by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 2:34 PM ET, Wed March 20, 2019
When it comes to experiencing the world during your travels, small group tours offer advantages that larger tours simply cannot compete with.
For instance, small group tours provide a much more personal view of a destination and do not have nearly the same disruptive impact on the places being visited.
"Guests on small group tours, such as those with 12 or fewer guests, share experiences that are more intimate and immersive than in larger groups," says Tamar Lowell, CEO of Access Culinary Trips.
However, traveling with only a handful of people also brings with it concern about group dynamics and questions about compatibility with fellow travelers.
With such issues in mind, Lowell recently shared tips to keep in mind before signing on for a small group itinerary.
Ask About Who You Will Be Traveling With
Don't be afraid to talk to your tour operator, says Lowell, and ask about the other travelers who may have already signed up for the trip you're considering.
"If you're a solo traveler, you might be excited to travel with other solo travelers but not want to be with a group of all couples," explained Lowell.
Try to work with a tour company that's able to provide feedback regarding the demographics of the guests booked on a tour, such as whether it's all couples, all women, or all families, to ensure you may find some commonality with your travel companions.
Identify a Tour Operator That Serves Your Demographic
Specialized tour operators have been proliferating at a rapid pace. There are now companies offering everything from women-only small group tours, to high-stakes adventure tour groups and LGBTQ oriented travel companies. In other words, it is more possible than ever to find a tour company designed for your background and tastes.
"For example, those looking to go on a culinary trip are interested in experiencing the local culture through its cuisine and connecting with locals and are not looking for a highly physical adventure such as biking or trekking," continued Lowell.
In addition, some culinary tours are designed just for solo travelers, so be sure to ask which ones those are if you happen to be globetrotting without a friend or partner in tow.
Making Friends On the Road
Once on the trip, if you're looking to connect with fellow travelers, it's important to make an effort to do so, says Lowell.
"This can be by switching seats during a van ride or mixing the seating up at meals," Lowell said.
You may also want to talk to your groupmates about their past travels and future travel dreams, which Lowell suggests is a great way to get to know each other in a way that you can all relate to.
Finally, a good tour leader or guide will be skilled at assisting with group dynamics and making sure everyone feels included.
Ultimately, says Lowell, small groups give the members of the group "a connection on a deeper level than if you are simply following a flag with 40 other people."
"It also allows for a single conversation at meals on in the van, rather than the group splitting up into smaller cliques. Very quickly the group will have inside jokes and memories that make you feel very connected," said Lowell.
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