Group Travel in Europe? Yay or No Way?

Why I changed my mind about Group Travel.

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Tropea, Italy

My independent mindset in life stretches to my travel style: I don’t like to be a cliché or have limited choices.   I’ve looked in disdain at the crowds of obvious tourists following the guide holding the baton high or huddled in a group blocking the path. I took several trips with travel advisors this year and found being with others to be a lot at times.  Who would consider doing that as a vacation?!?

However, as a travel advisor, I see the numbers of group travelers continue to rise each year.  Group travel is also continuing to diversify so there are opportunities for a variety of travel types.  Some group tours are now only 10 -15 people which is just an extended family or a group of friends.  Despite traveling for work with groups of travel advisors, I had never been on a group trip. So I booked a group trip to Paris and asked my friend Ann to join me.  I discovered there is a lot to like about the experience.  

Value Meets Enrichment

First, the practicalities of economics and time. With airfare, hotels, and dining prices climbing, many travelers are searching for ways to stretch their budgets without sacrificing adventure. Group travel offers a smart alternative: bundled accommodations, transportation, and curated experiences at a lower overall cost.  Beyond savings, it delivers something priceless—shared discovery and access to hidden gems that even seasoned travelers might overlook.  Guided tour companies dig deep in the regions to cultivate local relationships so they can offer unique experiences. Travelers gain access to experiences like guided museum tours, countryside excursions, and private cultural events that would be

costly to arrange independently. During my visit to Calabria, Italy, the hotel arranged a traditional dance performance and fireworks because of their relationship to our guide.   Even she was caught by surprise!   Rising costs don’t have to mean fewer adventures; they can inspire smarter choices.

Your time is valuable.   A group tour provides a framework and structure for your trip.   The big items are organized for you:   key tours and experiences, lodging, transfers.  This reduces stress and time making decisions.    Are you accustomed to being an independent traveler, and worry that every minute is planned? Group Tour operators recognize the value of free time and exploration.  Are you still wondering how that works? Let me give some details about my Collette Spotlight on Paris Tour in August 2025.

The format of the tour still allowed me and Ann to explore every afternoon and evening.    Each morning, we had a tour of key areas: Louvre, Versailles, Montmartre with amazing guides.  We learned so much and our guide did not carry a big sign or baton.   We did have an earpiece so we could hear all the details.  That was great as these are all major tourist sites and crowded during the summer.  Being in a group meant that we did not wait in line at the sites or fumble with tickets.  After the tour, Ann and I would head off on our own for hours.  We had a bit of a list and a plan but there were plenty of detours along the way. We didn't return to the hotel until close to midnight; Paris on a summer night is glorious! We also had an entire free day until a group dinner.   If one is traveling solo or new to Europe, the group leader might organize an informal outing or provide suggestions and instructions. New friendships were also made and explored together.  There were 3 group dinners: introduction dinner, dining on the Seine and dining at the Eiffel Tour.  The last two were options that I would have explored on my own.  Being on a tour meant I didn’t spend time trying to track down the reservations.  I still had plenty of time to eat plenty of wonderful food in Paris on my own.  I still have more I would like to see and do in Paris because a week is never enough.    The Collette Spotlight on Paris Tour was a delight and convinced me that even I can enjoy group travel.

Europe Through Different Group Travel Styles

The key to enjoying Group Travel is selecting the right one.    Not all group tours are the same. Each has unique styles, client base age ranges and activity levels.   Working with me at Plaid Suitcase Travel helps you determine the right fit for you.   Group Travel ranges from classic coach tours while others integrate river cruises and small ship journeys.   Group Travel operators are trending more to small group explorations.  Smaller groups dive into off the beaten path destinations like the Balkans or rural Tuscany, while still offering premium inclusions.  Certain companies emphasize immersive experiences. Their itineraries connect travelers with authentic local life. These curated touches transform familiar destinations into fresh discoveries.

The age range for group travel is also much wider than more people realize.    Tauck Bridges have rolled out escorted aimed at families with children.   Wouldn’t it be a better vacation if you weren’t managing all the details and could simply relax too?  Plus, with other kids on the tour, there is the opportunity to kids to make new friends and stay occupied!  Sounds great to me!  Many tours have multi-generational components so everyone from grandparents to older elementary are traveling together.   We had three such family groups with us on our Collette Spotlight on Paris Tour. Other well known operators include Globus which has options at a variety of price points and CIE Tours which is well known. The key to having a fantastic time on a group tour is to select one that fits your interests and travel style. Having a travel advisor like me will allow you to understand which one is a good fit.

The Plaid Suitcase Perspective

At Plaid Suitcase Travel, our philosophy is simple: travel should be both accessible and inspiring. Group tours in Europe embody that balance. They allow you to savor the continent’s art, history, and landscapes without the stress of piecing together every detail yourself. Group travel opens doors to shared memories and hidden treasures—at a smarter price point.

Independent travel offers unmatched freedom, but even the most independent adventurer can benefit from a group tour now and then. Travelers gain fresh ideas from fellow adventurers, enjoy a balance of companionship and personal time, and often save money on costly or logistically challenging destinations. Small groups also provide added safety and peace of mind, especially in unfamiliar places.  Still skeptical that group travel could work for you?  The best tours, like Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor,  keep groups under twenty people, offer built-in free time, and match your travel style. Even if you love traveling alone, one small group experience can open doors to new friendships and discoveries.  

Ready to Explore?

Let Plaid Suitcase Travel help you find the perfect group journey across Europe. Whether you’re planning for a family, a group of friends, or joining solo, we’ll match you with the right style of trip to match your budget and interests. A trip is a wonderful way to make new friends and new memories. I love the Wayne Dyer quote "Take a few minutes of everyday to fantasize how you would wander, travel or explore...." I hope this post has given you some things to think about how your next trip will unfold!