What It’s Really Like to Travel in a Small Group

If you've never taken a small-group tour, it's easy to imagine the worst: tight schedules, limited freedom, being herded around with strangers you didn’t choose. But that’s not what we do. And it’s not what today’s thoughtful travelers are looking for.

At Exploring Earth Together, small groups mean something different. They mean connection without compromise, community without crowds, and the kind of travel that feels curated, not confined.

Here’s what small-group travel really looks like — and why it might surprise you.

1. It Feels More Personal Than You Expect

Our groups are intentionally small — never more than 18 people. That means your guide knows your name (and by day two, probably your favorite drink or whether you prefer the shady side of the boat). There’s time for introductions to become conversations, and conversations to turn into shared memories.

This isn't anonymous travel. It's human. And by the end, it's often communal in the best way.

Breakfast on the beach

2. You Still Have Plenty of Time to Yourself

Just because you’re in a group doesn’t mean every moment is spent together. You’ll have free afternoons, quiet mornings, and plenty of unscheduled time to explore, rest, or simply sit and watch the birds. Solo travelers often tell us they love the structure — but even more, they love that the structure makes room for stillness, too.

You get the best of both worlds: independence and support.

Walking down a trail

3. It’s Easier Than Planning It Alone

For many travelers, especially those juggling busy lives, planning a full international trip can feel overwhelming. Flights. Transfers. Hotels. Activities. Meals.

We handle all of that for you — not in a cookie-cutter way, but with attention to detail, real-time support, and insider knowledge. You don’t lose autonomy. You gain peace of mind.

Group preparing to go to ATM cave

4. It Creates a Natural Sense of Belonging

Something interesting happens in a well-designed small group: people settle in. Whether you're watching the sunrise over the jungle with coffee or toasting a beach sunset together, a rhythm forms. A rhythm of shared experiences, mutual respect, and ease.

You don’t have to be outgoing to feel part of it. You just have to show up. The rest happens naturally.

Learning to make Traditional Mayan chocolate

5. It’s the Opposite of a Big-Bus Tour

No one’s waving a flag. No one's counting heads at every stop. Our groups move lightly, stay in boutique accommodations, and explore with flexibility. If you want to linger longer at a waterfall or skip a hike to rest by the pool, we can adjust.

That’s what small groups allow — not rigidity, but responsiveness.

Enjoying a pontoon ride

You Might Arrive as Strangers. You Won’t Leave That Way.

Our travelers come from different places, professions, and stages of life. Some are solo travelers, others are couples or friends. Many are women seeking a travel experience that’s both immersive and effortless.

And almost all of them leave with stories that start like this:

"I didn’t expect to meet...""I never would have found this on my own...""I’m so glad I came."

Travel. Relax. Play.