Group travel is booming, with small-group tours in particular a “rising trend” according to Travel Weekly. Often categorized as adventure travel, these are the antithesis of cookie-cutter coach vacations that ferry visitors from one tourist trap to another. Authentic experiences are the priority, at least for good-quality operators, from sampling butter tea with yak herders in China to exploring landmarks through the eyes of local guides.

I’ve long been a fan of small-group tours. They offer security and companionship, and take a lot of the time (and stress) out of planning. They also promise experiences you’d struggle to access on your own, and can be a real force for good. That said, if you choose the wrong option for you, it can be draining—I’ve learned the hard way and, with around 20 tours under my belt, now consider myself something of a group-travel expert.

Tempted to try a multi-day group tour yourself? Consider these five things first:

Group Travel Pricing

From ultra-luxury offerings like Audley Travel’s (where trips like Australia are pushing $40,000) to budget options like Bindlestiff Tours, where some multi-day group camping trips cost under $1,000, group trips can vary wildly in price. Obviously factors like length and location play a part—for example, Southeast Asia is vastly cheaper to visit than Saudi Arabia—but the operator and itinerary dictate a lot. Weigh up aspects like:

  • Accommodation: Are you camping? Glamping? Staying in five-star hotels? Or somewhere in the middle?
  • Transport: Do you use public transport? Private? Or a mixture? And what type?
  • Inclusions: Are there many included activities, or are a lot optional (costing extra while on-tour if relevant)? What type of activities are they? Is food and drink included? Who are your guide(s)?

Personally, I enjoy “middle-of-the-range” tours with companies like Intrepid, which handily separates trips into styles of service level. I generally choose “Original”—where accommodation ranges from family-run hotels to local homestays, transport is a mix of public and private, and there’s a balance of interesting included activities and free time.

Some more price considerations:

  • Higher prices often mean older groups; for example, many customers on G Adventures’ Geluxe premium tours are over 50. An exception is the likes of Flash Pack, a luxury operator that primarily targets those in their 30s and 40s.
  • If you fancy a pricier tour but want to save money, the usual timing rules apply. Major events, holidays, high seasons… all are likely to make travel cost more (and make destinations more crowded) so plump for quieter periods if possible. Also note that many operators offer discounts at certain times of the year, for example in January; sign up to their newsletters so you don’t miss out.
  • Some tour companies can also help with—and access competitive rates on—other travel arrangements like extra hotel nights and flights.

Group Travel Demographics

As per the above, higher-end tours often tempt older customers (and lower-end tours younger) but sometimes it’s simply a case that certain brands attract a certain age range. If you’d prefer people in your age bracket, check what type of customer the company usually attracts. Interested in a particular trip? You could even call and ask to know what ages are already booked on it. Alternatively, consider a company or travel style aimed at a specific age range.

Other considerations are couples versus solo travelers—some companies now offer adventures specifically for those traveling alone, for instance Exodus—and gender, with women-only tours on the rise. There’s also group size; I personally prefer a maximum of 16 people for flexibility and group chemistry.

Regardless of who you’re traveling with, some open-mindedness is essential for a good group-tour experience, as is a positive mindset. As seasoned group-tour traveler Terri Bachel told me, “I’ve always found really interesting people on the tours I’ve gone on, people I would never have expected to meet and that proved great travel companions. I’ve even kept in touch with some, and finding out where they traveled to next has inspired me to go to other destinations I’d otherwise never have considered.”

Group Travel Impact

From the activities they offer customers to where they book accommodation, group-tour operators can have a massive impact on the destinations they visit. With that in mind, it’s important to choose one that is responsible; they should avoid activities that don’t meet animal-welfare standards (such as riding elephants) and prioritize supporting local businesses, to name but two examples.

Intrepid has a handy checklist on what to look out for, while G Adventures echoes many of the same sentiments in its thought-provoking film The Last Tourist.

Group Travel Itineraries

Itineraries can make or break a trip and there’s an array of considerations, not least the pace and timings. I like a busy schedule, but wasn’t impressed by an Egypt trip that saw us get up early every day; this was partly to avoid heat and crowds, but I consequently struggled to get enough sleep.

In the same vein, weigh up the included places and activities; do they chime with your interests? And if a more “general” tour doesn’t appeal, might a themed version be better? Wildlife, food, active, exclusive cultural experiences… specialist tours abound, with Steppes Travel even launching a China tour focused on innovation.

Length is another aspect to bear in mind; I generally prefer between one week and three, enough to forge friendships but not so long that being in a group gets wearing—especially important if there are people you don’t click with.

Finally, check the trip is a guaranteed departure. I once made the mistake of booking one that wasn’t, only for it to be canceled after I’d arranged all my other travel around it.

Group Travel Sleeping Arrangements

If you’re not traveling with someone, do you want to share a room with other people? Most group-tour providers offer the option of a single supplement, which costs extra but can save the trip; I always opt for single supplement, as traveling with others day after day makes me crave my own space come night-time.

Also check the accommodation style suits you, and look out for any nights you may have to compromise. For instance, some trips incorporate sleeper trains, in which you’re likely to have to share a compartment.

Consider all these factors and you should hopefully find a group-travel experience that you love.

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