Escorted tours come in all shapes and sizes, finds Katie McGonagle
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Is bigger really better, or do the best things come in small packages?
When it comes to guided tours, group size can radically alter the emphasis of a trip, so it’s vital to suss out your clients’ top priorities. Do they want to be one of a handful of like-minded travellers, forging lifelong friendships as they go? Or would they prefer to meet a range of characters and enjoy the camaraderie of a larger group?
We asked a handful of operators how their numbers stack up, with a look at how this affects the activities they include.
SMALL BUT PERFECTLY FORMED
Flexibility is key for small group tours; try getting 40-odd people to jump on a few rickshaws or creep up-close to animals in the wild, and it soon becomes clear why smaller groups have an advantage in enjoying unique, local experiences.
Lisa Fisher, programme manager at Rainbow Tours, where group sizes range from six to 12, says: “When it comes to a tour involving wildlife, the smaller the group, the better. A small group ensures the guide can be heard easily and doesn’t have to make any unnecessary noise, which could disturb wildlife. They can enjoy fabulous wildlife-viewing opportunities as it’s easy to keep everyone together and focused – and they can change their route or plans to fit.”
Journeys of Distinction limits groups to 25. This means it can use boutique hotels such as the Inkaterra Machu Picchu, featured on its Peru in Style itinerary, and include activities such as chatting face-to-face with Maori elders in Wairakei, New Zealand, or hands-on winemaking in Mendoza.
Similarly, G Adventures makes use of local transport, homestays and authentic restaurants thanks to typical groups of 10-12.Getting to know your fellow travellers is the priority for Intrepid, where the average size is just 10. Sales director Daniel
Pawlyn says: “We believe travelling with a small group creates a better experience for passengers; there’s a close-knit group of like minded people to travel with and it means the group can be more flexible and enjoy more authentic, local experiences without overwhelming their destination. It also makes interaction with locals more likely.”
Asia is certainly a favourite for small group tours; Wendy Wu Tours has no more than 28 guests, Cosmos Tours & Cruises limits groups to 12 for destinations such as Vietnam and China, while TransIndus has 12-16 on tours of the subcontinent.
Small-group options are on the rise, with operators introducing them alongside regular ranges. Trafalgar, for example, carries up to 48 on its European tours, but new itineraries for Japan, China and Vietnam have just 20-26, and South Africa a maximum of 12. Collette Worldwide is also adding to its Explorations range, where groups get no bigger than 28, with a nine-day Inspiring Iceland tour (from £2,099), and 15-day Exploring South Africa, Botswana and Victoria Falls (from £4,249).
BIG IS BEAUTIFUL
What if I get stuck with people I don’t like? It’s one of the most common questions, so overcome that fear by suggesting clients opt for a larger group where they are bound to find a few kindred spirits.
Great Rail Journeys and sister brand Treyn favour around 40 for European destinations to ensure a good group dynamic, mix of personalities, and more competitive rates for rail travel and hotel accommodation.
Titan’s average group size is 36 to 40, even operating double or triple departures on some of its cruises and chartered river ships. Agency sales manager Edwina Coppock says: “The larger the group, the greater the economies of scale, meaning lower prices for customers. Generally speaking, Titan can manage small or large groups in excursions; if a group is too large, we can break it down to ensure all clients get the best experience.”
Better buying power is also key in securing a wider range of experiences for clients; Trafalgar, for example, offers exclusive access to the top of Berlin’s TV Tower before it even opens to the public. Cosmos Tours & Cruises, meanwhile, has groups of up to 49 for the US and 40 for Europe, where the destinations are more geared to larger groups.
