best tour companies for 30 year olds

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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 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.

Travel resources

Last minute deals.

Looking to have the time of your life in the next 90 days or so? You can save big if you’re ready to book now.

Loyalty discount

Back home from a G Adventures tour? Submit a quick trip evaluation to save 5% on your next tour with us.

Student discount

Got proof that you’re pursuing higher learning? Then we’ve got a travel voucher with your name on it.

All travel deals

New ways to save pop up all the time. Here’s where you’ll find every hot deal in one easy place.

18-to-Thirty somethings tours

On your terms.

So you’re thinking of adventuring around the world? Good call. Sure, there’s no right way to do it. But there is “your way.” Want days filled with culture, followed by nights of just going with the flow? Do it. Want to go where the entire planet hasn’t already been, with free time to explore how you want? Make it happen. Want to travel far and wide with new friends from far-off places? You do you. Because in your life, you call the shots. Make sure you travel that way, too.

Five reasons to travel with us

Travel with an, international.

Going on our tours means travelling with people (22 or less, if you want to get precise) from all over the world. So on top of learning about the local culture, you'll also learn from your international crew.

The numbers speak for themselves: group travel is a safer way to see our world. Plus, our expert CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) have local knowledge you can count on as they lead you on your adventures.

Making it rain:

Not required.

Seeing the world shouldn’t require spending all your savings. With us, you’ll get the travel experience of a lifetime, plus good bang for your buck.

do your thing

We built our tour itineraries to feature a lot of free time, giving you the freedom to explore on your own, with your new crew, or whatever way suits your style.

A bit of this

A bit of that.

Like balance in your life? We can help. Our tours give you a healthy dose of culture during the day, before letting you get a taste for local bars and restaurants as the sun goes down.

Our ears are burning

They went. they saw. they captured.    follow us on instagram, so where you headed, central america, middle east, you’re making us blush.

Sure, we’ve won some awards over the years. But what really makes us giddy is what they mean: that you, our travellers, have loved what we’ve been doing.

Things you’ll get to experience.

Sweet rides.

Travel in style and in comfort on our private rides. Our Landos in Africa have oversized windows for easy picture-taking, and USB ports at every seat. Sit back, relax, and soak in the experience.

So many ways to stay.

Hostels, hotels, homestays, camping — on our tours, you’ll stay in a number of accommodation styles specifically chosen to give you that oh-so-authentic travel experience.

First Night Out

On the First Night Out, we’ll take you to local hot spots where you’ll have the chance to get to know the crew you’ll be travelling with, plus the destination itself.

Big Night Out

Towards the end of your trip, you and your new BFFs will hit the town to celebrate all the crazily-unbelievably-inspiring moments you’ve had together so far. Oh, and your first drink is on us.

Out of Your Comfort Zone

The art of backpacking & adventures to get out of your comfort zone – tips and advice, 5 best group tour companies for young solo single travelers.

Last Updated on July 17, 2024 by Lohanna Reis

Traveling alone is wonderful, but it can also be intimidating. Especially if your destination has a language or a culture completely different from your own.

And sometimes, making friends while traveling can be difficult and many worry about getting lonely. So, a good option for anyone who wants to begin adventuring around the world on their own is to use a tour excursion company that specializes in trips for young adults.

Of course, traveling is always about visiting a place and seeing new things, but one of the highlights is often meeting new people along the way. This is what is called social traveling .

Table of Contents

• 1 Is it worth going on a group tour as a young solo/single traveler?
• 2 What are travel groups for young solo/single travelers like?
• 3 How to choose a tour company for young single/solo travelers
• 4 5 Best Tour Companies for Young Solo/Single Travelers
• 5 Bonus: World Tours for Women Only
• 6 Planning your next trip?

Is it worth going on a group tour as a young solo/single traveler?

As with all types of travel, there are pros and cons to going with a tour company, especially with companies specialized in tours for young travelers since many include lots of partying and going out and daily bonding with the same group. So, it’s possible that this isn’t the right choice for you.

(PS: still a young adult traveler who is interested in group tours but not the party aspect of them? See tour companies # 3 & #4 below or see my article with the 5 Best Small Group Tour Companies for International Travel  for  some more options) 

So it’s important to know some things beforehand about this type of trip so you can decide for yourself if it’s your style or not.

What are travel groups for young solo/single travelers like?

How to choose a tour company for young single/solo travelers

To help you choose an excursion that works for you and fits your travel type, we’ll separate out the companies that specialize in guided trips for young single/solo travelers with the best reputations (and prices) on the market here, including a comparison table.

It’s also worth remembering that some of these companies offer guided tours beyond those just for young adults. So no matter what, you should be able to find one a tour that works best with your personality, your wallet, and your patience.

Note: And if you are a woman and want to take a solo female small group tour, take a look at our bonus option after the comparison table: Solo Female Travelers Tours

5 Best Tour Companies for Young Solo/Single Travelers

Contiki is the most well-known tour company for young travelers worldwide. It’s been around since 1962, so its name carries quite a lot of weight.

But don’t worry if this sounds a bit intense for you…the options below are a bit more “calm.”

So, as you can imagine,  most of Contiki’s excursions involve lots of partying and going out with “pub crawl” kind of nights. And since there’s plenty of cool stories online of young travelers who traveled and would travel again with Contiki, it must be one of the best companies available if this is the type of travel you’re looking for.

Contiki has more than 328 distinct tours for many destinations across the 6 continents. According to their website, 55% of travelers who chose Contiki are single and are traveling alone, but the trips can also accommodate groups of friends and couples.

One thing to keep in mind is that the groups are usually quite big, around 30 people, and the main form of travel is the company’s coach bus.

Finally, their tours have a bit of everything: physical activities , exploration of local culture and food, and visits to ethical and sustainable organizations and projects in your destination. In other words, you are capable of a journey full of different attractions, sounds, and experiences!

Topdeck is a company that offers“epic trips and tours for young adventurers aged 18-39.”With 40 years of experience, alongside Contiki, Topdeck is one of the most well-known companies in terms of group travel for young solo/single travelers.

Their trips are divided into several categories:

• Hotel tours: designed for couples or singles who want to travel a bit more comfortably through Europe, the U.S., Canada, or Asia. All hotels have, at least, 3 stars and the excursions give you a lot of free time to relax or explore on your own.
• Explorer trips: these are shorter trips, between 6 days and 3 weeks, with just one country for those who want to explore local culture more deeply. The groups are small and accommodation is in shared or private hotel rooms.
• Hostel plus trip:  low-cost tours with accommodation in hostels , cabins, or vans and with itineraries with multiple destinations/countries.
• Camping trips: these trips are the cheapest way to travel through Europe with Topdeck. The accommodation is camping with private chefs cooking meals daily. The bunks are for two people and include mattresses.
• Sailing trips: these trips are an awesome option for anyone who dreams of sailing the world but doesn’t have an idea of where to start. Accommodation is within a sailboat in double, triple, or quadruple rooms with meals included.
• Festivals and events: these tours are specifically for events like Oktoberfest or the Sziget festival (in Hungary) and other festivals in the United States, Canada, and Europe .
• Ski trips: these trips are perfect for anyone who loves snow and skiing . With destinations in Canada, New Zealand, Bulgaria, and Japan . Accommodation is in private or shared hotel rooms.
• Gap year: this trip is made for young travelers 17-18 who want to travel in Europe after graduating high school. It’s a great idea for anyone who wants to travel on their own without freaking their parents out. Accommodation is in hostels and the destinations usually include 8-10 countries.

Created in 1990, G Adventures was born with the idea of offering authentic adventures responsibly and sustainably. Their excursions have reasonable prices and cover all the continents, including Antarctica!

The groups are small and the itineraries are designed so you have time to explore on your own. The trips are themed and have different options for all ages, including a category for young travelers aged 18-39.

The trips in this category are faster-paced and designed for young travelers. In other words, you explore during the day and stay up at night. Their motto for these excursions is “live fast now.” So, their trips are usually longer than the others and offer more activities.

Plus, this category of travel groups is a bit more affordable with accommodation in hostels and a few meals included to guarantee a cheaper price. You can read more about these trips here . 

Or, just click in the link above, go to G Adventures main page, click “Travel Styles” and select “18-to-Thirtysomethings!” 

It’s worth remembering that these trips follow the basic principles of G Adventures: small groups and free time. Plus, the trips are done in a responsible and sustainable way, prioritizing small businesses and the welfare of animals, children, and indigenous communities.

And finally, like Intrepid, G Adventures is a partner of Planeterra, an NGO dedicated to ensuring that communities touched by tourism benefit from it, rather than be exploited by it. The organization helps to empower local populations, preserve their cultures, and create support systems by managing 50 organizations across the 7 continents with the aim of benefiting women, at-risk youth, and indigenous and rural communities. You can read more about Planeterra here .

Intrepid is considered by many to be one of the best options for those who want to travel as part of an excursion with small, adventure-focused groups .

All trips offered by Intrepid are sustainable, and because of this Intrepid is known and respected as the global leader in sustainable travel.

The company has zeroed its carbon footprint and supports the Intrepid Foundation, a foundation that finances the planting of trees worldwide creates jobs and local education, and helps the world achieve 8 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. You can read more about the foundation at https://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/.

Intrepid has many types of trips for all budgets and personalities. That said, the company prides itself in organizing small groups of up to 10 people. This is because Intrepid believes that this is the maximum number of people that still allows a true connection with locals without you simply feeling like just a face in the group. The trips are also always designed to give you some time to explore on your own.

The trips made for young travelers aged 18-29 (called their “18 to 29s” trips) are designed specifically for the new generation of socially-conscious explorers. In other words, they were created for travelers who want to discover new places and cultures, make new friends , and also make a difference in the world.

There are many destinations and the cost of the trips are relatively low given that they are designed for young travelers. You can see all of Intrepid’s tour options here .

Unlike the other companies mentioned above, Trek American only offers excursions for North and Central America. And in general their tours are quite small, just 13 people, with the exception of their “plus” tours of up to 30 people.

Trek America is also quite well-known and has been running since 1972. Like Contiki, the tours are exclusively for young travelers aged 18-38 and include itineraries of 3 days to 3 months.

The reputation of Trek America is that they offer experiences which change your life with a balance between visiting big cities, national parks, and other activities that explore the most incredible places in North and Central America.

And, unlike Contiki, Trek America trips don’t include the “pub crawl” culture. So if you are a young traveler who is more interested in exploring and making new experiences instead of partying, Trek America might be good for you.

They have 3 types of tours:

• Original tours: small group tours with the aim of having an authentic “ road trip ,” with cheap accommodation that includes hostels, camping, and budget hotels. The groups have 10-13 people, which gives you a bit more flexibility in the itinerary.
• Plus tours: offered just to explore North America, these tours offer more comfort, primarily when it comes to accommodation, and you’ll stay in hotels, eco resorts, and apartments. Plus, breakfast is included as is more activities than the original tours. The only “con” is that the groups are usually bigger (up to 30 people).
• BOLT tours: offered exclusively for Central America with a combination of private transportation and local transportation. The groups are 12-18 people with accommodation in hotels and with a bit more flexibility, meaning the most famous tourist spots will be included, but you’ll still have lots of free time to explore on your own.

Comparison table of the best group tour companies for young solo/single travelers:

Bonus: World Tours for Women Only

Solo Female Travelers Tours is a company that serves women travelers from all over the world. It is focused on facilitating women’s adventures around the world with all the confidence, safety, and comfort needed by its clients.

Some of the destinations served by SFT Tours are Mongolia , Antarctica, Sudan, Tanzania, Tuscany, and Iceland. There are tours for all tastes, from luxury tours in Tuscany to extreme adventures like climbing Kilimanjaro (with a female guide!).

In addition to empowering diverse women to embark on journeys around the world, all trips taken by Solo Female Travelers Tours are supported by women-owned businesses and partnered with entrepreneurs whose mission is to empower female figures.

In conclusion…

Traveling is always an enriching experience. And for anyone who just likes to travel solo, group tours can be a fun and safe opportunity to explore a new country.

And the truth is, by traveling in a group with a guide, you’ll have an incredible experience and return filled with stories, friends, and memories. What matters is that you get out and explore the world, whether solo or with a group, because the world is big and waiting for you!

Planning your next trip?

 Already reserved your hotel or hostel? If not, our article with The 6 Best and Cheapest Websites to Find & Reserve Accommodation can help you out. You’ll also find some promotions and discount codes .

 Still haven’t booked your plane ticket and want to save big? Take a look at our page with 16 Tips to Save on Flights where you’ll also find the 4 best websites to buy your plane tickets. 

And finally, will you need to rent a car during your trip? Then surely our page with The 5 Best and Cheapest Websites to Compare and Rent Cars Around the World will help you choose the best rental car and find a good deal.

16 Responses

[…] the major difference between tourists is their desire to explore the world alone or in a group of like-minded people. In the post below, we will take a deeper dive and discover the […]

It is always fun to travel with a group tour whether as a solo traveler or couple. There is so fun when you meet people and network.

Hi Magdalene! I completely agree. Traveling is not just about the tourist attractions, but also the people you meet during the process! 🙂

[…] of the option you choose to travel in Norway, whether independently or on a group tour, each has its positive and negative […]

[…] summary, the choice between traveling independently or in a group in Italy depends on your personal preferences. Evaluate your interests, time availability, budget, […]

Rodrigo, do you have any updated or more recent article like this one?

Hi Josias, thank you for your comment! The article is supposed to be updated. Do you see any old information that is not relevant anymore? Please let me know! 🙂

[…] of the option you choose to travel to New Zealand—whether independently or on a group tour—each has its advantages and […]

[…] the other hand, a group tour with a guide offers the company of fellow travelers and the opportunity to meet people with similar […]

[…] of the option you choose to travel through Egypt—whether independently or on a group tour—each has its advantages and […]

[…] summary, the choice between traveling independently or in a group in Vietnam depends on your personal preferences. Evaluate your interests, time availability, […]

To your list I would also recommend Italy on a Budget Tours for Italy tours

How Irene, thank you for your comment and suggestion! Now it’s here for all the readers to take a look! Thanks!

[…] of these types of companies have 100+ excursions across the 7 continents for groups of all kinds for you to choose from. Whether you want to travel […]

[…] Explore caves together. If you are inexperienced, make sure to go on guided tours and follow safety […]

[…] summary, the decision between traveling independently or in a group in Southeast Asia will depend on your personal preferences. Consider your interests, time […]

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Next stop….The DMZ, South Korea

Over30Experiences

Small group travel, international trips & adventures. ages 30's & 40's., visualize the experience.

France + Spain

Connect and travel with people your age.

While we have a slight different style than when we'd travel in our 20s , we're still looking for affordable trips so we can make travel a priority in our lives. Most of our travelers in their 30s and 40s come solo, but others come with friends, as a couple, but always leave the kids at home. Meet like-hearted folks, who want to be active, and know life doesn't end when you turn 30!

In 2008, Co-founders Jared O'Toole & Matt Wilson started the popular media site Under30CEO.com. In 2012, they founded Under30Experiences which was named the Fastest Growing Travel Company by Inc. Magazine. For years, people asked "what happens when we turn 30?" Over30Experiences is the answer.

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Group Travel in Your 30s and 40s: How to Choose, Book, & Go

Posted on Published: April 19, 2022  - Last updated: October 11, 2023

Small group travel is a great option for people who want the experience of travel with the support of a group and trustworthy guide. Even though I love  solo travel , group travel has helped me safely explore parts of the world I’d never go alone.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• Expert tips for finding tours just for adults in their 30’s and 40’s ,
• Advice on choosing a tour company (and 🚩 red flags to avoid!)
• How to hack the perfect trip by combining group travel, solo travel, and day tours.

For the last few years, I’ve been trying group tours with various small-group travel companies. In this article, I share what I’ve learned:

Why People like Small Group Travel

Small group travel is one of the best ways to truly vacation while traveling internationally. Often, international travel (especially solo!) is really hard. Staying alert to your surroundings, navigating transportation, and planning each day takes a ton of time and energy.  While rewarding, it’s rarely a vacation .

Sometimes, international travel can be a little too much 🚋🏰🏃🏽‍♀️📅, and not enough 🏝️🍹🌞 🌺 . Small group travel can be the best of both worlds.

Small group tours offer a solution. By offering travelers a tried-and-true itinerary, expert guides, and pre-paid transportation, travelers can focus on just  enjoying themselves .

The key is finding the right small group tour- and believe me, all group trips are not the same!

In the next section, I share how to find epic small group trips and recognize the red flags of a bad small group trip.

Before you Book: Choose your Travel Style

Picking the right small group tour is a little art and a little science. Here’s an example of why:

💬 Say you’re in your mid 30’s and see an amazing adult small group trip for people “ages 18-35”. You might think, “Hey, that’s me! I could get in on that trip!” However, you might find yourself on the road with a dozen college spring breakers focused exclusively on nightlife. That’s less than ideal for most 30-something travelers!

That’s why it’s important to know what you want and how to find a good match among the thousands of options. Here’s what to pay attention to:

Choose your Age Range

Small group travel for 20-somethings tends to have a nightlife-oriented vibe. On the other hand, group tours targeted towards retirees would be a snoozefest for most of us.

Look, instead, for tours that say they’re for people who are your age. Today, many modern group tours are designed especially for mature adults at the peak of their professional careers who want to enjoy an amazing trip that they don’t have to plan.

Choose your Activity Level

Sure, you could probably make it through that hiking-focused itinerary, but would it be fun ? Are you fit enough to enjoy yourself or would you struggle to keep up and stress that you were slowing the rest of the group down? Choose a group with an activity level that fits your lifestyle.

🚴🏾💨 I like to choose group tours that sound challenging for my fitness level. Then, getting ready for the trip serves as a motivation for me to hit the gym in the weeks leading up to the trip.

Insider Tip: According to my insider connections in the industry, on Intrepid tours, physical rating isn’t just distance walked, it factors in altitude and number of scheduled hikes. In some cases, especially city tours, tours rated a “1” may actually include more walking than many “2” trips.

Choose your Level of Amenities & Inclusions

A budget trip will partner you with people who value experience over amenities. On the other hand, a more luxurious trip may connect you with other professional adults who want an exciting vacation without the stress of planning.

Picking the right activity, comfort, and age level will not only shape your trip, will also shape what kind of people will book the trip. Choose wisely! One of the best ways to do this is to book a group tour through a tour company that prioritizes your travel tastes.

Pro tip: According to my contact at Intrepid corporate, the average age of small group travelers tends to rise with the comfort level: budget trips are filled with students and 20-somethings, while premium-comfort trips skew towards mid-career adults.

With group travel tours designed for adults in their 30s and 40s, you’ll be able to explore with an expert local guide.

Choose What is Important to You

Before you select a tour company, decide if you’re looking more for adventure and cultural experiences, or relaxation and entertainment. Knowing this will help you pick the group tour best suited to you.

Choosing a Tour Company

There are major group travel companies for people in their 30s and 40s. While it’s true that there are countless companies organizing group travel, these are the most popular tour operators that curate trips specifically for young professionals and middle-aged adults. 

Intrepid Group Tours

Intrepid Tours has an impeccable reputation for tours that offer adventure, cultural experiences, and custom add-ons. Intrepid has over a dozen trip “themes” to choose from on their website, from “expeditions,” to “retreats,” to “wildlife.” Intrepid focuses on providing travelers with community-based tourism that brings locals in as an active component of the experience. They believe in sustainable travel .

Finding the Perfect Intrepid Tour

Want to see the wild animals of the Kenyan Savanna with other travelers, but wouldn’t know where to start planning? Intrepid can handle this for you, and provide you with local connections that would be impossible to discover on your own. When I decided to visit the Day of the Dead festival in Mexico in 2022, I specifically chose to travel with Intrepid because I knew I’d have the opportunity to be more than a spectator.  

You can also narrow down your search based on the length of your trip, the date of departure, and the budget you’ve set for yourself. For example, if you only want to spend up to $2,000 and travel for no more than 10 days, you can filter for these options in the right hand column.

Intrepid focuses on “small group” tours- and keeping the max number of travelers around 12. This number allows friendships to form and, by the end, for you to be traveling with friends.

G Adventures Group Tours

Similarly, G Adventures provides its customers with various travel styles and emphasizes cultural education and environmental consciousness in its values. G Adventures highlights its authenticity and sustainability in its mission. 

💡 I first learned about G adventures from a fellow traveler on my second-ever international trip. The seatmate on my flight to Dublin explained that she was returning home from her 12th trip with G Adventures! It was quite an endorsement!

G Adventure’s tour types range from region-specific, to age-specific, to transportation-specific. Want to go on a spiritual wellness retreat in Bali? Dare to bike around Iceland’s fjords? G Adventures has you covered. Like Intrepid, their tours are sorted by age, comfort level, and activity level.

Contiki Group Travels

While Intrepid is known for being the option for serious travelers, and G-adventure’s younger tours are generally a split between travel and nightlife, Contiki tours fall on the far end of that spectrum.

In my experience, Contiki’s adult small group trips are larger and skew younger, with an emphasis on nightlife and pubcrawls. Contiki tour groups may include several dozen people! Read more unbiased reviews on Contiki on Reddit .

Picking the Right Travel Package

Once you’ve picked a tour operator, it’s time to choose a specific trip to take. When booking, there are a few hacks you can use to increase your odds that you’ll be grouped with people of a similar age. 

Go a Li ttle Upscale .

Travelers in their teens and twenties are more likely to choose budget tours. Paying a little more for a group tour will increase your likelihood to be traveling with people closer to your age who are thriving professionally . 

Often, group tour companies offer different tiers of comfort with their tours. For example, “styles” like basic, original, comfort, and premium. Basic offers simplicity and more free time, but the higher tiers provide more upscale accommodation and food options, as well as more in-depth travel experiences with locals.

Value other factors over specific age r estrictions.

By not filtering out anyone, you’re actually more likely to be around solo travelers in your age group . Here’s how:

As much as you want to avoid traveling with partying college students, they want to be around other partying college students even more.

Tour companies that also offer age-restricted tours for ages 18-29 are better tour companies to book with for group travel in your 30s and 40s. Why? Because younger adults looking for a nightlife-focused trip will usually book those options rather than an all-age tour. The same goes for families, who are likely to choose family-focused tours. 

The folks who remain in the “all ages” tour? Well, they’re often average travelers in their 30’s and 40’s interested in vibrant travel experiences.

Be Open to Day Tours: 

If you’re anything like me, being around new people 24/7 while traveling can be really exhausting. On the other hand, I like to have the opportunity to meet others while I’m traveling solo. 

Short excursions and planned day tours can be the perfect balance for solo travelers who wants to branch out.   Airbnb has options for one or two-day trips that could be a part of a larger vacation or a short weekend excursion. Say you’re trekking around Australia and want to learn some hardcore survival skills. You could join a two day “bush survival adventure” with Airbnb Adventures. Looking for more cultural enrichment? Try learning Japanese Printing at an artist’s studio in Tokyo. 

Airbnb Adventures offers a wide variety of tours and experiences that range from one day to over a week. These tours and mini-tours can be a great enrichment opportunity during a self-guided trip. Always consider, though, the impact that Airbnb has on communities. If there are local alternatives to corporate Airbnb, choose local first.

GROUP TRAVEL PRO TIP: Have a Bucket List and be ready to do small solo excursions

When you’ve chosen the tour that’s ideal for you, compare the itinerary with your personal “must see’s” in the destination. Scroll through the trip itinerary and view all of the sites that are included with the tour price!

The itinerary defines how many days you will stay in each location, what you will do as part of the tour group, and how much free that you will have!

💡 NOTE: On budget trips, tour groups usually break up each day for solo/free time. Some travelers may use this time to rest, but I recommend sightseeing extra things you want to see. Everyone has a bucket list of items they want to visit when traveling, and these may or may not be included in the itinerary that your tour company has put together for you.

Final Tips: Keep an Open Mind

If you’re an experienced traveler in your 30s and 40s, you know what you like. It’s nice to be around people who are the same. It’s possible to find other similar travelers through group tours and planned excursions. You never know who you may befriend!

Learn more about small group travel through my guide to small group travel in 2023 and my review of an Intrepid Premium trip to Morocco .

Lynli Roman’s unique approach to travel is informed by decades of experience on the road with a traveling family and, later, years spent as a solo international traveler. When she’s not writing about Seattle from her Pike Place Market apartment, Lynli writes on-location while conducting hands-on research in each destination she covers. Lynli’s writing has been featured by MSN, ABC Money, Buzzfeed, and Huffington Post. She is passionate about sharing information that makes travel more accessible for all bodies.

9 Group Travel Companies For Millennials That You Should Have On Your Radar

It's not a secret that millennials love to travel . Whether it's for the Instagram fame, a chance to party, or just the genuine life experience of being in a new place and culture, it's true. In fact, according to research done by Contiki in 2018, the majority of millennials would give up sex for awhile in order to travel the world . Yeah, told you we love to travel! Most millennials in the study were also legitimately willing to temporarily give up Netflix, booze, and coffee in exchange for travel, too, and that's saying a lot. I mean... coffee?

But another interesting quirk in the millennial travel game is our apparent penchant for more adventure-based trips. Many young travelers reportedly opt for hostels or vacation rentals over hotels, making for a more authentic experience, and they are also more likely to seek off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Another thing millennial travelers are into? Group trips. "One of the latest trends in travel is the guided small-group excursion, tailored to give a pack of like-minded young people an immersive experience in a destination," explained Newsday . Group travel packages have a reputation for catering toward an older crowd, featuring trips that check off the boxes of every predictable touristy destination in town. But due to their interest in travel and the difficulty involved in aligning schedules and budgets with a group of friends, millennials have embraced and revitalized the group-of-solo-travelers trend, resulting in a surge of travel companies catering to this generation and organizing international trips specifically for young people.

Check out some of the travel companies for millennials that are curating epic, unique, and adventurous trips for groups of young solo travelers — and start saving up that PTO for a trip of your own.

Contiki (the company behind the sex/Netflix/booze/coffee stats above) curates worldwide trips exclusively for 18-35 year olds. Their motto is "travel with no regrets," which we can get behind — and they offer hundreds of different trips to destinations on nearly every continent. They also have a student discount available, for all you millennial scholars out there.

For The Love Of Travel

For The Love Of Travel is a boutique travel company that offers unique curated group trips for people ages 25-39. "[W]e embrace the idea of 'slow travel,'" the company explained on its site. "That is, having an authentic cultural experience that connects us with the soul of the destination and people we can relate to." Check out their incredible selection of experiences .

Under 30 Experiences

Under 30 Experiences is an adventure travel company aimed toward solo travelers who are — you guessed it — under the age of 30 (with a minimum travel age of 21). But they're not too strict about it: Most guests are apparently between 21-35, and the company says they usually serve "professionals, creative types, ambitious students, entrepreneurs, and motivated young people just figuring it out."

Aimed exclusively at young professionals, Travendly is a group travel company that thoughtfully puts together tribes of like-minded young people (usually in their mid-twenties to late thirties) for ultimate travel enjoyment. With more than a dozen curated trips to countries around the globe , there's something for everyone.

G Adventures' 18-To-Thirtysomethings

The collection of 18-To-Thirtysomethings tours offered by travel company G Adventures are described as"fast-paced and affordable adventures designed for young travellers." Their goal is to create exciting, adventure-based trips that young solo travelers can actually afford, so check out their offerings of trips to destinations around the world .

Travel company Topdeck organizes trips for 18 to 30-something year olds, and the company's passion is to "inspire young people through life-changing travel experiences." The group trips are made specifically for solo travelers who are looking for fun and adventures, and they offer trips all around Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Australia.

Group travel company Flash Pack curates unique and stylish trips for anyone in the millennial age bracket. Their trips are designed for solo travelers in their late 20s through 40s who are looking for an actually authentic and adventurous experience, and they specialize in high-quality, flexible, boutique accommodations.

Intrepid's 18 To 29s Adventures

This is for those of us on the younger side of the Millennial canon. Formerly known as Gecko, the 18 To 29s Adventures offered by group tour & travel company Intrepid . While they are strict with the age range, these tours are specially designed to be suited to young travelers and focus on local adventures, making their trips sustainability-minded.

EF Ultimate Break

Travel company EF Ultimate Break offers more than 65 different trips made for every travel style, and cater to solo travelers who are ages 18 to 29 for group trips. Unlike many other companies, flight costs are built into its trips, so once you pay (or get on a payment plan) you'll be all set to go, making it super easy for busy millennials.

Start shopping Shaklee - HERE !

Candidly Laura

Wandering wellness: travel and clean beauty for the adventurer

21 Best Solo Travel Vacations for Singles in their 30s

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Alright, my single friends in your 30s! I only have 2 months left in my 30s to write this 🙂 So consider this your elder’s wise, wise words. I began solo traveling in 2014. I took my first solo international trip in 2018, and I have loved every single solo road trip and solo trip I’ve taken! So let’s get into it.

Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. 

What’s your Travel Style?

First things first (I’m a realist), you have to decide if your vacation is for leisure. Or is it for sightseeing? Or do you want a good old-fashioned combo platter? I personally like the combo platter – I like to go places where I can read a book all day in a hammock but also go see their best sights. I talk more in-depth about how I plan (or unplan) a trip in this podcast episode ! But deciding on what your travel style will be for your next vacation is a good thing. That way you have made sure that you have the best singles vacation you can imagine!

Now, are we driving from where you are? Flying in a plane? What time of year is it? Don’t count out a singles cruise.

Check the best destinations for day trips – sometimes it’s very helpful to have a bus drive you to the Grand Canyon instead of having to do it yourself!  I love a wine tour and want someone else to drive – it also means I get a little bit of people’s time on the tour and it’s only a day so I’m not locked into their itinerary.

Here are the Eleven Best Places for Singles in their 30s to visit in the US:

• The Grand Canyon is a top spot for any intrepid traveler looking for a solo adventure and a trip of a lifetime. Take an inclusive package and be accompanied by like-minded solo travelers and local guides who will take care of the heavy lifting, so you can focus on the stunning views and finding the perfect travel partner.
• Yellowstone National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers and bookworms alike, with its stunning scenery and opportunities for solo departures. Wild Women Expeditions is one of the best companies for female travelers looking for a love affair with the great outdoors and a good book.
• The Pacific Coast Highway is the perfect way to explore California’s best vacation spots, with great food and the opportunity to meet like-minded travelers. For those seeking a trip of a lifetime, consider taking a tour with one of the best travel companies that offer solo departures and small group tours.
• Route 66 is a classic road trip destination and a top spot for singles looking for a good trip and new things to explore. Book with a travel buddy or join a group tour for the best experience. Grab a free audiobook before you go.
• The Great Smoky Mountains offer a great vacation for year-olds and are one of the best cities to explore for nature lovers. Take a solo adventure or join a tour with like-minded solo travelers and discover the region’s rich history and culture. The Rocky Mountains are a top spot for adventurous travelers looking for a perfect holiday with plenty of opportunities for hiking and skiing. Join a tour with one of the best travel companies for solo departures and meet other like-minded travelers.
• The Florida Keys are a great vacation spot for those seeking inclusive packages and a chance to relax and unwind. Join a tour with a travel partner or go solo and meet other like-minded solo travelers.
• The New England states are a good trip for those seeking a type of trip that combines fall foliage, charming small towns, and fresh seafood. Join a tour with like-minded solo travelers and discover the region’s unique culture and history.
• The Southwest is a top spot for adventurous travelers looking for heavy lifting and a chance to explore the region’s stunning desert landscapes and national parks. Join a tour with one of the best companies for solo departures and discover the best cities and local guides. If you haven’t looked at the mountain town of Taos – make sure you do.
• The Chesapeake Bay is a great vacation spot for those seeking an inclusive package and a chance to explore charming small towns and beautiful beaches. Join a tour with like-minded solo travelers and discover the region’s rich history and seafood.
• Austin, Texas: Austin is known for its lively music scene, great food, and outdoor activities. It’s a city that celebrates creativity and individuality, with a diverse range of neighborhoods, such as South Congress and East Austin. There are plenty of festivals throughout the year, including South by Southwest (SXSW) and Austin City Limits (ACL) music festival
• Portland, Oregon: Portland is a laid-back city that’s known for its craft beer, coffee, and food scene. It’s also surrounded by natural beauty, with the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood just a short drive away. The city has a thriving arts and music scene, with plenty of quirky shops and galleries to explore. There are also plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking and biking.

Here are the Ten Best Solo Travelers in their 30s for International Destinations:

• Canada: Known for its friendly people, stunning natural beauty, and low crime rate, Canada is a great destination for solo travelers seeking adventure. With national parks and boutique hotels to explore, solo travelers can also join small group tours and meet new friends.
• Japan: A safe and welcoming country with a rich culture and interesting cities to explore, Japan is a popular destination for solo travelers in their 30s. Walking tours, live music, and local cuisine offer unique experiences while meeting like-minded travelers.
• Australia: With a laid-back culture and diverse outdoor activities, Australia is a must-visit for solo travelers. Explore the beautiful beaches and national parks on small group trips or solo adventures, with free time to immerse yourself in the local culture.
• New Zealand: A small and welcoming country with friendly locals and beautiful landscapes, New Zealand is a perfect destination for solo travelers looking for a bucket list trip. Small group tours offer a chance to explore the stunning natural beauty and meet interesting people along the way.
• Iceland: Iceland’s stunning natural beauty and unique culture make it a safe and welcoming destination for solo travelers. Small group tours provide a chance to explore the local culture, boutique hotels, and beautiful landscapes while having your own room and free time to explore.
• Costa Rica: With beautiful beaches, national parks, and eco-tourism opportunities, Costa Rica is a popular destination for solo travelers seeking adventure. Join small group trips to explore the local culture and natural beauty while meeting fellow travelers.
• Vietnam: Vietnam’s rich culture and affordable prices make it a great destination for solo travelers. Small group tours provide a chance to explore hidden gems and the best vacation spots while meeting new people along the way.
• Portugal: With beautiful beaches, charming cities, and rich history, Portugal is a safe and welcoming destination for solo travelers. Small group tours offer a chance to explore the local culture, live music, and wine tastings while meeting new friends.
• Italy: Italy’s rich culture, beautiful cities, and delicious food make it a popular destination for solo travelers. Small group trips offer a chance to explore hidden gems and boutique hotels while having your own room and free time to explore.
• Singapore: A modern city-state with a diverse culture and many interesting attractions to visit, Singapore is a safe and welcoming destination for solo travelers. Small group tours provide a chance to explore the local cuisine, live music, and tour guides while meeting new people along the way.

10 Tips on Solo Traveling

• Research your destination: Do your research before you go and learn about the local culture, customs, and language. Knowing what to expect can make your solo travel experience smoother and more enjoyable.
• Stay in hostels or Airbnb rentals: Hostels and Airbnb rentals are great options for solo travelers, as they offer the chance to meet other travelers and locals. Hostels often have common areas where you can socialize and meet like-minded people.
• Use public transportation: Public transportation is a great way to get around and explore your destination. It’s often cheaper than taking taxis or renting a car, and it gives you the chance to see more of the local culture.
• Meet other travelers: Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with other travelers you meet along the way. You may find that you have a lot in common and can explore together.
• Stay connected with family and friends: Letting your loved ones know your itinerary and checking in with them regularly can give you peace of mind while traveling solo. You can also share your experiences with them and get their advice on what to see and do.
• Be open to new experiences: Solo travel is all about stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things. Be open to new experiences, whether it’s trying new food, taking a different route, or striking up a conversation with a stranger.
• Join a tour group: Joining a tour group is a great way to meet other solo travelers and explore your destination with a knowledgeable guide. Look for small group tours that cater to solo travelers or those in their 30s.
• Embrace solo time: While it’s great to meet new people and explore with others, don’t forget to take some time for yourself. Use your solo time to reflect, recharge, and explore at your own pace.
• Stay safe: Safety should always be a top priority when traveling solo. Research your destination beforehand and take precautions such as avoiding unlit areas at night, not carrying too much cash, and being aware of your surroundings.
• Have fun: Solo travel is a great opportunity to explore, learn, and have fun. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things.

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There are many amazing destinations around the world that are perfect for travelers in their 30s. Whether you’re looking to explore vibrant cities, relax on a beach, or immerse yourself in a new culture, there’s a destination out there that will suit your interests and travel style. By following my tips for finding your travel style and solo travel tips, you’ll be well-equipped to plan the trip of a lifetime. Remember to stay open-minded, be flexible, and embrace the unexpected. 

Happy travels!

You may also enjoy these related articles:

• What did I pack as a Digital Nomad?
• 6 Unexpected Perks of Living Long Term & Full Time in AirBnbs
• 55 Easy Food Recipes, Snacks, and Meals For Your Trip

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Europe Tours for Young Adults

• Choose from 450+ Europe tours
• 15,100+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
• 24/7 customer support

10 best trips for '18 to 30 Somethings' in Europe

Compiled by

Nadine Europe travel expert at TourRadar

European Discovery (Winter, Start London, Classic, 12 Days)

European discovery (summer, start amsterdam, classic, 12 days), mamma mia - 13 days/12 nights, all about balkans (4 star hotels), balkan discovery (4 star hotels), rome, florence, cinque terre & venice in 7 nights, rome to berlin: piazzas, prague & the past, highland fling, croatia sailing adventure, 5 day skye & highland fling.

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing
• Tour Rome and taste authentic Italian food
• Discover Bavarian culture in Munich
• Explore the White Cliffs of Dover

“Traveling leaves you speechless and turns you into a story teller. For my indian fellows, the 'Zindagi na milegi doobara mere dost'.”

• Experience Paris from Montparnasse Tower
• Explore Amsterdam's vibrant nightlife
• Enjoy a private boat ride in Venice

“The trip experience was fast paced and could have been chaotic but with Ri's guidance and travel expertise it flowed seamlessly.”

• Christmas & New Year
• Take a boat trip to Capri
• Explore Venice's canals
• Visit the famous city of Pompeii

“This sentiment was shared by the entire group. Anastasia was devoted to ensuring the group felt taken care of.”

• Walk King's Landing's city walls in Dubrovnik
• Explore cosmopolitan Sarajevo's eclectic mix of cultures
• Marvel at the monasteries of Meteora

“Amazing tour guide Doushan you were amazing and you are very knowledgable in your history!”

• Experience the resilience of cosmopolitan Sarajevo
• Get up close and personal with many walking tours
• Discover remnants of Roman and Ottoman times

“Places visited were amazing, I'd enjoy few more extra days in some of them.”

• Visit the seaside towns along Cinque Terre
• Explore Rome and Admire the Colosseum at Sunset
• Seek out the world's best gelato

“nice experience. The tour was a great way to see the city.”

• Stroll through Venice's iconic canals
• Enjoy Budapest's nightlife on a Big Night Out
• Explore Rome with a local migrant guide

“I love Europe. Oscar's knowledge and clear passion for the countries we visited made the trip run smoothly.”

• Isle of Skye’s awe-inspiring scenery
• Chance to ride Hogwarts Express on summer departures
• Monster hunting on legendary Loch Ness

“Tour was great overall! One critique we would make: at certain points of the tour, Alistair mentioned: 'outdoor style tours'.”

• Island Hopping
• Explore Split on a vibrant city tour
• Hike to Hvar's Spanish Fortress for views
• Walk the ancient walls of Dubrovnik

“The organization and communication, the boat staff and all the facilities. The boat itself. The itinerary. Everything was just awesome.”

• Learn all about the fight for independence
• Head to Isle of Skye and hike to amazing rock formations
• Admire the scenic beauty of remarkable Glen Coe

“We had chances to influence what to visit and everything was well planned!”

More Tours in Europe for Young Adults

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Best Tour Companies for 18-35 Year Olds

Are you around 18 to 30 something? Keen to travel to destinations like Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, Latin & North America? Looking to meet like-minded people and enjoy one of the most amazing adventures of your life?

View our guide to the best tour operators who offer escorted group trips designed specifically for people in their late teens, twenties and early thirties.

Over 250,000 people book with the companies featured on our list every year!

From the tropical beaches of Thailand, to the discovering the culture of Europe, to seeing ancient ruins in South America, you will be able to find incredible and affordable trips all around the world.

For more information click the company name or logo to search trips and start planning a dream trip abroad...

G Adventures

Established in 1990, G Adventures are one of the most popular and reputable companies in the travel industry offering small group adventure tours to destinations all around the world..

Thousands of people book trips with G Adventures every year and you can choose from several different travel styles including fun-filled and fast-movin tours designed just for travellers aged 18 to 39. Other options include active tours (bike, hike, kayak, and multi-sport), local living (including homestays), marine boat trips, rail journeys, National Geographic Journeys, classic cultural tours and a selection of wildlife-focused tours endorsed by world-renowned primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall.

You have the choice of over 500 trips in 100+ countries worldwide. The hard part is deciding where to go! 

Founded in 1962,  Contiki  are one of the most well known travel brands in the world. If you are interested in seeing the world and enjoying one of the biggest parties of your life then this company is for you!   Contiki   offer over hundreds of trips of a lifetime designed specifically for 18-35's year olds to destinations in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Latin & North America.

Why book with Contiki:

• 350+ trips: Unique itineraries in the world’s best destinations, from old favourites to under-the-radar hotspots.
• Details sorted: Accommodation, transport and a bunch of meals all sorted for you and included in the price of your trip.
• 18-35s only: Experience it all with a crew of other young travellers from all around the world.
• Expert team: Trip managers are your local experts, taking care of all the niggly logistics and practicalities.
• No Regrets: Real experiences are what we do best. Go home with a lifetime of memories and absolutely no regrets.

TruTravels offer life changing group trips for 18 - Whatever year olds! Whether you’re a millennial, Gen Z-er or are just straight up young at heart, join TruTravels for unreal adventures across Asia, Europe & Latin America. Choose between 4 distinct travel styles - Classic, FitVentures, Flashpacker & SailVentures to ensure the bucket list trip you’re looking for.

Choose between trips in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Laos, India, Borneo, Maldives, Peru, Colombia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Greece, Croatia or Multi Country Trips.

Expect maximum adventure, minimum hassle & nothing average... ever. TruTravels have thousands of 5 star reviews because badass Travel Ninjas (like tour guides, but much better) are highly trained to make your experience a life changing, mind blowing, ground breaking, earth shatteringly awesome one. Every time. Book your dream trip with TruTravels now and look forward to making memories that will last forever.

Topdeck Travel

Topdeck Travel  offer epic trips for 18 – 30 somethings. Started by friends in 1973 who shared a passion for adventure, Topdeck has a long history of delivering authentic and fun group travel. You can join overland bus trips in Europe, Australia & New Zealand, Asia, North America, the Middle East and Africa. 

Topdeck offer a one-of-a-kind included and optional activities in both iconic hotspots and off-the-beaten track places mean there’s never a dull moment on your trip of a lifetime. They are also one of the best companies for value for money. From modern, Wi-Fi equipped coaches to a No Tipping policy, they have got all the important stuff covered – meaning you get to have the best trip possible, completely hassle-free.

Stoke Travel

Stoke Travel offer endless fun, unlimited booze and the best party travel experiences around Europe for open-minded internationals. 

You can enjoy some of the best and craziest festivals and destinations in Europe with an authentic feel, a flexible schedule and options to suit your budget. Choose from low cost, high fun trips including La Tomatina, Oktoberfest, surf camps, music festivals, city breaks and more!

Also enter code  ONEWORLD365  when booking on the Stoke Travel website to get free unlimited beer and sangria and a discount of €10 per day!

Search more trips & recommeded companies by destination:

• Africa tours
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• Australasia Pacific tours
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• South America tours
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8 Best Senior Travel Tour Companies in 2024

These top tour companies are a particularly good fit for older travelers..

The Scoop: What to Know About Trafalgar Tours

With tours around the world and experiences that are hard to replicate as an independent traveler, senior-friendly tour companies are a great vacation option for anyone over the age of 50. The best senior travel tour companies offer a wide range of formats to fit the varied needs, preferences, and interests of older travelers, too. And if you’re a senior who’s traveling solo, some of these tour companies also offer discounts so you don’t have to pay full price for a double room.

2024’s Best Senior Travel Tour Companies

The best tour companies for seniors stand out for a variety of reasons. They all have robust plans and protocols in place for such things as cancellations, changes, and other unforeseen circumstances; are very clear about the psychical requirements for each tour; and offer seniors tours to meet the interests all kinds of older travelers. Most also offer flight reservations and optional travel insurance. Here are the highest-rated and most trusted senior travel tour companies in the world.

STRESS-FREE TRAVEL: 15 Best Group Travel Companies for Guided Tours in 2024

1. Trafalgar Tours

One of the oldest and most respected names in group travel, Trafalgar Tours has logged more than 75 years in the travel business and offers a wide variety of destinations and travel styles: guided tours, river cruising, next-gen and family tours , luxury and customized private tours, and safari and adventure travel.

Trafalgar’s “Be My Guest” experiences allow you to visit and dine with local families in homes, farms, and restaurants. “Mini-stays” of three to five days appeal to the busy traveler or to those who want an “add-on” to a longer tour or stay. “At Leisure” trips have a relaxed pace, longer stays at each accommodation, and later starts in the mornings.

FAR AND WIDE: 10 Best Trafalgar Tours to Take in 2024

Because Trafalgar’s customer base is international, tour participants are likely to be English-speaking citizens of a variety of countries—a plus for North Americans who would enjoy traveling with people from all over the globe. A travel director accompanies each tour group and coordinates with local tour guides at each destination. Many of the travel directors have five years’ experience or more.

Trafalgar has a “Very Important Traveler” program that offers 5% savings on selected trips. For solo travelers, the cost of a single supplement depends on the trip. Optional experiences on each tour cost extra but also offer the flexibility to create your own custom tour: You may opt out of the activity and choose to do something else—or just relax.

THE SCOOP: What to Know About Trafalgar Tours Before You Book

Trafalgar is the anchor brand of The Travel Corporation (TTC), which comprises 42 travel brands, including tour operations that specialize in different destinations, age groups, price range, and travel styles. For example, the CostSaver brand is very inexpensive, while  Insight Vacations  is a premium tour company, and  Luxury Gold  is TTC’s high-end tour company.

Quick Facts about Senior Tours with Trafalgar

• Average group size: 22 to 29 people on small group tours; 40 to 50 on classic tours.
• Price range: Moderately inexpensive but “optional experiences” are not included and can be expensive.
• What’s included: All accommodations, meals as stated in itinerary, and most tips.
• What’s not included: Optional excursions, some meals and tips.
• Primary audience: Travelers from around the world; 60% of clients are ages 50 to 71.
• Destinations: 303 trips in 72 countries across six continents.
• How to book: Directly through Trafalgar ; via Travelstride , Tourhub , or TourRadar , all which are tour specialist online travel agents (OTAs) that offer hundreds of Trafalgar trips; or through a travel agent such as AAA .

2. Tauck Tours

Tauck Tours offers deluxe and highly inclusive tours to more than 100 destinations on all seven continents. With nearly 100 years in the tour business, Tauck prides itself on quality and on the experience of its Tour Directors, who come from 40 countries and average 10 years of experience. The hotels it selects are always excellent and well-located.

Tauck aims to appeal to people of all ages by offering land journeys, European river cruises, small ship ocean cruises, and multi-generational “Tauck Bridges” family travel. Each tour has ratings for activity level and pace (rated one through four), but, like many tour companies, Tauck warns that travelers with mobility issues must bring their own assistance.

ACTIVE TRAVEL:   5 Best Senior Adventures for Travelers Age 50+

Seniors who prefer to have the majority of their experience planned for them will appreciate the full itineraries and the many included meals in fine hotels and restaurants. With individual excursions included rather than optional, Tauck travelers are encouraged to try experiences (e.g., a raft trip or a helicopter ride) they might not otherwise have considered.

Tauck promises to “manage the unexpected—big and small,” with its Global Response Team, a comprehensive support system that takes care of all details, including such exigencies as accidents and quarantines.  The company has a frequent traveler savings program and offers some savings for solo travelers on selected journeys.

Quick Facts about Senior Travel Tours with Tauck Tours

• Average group size: 35 to 44 people for land trips; 24 for small group journeys; river boat and small ship group sizes depend on size of ship but shore excursions are in smaller groups.
• Price range: Upscale/Premium with many inclusions.
• What’s included: All accommodations (generally upscale), tips, most meals, luggage handling, airport transfers as specified in the itinerary, entertainment, local excursions and visits, any taxes or surcharges.
• What’s not included: Tips for Tour Director (and bus driver, where applicable), some meals (usually lunch).
• Primary audience: “People of all ages,” but the company caters to seniors.
• Destinations: More than 70 countries on seven continents (with land journeys on six); river cruises in Europe.
• How to book: Directly through Tauck ; via Travelstride , a tour specialist OTA that offers hundreds of Tauck trips; or through a travel agent such as AAA .

3. Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT)

Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT), part of the Grand Circle Corporation since 1978, focuses on active travelers over 50 who are looking for hands-on experiences in destinations around the world. The seniors-only company prides itself in taking travelers off the beaten track with immersive “Day in the Life” experiences such as shopping at local markets, visiting children at school, and taking part in home-hosted meals. OAT opts for accommodations that offer authentic local experiences—think smaller family-run hotels, paradores , and hotels close to city centers.

Both land and small-ship tours for seniors are available. Most trips last two weeks or more, with optional pre- and post-trip extensions, appealing to retirees and working people who have saved vacation time as well as travel funds. The physical requirements of each tour are described in detail, with an activity level rating system of one (easy) to five (strenuous). Each itinerary outlines the included meals and local tours; optional tours require an additional fee, but the itineraries also recommend many free or inexpensive options for your free time.

BRING THE GRANDCHILDREN:   8 Grandparent-Grandkid Vacations for Active Seniors

OAT has made itself a leader in solo travel: More than a quarter of its senior citizen clients are solo travelers, and of those, 85% are women. Roughly 92% of its single spaces are free of any singles surcharge, others are heavily discounted, and the company also offers a roommate matching program. In 2019, OAT began offering some women-only departures.

While not a cut-rate tour company, OAT works hard to provide senior tours at low per diems—giving you more for your travel dollar. The Travel Channel recognized it as a top provider for budget-conscious travelers, and the Grand Circle Foundation received a Global Vision award for leadership in tourism and philanthropy.

Quick Facts about Over-50 Tours with Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT)

• Average group size: Small-group land tours have no more than 16 travelers; small-ship adventures have no more than 25 participants.
• Price range: Moderate.
• What’s included: All accommodations (comfortable hotels), most meals, daily cultural activities, some tips, and airport transfers.
• What’s not included: Some optional tours, meals, and tips.
• Primary audience: “Curious lifelong learners” age 50+.
• Destinations: 76 countries on six continents; no tours in North America
• How to book: Directly through OAT

4. Road Scholar

Road Scholar is a senior travel tour company that emphasizes lifelong learning and educational travel for older travelers. Founded in 1975 as the nonprofit Elderhostel, the organization changed its name in 2010 and now provides study tours throughout the U.S., Canada, and in more than 100 other countries. All of its senior-focused tours include guidance and lectures by Road Scholar faculty who are experts on topics relevant to the destination. Lodgings are always comfortable and “sometimes even iconic.”

Road Scholar programs include theme-based travel (such as arts, philosophy and religion, and nature studies), outdoor adventures, service learning trips, adventures afloat, intergenerational tours, and independent city discoveries. The “Choose Your Pace” feature allows you to choose among multiple options of tour length, challenge, and pace. Extended-stay programs range from eight days in Florence to 45 days in southern Spain.

TRIPS OF A LIFETIME:   12 Best Amtrak Vacations and Scenic Train Rides in North America

Activity levels for tours range from “easy-going” to “outdoor: challenging,” with the physical demands of each tour described in its itinerary. An “easy” tour might cover a week of Chautauqua lectures in New York, while a “challenging” tour might include hiking and kayaking in Alaska.

Nearly 25% of Road Scholars are traveling solo; the senior tour company offers some discounts on single rooms, provides supportive advice to women traveling solo, and emphasizes “learning in the company of a small group of individual friends, rather than traveling with a collection of couples.”  Road Scholar travelers tend to be curious and open to new ideas and cultures. The travel company recently added a virtual Adventures Online series of in-depth lectures for those who wish to supplement an in-person journey or simply learn from home.

Quick Facts about Senior Travel Tours with Road Scholar

• Average group size: 13 to 24 people on “small group” tours; 12 or fewer on “micro group” tours; other group sizes vary by tour type and destination.
• Price range: Moderate to expensive, but with lots of included perks that other tour companies charge extra for.
• What’s included: All accommodations, most meals, tips, excursions, expert lectures (in addition to your tour director), and airport transfers if you book flights through Road Scholar.
• What’s not included: Porterage and airport transfers if you arrange your own flights.
• Primary audience: Lifelong learners over the age of 50.
• Destinations: Road Scholar’s senior tours cover all 50 U.S. states as well as 100 countries on all continents; the emphasis is on North America.
• How to Book: Directly through Road Scholar ; via Travelstride , a tour specialist OTA that offers more than 1,500 Road Scholar trips; or through a travel agent such as AAA .

5. Smithsonian Journeys

Like Road Scholar, Smithsonian Journeys is a group travel company for seniors that focuses on educational travel. It offers specialized land journeys, active outdoor journeys, small ship cruises, and cultural stays. At least one expert accompanies each tour or stay, providing lectures and local tours appropriate to the destination. Tours include culturally immersive experiences like visits to homes, meals with locals, and demonstrations of local crafts and cuisines. High-quality accommodations are included in the price and reflect the character of the local culture.

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Smithsonian also provides special interest tours for older travelers, including study at Oxford, cave art exploration, and observation of the total solar eclipse in 2024. Its Cultural Stays allow travelers to “unpack once” and spend from one to three weeks exploring and learning in and around a single destination.

A branch of the 175-year-old Smithsonian Institution, Smithsonian Journeys has operated tours for more than 50 years. Its wide range of travel options appeals to many age groups, but the average age of travelers with this company is 55+. (The typical age range on active tours is 45 to 70; on special interest tours, it’s 55 to 80.) Smithsonian’s five activity level ratings are somewhat more demanding than Road Scholar’s, ranging from “Easy” (easy walking and shorter travel days) to “Challenging” (e.g., climbing Kilimanjaro).

Quick Facts about Senior Tours with Smithsonian Journeys

• Average group size: 12 to 24 people for most land journeys; cruises from 36 people (river boat) to 264 (small ship cruise).
• Price range: Moderate to expensive, but with lots of included perks.
• What’s included: Excellent accommodations, most meals, most tips, excursions, experts and lectures, and airport transfers. Some itineraries also offer airfare-inclusive pricing
• What’s not included: Some meals and some tips.
• Primary audience: Travelers 45 to 80 years old who want to better understand the world.
• Destinations: 130 itineraries on seven continents (with an emphasis on Europe).
• How to Book: Directly through Smithsonian Journeys or through a travel agent such as AAA .

Established more than 90 years ago, Globus heads a family of travel brands that also includes Avalon Waterways (river tours) and Cosmos (budget tours). The company offers travel styles for a variety of fitness levels and interests, with an emphasis on freedom and flexibility that works especially well for seniors. It ranks among the best escorted tour companies for the 55+ age group because it recognizes that the one-size-fits-all mentality does not work for everyone, especially older travelers.

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Free time on every tour allows for “adventure a la carte.” A wide array of optional excursions and activities is offered on each itinerary: some are extra-cost activities provided by the company, while others are simply helpful suggestions for independent exploration. Globus provides tour directors and local guides from the region for every tour, as well as “skip the lines” access to sites, centrally located first-class hotels, opportunities to meet local families, and some “experiential dining” meals.

Globus tours come in many different formats. Globus Undiscovered tours take you off the beaten path where there are fewer crowds; this option is attractive to seasoned travelers who have already seen famous sights like the Tower of Pisa and the Mona Lisa. Escapes by Globus offers up to a 40% discount on tours taken between November and March. Choice Touring and Independence by Globus provide itineraries that allow you to choose excursions and have more “I-time” while the company provides lodging and the help of a tour director.

Quick Facts about Guided Tours for Older Travelers with Globus

• Average group size: 24 people (small-group discovery) to 36 people (average size of a coach tour).
• Price range: Inexpensive, but optional excursions cost extra.
• What’s included: All accommodations, some meals, airport transfers on published tour departure and return dates, and admission to sites included in tour.
• What’s not included: Optional experiences (may be $50 to $100 each), tips, and some meals.
• Primary audience: Adults who want a wide variety of travel options.
• Destinations: More than 50 countries on six continents.
• How to Book: Directly through Globus ; via Travelstride , Tourhub , or TourRadar , all which are tour specialist OTAs; or through a travel agent such as AAA .

7. Intrepid Travel

Founded in 1988 in Australia and now employee-owned, Intrepid Travel offers 1,100 escorted tours worldwide, with an average of 10 travelers per tour. The company focuses on small group active trips off the beaten track. Its tours often use public transportation and stay at locally owned accommodations.

Intrepid has an age-inclusive philosophy (“18 to 70”) and aims to provide tours for all interests and comfort levels. Tour styles include “ Basix ” for the budget travel crowd and “ Comfort ,” which tends to attract older travelers. The travel tour company also offers retreats and tours for women, solo travelers, and the 18-29 age group. Note that while Intrepid tours are active, its tours are “not a constant endurance test.” A general level of health and fitness is adequate for its trips.

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Examples of Intrepid tours include a winter journey to Iceland to view the Aurora Borealis, a hiking-cycling trip in Sri Lanka, snorkeling in Bali, kayaking in Alaska, and enjoying the Naadam Festival in Mongolia or Day of the Dead in Mexico. A “Comfort” trip to Jordan might include some moderate hiking to sites, floating in the Dead Sea, a stay in a desert camp, and snorkeling in the Red Sea. Intrepid also offers small ship adventure cruising to such places as the Galapagos Island, the Greek and Turkish Islands, Antarctica, and French Polynesia.  

Intrepid conducts safety assessments of all included and optional activities; experienced local leaders provide instruction and advice to travelers who are new to an activity or area. It also has an excellent record of corporate responsibility. Intrepid focuses on sustainable travel and has been carbon neutral since 2010.

Quick Facts about Guided Tours with Intrepid Travel

• Average group size: 10 people.
• Price range: Moderately inexpensive but extra cost for premium upgrades.
• What’s included: On general tours, you get accommodations, breakfasts, and local experiences. On premium tours, you can expect additions like breakfast and some other meals, tips, and airport and luggage transfer.
• What’s not included: See above.
• Primary audience: Active adult travelers of all ages.
• Destinations: More than 100 countries on seven continents, including polar regions and more South Pacific destinations than most other senior tour companies.
• How to Book: Directly through Intrepid ; via Travelstride , Tourhub , or TourRadar all which are tour specialist OTAs (online travel agents) that offer hundreds of Intrepid trips; or through a travel agent such as AAA .

8. Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises specializes in European river touring, but it also offers small ship ocean cruises and expedition voyages. The company is more than 25 years old and is among the most awarded river cruise lines worldwide. Viking owns and operates its own ships; it also owns some dock locations.

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Viking does not try to be all things to all people. There are no casinos on its river boats, for example, nor are children under 18 allowed. Viking also has a “no nickel and diming and no umbrella drinks” policy. However, you can expect outside rooms, onboard enrichment lectures, destination performances, onshore excursions in every port, introductions to local life and people, and an experienced staff. (In fact, 90% of the company’s river cruise staff returns each year.) Optional pre- and post-tour land extensions are offered.

With a philosophy that travel “should be a doorway to cultural insight and personal enrichment,” Viking could be regarded as a waterborne version of Road Scholar or Smithsonian Journeys. The company owns a learning channel (Viking TV) and provides recommended readings and other materials before you depart.

Quick Facts about Cruises for Seniors with Viking

• Passenger limit on river boats: 190 people  (up to 930 on ocean ships)
• Price range: Moderately expensive but inclusive.
• What’s included: Onboard accommodations, meals, shore excursions, entertainment, tips; and transfers with air purchase through Viking. Some tours also include free international airfare.
• What’s not included: Transfers and porterage for those not using Viking for air reservations, some tips.
• Primary audience: Adults, but primarily older adults.
• Destinations: Mostly Europe for river tours, also cruises on the Nile, Mississippi, and Mekong Rivers; expedition cruises to Antarctica and the Great Lakes; ocean cruises to various destinations.
• How to Book: Directly through Viking ; via CruiseCritic ; or through a travel agent such as AAA .

More Senior Travel Tour Company Options for Older Travelers

If you can’t see yourself in any of the senior tour styles I’ve mentioned above—or maybe you just want even more options—I have a few more recommendations.

1) Those who loved travel experiences in their student days and prefer an inexpensive tour may want to look at EF Go Ahead Tours .

2) Those who are physically fit and want active travel like cycling tours and walking tours with a mixed age group have many good options, including Backroads and Country Walkers , which can be a good fit for senior cycling and walking enthusiasts.

College graduates should check to see if their alumni association sponsors any tours: AHI , Odysseys Unlimited , and other companies work with these associations to provide excellent tours at good prices.

Finally, seniors planning a multigenerational family vacation or skip-gen trip with the grandkids should consider a company like Adventures by Disney , which is a hit with all ages.

More from TourScoop:

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• 9 Tips for Choosing the Right European Tour for You
• 10 Things to Know Before Your First Group Tour

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Group Travel In Your 30s & 40s – what you need to know

by Steven Dillon | Feb 13, 2020

Hi, I’m Steve.

About two years ago I started a group travel company called Other Way Round .

I done it because –

• I’d been on group trips before and experienced how amazing they could be
• I felt there was a need for a more modern version of a group tour that better suited people in their 30s and 40s (I’m 38 btw).

I had never worked in travel before, I certainly was no group travel expert – I simply had a vision of the type of company I myself would like to exist and travel with.

To be honest it’s been one hell of a learning experience.

Yes – I was already a group travel fan – but by being able to observe things from the other side I’ve gained what I think are some really valuable insights.

Here’s some of the things I’ve learned.

(Read also: Why I Started a Group Travel Company for 30 Somethings ) 

1. There’s Definitely a Stigma, But it’s Changing

Many people have negative perceptions about group tours and see them as being too “touristy” or “unadventurous”.  At one extreme they imagine the type of coach tour their parents might do while at the other, some debaucherous 18-30 trip filled with drunken youngsters.  But I believe that many people of my generation (30s & 40s) are now warming up to the option that a group tour could be a great alternative to going it alone.  In fact, 70% of our customers had never been on a group tour before travelling with us (I find that kind of cool).

(Read also: 9 Myths About Group Tours in Your 30s and 40s ) 

2. Most People are Nervous About Who Else Will Be On the Trip

How old are they?  Where do they come from?  Are they male or female? How many people will there be?  You’d be amazed by how often we get asked these questions.  And it’s perfectly normal. Human nature I’d say. If you’re going to spend such an intense period with “strangers” you at least want to know that that you’re likely to have things in common. That’s why when we started Other Way Round we decided the focus would be group travel for people in their 30s and 40s. 

3. The Group Pretty Much Always Gets Along

In fact (touch wood) we’ve never had a bad group. Actually, we’ve only ever had brilliant groups. I can say that with all honesty. The thing is, most people who travel on our group tours tend to be of a similar mindset. They may not have the same careers, hobbies or interests but when it comes down to it they usually have a similar philosophy on travel and that always helps to create a bond.

4. You Will Meet People You Would Normally Never Interact With

And that’s a good thing. I don’t know about you but most of my friends come from similar backgrounds and do the same things. On group tours you will meet people from every walk of life – people you would never normally interact with – and that really helps to open your mind.

5. These People Will Become Like Family. Your “Holiday Family”

Some may be lucky enough to meet “lifelong friends” while for others it will just be a great bunch of people to share an amazing experience in that particular moment of your life. You will laugh with them, sometimes even cry, have deep and meaningful conversations about life, and they will have your back like a longtime friend. They will become your “holiday family” and the intensity of the bond created in such a short space of time is something truly magical to experience.

(Read also: Swapping Solo Travel for Group Tour )

6. Be Careful Not To Judge People Too Quickly

We’ve all done it. Someone joins the group and instantly you think – “this person is going to be a nightmare”. Almost always, this turns out not to be the case.

7. The Cultural Exchange is Multi-Faceted

We travel to some of the most exotic destinations in the world (including Colombia , Mexico and Peru ) and of course a big part of that is learning about the local culture. But sometimes the biggest cultural exchange is actually between the guests on the trip. The cross cultural banter (between the Brits and Americans for example) is often a highlight of the trip.

8. The Hassle-Free Factor is Real

Going in I believed that by far the  biggest value of a group trip  was the opportunity to meet and travel with other people. And while that’s definitely important, I’ve heard from many guests that the thing they really enjoyed most was not having to worry about planning and logistics. It was their first holiday ever where they’ve been able to simply turn up, relax and enjoy it. Everything was sorted for them and they could really have that break they were so looking forward to. Don’t underestimate how important this is (I no longer do)!

9. There Will Be Louder People and Quieter People

And that’s ok. In fact it’s almost necessary to help bring a good balance to the group.

10. Girls Do It More Than Guys

I’m not quite sure why but it definitely seems to be the case. I personally have a theory about “male bravado” (in the same way that men very rarely go to group classes in a gym) but I have no idea if that’s actually true. What I would say to my fellow “blokes” out there is that group tours in your 30s and 40s really are a great option and you’re definitely missing out if you don’t consider it.  (p.s. the photo below is what happens when 9 guys do a Champeta dance class in Colombia)  😉

11. The Roommate Thing is Never as Big A Deal as it Seems

If you don’t already know, most group travel companies price their trips based on you sharing a twin room with another traveller (assuming you’re  travelling solo ). That can seem very daunting I know, but it’s almost never an issue. In fact you’ll be amazed at just how quickly you get used to it. Some roommates will get on like a house on fire and become “besties”. Others will simply co-exist and get on with it. Trips tend to be so busy that you don’t spend much time in the room and it’s normally a non-issue (and if it is something you really don’t want to do, usually there’s the option to pay more for a private room).

Still On The Fence? Here’s My Advice

So there you have it.

Two years in and that’s what I’ve learned about group travel for people in their 30s and 40s.

I genuinely am the biggest advocate of group tours (as you can probably tell) because I believe they are an amazing option for people who want to go on holiday but don’t have others to go with. 

If you’re on the fence my advice would be to  give it a go .

There are so many awesome tour companies out there that you will definitely find something you love.

Group Tours Designed for 30 and 40 Year Olds

If you are looking for group tours for people in their 30s and 40s then our itineraries at Other Way Round could be up your street.

We specialise in bringing together groups of this generation with a focus on a more immersive style of travel than your typical tour group. 

Take a look at some of our favourite itineraries.

11 Days in Mexico. Breathe in the pulsating Mexico city, roam the charming streets of traditional Oaxaca, and hit the beach in sun-drenched Tulum.  See Itinerary

15 Days in Colombia. Dance salsa. Meet coffee farmers. Sail tropical islands. Hike lush jungles. Taste the finest Caribbean rum.  See Itinerary

12 Days in Peru. Cook ceviche in Lima, sail the Amazon, hike to Machu Picchu and become awestruck by the Sacred Valley.  See Itinerary

Definitely interested 😊

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The 10 Best Trips for Seniors and Retirees Who Love to Travel

Getaways for your golden years.

O ne of the wonderful things about hitting retirement age is having the flexibility in your schedule to go out and explore the world. If you're looking for trips for seniors, you're in luck: InsureMyTrip recently released its list of the top 10 cities around the world for senior travel, making it easier than ever for people over age 60 to find the ideal spot for their next vacation. (We think some of them sound like the best places to retire too.)

To determine the top 10 trips for seniors, the folks at InsureMyTrip evaluated a handful of travel considerations for cities around the world. Those included the ease of walking in the city, access to health care, public transportation, the number of tours for seniors and peacefulness. You'll notice that many of the best places to travel in your golden years are also great for traveling on a budget .

And before you ask: Yes, travel is a good idea for anyone who's able, regardless of whether they're age 60, 70 or beyond. In fact, travel helps keep us young. "We know loneliness affects older Americans disproportionately, and the importance of social connections only increases as we age," says James Moses, president and CEO of Road Scholar, one of our favorite tour companies . "[Travel provides] enriching, meaningful, stimulating social connections to hundreds of thousands of older adults."

Ready to find out which trips for seniors over 60 made the cut? Read on for the top picks, in order.

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1. Istanbul, Turkey

Best for: Activities

Coming in at No. 1 in InsureMyTrip's list of trips for seniors is Istanbul. "Istanbul's recognition as the best destination for senior citizens highlights its cultural richness with highly rated things to do and high-quality health-care services," says Sarah Webber of InsureMyTrip. Cosmopolitan Istanbul is a cultural and ethnic melting pot, a unique city straddling two continents (Europe and Asia), with Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and modern Turkish structures—it's a skyline of domes and minarets made up of mosques, churches and synagogues, palaces, castles and towers—and of course, incredible cultural landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.

The Turkish city scored highly across many of the metrics, particularly for its quality of things to do (a rating of 4.63 out of 5), health care and ease of walking.

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2. Athens, Greece

Best for: Guided tours

An absolute must-visit highlight of Greece is the city of Athens, which offers a unique mixture of modern buildings and ancient monuments. You'll find bustling cosmopolitan streets lined with shops and international hotels, but turn any corner and the views of the storied Acropolis appear before you. More than 22% of the population is over 65 years old, so it's no wonder the city has a large number of guided tours aimed at senior citizens—an astounding 181, according to InsureMyTrip.

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3. Rome, Italy

Best for: Ancient architecture

It's hard to talk about visiting Italy without starting at this classical city, where contemporary culture stands shoulder to shoulder with ancient architecture. Landmarks of the Eternal City include the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, and you can even travel to another country by crossing into Vatican City to see the Sistine Chapel. "The inclusion of Rome in the top three destinations for senior citizens is thanks to its number of tours for senior citizens [107] and high-quality things to do, making it a dream city for many elderly travelers," says Webber. "The average age of the population [47 years old] is among the highest in the study, making it ideally suited for older travelers."

4. Bangkok, Thailand

Best for: A great deal

Bangkok is the spot to head to for affordable bucket-list travel . Here, golden temples and palaces line the winding Chao Phraya River, and travelers can take advantage of affordable luxuries such as authentic Thai spas, with prices starting as low as $10 for a two-hour massage, incredible local cuisine for just a few dollars and a ride on a tuk-tuk costing just $1.50 an hour. Bangkok's quality of things to do (rated 4.51 out of 5)—hello, golden-Buddha-filled temples—and health care (a rating of 77 out of 100) helped secure its spot in the top five trips for seniors.

5. Tallinn, Estonia

Best for: Holiday markets and winter charm

There are definitely some surprises in the survey, says Webber, including multiple spots in Eastern Europe that fill the middle of the list, starting with Tallinn. "Eastern European cities are hidden gems for senior citizens," she says. "[They] are perhaps lesser-known vacation destinations, but this study highlights they have plenty to offer for senior citizens."

Tallinn has been experiencing what InsureMyTrip calls "a boom in tourism," with a 33% increase in foreign tourism this year, according to SchengenVisaInfo.com. The quality of things to do (rated 4.61 out of 5) and health care contribute to its high score. This well-preserved medieval city is beautiful to visit anytime, but it's one of our favorite snow-covered towns to visit in winter, when the lights of the Old Town against the snow create plenty of warmth. Any time of year, stroll the historic district and visit the walled fortifications; then stop into a cafe for a coffee or wine.

6. Vilnius, Lithuania

Best for: Attractions

Another Eastern European gem, the Lithuanian city of Vilnius offers great value for your money as soon as you step off the plane. Just taking the train from Vilnius Airport to the city's center is only 89 cents. But it's not just bargain-price travel that make this an appealing destination. The survey found that Vilnius had the best-rated attractions, earning it a rating of 4.66 out of 5 for the quality of things to do there. You'll find a mix of museums, gardens and historic sites, including a Baroque-architecture-filled Old Town. And don't miss the 16th-century Gates of Dawn, which contain an icon from the Virgin Mary.

7. Prague, Czech Republic

Best for: Walking

Prague isn't just one of the top trips for seniors; it's also one of our favorite hidden gems in Europe. The perfectly preserved city has bright red trolleys traversing original cobblestone streets hemmed in by charming stone buildings. Around every corner, you'll find a new treat, like the Charles Bridge, which is lined with majestic stone statues, Michelin-starred restaurants and classic pilsner bars. Another highlight: an entire "castle district" centered around majestic Prague Castle. It ranks high on the survey for its walkability and public transportation, making it an easy city to explore without worrying about needing a ride.

8. Riga, Latvia

Best for: Performing arts

Rounding out the list of under-the-radar gems of Eastern Europe is Latvia's coastal capital city of Riga, which sits right on the Baltic Sea. Its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features a maze of medieval streets dotted with Gothic and Baroque churches and hidden courtyards. The lively new town is an expanse of wide boulevards filled with elegant Art Nouveau architecture.

There's no shortage of places to go in Europe , but Riga scored high for the quality of things to do. One example: The Latvian National Opera dates back to 1782 and presents hundreds of opera and ballet performances throughout the year. Hungry? You're in luck. Riga is the home of the largest food hall in Europe, Riga Central Market.

9. Berlin, Germany

Best for: Museums

A dynamic and modern metropolis, Berlin draws travelers from all corners of the globe to experience its modern arts, nightlife and historic cultural sites, including Museum Island (five popular museums on a Spree River island) and the Brandenburg Gate. Reminders of the city's complicated past—including the graffitied remnants of the Berlin Wall—are ever-present and absolutely worth visiting. Want to experience a different side of Berlin? Go gallery hopping, eat street food at Markthalle Neun, wander through the diverse Kreuzberg neighborhood or see a burlesque show. And don't worry about aging out of Berlin; the InsureMyTrip survey found that the city has one of the highest average ages (48) in the world; only Tokyo ranked higher, with an average age of 49.

10. Helsinki, Finland

Best for: Public transportation

The capital of Finland is one of the least polluted capital cities in the world. One reason, according to The Telegraph , is that residents routinely use public transportation and bicycles to get around (the city makes it easy by maintaining roughly 2,400 miles worth of cycle lanes). It's also the most honest city in the world, according to a Reader's Digest study—in our test, 11 out of 12 people returned a lost wallet.

On the survey, Helsinki also scored high for health services, so you won't have to worry no matter what the day holds. You can bike to Esplanade Park to relax at a free outdoor concert, tour Suomenlinna (Fortress of Finland) or visit one of the seaside city's many museums, including the Finnish Museum of Photography, the contemporary art museum or the National Museum of Finland.

About the experts

• Sarah Webber is the director of marketing for InsureMyTrip , an authority on travel insurance.
• James Moses is the president and CEO of Road Scholar , the world leader in educational travel for boomers and beyond.
• InsureMyTrip : "Best Cities to Visit as a Senior"
• Statista : "Greece: Age distribution from 2011 to 2021"
• SchengenVisaInfo.com : "Estonia's Tourism Industry Booms: 226,000 Tourists Registered in March 2023"

The post The 10 Best Trips for Seniors and Retirees Who Love to Travel appeared first on Reader's Digest .

• Best overall
• Best for expensive trips
• Best for older travelers
• Best for affordability
• Best for annual plans
• Why You Should Trust Us

Best Travel Insurance for Seniors of September 2024: Travel Insurance Coverage & Tips for Seniors

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate travel insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Reaching your golden years doesn't mean your adventures have to end. In fact, in this stage of life, you'll hopefully have more time and resources to travel. But as a senior citizen, you'll want to ensure you have travel insurance that covers any health-related issues arise while you travel.

Best Senior Travel Insurance Companies of 2024 Summary

• Best overall: Allianz Travel Insurance
• Best for expensive trips: John Hancock Travel Insurance
• Best for age limits: TravelSafe Insurance
• Best for affordability: GeoBlue Travel Insurance
• Best for annual plans: Travel Guard

Top Travel Insurance for Seniors Comparison

Your health gets more unpredictable as you age, which makes travel insurance more important for seniors. Unfortunately, it's also more expensive. The best travel insurance for seniors won't have too steep of a price hike compared to rates for younger travelers. It will have high coverage limits for emergency medical coverage, trip cancellations, and and emergency medical evacuation. It's also important that your travel insurance offers pre-existing condition waivers , ideally at no extra cost to the traveler. 

Here are our picks for the best travel insurance coverage for seniors in 2024.

Best Senior Travel Insurance Overall

Allianz travel insurance.

Allianz is one of the most widely recognized names in travel insurance, and it stands out as one of the top travel insurance providers for seniors. It offers a wide range of policies covering medical treatments overseas and emergency medical transport.

Allianz also provides options for varying trip lengths. Its annual multi-trip policies, for example, cover any trip you make during your policy period, even if they aren't yet planned, making it an excellent option for seniors who vacation multiple times per year.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review .

Best Senior Travel Insurance for Expensive Trips

John hancock travel insurance.

John Hancock plans for seniors offer some of the best coverage available. It provides generous maximum benefit amounts while still offering affordable prices.

Each plan includes coverages like trip cancellation, emergency accident, and emergency medical, with the option to add benefits like CFAR (cancel for any reason) . Plus, getting a free online quote is a quick and straightforward process.

Read our John Hancock Travel Insurance review .

Best Senior Travel Insurance for Age Limits

Travelsafe insurance.

TravelSafe is a great choice for older travelers, even among seniors, insuring travelers up to 100 years old. TravelSafe also offers pre-existing condition waivers for all its tiers when you purchase your policy within 21 days of your initial trip deposit. With a great deal of flexibility, travelers don't have to worry about eligibility when purchasing travel insurance with TravelSafe. TravelSafe even has two tiers of coverage devoted specifically to golfers. 

Read our TravelSafe travel insurance review .

Best Senior Travel Insurance for Affordability

Geoblue travel insurance.

GeoBlue is a travel insurance provider that specializes in travel medical insurance . Because it doesn't offer much trip protection or travel inconvenience coverage, it can charge cheaper premiums than its competitors, earning it a spot among the best cheap travel insurance .

GeoBlue's policies cover travelers who are under 95 years old, offering sizeable coverage for emergency medical treatments (up to $1 million) and medical evacuations (up to $500K). It's worth noting that while coverage for pre-existing conditions are available, it costs extra.

Read our GeoBlue Travel Insurance review .

Best Senior Travel Insurance for Annual Plans

Travel guard.

Travel Guard offers comprehensive insurance plans for shorter and longer trips. One of its more unique offerings is its Travel Guard Annual Plan.

This annual travel insurance policy comes with standard coverage benefits (trip delay, baggage loss, etc.) and substantial coverage amounts, which is important for seniors who travel multiple times per year. Travel Guard also offers a pre-existing medical condition waiver, meaning those with certain medical issues can still gain coverage.

Read our AIG Travel Guard Insurance review .

Understanding Travel Insurance for Seniors

Before diving into the specifics, it's essential to understand what travel insurance is and why it's particularly important for senior travelers. The best travel insurance offers financial protection against unexpected events affecting your trip, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.

Types of coverage

• Medical Coverage: Ensures your medical expenses are covered in case of illness or injury.
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage: Provides reimbursement if your trip is canceled or cut short due to unforeseen events.
• Baggage Coverage: Covers loss, damage, or theft of personal items during your trip.
• Pre-existing condition coverage:  Can mean two different things: coverage for trip cancellations as a result of pre-existing conditions or medical expenses as a result of pre-existing conditions. Either way, policy must be purchased within a certain time frame from when you booked your trip, usually two or three weeks.

Benefits of travel insurance for seniors

• Peace of Mind: Knowing you're covered in case of emergencies can make your travel stress-free.
• Financial Protection: Shields you from potentially overwhelming medical costs and trip cancellations fees.
• Assistance Services: Many plans offer 24/7 assistance services, providing help whenever and wherever you need it.

Making the most of your plan

After choosing a plan, it's crucial to understand your policy fully and know what services are available to you in case of an emergency.

Understanding your policy

When you purchase a travel insurance policy, you'll be able to see a description of benefits, which is a long document that describes the exceptions and limitations to your coverage. You should carefully review this document so you're not blindsided by unexpected claim denials. 

For example, if you're canceling a trip because unexpected work, you may not be eligible for coverage if you haven't worked at your company for long enough. Additionally, you should review your policy to ensure that your pre-existing condition is covered, as companies often have very specific language around what qualifies as a covered pre-existing condition.

Emergency assistance services

Most companies offer a 24/7 concierge service that can help you navigate situations that arise during your trip, even issues beyond the scope of your policy. They can advise you on how to navigate these situations in accordance with your policy and make sure you acquire the necessary documentation when you need to file a claim down the line.

How to Pick Travel Insurance as a Senior Traveler

It's wise to compare several different travel insurance policies for the best coverage and pricing, as premiums vary widely between insurers and depend on factors like your age and travel destination.

That said, some of the more essential coverages to look for if you're a senior citizen include:

• Travel medical coverage - This coverage will pay for your medical bills outside the U.S.
• Medical evacuation coverage - If you're injured or become sick while traveling, this coverage will transport you to the nearest hospital or even back home if your condition necessitates it.
• Pre-existing conditions - Coverage for known health conditions. You'll need to purchase travel insurance within a certain time period from when you book your trip to qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver .
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) - The name says it all! It'll cost extra and you'll need to purchase insurance early, but it's the most comprehensive trip cancellation coverage you can get. Note that CFAR insurance usually only covers up to 75% of your trip fees.
• Trip cancellation insurance - This coverage provides reimbursement for your prepaid and nonrefundable costs if you cannot make your trip due to an unforeseen event.
• Baggage delay insurance - This coverage will reimburse you for essentials like toiletries and clothes if your bags are delayed.
• Lost luggage insurance - This coverage will reimburse you up to a specified amount if your bags get lost en route.

Of these, the most critical to note are whether or not your policy covers pre-existing conditions and the limits for travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation.

Some insurance companies offer a waiver that will cover pre-existing conditions. You'll have to follow the requirements for adding a waiver to your policy, like insuring the entire cost of your trip. Or purchase the policy within a specific time after making your first trip deposit payments.

You'll also want to find a policy with high maximum limits for travel medical and emergency medical evacuation coverage. These types of expenses can be substantial, so you want to have appropriate coverage.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed Senior Travel Insurance

When comparing senior travel insurance options, we looked at the following factors to evaluate each travel insurance provider:

• Coverage limits: We looked at each travel insurance company's coverage amounts for benefits like medical emergencies and trip cancellation.
• Flexibility: We looked at how customizable a policy is, so you can choose what your travel insurance policy covers and how much coverage you receive. We also looked at the age limits for a company's policy. 
• Coverage for pre-existing conditions: Pre-existing conditions are one of the more critical factors for travel insurance for senior citizens, so we looked at travel insurance companies that offer the best coverage for pre-existing conditions.
• Price: We compared travel insurance providers offering reasonable basic and comprehensive coverage rates. We also looked at how travel insurance companies price senior travel insurance compared to travel insurance for younger travelers.
• Benefits for seniors: We compared travel insurance companies that offer solid coverage for senior citizens, like medical evacuation, COVID-19 coverage, and trip cancellation.

You can read more about Business Insider's travel insurance rating methodology .

Best Senior Travel Insurance FAQ

Seniors should look for travel insurance policies that offer comprehensive medical coverage, including for pre-existing conditions and emergency medical evacuation. They should also consider policies with higher coverage limits to ensure adequate protection. Additionally, seniors should seek travel insurance plans that provide 24/7 assistance services, as well as coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions, and baggage protection.

When it comes to saving money on senior travel insurance, you should only be covering the services that you need. For example, if your plane ticket and hotel stay are refundable, there's no need to purchase trip cancellation. Seniors can also look into multi-trip insurance, which can save you money if you're planning multiple trips in a year.

All travel insurance companies included in this guide offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions as long as you buy your policy within the qualifying period from when you placed your trip deposit.

The best travel insurance for seniors is Allianz due to its wide array of medical coverages and emergency medical transport. Allianz also offers multi-trip insurance policies, which could make sense for seniors who travel frequently.

Most travel insurance companies will have an age limit, often only insuring people 80 years old and younger. However, many of the insurance companies in our guide have higher limits or no age limit at all.

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Life-size dinosaurs, a candy store tour and more to do this weekend

Take a road tip to Wiscasset for art, food, car racing and a gargantuan amount of candy.

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One of many dinosaurs that will be at Cross Insurance Arena in Portland. Photo courtesy of Jurassic Quest

Make no bones about it, it’s going to be a great weekend, starting with  Jurassic Quest at Cross Insurance Arena . Animatronic dinosaurs will delight the kids, who will also get a kick out of digging for fossils and riding on a baby dino. Another option in our weekly roundup is “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” at the Maine State Music Theatre in Brunswick.

‘Beautiful’ at Maine State Music Theatre, Pet Rock in the Park and Jurassic Quest

Some of the candy available at the Granite Hall Store in Round Pond. Photo by Aimsel Ponti

For an even sweeter experience, we’re sending you candy shopping. We’ve shined a light on five shops  with something extra to offer and created a nifty guide of 18 to look you can find  all around southern Maine and the Midcoast. From giant shops like Sweetz & More in Wiscasset to charming places like the Granite Hall Store in Round Pond, there’s a candy shop out there calling your name.

These 5 unique Maine candy stores are a real treat

The Brackett’s Market 4-Cylinder Pros compete Saturday at Wiscasset Speedway. Anna Chadwick/Morning Sentinel

Should your sweets-seeking adventure bring you to Wiscasset, we clue you into  several other things to do  in town, including car races at the Wiscasset Speedway.

A trip to pretty Wiscasset can also include art, history, speed

Bagel sandwich with eggs, cheese and pork roll from Dutchman’s Wood-Fired Bagels in Brunswick. Photo by Aimsel Ponti

Want to hit breakfast right out of the park? Make your way to Brunswick for an egg and cheese sandwich from Dutchman’s Wood-Fired Bagels . We’re particularly partial to the one with pork roll and bodega sauce. Your taste buds can thank us later.

Pork roll and bodega sauce on a breakfast sandwich? We’re not in Brunswick anymore

Ling-Wen Tsai, “Rising/Sinking Study Chair,” wood and milk paint, 12 x 12 x 5 inches. Photo courtesy of Corey Daniels Gallery

Farther south in Wells, check out “Life Forms,” a women’s sculpture collective at the Corey Daniels Gallery. You’ll see works by about a dozen artists as you make your way through the exhibit.

Women’s sculpture collective debuts work in Wells

U.S. Navy Band Country Current performing in Tennessee. Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class April Enos

For some Sunday afternoon live tunes, head to Memorial Park in Freeport at 3 p.m. for a free performance by Country Current . The band is the only U.S. Navy country/bluegrass ensemble, and the show should be a foot-stomping good time.

See U.S. Navy band Country Current for free in Freeport

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10 Tours We Can’t Wait to See This Fall

Post malone, pj harvey, and more acts worth braving ticketmaster for..

Let’s not beat around the bush: 2024 has been tough for live music . After record-breaking ticket sales in 2023, post-lockdown spending has sobered up, with audiences splurging more selectively. That is, if they can buy a ticket at all — inflated prices and exorbitant fees, omnipresent scalpers , and harrowing presale queues have made it increasingly difficult to snag even the worst nosebleed seat. As some high-profile artists can attest, if personal issues don’t ruin the tour , poor sales definitely will .

One reason to brave the Ticketmaster website? The exceptional talent hitting the road this fall. There’s something for party girls, artsy goths, and tailgaters alike. So brush up on your concert etiquette and see what the season has in store.

Kacey Musgraves (Sep. 4–Dec. 7)

Reformed wake-and-baker Kacey Musgraves is bringing the folksy self-reflections of her sixth album, Deeper Well , on the road alongside Father John Misty, Lord Huron, and Nickel Creek. Charge your crystals, light your Slow Burn candle, and head down to one of the farmers’ markets where Musgraves will be hosting pop-ups along the route.

Kehlani (Sep. 4–Nov. 2)

While touring 2022’s tenderhearted Blue Water Road , Kehlani realized that they missed dancing . They kept this in mind while recording the joyously sensual Crash , which hopes to get live audiences’ “hearts exploding and the ground’s shaking.” The British girl group Flo and Atlanta rapper Anycia will be on hand to warm the crowd up.

Clairo (Sept. 6–Nov. 8)

Wanna be “Sexy to Someone”? Buy them tickets to catch Clairo perform her lovely new record, Charm . Coastal audiences get first dibs with five nights apiece in Los Angeles and New York, and the entire run features support from singer-songwriter Alice Phoebe Lou. A word to trumpeters: Your services may be needed on “Juna.”

Post Malone (Sep. 8–Oct. 19)

Post Malone had some help this year: No. 1 hits with Morgan Wallen and Taylor Swift, collaborations with country megawatts Blake Shelton and Luke Combs, and a feature on Cowboy Carter to boot. Next, he’ll be hitting the road behind his debut country album, F-1 Trillion . The North American dates include a headlining set at New York’s Global Citizen Festival on September 28.

PJ Harvey (Sep. 11–Oct. 14)

PJ Harvey hasn’t toured since an exhausting 2017 run left her reevaluating music entirely. She will embark on her first North American trek in seven years behind 2023’s beguiling I Inside the Old Year Dying , an otherworldly musical translation of her 2022 folkloric poetry collection Orlam .

Charli XCX & Troye Sivan Present: Sweat Tour (Sep. 14–Oct. 23)

Brat summer may be cooling down, but Charli XCX is just getting started. Charli and her friend and collaborator Troye Sivan — who is finally serving 2023’s Something to Give Each Other Stateside — will gyrate across North American arenas with special guest Shygirl. Prepare your poppers accordingly.

MJ Lenderman (Sep. 18–Nov. 1)

Wednesday guitarist and Waxahatchee collaborator MJ Lenderman is gearing up for a breakout year with his fourth solo LP, Manning Fireworks . For a preview of the 25-year-old shredder’s set, which will inevitably feature insta-classics like “She’s Leaving You” and “Rudolph,” crack a beer and check out 2023’s And the Wind (Live and Loose!) .

Billie Eilish (Sep. 29–Dec. 17)

Billie Eilish’s promotional strategy for her third album, May’s Hit Me Hard and Soft , has largely consisted of eating vegan dishes on various YouTube shows. That changes in September when she begins a world tour. The alternative meats, however, endure: The eco-conscious singer will promote plant-based food and other sustainability initiatives.

Vince Staples (Oct. 14–Nov. 7)

In between securing a second season of his satirical Netflix series, The Vince Staples Show , the Long Beach rapper has been in Europe performing tracks off his latest record, May’s Dark Times . Now, Staples brings the Black in America tour, to, well, America. The shows feature guest Baby Rose.

Cyndi Lauper (Oct. 18–Dec. 5)

Cyndi Lauper’s first major tour in over a decade is also a sayonara. “No more trains, planes, and automobiles for this one here,” she told Kelly Clarkson. Lauper wants the 23-show Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour to feel like a celebration, not a funeral, so start planning your best power-clashing fit now.

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