As much as 40 percent of the population has never traveled outside of the United States.

If the uniqueness of the experience compared to other citizens isn't enough to get you on a plane, perhaps the rich culture, breathtaking views, and once in a lifetime opportunities may do the trick.

Whether you're a part of the 40 percent or a well-seasoned traveler, you should consider taking a guided tour. Taking a guided group tour, with a professional company such as Private Tours of Scotland (if that's where you're headed for example) can enhance your travel experience in many ways. It can save you money, time, and stress, while providing expert guidance, unique experiences, and opportunities to build lifelong friendships.

Keep reading to find out more about the benefits of small group tours travel.

Small Group Travel May Save You Money

It might not feel like it when you look at the prices of group tours but there are a few things to keep in mind.

Depending on the tour, the price may include travel expenses, museum and park entries, lodging, and food. 

When you travel alone, you're paying for all of this, plus public transportation, gas, and so on. 

Group tours also tend to get discounts from local businesses because they bring people there often. 

If it seems like too much to bite off at once, many tour companies offer installment plans.

Once you book your trip, you don't have to budget for anything that's included in the itinerary. It's all included. 

They Save You Time, Too

If you want to have a stellar trip, you're going to have to do a lot of research and planning.

Unless, of course, you leave the details up to tour professionals.

Guided group tours also allow you to do a lot in a short amount of time if you choose one with a packed schedule.

Using group tours takes the stress away from planning a trip, allowing you to focus your energy on other things in your life leading up to the adventure.

They save you time during the trip as well because you won't have to rifle through maps and reviews before going somewhere. You won't have to wait in ridiculous lines at popular attractions, either.

You'll just relax and follow the way.

Guides Are Experienced and Knowledgeable

Your tour guide has been everywhere that they're taking you more than a few times.

They will know the routes and the background information to enrich the experience.

Often, they live like a local in the country you visit, meaning they'll be able to offer you insights that you can't read online. 

You'll Do Things You Never Would Have Done

Well, maybe you would have done them, but not with as much ease.

For many activities, such as action sports, a guide is required. This is the case for white water rafting, for example.

Without your trusted guide, it would be a struggle to try these new things.

Additionally, there may be things on the itinerary that you wouldn't have chosen to do yourself. At first, this may seem like a drawback.

In reality, it's an opportunity for you to see new places and grow into new interests.

You can, of course, choose a tour that has a schedule you would've made yourself. If you don't, however, you're leaving room for yourself to have unique experiences.

It's common for small group tours to go to classic landmarks or places, like the Great Wall of China (you can't miss the renowned opportunities). It's equally as common for the trip to have off the beaten path activities as well.

Small Group Tours Build Lifelong Friendships

If you're traveling around with people for multiple days, you're bound to meet new people and connect.

You may be surprised to find similar interests with your fellow travelers that you wouldn't have known without the tour. You can meet people when traveling solo but it's often not as easy as when you're with a small group of people for a whole trip. 

These relationships can last beyond the trip itself, growing your network of friends around the globe.

One important friendship to build is with your tour guide. When there's downtime or gaps in the program, be sure to get to know them for who they are. 

Ask them questions and engage with them. You never know if you'll hit it off and visit them again someday.

Group Tours Are Safe and Comfortable 

This is especially true when traveling to countries that are considered "dangerous".

You can have the confidence that your tour guide wouldn't take you to a place that's not safe for tourists. This is especially helpful in countries where people speak different languages, as your guide will serve as a translator.

In addition to being safer for your person, group tours may be safer for the environment. Think about it: you're sharing transportation instead of driving separate cars and eating the same meals, which results in less food waste.

Aside from safety, guides can also help you feel more comfortable and at ease in a different culture. They can give you the lowdown on local customs, things to avoid, and how to act so that you respect the people who live there.

Your Options Are Endless

Throw out what you think a group tour is.

There are many types of experiences that cater to any type of person. You can choose one focused on hiking, one that's slower-paced and less eventful, or one that's focused on a certain demographic, like young women.

You can find  guided group tours that fit your needs and desires in terms of accommodations, transportation, and opportunities. 

Do Your Research

To make sure you find what's right for you, keep an eye out for companies that fit your needs.

This may include things like:

●        Activities on the itinerary

●        Cost (all-inclusive or not)

●        Group size

●        Locations visited

You'll also want to make sure to find a quality company that is clear about what they're offering, exercise expectations and cancellation policies.

Adventure On

You may have noticed that we didn't include any cons to small group travel. That's because there are very few, and even of those, they can be viewed as a benefit.

For instance, one of the cons could be that you don't want to look like a tourist.

The truth is, you're already going to look like a tourist in many countries you visit because of the way you act, the way you look, and the way you speak. At least with a group, you'll have the comfort of other people who are also different.

Explore small group tours travel options from your own perspective. There's one out there that's perfect for you and whoever else you want to bring along.

Keep reading our blog for more ways to explore options on living a better life.