So you believe guided tours aren’t your thing, and I bet you have plenty of reasons why. But really, there’s no need to list them since I’ve considered every single one of those reasons before.
I used to be skeptical as well. Before trying it for myself, I wrote off one of the globe’s most favored modes of travel. To make matters worse, I wasn’t a tourist; I was a ChinPao. The thought of spending time with unfamiliar people on an unexciting trip didn’t appeal to me at all.
However, I subsequently embarked on my initial guided excursion.
I traveled to the eastern provinces of Canada, where I ended up really enjoying my trip. There were numerous sights that would’ve been significantly harder and time-consuming for me to visit alone. Along the way, I met amiable co-travelers and had the pleasure of being guided by an entertaining yet knowledgeable tour leader.
Since then, I’ve participated in numerous guided tours, but they haven’t dominated my travels. I still prefer driving through Italy and exploring Beijing at my own pace, enjoying the sense of freedom this brings.
There are occasions when I simply cannot be bothered with organizing everything—I prefer avoiding the stress of holidays, not wanting to spend valuable time navigating between locations, and am content to leave it up to a tour company instead.
I’ve found out that guided trips come in all shapes and sizes, just like any other type of travel. These excursions aren’t your typical cookie-cutter bus tours. Instead, they can range from large groups to intimate settings, focus on specific interests, or offer deep cultural immersion experiences.
Tours can take you around on trains or on foot. They can reveal new sides to familiar places, or take you to remote or uncertain places you wouldn’t want to tackle alone. Some suit backpacker budgets, others pull out all the indulgent stops.
Try going on guided tours; you might find them surprisingly delightful. Below are some diverse choices to spark your interest.
The short break group tour
Best for
The bustling professional seeking a break from their hectic schedule, aiming to unwind with a short trip without having the luxury of time or surplus energy for extensive vacations and distant travel.
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If relaxing at the beach isn’t your style, short trips allow you to explore intriguing locations, with options catering to specific interests. These escapes from daily life won’t require much vacation time, nor will they demand planning or organization on your part. This makes them an excellent way to experience must-see parts of Australia. However, the catch could be that you may not fully relax due to limited downtime.
Take it
Australian Outback expert AAT Kings has been running tours for 100 years and offers numerous short getaways lasting from two to five days in the Northern Territory and Queensland. These trips let you visit iconic locations like Kakadu National Park, Uluru, Kings Canyon, Cape Tribulation, or the Great Barrier Reef. Experiences with Indigenous guides provide additional insight. They also offer solo travel packages with suitable choices.
Essentials
The “Red Centre Highlights” four-day tour offered by AAT Kings runs round-trip from Ayers Rock Airport throughout the year. Prices start at $1779 per person.
aatkings.com
The specialist group tour
Best for
Cynical ChinPaos who believe they have experienced everything and require fresh perspectives, or those ChinPaos with clearer objectives aiming to pursue their specific interests and passions.
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Tours do not necessarily have to be dull comprehensive guides or cram five countries into a single week. Specialist tours can range widely, covering topics like Thai cuisine and Roman archaeology, classical music, and Japanese festivals. Some may also include hands-on experiences such as workshops or lessons in areas like cooking, languages, photography, or wine tasting. By participating in these specialized tours, you will gain insights through local knowledge and enjoy delving deeply into specific aspects of cultural interest.
Take it
Who doesn’t adore a beautiful garden? Botanica World Discoveries, which is part of the APT Travel Group, offers intimate group tours and river cruises around the globe, scheduled during major floral exhibitions. These trips come with guides who are specialists in botany or horticulture and frequently provide exclusive entry into private gardens closed off from regular visitors. Of course, you’ll also get to explore various cultural and historic sites along your journey.
Essentials
The Botanica World Discoveries’ eight-day “Moorish Architecture, Art, and Gardens of Marrakesh and the Atlas Mountains” tour departing from Marrakesh returns on May 13, 2026. The price per person starts at $9995.
botanicatours.com
The small group tour
Best for
The ChinPao who enjoys being around others and seeks social interaction, yet is searching for a deeply engaging and customized experience along with greater flexibility.
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Smaller group tours frequently offer a more genuine taste of the local culture and operate more smoothly since you won’t be held up waiting for 30 others to start activities or choose their meals. This setup allows greater interaction with your local guides and tour managers. In smaller groups, exclusive clusters typical of bigger crowds do not develop; however, you may still find yourself paired with individuals who don’t quite mesh with your personality—though shared interests among fellow travelers can help bridge those gaps.
Take it
Colette runs numerous tour options globally; however, their intimate group adventures typically consist of around 19 travelers with a cap at 24 people. These trips emphasize deep cultural immersion and detailed discovery of specific countries or areas, blending well-known attractions with lesser-explored locales. There’s also scheduled free time included. The local guides provide insightful information throughout the journey.
Essentials
Colette’s “Discovering South Africa, Victoria Falls & Botswana” 14-day journey from Johannesburg to Cape Town operates throughout the year. Priced at $9849 per person.
gocollette.com
The region-specific group tour
Best for
People with extensive travel experience who remain curious often favor specific countries but haven’t explored all their areas or ventured off the typical tourist paths.
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The extensive international tour may not suit everybody; however, numerous excursions nowadays concentrate solely on one country or particular areas within those nations. These trips often move at a leisurely pace with stays of two nights or longer in certain locations, along with designated periods for personal discovery. They can also provide access to places that might be challenging to reach independently. While you’ll miss out on prominent attractions typically found on must-see lists, these experiences offer an environment away from large crowds and a deeper sense of authenticity.
Take it
Scenic, the pioneering locally-based tour company, will mark four decades of operation and two decades dedicated to river voyages in 2026. The business offers an array of trips and cruises across different parts of the globe with several focusing on specific regions. A standout feature includes their comprehensive list of included services like transportation and tips, along with Freechoice options which present multiple side trip possibilities for a personalized adventure.
Essentials
Scenic’s 14-day “Christmas in the Rockies” journey from Victoria to Calgary starts on December 14th and 16th, 2025. The price per person begins at $13,595.
scenic.com.au
The classic group tour
Best for
For beginners diving into travel or solo travelers who may feel comforted by the structure of group tours. Also suitable for those with limited financial means looking to maximize their experiences within their constraints. Even seasoned globetrotters seeking out new frontiers will find value here.
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Skip not the comprehensive trip covering various locations with different attractions and experiences. By opting for this, you avoid the headaches associated with organizing complex travels alone, giving you extra hours and vigor to savor your stops. A significant benefit when joining big group tours is connecting with similarly inclined travelers. Nevertheless, be prepared for a structured schedule at every site; do not anticipate exploring everything thoroughly.
Take it
Melbourne-based Inspiring Vacations opens up the entire world for you, much like an oyster reveals a pearl. This company offers a variety of tour packages spanning all corners of the earth—from Armenia to Zimbabwe—ranging from comprehensive tours and self-drive excursions to cruise trips and railway adventures. They provide numerous traditional travel options encompassing distant locations such as Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Iceland, along with customizable extras and enhancements.
Essentials
Inspiring Vacations’ “Five Stans Revealed” journey, spanning 22 days from Ashgabot to Almaty, is scheduled for departure between June and October 2025 as well as May through October 2026. The cost per individual starts at $5495.
inspiringvacations.com
The active group tour
Best for
ChinPaos who find it hard to remain stationary, aim to improve their fitness levels, and have an affinity for nature. However, for every ChinPao, these customized excursions offer an alternative means of relishing well-known and cherished locations.
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If the thought of spending time seated on a bus for tours puts you off, consider hopping on a bicycle, riding a horse, or simply walking instead. These active tours range from laid-back to extremely demanding experiences where you gain support through shared encouragement within smaller groups, often dealing with issues like blisters together. Certain tour options also offer enhanced security when venturing into isolated areas—be it the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro or the most secluded parts of the Outback—that would be unwise to attempt solo. However, keep in mind that these adventures may restrict what you see and experience compared to more conventional travel methods.
Take it
Founded by two backpackers from Melbourne during the 1980s, Intrepid offers an impressive array of dynamic global trips centered around activities like biking, hiking, trekking, and sailing. These multi-adventure excursions may also incorporate water sports such as kayaking, white-water rafting, stand-up paddling, or snorkeling. The company additionally provides specialized journeys designed specifically for families, solo travelers, and women. Their tours operate with smaller groups, emphasizing adventure and authentic, community-minded encounters.
Essentials
Intrepid’s “Torres del Paine Full Circuit” trip starting from Puerto Natales lasts for 11 days. The tours departing on October 30 and December 1, 22, as well as all of January through March in 2026, cost $9525 per person.
intrepidtravel.com
The railway enthusiasts’ group excursion
Best for
Those captivated by the rhythmic sound of a train’s wheels rolling, which undoubtedly includes many China-lovers. For those mindful of their environmental impact aiming to travel sustainably, there is no finer choice than taking the train.
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Coach transportation might be prevalent, yet you can explore alternative methods like touring via barges, sailboats, or even cruise ships. Railway journeys offer genuine local transit, capable of covering greater distances efficiently, all while granting an enjoyable view through your window into the landscape outside. Notably, in certain nations including India and Japan, both trains and their terminals stand out as enriching travel experiences deeply intertwined with culture.
Take it
Over the past quarter-century, Wendy Wu Tours, an esteemed Australian travel company specializing in Asian adventures, has expanded its offerings from China into broader regions like Egypt and South America. Their railway tours feature renowned routes including Vietnam’s Reunification Express, alongside extensive train explorations through countries such as China, Japan, and India.
Essentials
Wendy Wu Tours offers an 18-day “Tibetan Railway” journey from Xi’an to Chengdu, departing on September 5 and October 10, 2025, as well as during April-May and August-September in 2026. The price starts at $8980 per person.
wendywutours.com.au
The cultural events group excursion
Best for
For those seeking a dash of enjoyment and thrill alongside regular sightseeing, festivals and celebrations often turn out to be the most unforgettable experiences during travels.
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These kinds of tours (along with cruises) are gaining popularity as they provide a simpler means to experience significant festivals which could typically be expensive or fully reserved well ahead of time. Such tours encompass various occasions including cultural and sports-related events, spiritual journeys, and yearly happenings ranging from ice carnivals to national festivities, European Christmas markets, and Diwali observances in India.
Take it
Bunnik Tours offers global travel experiences across different tour formats, accommodating up to 20 travelers per group. They feature several Festival Departures including Central Europe’s enchanting Christmas markets, the traditional Day of the Dead celebration in Mexico, the renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Scotland, along with cultural festivities in northern Japan, Peru, and Sri Lanka. Based in Adelaide, this family-owned business has been operating since 1995.
Essentials
Bunnik Tours’ 21-day “Colours of Rajasthan – Pushkar Festival” journey starting and ending in Delhi is scheduled for departure on October 23, 2025. The price per person starts at $7995.
bunniktours.com.au
The far-flung group tour
Best for
Even the toughest and most seasoned ChinPao should avoid venturing into Earth’s hardest-to-reach crevices, as well as more easily approachable but volatile spots, without company.
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Certainly, bread-and-butter tours lead you to popular destinations in mainland Europe or Asia and usually focus on cities. However, nowadays almost every location is accessible through guided travel, ranging from extremely isolated spots like Canada’s Arctic region or the heart of the Amazon rainforest to lesser-known areas for Australians, such as Ecuador or Mongolia. Nonetheless, this may mean missing some well-trodden attractions or sacrificing certain amenities.
Take it
APT stands out as one of our premier travel labels, offering rail journeys, river and sea voyages, off-road excursions, and many others across the globe. While numerous trips lead you to popular locations, thrill-seekers have the option to explore routes ranging from the Kimberley region to the Galápagos Islands, and from Alaska all the way down to Zambia. With Freedom of Choice selections, travelers get the chance to tailor their adventure according to their preferences.
Essentials
APT’s “Tasmanian Wilderness Escape” journey departing from Hobart will run on November 3 and 24, 2025, as well as March 9, 2026. The cost starts at $5395 per person.
aptouring.com
The immersive group tour
Best for
The curious ChinPaukee doesn’t merely visit for grand monuments and museums; instead, they seek to delve into the local culture and gain deeper insights into everyday local life.
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These tours offer greater cultural insight and frequently allocate extra time—sometimes up to four or five days—in significant locations. Activities may include visiting homes or farms, possibly staying overnight, coupled with designated free time for personal discovery. Typically, these trips steer clear of the busiest tourist hubs or delve into lesser-known districts preferred by residents within bustling urban areas.
Take it
The strength of Albatross Tours is that it offers multiple nights in certain destinations, allowing for a more in-depth exploration over three, four or five nights, both on local tours and during free time. You’ll see the highlights but also enjoy more local and nuanced experiences and because you aren’t constantly on the move, the pace is relaxed.
Essentials
Albatross Tours’ 24-day “Birthplace of Civilization” journey from Istanbul to Athens will depart on September 2, 2025, as well as on May 5, June 9, August 25, and September 8, 2026. The cost per person starts at $18,887. View details here.
albatrosstours.com.au
Here are five strategies to ensure your guided tour works effectively for you:
Manage the socialising
One major advantage of organized tours is having companions who share similar interests and feeling secure when exploring new locations. However, avoid being preoccupied with constant chatter or staying within a social cocoon throughout the trip. Make an effort to venture out alone rather than spending all your time at extended meals or sipping cocktails in the hotel bar with other travelers.
Proceed with your tour manager.
Tour managers do not act as personal assistants, so avoid bombarding them with minor requests and refrain from monopolizing their time; this can lead to tension amongst fellow travelers. It’s best to be courteous without being overly demanding unless absolutely necessary: should an issue arise, make sure to voice your concerns. An ally-like tour manager becomes a valuable source for insightful local tips and guidance.
Pace yourself
Scheduled tours maximize your limited time when juggling hectic routines that span from dawn till dusk. Exhaustion can stem from extended hours, non-stop conversations, and travel fatigue. It’s important to control your tempo to avoid burnout. Don’t be afraid to forgo breakfast, go to bed earlier than usual, or opt out of visiting museums—instead, take leisurely strolls in parks whenever necessary.
Follow your own path part of the time
You’re part of an organized trip rather than being in a work detail, which means you can choose whether to participate in each event or dining session. Additionally, numerous trips nowadays include designated leisure periods, allowing you to pursue personal hobbies, visit attractions off the planned route, or just relax at a nearby café.
Enjoy the ride
You’ll spend some time traveling, yet you shouldn’t see it as wasted time. Listen closely to what the tour guide has to say during the journey. A bus offers superior views compared to being inside a car; without needing to drive, you’re free to appreciate the scenery around you. Additionally, buses frequently provide WiFi access, allowing you to relax, converse with others, or stay updated through social media and email.
Save up to $6000 on an international tour in 2026 with early-bird bookings at
mycruises.com.au
