I thought i would hate group tours. I've learned they make traveling with kids easier, less stressful, and more fun.
From solo travel to family tours
Smith began traveling independently in her early 20s, relying on a guidebook and a loosely planned itinerary. After having children, she continued organizing trips herself, though the work increased and she had to handle problems on her own.
A tour changed that experience. Smith valued having a plan and a local guide to manage logistics, while still having free time. Her children could also spend time with other kids in the group.
Five trips with Intrepid
Smith’s first tour with Intrepid Travel was in Morocco. She later traveled with her family on tours to India, Japan, Jordan and Peru. Families on the trips often helped one another. One evening, other parents watched Smith’s children during dinner and played UNO with them when she was tired. She has also taken other children on side trips, including a visit to India’s Rat Temple, while their parents stayed behind.
Her children quickly befriended other young travelers, and Smith remains in touch with some parents. She says the trips have helped her family make friends around the world.
Less planning, richer experiences
Not having to research hotels or train schedules saved time, Smith says, but the reduction in daily decisions also eased stress. She no longer had to handle hotel check-ins, choose restaurants throughout the day or calculate travel times between stops.
Local guides also helped the family learn about customs and culture. Smith speaks with guides about topics such as food traditions and marriage rituals, while her children ask about school and games. Guides can also translate when the family has questions or needs help.
Compromises along the way
Group trips have not always matched Smith’s preferences. She has gone to restaurants her children were unlikely to enjoy because the group chose them, and she has experienced early starts and long bus rides she might have avoided on her own.
Still, Smith says independent travel also brings imperfections. She considers the advantages of family group trips greater than the drawbacks and is looking forward to taking another one.
Key points
- Smith has taken five Intrepid Travel tours with her family, visiting Morocco, India, Japan, Jordan and Peru.
- Set itineraries and local guides eased logistics and reduced daily planning stress.
- Her children made friends, and families helped one another during trips.
- Early wake-ups, long bus rides and group restaurant choices were among the drawbacks.