When visiting a new place in the world, we cannot think of a better way to explore that place than with a small group of like-minded travelers. Small group tours offer all the benefits of an all-inclusive vacation with the intimate feel of really experiencing a a culture – its history, geography, food, and music. A small group tour is perfect for single travelers and couples or families alike. Many small group tour operators attract travelers from all over the world – so in addition to visiting a new place, you get to  meet great people from other countries (as opposed to people from your own country).

The following is just a short list of the benefits to small group travel:

1. You don’t feel like a “tourist” in a big bus full of other passengers with hip packs and cameras blaring.
2. Your tour operator takes care of the logistics – transportation, lodging, schedule, activities.
3. There is flexibility. In a small group, you can change the itinerary at a moment’s notice so if there is a street festival or cultural event taking place, you can stop for a few hours.
4. Small groups can take advantage of group rates, so your vacation ends up costing less than traveling on your own.
5. You meet like-minded travelers, and make friends that last a lifetime (and a place to stay during your next vacation!)
6. Small group tour operators can take you “off the beaten path”. Unlike the big bus tour, your tour guide can bring you to local restaurants and other destinations that can’t normally handle larger groups.
7. For camping tours, your tour company provides camping equipment and cooking supplies for your use.
8. The small group tour operator knows local outfitters. This will ensure that all of the optional activities you participate in will be high quality and will offer you an in-depth experience.

For all the benefits of small group travel, there are important questions you should ask your tour operator before booking your holiday vacation.

Do you have a minimum passenger requirement? Many tour companies will not run a tour unless they have a certain number of bookings. In part, a tour with just 2-3 people wouldn’t be much fun for you. You should know whether they have already met that requirement and, if not, how much notice will they provide you that a tour is being cancelled.

Are your tour guides from the place we are planning to visit? If you are visiting China, your tour guide should be from China! If Kenya, it would be great to have a tour leader that grew up in Kenya. Locals have more knowledge about an area, can tell stories about growing up there, and can alter the itinerary to your wants.

Where do we stay during our vacation? Sometimes, small group tours are synonymous with budget tours. But a budget tour shouldn’t mean you stay 15 miles away from a city just to cut costs. Your small tour should put you in the center of the action. If your tour visits Miami South Beach, you should stay within walking distance of Ocean Drive and the Art-Deco district. Where you stay is just as important as the places you will visit.

What is included in the tour price? Be careful when booking your tour. A tour operator might suggest that lodging is included in the price, but that you will have to pay a local supplement for a few nights in a hotel room. Or a gas tax to be paid upon arrival. This could easily increase the cost of your tour by $100. You should also see what activities are included in the price – a tour operator that charges $750 per person but doesn’t include any activities is not as good as a tour company that charges $795 per person and includes over $150 in activities.

Is the staff helpful? If you have a question about your tour, call up the tour operator. They should be helpful in answering all of your questions.

With this information, you should be well on your way to booking a small group tour in your desired destination! Have fun…