As someone who typically travels solo or
with a single companion, I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I decided to
branch out and try a group tour with National Geographic Expeditions. I’ve long
admired Nat Geo for its alignment with cultural education, conservation, and
exploration. However, despite my respect for the brand, I was still skeptical
of group travel as a whole.
My first group travel experience was Nat
Geo’s offering, Portugal & the
Azores: Explorers, Ecological Wonders & Epicurean Delights. If you’re
considering booking a National Geographic Expedition, here are a first-timer’s
highlights and honest considerations to help you decide if it’s the right fit.
Highlight: Unparalleled
Access and Efficiency
National Geographic Expeditions promise
curated, immersive experiences, and they absolutely deliver. Every day was full
of carefully selected activities and immersive cultural opportunities. We
explored historic landmarks with expert guides, ate at thoughtfully chosen
restaurants, slept in five-star accommodations, and had fast pass entry to
nearly every "must-see" attraction. For example, a perk no other tour
company in Porto seemed to be offering was early entry to Livraria Lello, the
world's most beautiful bookstore. The Nat Geo group was ushered in a full half
hour before the doors officially opened. The amount of time saved via
"fast track" entry to major attractions should be a top consideration
for travelers with limited time.
Truthfully, I probably did more in ten
days on this tour than I could typically accomplish in a month of self-guided
travel. Transportation was seamless, and logistics were stress-free. If you're
the kind of traveler who loves to maximize each day, this alone might justify the price tag.
Highlight: Built-In
Community
I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it
was to connect with the people on my tour. Admittedly, I was concerned it might
be awkward to spend ten days with total strangers. Luckily, connections formed
naturally! Sharing new experiences seems to unite people quickly, but to aid in
that process, Nat Geo tours have built-in opportunities for mingling, such as a
welcome reception, small group expeditions, and family-style dining. By the
second or third day, conversations began to flow more easily, and a rhythm developed
among the group. I appreciated the diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and
personalities. It added an element of community that is sometimes missed when
solo traveling. For travelers who are craving connection, this built-in social
layer is a definite bonus.
The Monument of Discoveries stands at the water's edge of the Tagus River in Lisbon. (Photo Credit: Mikella Rutter)
Highlight:
Let Your Brain Rest
In my opinion, the #1 greatest luxury of
a National Geographic Expedition is the mental ease. From start to finish, the
experience is designed to eliminate decision fatigue. One of the biggest
challenges of solo travel is researching all the must-sees, must-dos, and
must-eats, then planning your days to cram them in. On this trip, that pressure
simply didn't exist. You can trust that a Nat Geo itinerary covers all the
major highlights and local favorites, so there is no need to fuss with
guidebooks, Google maps, or flagging down a friendly local for information.
Each night, you are provided with a detailed schedule for the next day,
including a weather forecast. At that time, the guide will make sure you know
exactly what to bring and what to wear. You can truly turn your brain off and
enjoy being a passenger!
Consideration: Your Time
Is Not Entirely Your Own
For travelers who value autonomy, this
can be tricky. The itinerary is well thought-out, but it's jam-packed, and once
the day begins, you're somewhat locked in. For the most part, you won't want to
miss anything, but if you are tired or craving some solitude, it definitely is
not easy or encouraged to opt out.
There were times when I felt
overstimulated or limited by the rigidity of a pre-planned day. After a 12-hour
day of touring, engaging in polite conversation over dinner can feel
unexpectedly taxing. For introverts or anyone who needs more downtime built into
the day, this kind of travel might require some emotional pacing.
Two stories of gorgeous hardwood fixtures, an elegant central staircase, and beautiful stained glass throughout have earned Porto's Livraria Lello the title of "Most Beautiful Bookstore in the World." (Photo Credit: Mikella Rutter)
Consideration: The Price
Reflects the Perks, But Still!
It's no secret that National Geographic
Expeditions sits at the higher end of the group tour market. The
accommodations, experiences, and guides are all premium. However, if you do the
math, you'd pay significantly more if you tried to recreate the itinerary on
your own- economies of scale are at play here.
When considering an investment of this
size, I recommend reviewing the itinerary and thoughtfully assessing whether
each item is essential to you. Maybe you don't prioritize high-end lodging or
food offerings when traveling. Perhaps time isn't a factor, and you don't need
the line-skipping and early access. Maybe you aren't someone who desires to
"see it all". If that's you, consider creating a personalized
itinerary with a travel advisor to gain more control over your budget.
Final Thoughts
So, would I do it again? Honestly, yes,
but with the right mindset. My first National Geographic Expedition taught me
to let go of some control. Being free of the pressure to plan and navigate
allowed me to exist in the moment. However,
it also confirmed that I will always love solo travel for the freedom to
follow my whims (or energy levels) and change course when needed. I think there
is a place in my life for both things!
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