Are your group trips starting to feel a bit predictable?
If you have been planning affinity group trips for a while, you have likely fallen into certain patterns. There are destinations, travel styles and vendors you come back to again and again. And while your customers might appreciate the consistency in the products and experiences you deliver, some may be interested in different kinds of trips that aren’t on your typical tour menu.
If you’re interested in mixing up your travel offerings or trying new trip types that could bring in new customers, here are five ideas to consider for 2025 and beyond.
Expedition Cruises
You have almost certainly taken groups on cruises before — maybe too many times. For the adventure lovers in your group, though, an expedition cruise could be infinitely more fulfilling than a pleasure cruise around some tropical islands. As a category, expedition cruising tends to focus more on ecological exploration, with trips to places such as Alaska, the Galapagos and Antarctica. The ships are smaller than typical ocean liners, but the cruises can be longer — and significantly more expensive. Still, many customers report that expedition cruises have been the greatest trips of their lives.
Spa and Wellness Trips
With the recent cultural focus on wellness and mental health, some groups are finding a lot of success with slower, more intentional trips that benefit body and soul. Trips such as spa getaways and yoga retreats are surging in popularity with younger groups. These kinds of trips are great for smaller groups and require less planning for the group leader, as the activities tend to be directed by on-site instructors. Lead one of these trips for your group and you might find yourself more relaxed when you return.
Train Adventures
Before there were motor coaches and airplanes, trains were the predominate method of travel. And for an increasing number of travelers today, trains offer opportunities for slower, more scenic and more enjoyable trips. There are train routes through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the U.S., Canada and Europe, as well as tour companies that specialize in putting together train-based itineraries for groups. Best of all, many trains offer access to places that can’t be seen from the road, giving your trips an air of exclusivity.
Festivals and Events
Sometimes there’s no better way to savor the flavor of a place than to attend one of its festivals. Cities throughout the country and around the world host events celebrating their history, cultural heritage, food, music, sports and much more. From Mardi Gras on the Gulf Coast to the Rose Parade in Portland, Oregon, and the Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City, many of these events are travelers’ bucket lists. Organizing a group trip during a popular festival gives you a chance to provide your travelers experiences they would be unlikely to pursue on their own.
Service Trips
Leisure travel can often been an inherently self-centered endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be. Younger people especially gravitate toward opportunities to make positive impacts in the communities they visit, and there’s no better way to do that than on a service trip. Sometimes referred to as a “voluntourism” experience, these programs mix traditional sightseeing with time spent volunteering at nonprofits. The results are powerful — not only does the community organization benefit, but participants also frequently report that the service activities are the most meaningful parts of their trips.
