Small Group Travel For Seniors Who Don’t Want To Travel Alone

Small group travel has become increasingly popular among senior travellers in recent years.

According to a survey conducted by AARP, group travel is becoming increasingly popular among seniors. In fact, 55% of baby boomers reported that they had taken a group vacation in the past three years. This trend is driven by the desire for companionship, security, and convenience. Let’s dive into the pro’s and con’s of small group travel for Seniors who don’t want to travel alone.

Senior travellers also appreciate the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and engage in activities that cater to their interests. With the growing popularity of group travel, many tour companies are now offering specialized packages designed specifically for seniors. So if you’re a senior looking to travel, consider joining a group and exploring the world with new friends!

Travelling with a small group of 10 or less, provides travellers with a more authentic and immersive experience. It also provides seniors with more personalized attention from the tour guides.

Overall, small group travel has become extremely popular among seniors who are hesitant to travel on their own, and it’s here to stay.

Vacation Packages and Tours For Seniors

When many travellers think of group travel, the first thing that comes to mind is a herd of travellers jumping on and off a bus and moving from one place to the next. This is definitely not the case.

When choosing a vacation package and/or a type of tour, it is important to consider your travel preference and style. Tour packages come in many forms, including:

• Escorted: this form of travel is great for the traveller who wants everything completedly planned for her. This type of traveller is known as the “familiar”.
• Hosted: hosted tours give the traveller an opportunity to travel at a discounted rate without an escort, but provides the convenience of a local representative. This type of travel appeals to the familiar and the traditional traveller
• Independent: these type of tours are much less structured and appeal to the adaptables and adventuresomes. There are no group activities, nor are there scheduled departures
• Custom Made Tours: this type of tour is custom made to suit the travellers needs, desires, and travel style. They are usually to exotic places and on the higher end of the travel scale.

However, in the post, we won’t be focusing on any of these types of vacation packages or tours. We will be diving into the benefits of group tours for the older traveller.

What is Small Group Travel?

Small group travel is typically comprised of 10 travellers, travelling in a group with the same common interests. Group travel no longer caters to the familiars and traditionals. It has expanded to include the adaptables, adventurous, and extremists.

Group travel can be quite diverse to include special interest groups, religious pelgrimages, and conventions. It can also include niche travel, such as gambling, sporting events, shopping, safaris, culinary and wine. The list is endless.

Keeping in mind that group travel is attractive for every type of traveller, this post is focused exclusively on the older traveller.

It is important to keep in mind that small group travel for seniors is not what you might think. Many seniors are not your typical familiar or traditional traveller. They can also be adaptables, adventurists, and extremists. I myself, fall somewhere between the adventurist and extremist category.

Benefits Of Small Group Travel For Seniors

Even if the senior traveller is comfortable travelling by herself, there are many other benefits as to why seniors choose to travel with a small group, such as:

1. Safety: For seniors, travelling alone may not always be the safest ption. By travelling with a group, they can feel more secure and have the support of others in case of an emergency.
2. Convenience: Group travel takes away the hassles of planning and organizing the trip. The itinerary is already set, and the activities are pre-planned, making it easier for seniors to relax and enjoy the trip.
3. Socializing: Travelling solo can be a lonely experience, especially for seniors. By travelling with a group, they have the opportunity to meet new people, make new friends, and share experiences.
4. Discounts: Group travel often comes with discounts on transportations, attractions, and accommodations, make it a more affordable option for seniors travelling alone.
5. Personalized Experiences: Travelling in a small group allows for more personalized experiences to individual interests and needs.
6. Reduced Stress: Travelling in a small group can reduce stress by eliminating the need for seniors to plan and navigate on their own.
7. Access to Unique Destination: Small groups can access destinations and experiences that may not be available to larger tour groups or individual travellers.

Overall, small group travel can provide a comfortable, enjoyable, and enriching experience for seniors looking to explore the world around them.

Negatives of Seniors Travelling With a Tour Group

While there are many good reasons for seniors to travel with a small tour group, there are also some negatives that need to be considered prior to deciding. The following are some potential negatives that could leave seniors from wanting to travel with a small tour group:

1. Limited Flexibility: Small group tours often have a set itinerary, which may not be easily customizable for individuals’ needs or preferences. Seniors may want to take things at a slower pace, or prioritize different activities than the rest of the group, which could be challenging to accommodate within the tour’s structure.
2. Group Dynamics: Travelling with a small group can be a great way to meet new people and share experiences, but it can also be difficult if there are personality clashes or disagreements within the group. Seniors may find it harder to navigate these dynamics than younger travellers.
3. Physical Challenges: Depending on the tour itinerary, seniors may find it difficult to participate fully in all activities due to physical limitations. Small group tours may not have the same level of flexibility to adjust activities to suit individual needs, so seniors may need to sit out or miss certain parts of the tour.
4. Cost: Small group tours can be more expensive than other types of travel, which may be a consideration for seniors on a fixed income.

These are just a few possible drawbacks of travelling with a small group tour as a senior. Ultimately, it’s important to carefully consider individual needs and preferences when deciding on the best travel options.

Types of Small Group Travel Offered to Seniors

Like all other travellers, seniors have their own style of travel, interests, and capabilities. When deciding on taking a small group tour, all of these must be taken into consideration prior to booking the trip.

There are many types of small group tour packages offered, however the following are the most popular types of travel.

1. Adventure Travel: This involves exploration and fun-filled activities in rugged and wild destinations, such as trekking, hiking, mountaineering, diving, and camping.
2. Cultural Travel: This involves exploring and experiencing different cultures, customs, arts, and traditions, such as visiting museums, landmarks, festivals, and religious sites.
3. Ecotourism: This involves sustainable and responsible travel that focuses on preserving natural environments and wildlife, such as touring national parks, wildlife reserves, and conservation areas.
4. Educational Travel: This involves learning and enriching oneself through travel, such as attending language courses, cultural workshops, and volunteering programs.
5. Leisure Travel: This involves relaxation and rejuvenation, such as going on cruises, beach vacations, spa retreats, and city breaks.
6. Wellness Travel: This involves promoting physical and mental health through travel, such as yoga retreats, meditation breaks, and natural healing treatments.
7. Culinary Travel: Foodie groups might enjoy travelling together to sample local cuisine and take cooking classes. This type of travel can be especially fun when combined with wine tasting or other adult beverages.
8. Volunteer Travel: Groups can make a positive impact while seeing the world by participating in Tprograms abroad. This type of travel can be rewarding and offer a chance to connect with local communities.
9. Cruise: Cruises are a popular choice for seniors, as they offer a wide variety of activities and dining options on board. Groups can also explore different ports of call together.

These forms of travel are not mutually exclusive and can be combined to create a unique experience for every traveller.

It is important to remember, that no matter what type of group travel you choose, planning ahead and communicating clearly with all members of the group is essential for a successful trip.

Small Group Tour Companies That Cater To Seniors

After careful consideration of whether or not to travel with a small tour group, you’ve decided that this way of travelling is best for you. The following are some small tour groups based in Canada and the United States that cater specifically to seniors.

1. ElderTreks: A Canadian based adventure travel company that specializes in small group tours for those aged 50 and over. They offer trips to destinations around the world.
2. Grand Circle Travel: This US based company offers small group tours for seniors to destinations around the world, including Canada and the US. They focus immersive cultural experiences and learning opportunities.
3. Road Scholar: Another US based company that offers educational travel experiences for seniors. Their trips to Canada and the US include history, culture, and nature-focused tours.
4. Seniortours: Based in California, this company offers small group tours for seniors to destinations in the US, Canada, and Europe. They focus on providing affordable travel and a fun, social atmosphere.
5. Go Ahead Tours For Seniors: This Canadian Company offers small group tours for seniors to destinations around the world. They specialize in providing personalized service

15 Things Every Senior Should Know Before Travelling Solo

Small Group Tours For Seniors: In Conclusion …

Ultimately, the decision to join a small group tour depends on your personal travel preferences and goals. If you prioritize convenience, socialization, and learning from a knowledgeable guide, a small group tour may be worth ttravehe extra cost. However, if you prefer the autonomy and flexibility of independent travel, it may be best to forgo a tour.

SAFE & HAPPY TRAVELS 🙂

SAVE SMALL GROUP TRAVEL FOR SENIORS WHO DON’T WANT TO TRAVEL ALONE

Small Group Travel for Seniors

A great way to see the world and make new friends!