Top 10 Reasons to Join a Group Tour in South America
Travelling solo doesn’t have to mean travelling alone, and we are experts at dovetailing group tours with independent travel – the best of both worlds.
In this week’s blog, Tom shares his top tips with us.
Tom writes:
Some people prefer travelling solo; others can’t find a friend or relative with the holidays, interest, or finances to accompany them to a far-flung destination.
Socialising
Apart from during the tour itself, where you’ll most likely share incredible experiences and interests, most groups tend to socialise outside planned events.
Joining a group – the change of routine and new experiences – can mean new, lifelong friends from around the globe. Your own open-mindedness will no doubt be stimulated by encountering similarly disposed people.
Table for One
I’ve spent many an evening across the world dining for one, and the company of like-minded folk is always appreciated.
Getting Off the Beaten Track
With fellow travellers and usually a guide, you’re more likely to visit places off the beaten track and enjoy unique experiences that might have seemed too out of reach to do alone.
Check the Group Profile
Generally, the more expensive a trip is, the older the travellers will be, and the later you book, the more you will know about the group make-up.
Of course, there is always a huge amount of luck involved in whether you or the group gels. I’ve trekked with 73-year-olds whose vim and open-mindedness put my own preconceptions of their ‘profile’ to shame.
Think About the Accommodation on Offer
Research has shown that the more upmarket the hotels on a tour, the less likely people are to talk to each other.
Camping strips back people’s conversational and city inhibitions, so get under canvas.
Active, Active, Active!
Many of our group tours are active, and they are great for bonding as you all experience the same hardships, wow factors, and surprise snowstorms in a desert.
I’m still in touch with many people I’ve met on tours around the world, simply because the folk back home don’t understand what it means to go two weeks without showering on Aconcagua.
Single Supplement Can Be Worth It
No one really likes paying it, but if the supplement is not too expensive, then the downtime you buy yourself is vital.
While it is great to meet new people, unless you need 24-7 human contact, sharing a room with an unknown for two weeks can be hard.
Activities You Like
If you like trekking, so will your group. Conversations start easily and you’ll push yourself further than you might alone.
Volunteering
Joining with locals, imparting skills, gaining cultural insights, and giving something back are all strong reasons to volunteer on holiday.
Don’t Hide
If you’ve booked a group tour or decided to go alone, don’t hide behind a laptop.
Talk to locals, talk to waiting staff, ask questions, and before you know it you’ll be chatting away.
Contact us for more.
