Top 5 Unique Destinations for Group Travel

When considering where you want to go for a group adventure it’s important to pick the right destination. Look for a place that is not only intriguing and interesting, but which will be enhanced by sharing it with a group of other people. These unique, under-the-radar destinations are ideal for small groups. From sunny beaches to ancient temples – these 5 destinations are perfect for travelers who think they’ve “seen it all.”


Puglia, Italy

If you’re looking for an authentic Italian adventure away from the tourists, Puglia is a perfect place to start. Relaxed and beautiful with white stone cities and crystal clear waters. The region is perfect for driving along the quiet roads alongside ancient olive groves.

Exploring the historic streets of Bari, cave dwellings of  Matera, and savoring local vintages from a small family farm with a guide or group of friends is the perfect way to enjoy Puglia. Immerse yourself in the lifestyle, and dive into artisan ceramic and cheese-making workshops. From village markets and off-the-map spots – the best of Italy is in the little-known corners which are perfect for group travel.

[Photo Credit: vincenzo-de-simone-ag via Unsplash]

Morocco

With imperial cities, colorful souqs, ancient kasbahs, and the vast Sahara Desert, the beauty and chaos of Morocco can be both enchanting and overwhelming. Group trips offer a personalized experience. You’ll have the opportunity to engage with your guide, ask questions, and gain deeper insight into Moroccan culture and history.

Participate in traditional activities like cooking tagine with a Berber family. Or wandering the labyrinth streets of Fez, haggling over the goods. Whether you’re trekking in the mountains or relaxing in a desert camp, Morocco is best experienced with a group.

[Photo Credit: Alyssa via Shared Adventures – read about her adventure to Morocco here!]

The market or medina in Fez Morocco

Japan

While having a guide to help you with the language is always useful, in Japan, a small group trip offers you the opportunity to go beyond the veneer of the cities. You’ll enjoy the best locations and top shops. You’ll also get to go into more rural regions that tourists rarely get to experience.

Discover the classic architecture, ancient history, and traditional culture with a local guide. Share in the exchange of culture, the intimate tea ceremony, and traditional meals with a group of like-minded people. Explore fishing villages, mountainside shrines, and ancient temples. Visit stunning coasts and high-tech cities with a sense of togetherness.

[Photo Credit: redd-francisco via Unsplash]

Peru

Peru is a hidden gem with a lot to explore.  From the Andes to the rainforest – if you love outdoor activities like hiking, rafting, and mountain biking, this is a great destination. Learn about Peruvian cuisine, enjoy the depths of the Amazon, visit Machu Picchu, or try sandboarding on massive dunes. At every turn, there’s a marvel of nature to see– but it’s a marvel best enjoyed with a knowledgeable guide helping you along the way.

Having a guide will help you feel secure in your adventures and give you a little community to share the thrill with. A group guide will ensure you experience the best in the safest way. A guide will also steer you to the local festivals, which you may not otherwise know about. You’ll have the opportunity to stay in remote eco-lodges and enjoy cultural workshops. Spend the evenings chatting about the day’s activities, and experience everything Peru has to offer.

[Photo Credit: gabriel-silva-suares via Unsplash]

Vietnam

Vietnam has jaw-dropping scenery, but where are the most dramatic sites? How do you find those best views and experience the best the culture has to offer? A small group is the perfect way to explore Vietnam.  Lush landscapes, vibrant cities and rich history. You’ll be able to go beyond the surface and feel like more than an average tourist.

Take the guesswork out of unfamiliar customs, transportation, and signs – have a guide help you with all the small details. Instead of scouring blog posts about local customs and cultural norms, you can gain a deeper understanding from a local guide. Thus ensuring you get the right information and the all-important nuance.

The people are warm and fun-loving. They’re ready to greet visitors to their country and share a bit of their culture and hospitality. This is made easier with a local connection and a guide who speaks the language.


You can explore traditional villages, hidden cafes, and family-run workshops with confidence. You’ll be able to connect with the locals authentically and visit more than the tourist traps.  Enjoy lunch in a local home, learn about the customs, row a sampan through the canals, trek through rice paddies, and stay with hill tribe villages.  Visit floating markets, bike through orchards, and sip tea with the locals.


Are you ready to find the perfect pre-planned group trip to a unique destination? Let us know — we’re always here to help you plan the best group adventure.

A Custom Adventure in Morocco

Alyssa and her mom Jo were heading to Morocco for a wedding and wanted to make the most of their experience by spending a little extra time exploring someplace new and unique. Their focus was on food, culture, and connection. We knew that a visit to the less-touristy Fes was a perfect start. Then we teamed up with Goway Travel to find local guides who could provide that extra personal touch! Here are their thoughts on their custom Moroccan adventure:


I can’t begin to describe how much of an incredible experience we had in Morocco. The hotel in Fes was simply a dream, and all of the experiences were catered precisely to our taste.

One of the most noteworthy parts of this experience was our Shared Adventures agent, Liz. Her responsiveness, organization, and true understanding of our requests were uncanny and reflected directly throughout our trip. She did not hesitate to find practical solutions for mishaps (like me missing my flight)!

Riad Salam Fes

Riad Salam Fes still leaves me completely breathless. Apart from the breathtaking beauty of the structure, we felt immersed in the cultural glory of Fes, while feeling confident in our safety. The staff was, without a doubt, the most hospitable and friendly staff I have ever met on a trip (and I travel quite a bunch!)

The restaurant in the hotel was so good we couldn’t resist eating there twice! Which is normally a cardinal rule of mine not easy to break.

Around Fes

Our tour guides and driver were precise, so kind and welcoming, and FUN! They took such good care of us and were flexible to last-minute questions and changes. All of the stops we made while in Fes were met by extremely knowledgeable and genuine co-guides. I really appreciated that Karim briefed us before entering places that we were not obligated to buy anything, but rather enjoy the cultural experience. 

Hidden Gem: Bhalil

The tour of Bhalil was so unexpected and fascinating.

* Bhalil is a tranquil small town south of Fes, notable for its unique historic cave houses, exquisite hand-crafted wares, and traditional bread ovens.*

Our guide took us to his family home where his grandmother was preparing fresh bread, and on the way, we got to meet some of the amazing women who make the buttons for caftans for all of Morocco.

Traveller Alyssa learns the traditional bread making techniques from her guide's grandmother in Morocco

Overall

Once we arrived in Rabat, we were actually quite sad despite having a weekend of wedding festivities ahead! Our expectations of the trip were beyond surpassed, and the trip left me wanting to visit the area much more frequently. 

Thank you so much for an unforgettable experience!! 

You provided excellent guidance for us. I appreciated that you really had us think about what was most important to us when we were selecting the right cruise – and not to totally focus on what other people had to say. THANK YOU for helping to make this a memorable trip for our family! It really was a trip of a lifetime!

Clare and Mark (family cruise to Alaska)

The level of service we experienced was out of this world (and we did NOT make it easy on Ann). We weren’t quite sure where we wanted to go, when we would be able to go, or what “vibe” we were going for. After asking us some key questions (what we liked, didn’t like, why, etc.) Ann helped us narrow down our trip details and planned the honeymoon of our dreams. She helped book some of our excursions, answered some emergency questions while abroad and was always available/willing to help. I think it’s safe to say we won’t be using anyone else for future travel planning – Ann is a rockstar!

Carli (Italy and Spain)