Morocco Uncovered group tour with Intrepid.

I’ve always been an independent traveller at heart, but sometimes, a group tour is the best way to experience a destination. Whether it’s for safety, accessibility, or simply because I don’t have the time to plan a much needed break, I occasionally opt for group travel.

But not all group tours are created equal. If you’ve ever found yourself on a massive coach tour with 50 other people, spending more time in transit than exploring, or being dragged from one souvenir shop to the next, you’ll know how important it is to choose the right group tour for you.

So, how do I select a group travel company? Here’s my personal checklist to ensure I get the best experience possible.

1. Group Size Matters

One of the biggest deal breakers for me is the size of the group. I avoid large coach tours like the plague… too chaotic, too impersonal, and nearly impossible to ask questions or have meaningful interactions.

For a more intimate and immersive experience, I look for small group tours with 12-14 people or fewer. This allows for better access to guides, flexibility in the itinerary, and more authentic local experiences.

Making friends on a yoga retreat in Sri Lanka with Journey With Jess Jones Yoga.

2. Travel Style & Transport

How you get around on a group tour can make or break the experience. Some questions I ask myself before booking:

Is the itinerary packed with long transit days? Spending half your trip on a bus, train, or plane can be exhausting. I check travel times to ensure I’m getting quality time at each destination.
What modes of transport are included? I’m not a huge fan of cruises, but I do love unique boat experiences… like sailing on a felucca down the Nile River in Egypt. I prefer a mix of local transport, short flights, and scenic overland travel rather than spending days on end stuck in a vehicle.

3. Accommodation Standards

Gone are the days when I’d happily stay in hostels with 12 strangers in a dorm. But I also don’t need five star luxury when I barely spend time in my room.

Since group tours are fast-paced, I focus on location over luxury. If I know I’ll be out all day and only using my room to sleep, I don’t want to pay extra for a fancy resort I won’t have time to enjoy. However, I do prioritise authentic accommodation experiences. For my recent trip to Morocco, staying in a traditional riad was a must, so I specifically looked for a tour that included this.

4. The Itinerary & Free Time

One of my biggest frustrations with group tours is wasted time. I like structured itineraries with a purpose… not endless visits to touristy markets or days spent shopping. While some markets can be culturally enriching, I don’t want my trip to revolve around buying souvenirs.

That said, I do appreciate well-placed free time. If a tour includes unstructured days, I make sure they’re in places where I can fill the time with experiences I actually want… whether it’s exploring a city, or going on an extra adventure.

5. Authentic Local Experiences

For me, travel is about culture, history, nature, food, and people. I seek out tours that prioritise:

Local guides: They offer deeper insights and create more authentic experiences.
Cultural immersion: Home stays, local dining, and traditional activities.
Responsible tourism: Companies that give back to the communities they visit.

I recently chose Intrepid Travel to travel around Morocco. They stood out because of their commitment to hiring local guides and supporting local communities and businesses.

6. Physical Activity Level

As an active person, I don’t want to be sitting on a bus all day. I make sure the tour I pick has an active element, whether that’s walking tours, short hikes, or outdoor adventures. If a tour involves nothing but sightseeing from a vehicle, I know I’ll feel restless and frustrated.

Yoga retreat in Sri Lanka with Journey With Jess Jones Yoga.

7. Reviews & Social Proof

Before booking, I do a deep dive into reviews:

Official reviews on the company’s website: But I take these with a grain of salt.
Social media tags: Checking tagged posts on Instagram and Facebook gives a real-life look at past participants’ experiences.
Independent travel forums: Sites like TripAdvisor can provide honest insights.

If a company has very few reviews or no real customer content on social media, I consider it a red flag.

8. The Influencer Trip Debate

A growing trend in travel is influencer-led trips. These can be a fantastic way to experience a destination, but they’re not all created equal. Some influencers genuinely curate amazing itineraries and ensure their guests have a memorable experience. Others are more focused on their own content creation than the people who paid to be there.

I’ve done one influencer-led trip before, and the itinerary was great. On this trip, the influencers genuinely cared about ensuring the group had a great experience.

If you’re considering an influencer trip, make sure:

The influencer is engaged with the group, not just focused on their own photos.
The trip is organised by a reputable travel company to ensure smooth logistics.
Reviews from previous participants are genuinely positive.

9. The “X-Factor”… My Go-To Tour Companies

From all my research and experience, two tour companies consistently stand out to me:

Intrepid Travel (Australian based): Focuses on cultural immersion, small groups, and sustainable travel.
G Adventures: Known for responsible tourism and adventure-packed itineraries.

I' haven’t travelled with G Adventures yet, but based on everything I’ve heard and researched, they align with my style of travel.

For my recent Morocco trip, I chose Intrepid Travel. Their itinerary strikes the perfect balance between history, adventure, and local culture… plus, they hire local guides and ensure a positive impact on the community.

Is a Group Tour Right for You?

Group tours aren’t for everyone, but they’re great if:

You’re travelling to a destination where safety is a concern.
You want to maximise your time and get more experiences for less hassle.
You don’t enjoy solo travel and want to make friends along the way.
You don’t enjoy the stress of planning and want everything organised for you.

Even as someone who loves planning my own trips, I sometimes just don’t have the mental bandwidth to do it all. When life gets hectic, it’s nice to have someone else handle the logistics while I just show up and enjoy the experience.

Now, I’d love to hear from you!

➡️ Have you ever done a group tour?

➡️ What do you look for when choosing a tour company?

➡️ Any amazing (or terrible) experiences you want to share?

Drop your thoughts in the comments, I’d love to chat!

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Disclosure: This blog includes affiliate links. I will be paid a commission if you use these links to make a purchase.

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