Travel Groups for Young Adults: Best Trips and Tours in 2026

Travelling in your 20s and early 30s is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. You want adventure, new friends, and unforgettable experiences, but planning every detail solo isn’t always realistic.

That’s where travel groups for young adults come in. These trips are designed to make exploring the world easier, safer, and a lot more fun. They take care of logistics, connect you with like-minded travellers, and strike a balance between structured activities and free time. 

Whether you want to party through Europe, trek the Andes, or relax on a Thai beach, there’s a group built for your style.

Key Takeaways

• Group travel is becoming increasingly popular among Gen Z and Millennials.

• Contiki and EF Ultimate Break focus on social, high-energy trips.

• FTLO Travel and WeRoad provide cultural, boutique-style adventures.

• Under30Experiences and Gap 360 offer budget-friendly options.

• G Adventures emphasises sustainability and authentic local immersion.

• TourRadar lets you compare multiple providers in one place.

• Young adult trips balance structure, community, and flexibility.

• 2026 will bring eco-friendly tours, micro-groups, and hybrid work-travel packages.

Why Travel Groups Are Popular with Young Adults

Travel groups are booming among Gen Z and Millennials, and for good reason. Planning a trip is time-consuming, stressful, and often expensive when done alone. Group travel eliminates the hassle by handling itineraries, accommodations, and logistics for you.

But it’s not just about convenience. These trips provide something harder to find, and that is community. Young adults want to share experiences, not just tick boxes on a sightseeing list. A group means instant travel companions who are in the same life stage and looking for the same type of adventure. It also means better safety, group discounts, and curated activities you’d probably miss on your own.

Best Travel Groups for Young Adults in 2025

If you’re ready to travel but don’t want to do it alone, here are the top group travel companies designed for young adults.

1. Contiki

Contiki has been a staple in young adult group travel for decades, and it’s still going strong. Designed for travellers aged 18 to 35, Contiki trips are high-energy and fast-paced, combining sightseeing with plenty of nightlife. Expect multiple destinations in one trip, packed itineraries, and lots of opportunities to meet fellow travellers your age.

Contiki’s trips stand out because of their variety. They cover over 60 countries worldwide, offering everything from week-long European city-hopping tours to month-long journeys across Asia or South America. The itineraries are tightly organised but still include optional activities, giving you the chance to customise your trip without worrying about the basics.

What makes Contiki unique is its focus on social energy. Travellers often describe it as part sightseeing, part social club. Days are spent exploring destinations, while evenings frequently include group dinners, pub crawls, or themed nights. The company leans into this, marketing itself directly to people who want an active and social trip.

Despite its reputation for fun, Contiki is professional when it comes to operations. Transportation is comfortable, accommodations are modern, and guides are trained to handle large groups of young adults. It’s an efficient, high-energy way to cover a lot of ground quickly, especially if you’re short on time but want maximum variety.

2. EF Ultimate Break

EF Ultimate Break focuses on affordable group trips for students and young adults, often ranging from 18 to 29 years old. The trips are accessible in both price and style, making them popular for first-time international travellers. Destinations include Europe, Asia, and South America, with itineraries designed for a balance of cultural experiences and fun.

EF Ultimate Break excels at making international travel accessible to younger audiences. One of their key strengths is their payment flexibility. They allow travellers to book trips with a deposit and pay the balance in monthly instalments, which makes global travel more achievable for students and recent graduates.

Their itineraries often include iconic destinations like Paris, Rome, Bangkok, and Machu Picchu, but the trips are designed with younger travellers in mind. Expect group-friendly activities like walking tours, cooking classes, and nightlife outings built directly into the schedule. The mix ensures you get a taste of culture while still having fun.

Another highlight is their community aspect. EF provides a digital hub for travellers to connect before departure. That means you can meet your group online, chat about expectations, and even make friends before you arrive at the airport. It creates a smoother start to the journey and reduces the anxiety of joining strangers.

3. WeRoad

WeRoad offers group adventures specifically targeted at millennials and Gen Z. Trips are structured around community, with small groups designed to feel like travelling with friends. Itineraries combine cultural exploration, active experiences, and social activities, making it a great fit if you want a blend of adventure and connection.

WeRoad is built on the idea of community-first travel. Trips are small-group focused, often with around 10 to 15 participants, which keeps the experience intimate. You’re not just another face in the crowd. You’re part of a close-knit temporary family that explores together.

WeRoad also emphasises a shared-leadership model. While itineraries are curated, there’s room for group decisions. Leaders encourage participants to vote on certain activities or dining choices, so everyone feels involved. This flexibility helps avoid the rigid, one-size-fits-all feel of traditional tours.

The company’s marketing is very clear about targeting millennials and Gen Z, who are curious, open-minded, and adventurous. Expect itineraries that go beyond sightseeing: hiking trips, boat excursions, and cultural immersion activities like staying with locals or cooking regional dishes. It’s about experiencing destinations from the inside, not just from a bus window.

4. FTLO Travel

FTLO (For the Love Of) Travel curates small-group trips for people in their 20s and 30s who want culture and community without sacrificing style. Think rooftop dinners, boutique stays, and itineraries designed to connect people as much as they connect with the destination. It’s a good choice if you want something more curated and social.

FTLO Travel appeals to young professionals who want authentic cultural experiences without sacrificing comfort. Trips often feature unique, boutique accommodations instead of generic hotels, and itineraries highlight local artisans, chefs, and hidden gems. The goal is to feel less like a tourist and more like a temporary local.

A big part of FTLO’s appeal is the group dynamic. Groups are deliberately kept small, typically 10 to 14 people, which makes it easier to build genuine friendships. Many travellers describe leaving trips with not just acquaintances but lasting friendships that extend beyond the journey itself.

Another strength is FTLO’s blend of structure and flexibility. Each trip comes with a core itinerary, but there are pockets of free time built in. That means you can explore independently when you want, yet still rejoin the group for shared experiences. It’s a balance that appeals to professionals who value autonomy.

5. Under30Experiences

As the name suggests, Under30Experiences is designed for travellers aged 21 to 35. Trips are affordable, social, and adventurous, with a mix of cultural immersion and outdoor activities. Whether it’s Costa Rica, Peru, or Iceland, the focus is on shared experiences and forming connections that often last well beyond the trip.

Under30Experiences is designed with affordability and adventure in mind. Trips are often shorter, making them perfect for people who want to travel on limited vacation days. They also run year-round departures, so it’s easier to find a trip that fits your schedule compared to companies with seasonal offerings.

The company is also known for its emphasis on outdoor adventure. Hiking, rafting, surfing, and camping often play a central role in the itineraries. If you’re looking for a balance of adrenaline and culture, Under30 delivers with itineraries designed to get you outside and active.

Another unique aspect is the post-trip community. Travellers are invited into a larger alumni network, where they can connect with past participants and even organise future adventures together. This turns a one-off group trip into a long-term community of like-minded explorers.

6. G Adventures: 18-to-Thirtysomethings

G Adventures is known worldwide for sustainable and small-group travel. Their 18-to-Thirtysomethings trips are budget-friendly and adventure-oriented, covering destinations from Southeast Asia to South America. The focus is on authentic experiences with local guides, making it perfect for travellers who want meaningful travel on a reasonable budget.

G Adventures stands out for its commitment to responsible tourism. Their 18-to-Thirtysomethings trips often incorporate community-based tourism, partnering with local businesses and social enterprises. That means your money goes back into the destinations you visit, supporting sustainable growth.

These trips are also incredibly diverse in terms of style. Some focus on trekking and adventure, others on cultural immersion, and still others on regional highlights. Whether you want to cycle through Vietnam or camp in Patagonia, there’s likely a trip designed for it.

Another advantage is flexibility in trip length. Some itineraries are just one week, while others can stretch into multiple weeks or even a month. This makes it easy for young adults with different schedules and budgets to find something that fits.

7. Gap 360

Gap 360 caters to younger travellers looking for flexible gap-year style adventures. Trips are affordable and often longer in duration, aimed at backpackers and budget-conscious explorers. Popular destinations include Thailand, Australia, and South Africa, and the itineraries are designed to give freedom while still providing support.

Gap 360 caters strongly to the gap-year audience, but it’s not limited to students. Their trips appeal to any young adult looking for flexible, affordable travel that combines independence with support. They’re particularly strong in destinations popular with backpackers like Thailand, Australia, and Central America.

A hallmark of Gap 360 is their support infrastructure. They provide pre-departure guidance, in-country support teams, and flexible itineraries that allow travellers to extend or adapt their journey. This makes them ideal for first-time international travellers who want a safety net.

Gap 360 also leans into experiences that mix cultural immersion with social fun. You might learn to cook local dishes one day and join a beach party the next. It’s a blend that appeals to people who want freedom but still appreciate a bit of structure.

8. TourRadar

TourRadar isn’t a tour company itself but a platform that aggregates group travel options. It’s an excellent place to compare trips specifically designed for young adults, from adventure tours to social getaways. If you’re not sure which company to book with, TourRadar helps you see what’s available across multiple providers.

TourRadar functions as an aggregator, but its strength lies in its breadth of choice. You can browse and book trips from dozens of providers in one place, filtering by age group, trip length, budget, and style. It’s essentially the “Expedia of group tours.”

The platform also offers robust reviews and ratings, so you can see what other young adults thought of their experiences. This transparency makes it easier to choose a company that aligns with your expectations before committing.

TourRadar often runs promotions or discounts, making it a good starting point if you’re shopping on a budget. For young adults who aren’t sure which provider to trust, it’s a low-risk way to explore options and compare what’s out there.

How to Choose the Right Travel Group for Young Adults

With so many options, choosing the right group can feel overwhelming. Here are a few tips:

• Decide on the vibe: Do you want nightlife and social energy, or cultural immersion and slow travel?

• Look at group size: Smaller groups feel more personal, while bigger groups mean more people to meet.

• Check the age range: Some companies cap at 29 or 30, while others go up to 35.

• Compare budgets: Student-focused tours are affordable, while boutique companies may cost more but include extras.

• Consider destinations: Some companies specialise in specific regions like Europe or South America.

Travel Groups by Interest

Different companies excel at different styles of travel. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Adventure seekers: G Adventures, WeRoad.

• Culture and lifestyle: FTLO Travel, Intrepid 18–35 tours.

• Party and social energy: Contiki, EF Ultimate Break.

• Budget-conscious travellers: Gap 360, Under30Experiences.

Pros and Cons of Young Adult Group Travel

Pros

• Saves time on planning.

• Built-in community and instant friends.

• Safer than travelling alone.

• Often cheaper thanks to group rates.

Cons

• Fixed itineraries mean less flexibility.

• Group dynamics can make or break the vibe.

• Not always ideal for travellers who prefer total independence.

Trends for 2026 and Beyond

Group travel is adapting quickly to the way young adults travel. In 2026, expect to see:

• Eco-conscious tours: More sustainable itineraries and eco-certified accommodations.

• Micro-groups: Smaller group sizes of 6–10 people for a more intimate feel.

• Hybrid work + travel: Trips designed for digital nomads who want structured travel with time for remote work.

• Women-only groups: Growing demand for safe, women-focused travel experiences.

Young adults want meaningful, flexible, and responsible travel, and group companies are responding with fresh, innovative options.

Conclusion

Travel groups for young adults are more than just organised vacations. They’re opportunities to experience the world with people who get you. From budget-friendly backpacking tours to boutique adventures, there’s something for every style and budget. 

The right group saves you the stress of planning, helps you build lifelong friendships, and makes sure your travel time is spent living the moment, not worrying about logistics. If you’re ready to see the world without going it alone, joining one of these groups might be the smartest move you make this year.

Plan your own unforgettable group or solo trip with insider tips from our Bali Travel E-Guide, filled with local recommendations and hidden gems across the island.