Now, as some of you may know, I like to travel alone. If not alone, then definitely with a partner or a friend. Although when I embarked on my Trek America road trip earlier this year, I wasn’t sure if I would survive being around a lot of people, almost 24.7. I can safely say it’s 2 months later and I definitely survived, AND LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!
So even if you think travelling in a group may not be for you, let me try and tell you otherwise!
Here’s some things I’ve learned from my experience of group travel.
YOU’RE NOT ALONE
If you’re dying to visit somewhere you’ve never been before, but not so keen on the idea of solo travel, then maybe a group tour is for you. These group tours are incredibly welcoming, making you feel like you can relax your fears of being alone. This doesn’t mean you need to be around people all the time either, I loved being able to switch off in the minivan with my own headphones at times diving into my own thoughts for a while, and there usually are some opportunities for free time when visiting certain cities that don’t have a set itinerary for the day. I absolutely love group tours, for encouraging those to get out there and see somewhere new with a new bunch of people!
YOU’LL MEET NEW PEOPLE FROM ALL AROUND THE WORLD
You never know who you’ll meet on these wonderful trips! What I loved about my group trip is that it brought me so close to people I never imagined I would. Creating new friendships that energise you and inspire you is such a magical feeling, that’s why I love meeting like minded souls! Group tours are perfect for that. Never be afraid of not making friends, you may be nervous at first but after a couple of days or so when you all start to open up and get to know each other, that’s where the beauty begins! Next thing you know, you’re leaving your trip with friends from all over the world (which will probably inspire you to travel there next & see them again!) – oh the beauty of travel!
YOU HAVE A TOUR GUIDE WHO KNOWS
I absolutely loved our Trek America tour guide, Jack. What a guy! Your Trek guide often knows a damn lot about where you’re headed to on each segment of your trek, they are fabulous for asking questions whenever you are feeling curious about something, don’t be afraid to ask, if they don’t know, they’ll make sure they find out for you!
What I loved about Jack is that whatever facts he had to share about history of a certain destination or general knowledge, he would always speak with such passion, which makes you really take in and listen to what he’s saying. I also felt as if I were in safe hands with Jack, since he seemed to know all of the go-to’s and no-go’s of our trip, so it was really reassuring being with somebody who knows so much!
Throughout the trip I really connected with Jack, I soon became co pilot sharing many passenger seat conversations about life and music, it was wonderful. It definitely makes things more enjoyable when you get on with your tour guide!
DISCOVER SOMETHING NEW ABOUT YOURSELF
These trips are perfect for learning about yourself. “Why though? How do I learn about myself?” You’re asking this before your trip, just wait until you come back, then you will realise. There will be times where you may be pushed to your limits, or maybe testing your fears, finding something new you’re passionate about. There’s so much that we can benefit from travel, that’s why I love travelling more than anything else in life. Pushing myself to find out what I can conquer next, or find out questions I’ve always had about myself. Being in a trek group, you push each other to strive to your fullest, there may be days where you’re not feeling it, or activities where you’re scared (e.g that time on the trip I repelled down a mountain) but you can enable each other, and afterwards you may feel accomplished! So why not just take the trip?
CREATE UNIMAGINABLE MEMORIES
The most important factor of any trip, the memories you create. There’s nothing like reflecting back on your day, or after your trip, and thinking “wow, that was a truly life changing experience”. When you’re creating your photo album and you cannot stop yourself from smiling crazy amounts from all of the different memories you made, in all of these different destinations, with people you didn’t know a month ago.
It’s a beautiful thing, creating new memories. Memories that can speak a thousand words through a beaming smile whilst looking at a photo, memories are vital for our self growth and overall happiness in life. Creating crazy memories through new experience is my main drive for getting myself to a new destination.
Anyways, I hope I made you see a side to group tours you were maybe really curious about. Or, maybe I just rambled a lot! Either way it’s got me absolutely buzzing to book another trip away.
Happy travelling!