Booking a group tour online is a smart way to free yourself from the constant headache of planning a trip and scattering your bookings on different OTAs. Group tours usually come with a well-crafted itinerary, accommodation and transportation packages, and a tour leader who ensure that everything goes smoothly. However, choosing a group tour can trap you in decision paralysis. One quick search and you’ll find thousands of options: adventure trips in Iceland, food tours in Rome, hiking experiences in Peru, island hopping in Thailand.
But here is the good news: Choosing the right group tour isn’t complicated when you know what to look for. Here’s your practical, no-fluff guide to choosing and booking a group tour online with confidence.
TL;DR – How to Choose and Book a Group Tour Online
You can choose a group tour by picking a destination, aligining your travel style or preferences, checking the group size and demographics, and understanding the itinerary and inclusions. You can book a group tour online via group tour platforms, which provide different type of tours catered to different type of travelers. Booking a group tour requires you to pay a deposit fee, provide your personal details or passport, and book your flight tickets.
1. Pick a Destination
This is my favorite step before I actually pull out my laptop and start browsing for group tours: Deciding where to go. I usually spend around 1-2 hours scrolling through TikTok and Instagram for destination recommendations (and maybe more since I’m saving travel inspo in my non-dedicated scrolling time). I often choose a destination with a sole purpose of adding more stamps to my passport, but I also consider budget and the best time to visit.
So, you need to start simple and ask yourself, “Where do I actually want to go?” Here are some aspects you might miss when picking a destination:
- Distance: Is it far or close from your hometown?
- Flight duration: Are you okay with long-haul travel and the possibility of long transit time?
- Time zone difference: Will jet lag eat into your short holiday?
- Trip duration: How much time do you have to go on a trip? Is the destination ideal to visit for 3 days / 5 days / 7 days?
- Seasonality: Is it monsoon season? Peak tourist period?
- Visa requirements: Quick check before you commit.
Pro tip: If you’re new to group travel, pick a destination that genuinely excites you. A strong “why” makes the whole experience better.
2. Define Your Travel Taste
Just like music and how you prefer pizza without pineapples, booking a group tour that suits your ‘taste’ is a game-changer. And yes, you can have a different mood for different group tours you want to take. For example, I love the sea – by nature – and often found myself booking trips that include island hopping or a 2-hour escape to a beach town. However, I also joined a beach-free Japan trip and still enjoyed it.
Our travelers at JoinMyTrip use these questions to discover their travel taste:
- Do you want a physically-active adventure or a relaxing vacation?
- Do you prefer outdoor activities (hiking, rafting, etc) or staying indoors (museums, cafe-hopping)
- Which one do you like better – visiting historical places or shopping for local brands?
- What type of food do you prefer?
- Are you looking for a relaxed slow travel experience or fast-paced “see it all” itinerary?
- Do you prefer exploring hidden gems or seeing the best tourist attractions?
For example, a multi-day trek in Nepal is very different from a wine-tasting escape in France.
Also consider your comfort level:
- Boutique hotels or budget hostels?
- Packed schedules or free afternoons?
- Social vibe or quiet and reflective?
3. Discover Through Travel Platforms
Once you know your destination and travel style, start exploring platforms that specialise in group tours. They are dedicated to design group tour packages, yet catered to specific age groups or lifestyle.
Group Travel Platforms Cheatsheet
| Group Type | Best For | Platform |
| Social and Lively | Young people age 18-30 years old, party lovers, backpackers, and solo travelers | Contiki (large groups with 30+ people) EF Ultimate Break |
| Active / Adventure | All ages, outdoor enthusiasts | Exodus Travel GAdventures |
| Flexible and Curious | Solo travelers, people who are tired of touristy places | JoinMyTrip WeRoad |
| Educational or Cultural | Older adults, history buffs, deep-dive learning | Rick Stevens Road Scholar |
Then, read the overview carefully. Good platforms clearly explain:
- Who the trip is for
- What makes it unique
- Who the host or guide is
4. Check the Group’s Demographics
If you are joining a group trip with the goal to make friends, checking the group’s demographics should not be overlooked. I once joined a group trip to Japan giving zero attention to other participants. Surprise surprise – there were only four people in their twenties (including me)! The group also had two seniors joining, which is an interesting mix.
Traveling is about people, that is what JoinMyTrip believes. With that being said, group travel is as much about the people as the destination. You can look for:
- Age range of the group (e.g. 25-39, 18-24, mixed ages)
- Nationality mix
- Travel style match
If you’re a 35-year-old professional from Berlin, you might feel out of place on a backpacker-heavy 18–22 tour. At the same time, you may not enjoy a group focused entirely on retirees.
Many platforms now display confirmed participants. Take a look. Are they solo travellers? Couples? Friends? The dynamic matters
5. Small or Large Group Tours, Your Choice
Aside from the type of people, the number of people is also important. Large groups give out different vibes to small groups, which can change the trajectory of your trip. I personally joined group tours when I am traveling alone and therefore hope to make friends along the way. For me, large travel groups with 30-50 people equal to overstimulation and “gosh I have too much people to get to know!” So, I prefer smaller groups with a maximum of 16 people.
Here is what you need to know about Large Group Tours vs Small Group Tours:
| Small Group Tours (4-16 People) | Large Group Tours (18-50 People) |
| More intimate and personal | More social and lively |
| Flexible schedule | Structured schedule |
| Often more authentic local experience | Often the best tourist attractions or popular places |
| Good for slow travel | Good for fast-paced travel |
So you can choose
- Small group tours for making deeper friendships, flexible schedule, slow-paced travel, and authentic experiences
- Large group tours for structured schedule, “see-it-all” itinerary, and getting to know more people
6. Review the Itinerary Carefully
The title of the group tour says you are going to spend six days in Seoul, fantastic! But turns out there is a one-day flight from your country within those six days, duh! This is why we would not recommend skimming. Instead, take your time to understand the itinerary and compare it to other group tour packages you have your eye on.
You need to find out:
- Are there too many early mornings?
- Is there enough free time?
- Are long transfers involved?
- Are activities realistic in terms of timing?
For example, combining multiple cities like Barcelona, Nice, and Florence in five days might sound exciting. In reality, you could spend most of your time in transit. A good itinerary should balance must-see highlights, local experiences, free time, and logical travel routes.
7. Understand What’s Included and What’s Not
Some group tours look exceptionally affordable in their catalogue, but turns out you’ll end up spending more on the exclusions. Before joining a group trip, make sure you get the idea of the inclusions of the price. Usually, flights and optional activities are not included.
Check clearly:
- Accommodation standard
- Airport transfers
- Meals (how many?)
- Entrance tickets
- Local transport
- Guide services
Then check what’s not included:
- Flights
- Optional activities
- Tips
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
8. Scan Through the Reviews
You can open the company’s Trustpilot or Google Reviews to see unfiltered comments from their travelers. Or, you can check out their social media page and click on the ‘Testimonies’ highlight. It is important to look beyond star ratings and find out facts about:
- Comments about the host or guide
- Feedback about organisation
- Group dynamic mentions
- Realistic descriptions of accommodation
9. Ask and You Shall Be Sure
If something is unclear, ask. Good tour organisers respond quickly and clearly. You can ask about:
- Fitness level required
- Room-sharing options
- Luggage restrictions
- Cancellation policies
- Payment schedules
JoinMyTrip provides a Q&A section and messaging feature where you can ask the hosts about the details of the trip. Figuring out which airport should you land in or whether the host can provide vegan menu? Just ask, they’ll be happy to help!
10. Understand the Payment Methods
Before entering your card details, check:
- Is the platform secure?
- Can you pay with credit card or bank transfer?
- Is there a deposit option?
- When is the final payment due?
- What is the cancellation policy?
For many travellers from Germany or Austria, flexible cancellation and clear refund rules are especially important. UK and US travellers may prioritise credit card protection or travel insurance compatibility. Always read the fine print. It’s less exciting than choosing the destination, but it protects your wallet.
11. Book with Details
You have done your research and finally found a trip you like. It is time to book! Here are some things you need to know when booking a trip:
- The organizer will ask for a soft file copy of your passport to verify your identity
- Verify spelling of your name, passport number, and other crucial details
- Double-check travel dates
- Make sure to check your email for updates and confirmations
- If the trip does not include flights, make sure to only book flights once the organizer verifies your meeting point
Small details matter. A smooth booking experience sets the tone for a stress-free trip.
Ready to Travel Better Together?
If you love the idea of exploring the world without the stress of planning everything yourself, it might be time to try a curated group experience.
With JoinMyTrip, you can join small, well-matched group tours led by passionate TripLeaders from around the world. Whether you’re dreaming of hiking adventures, cultural deep-dives, foodie escapes, or laid-back beach trips, you’ll find experiences designed for modern travellers who want connection, flexibility, and authenticity.
Your next adventure doesn’t have to be solo. Find your people, pick your trip, and start packing.