Best Small Group Tour Companies for the Over 50s

Travelling with a small group can be one of the most rewarding ways to explore the world, whether you’re a solo traveller seeking connection, an adventure seeker craving unique experiences, or someone who simply prefers the convenience of a guided trip. I know because I have over 20 years of first-hand experience of singles trips

But with so many group travel companies out there, finding the right one can feel overwhelming, especially if you are a solo traveller over 50. In this guide, I share my favourite small group tour companies, comparing their destinations, group sizes, styles, and prices.

If you’re still unsure how to choose the right tour for you, check out my detailed guide on how to choose a small group tour. It covers everything from group size and itinerary style to budget and solo-friendly options.

Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read the full disclosure here.

Quick Comparison Table

My Experiences of Group Travel

It all began in New Zealand on a short Contiki bus tour of the South Island. This was party bus central, and although this was huge fun as a thirty-something, I wouldn’t want to repeat it in my 50s. My liver couldn’t take it.

My next group travel experience could not have been more different.

The place was India, the group tour operator was Bales Worldwide (subsequently acquired by Virgin Holidays), the style was luxury travel for less. Not exactly getting down and dirty with local people, comfortable air-conditioned coaches whisked us from one 5-star hotel to the next.

Subsequent group tours have been more modest, largely travelling with Explore and Exodus Travels and visiting destinations from Iran to Libya, China to Sri Lanka.

My overall takeaway is choosing a company that fits your travel style, preferred group size, and budget makes all the difference. My experience shows that small group tours work best when they balance adventure, local immersion, and the chance to connect with fellow travellers.

How to Choose the Right Small Group Tour

Choosing the right group travel company can make or break your trip. Based on my experience and research, here are the key factors to consider:

• Group Size: Smaller groups (6–16 people) are usually more personal and easier for solo travellers to connect with. Larger groups can feel crowded and less flexible.
• Itinerary Style & Pace: Adventure, cultural immersion, luxury, or activity-focused? Pick a company whose trips match the experiences you enjoy most.
• Destinations: Some companies focus on Europe and Asia, others on global adventure. Make sure your preferred destinations are offered.
• Budget & Inclusions: Compare trip prices and what’s included—flights, accommodation, meals, and activities can vary widely. In my experience, the mid-range price small group tours attract a wide range of age groups from millennials up to retirees. Accommodation tends to be clean and comfortable and, if you are lucky, you will be treated to a luxury stay for a few nights.
• Solo-Friendly Options: If travelling alone, check for companies that offer solo-friendly trips or avoid single supplements.
• Sustainability & Ethics: Look at companies’ environmental policies and local engagement practices.

Best Small Group Tour Companies for Singles Over 50

I’m going to nail my flag to the mast from the outset. Based on my experience, the best group travel companies for singles over 50 are Explore and Exodus Travels.

These two group tour operators offer the following:

There is not a lot to differentiate between Explore and Exodus. Both companies offer well-balanced itineraries across the globe and some of their itineraries are strikingly similar.

However, Intrepid and G Adventures are also worth considering

They offer:

Although I have not yet travelled with G Adventures or Intrepid, I know people who have used both companies and would travel with them again. In recent years, both companies have expanded the breadth of their offerings to attract older customers, with a higher comfort level and premium accommodation.

Company Profiles

Exodus Travel

Overview: Exodus Travels specialises in adventure and activity-focused tours with small group sizes, offering trips across Europe, Asia, Africa and beyond. I used this company when I travelled to Iran, Sri Lanka and Peru.

Pros:

• Small groups (typically 8 -16 people)
• Adventure-based itineraries are strong (hiking, biking, wildlife)
• Solo-only departures offered

Cons:

• Some trips can be physically demanding
• Less emphasis on luxury accommodations, although they do offer Premium Adventures with upgraded accommodation options

Visit the Exodus website for more information

Explore Worldwide

Overview: Explore Worldwide offers a mix of cultural and adventure trips with a strong focus on immersive experiences. I joined Explore tours of Morocco, Guatemala, Cuba, Cambodia and China.

Age demographics: Explore’s group tours attract travellers of all ages. On those that I have joined, ages ranged from 30s to those in their 60s. 

Pros:

• Balanced mix of cultural sightseeing and adventure
• Small group sizes (8–20, average 11)
• Solo-only departures offered
• Trips are classified by pace: full-on, moderate, relaxed

Cons:

• Some tours have fewer luxury options
• Certain destinations may be seasonal

Visit the Explore website for more information

Intrepid Travel (researched)

Overview: Intrepid Travel is globally recognized for small group tours that focus on authentic, local experiences. They offer a variety of travel styles, from adventure to cultural immersion, and many trips are solo-friendly.

Pros:

• Usually small groups (average 10 people)
• Variety of travel styles (adventure, cultural, luxury-lite)

Cons:

• Some group tour sizes are larger (up to 26)
• Some trips can be pricey
• Not all destinations have luxury accommodations

Visit the Intrepid website for more information

G Adventures (researched)

Overview: G Adventures focuses on sustainable, responsible travel and small group experiences. Their tours emphasize community engagement, cultural immersion, and ethical travel practices.

Pros:

• Small groups (average 12 people)
• Focus on sustainable, responsible tourism
• Solo-only tours

Cons:

• Some trips are physically demanding
• Budget trips may have simpler accommodation

Final Thoughts

Sadly, group travel has become synonymous with coachloads of camera-wielding tourists on a mission ‘to do’ a country in a few weeks. This is not necessarily the case.

Yes; there will be some large coach tours that stick to this traditional model of group travel. Equally, there will always be travellers who want to tick off tourist destinations en masse and be taken to restaurants serving familiar food.

I’m not passing judgment on this. What I am saying is that small group travel offers an alternative to travelling in a coach with 40 other travellers. They aim to offer more authentic travel experiences, use local guides and have better eco-credentials.

If you are contemplating travelling alone for the first time, joining a small group tour is an excellent way of doing this in a safe and supported way. Just make sure that you do your homework before handing over any of your hard-earned cash.

If you are unsure if group travel is a good fit for you, look at my assessment of the pros and cons of group tours. Or if you are figuring out how to choose your perfect tour, here’s my small group travel checklist.

About Bridget

Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.

• Facebook
• Pinterest
• YouTube