Small Group Travel: Choosing to Be Intrepid

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Recently, I chose to do a small group tour with one of the biggest providers out there – Intrepid Travel.  Why?  I’ll explain my decision points below.  (To spoil the ending, yes, I’d totally recommend this company, although there are things to keep in mind.)

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Considering Small Group Travel?

Do you ever get tired of putting so much effort into logistics when you really just want to explore new places?  I was there.  I wanted to travel, but without quite so much thinking.  Luckily, small group tours can make that happen. 

I’d always thought a group tour would be a good option for central Europe. The currency changes in most countries, as many European Union nations haven’t been able to switch to the euro.  The language changes in each new country as well.  And although trains are easily accessible throughout most of the region, sticking to trains would mean almost all my (limited) time would be in cities. 

Note: I’ve always wanted to visit Auschwitz. This historic site (near Krakow) makes the most sense when incorporated into larger trip covering eastern Europe, or at least Poland/Germany, because it isn’t easily accessible from a major international airport. So for me, Krakow definitely would be one destination.  

Now, I’m not saying that big bus companies can’t be fun for some, but they’re not an option for me. I don’t like crowds, even on my best days. And usually, to cater to typical interests and reduce confusion, there are many planned activities with little flexibility. This doesn’t fit my travel interests, so I kept my focus on small group tour companies like Intrepid and G Adventures.

Choose Your Own Adventure (Company)

First of all, Intrepid Travel and G Adventures aren’t the only two in the game. They’re just probably the biggest, offering great itineraries globally. There are other companies with fewer options or with more specific niches that might be well worth looking into. 

This includes some luxury lines. And those are neat and all, but I am not their target customer.

There are certainly other small group tours out there for specific geographic areas and interests.  For example, I do use a birding company for tours to see birds and even general wildlife, but I wouldn’t go that route if general/cultural tourism was my interest. And while Intrepid does offer foodie itineraries, there are definitely other options for exploring food, wine, and cooking. Always check out your options and definitely don’t assume that a company that is best for one trip is best for ALL trips. 

No single operator is going to be the best at all the things.  If you need specialists, don’t go with generalists. And vice versa.  It is always a good idea to evaluate your options, period.

But the reason these two companies are a great place to start is that they have loads of options – from general exploration to niche adventure sports, from backpacking budgets to luxury accommodations. It can almost be overwhelming if you’re not sure what you want.  But if you have a destination or activity in mind, the varied itineraries provided by these companies can be a tremendous asset in identifying your perfect adventure.

Plus many of the itineraries incorporate flexibility and free time, allowing your to make your tour as generalized or specialized as you like.

Why I chose intrepid

This is quite the rabbit hole: the G vs. Intrepid debate.  Some basic knowledge that isn’t terribly helpful in any way: 

• G is based in Canada; Intrepid is from Australia. 
• Their prices are comparable, with G probably winning that battle more times than not (but barely). 
• Both have small groups, but Intrepid’s tend to be smaller. 
• Each company offers different styles of tours – different budgets, activity types, demographic targets.
• Both try to use local guides with few exceptions.

Note:  “local” is usually defined by the general region. With multi-country itineraries, you don’t switch guides at every border (although you might if your tours are actually multiple itineraries scheduled back-to back.  Basically just a reminder to be reasonable, folks!

With each company, there might be cruises, treks, or other adventures… but there are also family options, food tours, or typical city-based tours (which was my choice this time).  In many ways, they seem so very similar.  Honestly, most of the podcasts I’d heard discuss group travel seemed to lean toward G – but then, most of my podcasts might have been based in North America and could just reflect a geographic bias.

So I read plenty of blogs and reviews of both companies before deciding which company to use.

Cost and Comfort

Each company offers various price levels based on the “comfort” of the tour.  As comfort goes up, so does the price.  The lodging might change from tents or hostels to nicer hotels.  The transport might change from local buses to private shuttles or trains.  You might have a basic tour with only a few breakfasts included or a premium tour with many of the meals pre-booked.

Costs are overall fairly comparable for these companies, so it’s hard to say one is distinctly a “winner” in this comparison.  G Adventures might tend to be slightly more affordable, but it’s so close as to be negligible.  And in some cases, Intrepid does seem to be the better deal.  If the price is very similar, though, the more important thing to consider might be… actual comfort.

The general feedback seems to be that both companies tend toward using local businesses for lodging, which is great for having a positive impact during travel.  Unfortunately, the reviews indicated that G might use overall cheaper options and favor hostels while Intrepid provides a bit higher quality lodging.  This is keeping in mind that a basic tour will have basic lodging with either company, meaning both certainly do use tents/hostels when the itinerary specifies it.

The Single Supplement

Ugh.  The dreaded single supplement.  The loathed 100% surcharge for… not having a life partner (at least, one who likes to travel)?  or not having friends with enough time/money to joing you?  or… I dunno, just daring to want to enjoy life by yourself?

Whatever the reason, some of us travel alone.  And often, we expect to see our price go up as a result.  It’s just the result of most prices (especially lodging) being based on double occupancy.  We all know that’s how it works.

But luckily neither of these companies is quite so draconian in their pricing schemes.  THANK YOU to them, for being reasonable.

Basically, they’ll put you in a room with someone of your same gender if you’re traveling solo.  And if there’s not another traveler to pair you with, then you just get your own room!  (This is assuming an itinerary that doesn’t heavily rely on hostels or dorm-style accommodations.)

If you want a guaranteed private room, each itinerary varies in terms of the cost but it is generally not remotely 100%.  You’ll want to ask early for a single setup, and there will be a specified supplement for the request.  Availability will vary and there might be some exclusions.

Also, cruises are probably grossly different… because they’re cruises.  Ships almost always charge double, or nearly that, for the loss of that second berth.

Itinerary Options

These are very, very comparable for both companies.  It’s just a matter of whether your interest is specific and the dates/cost of the options provided.

I looked at both, and for my very specific interest in Central Europe, Intrepid was the clear winner (for me):

I will admit that, overall, the itineraries I considered were very similar.  They diverge in that (1) G uses more trains for faster transit, but loses some of the less traveled destinations in the process, and (2) G adds a couple days in Berlin.

For some, this faster travel might be a point in G’s favor.  And travel with G would have given me a “new country” with Germany.

On the other hand, Intrepid took me to the Owl Mountains (Gory Sowie) in Poland and also to the High Tatras in Slovakia.  These stops were the primary reason I preferred Intrepid’s itinerary over G Adventures.  It is just much more likely that I’ll visit Germany on my own someday, or as part of another trip, whereas Slovakia is a bit more unique as a destination.

This is just an example that is very specific to me, but the principle holds true for most trips you’d consider with these companies.  It is very likely they will offer very similar options/destinations.  You might pick a tour based solely on the itinerary, but you could end up choosing the company knowing that either will provide a great tour option for you.

The Group Leader

You’re gonna get a group leader. Someone who knows every area you’re going to. Someone to give you recommendations for activities and restaurants.  Someone to try to keep the group dynamic positive and happy. Someone to provide a walking tour (or similar) of each new destination, so you can get your bearings. Someone to help with any transitions – like figuring out where to get some local currency or buy some toothpaste.

The group leader isn’t there all the time, but is full of knowledge and always available to help when you need it.

This is the same for both companies.  Both try to provide a leader with local knowledge – someone from the general area (which might be a region, rather than a specific country).

Although reviews of both companies were generally good (and there are absolutely people who recommend and have had great experiences with both companies), the most negative reviews I read about G Adventures were related to very bad experiences with the group leaders.  Reviews seemed to reflect more consistency and overall positive experiences with Intrepid.

The Smallness of the Small Group

And, for me, the most important factor – the actual group you will be spending your hard-earned vacation time with!

On the G site, I saw that the maximum group size was 16.  For Intrepid, the maximum group size was 12.

This is specific to my tour, of course.  Some change depending on the adventure type and comfort level of the tour.  But on the whole, this remains true:  The Intrepid Adventures group size tends to be smaller than G Adventures.

And this is honestly the primary factor in my choice of Intrepid over G Adventures.  For me, because I’m like this, group size is the deal-breaker. And Intrepid has a smaller group size.  Period.  Game Over.

A Conscious Bias

I’ll admit one thing.  I’m kinda old.  Maybe not “old” in a practical sense, but old in the realm of travel media. Meaning, I do not aspire to being a “nomadic” anything.  I do not refer to any of my travels as “backpacking” unless mountains and tents are involved. And lodging (aside from tents) that don’t have private baths are not really a consideration for me.

My budget is firmly in the ballpark of “moderate”, with some things being thrifty and some things being splurges. I don’t do group lodging because my interests align more with sleeping than with socializing.  I do not explore the local clubs/music scene/bars.  I go to bed by 10pm.  I go birding. I explore before 7am specifically to see cities without crowds of people.

Why do I emphasize all this stuff that makes me seem really antisocial and not fun at all?  Well, because I might have the impression that the average customer with G Adventures skews a bit younger.  That they might market to a demographic that does not include me.  That despite their diversity in itineraries, they’re still primarily geared toward a group of people exploring during a “gap” year… and that person is not me.

And, that is probably a false narrative, at least for many G Adventures trips.  So don’t be like me.  Keep an open mind and give operators a fair shake, based on the information you find.

But what I found didn’t really convince me that I was *wrong*, necessarily, so I don’t feel bad about choosing Intrepid.  And it seems that Intrepid might skew toward more mature folks, with an average traveler being 40ish.

A Related Note: Travel Styles

Both companies provide age-restricted tours.  If you don’t meet their age limits, you just can’t join those.  If you do meet those age limits, you still might not want to join them if you are a raging introvert who appreciates sleep.  (See?  There’s my bias again…)

G does provide age-restricted tours for 18-30somethings.  For Intrepid, they’ve narrowed that age gap, with age-restricted groups serving those aged 18-29 years.

But I have it on good word that groups tend to skew younger when they’re more affordable, so avoiding the most basic travel styles will probably steer people like me to a more age appropriate group.

For Intrepid, there are 4 travel styles:

1. Basix – still includes lodging and transport, but lots of local transport and group lodging is more likely. Very few included meals or activities, you’ll need to budget for all the things you want to do/see/eat.  Lots of free time; or
2. Original – upgrade to typical hotel rooms, usually with an en suite bath.  A mix of local/public and private transportation.  Most meals not included, although many breakfasts are provided.  Lots of free time for your own interests or arranging group meals/tours; or
3. Comfort – continue to level up your accommodations and lean into more private transport.  Includes a few more meals and activities; or
4. Premium – Nice accommodations with at least one super highlighted hotel stay, private transport throughout the trip (if possible) and many included activities.  All tips (except main leader) and private airport transports are included.  You’d better like the included activities, though, because the free time on these itineraries is pretty limited.

Although the above is specific to Intrepid, similar travel styles are provided with G Adventures.

I had a great trip with Intrepid in the “original” category and probably wouldn’t consider “Basix” as an option, given my own travel interests and general “grumpy old lady” outlook on life.

Final Decision

Small group travel might be an awesome option because –

• The security of being with an established company is a great thing.  If you suffer from anxiety, this can be a tremendous asset.
• These are not big bus tours.  You will not be following anyone wearing headsets with a herd of 50 others wearing the same tshirt.
• Small group tours are the convenience of hotels and transport being arranged for you, so you can focus on the destinations and all the awesome activities you want to experience while you’re there.

A small group tour is definitely worth considering if…

• you don’t have a travel partner, but you’re too nervous to go solo; and/or
• you’re a planner, so spontaneous travel does not excite you; or
• you just want someone to deal with all the logistics so you can focus on vacation; or
• you really like the idea of having a reliable group leader with you to call upon, if an emergency pops up; or
• heck, you actually want to socialize while traveling and meet new people…

I looked at reviews and itineraries and all the above factors… and I chose Intrepid.  That’s not going to be the same for everyone.  Heck, it might not always be the same for me, although it’s my most likely choice (assuming factors like group size remain the same).  Honestly, I’ll still use birding companies more than general travel providers. But for many destinations, the convenience of having so many arrangements handled for me will make small group travel a worthwhile option.