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Writer's pictureVacation Hacker, Travel Guru

Group Travel: weighing out the pros and cons

When I first decided that I was ready to travel the world. I didn't know where to begin or how to go about it. I've traveled a lot when I was in my younger 20s and studied abroad at a University in the UK. But in my mid 20s my budget and work schedule seldom gave me freedom to leave the country. There was so much I wanted to do, so my partner and I just did a lot of trips around the country (which were in fact some of my best memories). But when I set out to explore on my own, I needed a group to give me confidence to go. And I chose Contiki,

By having a schedule already created, I didn't need to spend time or stress about planning a trip. Similarly, having hotels and airfare planned by someone also simplified the process of booking process. Joining a travel group also ensured that I won't miss out on key landmarks and attractions. Finally, group travel provided me the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends who share similar interests and passions for travel.


One of the main issues with group travel that I found is that the schedule can be fast-paced and packed with activities, leaving little time for relaxation or exploration on your own. Additionally, the lack of freedom to do your own thing can be a downside for travelers who prefer a more flexible itinerary. Traveling with a group can also mean that you may not be with peers or people you'd like to be with, and that the sites seen may not meet your personal preferences or interests. Finally, group travel can sometimes mean that you don't have enough time to spend at your preferred locations, and you may feel rushed or unsatisfied with the experience.


Therefore, group travel may not be for everyone as it can be very structured and limit the amount of freedom and personal exploration that some people may prefer. Additionally, traveling with a large group of people may not be ideal for those who prefer more intimate and personalized experiences. It's important to consider one's travel preferences and style when deciding whether or not to participate in group travel.


What you should consider when selecting Tour Groups for your next trip:

  1. The itinerary: Make sure the itinerary includes activities that interest you and allows for some free time to explore on your own.

  2. The group size: Consider the size of the group and whether you feel comfortable traveling with that many people.

  3. The accommodations: Check the type and quality of accommodations to ensure they meet your needs and expectations.

  4. The cost: Understand what is included in the cost of the trip and whether there are any additional expenses you will need to cover.

  5. The reputation of the tour operator: Look for reviews and feedback from previous travelers to assess the quality of the tour operator.

  6. The culture and customs of the destination: Research the local culture and customs to ensure you are respectful and aware of any potential challenges.

Joining a group like Contiki can be good because it offers the opportunity to see many highlights in a short amount of time and can be budget-friendly. It's also very organized and can provide a lot of activities to do. However, it can also be bad because it's very rushed and over-scheduled, leaving little room for flexibility or personal exploration. Additionally, being in a large group can sometimes detract from the experience and make it feel less authentic.




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