Some people tell us, "I would never go on a small group tour!" and we understand why.  On a small group tour, time is structured and a group can only move as fast as its slowest traveler.  But even if a traveler loves their independence, there are reasons to go on a small group tour, even if it is just once or twice.

Great Travel Ideas:  When travelers get together they usually share their travel experiences.  For instance, The Traveling Professor has put together a community of women travelers who have shared their experiences with others.  Some of the best travel ideas we have heard are from people who told us about their travel experiences.

Companionship:  The Traveling Professor traveled solo for about 10 years and loved every minute of it.  But now and then it was a good idea to meet up with a group for dinners or events.  By joining the right small group travel tour that allows a traveler plenty of free time with programmed travel plans, the solo traveler can have the best of both worlds.

It Can be Cheaper:  But isn't the expense of paying a small group travel company to put together a tour just too much?  Not really.  Some tours lend themselves to traveling as a group.  For instance, it is very expensive (and possibly difficult) for a solo traveler to rent a car in Norway, Iceland or for countryside tours like in the Loire Valley of France.  But going as a small group takes all that hassle and expense away.  

Everything is Taken Care Of:  Train tickets, entrance tickets, guides, transportation, hotels and more are all done.  Just get to where you are going and enjoy.

Safety:  Someone once told me, "safety in numbers" and that's what group travel can afford the person who is used to traveling solo.  Some places are safer than others, but traveling in a group almost guarantees that someone knows where you are and if something went wrong.

What makes a good small group tour?  The legendary traveler Arthur Frommer once personally told me that large group tours are "death".   A small group of 20 persons or less ensures a fast-moving tour minimizing the waiting around time.   Another thing when taking a small group tour is find a group that you feel comfortable with.  For instance, you might be interest in traveling in women's only tours, or those with English speakers only.  You may not want to go on a small group tours with kids.  So find out what the age bracket of your tour is.  Find a small group tour company that will tell you exactly what the make-up of the group is.   If you are a solo traveler, make sure that the small group tour has plenty of opportunities for free time or meals on your own.  

So, even if you are independent and like to travel alone, every now and then it might be a good idea to tag along with some others.