Is a group tour right for me?
If you are planning a big bucket-list trip, or you're a seasoned traveller seeking a new experience, here are a few things you need to know.
Join NST’s travel webinar
As a full-service travel agency, National Seniors Travel (NST) is not just your one-stop shop for holidays, taking the hassle out of organisation and bookings so you can concentrate on the fun part, it also offers great discounts to NSA members.
Because they know you like to be fully informed about your options for that next big trip, the NST team is hosting a Group Travel Webinar on Tuesday, 18 March at 2pm AEST.
The experts will present information comparing group travel offers to help you find your perfect match of operator and itinerary.
The webinar will run for 45 minutes, with an extra 15 minutes of questions and answers. For more details, and to sign up, click here.
For older Australians considering travel, whether domestically or overseas, deciding between a group tour or independent travel can be the key to living your best life.
While independent travel may offer a degree of flexibility and spontaneity, group tours provide many benefits that can enhance your experience, particularly for those seeking comfort, convenience, on-hand expert assistance, and companionship.
One of the greatest advantages of joining a group tour is the ease of travel. Organised itineraries mean that transport, accommodation, sightseeing, and many of your meals are all arranged in advance, removing the stress of planning every detail.
This can be particularly helpful if you find it challenging to navigate unfamiliar places and procedures, or you simply prefer to enjoy yourself and let somebody else handle the logistics.
Group tours also offer safety and security – an important consideration for older travellers. Travelling in a group reduces the risk of becoming lost or encountering difficulties alone, and good tour operators will provide guidance on local customs, reducing the likelihood of scams or misunderstandings.
Another significant benefit is the social aspect. If you enjoy meeting like-minded people, you’re certain to form friendships on group tours. Shared experiences create lasting connections, making travel more enjoyable and fulfilling.
Solo travellers may appreciate the opportunity to engage with others rather than navigate an unfamiliar destination alone.
Guided tours provide expert knowledge and insights that might be missed when travelling independently. Professional guides offer historical and cultural context, enriching the travel experience.
Special interest tours – such as culinary, historical, or nature-focused trips – allow travellers to explore their passions in a structured and engaging way.
For those with mobility concerns, group tours can cater to different levels of physical ability. Many operators offer tailored itineraries with options for less strenuous activities, ensuring everyone can participate comfortably.
Despite the many advantages, group travel does have some drawbacks. The structured nature of group tours means less flexibility. You may have to adhere to a set schedule, and you may find travelling with a group limits your personal exploration time – although many itineraries do include “free” time.
Costs can also be higher than independent travel – but that’s because group tours include professional guides, transportation, and other services. And big travel operators can often negotiate lower prices so you may find you’re getting more “bang for your buck” on a group tour than you would paying as you go.
Ultimately, whether a group tour is right for you depends on your travel style and priorities. If you value convenience, companionship, and expert guidance, a group tour can offer a stress-free and enriching way for you to explore new destinations or revisit special places.
