of medication.

reviewer wearing the gray sea bands on both wrists

Promising review: "I’ve always been kind of sick. I throw up on long car rides, I can’t read in the car, I get horrible migraines 24/7, etc. Recently I changed medications and because of that, my migraines came back with a vengeance. Thinking there was nothing I could do I kind of gave up, until, I was looking at BuzzFeed and saw this in their recommended. I thought it could help with any car sickness that I would get but man I was not giving these enough credit! Since I have bought them I wear them ALL. THE. TIME. I wear them in and out of the car, to bed, and just around the house. I no longer feel nauseous and my migraines are almost nonexistent. Whoever invented these are a freaking god! I don’t know think I could ever live without these! BUY THESE!! They're so worth it." — JohnDz

Get a pair from Amazon for $8.51 .

16. A Trtl neck pillow so you can prevent yourself from awkwardly dozing off on your buddy's shoulder during flights — no matter how tight you two are, drooling on them is a no-no. This neck pillow helps keep your head upright so you can peacefully snooze instead of arriving at your destination exhausted (and with an achy neck).

reviewer wearing black Trtl neck pillow on flight

Unlike the regular U-shaped pillows, Trtl Pillows are machine-washable and fast-drying.

Check it out on TikTok .

Promising review: "Used it for a 14-hour flight to Japan last week, and it helped tremendously. This was the first time I was able to sleep on the plane so this helped tremendously. Definitely a must-have for travel. It is very light so I was able to easily pack it in my under-the-seat wheeled trolley. I want to emphasize how much the light warmth of the fleece (and I don't like being hot) was just right to help me nod off to sleep. Since this is primarily for sitting upright in the seat or someone in the middle or the aisle seat, this was ideal for me. I just got back yesterday. Again I used it — this time for a 12-hour flight." — Ambience

Get it from Amazon for $64.99 (available in four colors and another style).

17. Or an adjustable infinity pillow designed to cradle your noggin from every angle so you can finally say goodbye to those mid-sleep head flops. And with its cushiony texture, you'll feel like you're snoozing on a cloud.

Reviewer wearing terracota-colored scarf-like pillow around their neck

The pillow is made with a breathable, super soft bamboo fabric, and fully machine washable.

Promising review: " We got a few different types of travel pillows for a red-eye to Europe and this was overall our favorite due to its versatility. The loop actually allows you to have various self supporting positions, and this will contort all sorts of ways to be a pillow, neck rest, arm rest… anything. It’s actually just good for any type of travel in general and got a lot of use on the whole trip. The material is soft and comfortable." — Tom Shaw

Get it from Amazon for $49.99 (available in 10 colors).

18. An Apple AirTag for keeping a keen eye on your luggage because you've heard too many horror stories of airlines losing bags. This little device can attach to your belongings and help you keep track of them using the "Find My" app on your phone so you don't become the next victim.

reviewer photo of the airtag attached to their bag via a keyring

Promising review: "I bought a pair of these AirTags for a trip to France, and I’m so glad I did! First of all, the setup is super easy; I had zero problems and both were done in like five minutes . I put one in my purse and one in my suitcase. On the way back home, the airline lost my luggage. Checked the Find My app where the AirTag is tracked, and I could see that it never left the Charles de Gaulle airport. I felt more assurance being able to track my bag through the app as it made its way across the world back to me . 10/10 would recommend!" — Lindsay Kirby

Get it from Amazon for $24 or get a group of four for $79.99 .

19. A set of wireless Bluetooth earbuds over 235,000 reviewers gave 5 stars. These earbuds offer over 10 hours of playtime to block out all the unwanted noise around you — including loud, chatty people on the plane and the adorable but screaming baby in 23A.

These come with a wireless charging case that provides up to 14 hours of charge (with the earbuds able to play for 4+ hours with each full charge). The earbuds are also sweatproof and waterproof so you can use them during workouts or runs, and have a built-in mic so you can chat on the phone.

Promising review: "I love these SO much. I'm a budget traveler so I usually have long days of driving, layovers and plane rides. My previous headphones would ALWAYS die and usually during the first hour of my flight. These ALWAYS last me through a day of traveling . I hardly ever hear the low battery warning because they just go back into the charging case. The case keeps battery pretty well too and I usually charge it about once a month (I typically use them about 4 hours a week when I'm not traveling). I really like that these have a red light that shows when the earbuds are actually charging. I've had some in the past that I thought were charging and weren't." — Eden

Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in five colors).

20. A travel jewelry case to prevent all your dainty little necklaces from turning into a giant knot. Honestly, you could solve a Rubik's Cube faster than the time it takes to untangle your jewelry.

a reviewer's green velvet case holding two sets of earrings and three rings

Promising review : "I purchased this box for a weekend getaway. In the past I have just thrown all of my jewelry into little makeup bags, but then everything gets tangled and disorganized. I love that this box keeps everything organized and leaves all my necklaces tangle free!" — Dogmom206

Get it from Amazon for $18.74+ (available in 10 colors).

21. A lipstick-size cordless portable charger that'll be a lifesaver when you're calling an Uber for the group, but you've just spent an hour trying to get the perfect shot of the Sydney Opera House and now your phone battery is at a mere 10%. This small but mighty charger is capable of charging smartphones lightning fast when in a pinch.

BuzzFeeder holding an iPhone with the white charger plugged into it

My former colleague Britt Ross says, "I'd had my eye on this bad boy for a while, and finally ordered it to take on a two-week trip to Europe. Let me tell you: LIFESAVER. I'm the type of person who loves to spend hours and hours exploring new cities, but with the amount of photos and videos I take, my phone's battery tends to drain really quickly (relying on Google Maps to get literally everywhere doesn't help, either). With this, I knew I'd have some backup when there weren't any outlets nearby, and it was *so* nice not having to connect my phone to a clunky charging bank via cord. 100% recommend!"

Promising review: "This is the perfect charger to take with you everywhere! I’ve taken it to football games, Disneyland and even used it in the hospital for two days. I can usually get two charges out of it." — Janeo

Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in five colors).

22. Tide sink packets in case someone’s checked luggage doesn't make it to the right location and now you have to share outfits (being an over-packer paid off this time). These little packs allow you to hand-wash your clothes in the hotel sink, letting you rewear outfits as needed. And don’t worry, these are well sealed to limit the chance of leaks in your carry-on bag!

person dumping packet of clothes detergent in a sink full of water

Promising reviews : "Great product. Used it to wash some clothes while traveling for a week and half. Did a great job and allowed me to pack less. Will be purchasing again for a two-week trip coming up." — April M.

"Some in our party were forced to check their carry-on bags due to lack of space on the plane. Our connecting flight then got canceled and we ended up on a different plane…some of the bags didn’t make it and these Tide sink packs SAVED US! We were able to keep a rotation of things clean while we waited for our bags. I was ASTONISHED at how much sweat and grime came out of my clothes after a long, hot day of travel! Won’t travel without them ever again ." — Kristin St. Martin

Get nine packs from Amazon for $6.93 .

23. A compact portable safe to keep your valuables secured while catching some waves. This little safe is the perfect companion for all your beach adventures. Attach it to your beach chair and throw a towel over it, and your belongings will be safe and sound while you soak up the sun.

reviewer's pink personal safe that's attached to a beach chair at the beach

Elizabeth recommends it: "After putting this in MANY travel stories, I bought one for myself for a summer European vacation where I found myself at several beach clubs. It was perfect for keeping mine and my friend's belongings safe while we dozed in our beach chairs or swam in the sea. Plus, it's the perfect size to hold phones or wallets, and easily carry in your beach or tote bag.

Promising review: "This safe has become a MUST-HAVE on all our vacations. We no longer travel without it. We put two iPhones, cash, and car keys in this little safe, locked it to a beach cabana, threw a towel over it and took off for a hour of snorkeling. Never once worried about our belongings. We now use several of these as room safes AND as 'hide a key' lockboxes outside our vacation condo for teens who come and go throughout the day . They are invaluable!" — KeepIT Reel

Get it from Amazon for $23.98+ (available in gray or pink ).

24. A cooling, memory foam contoured sleep mask that doesn't apply pressure to your eyelids (unlike flat eye masks), helping you drift off into dreamland faster than you can say, "Jet lag who?" This light-blocking mask will give you much-needed sleep so that by the time you land at your destination, you won't be a puffy-eyed zombie.

Promising review : "I'm a flight attendant. I've been in need of proper eye shades because I often find myself trying to sleep at a layover hotel in the middle of the day. Some hotel rooms have blackout shades but sunlight always seems to leak in. The 3D Contoured Cup Sleeping Mask makes me feel like I'm sleeping in the darkest of dark caves. No light leaks in at all. And the memory foam makes it feel like I'm wearing nothing on my face. Also, the mask's twin contour cups allow my eyes to blink. This product has made my life sooooo much more comfortable. Seriously. I love this mask!" — Elliott

Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in seven colors).

25. A portable white noise machine to cancel out disruptive noise so everyone can get their beauty rest. It produces a consistent, soothing sound that can lull you into a peaceful slumber, no matter if your hotel room is right next to the elevator or your balcony is just above the street level.

reviewer photo of the mini white noise machine on a nightstand

It features 11 sleep sounds, and can also be paired with your phone and used as a Bluetooth speaker!

Promising review: "I’m a flight attendant so I spend half my life in hotel rooms, which can be extremely noisy between people running through the hall, the elevator dinging, or loud trucks and cars outside. This lil thing has some major power to it! It really doesn’t have a loop, thank goodness, the volume control is great, and it has so many different sounds to choose from. I am quite impressed with it! It weighs practically nothing, which I’m grateful for because my bags are heavy enough as it is. I wake up and swap it to the speaker mode to play music while I get ready for work. I have honestly never written such a long review before, so take that as a sign if you’re on the fence about buying! If this thing holds up for at least a year I will be happy to repurchase every year because of all the positive things about it!" — Kinsey Alexandra

Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in black or white).

26. A chic anti-theft backpack if you hate the idea that while you're on the crowded airport shuttle, you would never know if someone unzipped your bag and took something out. With this bag, the only way to open it is from underneath (thanks to the zipper being flush against your back), making it as practical as it is stylish.

Britt says, "I went to Italy last summer, and as someone who prefers a small backpack over a purse most of the time, I thought this would be a great purchase, as it would give me some peace of mind as I spent hours wandering around different cities. I'm happy to report that after two weeks of daily use, I'm convinced I'll be bringing it on every trip I take from now on. It's small enough so that it doesn't feel bulky or uncomfortable throughout the day, but has plenty of space for everything you'd need on the go — I fit my wallet, sunscreen, glasses case, hand sanitizer, water bottle, snacks, and even a small umbrella, with room to spare! And the fact that it opens from the back means someone would literally have to pry it off of you to get to your valuables. I bought the medium size in black pebbled faux leather, and it's actually quite cute for the price!"

Promising review: "I bought this backpack to use as a purse while on vacation, and it worked perfectly. The main pouch is protected when you’re walking around because the zipper is protected by your back. There are also two side zippered pockets, one of which kept my phone and the other perfect for sunglasses and a few other items that I wanted to access more easily. I loved that I could wear it as a purse to dinner but use it as a backpack during the day so that my shoulder didn’t get tired. I highly recommend this item!" — Allison

Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in 8 styles, including two different sizes).

27. A waterproof pouch that'll protect your phone while you swim with dolphins, high-five a sea turtle, or when you fall off a Jet Ski in Miami. (Or was that just me?)

reviewer holding up the teal pouch with their phone in it in front of a body of water

It fits any phone up to 7 inches diagonally, and you can also use it to keep your ID and money from getting wet!

BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord says, "It's also a great fix for keeping out sand and dirt (and a great option for runners, if you're caught in the rain but still want to be able to toggle through your music options)."

Promising review: "I purchased this case in July for an upcoming canoe trip with a friend, and as luck would have it, we flipped our canoe. Being the rebel that I am, I chose not to wear my phone around my neck, and so it, my ID, and my debit card ended up at the bottom of the river and I just assumed it would be discovered a thousand years from now and placed in a museum as an ancient artifact. Fast-forward to this week. I was contacted via FB by an Alachua County Sheriff’s Office diver and guess what he found? Yup, my phone case with all of the contents intact and dry as a bone! He had to cut the case open, but there was not one single drop of water in it and he ended up purchasing a case for himself because he was just that impressed!" — Julie McDonald

Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in 14 colors).

28. A memory foam seat cushion designed with orthopedic gel to spare everyone’s tushy and lower back while taking turns driving on that cross-country roadtrip. This seat cushion promotes correct posture, giving more support to the lower back and making it a little more enjoyable to sit for extended periods of time.

reviewer photo of the gray seat cushion on the seat of a car

Promising review: "A few weeks into working from home five days a week I started having a lot of hip/leg/back pain. I have a good Herman Miller task chair that had been fine for one to two days of WFH a week, but wasn't working for me full time. In the early afternoons my lower back would start cramping. I did some research and bought this pillow and it immediately helped! I also took it on a two-week road trip since a three day road trip earlier this year had made a mess of my lower body that lingered for weeks — and no pain! What really drove me to write this review was that yesterday, unknowingly, I worked all day sitting on my chair without my cushion. I had removed it to use as a spare chair at my dinner table and forgot to put it back. At the end of the day hip was aching and I realized why! Today it's back on my chair and I'm already feeling better." — Lorene

Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in three colors).

29. A pair of reusable waterproof shoe covers , because nothing's going to rain on your parade (not even Mother Nature). These covers are made with heavy-duty material so you don't have to worry about water seeping in. They're so compact, they can easily fold down and fit right in your backpack for those unexpected downpours.

reviewer wearing the clear show covers over their white sneakers

There's a handy sizing chart provided on the product listing page so you can find your ideal fit!

Promising reviews: "Truly amazing for a rainy day at Disneyland! I got asked about them by at least 100 people that day, when everyone’s shoes were wet and uncomfortable and mine were super dry!! Highly recommend them. Very easy to use, and also the bottoms were non-slippery! Must-have for a rainy activity day!" — Juhi

"Exactly as described. The size was exactly right for my shoe size. Perfect for a trip, as they take up very little space in a suitcase and work quite well to keep the rain out and puddles away from shoes." — Caroljean

Get a pair from Amazon for $12.89 (available in unisex sizes S–4XL and five styles).

30. A roll-on migraine stick formulated with oils like peppermint and spearmint to help ease and relax muscles. It can help soothe your throbbing migraine after the panic of that one friend who thinks they forgot their passport at home — but it was in their bag the whole time (just the wrong pocket)! They’d probably forget their own head if it wasn't firmly attached.

Promising review: "This stuff is my go-to fix when I feel a migraine coming on. I suffer from sinus headaches and migraines usually once or twice a week. This product I put on each temple, under my nose and on my wrists when I feel the pressure starting and it cuts the pain to a minimum. It seems to stop the worst pain before it has a chance to start. Thank you for a great product! I will buy again and again! " — Brenton1985

Read BuzzFeed's Migrastil Migraine Stick review for more deets!

Get it from Amazon for $12.95 .

31. A stylish travel belt (as seen on Shark Tank ) that'll not only keep your valuables close and secure and protected from sticky fingers, but also keep you from having to rearrange your bags every five minutes because they're constantly falling over throughout the airport.

the model with a tote bag secured to a suitcase

Cincha Travel is a small BIPOC-owned biz based in Oakland, California, specializing in adjustable vegan leather travel belts. The brand donates 100 airline miles for each purchase to help reunite migrant families.

Promising review: "Worth the money. Like many others, I’ve struggled with purses/totes slipping from my suitcase especially on public transportation to and from the airport. I finally purchased one and I can’t imagine traveling without it from now on. This is made especially for people who use public transportation to and from the airport. It does take a little getting used to when you’re unloading in a hurry but I still recommend it." — VF

Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in 17 styles).

32. A pack of four pocket-sized, refillable travel perfume atomizer designed to pump perfume directly from your full-sized bottle. Now everyone can take their favorite fragrance through TSA without any issues.

BuzzFeed Shopping editor Elizabeth Lilly loves this thing: "^ That's me pumping my signature perfume into one of these travel atomizers I've been using for about a year. As the reviewer down below mentions, it's great to just throw in your purse on the reg for a fragrance re-up throughout the day. As you can see, it's about the size of my thumb and therefore takes up very little room. Plus! It's smaller than most rollerball travel fragrances you can pick up. This first one is working so well, that I just have the other three in storage. But if this one bites the dust this summer during travels, I'll be OK about digging into my stores to use one of the remaining three...especially at this price point."

Promising review: "I bought these due to traveling a lot for work and needing to cut down on the size of things in my carry-on bag for flying. I can bring four different perfumes now instead of one big one. They’re super easy to fill, haven’t leaked so far but I keep them in a sandwich baggie while traveling just in case. I would 100% buy them again." — Emily

Get a four-pack from Amazon for $7.99 .

33. A waterproof toiletry bag with enough room to fit all of your morning AND nighttime routine products. It also hangs in the bathroom so it's easy to see everything you packed.

reviewer holding the pink toiletry bag, which is folded up into a small carrying case

Promising review: "I waited too long to review this amazing bag. It's incredibly well made for the price, holds so many items, but somehow feels like it fits just fine in your suitcase without being too bulky . It's really nice to hang once you get to your destination, especially if the bathroom space is tight like in city hotels, or if you have numerous people using one bathroom, you can leave it hanging without being in the way. Anyway, buy now!" — Sarah B

Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in two sizes and 12 styles).

34. A genius Alleyoop Pen Pal , the ultimate travel companion for those who want to keep things light but still look their best. With just a simple twist, you can switch between eyeliner, lip liner, brow pencil, and highlighter, making it the perfect all-in-one tool for any makeup routine.

Close-up images of makeup application: eyeliner, lip liner, brow pencil, and highlighter used on different facial areas

My former colleague Jasmin Sandal loves the Pen Pal: "I didn't realize I'd ever use a makeup product in my 20s that had the ability to transport me back to something I used in sixth grade, but here we are; and here I am using a multitool pen...for my face. After using all of the functions (eyeliner, highlighter, lip liner, eyebrow pencil) and as someone who LOVES makeup but was applying as little as humanly possible during lockdown, I think it’s a great tool for anyone looking to streamline their routine. It's ideal to use for touchups come the end of the workday, or a subtle, minimalist way to apply makeup in the a.m. The brow pencil is particularly soft and pigmented, and filled in my eyebrows quickly. I just adore the ease of application of each product, and appreciate the universal, does-it-all-for-you concept. Plus, it saves me so much room in my already overflowing makeup bag! "

Promising review : " I bought the Pen Pal to help make my travel makeup bag not so bulky with a bunch of different items. I really like how smooth every product is. The colors were pigmented and great. I probably wouldn't use this on a daily basis, but when I travel it'll be really nice and compact in my suitcase!" — Kara E.

Get it from Alleyoop or Amazon for $20 (available in three shades).

35. A very cute and practical fan, flashlight, and USB port with three different speeds and capable of holding a charge for a long time. When folded down, it easily fits in a purse or pocket, and you can even use it as a backup power bank for your phone!

reviewer holding the white bear-shaped fan, flashlight, and usb port folded up

It's rechargeable (no batteries!) and can be folded and propped up on a desk or other flat surface. Lots of reviewers said it's great to have on hand if you're experiencing hot flashes!

Promising review: "Impulse bought this for a 90-degree day at Disneyland and now my kids cannot live without it. It lasted all day on one charge, even with the kids playing with it for hours . Also brought it camping and the flashlight was great for them. Bringing it on every trip from now on." — Michelle

Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in four colors).

Reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.

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Small Group Adventures

A group of friends enjoying a glass of wine together.

Find Your Trip

Travel with like-minded adventurers.

A great journey is made even better when shared with great travel companions. Join us solo, with a partner, or with friends, and enjoy the camaraderie of traveling with a group of kindred spirits. On our scheduled Small Group Adventures you can expect world-class Trip Leaders, small groups—no more than 16—and fascinating itineraries that range from immersive cultural adventures to invigorating bucket-list treks.

A group of happy travelers at Mt. Everest.

What Makes Our Small Group Adventures Special?

With over 150 journeys worldwide, we offer an unmatched range of experiences with tours designed for every interest and ability
Our average group size is just 10—and never more than 16—the perfect size to keep things intimate, personalized, and flexible
Our Trip Leaders are the best in the industry, and we often have two per trip, giving you plenty of 1:1 time
We pre-set our departures for the best time to be at each destination, and handle all the details—all you have to do is relax and enjoy your vacation

Choose Your Activity Type

Browse our scheduled Small Group Adventures based on your specific interests. Whether you are looking for hiking and trekking adventures, snorkeling excursions, in-depth cultural encounters, or more, we have the trip for you.

Featured Small Group Adventures

Small Group Adventure

Great Elephant Migration Safari

Botswana, Zimbabwe

From $9,295

Southern Iceland Expedition

From $7,195

Everest Base Camp

From $5,595

Pilgrim’s Way: El Camino de Santiago

From $5,195

Tour du Mont Blanc

France, Italy, Switzerland

From $5,795

England Coast to Coast

From $6,895

Hiker’s Journey to Bhutan

From $7,095

Namibia Expedition

From $9,195

Hiking in Norway’s Fjord Country

Hiking in the Cortina Dolomites

From $5,295

Pyramids to Petra

Egypt, Jordan

From $11,395

Spirit of Ireland

From $6,495

Everest Lodge to Lodge

From $4,695

Morocco: Camels to Casbahs

Snorkeling Raja Ampat

Galapagos Adventure aboard the Passion

From $8,995

Costa Rica Wildlife

From $6,195

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

From $5,995

Ultimate Patagonia

Chile, Argentina

From $10,995

Tanzania: The Great Migration Safari

From $10,195

In the Wake of Cleopatra

From $8,595

Southern Spain to Morocco

Morocco, Spain

Botswana Wildlife Safari

From $9,895

Wildlife Adventures in Borneo

Malaysia, Borneo

Hiking Amalfi and Capri

From $6,395

Botswana: Kalahari Explorer

Botswana: Okavango Explorer

Climb Kilimanjaro!

Treasures of Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia

Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia

Call for Pricing

Hiking Italy’s Volcano Trails

Hiking the Yorkshire Dales Way

From $5,495

Tribal Ghana, Togo, and Benin

Benin, Ghana, Togo

From $7,995

Wild Tasmania

From $7,795

Madagascar: Off the Beaten Path

Magical Madagascar

From $6,795

Mountain Gorilla Safari

From $7,895

Namibia: Giraffe Conservation Safari

From $9,595

Namibia: Green Season Safari

From $9,795

The Ultimate Uganda Safari

From $8,895

Ultimate Namibia and Botswana

Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia

From $11,595

Zambia Walking Safari

Zimbabwe: Green Season Safari

South Africa: From Sea to Savanna

South Africa

From $11,995

Southern Tanzania: Off the Beaten Path

A Northern Arc Across Ireland

From $6,995

Great Hikes and Cuisine of Northern Italy

Hiker’s Journey to Portugal

Hiking in the Greek Isles

Norway: Hiking Alesund and the Sunnmore Alps

Hiking the Cotswold Way and Wales

Wales, England

Hiking the Faroe Islands

Hiking the Fjords of Greenland and Iceland

Denmark, Iceland, Greenland

From $9,995

Lapland Adventures

Hiking Montenegro and the Adriatic Coast

Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro

Scotland’s Orkney Islands and Wild North Coast

From $7,395

The Turquoise Coast

Hiking the French Pyrenees

Hiking the Haute Route

France, Switzerland

Hiking the Isle of Madeira

From $4,895

Western Greenland Expedition

Greenland, Denmark

Winter Adventures in Iceland

Ultimate Haute Route

Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

From $6,295

Mont Blanc to the Mediterranean

Northern Iceland: Off the Beaten Path

Pagan Festivals of Sardinia

Treasures of Ireland’s West Coast

From $6,595

Treasures of the Dolomites

Hiking Tuscany and the Cinque Terre

From $6,695

Ultimate Dolomites

Central Asia Explorer

Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan

Central India: In the Realm of the Tiger

From $7,295

In the Realm of Genghis Khan

From $5,695

Kyrgyzstan: Hiking in the Celestial Mountains

Mongolia’s Golden Eagle Festival

From $8,495

Royal Rajasthan and Villages of India

From $9,695

Shinto Shrines, Pearl Divers, and Pilgrim Trails

Searching for Snow Leopards in India

From $7,595

From $7,495

Temples, Treasures, and Teahouses

From $10,595

The Great Game

Uzbekistan, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan

From $15,695

Treasures of South India

Ultimate Everest

Nepal: Lodge to Lodge Hiking in Upper Mustang

From $8,195

The Silk Road

From $12,495

Ultimate Uzbekistan

Wildlife of Eastern India: From Red Pandas to Rhinos

From $7,695

Tonga: Swimming with Humpback Whales

New Zealand: Ultimate South Island

New Zealand

Hiker’s Journey to New Zealand

From $8,295

Ultimate Galapagos aboard the Passion: Eastern and Western Islands

From $14,995

Glacier National Park and Blackfeet Powwow

From $8,795

Yellowstone & Grand Teton Wildlife Adventure

Trekking the Cordillera Blanca

From $4,995

Trekking the Cordillera Huayhuash

Hiker’s Journey to Machu Picchu

Treasures of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu

Brazil: Jaguars and Wildlife of the Pantanal

Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia

Patagonia: Tracking Pumas and Cruising the Fjords

Argentina, Chile

From $13,295

Snorkeling with Whale Sharks in Cenderawasih Bay

Snorkeling Expedition to Wakatobi

Desert Kingdom of Oman

Lost Worlds of Ethiopia

Hiking in Slovenia

From $6,095

Hiking in the Azores

Hiking Bergamo to Innsbruck

Liechtenstein, Austria, Switzerland, Italy

Hiker’s Journey to Morocco

Corsica and Sardinia

France, Italy

Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast

Croatia, Slovenia

From Bratislava to Prague

Czech Republic, Slovakia

From $5,395

Hiking in Sicily

Hiking Norway’s Lofoten Islands and Beyond

Hiking Puglia and Matera

Hiking the Heart of Switzerland

Switzerland

Namibia: Desert Lion Conservation Safari

Prehistoric Caves and Great Cuisine of France

Highlands and Islands of Scotland

Walking England’s Jurassic Coast and Channel Islands

From France to Spain: Hiking in the Basque Country

Spain, France

Morocco: The High Atlas Trek

From $4,795

Normandy and Brittany

Wild Zimbabwe

Hiking Switzerland’s Via Alpina

Hidden Villages of Northern Greece

From $4,395

Palau Snorkeling and Sea Kayaking

Hiking in Cornwall

Hiker’s Journey to the Caucasus

From $5,095

Japan: Snow Monkeys and Winter Cranes

New Zealand: Hidden Treasures of the Far North

Iran: In the Footsteps of Kings and Conquerors

Hiking the Alpe Adria: Salzburg to Trieste

Austria, Slovenia, Italy

Galapagos Adventure aboard the Coral II

Tour de Monte Rosa

Italy, Switzerland

Treasures of Mont Blanc

Hiking Australia’s Northern Territory

From $11,795

Nepal: Trek the Sacred Gokyo Lakes & Beyond

Pakistan: Hiking the Hunza Valley

Hiking Cape Verde

Cape Verde Islands

Hiking the Heart of the Balkans

From $4,595

India’s Kumbh Mela Festival

Adventures in Senegal, Gambia & Guinea-Bissau

Medieval France: The Lot Valley

REVIEWS FROM OUR CLIENTS

An incredible variety of activities was packed into the trip, yet we never felt rushed. It would be impossible to do what we did in the same period of time without the expertise of WT guides.

We can depend on WT to offer exceptional trips and great attention to detail, and the quality of the Trip Leaders is unsurpassed.

This was without a doubt one of the best trips I’ve taken in my entire life. The professionalism and thoughtfulness that was demonstrated time and time again by the crew and the staff was superlative. An outstanding experience for me and my kids!

You could not have designed a better itinerary. Every day, every lodge, every meal, every experience was (unbelievably) better than the day before. Thank you for making this a phenomenal travel experience that I’ll remember for a lifetime.

The trip design was brilliant. Each day we thought we had captured “the prize” but the next day was even better. How did you do this?

Impeccable itinerary and outstanding implementation. Every day delivered a new ‘oh my’ because of the variety of the scenery and experiences. Thanks, Wilderness Travel!

This was a truly exceptional trip where we felt that we were able to fully experience the Patagonian wilderness but from the relative comfort of some wonderful small hotels and estancias.

Met my hopes and then some. It was an “experience” – –more than a vacation. We learned a tremendous amount about the culture, Inca history and, of course, the country is beautiful and people are so very nice!

The small number of participants with Wilderness Travel makes a much more intimate interaction with the areas visited. It was wonderful being in a small group of ten. Our guide’s ability to spot things in the bush was pretty incredible—he found leopards for us (with their kills), lions we would never have seen, and every bird everywhere. Great personality, too!

Because of our Trek Leader’s vast experience in the area, we used several trails that aren’t known to many trekkers and we were invited into Sherpa homes, which was wonderful. I had been dreaming of this trip for 30 years and now those dreams are fulfilled.

I have dreamed of taking this trip for years. Truly this journey exceeded my expectations on all fronts. The wildlife, terrain, people, staff and fellow trip mates made it an adventure to always treasure. I feel blessed and fortunate. Thank you Wilderness Travel. You have my complete confidence.

Talk to an Expert

Our Area Specialists know every detail about our Small Group Adventures. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

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13 Small Group Tours to Suit Every Travel Style

Take the pressure off planning your own trip by joining one of these small group tours that cater to a range of different interests.

Traveling is a goal for many people, and an admirable one at that. Traveling has many health benefits, both mental and physical, as well as exposing us to different cultures, histories, and perspectives. However, even after someone gets over the hurdle of finding enough time off work, saving up enough money for the trip, and potentially hiring a sitter for their kids and/or pets, they may discover a new roadblock.

The actual TRAVEL PLANNING part.

First you have to figure out where you want to go, then you have to decide between flight routes, and then look up lodging, then learn a whole new transportation system, find places to eat, and things to do, and sights to see - maybe even in a different language. Sure, you can just hop on a plane somewhere, hope to find a hotel at a good rate when you land, and let the cards fall where they may...but that off-the-cuff type of travel doesn't work for a large majority of people. Especially if they are new to traveling.

And especially if they are Virgos.

Hiring a travel agent is one method to bypass the planning, and if that serves your needs then perfect! You're ready for a trip! But if you would prefer to not travel solo, for whatever reason, there's another solution for you: joining a small group tour.

Why Join a Group Tour

It's not always possible to travel with friends and families, at least not as often as one may like. Traveling solo is a reliable option, since no coordination with other parties are needed, but traveling solo is a different experience. For those that have social anxiety and don't like approaching strangers for conversation, solo travel can feel daunting. Similarly, there are some destinations, either for safety or convenience, where it takes more work to travel there solo.

A group tour can help solve some of the complications of not wanting to travel solo, but also not having pre-set people to travel with. There may also be apprehension around joining a group of strangers in a new place, but the comfort in that is everyone in the group is also in the same boat of wanting to meet new friends while traveling . Plus, everyone at least has an interest in travel, so it's a planted seed of connection.

Picking the "right" group tour is the other half of the apprehension, so it is important to get a feel for the vibe of a group tour before signing on. In general, it is easier to make good connections with others on smaller group tours, and also easier for the tour host and guides to cater to individual interests. There are even small group tours that are focused on specific hobbies such as yoga, literature, anthropology, and partying - so guests can be sure the itinerary is something they would enjoy and be engaged with.

Below are 13 incredible small group tours to check out for your next solo-no-solo trip!

Travelers Who Love Adventures

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Much Better Adventures (@muchbetteradventures)

For travelers that love branching out into the great outdoors and tightening their grips on the reigns of adventure, Much Better Adventures is a travel company that focuses on small (7-14 people) outdoor group tours that take guests on the adventure of their life. Before the trip starts, everyone in the group is added to a WhatsApp chat so people can get acquainted before touching down in the new destination.

Examples of their tours include trekking Machu Picchu, wild camping and kayaking in Norwegian fjords, climbing Mt Kilimanjaro, and cycling the Silk Road. Much Better Adventures partners with qualified local hosts to put tourism dollars back into the local small economy.

Travelers Who Love Reading

View this post on Instagram A post shared by BOOKED Trips (@bookedtrips)

Who said book nerds have to be solitary? If you want to experience a next level book club, join BOOKED Trips for one of their themed itineraries based around a best selling novel set in the destination of the trip. The small group trips are no more than 12 people and are curated to take guests on an immersive experience from the page to the place. BOOKED Trips is woman-owned and woman-centered, and guests of each trip have a virtual meet-and-greet beforehand as well as a WhatsApp group chat to get acquainted.

Some of their upcoming tours include Cape Town, South Africa (based on "Intruders" by Mohale Mashigo ) and Mexico City, Mexico (based on "More Than You'll Ever Know" by Katie Gutierrez ), but each encompassing a mix of amazing food, locally-led tours, and of course a bit of downtime for reading - or shopping!

Travelers Who Love Fitness

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ketanga Fitness Retreats (@ketanga_fitness)

You don't have to forgo your movement and wellness routines while you're on vacation - with Ketanga Fitness group tours, you can combine the two! Fitness retreats are a mix of traveling to enjoy a destination as well as engaging the participants in their movement hobbies of choice. Compared to some of the other small group tours on this list, Ketanga Fitness has a slightly larger group (10-16 people), though still much smaller than the big name larger group tours so they are able to tweak each tour to its participants. The tours are focused on various forms of movements, so you can search by activity or destination.

A few fitness retreats they have done include boxing in Costa Rica, tennis in Mexico, surfing in Colombia, and yoga in the mountains of Canada. However, because there is a range of physical ability in the realm of movement, there are also small group tours that focus on fitness for specific demographics such as Odyessy Traveller (for mature travelers), Tapooz Travel (for Disabled travelers), and WHOA travel (for women fitness tours).

Travelers Who Love a Good Time

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Roaming Republic 🤞🏽🌎 (@theroamingrepublic)

If you like to turn up, then you've just met your new best friends in The Roaming Republic group tours. The Roaming Republic was founded with the intention of building long-lasting connections between participants, and considering their extremely high rebooking rate...they've more than succeeded on cultivating an inspiring, engaging, and exciting environment. These co-ed community (both inter and intra) driven group tours can be as small or large as whoever signs up, but usually range above 15 people.

A few of their upcoming tours include a Kenya safari experience, New Years in Ghana, and even a women-only trip to Bali, and each tour specifies whether the participants can expect an upbeat non-stop party environment (aka, their "trap trips") or a more down-to-Earth cultural immersion experience. Either way, you'll come away with lifelong friends!

Travelers Who Love Food

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lost Plate Food Tours (@lostplatefoodtours)

One of the most compelling reasons to travel is to taste that destination's cuisine from the source. A small group tour that focuses their trips around food is Lost Plate Food Tours . Lost Plate Food Tours is a small family business that currently operates multi-day tours in China and Cambodia, allowing guests easier access to see more challenging parts of the country while also exploring the culture through food.

They provide an experience that guests truly cannot replicate on their own, highlighting small businesses that have been in operation for generations to give visitors a new lens to view the city and its communities. Another highly anticipating small group tour with a focus on traveling through food is Relish Africa Food Tours , coming May 2024 and dares travelers to fall in love with the African continent one bite at a time!

Travelers Who Love (Affordable) Luxury

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mally (@brokeassgirltravel)

As the name alludes, Broke Ass Girl Travel group trips are for the travel enthusiasts who want to stretch their travel dollar (or peso, euro, yen, etc etc) for as far as it will take them. Literally. The embodiment of bougie on a budget, these small group trips offer bucket list destinations for a fraction of the price, especially for solo travelers who would otherwise not be able to split the cost of a pricey overwater bungalow with another traveler.

Their upcoming trips will take participants island hopping to the beautiful warm beaches of Madagascar & Mauritius, hot air ballooning (and lots of fun dramatic photoshoots) in Turkey, and even grabbing a fun group together to see Usher in Amsterdam! For those who really want the group tour to do all the work, there are even options to include airfare with the trip costs.

Travelers Who Love Cultural Immersion

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Diva Green (@igotyourblack_)

If you are someone who loves the more anthropological side of travel - the history, the language, the socio-political makeup, etc - then taking a small group tour focused on cultural immersion should be your go to. While there are many that focus on local connections and learning rom resident experts, one of the newest to hit the travel scene is I Got Your Black with their launch of the Afro-Mexico Experience.

The tour follows the story of Mexico's Afro-Mexican community, an identity that the government did not officially recognize until 2015, even though Afro-Mexicans contributed to Mexico's independence (Vicente Guerrero, Mexico's second president) and iconic dishes such as mole and horchata also have roots in Afro-Mexican culture. Beginning and ending in Puerto Escondido, Mexico, participants are guided through various Afro-Mexican towns and National Parks by Afro-Indigenous guides, showing visitors the seldom told -but all too foundational- truths.

Bouyant Travel is another culture-first small group tour, focusing on connecting members of the African diaspora to roots around the world. You can also take Indigenous founded and organized tours to experience a destination through a decolonized lens, such as Aboriginal and First Nation small group tours.

Travelers Who Love a Bit of Everything

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Meridian Boutique Travel Company (@meridianboutiquetravel)

And of course, for travelers who love a little bit of everything and want a mix of food, adventure, socializing, cultural activities, and downtime to explore individual interests, Meridian Boutique Travel is the perfect well-rounded itinerary! Operating in Japan and Portugal, two of the best countries to get you hooked on travel, these tours are consciously planned with each individual of the small group in mind to ensure everyone has a fulfilling and unforgettable experience.

Once you have the itch for travel, Meridian Boutique Travel even goes the extra mile to plan individual trip itineraries so you can take your own adventures without actually needed to do any trip planning! They provide the best of both worlds!

Creator Curated Group Trips

You can also often find travel content creators who lead group trips to their favorite destinations, often partnered with a bigger travel group tour company or organized themselves with local tour operators. You can choose these tours based on the influencer's personality, as the other people joining the group will likely be a similar vibe to the creator, but it's also good practice to look into the group tour's itinerary to make sure it is something you would enjoy.

A few content creators who lead fantastic small group trips are Kesi from Kesi To and Fro with her Follow the Fro small group tours, taking fun-loving travelers to Uganda, the Maldives, and even Antarctica. Eli from The Partying Traveler has solidified himself as one of the most engaging creator group tours for adventurous travelers, with his latest tour taking guests to the charming countryside of beautiful Pakistan . Lindsay from One Girl Wandering is known internationally for her solo travel tips, but also leads well-rounded small group tours with TrovaTrip to various destinations around the world.

Kay Kingsman is a fiction author and travel writer who prides herself on being a full-time silly goose. Along with being the first person to crip walk in Antarctica, Kay's writing has been featured in Forbes, Insider, Fodor’s, Viator, and more.

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UMaine News

Culinary exchange between Maine and France will support Maine scallops

A group of chefs, seafood professionals, writers, economic development specialists and educators will travel to France from April 14-22 to explore French techniques for handling and preparing scallops in support of the scallop farming and commercial fishing sectors in Maine.

The project is made possible by a grant from the NOAA National Sea Grant Office to the Maine Sea Grant College Program. Among the Maine delegation of culinary professionals and other specialists traveling across France are Dana Morse, senior extension program manager and aquaculture lead at Maine Sea Grant and University of Maine Cooperative Extension, and Rob Dumas, UMaine food science innovation coordinator and manager of the Dr. Matthew Highlands Pilot Plant.

The group will be in Paris, Normandy and Brittany. The trip will wrap up with a scallop festival in Paimpol April 20-21. The week of travel will be followed by educational programming led by Dumas to share what the group learned from its travels with other chefs and other culinary professionals.

The project is spurred by the unparalleled quality of Maine dayboat scallops, both the traditional product from the fishery and whole live product from Maine sea farmers.

“The quality of dayboat scallops from Maine is finally getting the long overdue recognition it deserves. Scallops from different areas have different flavors (merroirs) and Maine is the only state in the country offering whole cultivated scallops. I look forward to learning from the masters of place-based gastronomy how to get the word out about our amazing scallops,” said delegation member Togue Brawn, owner and founder of Downeast Dayboat.

Less well known — to both chefs and consumers alike — are the products from the farm sector: whole scallops, roe-on and dishes made with other parts of the scallop beyond the “meat” (the adductor muscle) known to most Americans. The delegates want to change that, and it comes at a time when the nascent farm sector is growing. According to recent Maine Department of Marine Resources’ landings data , Maine farmed scallop production was valued at $81,629 in 2021, $103,220 in 2022 and $584,691 in 2023.

“Growers have really gotten their feet under them, and it shows in their production practices and the landings themselves,” said Morse.

With the farm sector increasing production, the opportunity and challenge is to introduce culinary opportunities to chefs. Since Americans eat most of their seafood in restaurants, chefs can serve as ambassadors of new scallop products to their customers and to the home chef. In 2020, a cookbook titled “Recipe Ideas for Farmed Sea Scallops. The Whole Story” was released and co-authored by local Maine fisherman Marsden Brewer and natural history writer Marnie Reed Crowell, both Stonington residents. A digital version of the publication can be found on the PenBay Farmed Scallops website .

“This was a conscious effort to put whole scallops on the minds of chefs and food connoisseurs by publishing, promoting and distributing a resource dedicated to the preparation of farmed and wild sea scallops,” said delegation member Hugh Cowperthwaite, senior program director of fisheries and aquaculture for Coastal Enterprises Inc.

France is a leader in utilizing scallops in their cuisine, and the Maine group will meet with chefs, fishermen, retailers, restaurateurs and scientists in the course of their travel. The delegation includes Chef Jean-Louis Gerin, master chef of France and a dual citizen of the U.S. and France. A James Beard Award winner and chef at two Michelin three-star restaurants, Gerin has helped the group establish connections in France and is uniquely positioned and qualified to serve as the group’s knowledgeable host and guide, and is prepared to share his deep connections to culinary leaders in the U.S.

“As a Maine based chef, I am thrilled to be able to support scallop fishermen and farmers through education and outreach to chefs and eaters,” said Dumas “ Our group’s trip to learn about the French scallop industry will help inspire and inform our efforts to get chefs thinking about using more of the scallop, how to tell the story of scallop sustainability through the lens of both environmental and economic perspectives, and how to better market Maine scallops as a world class product . ”

Other delegation members include Sam Hayward, James Beard Award-winning chef and co-owner of Fore Street restaurant; Rowan Jacobsen, author of “A Geography of Oysters”; Andrew Peters, owner of Vertical Bay; Lisa Scali, co-owner of Ocean’s Balance; and Cherie Scott, owner and founder of Mumbai to Maine LLC and maker of award-winning gourmet regional Indian simmer sauces.

Contact: Marcus Wolf, 207.581.3721; [email protected]

UMaine Today Magazine
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Vacation Tours for difficulty walking or other help

I have neuropathy in my feet and have some difficulty in walking and balance. I love to travel but cannot join a tour group which usually means climbing stairs, walking on uneven terrain, etc. Does anyone know of a travel group/s that cater to people who need some kind of help now and then and where the tours are designed to be very interesting and not physically demanding. For example, I would love to go on a cruise around the Greek Isles or cruise Alaska but I would need help in getting there and maybe a little help in getting on and around the ship. Thanks for any information

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Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

Great post! I would second that question, as due to a back/leg condition, I would love to travel again. Having traveled extensively in the past, I know that many tours consist of practically running from one site to another. Other things such as bad sidewalks and climbing over rough areas make it impossible to visit many interesting places.

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I'm in the same boat so to speak although my desire to travel afar is no longer with me. Here are a few sites that may be what you are looking for...

--- Educational Slower Paced Tours For Seniors - Browse our collection of slow-paced tours for seniors with limited mobility or little walking included: https://www.roadscholar.org/collections/at-a-slower-pace/ --- 10 Vacation Ideas For Seniors With Limited Mobility - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FlZkUDnvxs

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Thank you - I will definitely check them out.

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Middle East latest: Rishi Sunak issues criticism as tensions between Iran and Israel reach boiling point

The UK prime minister says Iranian threats to carry out a missile strike against Israel are "unacceptable" as tensions continue to escalate. Scroll through live updates while you listen to our podcast on how the conflict in Gaza is affecting Yemen too.

Thursday 11 April 2024 16:44, UK

Israel-Hamas war
Biden says US support for Israel 'ironclad' on Iran
Iranian threats against Israel 'unacceptable', PM says
Alistair Bunkall : Attack from Iran on Israel reported to be imminent
More than 100 Israeli conscripts 'refuse to serve on Gaza border'
Three sons of Hamas leader killed in strike | IDF gives details of attack
Explained: Who is Ismail Haniyeh?
Watch: Moment he is told his family has been killed
Alex Crawford report : Yemeni fishermen face threat of Houthi attack - but on Gaza they are firmly behind the militants
Live reporting by Jess Sharp and (earlier) Bhvishya Patel

Israel has claimed to have killed one of Hamas's financiers in Gaza.

The Israel Defence Forces said Nasser Yakob Jabber Nasser was "responsible for funding a significant part of Hamas's military activities" in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

"Last December, he transferred hundreds of thousands of dollars to Hamas for its military activities," it said in a Telegram post .

Hamas has not publicly commented on the claim.

It comes after the Hamas-affiliated news agency Shehab said three of the militant group's sons were killed in a strike earlier today.

Sky News contacted the IDF over the claim, but it could not confirm the reports.

The UN Security Council should have condemned the strike on the Iranian embassy in Syria, Iran's mission to the United Nations has said.

If the council had done so, the "imperative for Iran" to retaliate to the attack could have been avoided, it added.

The embassy in Damascus was struck last week in an attack that killed two Iranian generals and six other Iranian military officers.

Israel has been widely blamed for the strike, with Iran vowing to take revenge on the country.

Israel has not publicly commented on the attack.

"Had the UN Security Council condemned the Zionist regime's reprehensible act of aggression on our diplomatic premises in Damascus and subsequently brought to justice its perpetrators, the imperative for Iran to punish this rogue regime might have been obviated," Tehran's mission to the UN said on X.

Iran uses the term "Zionist regime" to refer to Israel.

The families of three British aid workers who were killed in an Israeli drone strike in Gaza have paid tribute following the repatriation of their bodies to the UK.

James Kirby, James "Jim" Henderson and John Chapman were among the seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) workers who died in the attack last Monday.

The strike, which the Israel Defence Forces said was a "serious mistake", prompted condemnation from London and other Western capitals.

Mr Kirby's family said he will be "missed by so many", adding they were "overwhelmed by the support shown".

"As a family we are shocked and saddened by the sudden death of our beautiful James, who we lost on 2 April," they said.

Mr Henderson's family described him as a "kind, compassionate, loyal and considerate man, our shining light".

"We as a family are deeply shocked, saddened and upset at the untimely tragic death of Jim," they said.

The family of Mr Chapman said: "John was an incredible husband, father, brother, son and friend who will be missed deeply and he was an inspiration to many.

"We are devastated by this unbearable loss but are hugely relieved to have John home."

With reports of an imminent attack on Israel by Iran, our international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn says this is a "very dangerous moment for the Middle East".

He says just as we thought the risk of a regional war were subsiding "it has now come back".

Waghorn says the "Iranians throughout this war have avoided escalating wherever they can" and "don't want a war" but "they feel they have to retaliate".

"The assumption is it will be a calibrated well-planned retaliation. It won't go too far but it will go far enough to try and restore their deterrence but it won't go too far as to plunge the region into all out conflict," he explains.

He notes whatever decision Iran takes "it's war and things don't necessarily go to plan".

"This is a very dangerous moment for the Middle East," he adds.

British and other foreign diplomats in Israel have been advised to stock up on essential items in anticipation of an Iranian attack.

The guidance, which has been issued to families in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, also recommends carrying radios when out and about, in case phone networks are disrupted.

Israel is currently on alert for an Iranian retaliation following a suspected Israeli airstrike on Iran's embassy in Syria earlier this month.

German airline Lufthansa has also suspended flights to the Iranian capital, Tehran.

Iranian threats to carry out a missile strike against Israel are "unacceptable", Rishi Sunak has said.

Tehran has vowed to retaliate after two of its top generals were killed in an airstrike on its consulate in Syria earlier this month that the US military believes was carried out by Israel.

Although Israel has not commented on the attack, Iran's leader the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the country "must be punished and it shall be".

Speaking today, Mr Sunak condemned the Ayatollah's comments, saying they were "unacceptable".

He said: "We, like the Americans, fully support Israel's right to defend itself against that."

Mr Sunak added that Britain had already "highlighted Iran as a significant risk to regional security" and taken steps to protect the UK from threats from Tehran.

Yesterday, Joe Biden said that his country's commitment to Israel's security in the face of Iranian threats was "ironclad".

Germany's foreign minister has called her Iranian counterpart to urge "maximum restraint" to avoid further escalation.

In a statement on X, Germany's foreign office said Annalena Baerbock had spoken to Hossein Amirabdollahian about the "tense situation in the Middle East today".

"Avoiding further regional escalation must be in everyone’s interest. We urge all actors in the region to act responsibly and exercise maximum restraint," the statement read.

For context : Conflict has spread across the Middle East since the war in Gaza, with Iran-backed groups declaring support for those waging attacks from Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq.

Tehran has avoided direct confrontation with Israel or the US, while declaring support for its allies.

But on 1 April, suspected Israeli warplanes bombed Iran's embassy in Syria and Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel "must be punished".

Israel has not claimed responsibility for the 1 April attack.

The IDF is "constructing a northern crossing" in Gaza to increase aid into the enclave, IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari has said

He said Israel was working together with countries and international organisations to "develop new and improved measures to increase the flow of aid to Gaza civilians".

Sharing Israel's next phase, he went on to say the IDF was "constructing the northern crossing", which is "a new land crossing from Israel into northern Gaza" to enable more aid to flow into areas "that have been challenging for trucks to access".

"The combination of these measures mean that we expect the daily average number of trucks to go up gradually from 350 per day to around 500 per day," he said.

A former Israeli ambassador to the US has called on Israel to strike "the head of the snake" in Tehran.

Danny Ayalon said Iran was attempting to encircle Israel with a "ring of fire" around Israel in the form of Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis.

His comments come after Iran vowed to retaliate against Israel following a strike that killed senior Iranian commanders in Damascus - an attack Israel has not said it was responsible for.

"It is not surprising that Iran is continuing with a very aggressive approach, where they really try to change the entire landscape of the Middle East," said Mr Ayalon.

"With this heightened tension, there is a novelty here. Iran, for the first time, is threatening to strike, itself, directly at Israel, and not through proxies."

Mr Ayalon said Israel has a "fairly good missile defence" but Iran could attack Israeli tourists abroad or embassies.

"I think that by striking at the head of the snake in Iran and in Tehran, this is probably the most effective way to bring Iran back, to keep it at bay."

The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry has said at least 33,545 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's military offensive since 7 October.

Another 76,094 have been injured, the ministry added in its latest update.

The ministry's figures do not differentiate between civilians and fighters, but it says the majority of those killed were women and children.

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Vacation Tours for difficulty walking or other help. Posted by thurlibier @thurlibier, 6 minutes ago. I have neuropathy in my feet and have some difficulty in walking and balance. I love to travel but cannot join a tour group which usually means climbing stairs, walking on uneven terrain, etc. Does anyone know of a travel group/s that cater to ...
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