11 Unseen benefits of small group tours – and why we love them

Does the thought of cramming into a bus filled with eager people fill you with dread, following an umbrella or having several umbrellas in the same area and not know which is yours? Or is that just Greg, he often ponders when seeing several same coloured umbrellas if there is a system? This is just one of the reasons we have realised there are many benefits of small group tours. If this is you also or you associate the word ‘tour’ with this scene, think again.

Many people are rethinking how they travel, and the emergence of small and private tour groups is increasing. Allowing you the traveller all the joy of visiting that ‘must DO’ place with the ability to utilise  all the benefits of small group tours.

Why small group travel you may ask…we have participated in a few larger coach day tours and whilst a few have been pleasant because of the destination. The journey is not always smooth for all passengers or the guides on some, which prompted me to evaluate and present some of the unseen benefits of small group tours here.

Whether it’s a day trip, a week or more, investigating these unseen benefits of small group tours can enrich your experience. If you are at all curious as to how you can also enjoy the benefits of small group tours. Creating an itinerary to suit YOUR needs is just the beginning of your adventure.

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Preview – 11 Unseen Benefits of Small Group Tours

Our preview, briefly highlights the topics of this article, going over some of the benefits of small group tours. It is our belief small group tours  benefit so many individuals and communities, they are hard to pass up. When we are planning out adventures we consider the benefits of small group tours. Though, we always make room in our personal itinerary for as many as we can, depending on time and budget.

7. Flexibility –  more flexibility can be negotiated with many smaller companies or individuals, fitting both your schedules.
8. Location-(location – location) – find out how the location you choose for your base can be a benefit of small group travel
9. Connect with likeminded people – you will always meeting people that share your values & love of small personal groups
10. Special Assistance – specially tailored tours, allowing special assistance to be given where required
11. Value for Money – a look at the all the benefits to see the true value & benefits of small group tours.

Size really does Matter

The size of a tour can greatly affect many aspects of the overall experience. One of the benefits of small group tours are that they are limited in numbers. Many taking as few as two, whilst regular sizes can range between 8 and 15. As you read on you will discover exactly what more of those benefits are. However, in my opinion a smaller group allows you to have a more enriched tour, gaining a greater understanding of the area you are in. As said we have participated in larger group tours in the past, though we are leaning more and more towards smaller group tours for all the benefits they offer us.

Whilst the number of participants is stated above are up to 15 for a small group tour, we have been exceptionally lucky on at least two occasions to be the only two on the tour. In Venice we discovered the hidden secrets of Murano and Burano with Lucia Venice Walks and Tours. Again, in Bologna after a Classic Bologna Food tour with Taste Bologna where there was only 8 in the group. We booked a second tour for the following day, in Modena arriving to find we were the only two on the tour, which was amazing and definitely one of the unseen benefits of small group tours.

Sustainability

With more and more people travelling the globe, this is one of the biggest benefits of small group tours. First and foremost, as many small group tours have limited numbers, are in a central location and have limited need for transport. The use of small group tours reduces the environmental impact to the area you are visiting.

Even in the event a vehicle is used these are much smaller than larger group tour buses,  which reduces the carbon footprint. Additionally, this is even more beneficial than hiring your own vehicle, as you are utilising the same vehicle with a small group. In my opinion, helping the environment is one of the most important unseen benefits to small group tours there is…But wait there’s more…

Below are just a few types of Small Group Tours and Eco Friendly Small Group Tours you can participate in…Whether its making a mask with a local in Venice…Viewing the Northern Lights in Norway…Exploring Ecocentro Danaus, a private ecological reserve in Costa Rico…or A private small group walking tour in Bologna…Just some of the wonderful benefits of small group tours.

Customised Tours

Whilst many small group tours have set times, days and tours. You will discover that many offer private tours for your groups that can be customised. This is one of my favourite benefits of small group tours. For instance, with Lucia’s Venice Walks and Tours, whilst there are set times for many of the Venice small group tours (max 8 people). You are also able to customise a tour for your group if the dates and times don’t fit in with your itinerary.

Whilst I personally like to create and book my own itinerary. One company we used was amazing, To-Europe they have a variety of styles of tours you can choose from, for independent itineraries. They do all bookings for either the self-drive or rail tours. We chose the latter, for a semi, self-guided rail tour of the Christmas Markets. However, I wanted to alter the itinerary slightly adding days in some towns and skipping other towns in the itinerary. To-Europe accommodated all my changes, is that not one of the most superb benefits of small group tours.

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Local Knowledge

You can only uncover so many ‘hidden gems’ or ‘unique experiences’ when researching your trip, planning and budgeting.  Having a local guide is one of the huge benefits of small group tours, whether it’s paid or a free walking tour (tour for tips). The knowledge a local guide can share, as well as the connections they have takes, your tour to another level. Visiting not only the must see areas, but those hidden gems only a local would know about. Whether it’s a local market or coffee shop in a back street, these experiences just add so much to your trip.

It has been our experience when using local guides that they go above and beyond. Imparting knowledge of not only places on the tour, but in a few instances a list of other ‘unique’ places to go whilst in the area. Which is one of the wonderful benefits of small group tours.

Support Local Economy

This is one of the benefits of small group tours that is close to my heart. Especially with the present circumstances of global travel. Whether you are a seasoned or casual traveller, supporting the local economy ensures that they have assistance. The support you give no matter how small, offers locals a better chance to withstand the changing times.

In addition to engaging local guides, visiting local sites, and staying in the local area. You can also give support eating at small local cafe’s, restaurants, and merchants. As I have previously mentioned I like to shop and bring home particular items as souvenirs for us and family. For these I frequent local shops and markets, which I have experienced offer great support to the local economy and community.

Authentic Unique Experiences

Travelling in a small group allows for everyone to have truly authentic and unique experiences. It is one of the benefits of small group tours that I immensely enjoy. Being able to casually wander about in a food market or explore the back streets and areas of the town/city you are visiting. In addition to being able to immerse yourself in local customs and cultural experiences. Alternatively, you can experience wildlife and the natural splendours on offer in your chosen destination.

This is one area small group tours excel at, being able to offer unique and authentic experiences in the local area. In many cases these can be tailored exclusively to fit in with your group. Additionally, this may even extend to the place you choose to stay, such as a unique accommodation style that may be available in area you are visiting.

Flexibility

As mentioned above many small group tours, run to a schedule, consisting of days, times, and route of tour. However, some small and private tours are much more flexible in the when, where and what of your tour. These often run into the private tours that a local guide or business can offer, upon request. It has been our experience especially as we travel around that this is just one of the many benefits of small group tours. This has especially been the case when co-ordinating with private and local tour guides.

Another one of the benefits of small group tours and flexibility is the time you wait is reduced.  Essentially allowing you more time to see or view your ‘must do’ experience. Instead of waiting in a line to get on or off a bus or take that perfect memorable picture. In addition, to having easier access and movement around the different places your visit, with enough room and time to ‘just breathe’.

Location-(Location-Location)

For us it’s not all about the destination, however…When we are visiting an area, city or town location is important. It is one thing that can affect the benefits of small group tours, especially if you have to meet in a central area, you are touring about. That said, a central location is perfect for many of the benefits that have been already mentioned.

• Sustainability – you can access local transport, walking or bicycles
• Customised tours – you are able to explore the areas close to you
• Local Knowledge – you have access to local knowledge imparted from your guide to explore more
• Support Local Economy – you can support the local area, through shopping, eating or transport
• Authentic Unique Experiences – what better way to experience local custom and culture or visit the natural splendours.

When choosing a location, we always recommend it being in a central location and close to public transport if available. Where possible we choose to stay with the Accor ALL LIVE LIMITLESS group. As members of the program we receive the benefits and can choose to use our point or pay travel system…

Our travel checklists, are the first step to start your independent travelling. Start building your own Destination ‘DO’ List, or prioritise the one you have. Consider the benefits of small group tours and include some to your plan. 

Checklists for:

• Your destination DO List
• before you travel
• see and do notes
• carry on packing list – warm and cold climate
• checked in packing list – warm and cold climate

Connect with like minded People

Another one of the great benefits of small group tours, is the people you meet in the tours. As many small group tours focus on a specialised area of interests. For example, food, art, history and culture to name a few. You can be assured you are with people that have similar interests and likeminded in your pursuit for a unique experience.

In addition to being smaller numbers, you are able to converse and get to know everyone (if that is your choice). You may even find this a lasting connection, that sees you communicating and planning other tours or trips together. It is also recommended you book these experiences as soon as possible, with a limit on numbers, they fill up extremely quick.

Special Assistance

One of the clear benefits of small group tours is their willingness, where possible to include people requiring special assistance. Whether it is a mobility issue where an aid may be required or even for those that are blind or are partially sighted. Tours can be tailored to suit, one such tour that Lucia of Venice Walks and Tours, offers is the history of Venice for blind and partially sighted visitors. Additionally, due to the small size of the groups there can be allowances made for time required to navigate any challenging areas or terrain.

There are a couple of ways you can find if special assistance is available for the tour you are considering. First and foremost contact the company directly to see what assistance can be provided. Alternatively for those with mobility issues. When using Get Your Guide you can use filters, in the services filter you can select the ‘Wheelchair accessible’ option.

Value for Money

Now I am not going to lie, some small group tours can come at a more high end cost. However, I like to look more at the value for money aspect. I truly believe they are worth the extra cost that you may incur. From our experiences the benefits of small group tours have far outweighed the cost.

Discovering new and unique areas, with time to fully explore at a leisurely pace. Whilst gaining local knowledge from your guide and some truly authentic experiences. Connecting with a small group of people that have likeminded interests can also enrich your experience. Though for me keeping our impact on the local environment, supporting local communities and the economy are fantastic benefits of small group tours.

I hope this article has assisted you with information on small group tours, and next time you are planning and booking your next trip. You consider all the benefits of small group tours…and BOOK one or two, you won’t be disappointed.

I am always happy to reply to any comments, suggestions for next articles or a hello. You can contact me through our Social Media or at jeanine@letsgoawandering.com with any questions or comments. 

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