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The 10 Best Group Travel Tour Companies for 2023

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her adventures around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

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For those truly epic, once-in-a-lifetime destinations, you want to leave your itinerary to the experts. Whether your dream is to see the Big Five on an African Safari, trek tall mountains, explore European cities, or something even wilder, a group tour is the easiest way to do it.

However, picking the wrong group tour company is the quickest way to ruin your trip. Make sure you choose a tour company that aligns with your goals and travel styles. Do you want an intimate group tour or do you prefer to make lots of new friends in a big group? Does the price line up with what you like (luxury vs. budget)? Is the itinerary going to all the places you want to see? 

We’ve done the research and found the very best group travel tour companies for 2023 for every type of traveler.

Best Overall Group Travel: Exodus Travels

With trips on every continent, Exodus Travels covers anywhere on this planet that you could possibly want to go, from popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast to well off-the-beaten path adventures like Tajikistan. This award-winning group travel company boasts thousands of repeat customers who sign up for trips year after year (97% of past participants would recommend Exodus Travels to a friend). 

These small group tours operate with only around 12-16 people, and always feature experienced local leaders who can give you a unique insight into your destination. Exodus Travels caters to any type of travel style, including trips broken down by type of activity (think walking, cycling, multi-adventure, winter, or cultural) as well as type of traveler (family, age group, etc.). There are curated collections (coastal, “away from it all”, European wilderness, and trips of a lifetime) to inspire you, as well as self-guided options for when you want all the benefits of a group tour planner without the actual group. Looking for that special safari? Exodus Travels just partners with the African Wildlife Foundation to create carefully curated luxury adventures that go above and beyond the standard safari. 

Exodus Travels tours work for almost any budget, with options that range from affordable to premium. 

Top Trip: Explore under-the-radar Europe by foot on Exodus Travels’ Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia walking tour .

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Best Adventure Group Travel: World Expeditions

World Expeditions has been taking adventurous travelers to remote locations all over the world ever since its first group trek through Nepal in 1975. Today, World Expeditions offers active itineraries on every continent. Intrepid travelers can opt for trips themed around mountaineering, rafting, cycling, hiking, and more. 

World Expeditions aims to leave communities and places where they operate tours better than they found them. Trips are created using the company’s Thoughtful Travel Charter as a guideline, which emphasizes respect for the environment, sustainability, having a positive impact on local communities, protecting wildlife, and more. 

World Expeditions’ trips are capped at just 16 people to provide a good experience for participants, and there are no single supplements for solo travelers willing to share a room with someone of the same gender. 

Top Trip: Summit Africa’s tallest mountain on a fully-supported trek up Kilimanjaro on World Expeditions’ eight day trip up the beautiful Lemosho Route . 

Best Budget Group Travel: G Adventures 

For travelers on a budget, G Adventures offers cheap group tours that make dream destinations accessible to nearly anyone. (Think: sailing the Galapagos for just $1,124 , criss-crossing India’s Golden Triangle for $559 , or spending 8 days in Bali for less than $800.)

G Adventures is one of the best tour companies for solo travelers as well, as most trips don’t have a single-supplement. You can choose to share a room with another G Adventures solo traveler, or pay extra to have your own space.

G Adventures keeps costs down by opting for cheaper hotels and local meals, and making certain activities optional (for an additional cost). Pick your travel style—options range from “basic” to more luxe tours run in partnership with National Geographic. Family tours, local living tours (featuring homestays), and wellness-focused tours are also available. 

Top Trip: G Adventures’ China Express trip is a great way to see the highlights of China if you’re short on both time and budget. 

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Best Educational Group Tours: EF Go Ahead Tours

When you really want to learn about a destination, consider a group trip with EF Go Ahead Tours . EF is the world’s largest private education company, and the Go Ahead Tours arm capitalizes on the company’s relationships with local educators, historians, and tour guides to create group trips that take you deep into a destination. 

These small group tours generally cap at 38 travelers, and feature unique educational experiences. For a bucket list trip, EF Go Ahead Tour’s special event tours are particularly enticing, as they offer behind-the-scenes access to tough-to-plan trips like Oktoberfest in Munich or Cherry Blossom season in Japan. 

Intimidated by solo travel? EF Go Ahead Tours is a great option for solo travelers, since it offers designated trips for solo travelers , where everyone is traveling alone, making it less intimidating.  

Top Trip: Bring the tastes of Italy home with you on EF Go Ahead Tours’ Food & Wine: Piedmont & Tuscany tour (operated in partnership with America’s Test Kitchen), where you’ll learn how to make local dishes. 

Best Responsible Group Travel: Intrepid Travel

Looking for a responsible group travel operator that focuses on bettering the communities and destinations they visit? Intrepid Travel is the world’s largest travel B Corporation, a certification for companies doing good. 

Intrepid Travel’s tours focus on sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and sustaining communities. The company has its own charity, The Intrepid Foundation , which has donated over 7 million dollars to over 130 community organizations. 

Intrepid Travel’s small group tours attract a wide range of travelers, but they are especially great for younger travelers, as they have a large number of trips designed for people aged 18-29 . (Other trips, including family-focused trips, are geared toward any age.)

Top Trip: Experience unforgettable wildlife encounters on Intrepid Travel’s Premium Uganda & Rwanda trip which includes time with the mountain gorillas of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. 

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Best Private Group Travel: Kensington Tours

Whether your group consists of just two people or involves taking the entire extended family, Kensington Tours will take all the hassle of planning out of the equation. This private group operator creates personalized trips and itineraries tailored to your preferences, while their experts handle all the logistics and bookings. 

Plans are entirely flexible, and can even be changed while on the trip on a whim. Need some inspiration? Browse Kensington Tours’ travel ideas , to get some ideas for your next adventure. 

Top Trip: Sail around the stunning shores of Croatia and the Dalmation Islands on a private luxury catamaran on Kensington Tours’ fully customizable tour . 

Best Polar Group Travel: Chimu Adventures

Whether you’re headed north to the Artic or south to Antarctica, Chimu Adventures has the perfect polar group trip for you. Chimu Adventures has some of the most variety for polar trips, with options to fly, cruise, or a combination of both to get to your destination.

For an ultra-unique Antarctica trip, Chimu Adventures offers cruises departing from Australia or New Zealand (most Antarctica trips depart from Argentina). Can’t stay long? Book one of Chimu Adventures’ scenic flights to Antarctica , which fly as far as the south pole in one spectacular 16-hour day.

Chimu Adventures is one of the cheapest group trips to Antarctica, with rates starting under $5,000.

Top Trip: If you’re pressed for time (or simply don’t have the stomach for the Drake Passage), Chimu Adventures’ Antarctica Fly Cruise will get you to the ends of the earth quickly and smoothly.

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Best Group Tours for Solo Travelers: For the Love of Travel

Group tours can be a great way to meet new people, but they can sometimes skew on the older age range. If you’re between 25-39 and a solo traveler looking to meet new people, you’ll love For the Love of Travel . All participants on the trips are between 25-39, and according to the company, 80 percent are solo travelers—so you’ll make friends fast. Hoping to meet someone who will be more than just a friend on your next trip? Trips include a balanced number of “gal and guy spots” to ensure an even balance of genders within groups (and of course, non-binary genders are always welcome). 

For the Love of Travel offers weeklong (or longer) international trips as well as shorter weekender trips to nearby destinations like Mexico or Denver—perfect for people without a lot of vacation time.

Top Trip: Sleep in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights, go sledding with huskies, and warm up in traditional saunas on For the Love of Travel’s Lapland tour , already booking dates for 2024.

Best Biking Tours Group Travel: DuVine Cycling

Biking through the rolling hills of Italy or across the mountain roads of Chile sounds like a dream, but the logistics seem daunting (especially if you don’t want to haul all your own stuff from point-to-point). Enter: DuVine Cycling , a luxury small group tour company that specializes in bike trips. 

With trips across Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the United States, DuVine Cycling is a cyclist’s dream. Choose from all-biking trips or mix things up with a cycle and sail bike tour or a multi-sport adventure —no matter what, everything is included, from luxury boutique accommodations to top-quality name brand bikes. 

Top Trip: DuVine’s Holland Bike Tour promises “tulips, windmills, beer, and cheese”—what more could you need?

Best Luxury Group Travel: Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent has been delighting discerning travelers since 1962. Today, they take travelers on unforgettable adventures across over 100 different countries and all seven continents. Although Abercrombie & Kent’s trips are pricey, they encompass once-in-a-lifetime experiences like private jet tours around the world or luxury chartered cruises .

There are trips designed for solo travelers and families , and the small group journeys max out at around 14-18 guests.

Top Trip: Swim with whale sharks in the Philippines, feed proboscis monkeys in Malaysia, and photograph wild tigers in India on Abercrombie & Kent’s Wildlife Safari: Around the World by Private Jet trip , already booking dates into 2024.

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Here at Go Ahead, we make it easy to plan a tour. All you have to do is decide which of our travel packages excites you most, and when you’d like to travel. (A springtime escape to  Europe , anyone?) If you can’t decide, we’ll help you narrow down our vacation packages and find the perfect trip.

From there, we’ll take care of the rest. For travelers who book flights with us, our in-house team of travel experts will get to work finding flights with our trusted airline partners. And as you count down to tour, we’ll be busy booking clean, stylish, comfy hotels, planning meals at locally loved restaurants, and securing tickets to top museums, cultural sites, and, if it applies to your tour, special events.

Having our team of travel experts take care of every last logistical detail is one of  10 benefits of a guided tour versus independent travel .

When browsing our 175-plus vacation packages, here are a few things to keep in mind to help you find the just-right tours for travel to the places you’ve been dreaming of visiting.

• Your travel style.  Are you into wildlife, adventure, or food and wine? Do you want to take a deep dive into a particular destination or religion?  Want to experience a special event, or explore with a small group? We offer escorted tours designed around these  travel styles  and others so that travelers can have the experience that suits them best.
• Where you want to go.  Whether you’ve long dreamed of exploring America’s national parks, Scotland’s pristine landscapes, or Thailand’s golden temples, you can do it on our guided tours. Some of our itineraries are designed to offer travelers a deeper dive into a single country. Others take travelers to multiple countries in a single trip (think Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, or Portugal, Spain, and Morocco).
• When you want to go.  Sure, there’s nothing like Paris in the springtime. But maybe seeing the City of Light against a backdrop of fiery fall foliage is more what you have in mind. We’ll make that happen. We offer dozens of departures per tour, and in the case of some trips, we offer departures all year round. And, we make tours available for booking up to two years in advance. Having more time to pay, and more departure dates to choose from, are among the  eight benefits of booking a trip years in advance .
• Special or seasonal events.  Have you always wanted to see cherry blossoms blooming in Japan? Or sip hot, mulled wine while wandering around a European Christmas market ? Perhaps witnessing the Great Migration is at the top of your travel wish list. Events like these, and others, only happen during certain times of year, so be sure to check out tour packages for travel that occur at the same time.
• Duration.  Our tours range from six days to 22 days. Want to enjoy a quick break? Consider our shorter tours, which we offer in destinations such as Iceland, Spain, and Amsterdam. Have more time to spare? A 10-day trip to Scandinavia , or a 22-day tour of Australia and New Zealand , could be just the ticket.
• Who you want to travel with.  Many of our group trips are designed for groups of 15 to 38 travelers. (Think: more opportunities to make new friends.) If you prefer a more intimate experience, consider one of our Small Group Tours, which are designed for groups of 10 to 22 travelers. Want to explore solely with your friends or family? We happily craft Private Tours and Customized Tours for groups of seven travelers or more.

For help narrowing our trips down to the perfect tour, try our  Tour Match Quiz  →

Our trips are bookable directly through our website. (Putting $99 down with AutoPay , our interest-free payment plan, is all it takes to secure your spot on tour.) If you have questions or can’t decide which tour is right for you, you can call us at 1-800-590-1161 . We’re here to help.

We offer more than 175 tour packages. They include:

• Guided group tours.  These trips are designed for groups of 15 to 38 travelers and include Multi-Country Tours , single-country tours, and City Stay Tours , which give travelers an opportunity to explore a particular city in depth.
• Small Group Tours.  A more intimate tour experience with a group size of just 10 to 22 travelers. Small group travel styles include Food & Wine Tours, Adventure Tours, and Safari & Wildlife Tours.  
• Special Event Tours.  Typically capped at 35 or 38 travelers, these trips are designed to capture the magic of special and/or seasonal events, such as Oktoberfest, Oberammergau, New Year’s Eve, St. Patrick’s Day, Sakura (cherry blossom) season, fall foliage, Christmas markets of Europe, Halloween, and more. Find the perfect tour for you by browsing our Special Event tours .
• Private and Customized Tours.  Have a particular interest you want to explore? We happily plan Private and Customized Tours for groups of seven or more travelers. 

The price of our trip packages includes:

• A specially trained Tour Director, who will accompany your group on tour, from the moment you touch down in your destination to the time you take off again for home
• Sightseeing tours with expert local guides
• Skip-the-line admission to all museums, cultural sites, and special events that are included in your itinerary
• Overnight stays in clean, stylish, well-located hotels that our own staffers have stayed in and vetted 
• Transportation in your destination via private, luxury coach (depending on which tour you book, you may also travel by train, ferry, or airplane on tour )
• Daily breakfast at your hotel (a relaxed, convenient way to fuel up for a full day of exploring)
•  Some lunches and dinners at local restaurants or hotels 
• Free time to explore local restaurants, historical sites—anything that piques your interest—at your own pace 
• Airport transfers for travelers who book flights with us

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We were in a small group of friendly, compatible and courteous travelers – which definitely enhances the experience. I liked the itinerary, with ample time to wander on my own.

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Our Small Group journeys averaging 24 guests, and Smaller Group journeys averaging 15 guests are designed for travelers who want to experience each destination up close and personally, with more time to enjoy the sights and each other in some of the world's most exciting places.

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On our small group journeys, you will not only spend more time with our Tauck Directors, experts at orchestrating seamless travel as they share their insights, but you will also have an opportunity to foster camaraderie and lasting friendships with like-minded travelers and local guides as you engage and share enriching experiences and perspectives on a deeper level. Spontaneous discoveries and unexpected experiences are guaranteed.

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Cultural experiences suddenly become more memorable and life-changing when traveling with a small group; add in enhanced insider access, enhanced flexibility and the freedom to linger longer in places that interest you most and you have the components that weave together a travel experience that will remain in your memories for a lifetime.

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One of the most well-known tourist destinations in Greece, Olympia is located in the western Peloponnese, known as the “Valley of the Gods.” Surrounded by beautiful scenery from the Arcadian Mountains, it is home of the first Olympic Games that were held in 776 B. Step into history when you walk through the ruins of the ancient Olympic stadium or witness amazing sculptures at the museum.

France’s romantic capital is a must-see destination, and a gorgeous gateway to the wonders the rest of this country has to offer. Whether your ideal Parisian getaway has you spending some free time sipping coffee at a café and watching the bustling city life, roaming the halls of art at the Louvre, or exploring the bohemian artist’s haven — the Montmartre neighborhood, there’s rich history and culture abound in every corner of the City of Light.

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Italy is positively brimming with the world’s most famous Roman ruins like the Colosseum, Pompeii and many other relics from the ancient past. In fact, many cities in Italy still hold evidence of what once was. You can find an aqueduct, city gate, Roman theater or the ruins of an entire city there.

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Meteora Monastery:

Over 600 years ago Byzantine monks chose to build their monastic community atop limestone rock “towers” that extend nearly 900 feet into the air, making them virtually inaccessible. It is one of the greatest monuments in the world, and is the most important monastic center in Greece. You can climb these rocks and travel the paths hidden behind the massive rocks.

The Palace of Versailles

The iconic Palace of Versailles (UNESCO) and its gardens reflect the extravagant tastes of King Louis XIV, the "Sun King." Alongside a local guide, learn the history and admire the various rooms of the State Apartments, including the Queen's bedchamber and the famous Hall of Mirrors. Be sure to explore the incredible gardens, some of the most famous in the world, which took over 40 years to complete and include intricate architecture, elaborate fountains, and gorgeous statues.

Drift down a canal:

While canals are found across Europe, nothing beats a romantic gondola ride in Venice. Locals like to say the best way to explore the city is to ‘get lost.’ So take a ride along these waterways, step off and then wind your way through the intricate blend of bridges, narrow streets and grand squares.

This was the first capital of Spain located about 43 miles south of Madrid. The history of Toledo dates back to the Roman occupation circa 192 B.C. The old city of Toledo sits atop of a small mountain surrounded on three sides by the Tagus River, and medieval walls on the fourth. From the top of the mountain you can get a 180 degree view of the surrounding landscape.

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Magnificent landscapes combined with the country’s charming traditions and customs offer new experiences unlike anywhere else in the world. Famous for bullfighting, Spain allows you to grab life by the horns and dive into adventure. Whether it’s the eye-catching architecture of Madrid, the bold Spanish wines, or the shimmering Costa del Sol, this country remains a delight to the senses. Once you experience Spain, you’ll never want to leave and when you do, you’ll always be craving more.

A gem of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is a paradise. On the coasts, sun-soaked beaches meet breathtaking hillside towns all down the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. In the cities, ancient structures rise up shoulder-to-shoulder with modern living. Everywhere you turn, you can find mouth-watering food paired with delicious local wines, medieval architecture paired with Moorish artistic influence, and friendly locals paired with charming attitudes. No matter what you seek, when you go, where you look, or how long you stay, Portugal offers something for every traveler.

Whether it’s old-world traditions and wonderful culture, cuisine, history, fashion or natural beauty, Italy is special to many people for different reasons. Few other countries boast so many legendary cities. There are also many charming hill towns and coastal villages that showcase Italy’s amazing natural beauty. From the big cities to the small towns, there is always something exciting to see in Italy. With so many reasons to visit, the rest is up to you!

A rendezvous with a magnifique experience awaits! As cliché as it sounds, France truly has something for everyone. With over two dozen cities, each with their own nuances of the French culture and contributions to its history, architecture, art and last but not least, the gastronomical delights that the French are famous for throughout the world are yours to explore, experience and fall in love with during your stay. Coast to coast, border to border, there are seemingly endless variations on your French experience to be had. Rolling hills and scenic valleys lined with the fruit of the gods; seaside towns, along sandy beaches with views you just might be sharing with royalty; or maybe snowcapped mountain ranges providing some of the best skiing in the world and an adrenaline rush to match is what you seek. Whatever you decide, France easily makes you feel as if you have stepped out of reality and into the art you learned about and loved since you were a child.

At the heart of Europe, monumental contemporary and historic events shape today’s Germany. From the fall of the Berlin Wall to the rise of the Beatles in Hamburg, the culture of the country is marked by its influential past and present. Imagine yourself exploring postcard-worthy castles such as Neuschwanstein or wandering through medieval cities such as Regensburg. From the Bavarian Alps to the Rhine Gorge to the plains of the north, the range of Germany’s landscapes will capture your heart. Perhaps you’ll also indulge your taste buds as you sample the delicious Marzipan sweet treats of the Hanseatic port of Lubeck, which have been produced there for over 200 years. Whether on a journey on the ‘Romantic Road’ or cruising along the Rhine, know that a stein of German beer or a glass of wine from the Rhine vineyards are both a worthy compliment to a destination that offers far more than the average traveler anticipates.

Switzerland

Incredible skiing on the Swiss Alps and delectable Swiss chocolate are only two reasons for visiting Switzerland. Located between Austria, France, Germany and Italy, you can get quite a diverse European cultural experience depending on which region of Switzerland you choose. And though the food, music, art and people themselves are very much influenced by their European neighbors, they are all still uniquely Swiss. You will leave with plenty of memories to savor for a lifetime.

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Featured Group Vacation Beach Hotels in San Diego

Estimated price for 1 night/2 adults

Per night/room

Apr 28 - Apr 29

Apr 14 - Apr 15

Apr 16 - Apr 17

Beach (San Diego, CA, Newport, RI, Virginia Beach, VA)

Group travel of any kind is more fun at the beach! There's something for everyone — swimming, snorkeling, going on day trips, walking on the sand at sunrise or sunset, or kicking back with a frosted drink on a beach towel. How do palm trees and surf, margaritas on the rocks, and mariachi music sound to you? Check out San Diego, California, with its perpetually balmy climate and 70 miles of beaches. Explore the funky hamlet of Ocean Beach, with its surfers and fun shops, or just a jicama's toss away is La Jolla, where you can end the day watching an amazing sunset while you feast on sweet and flaky fish tacos.

If you're on the east coast, Virginia Beach, Virginia is a popular resort destination with miles of beaches and hundreds of hotels and restaurants along its oceanfront. Engage in water sports, world-class golf, or stroll along the boardwalk. For the more adventurous in your group, try a surf lesson; if there are several surf enthusiasts, ask if there is a group discount. Or take your group to a classic maritime city — Newport, Rhode Island - for a huge variety of water-based recreational activities. Newport is the largest city on Aquidneck Island in Narragansett Bay. The island is home to many beautiful beaches. First Beach is Newport's largest public beach, while Second Beach in neighboring Middletown is a great beach for waves. Sail, kayak, windsurf, and more in this historic town.

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Featured Caribbean Group Hotel Deals

May 1 - May 2

Apr 24 - Apr 25

Cruise (Caribbean)

To get the most out of group travel, go with friends and family on a cruise to the Caribbean. Cruises began as an outgrowth of trans-Atlantic travel, but it's now often a destination in and of itself. There's great food on cruise ships and more to do than just play a game of shuffleboard. These days, you can surf, rock climb, even ice skate onboard. It's a great way to take a large group to see the Caribbean; with more than 30 major islands to choose from, a cruise can give you an instant itinerary and possibly, a great discount group rate.

For family group vacations, you might want to choose a cruise with Aruba on its course. The island has many kid-friendly attractions such as a butterfly farm and kids' scuba tours. If your group is most interested in eating well and adventurously on your trip, make sure to find a cruise that has Anguilla as a stop. A chic and serene destination, you'll find imaginative twists on local bounty at popular restaurants such as Blanchards or Tasty's. For a splurge, go to Malliouhana Restaurant, where you can dine on exquisite French food in an open-sided pavilion on a rocky promontory over the sea. There's just so much to do on a cruise - from hiking in nature to exploring exotic ports to getting a hot stone massage in your cabin. You can stay in your group or go your separate ways with all your options.

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Featured Group Deals in Lake Tahoe

Apr 21 - Apr 22

Apr 29 - Apr 30

Apr 22 - Apr 23

Ski (Lake Tahoe, CA, Denver, CO, Killington, VT)

Ski resorts seem to exist for group travel. Resorts offer activities for skiing and non-skiing folks alike, and group discount package deals abound. Squaw Valley in Lake Tahoe, California offers thousands of acres of open bowl skiing - there are 33 lifts to choose from! Or skip the slopes one day and go ice skating on the Olympic size rink with its amazing views of Lake Tahoe.

Colorado is blessed with no fewer than 18 ski resorts. Vail is America's largest and most famous ski mountain. And with 193 trails to choose from, it offers a run for everyone. While many of the runs are great for intermediate skiers, experts can brave the famous Back Bowls. Snowboarders will be happy too, with four terrain parks to choose from. If your group getaway members are into a boisterous ski party scene as well as great skiing and snowboarding, Killington, Vermont is the place to go. It is New England's largest resort; there are seven distinct peaks to explore — experts love Bear Mountain, Skye Peak, and The Canyon. The resort is famous for attracting ski clubs, and the numerous bars along the access road keep things hot through the icy Vermont winters.

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Featured Group Hotels Along the Oregon Coast

Outdoor (Oregon Trail, OR)

Exploring the great outdoors is a wonderful idea for a group travel event such as a girlfriends' getaway or a business retreat. Beautiful to see and educational to boot, the Oregon National Historic Trail recognizes diverse facets of history such as prominent past routes of trade, migration, military action, missionary work, and more. You can visit interpretive sites with your group, or go hiking, biking or horseback riding on different trail segments.

Depending on which segment you explore, there are also visiting museums, such as the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper, Wyoming, and Auto Tour Route Interpretive Guides are being developed for each state that the historic trail passes through. The guides provide descriptions of locations where visitors will find remnants of the trail with either interpretive services or media that add insight to the experiences and history of the Oregon Trail. For a more active group travel experience, the Oregon Trail is the way to go.

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Featured Group Hotels in Hawaii

Special Occasion (Hawaii)

You can't go wrong with group travel in idyllic Hawaii. Everyone can have fun in relaxing Honolulu. Oahu's largest city and the state capital, Honolulu is home to many top attractions: sample a great dim-sum lunch in vibrant Chinatown or check out Aloha Tower, the city's landmark harbor-side clock tower surrounded by a marketplace brimming with shops and popular restaurants. Honolulu is also home to famed Waikiki Beach, located between the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor and Diamond Head.

Waikiki's Beach's white sand runs along a 2-mile stretch of coast, flanked by dozens of high-rise hotels. The area is popular for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, body-boarding, picnicking, and outrigger canoeing - you'll will never be lacking for things to do! At the end of the beach is Diamond Head, one of the world's most famous volcanic rings. Although no diamonds were ever found here, the calcite crystals in the lava rock sparkle in the bright Hawaiian sunshine.

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North America

Central america & caribbean, south america, north africa & middle east.

Few travellers make it to this icy continent, but the lucky ones who do get to explore a frozen Eden ruled by the elements and teeming with wildlife.

G Adventures Land

G adventures sailing & cruises, g adventures private travel.

Whether it’s a family retreat or a girls trip, you can surround yourself with a hand-picked crew and customize a tour that fits you all perfectly.

The Geluxe Collection

Our new line of premium active adventures is officially here. With perfectly paced itineraries, one-of-a-kind accommodations and elevated dining, this is adventure at its finest.

National Geographic Journeys

Go deeper into the cultures and habitats of the places we explore. More is included and you’ll enjoy greater hands-on exploration, interactions with local experts, and freedom to roam.

National Geographic Family Journeys

Are you an adventure-loving family in search of meaningful ways to discover the world together? These tours are specially designed for travellers seven and up and their inquisitive families.

Jane Goodall Collection

Step deeper into the animal kingdom while respecting all of its inhabitants. Our incredible collection of 20 wildlife-focused tours is endorsed by the world-renowned ethologist.

Roamies by Hostelworld

The thrill of adventure. The awesomeness of hostels. Get ‘em both on these immersive small group trips for 18 to 35-year-old travellers.

Why choose us

As the leader in small group travel for 30 years, we know how to do it right: flexible itineraries, freedom to roam, safety, peace of mind, and locally based guides.

Change the world just by having the time of your life. When you travel with us, you become a force for good by acting responsibly and creating positive impact.

Together with our non-profit partner, Planeterra, we ensure local communities touched by our tours benefit from our visits in as many ways possible.

Trees for Days

Leave your destination even greener than you found it! For every day on tour, we’ll plant a tree in your honour and ensure that our forests get to live their best lives.

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Solo travel

Travel with g, myself and i.

Got an inner urge to get out and explore, but none of your travel buddies can make it happen? Sure, you could hit the road all on your own. But going with a small group gives your solo trip more structure, guidance and safety, letting you get head-to-toe immersed in our world.

Our most popular solo trips

Why travel solo with g adventures, you’re in good hands.

All our trips are led by a Chief Experience Officer, aka CEO. These locally based expert guides are your adventure’s captain, keeping things moving, organized, and as safe as can be.

Easy on the wallet

Why should traveling solo be more expensive? We treat single travelers the same as the rest of the group, which is why we don’t charge single supplements.

Freedom to do you

Your trip is just that – yours. Want to linger at the market or grab a table at that cozy café? Go right ahead. We give your trip structure, but also plenty of free time.

Connection comes standard

With group sizes typically ranging from 12 to 16 people, you’ll have built-in community and connection with equally adventurous travelers from all over the world.

Always female friendly

Traveling solo as a woman can feel risky, but we’re committed to keeping everyone on our trips as safe as possible at all times. From our CEOs to our same-sex roommates, all women can adventure with confidence.

Some privacy, please

Want a room all to yourself? We offer single travelers a "My Own Room" option, meaning you could have a private room (and personal washroom) for your entire trip.

Know before you go

Never traveled solo or gone as part of a group before? We can get you sorted. Check out some of our most frequently asked questions or  get in touch with us any time.

We offer the “My Own Room” option on most of our tours, which guarantees you a room of your own for a modest additional fee. Cost and details of “My Own Room” vary according to the specific trip, so be sure to consult our trip summary pages for full details. On some tours, a single room may not be available at certain overnight stops, depending on the style of accommodation.

Wherever your heart takes you! Just about any place worth exploring is a good spot to venture out on your own.

Our groups often experience a good mix of ages, everything from travellers in their early-20s to those aged 60 and over. We sort all of our trips into Travel Styles, which guarantee that you’ll be travelling with people who share the same interests you do. Over the years, we’ve found that a good range of ages within a group often adds to the experience

On most evenings, your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will organize a group meal. It’s pretty flexible; you can choose to dine with the group or head off and do your own thing. Other nights, your CEO may recommend a few nearby restaurants you can try. Again, you determine whether you want to stick with the group or go it alone.

Most of our trips split pretty evenly down gender lines. We average roughly 60:40 female-to-male, so you’ll never feel outnumbered.

On most G Adventures tours, the ratio of solo travellers to others (couples, friends travelling together, etc) is roughly 40:60. For privacy reasons, we can’t share information about your soon-to-be travelling companions ahead of time. Our tours appeal to a wide cross-section of adventurous people from all over the world united by a desire to experience our planet from a grassroots level. Our tours are conducted in English and tend to attract travellers from North America, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.

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The Eastern Front

Russia 1941-1943.

Military History and Battlefield Tours

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Your Holiday Essentials

Tour introduction.

A great opportunity to explore traditional Russia and sample its history, traditions, architecture and landscapes. Our ten day tour covers the three decisive turning points of the Great Patriotic War (as it’s known in Russia) the battles of Moscow, Stalingrad and Kursk. We begin outside Moscow at Borodino, the site of Napoleon's victory in 1812 and coincidentally the same defence line held in 1941. Preserved trench lines and bunkers are visible here as are ruined buildings at Stalingrad (now Volgograd). At Kursk we peruse fascinating local museums, tank scrapes and restored trench complexes en route. Traditional Russian single storey wooden houses and iconic Orthodox churches form the backdrop to our journey, which involves considerable travel with internal flights to Volgograd and comfortable overnight in two-berth sleeper train to Kursk, other nights are spent in four star hotels or equivalent. We will also witness a magnificent Victory Day parade right outside of our hotel.

The battle for Moscow during the autumn and winter of 1941-2 was the first time a German Army was checked and then repelled during the Second World War. A second German summer offensive in 1942, another seemingly irresistible Blitzkrieg across the southern Soviet Steppe, ran out of momentum when it engaged in a costly battle of attrition at Stalingrad. Yet another Soviet surprise winter counter offensive surrounded and overwhelmed Paulus’s Sixth Army, the strongest Army in the German Wehrmacht, and threatened to cut off an entire army group in the Caucasus. The German summer offensive at Kursk in 1943 was the final gamble, involving 6,000 tanks, 4,000 aircraft and two million men, the highest concentration of men and material achieved up to this point in the history of warfare. It achieved a fleeting tactical success but the strategic initiative was irretrievably lost.

The tour explores how near the Germans got to Moscow in 1941, why Blitzkrieg failed at Stalingrad in 1942 and examines many of the myths surrounding the huge tank battle at Prokohorovka in 1943.

Please note that the order of this itinerary may be altered according to museum opening days as the Victory Day parade always takes place on 9 May, regardless of the day of the week.

• With military history expert Dr Matthias Strohn
• Visit the magnificent tank Museum at Kubinka
• Explore the new complex at Patriot Park
• The battlefield of Borodino
• Mamayev Kurgan heights and memorial complex
• View the impressive victory parade in Volgograd
• Enjoy a boat trip on the Volga
• Visit Lyudnikov's Island
• Visit to the Great Patriotic War Museum
• Teplov Heights monument
• Soviet general Rokossovky's bunker headquarters
• Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral and the Kremlin
• Follow the German advance on Moscow through Istra and Chimk

What's Included

• Return flights from London (optional)
• Internal flight(s)
• First class train travel
• 3 & 4 Star Hotels
• Buffet breakfast each morning
• Dinner parties hosted by your expert historian and tour manager
• Two drinks i,e wine or beer at each dinner and a welcome drink on first evening
• Dedicated Tour Manager
• Entrance fees for sites included in itinerary
• Modern, comfortable, air-conditioned coach
• Tour information booklet
• Access to the Cultural Experience app
• Helpful and friendly travel advice
• The company of like-minded travelers

"The duty of the men at Stalingrad is to die."

Adolf Hitler: during a lunch conference in January 1943

Day 1 - Arrive

Fly London-Moscow and check in to our hotel for three nights.

Day 2 - Kubinka and Patriot Park

Today is a special one for fans of military hardware. We visit the magnificent tank Museum at Kubinka and the new, huge complex at Patriot Park. Across these two exhibits you will be able see and get up close to almost every tank, armoured vehicle and self-propelled gun imaginable and not just form the Second World War. Examples of what we will see include the massive howitzer that bombarded Sevastopol, the 'Maus' Mark VIII Panzer, the biggest tank produced during the war, Tiger I and II tanks, as well as aircraft, naval ships and even intercontinental missiles!

Day 3 - The Defence of Moscow

We travel out to the battlefield of Borodino to explore and compare the battles of 1812 and 1941. We then follow the German advance on Moscow through Istra and Chimki, its closest point, just short of the Moscow ring road.

Day 4 - Stalingrad the Attack

Fly Moscow-Volgograd, landing at the former Luftwaffe airbase at Gumrak. We begin the tour of the Stalingrad city area from the Mamayev Kurgan heights, with its impressive memorial complex to overview the German assault. We visit the still preserved Grain Elevator, the Volga River crossings and Pavlov's House. Check in to our hotel at Volgograd for three nights.

Day 5 - Stalingrad The Defence

We visit the Panoramic Museum and Grudinin Mill to discuss street fighting and the final encirclement from von Paulus's final HQ at the Univermag department store. We drive to the western outskirts of the city, the edge of the Steppe, to see the Soldier's Field and the German entry points into the city.

Day 6 - Victory in Stalingrad

Today we view the impressive victory parade in Volgograd followed by a boat trip on the Volga to view the defence from the Soviet perspective. We travel to the north of the city to view the factory district, where the last German troops held out, and Lyudnikov's Island.

Day 7 - Moscow

After our return flight to Moscow we visit the Great Patriotic War Museum displaying much of the epic art and equipment of the war and more besides, before catching the train to Kursk and arriving late evening. Check-in to our Kursk hotel for two nights. 

Day 8 - Northern shoulder Kursk Salient

Today we drive north from Kursk to view Model's Ninth Army assault of Ponyri, 'the 'Stalingrad' of Kursk, visiting the railway station, the focus of the fighting, and the superb local museum. Moving to the Teplov Heights monument we view the furthest extent of Model's advance and visit the defending Soviet general Rokossovky's bunker headquarters.

Day 9 - Southern Advance to Prokhorovka

We drive the southern part of the salient following the 'death ride' of the Fourth Panzer Army to Prokhorovka, the site of the largest tank battle of the war. We follow the fortunes of the SS Adolf Hitler Battle Group, visiting preserved trenches and gun emplacements en route. We also visit the memorial bell tower and the impressive museum dedicated to the battle. Catch the overnight train from Kursk back to Moscow.

Day 10 - Moscow

After an early morning return to Moscow and a group breakfast, we head north to Yakhroma, where we hear of the crossing of the Moskva-Volga canal by the Germans in November 1941. This afternoon we enjoyed a guided tour around central Moscow ending in Red Square which is flanked by the GUM store, St Basil’s Cathedral and the Kremlin. Check-in to our Moscow hotel for our last night.

Day 11 – Departure

A late morning check out in order to catch our afternoon return flight to London.

Recommended Reading List

• Assault on Moscow 1941
• Barbarossa: The Russian German Conflict: The Russian German Conflict, 1941-45 (CASSELL MILITARY PAPERBACKS)
• Kharkov, 1942: The Wehrmacht Strikes Back (Campaign)
• Kursk: The Greatest Battle
• Stopped at Stalingrad: Luftwaffe and Hitler's Defeat in the East, 1942-43
• The Forgotten Soldier: War on the Eastern Front
• War without Garlands: Operation Barbarossa 1941-1942
• When Titans clashed. How the Red Army stopped Hitler

Photo Gallery

• Group at St Basil’s Cathedral
• Col Bob Kershaw in Action
• Rokossovky's bunker
• Barmaley Fountain
• The Motherland Calls
• Victory Day Parade
• The Group At Grudinin's Mill
• Railway Gun At Great Patriotic War Museum
• Memorial at Soldiers Field

Tour Reviews

Read Our most recent tour diary here

View images of our 2018 Eastern Front Tour Here

Take a look at some independent reviews of this tour by previous participants here

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For up to date news as well as details about all of our tours please subscribe to our fortnightly e-newsletter

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How a group tour changed my whole approach to travel

I 've always considered myself a fiercely independent traveler. I've navigated more than 50 countries on my own, and while I have sometimes booked short excursions, usually for a day, it had never occurred to me to book a group tour. That changed when I decided to take two of my children on a family tour with Intrepid Travel . 

I had planned on spending our winter break in the Middle East but changed my mind at the last minute due to safety concerns . Because of the abrupt change, I knew I wouldn't have time to plan an itinerary, book hotels and arrange transportation before our departure date. However, I didn’t want to let that stop me from having an adventure. I'm glad I took a chance on a group tour because it changed the way I travel. Here's how.

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The trip planning was stress-free

I spent a little time comparing tour companies but quickly honed in on Intrepid. The company offers a variety of itineraries for families at different price points, and a few of my friends had been on its tours and had a good experience. I also liked that Intrepid offers specialized tours for different types of travelers, including family tours . 

At first I planned on an "original" style family tour but upgraded to a "comfort" tour, which included more activities and meals along with upgraded accommodations. Although it cost more, the company's 10-day Morocco Family Holiday tour was still within my budget and looked like a good value. 

BEFORE YOU GO: The 5 most important questions to ask yourself before booking a tour  

Once I committed to a tour, my planning was essentially done. That was a huge relief. I normally spend hours searching for hotels , figuring out some must-do activities in every location along with some off-the-beaten-track attractions, researching transportation options, and gathering restaurant recommendations. Although I often find it's fun, it’s also time-consuming and can become draining for trips that involve several stops.

Even though a group tour was not exactly what I would have planned on my own, Intrepid's Morocco itinerary was fairly close. I thought giving up some control was well worth the trade-off of not having to do all the planning on my own. Because Intrepid uses local teams based at its tour destinations to plan trips, I also hoped having a local involved would bring me to places I never would have found on my own. 

SAVE MONEY: Kids stay free at these 10 all-inclusive family resorts

Instead of reading hotel reviews and booking entry tickets, I spent the weeks leading up to my family vacation learning more about Moroccan culture. I knew this would enrich my experience more than figuring out all of the details for a trip abroad to run smoothly. I'm usually a mix of excited and stressed in the week or two leading up to a big trip. This time I was mostly excited, and my stress was at a minimum. 

Though I won’t stick exclusively to group tours in the future, this trip taught me to not sweat the small stuff so much. I don’t need to spend so much time finding the perfect hotel or restaurant to have a great trip.

Group trips are fantastic for solo travelers and parents traveling on their own

Before I had a family, I often traveled on my own. Though I enjoyed solo travel , it was lonely at times, even more so when I stopped staying at youth hostels and lost access to the fantastic communities they provide. Now I frequently travel with my two younger children. They are fantastic travel companions, but on longer trips I sometimes find myself longing for adult interaction or an extra pair of hands. Additionally, even though my kids usually get along well, they sometimes get sick of each other in the absence of any other playmates. 

TRAVEL WITH TEENS: 10 best vacation ideas for families with teenagers

On my Intrepid trip, I had other adults to talk to throughout the day. That was a refreshing change from my usual experience of going a week or more without speaking to another adult for more than five minutes, usually for transactional matters like checking into a hotel. My kids also quickly made friends with the other children on the trip. Not surprisingly, all of the families on the trip had similar interests and an adventurous spirit. My children and I were the only Americans in the group, and it was interesting learning more about life in New Zealand, Canada and Australia from the other families.

The parents in the group quickly started leaning on one another for support. One mom, also traveling alone with her children, asked me to take one of her daughters on an outing so she could get some one-on-one time with her other child. I asked a different mom to keep an eye on my son while I packed our things for the next day. It was nice not feeling as if I was on my own. 

UNIQUE TRIPS: Hate bus tours? These 7 unique guided tours were made for you

This "it takes a village" spirit is something I want to bring with me in my future travels. Although it’s not possible to replicate the experience of traveling with other families, it is possible to seek out connections away from home. For example, on a recent trip, my son wanted to play soccer with local children who lived near our hotel. Instead of rushing him away so we could squeeze in another activity, I let him play. He wound up meeting up with the other kids every night we were there, sharing candy and communicating with an app. The nights playing soccer were a highlight of that trip for him and something I probably would not have let him do before my experience with a group tour.  

I appreciated a slower pace

I have serious FOMO and often pack too much into my days when I travel. When I first reviewed the itinerary, I noted right away that it had downtime and even an entire free afternoon built into the trip. Though I know many people enjoy that balance, I was worried I would feel bored and come away feeling as if I had traveled halfway around the world and missed seeing all there is to do. 

TRIP REVIEW: Adventures by Disney’s Peru tour is a riveting family adventure

The reality is it’s impossible to do everything. Trying is exhausting and impossible. There is always something left on the to-do list at the end of the trip. It was refreshing to go into a trip not trying to see an entire country in two weeks and being OK with that from the outset. 

Though there were a couple of other things I would have liked to have squeezed in, I was very happy with the balance of activities and downtime. Other than all-inclusive family vacations and trips to family resorts , I normally don’t schedule time to just relax while I am traveling. It was really nice to have time to read and play UNO with my kids. I also liked that Intrepid had a couple of optional activities for those of us who didn’t want quite as much downtime as others. 

MONEY MATTERS: How much should you tip on a guided tour? All your gratuity questions answered  

I do still feel pressure to see and do everything when I travel, but going on a group trip helped me see the value in traveling at a slower pace. Some of my favorite moments from my Intrepid trip happened during scheduled downtime; they gave me and my children time to just enjoy being with one another without the pressures of work and school. It’s a lesson I’ve tried to carry with me as I’ve planned future trips. 

Learning from a local is invaluable 

One reason I chose Intrepid is the company uses all local guides, and most tours use the same guide throughout the trip. It may sound obvious that learning from locals is the best way to get to know a country, but I had underestimated just how valuable traveling with a local guide would be. 

TOUR REVIEW: Adventures by Disney’s South Africa tour is a lesson in culture, history, and beauty  

I learned much about Moroccan culture through our tour guide, who was always willing to answer questions about his life and traditions. He even brought us to his family home to meet his parents and niece, which was a very special experience. Aside from being able to share the history of everywhere we visited, I also liked that our guide warned us about scams to watch out for, shared the tipping culture and gave advice on bargaining. He was also helpful when it came to practical matters like finding an ATM.  

For future trips, I will be more open to taking guided tours with local guides, even if it’s just for a few hours. I will also make it a point to try to talk to more locals, as long as I can do so without bothering them too much. 

Even though it wasn’t what I had originally planned, not only did I have a great experience on my trip with Intrepid, it has also forever changed the way I plan to travel.

How a group tour changed my whole approach to travel originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com .

More from TourScoop:

• 9 best travel companies that specialize in women-only tours
• 8 best senior travel tour companies
• 4 great tour companies with independent tours

The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology , we review and select family vacation ideas , family vacation spots , all-inclusive family resorts , and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators , tour operator reviews , tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations .

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How a group tour changed my whole approach to travel

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Are you researching the best way to spend several days in Central Russia? Through Travelocity's booking page, you'll unearth a limited range of places to rest up in Kursk. Downtown Kursk lays claim to 3 suitable apartments and hotels within 6 miles (10 kilometers).

You can stay at one of Hotel Prestige and Hotel Diana Luxe within walking distance of Kursk's city center.

The Aurora Hotel is 2 miles (3 kilometers) distance from the central area of Kursk.

If time is on your side, why not spread your wings and explore the other attractions located in Central Russia while you're in the area? Explore the terrain of Central Russia's forests, rivers, canals and mountains. You could also venture through a few of the region's old towns, fortresses and war relics and monuments. Locals and visitors alike in this pocket of Russia often enjoy ice skating and four-wheel driving.

For the modern traveler arriving or departing via Kharkiv International Airport, you might plan to book a Travelocity-listed room at Ovis Hotel , or City Club Hotel , which are each a short distance away.

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Planning to Combine Business and Leisure Travel? You’re Not Alone.

As employees increasingly add leisure time to their business trips, companies are trying to figure out where their duty of care obligations begin and end.

Credit... Aart-Jan Venema

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By Amy Zipkin

• April 7, 2024

On a Sunday in late January, Melinda Buchmann, who lives in Florida and supervises client relations for RevShoppe, a 30-person remote company advising organizations on sales techniques and strategies, arrived in Banff, Alberta, to help set up a four-day company meeting.

The last day of the event, her husband, Josh, a director of strategic partnerships for the delivery company DoorDash , who also works remotely, joined her. They spent two leisurely days hiking in Banff National Park and visiting Lake Louise.

“I take advantage, because I don’t know when I’m going to return,” Ms. Buchmann said of the decision to combine downtime with a business trip.

As postpandemic work life has changed, and arrangements now include full-time office attendance as well as hybrid and remote work, so, too, has business travel. The phenomenon known as bleisure, or blended business and leisure travel, was initially embraced largely by digital nomads . But such combined travel is now also popular with people outside that group . Allied Market Research, a subsidiary of Allied Analytics, based in Portland, Ore., estimated that the bleisure travel market was $315.3 billion in 2022 and would reach $731.4 billion by 2032.

As employees increasingly add leisure time to their business trips, companies are struggling to determine where their legal obligation to protect employees from harm — their so-called duty of care — begins and ends. And workers may think that because their trip started with business, they will get all the help they need if something goes wrong on the leisure end. Instead, they should generally consider the leisure part of a trip as a regular vacation where they cover all expenses and contingencies.

Companies are responsible for knowing where their employees are during a business trip, covering expenses if an accident or emergency occurs, securing new lodging if a hotel is damaged, even swapping out a broken down rental car. Still, it’s not entirely clear if that coverage ends completely after the conference or the last client meeting.

Companies recognize that threats are increasing, said Robert Cole, senior research analyst focusing on lodging and leisure travel at Phocuswright, a market research company. They are trying to figure out how to take care of a valuable company resource, the employee, without leaving themselves open to financial risk or potential litigation.

“Crafting a comprehensive policy that balances business objectives, employee well-being and legal considerations can be challenging,” Nikolaos Gkolfinopoulos, head of tourism at ICF, a consulting and technology services company in Reston, Va., wrote in an email.

Employees may be on their own without realizing it and may be surprised by out-of-pocket expenses if they require hospital care abroad or evacuation, said Suzanne Morrow, chief executive of InsureMyTrip , an online insurance travel comparison site in Warwick, R.I.

Ms. Morrow said medical coverage provided by a company “is generally only for the dates of the actual business trip abroad.” If travelers are extending the trip for personal travel, she added, “they would want to secure emergency medical coverage for that additional time abroad.”

Employers and employees are left to figure out when the business portion of the trip ends and the leisure segment begins, a significant detail if an employee has a medical emergency. “Where does the corporation liability end?” said Kathy Bedell, senior vice president at BCD Travel, a travel management company.

Companies have varying policies to deal with the new travel amalgam. The chief executive of RevShoppe, Patricia McLaren, based in Austin, Texas, said the company provided flexible travel options and allowed employees to work anywhere they choose.

Even so, there are constraints. The company requires all employees, including executives, to sign liability and insurance waivers when they are on a voluntary company-sponsored trip, such as an off-site meeting. Such waivers typically place responsibility on employees for their own well-being. And if they bring someone, they are responsible for that person’s expenses.

Employees are responsible for requesting the paid time off and notifying their managers of their whereabouts, although that part is not a requirement. Managers have to ensure adequate staffing, Ms. McLaren said.

Elsewhere, employees may not bother to mention the leisure portion of their trip. Eliot Lees, a vice president and managing director at ICF, said he had been on trips as a child with his parents when they combined business and leisure. His parents were academics, who would piggyback vacations onto conferences.

Now he does the same. “I don’t think I ever asked for approval,” he said. (ICF has no formal business-leisure travel policy. It’s allowed as part of personal time off.) After a conference in the Netherlands last year, he spent four days hiking in the northern part of the country.

“I go anywhere, and take more risks than I should,” he said. He said he didn’t carry personal travel or accident insurance.

Any nonchalance may quickly evaporate if a threat emerges. Security experts say even low-risk locations can become high-risk for a few days or weeks of the year.

“Companies are concerned about losing visibility into a traveler’s whereabouts if they booked flights and hotels outside their corporate travel management company,” Benjamin Thorne, senior intelligence manager in London for Crisis24, a subsidiary of GardaWorld, wrote in an email. “The company may think the traveler is in one city when, in reality, they could have booked a holiday package to another nearby city. This lack of visibility by the company makes it difficult to support travelers when a disaster occurs.”

He also raised the possibility that “a traveler with bleisure travel reservations and expectations may find their work trip canceled due to changes in the risk environment or company policy, disrupting their leisure plans.”

Will a company step in off hours if there’s a problem? “That depends on how you are booked,” Mr. Cole, the senior research analyst at Phocuswright, said. A rule of thumb is the further you get from corporate control, the greater the gray area gets.

Half of GoldSpring Consulting’s clients take the responsibility for the entire trip, said Will Tate, a partner at the consultancy based in Cross Roads, Texas, and a certified public accountant. They don’t want the reputational risk. The other half say: “The business trip ended Friday. That’s when we end our duty of care.”

Some companies are trying to define and narrow the gray area. “If you are clearly on personal time, there is no legal requirement for your employer to provide for you,” said Nicole Page, a lawyer whose practice includes employment law at Reavis Page Jump in New York.

Uber provides employees with advisories before a trip, travel assessments, safety tips while traveling and emergency travel assistance, including medical aid, airport travel support, urgent and emergency assistance, and lost or stolen personal property insurance whether they are on business or pleasure travel or a combination.

And at DoorDash, Chris Cherry, head of global safety and security, wrote in an email that “while personal travel is not something we track, we have received requests to extend our travel support capabilities to personal travel.” Mr. Cherry said in those cases, the company has manually added employee leisure itineraries to its travel risk management system and “provided the same level of overwatch that we do for regular business travel.”

The Buchmanns plan to travel this month to Barcelona, Spain, for the McDonald’s Worldwide Convention. DoorDash will have a booth, and Mr. Buchmann will work on the exhibit floor and also entertain clients.

Ms. Buchmann will accompany him. She plans to go sightseeing in the morning, and work in the afternoons and evenings Barcelona time. She will also take three days of paid time off and has shared her plans with Ms. McLaren, the RevShoppe chief executive.

They will stay a day after the conference and plan to visit the Dalí Theater and Museum in Figueres. “I’m sure there will be no shortage of tapas and window shopping along way,” Mr. Buchmann said. He expects to be back at work the next Monday.

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Italy Small Group Tours

Discover new and exciting adventures in Italy with an unforgettable small group tour experience. Make time on your holiday to visit the Sistine Chapel, hike along the Dolomites , spend time in Florence and sample delicious seafood in Sicily .

250+ Italy small group tours with 2,239 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
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Local Living Italy—Sorrento

Touring the coast was good. A little difficult to navigate if you are older or have some difficulty walking. The lemon farm was a little isolated and a bit of a walk to the road to catch a bus if you wanted to explore the area. The lemon farm had beautiful views. The rooms were nice but needs some upgrading and repairs in some areas. The breakfast was disappointing and some of the food was a little cold. We did not know that you needed to purchase wine from the farm. It was a little overpriced. The owners and staff were very nice people and our tour guide Anna was very nice. I think this tour is more for young people.

• Food & Culinary
• Hiking & Trekking

Small Group Tour of Sicily: Highlights (Maximum 8 Guests)

Good communication, excellent guides, easy access to paid sites. Loved the tour and would recommend

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Small Group Sicily Food & Wine Tour (Maximum 8 Guests)

Well organized tour with plenty of down time to stroll and explore the towns. Graziana was wonderful in letting us know the scheduled events/times. The guides were very knowledgeable and enjoyable. Highly recommend this company. Loved Sicily!

Best of Italy

Loved the free time to explore personal interests.

Local Living Italy—Amalfi Coast

Fantastic guide Salvo…wonderful people on the tour. I would have loved a local wine / lemon farm tour to have been included. The hikes (I did the first 3 ) were great , but calling the tour local living without doing some of the real local experiences is a little disappointing.

Hiking in the Dolomites

Great value for money. Good tour guide. Excellent travel company. Some days the hiking was a bit light. Would have given it 5 stars if the hiking was every day. Also tourradar/intrepid could also consider providing a higher cost tour where we stay at different refuges every day. This will reduce the transportation constraints and time and increase the Dolomites amazing experience.

Best of Sicily - 8 Days (Small Group Tour)

The tour was truly a taste to Sicily. The tour guides were knowledgeable and thorough from Taormina to Palermo. The hotels and the choice of meals were very good especially the wine tasting at Etna having the most inventive cuisine.

• Coach / Bus

Sicilian Landscapes: Catania-Catania (8 days/7 nights)

Generally speaking the tour was good. Hotels, foods, itinerary, tour guide were all satisfied. the only thing made me unhappy even panic was no taxi driver waiting at Catania airport arrivals although I booked in advance. It's about 22:30, I phoned the emergency number, the lady replied in Italian, we could not understand each other, so she shouted and put down phone. Then I asked an Italian for help. He made a call and got one can speak English. I was told the driver was in a airport bar, then I found the bar was closed and the driver was at outside of the bar, eventually he took me to the hotel, that was very late. The people responds emergency number cannot speak English?! The taxi driver 'with a sign with your surname on it' was not waiting at the arrivals as I was told. What was a shock for a person arrived in Catania first time at late evening and start a tour next morning?!

• £50 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Sightseeing

Deluxe Italian Escape with picturesque Cinque Terre

Great agency. They are with you from start to finish. They were really helpful throughout the trip and worked their best to answer questions or fix any issues that came during the trip. They chose really good hotels, that are convenient and comfortable. I highly recommend them, as I may be booking with them in the near future. The few negative experiences had nothing to do with them. Wanderful did an amazing job.

Premium Tuscany

This was our first tour. It was very informative and the cities that were explored were both interesting and beautiful. Unfortunately Italy was experiencing a heat wave and all the walking turned into a lot of sweating ( not your fault ). If in the future we go on another tour... it will be with Tourradar.

Taste of Salento-Authentic Culinary Experience

Continued.. Besides both Carla and Emilios own knowlege and history of each place they had Profesional guides to take you around to the other places. Nice to be in a private car. Great food like I said before. Emilio really takes care and you can see the passion in every dish he makes. Very well put together tour. Loved my stay at the farmhouse learning about the olive trees. Overall a Wonderful experience during my week in brindisi. Will visit again! Crystal

• Coastal Walks

Amalfi Coast Walking - Agriturismo

I’loved it every minute! We had the most amazing, patient and understanding guide our awesome Matteo! There was nothing that he wouldn’t help everyone with individual problems! Talk about problems and you name it all! No worries because all was taken care! Very very good tour! Love all about it!

Amalfi Coast Experience

Such an amazing experience. I did the Amalfi Coast tour and the whole trip was wonderful. I had Meaghan as a guide and she was incredible, not only extremely knowledgeable about all the sights and locations, but also the friendliest, nicest, person ever. It was my first time travelling overseas and I was pretty nervous as I was doing it by myself but being with Meaghan and the rest of my group honestly felt like being away with friends. I couldn’t recommend this enough.

• £100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Discover Matera and Taste of Salento Tour

SOLETO TRAVEL: First of all, Omar at Soleto Travel was great, from my first inquiry to the last day of the trip. He returned emails promptly, answered questions clearly, made suggestions and generally made the whole experience very easy. I highly recommend Soleto travel and would not hesitate to book any of their tours. The trip I took was Discover Matera and a Taste of Salento. I was a solo female traveler on this tour and just took a leap of faith - it was well worth it. TASTE OF SALENTO: Pretend that someone told you that you had long lost relatives who owned an olive oil farm in Salento and wanted you to come visit for six days? That is exactly what this felt like. From the moment Antonio (the father) picked me up at the train station to the moment Emilio dropped me off in Matera, I could not have been treated more warmly. This did not feel like a “tour”, it felt like a “stay”. Don’t get caught up in the printed itinerary and stated activities. Emilio adjusts the schedule based on the season, the weather and other circumstances. You might not get every single thing listed, but you will get a lot more that are not. Emilio fixes a light breakfast every morning and explains where we’re going and what we’re doing that day. Because this experience is capped at four people (we had two), Emilio drives you in the family car to all the cool places (many that would be inaccessible by a tour bus). You walk around while he explains the history of the place or his experiences there. You get free time to walk around, grab a bite, shop or just sit and appreciate the experience. The highlight of every day was dinner. Emilio is a fabulous chef and prides himself on cooking fresh, organic, local food paired with local wine (all served with his family’s organic olive oil of course). His passion is evident and every meal was excellent. Two of the days we had Carlo as a guide, who was fun and knowledgeable. One day Emilio’s wife Clara took us wine tasting and sightseeing. And of course Antonio, who was a character, popped by to say hi and stir up trouble! I could go on and on but I will stop and just say this: If you want a 4-star hotel with a “farm” theme in a big city, this is not for you. This is an actual farm in a very small town with very comfortable accommodations run by a sweet and generous couple (plus four kids and a dog) who want nothing more than for you to learn about, experience, and hopefully appreciate, the land they love. No tour buses, no guides with hankies tied to poles, no one-size-fits-all restaurants or cookie-cutter tours. Live like a local, with locals, for a one-of-a-kind experience. I highly recommend it. DISCOVER MATERA: I knew nothing about Matera so I was excited to arrive and see this beautiful city. The only thing I would mention is the whole city is practically stairs, including up to the room, so it might be a difficult city for some people with mobility issues so keep that in mind when booking. That said it is such a beautiful and unique city and I loved just wandering around and getting lost in all the little streets and passages. The accommodations were fabulous and so unique (a room built into a cave!) My guide was Cosimo, who took me one day on a city tour and the next on a tour of Murgia Materana, the park across the ravine. He was so knowledgable, friendly and patient with all my questions. Even though I was the only one, our tour went beyond the allotted time and he did not complain or try to rush me. I also got a private food and wine tasting with Lucca who was also wonderful, knowledgeable and generous. The place I stayed had a restaurant, but because I was the only one there, I would have my breakfast on site and then they would book dinner for me at a nice local restaurant. I loved Matera and wish I had a couple more days there. All in all this was the perfect vacation. The people were wonderful, the food and wine delicious, the history fascinating, the scenery breathtaking and the experience unique. I highly recommend this tour and Soleto Travel to anyone!

Mamma Mia! - 13 Days/12 Nights

Thank you Eduardo & Italy on a Budget for a once in a lifetime visit to Italy ??!!

Reviews of Small Group tours to Italy

Carla was very kind and helpful on our tour

The tour was wonderful. We had great guides, delicious food, and enjoyed the beauty of Sicily.

I can’t say enough good things about our experience in Sicily thanks to Mossimo and his team. Excellent, informative tour guides…Denise, Carlos, Antonio and Sem. The cooking class may have been the highlight, but all of the activities were fun and the pace of the tour, planned activities/free time mix was perfect. Will definitely recommend!

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Spring Fever: 3 Travel Stocks Set to Surge as Bookings Bloom

Travel stocks to buy for 2024’s record-setting spring and summer travel seasons

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• These travel stocks to buy have broken free from the post-COVID slump.
• Booking Holdings ( BKNG ): Massive institutional interest and high free cash flow make this travel stock untouchable.
• Airbnb ( ABNB ): High-priced hotels push tourists toward wallet-friendly alternatives.
• Trip.com Group ( TCOM ): Chinese travel trends are finally catching up post-COVID.

Source: Shutterstock

With pandemic-era travel restrictions behind us and an improving economic landscape ahead, travel stocks are adjusting to a new era of global travel. Consumer travel rates for air travel, hotel bookings and more are rising rapidly. While inflation certainly exerts some downward pressure on global and domestic travel, indicators of decreasing inflation suggest a potential travel surge as we march through 2024. This presents several top travel stocks to buy this year.

These travel stocks represent the best way to leverage this upward momentum with minimal risk. Each company holds a dominant market share in its respective category and is recovering strongly from the pandemic-era downturns, with per-share pricing rebounding toward or surpassing 2019 levels.

Booking Holdings (BKNG)

Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG ), recognized for its extensive travel services, including Priceline and Kayak, is an all-in-one travel stock set to boom as we enter the summer season. Though shares trade above $3,500, the company’s strong financial performance and a positive sector outlook point to big things ahead. A subdued forecast in February pushed shares down nearly 10%, making today a perfect buying time — if you hurry. In 2023, its free cash flow per share reached $193.66. With huge institutional ownership , Booking Holdings is a cash-cow stock that uses hefty free cash flow to boost share pricing via a robust 8.87% total yield.

Analysts expect Booking Holdings to grow as the global travel market recovers from the pandemic’s impact. The company’s latest earnings report supports this positive outlook, displaying a 16% year-over-year increase in quarterly gross travel bookings and a 24% annual growth in this area. Moreover, annual income jumped by 40% after a 25% rise in revenue, demonstrating management’s ability to navigate higher interest rates and boost profit margins through effective cost control.

Airbnb (ABNB)

Although the heyday of professional Airbnb (NASDAQ: ABNB ) hosts might be waning, this shift does not spell disaster for the travel stock giant. Instead, Airbnb’s user base is returning to the platform’s original concept of offering spare space as a budget-friendly alternative to hotels. Despite facing significant challenges, such as a $10 million fine for misleading international customers by listing prices in USD rather than local currencies, Airbnb’s market dominance remains unchallenged.

Airbnb holds a 20% share of the total vacation rental market, a remarkable achievement given its competition with established hotel chains. Additionally, the platform’s listing and booking rates have climbed above their pre-pandemic levels in 2019, demonstrating Airbnb’s effective navigation through the pandemic’s obstacles.

In its most recent earnings report , Airbnb disclosed nearly a 17% increase in revenue year-over-year and a 15% rise in gross booking value. Spurred by the holiday travel surge, this growth is expected to continue as we move into the spring and summer travel seasons.

Trip.com Group (TCOM)

Trip.com Group (NASDAQ: TCOM ), a Chinese travel stock, is returning after the government ended its Zero-Covid policies, with a 40% return since January 1st and prices approaching pre-pandemic levels. This recovery positions Trip.com Group for a potential surge as the company serves over half of the Chinese tourism market, including airline ticketing, hotel bookings and general travel planning.

Before the pandemic, the Chinese tourism market was a formidable economic force, with nearly 155 million Chinese tourists traveling internationally in 2019. This number plummeted to around 20 million in 2020. However, by the first half of 2023, nearly 40 million had traveled abroad and this upward trend is expected to continue, potentially driving TCOM’s per-share price to new highs.

Additionally, Trip.com is expanding focus beyond China to capture a larger share of the broader Asian international travel market and explore other global markets. The company is also enhancing its digital and personalized service offerings to meet the changing needs of consumers, aiming to attract and retain attention and build brand loyalty in a highly competitive environment.

On the date of publication, Jeremy Flint held no positions in the securities mentioned. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com Publishing Guidelines .

Jeremy Flint, an MBA graduate and skilled finance writer, excels in content strategy for wealth managers and investment funds. Passionate about simplifying complex market concepts, he focuses on fixed-income investing, alternative investments, economic analysis, and the oil, gas, and utilities sectors. Jeremy’s work can also be found at www.jeremyflint.work .

Consumer Discretionary , Travel

Article printed from InvestorPlace Media, https://investorplace.com/2024/04/spring-fever-3-travel-stocks-set-to-surge-as-bookings-bloom/.

©2024 InvestorPlace Media, LLC

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Attack on mining and processing plant reported in Kursk Oblast, Russia

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Mikhailovsky mining and processing plant in Kursk Oblast reportedly faced an attack, with local Telegram channels releasing videos of the incident, as Kursk Oblast governor Roman Starovoit claimed the air defense system's interception of three drones on April 11.

Read also: HUR drones attack Russian mining plant used for military purposes — NV source

He noted that “several cars” of employees of Mikhailovsky mining and processing plant were damaged as a result of the UAV attack. According to him, there were no casualties.

Russian Defense Ministry announced alleged destruction of 12 drones over six regions of the country. Ukraine is traditionally blamed for this attack.

Russian Defense Ministry says that three drones were shot down over Kursk and Tambov oblasts, two over Belgorod and Mordovia, and one over Bryansk and Lipetsk oblasts.

Read also: Large fire erupts after explosions heard in Russia’s Kursk Oblast

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine

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Here’s who will pay for Biden’s student loan cancellations

Cancelling student debt is a windfall for the borrowers who benefit, but taxpayers foot the bill.

US economy has Wall Street 'borderline speechless' after blowout March jobs report

The March jobs report was the latest piece of economic data to surprise Wall Street analysts and send stocks rallying.

Starlink terminals are reportedly being used by Russian forces in Ukraine

Starlink internet terminals are reportedly being widely used in Ukraine by Russian forces. There’s a thriving black market for the devices which stretches beyond Ukraine into Sudan.

Biden is getting antsy about rising gas prices

The president isn't saying so, but the administration's behind-the-scenes actions reveal a fear that rising gas prices could doom his reelection effort.

Pornhub disables access in Texas due to age verification law

As of Thursday, when people in Texas try to access any of the porn sites owned by Aylo, formerly MindGeek, they'll instead see a long message in opposition to age verification laws. Laws requiring age verification on adult entertainment sites have already gone into effect in states including Louisiana, Mississippi, Virginia, Utah, Montana and North Carolina.

Jay Powell really wants Americans to know he is not thinking about politics

The Fed chairman went out of his way to make it clear this week that the Fed is free from personal or political bias as he continues to navigate a red-hot political year.

Haiti prepares for a transition of power as deadly violence escalates

Haiti is preparing for a transition of power, with the help of the U.S., after weeks of the country being overrun by deadly gang violence.

The FCC will vote to restore net neutrality later this month

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plans to vote to restore net neutrality later this month. With the Democrats finally holding an FCC majority in the final year of President Biden’s first term.

All eyes on the Federal Reserve: What to know this week

An update on the Federal Reserve's plans for interest rates will challenge the market rally in the week ahead.

Wizards, Capitals owner Ted Leonsis reportedly spoke with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore about arena plans

Ted Leonsis is on the hunt for a new location to house his Wizards and Capitals' venue.

Trump Media stock tanks as new filing reveals heavy losses, 'greater risks' on Trump's involvement

After a strong debut last week, shares of Donald Trump's media company were under pressure Monday after meager sales and deep losses were revealed in a new filing with the SEC.

2 Fed officials offer reassurances about cuts in 2024 despite 'bumps' and 'uncertainties'

New York Fed president John Williams and Boston Fed president Susan Collins said they still expect cuts in 2024 despite some hot inflation readings.

Why unemployment rising in states like California and New Jersey isn't a problem for the US economy

The unemployment rate is ticking up in states across the country but economists argue this might not be a sign of a looming recession.

Special prosecutor on Trump’s Georgia case resigns so Fani Willis can stay. How we got here.

A timeline of the sprawling election interference case against the former president in Georgia.

US says Russian hackers stole federal government emails during Microsoft cyberattack

U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has confirmed that Russian government-backed hackers stole emails from several U.S. federal agencies as a result of an ongoing cyberattack at Microsoft. In a statement published Thursday, the U.S. cyber agency said the cyberattack, which Microsoft initially disclosed in January, allowed the hackers to steal federal government emails "through a successful compromise of Microsoft corporate email accounts."

Should TikTok be banned?

Concerns that the Chinese-owned app might pose a national security threat have been raised for years. Is it time to block it from operating in the U.S.?

Former Treasury Sec. Steven Mnuchin says he's looking to buy TikTok

Former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin says he's working with a group of investors to buy TikTok.

Oregon signs right to repair into law

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek on Tuesday signed Senate Bill 1596 into law, joining California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts and Minnesota in a growing list of states embracing a right to repair for citizens. The bill’s coauthors Janeen Sollman and Representative Courtney Neron took inspiration from California’s Senate Bill 244, which passed toward the tail end of 2023. Apple, in particular, has taken issue with its aggressive approach to outlawing parts pairing, a practice that requires the use of proprietary components in the repair process.

This is the best election outcome for markets

Most people focus on the presidential frontrunners, but control of Congress matters nearly as much.