{"id":2290,"date":"2018-02-20T12:33:49","date_gmt":"2018-02-20T12:33:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/?p=2290"},"modified":"2018-11-14T09:33:22","modified_gmt":"2018-11-14T09:33:22","slug":"beginners-guide-to-group-tours","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/china\/beginners-guide-to-group-tours\/","title":{"rendered":"A Beginner\u2019s Guide To Group Tours"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether it\u2019s China, Vietnam, India or South America that you\u2019re looking to explore, sharing your far-flung journey with a group can be a fantastic travel experience!
\n<\/p>\n

Whether it\u2019s your first-time long haul or you\u2019re a seasoned globetrotter, arriving into a new destination can be an unnerving experience. With a group tour, you get the benefit of qualified guides who have in depth knowledge of your destination as well as getting the chance to discover some of the world\u2019s greatest treasures with a group of friendly, like-minded people.<\/p>\n

Ever wondered how a group tour works, what to expect and how to make the most of travelling with others? We spoke to expert travel bloggers and first-time voyagers alike, answering the FAQs of touring together to create your guide to group tours.<\/p>\n

The Group Experience<\/h2>\n

First Impressions<\/h3>\n

Travel in any guise is about getting out of your personal comfort zone and exploring the unique cultures, history and way of life around the globe. On a group tour, you\u2019ll have the opportunity to do just that with people who share your common interest. Together you can push your boundaries and see another part of the world with the security of a guide that knows your chosen destination well.<\/p>\n

Wendy Wu\u2019s own Daniela had never been on a group tour before she was whisked off to experience enchanting Asia for herself. She tells us about her holiday to China<\/a> and delves into the previously unknown world of social adventures:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe first morning, we all met in the lobby of the hotel and I have to say that everyone was very friendly and chatty. We all had name badges so it was easy to remember everyone\u2019s names. By the time the group tour was 3 days in, I can honestly say that it was like my group was my own extended family!<\/p>\n

\u201cEven though we were all different ages, from different countries and walks of life, we all got on very well and it was lovely to share our experiences with each other. By the end of the tour, I was sad to see everyone go! We still all keep in touch via email.<\/p>\n

\u201cI always had the impression that group tours would be restrictive, but as long as you choose a tour that visits the places you want to see, it is a great way of travelling! The added information from local tour guides was invaluable, and I loved how I didn\u2019t have to research how to get to a certain place as it was all pre-arranged. I just had to worry about what I was wearing and make sure my camera was charged!\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"Daniela<\/a><\/p>\n

Making Connections<\/h3>\n

For many of us, a holiday is a chance to take a break, unwind and let someone else do all the organising. In the case of a group tour, it\u2019s a professional who plans all of the day to day sightseeing and explorations, allowing you to simply show up and enjoy the adventure. All these exciting new encounters, though, are experienced alongside people that you\u2019ve never met before the trip.<\/p>\n

As confident as we\u2019d like to be, those initial introductions can sometimes leave us feeling a little shy. Blogger Charles has journeyed to destinations around the globe including the Americas, Africa and the Far East. Sharing what he\u2019s learnt on travel blog Don\u2019t worry just travel<\/a>, here\u2019s his advice for those just starting out on group tours:<\/p>\n

\u201cBefore I became a travel blogger, I sometimes joined group tours, when I felt too uncomfortable to explore a country alone.<\/p>\n

\u201cI recommend first-timers to be open minded and to listen to other people and their experiences without judging them too soon. Be open minded and friendly and make new friends.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon’t be too scared of the new experiences. Try and do what the tour guide recommends because he knows what his clients like.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Wendy Wu\u2019s Daniela remembers meeting her tour companions for the first time too, adding:<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you travel in a group, remember that the Tour Guide will be meeting you all for the first time as well! They will encourage conversation and will ask lots of questions, so don\u2019t be afraid to get involved.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"Request<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tailoring Your Tour To You<\/h3>\n

Taking advice from your tour guide is a great way to see parts of a country that you might otherwise have missed, but if you\u2019re keen to do some sightseeing at your own pace, tour companies are generally happy for you to break away before returning to the exciting itinerary.<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve decided where in the world you\u2019d like to visit, it\u2019s well worth really doing your research before you decide on a tour in that region. It\u2019s likely, for example, that if you want to experience the diverse culture in a new place, a tour focusing on the area\u2019s nightlife isn\u2019t going to give you that opportunity. Look at what a tour entails, will there be a lot of walking? Are you given the chance to go off the beaten track or will you stay around known tourist attractions? These are just a few questions to consider when identifying your ideal group tour and the types of people you\u2019re likely to be travelling with.<\/p>\n

Zo\u00eb Dawes<\/a>, the voice or \u2018wordsmith\u2019 behind travel blog The Quirky Traveller<\/a>, has not only visited a multitude of far-flung places but has lived in them too, settling in the likes of Greece, Hong Kong and Singapore while pursuing adventures abroad. She describes her time spent on tours:<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve had various experiences of group travel, some good some bad. Good ones are generally smaller groups with like-minded people, sharing an interest in where we visit and also not fussed if people do their own thing now and again.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the best was a group trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands where we all shared a love of the wildlife, ecology, history and culture of the country. The tour company was excellent, it was very well organised and I loved every minute.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"Zoe<\/a><\/p>\n

Before you travel<\/h2>\n

While opting for a tour affords you the luxury of not having to plan daily excursions, find places to dine or book accommodation, many holidaymakers may be feeling apprehensive ahead of their first experience of group travel. These simple tips will help you prepare ahead of departure:<\/p>\n