Journalist Anja Zauers shares her experience of travelling the world alongside a group of strangers.
For many, travelling and seeing the world can often seem out of reach, costly and, above all, overwhelming. Before you even step on a plane, the questions start piling up: Should I quit my job? Do I have enough savings? Who would I go with? Is it safe?
I’ve certainly had these thoughts, and truthfully, it’s enough to stop most people in their tracks. Sure, some are lucky. Maybe your job offers a sabbatical, or you get long stretches of time off each year. But for most of us, that’s not the reality.
And while the idea of dropping everything to live a nomadic lifestyle is exciting, actually doing so can feel impossible.
But what if there was a way to travel that removed those barriers? A way that makes long-haul travel more affordable, social and easy to organise? That’s where organised group travel comes in.
Photo: Anja Zauers
No, this isn’t a new concept, but it is quickly becoming a go-to option for people who want to see the world without draining their bank account or going it alone. Take it from me. Over the past two years, I’ve booked onto several of these trips, visiting destinations like Peru, Uganda and Japan.
Countries that once felt completely out of reach are now ticked off my bucket list, and along the way, I’ve created some of the most amazing memories I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.
My first trip was to Peru, where I travelled with a company called Plotpackers. The group was pretty young, aged between 18 and 30, and the itinerary was packed. It included everything from dune buggy rides and sandboarding to glamping in the desert, mountain biking through the Andes, white water rafting and ziplining.
Photo: Anja Zauers
As the trip required quite a high level of energy and activity, it naturally brought together a like-minded group of people who were all there for the same experience. At the time, I thought I had just gotten lucky, as everyone was so incredibly welcoming, supportive and encouraging, but then the same thing happened on my second and third trips.
I quickly realised it wasn’t luck at all, it’s simply the kind of people these trips attract.
Since then, this style of travel suits me for multiple reasons. On that first trip, I went alone and came back with friends for life. After that, I couldn’t wait to book the next one. With each trip, my circle has grown, filled with people from all walks of life who share a similar mindset. People I never would have met if I hadn’t taken that first step, and now I can’t imagine my life without them.
When it comes to cost, prices can vary quite a bit depending on the destination, duration and company you choose to travel with. Some trips start from around €900, while others can go upwards of €2,000 or more.
That may seem like a high cost upfront, but it often includes accommodation, transport within the country, some meals, and any activities that have been outlined on your itinerary, which can make it comparable to if you were booking solo or with friends.
Photo: Anja Zauers
Most companies also offer payment plans, so you’re not paying everything at once and can spread the cost over time.
From my own experience, I’ve paid both ends of that scale, with different companies, and found it was well worth it. Particularly as it takes the stress out of planning, making the trip far more enjoyable once you’re there.
Among those tapping into the growing demand for group travel is Craic On Travels. Co-founded by Isabelle Geraghty and Colin Finnerty, the couple were inspired to set up their company after noticing a real craving for community among people in their 20s in Ireland.
Having watched many of their friends emigrate, they saw that those who stayed wanted to get out and see the world but had no one to do it with. “We found that young people in Ireland are always up for an adventure, but we also tend to love doing it with other Irish people and having the craic,” Isabelle tells me, reflecting on their early idea.
Photo: Anja Zauers
Craic On Travels grew out of a background in budget travel, something Isabelle says has shaped how they approach their trips today.
“We built those skills over years of backpacking the world together as budget-friendly as we could,” she adds. “It was natural to reflect that in Craic On Travels, and it was really important to us to keep our trips affordable. The nice thing about group travel is that you can usually get better deals, so we’re able to offer what we believe is great value without cutting any of the quality.”
That accessibility is also reflected in who the trips are designed for. “Our trips are for anyone who’s up for an adventure and a bit of craic,” Isabelle says.
Photo: Anja Zauers
While most people who join are solo travellers aged between 25 and 35, they’ve had people from 18 right up to their 50s on their trips. “Age doesn’t really matter once you’re in the group with a similar mindset,” she states.
That shared mindset is also what makes building a sense of community feel so natural.
Although companionship, ease, and safety may be the obvious differences between independent travel and group trips, for Isabelle and Colin, the experience goes much deeper, and with each trip, they like to give back locally.
“We believe in leaving a positive impact wherever we go, so a portion of every trip goes directly to local charities and community projects on the ground,” Isabelle explains. “And more often than not, the people on the trip actually get to meet and connect with the people and organisations doing that work.
“We also work with amazing local guides, which makes the whole experience feel a lot more real and authentic.”
Photo: Anja Zauers
Most recently, I travelled to Japan with Craic On Travels, and it really brought everything together for me. It was the perfect balance between having things organised and still having the freedom to do your own thing.
Some days were more structured with guided tours, while others were left open to wander, explore and take the cities in at our own pace. This made the whole experience feel that bit more authentic, and I came away feeling like I’d actually experienced the real Japan.
So, if you’re thinking about taking some time out to travel, group trips are definitely worth considering.
While they might still bring to mind crowded buses and rigid schedules, the reality is very different. In my experience, you get the freedom to explore independently, with the added bonus of sharing the adventure with others along the way.
For me, it’s a way of travelling that’s changed how I see the world, and I always come back feeling better for it.
The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ
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