When it comes to tour groups, bigger is not better

For exotic destinations such as Egypt, Bhutan or India, where language, food, culture and hygiene present a challenge, an escorted journey is a great way to go – but how to pick?

Group size is one of the most important things to consider. Bigger groups usually mean lower cost but a group of 12 is a different experience from one of 20. Hotel check-ins take longer with larger groups, toilet stops can blow out to 30 minutes.A group of 12 or 14 is big enough for variety but not so big that you’ll feel submerged. You won’t get separated when you’re wandering around the souks of Marrakesh, and you’ll be able to hear what the guide is saying. They’re also more flexible.

Want to visit 11 European countries in 21 days? There are escorted journeys that will do just that, but if you want to immerse yourself in a place rather than just gliding over the surface, you need to slow down. Many of the experiences from a trip that will stand out in your memory are not the highlights listed on the itinerary, they’re the ones that happen by chance, and that’s unlikely if you’re rushing.For single travellers who want to travel alone but not be alone, an escorted journey is the perfect option. Food, wine, awesome sights, wildlife encounters and shopping for treasures are magnified when shared.

When you first glimpse sunrise on the Himalayas, or taste pasta with truffles you’ve just dug from the wooded hillsides of Italy’s Piedmont, it’s a moment to share with someone who’s as dazzled as you are. For solo women, an escorted journey offers security as well as companionship.is a Sydney-based writer and photographer who has been writing travel articles since 1982. Michael is Traveller's resident Tripologist, answering your travel questions and offering expert tips and advice.

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