Going backpacking is a truly thrilling endeavour, offering unparalleled freedom and the chance to explore the world entirely at your own pace and entirely on your own terms. When I first set off that life changing, one-way trip to Colombia back in 2014, I was entirely alone and had zero-plan other than to never plan more than a day ahead and see how long my money would last (6 months in the end).
However, there are other ways to backpack such as “backpacking lite” with an organised, backpackers group tour. While some would say that the very concept is an anomalous oxy-moron, we say that organised, group backpacker tours can sometimes be useful for both novice and seasoned backpackers alike.
In this post, we will tell you why backpackers should sometimes consider taking an organised, group tour. We will also take a look at one particular company, One Life Adventures who we believe are one of the best backpacker tour providers in the world today for reasons that we will share over the next 2000 words…
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Have a look at their Black Friday offer page for more deets.
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Benefits of Group Tours for Backpackers
Let’s begin by looking at the main draws and advantages of group backpacker tours.
1. Ideal for First-Time Solo Travelers
Joining an organised backpacker tour can be an ideal choice for first-time backpackers as it offers a balance of adventure, companionship and security to inexperienced, nervous travellers. These tours provide a properly structured and managed itinerary which removes the stress of planning and ensures you won’t miss any iconic sights and you get to hang out and bond with a bunch of like-minded peers.
With local guides, you gain insider knowledge and cultural insights, while the group setting offers instant companionship, making solo travel less daunting. Plus, the tour organisers handle logistical details like accommodation and transportation, leaving you free to fully immerse in, and ENJOY the experience.
This kind of tour fosters confidence, giving new backpackers a safe, enjoyable introduction to the world of independent travel (kinda like having training wheels on your first bike)
2. Time-Efficient Exploration
Organised backpacker tours reality excel in offering time-efficient exploration by providing well-planned itineraries that cover popular landmarks and hidden gems alike, maximising sightseeing in limited time.
Because these tours use pre-arranged transport, accommodation, and guides, travellers can avoid time-consuming logistics, allowing them to fully experience destinations without the hassle of planning or waiting, making every moment count.
For these reasons, organised backpacker tours are popular with those who get limited vacation time or leave from work.
3. Cost-Effective Travel
Contrary to the belief that independent travel is always cheaper, group tours can be more economical. Organised backpacker tours are cost-effective, offering bulk-buy, bundled rates for accommodations, transport, and activities, often at a lower price than booking independently.
Group discounts and pre-negotiated deals help reduce expenses, making travel affordable. Additionally, shared costs within the group, like guides or local fees, stretch travellers’ budgets even further.
Even if not always necessarily cheaper, they definitely make budgeting easier as you pay the tour cost up front and have little else left to cover.
Introducing One Life Adventures
There are quite a number of companies out there offering backpacker toys these days. In fact, our founder Will Hatton even ran a few in previous incarnations. Some of these companies are good whereas others are not so much. In fact a large number of backpacker tour companies are essentially ‘booze and bus’ trips that place a huge emphasis on bar crawls and partying.
While we don’t judge anybody for doing this (Ok so we do a bit….) the fact is that there is more to travel, and party trips aren’t really the optimal way to really experience the culture and the beauty of a particular place.
One Life Adventures is a distinguished tour operator specialising in small group adventures across Asia. Founded with the mission to create ethical, transformational travel experiences, they cater to adventure-seekers and backpackers aiming to explore culturally rich destinations.
Their commitment to responsible tourism and unique itineraries has garnered them a reputable standing in the travel community.
Diverse Tour Styles to Suit Every Traveller
Understanding that travellers all have different preferences, budgets and time allowances, One Life Adventures offers four distinct tour styles. Let’s break them down.
1. Snapshot Tours (4-7 Days)
As the name suggests, Snapshot Tours offer a short and taster of a given destination. They are designed for time-conscious travellers seeking a deep dive into a destination within a pretty short time-span.
These tours pack culture, adventure, and local flavour into a very concise itinerary. The joy of these is that travellers can happily find time to do 3 to 4 of them in a year and still have vacation time left over.
The Tokyo Snapshot – 4 Day Tour immerses participants in the vibrant weird world of Tokyo, including experiences like sushi-making classes and visits to iconic sites.
2. Essentials Tours
These tours offer a balance between guided activities and free time, catering to budget-conscious travellers who desire flexibility and a bit of personal space.
While doing the sites is all good and well, half of the joy of travelling comes from simply wandering around, getting a little lost and allowing the trip to happen on its own terms and the Essential Tours allow this.
The Japan Essentials – 9 Day Tour provides a comprehensive journey through some of Japans highlights, with ample free time for personal exploration.
3. Classic Tours
Spanning 10-15 days, Classic Tours are inclusion-heavy, featuring unique stays and immersive experiences that delve deep into the local culture. They are ideal for travellers seeking authentic adventures and have had the thumbs up from over 10,000 happy guests over the years.
The South Korea Classic – 10 Day Tour offers a cultural explosion from the neon lights of modern-day SK to its incredible natural landscapes and unique traditions.
4. Expedition Tours
For the true adventurer, these 23+ day odyssey traverse one or two countries, offering an in-depth exploration of diverse landscapes and cultures. They are ideal for those destinations that warrant in-depth exploration either because of geographical mass or depth of culture.
The India Nepal Expedition – 20 Day Tour takes travellers from Delhi to Kathmandu, encompassing a rich tapestry of experiences across both nations.
Final Thoughts
In summary, while traditional backpacking offers unparalleled freedom, integrating organised group tours into your travel plans can provide structured, enriching experiences.
One Life Adventures exemplifies this by offering diverse, well-crafted tours that cater to various traveller preferences, ensuring memorable journeys across some of the world’s most captivating destinations.
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