Small Group Holidays Travel Guide

The essence of a small group adventure holiday is to explore inspiring destinations in the company of like-minded people. The choice of destinations is extensive, and will definitely wet your appetite for adrenalin and adventure!

You have the option to take a trip that focuses solely on your adventure sport of choice, or one that combines several activities.

Whether it's mountain biking in the Pyrenees, white water rafting through the Grand Canyon, Mountain Climbing in Borneo or off-road driving through the Sahara, on a small group adventure holiday your inner-adventure-beast will get the outing it´s been waiting for!

Group sizes on this type of holiday are normally kept low. This helps streamline the experience whether you are travelling from home with friends, or alone. On an adventure holiday you will definitely meet people, and forge new friendships with similar souls, from all over the world.

A small group adventure often utilises the skills and knowledge of local people, and of international experts. Their job is to safely guide you through some of the world's more remote regions, which alone you may find difficult.

So go on, choose your destination, pack your rucksack and your sense of humour, and let the adventure unfold!

Itineraries

Small group adventures rely on intricate itinerary planning. Some travelers frown on this 'control' - but don't be put off by them. Whether you’ve got ten days or three months to travel, prior planning is essential: it helps guarantee you get to do everything.

The other advantage of small groups and proper planning is that your time will be maximized, and your impact on local communities lessened. Small group adventure operators usually hold core company ethics that work to preserve the delicate environments you travel through. They also utilise local people, so they too can benefit from your adventure. All this, and the daily fun packed into your schedule, will see you return home with many great tales of adventure.

Costs

Payments for a small group adventure holiday are usually made in full, and before departure from your home country.

Once travelling, there will be the option on some trips to add activities; these are usually paid for in the local currency, unless otherwise specified.
Essentials such as accommodation, transport and some meals are usually included.

You should always carry some local currency. This will help you pay for the remainder of meals and extra activities, and to pick up interesting souvenirs. Small denomination notes are best for remote regions as larger value notes are often not welcomed - there's not always enough change! Travellers cheques and credit/debit cards are a safe way of carrying money, but don't expect to use your plastic in more remote regions.

Health & Safety

To get the best out of your small group adventure you should be keen to push the boundaries a little. Willing participation in activities is a key part of the group bonding and your overall experience. Therefore, if you have the chance to get a bit fitter prior to departure, it will certainly help enhance your holiday.

Another tip would be to break in any equipment and make sure it fits properly, before you leave home. The classic mistake is to buy a lovely new pair of hiking boots and then leave them in the box until you go travelling. Three hours into a ten-day trek they then begin shredding your feet! Not pleasant. Take a close look at kit lists and test everything before travelling.

Adventure sports involve risk, but that's the exciting part. Insurance to cover all the activities on your holiday should be arranged before you leave.

Once travelling, you will usually be joined by a tour guide who will stay with your group for the duration. They are then joined, en-route, by other adventure leaders to help with the various activities.

Group well-being will be of paramount importance to your tour guide. They will have had extensive safety training and will be very experience in their field. For each activity, you will receive full safety briefings, and equipment where needed to ensure everyone has the best adventure possible.

Eating & Sleeping

The overall holiday price usually includes accommodation and some meal costs. Rooms are often basic – but not in all cases. There could be a mix of low to mid-range hotels, campsites, dormitories and traditional rustic-type sleeping arrangements. At times the availability of amenities might be a bit patchy, but it's all part of 'the spirit of the adventure'.

For single travellers, you might have the option of single occupancy rooms in certain places, or same sex sharing when it is required that you double up.

Most trips will not include all meals in the overall cost price. This suits travellers because it invites you to explore some local cuisine and decide your own budget and menu. If your trip takes you camping, boating, or on safari, meals will usually be provided.

Should you have any special dietary requirements then life ‘in the field' may prove difficult. Travelling in an adventure context takes you out of the big cities. The more remote you go, the more limited the specialist foodstuffs. You should check with your operator before you book.

Other Useful Information

While trotting across the globe, you might need to obtain visas. The visa permits you to travel through that country, for the duration your holiday. If your trip covers more than one country then you'll need to arrange visas for all borders. Any visa dealings are best dealt with prior to departure. The process can sometimes be long winded and it certainly helps if conversations are conducted in your mother tongue - wild hand gesticulations or slightly rubbish pictures on the back of a beer mat won't be enough!