THE AGE of ADVENTURE

Nowadays there’s no need to stop exploring as you get older – group holidays can open up a whole world of new possibilities and help you get more from your travels

MANY of us long to adventure somewhere exciting, but find there’s something stopping us.

Perhaps we’ve got no one to go with or the planning seems too tricky. Or we might be worried about how safe we’ll be.

For all these reasons and more, we often put aside our dreams and either stick with the familiar or don’t go at all, especially as we get older when things can seem more daunting.

But there is a way to discover the world safely and easily, no matter our age or whether we’ve got someone to go with.

And that’s with a group travel holiday. Because nowadays a host of tour operators are offering exciting breaks for single people – as well as couples and friends – to places you could once have only dreamed of.

Explore the world There are no limits to group holidays

nowadays and you’re sure to find one that’s right for you, whatever your interests.

You can explore almost anywhere in the world with tours available on every continent – even on cruises to Antarctica.

So if you’ve ever dreamed of feeling the spray of Victoria Falls on your face, taking the Silk Route through Asia or seeing the salt flats of Bolivia but can’t find anyone to join you, you’ll be able to.

But there are also specialist adventures on offer. Wine lovers can tour vineyards in Italy,

Argentina and the Napa Valley, while bird and wildlife lovers can spot tigers in India, watch for whales off Alaska or search for the quetzel in Costa Rica.

Foodies are spoiled for choice too. Gastronomic tours of Paris, truffle hunts in Arbuzzo and cookery courses in Thailand are all available.

Take in Nashville and Graceland on a tour of the American Deep South if you love music or experience the incredible Mardi Gras in New Orleans or the Rio Carnival.

Hikers can summit Kilimanjaro, trek through the Himalayas or walk the Inca Trail while cyclists can peddle the Tour de France route through the Alps and much more.

You can paint the same scenes as Monet, enjoy masterpieces by Mondrian, Vermeer, Rembrandt and Van Gogh on a tour of the Low Countries and polish up your architecture knowledge in Gaudi’s Barcelona. Alternatively, you can just lie on the beach!

Whatever you choose, there are some amazing benefits to group holidays. They include:

Making friends

You may start out knowing no one, but within hours you’ll have a bunch of new pals. Group travel tends to attract friendly, like-minded individuals who want to meet others and enjoy their company while travelling, and many stay in touch

long after the holiday is over.

Safety first

There are many countries in the world that are exciting to explore but you wouldn’t feel safe travelling on your own. Thankfully there’s safety in numbers meaning you can go on more adventurous holidays knowing you’ll be safe. Moreover, operators won’t take you anywhere they think might be dangerous.

Group travel tends to attract cheerful, like-minded people who want to meet others

No planning While it’s easy to organise a week on a

beach in Spain, a fortnight travelling between cities in Vietnam is a lot harder. Travel companies have experts who specially curate trips to the very best places for you and test the itinerary before you go.

Problems sorted

Your transport breaks down? Not your problem. You hurt yourself? Your guide will get you medical attention. Your purse is stolen? They’ll accompany you to the police station and translate. And your new friends on the trip will be there to help, too.

Discover hidden gems

Everyone knows the obvious things to see but with group travel you’ll discover fabulous hidden gems you’d never have known about. Maybe there are little-known thermal pools nEArBy, A fisHErmAn wHo CAtCHEs and cooks to order or an incredible view from a deserted spot.

Authentic experiences

Many group tours include nights staying with local families, meeting tribes or watching artisans who’ve perfected local crafts, so you can experience the real country.

Leave your comfort zone behind. You may think you’d never do a bungee jump... until you see someone much older than you screaming with joy as they take the plunge.

Travelling in a group pushes your boundaries and helps you experience so much more.