The 10 types of group travel
Group trips differ on four things: how old the group is, how many people are in it, how much you move, and how much is planned for you. Sort by those and you get ten types.
Escorted coach tours
The classic group tour. A coach, a tour director, a fixed route, and hotels and sightseeing booked ahead. Groups are large and the pace is steady. Most have no age band, and the crowd tends to be older.
Who runs these
- Ages Usually over 50Group From 12 or fewer to more than 40, by tripBased Boston
Educational trips with lectures and expert guides. Not-for-profit, since 1975.
- Ages No age bandGroup Small group journeys average 24Based Wilton, Connecticut
Upscale escorted tours and cruises. Running since 1925.
- Ages Not publishedGroup Standard tours: maximum of 35 to 52. Small group tours: average 16
Escorted coach tours with a travel director. Running since 1947.
Small group adventure tours
A local leader takes about a dozen people through one country by minibus, train and on foot. Some days are planned and some are free. Ages are mixed, often from twenties to seventies in one group.
Who runs these
- Ages Not publishedGroup 8 to 16, average 10 to 12Based Surbiton, UK
Walking, cycling, wildlife and culture trips. Founded 1974.
- Ages Minimum 16, no upper limitGroup Average 11, rarely more than 16Based Farnborough, UK
Discovery tours plus walking and cycling ranges.
- Ages No upper limit on most tours. One range is 18 to 39 onlyGroup Average 10, up to 15Based Toronto
Adventure and culture tours with a local guide. Founded 1990.
- Ages Minimum 15 on most trips. One range is 18 to 35Group Average about 10, most trips capped at 12 to 16Based Melbourne
Local leaders, mixed ages, a lot of countries. First trip in 1989.
Tours for your twenties
Multi-city trips for young adults, built around sightseeing by day and going out at night. The age limits are real and most companies enforce them.
Who runs these
- Ages 18 to 35 onlyGroup 24 to 53 in Europe, North America and New Zealand. 12 to 30 elsewhereBased Founded in London
Fast, social, multi-city coach trips. Founded 1962.
- Ages 18 to 35 onlyGroup Up to 44Based Cambridge, Massachusetts
Guided multi-city tours. Part of EF Education First.
- Ages Most are 21 to 35Group Capped at 8 to 16
Adventure and culture trips for young solo travelers. Founded 2012.
Also in this type: G Adventures runs an 18-to-Thirtysomethings range (ages 18 to 39 only, groups of 22 or fewer), and Intrepid Travel has an 18 to 35 range.
Solo traveler trips for your 30s and 40s
Small groups where almost everyone booked alone and is at a similar point in life. Good hotels, food, culture and some adventure, at a comfortable pace.
Who runs these
- Ages Two groups: 30 to 49 and 50 to 65Group Average 12, maximum 16Based London
Boutique adventures built for people traveling alone.
- Ages 25 to 39Group 4 to 16, average 10Based Los Angeles
Curated trips for solo travelers in their 20s and 30s.
- Ages 30s and 40sGroup Average 10, maximum 15
Cultural and adventure trips, strong in Latin America.
- Ages 18 to 53, in age bandsGroup Average 11Based Milan
Road trip style adventures led by a travel coordinator.
Active and social trips
A newer type. The week is built around a physical activity every day, such as surfing, hiking, skiing or sailing, and the group is big on purpose so you keep meeting new people. "Active and social travel" is the name SYB, the company behind this guide, uses for what it runs.
Who runs these
- SYBour companyAges Average 34, most 28 to 42, minimum 21Group 12 to 40Based New York
A daily activity such as surfing, hiking, skiing or sailing, in a big social group. Running trips since 2014.
Closest alternatives: for active days in a smaller group with no age band, see supported biking and hiking. For workouts in one place, see retreats.
Supported biking and hiking trips
Active travel where the route is the product. Guides ride or walk with you, a van carries the bags, and there is usually a shorter and a longer option each day. Hotels tend to be high end.
Who runs these
- Ages Adults of all agesGroup Average 14, biking trips up to 26Based Berkeley, California
Supported biking, hiking and multi-adventure trips. Founded 1979.
Also in this type: Exodus and Explore Worldwide both run dedicated walking and cycling trips alongside their main tours.
Retreats
You stay in one place for the whole week. The days follow a routine of workouts, yoga or rest, and the meals are on site. You unpack once.
Who runs these
- Ages Most guests in their 30sGroup 11 to 16Based London
Week-long fitness retreats with chef-cooked meals. Established 2018.
Yoga and wellness retreats are also run by independent teachers and venues all over the world. Group size and age vary by host, so ask before you book.
Sailing weeks
You live on a yacht with a skipper and sail between islands with other boats, called a flotilla. Days are swimming and sailing, evenings are in port. Space on board is tight.
Who runs these
- Ages 18 to 35 on island hopping tripsGroup 8 to 12 per yacht, 5 to 8 yachts togetherBased London
Skippered island hopping weeks in a flotilla.
- Ages Minimum 20, most under 40Group 6 to 12 per yachtBased Stockholm
A sailing and party week. Running since 2006.
Women-only trips
Any of the formats above, in a group of women. Some are hiking and climbing trips, some are cultural, some are for a particular age.
Who runs these
- Ages Typical guest 45 to 70Group 8 to 15Based Watertown, Massachusetts
Active and cultural trips for women. Founded 1982.
Also in this type: WHOA Travel runs hiking and mountaineering trips such as Kilimanjaro for women and non-binary travelers. Group size depends on the trip.
Creator-hosted trips
A creator or community leader invites the people who follow them, and a local operator runs the trip on the ground. The itinerary can be any of the types above. What you are really choosing is the host.
Who runs these
- Ages 18 and overGroup Set per trip, often 12 to 20Based Portland, Oregon
Trips hosted by creators and run by local operators. Operating since 2017.
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