Top 5 Myths About Group Travel (and Why They’re Totally Wrong)
- FTLO Team
- Jul 8
- 6 min read
Updated: Oct 3
Maybe you've heard mixed things, or you're nervous about joining a group of total strangers. Maybe you’ve always traveled solo (or not at all), and the idea of hopping on a “tour” sounds too structured, too cheesy, or just not you.
But here’s the truth: modern group travel has changed. It’s not all matching t-shirts and megaphones anymore — especially if you’re choosing the right kind of company.
Whether you're just beginning to explore small group tours for solo travelers, or you're googling things like “is group travel worth it?” or “best group travel companies for millennials”, this is for you. Below, we’re debunking some of the most common myths we hear — and sharing what to look for if you're considering joining a group trip for the first time.
Let’s clear the air.
Myth 1: Group tours are just for 18-year-old backpackers or retired folks on a bus
Sure, those kinds of tours exist. And for a while, they dominated the group travel industry.
But things have evolved.
These days, group travel isn’t just about being carted around to major landmarks or partying till 5am. A new wave of travel companies has emerged that prioritize authentic, culturally immersive experiences with people in your age range. Think boutique group trips for 20-somethings and 30-somethings who want connection, not chaos.
Check the company's social media. Are people your age tagging them in photos? Does the vibe feel like something you'd want to be a part of?
Pro Tip: Check for user-generated content (UGC) - the real photos, not just the glossy stock ones. And don’t be afraid to DM someone who’s been on a trip to get the scoop.
Myth 2: Group travel means no real connections — just a crowd of strangers
One of the biggest misconceptions about group tours is that they’re impersonal — just a sea of people following a guide with a flag. But that’s only true if you’re signing up for a big bus tour.
The best group trips for young professionals are intentionally small. At FTLO, we cap most of our groups at around 14–16 travelers. And that makes all the difference.
With a group this size, you’re not lost in the crowd — you’re laughing over a meal no one can quite pronounce, syncing Spotify playlists, and saying “okay, just one more drink” because the conversation’s too good to leave. You’re getting to know the people, not just the place. You’ll trade socials, make inside jokes, and be surprised by how much you actually keep in touch after the trip ends.
Smaller groups = more meaningful conversations, more flexibility, and way more space to be yourself.
It’s kind of wild how quickly friendships form when you’re exploring somewhere new together, but that’s what makes it so special.
Myth 3: Group tours are overpriced or a waste of money
Look, we’ve seen the $599 “all-inclusive” trips too — and we’ve also seen the surprise costs they don’t tell you about until you get there. Ultra-cheap tours usually come with tradeoffs: bigger groups, long bus rides, and accommodations that feel more like corporate conference centers (or worse — hostel bunk beds) than a place you’d actually want to spend time. Corners have generally been cut.
So before you write off a group tour as “too expensive,” make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. What’s actually included in the price? How many meals? What kind of transportation and accommodations? Are local experiences covered? These details are often missing from lower-priced packages, and they add up fast once you're on the ground.
Curated group travel might cost a little more, but you get a completely different experience — smaller groups, boutique hotels where you only share a room with one other person, locally guided activities that feed money back into the community, and an itinerary designed to connect you to the culture, not just check off landmarks.
At FTLO, we include almost everything upfront (minus your flights to and from, and a few free-time meals). You’ll get a full breakdown of any additional costs before you book — no surprise fees, no pressure to upgrade, and no mystery line items.
And if you're comparing this to planning everything yourself? Don’t forget to factor in the hours of research, bookings, language barriers, currency conversions, and inevitable travel hiccups you’d be handling solo. Your time is valuable too, even if it doesn’t come with a price tag. With a group tour, you get vetted activities (so you don’t get catfished 😂), and a local trip leader who actually knows the area, so you can enjoy your vacation instead of spending it glued to Google Maps or Yelp reviews.
Money tip: If cost is a concern, look for group tours with payment plans — it makes things way more manageable. A little each month gets you closer to the trip and gives you something to look forward to.
Also, check reviews. If you're searching “best group tours for solo travelers in their 30s” or “millennial travel companies with good reviews,” don’t just skim the stars — read what people are saying, especially about communication, value, and logistics. One bad review doesn’t tell the whole story, but if you see the same red flags repeated, take note.
We’ve been lucky to have 2,000+ five-star reviews and counting — just saying 😉
Myth 4: I won’t get enough alone time — group trips sound socially exhausting
We hear this a lot, especially from introverts or first-time solo travelers.
Yes, group travel means you’ll be around people. But it doesn’t mean you’ll have zero alone time. The key is finding a tour company that actually builds space into the itinerary for you to do your own thing, reset, or just wander without a schedule. If the itinerary isn’t clear about this, just ask.
At FTLO, our trips are intentionally designed with one anchor experience per day — something meaningful you can build the day around — and the rest is flexible. Want to opt out of a group activity? Totally fine. Want a private room to decompress at night? We offer single room upgrades for exactly that reason.
Group travel doesn’t have to mean being “on” 24/7. In fact, some of the best moments happen when someone says, “Hey, I’m going to explore this bookstore or go for a walk, anyone want to join?” And just like that, you’ve got your crew (or a solo hour if you prefer).
Myth 5: Group travel just isn’t for me
This is the big one.
“I’m not a group trip person.” (Even one of our own travelers said that, and then totally changed her mind.)
Because group travel today is so much more customizable and diverse than it used to be. Whether you're searching for group tours for solo travelers, young adult travel programs, or adventure group trips for millennials, there's something out there that fits your style.
Some tours are food-focused. Some are relaxed and beachy. Others dive into art, history, or wellness. Want a slower pace? There’s a trip for that. Want to go off the beaten path in Jordan, Morocco, or South Africa? There’s a group for that, too.
It’s not about if group travel is for you. It’s about finding the right kind of group trip.
So, is group travel worth it?
If you want to see the world without the stress of planning every detail — and actually experience new cultures with locals instead of just near them — then yes, group travel might be exactly what you’re looking for. You’ll show up solo, but leave with new friends, shared memories, and maybe even future travel plans.
At FTLO, we run small group trips for solo travelers in their 20s and 30s. Each trip is designed to balance social connection, cultural immersion, and personal freedom, with a little spontaneity sprinkled in. Whether you’re traveling solo for the first time or just ready to try a new way to see the world, we’ve got you.
Check out our upcoming trips, or fill out a travel profile and we’ll help match you with the right destination.
Because you don’t have to wait for someone to go with, your next adventure crew is already out there. ❤️
