Hesitant about solo travel? Why young adult group travel is the perfect start.
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It’s no secret millennials love to travel. When you go on a date it’s probably one of the first things you ask about, “so where have you traveled or want to travel to?” Travel is also the highlight of my year, planning girl trips, wine trips, and international spa getaways, I mean that’s why we all save our PTO days right?
How I Discovered Group Travel For Millennials
Two years ago, I really wanted to go on a bucket list trip but ran into issues that I’m sure millennials can relate to. When asking who wanted to go with me I either got an oh I don’t know, I don’t have money, I don’t want to go then, I’m saving my PTO days, My boyfriend and I are busy, etc. Ughhhh Plus I was single so that for sure didn’t help my case. However, I wasn’t going to let someone else or my singleness stand in the way of experiencing life.
After doing extensive research I discovered travel groups for solo travelers. I read all the reviews, stalked their social media profiles and they looked legit. So I took a chance on Under 30 Experiences and booked a trip to Thailand.
I know what you’re thinking, you randomly found this company and now you’re going to fly to Asia with a bunch of strangers? Yes. That’s exactly what I did. And to be honest, it changed my outlook on not only travel but my self-confidence.
Here are my 7 reasons why every millennial should try group travel
1. It’s All Inclusive & Affordable
When you book a trip, you pay upfront, just like with a travel agent. It might be a large investment upfront but it will save you money in the long run. 90% of everything you’ll need will be paid upfront. With the exclusion of shopping, alcohol, and a meal here or there. Before booking, you can check out a day by day itinerary to be sure it’s the right trip for you. When you do the math the value of the trip exceeds how much you’ll actually be getting. For example, transportation and a local guide are taken care of for you throughout the whole trip. This alone can be the most expensive part of any trip. Paying upfront also ensures you’re not overspending because everything you need you’ve already paid for.
My favorite part of group travel is that I don’t have to lift a finger. As you may know by now, I am an extensive trip planner. As much as I love planning trips, sometimes you want to show up and have someone else do everything for you. Having a personal travel agent changes the way you travel, and you’ll never want to plan your own trip again. Everything from restaurant reservations, transportation, hotels, activities is booked for you. You literally just have to show up, it’s life-changing.
2. Solo Travel For Beginners
If you’ve never been on a solo trip, group travel is a great introduction to it. Although you’re going on the trip without anyone you personally know, you’re not traveling alone. You’re traveling with people just like you, so you already have a lot in common. Strangers are friends you haven’t met yet.
3. No, It’s Not A Hook Up Fest
No, this is not a singles retreat for people looking for relationships, although if you happen to find someone you click with all the merrier. These trips are for young adults who genuinely are looking for like-minded individuals who also want to experience the world. I’ve been on two trips and have met some amazing people from all across the United States. On my first trip to Thailand, I was shocked at how comfortable meeting everyone was. No one knew each other and yet there was no awkwardness, just excitement, and joy.
The trips are not exclusive to singles. Although 80% of travelers sign up by themselves, couples and friends signing up together are welcomed.
4. Local and Sustainable Travel
Look for tour groups that offer local and sustainable travel as opposed to tourist travel. What I mean is look for companies that offer local tour guides. The best way to experience any new travel destination is to be guided by someone who actually lives there. Under 30 Experiences has local tour guides for all of their trips and it makes a world of difference. Local tour guides know hidden spots, local restaurants, and have the opportunity to show you the travel destination beyond tourist attractions.
This leads me to my next point, sustainable travel. Look for travel companies that support the local travel destination. For example, when I went to Iceland, instead of going to the Blue Lagoon, we went to a local hot spring that local residents actually go to. This not only supported local businesses but it was a unique (and cheaper) experience as opposed to the same tourist attraction everyone experiences.
5. Meet Like Minded Travelers All Across The USA
When I took my first group trip to Thailand I thought, ok even if I don’t connect with anyone at least I’ll have an awesome time exploring Thailand. What happened is I met a group of millennials from all across the USA who were funny, smart, adventurous, and made the trip so much fun. I was shocked how not awkward it was when I first met them at the airport. By day 2 we were all super comfortable with each other and genuinely enjoying each other’s company. I can’t guarantee you’ll get along with everyone. But what if you take a chance and make a couple of really great friends?
6. Small Groups So You Can Actually Get To Know Everyone
When deciding on a young adults travel group look at how many spots are available for the trip as a whole. Some travel companies are cheaper because the group can be up to 20-30 people. I personally don’t see value in large groups because I care about connecting with travelers and getting to know everyone I’m traveling with.
International travel groups like Under 30 Experiences and For the Love of Travel sell out between 10-15 people per group. This size group is small enough that you feel included in all activities and yet have time to get to know everyone on the trip.
7. You Learn About Yourself
Traveling and experiencing the world and all its different cultures will change your outlook on life. However, solo travel whether it’s by yourself or with a group of strangers changes how you view yourself.
The reality is, as you get older people’s responsibilities will change. Your friends will want to spend more time with their boyfriends, husbands, kids, family and you can’t depend on them to live your life.
For me, solo travel and group travel gave me confidence. It showed me that I have the courage and strength to do anything I want single or not. After a group travel trip, you now have a community of individuals that you can utilize, grow with, and travel with in the future.
3 Young Adult Group Travel Companies To Check Out
Under 30 Experiences
Under 30 Experiences is an adventure travel company aimed toward solo travelers who are between the ages of 21-35 even though the name says otherwise. Groups sizes are usually never more than 12. Popular trips include Costa Rica, Thailand, Greece. Check out their reviews here.
During COVID they’re also offering domestic USA trips.
For The Love of Travel
For The Love Of Travel is a boutique travel company that offers unique curated group trips for people ages 25-39. Group sizes are never more than 15 and have girl and guy spots for booking to ensure trips are equally balanced. Popular trips include South Africa, Morocco, and Japan. Check out their reviews here.
Domestic USA weekend trips can be found here.
Travendly
Travendly is a group travel company that thoughtfully puts together tribes of like-minded young people (usually in their mid-twenties to late thirties) for ultimate travel enjoyment. Check out their reviews here.
Have you solo traveled or been on a young adults group trip? Let me know your experience and comment below.
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