Traveling on a group tour can transform a vacation experience. With travel companions built-in, logistics handled, and expert guides leading the way, group travel offers convenience, camaraderie, and cultural immersion. But with so many group tour companies out there, how do you choose the right one?

We spoke with Steve Solosky, founder of Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor, who has been organizing small group trips to Europe, South America, and Canada since 2010. Steve shared some expert tips on what to look for when selecting the perfect group tour.

How to Select the Right Group Tour for You

Choose the Ideal Group Size

According to Steve, the sweet spot for group size is between 10 and 16 travelers.
• Fewer than 10 can limit social interaction.
• More than 16-20 often turns the tour into a slow-moving crowd.

A group of 10–16 strikes the perfect balance—small enough for personalized experiences, yet large enough to make new friends. It also ensures smoother logistics and flexibility during the trip.

Look for Itineraries with Free Time

A common complaint among travelers? Over-scheduled days. “A good group tour,” Steve says, “should build in free time.” This allows participants to explore on their own—whether it’s a local market, an art museum, or a cozy café. Choose tours that blend group activities with personal discovery.

Avoid the Big Bus Tours

Large buses carrying 40+ people can feel impersonal and rigid. Instead, Steve recommends tours that use local transportation like scenic trains, ferries, or small vans, which offer access to off-the-beaten-path destinations.

For example, on the Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands by Scenic Rail tour, guests travel by train to the Isle of Skye, then transfer to a small van for breathtaking scenic views that are unreachable by coach.

Prioritize Personalized Customer Service

Before booking, make sure you can speak with someone knowledgeable about the trip. Ask:
• Is the tour physically strenuous?
• What are the hotels like?
• Can I get help with airfare?
• Who typically joins these tours?

Good customer support ensures you're matched with the right experience, especially if you're a solo traveler, couple, or part of a private group.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right group tour is about more than picking a destination. It's about choosing a travel experience that fits your style, pace, and interests. With the right group size, flexibility, immersive travel options, and personalized support, your next trip can be unforgettable.

If you're looking for a more intimate and enriching group travel experience, consider Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor—where travel is personal.

All photos courtesy and copyright The Traveling Professor, published with permission.