"Hi Mom, Having a great time. Please send money!"
It's that time of year when 20-somethings (and countless others) are heading overseas, many for the first time, and many are opting for group travel. Let me qualify that: interesting, engaging authentic travel - not 48 people in a coach bus with buffet breakfasts.
Travelling in a group has many benefits. The top two: security in numbers and lower costs - when you choose the right outfitter.
For some savvy tips to help your 20-something prepare for his or her first group trip abroad - or perhaps for yourself - I turned to the pros, the Canadian travel company Gap Adventures, who have specialized in group travel for more than 20 years. They're experts when it comes to group travel for all ages, in fact, but they've developed a particular sensibility toward younger travellers, so much so that they now offer a style of travel called You Only Live Once (YOLO), packages which cater specifically to the 18 to 39 year-old demographic.
I pitched 10 questions to Star Statulevicius, who has worked as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) at Gap Adventures for almost nine years. You'll find her advice easily applies to travellers of all ages who are considering group travel for the first time.
Gap Adventures Chief Experience Officer Star Statulevicius (Courtesy Gap Adventures)
- So, how do you go about choosing a group tour? What should you look for? To me, the destination is the ultimate 'deciding factor' for which tour I choose. I strongly recommend researching a destination before you're ready to book. It’s also important to review the itinerary and identify what activities and attractions are included.
Another item to consider is the timing of your trip. Every destination has varying climates depending on the time of year.
Finally, your budget. Make sure you figure out how much you’re comfortable spending.
- There are so many destinations to choose from when considering your first trip abroad. How do you choose?Decide where your interests lie. Are you looking for an active trip, or more of a relaxing break? Do you prefer cities, or being off the beaten path? Do you enjoy travelling in a warm, cold, dry or wet climate?
- In your 9 years of travel experience, have you observed any specific issues or challenges that you'd like to share with travellers heading abroad for the first time?Jet-lag is a common problem, especially when travelling east or west. It can be quite challenging for the first few days, so make sure you get enough sleep! Not having enough available funds can be another issue. It's pretty common to spend a little more than you think you will. I always buffer an extra couple of hundred dollars.
Culture shock is another common issue – not knowing what to expect or what will be different. Keep in mind you are visiting a new country where many things including the food, transportation, religious customs, and more, may be different. A common shock are drop toilets!
- How much preparation do you recommend for people joining a group tour, when there's an experienced escort? It really depends on the destination you’re visiting and what activities are included. Any tour that involves a lengthy activity (such as hiking or rafting) requires much more equipment preparation.
You should always visit a travel clinic at least one month prior to travel, and ensure you've checked the visa requirements of the countries.
- Have you picked up any great packing tips over the years?Used or recycled plastic bags are a life saver. They're a great way to separate your dirty laundry. Always bring extra toilet paper and make sure you have wet-naps or hand sanitizer. Don't bring too many pairs of jeans as they're not comfortable for travel. Bring one pair along with a nice shirt to wear out. Less is more and keep in mind you have to carry everything around with you – do not over-pack.
Young Gap Adventure travellers enjoy a fish foot massage in Cambodia (Photo: Courtesy GAP Adventures)
- Do you recommend learning some of the local language before you travel?Yes, always! Learning a few words or phrases will make interaction with locals easier. It's also a sign of respect.
- Okay, I'm sure you've seen every type of behavior and response when guiding group tours. What should travellers NOT to do?Do not be regimented. It’s important to be open-minded and flexible. Remember this is adventure travel and anything can happen! At the end of the day, you’ll have an interesting story to tell and brag about.
- When is the best time to book a group trip through an outfitter such as Gap Adventures if planning to travel in May/June?It’s ideal to book three months in advance. This will give you enough time to research and prepare. However, it also depends on the destination. For example, Peru typically requires booking six months in advance.
- When do you recommend clients should book overseas flights for May or June travel?Flights should be booked as soon as the trip is booked.
- Do you have any other practical tips for 20-something travellers heading on their first group trip abroad?Always inform your bank that you will be travelling so you don’t encounter any surprises. I always recommend bringing a variety of payment options – cash, credit card, debit card and traveller’s cheques. Plus, US dollars are generally accepted in most countries.
Finally, if you intend to bring a mobile data device, speak to your service provider about an appropriate plan to avoid an outrageous bill when you return home.
If you have any questions about travelling abroad, feel free to post them below and we'll see if we can get you some answers!
