group trips to usa

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USA Small Group Tours

Uncover new and exciting adventures in USA by taking part in our small group tours. Go sightseeing at your own pace surrounded by travellers like you. Provided by top tour operators & travel companies, our small group tours in USA will offer you the perfect balance between spending time on your own and group activities. View all small group tours .

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250+ usa small group tours with 2,712 reviews.

Alaska Kenai & Denali Adventure

The trip was well-organized and Briannna was very efficient and helpful throughout. However, her presentations are very brief and clipped, almost to the point where they sound robotic. She needs to keep in mind that while she has said it all many times before, this is the first time the listener has heard it.

• Sightseeing

Grand Canyon and More 3 day tour

All that I can say is ""THANK YOU"" ! We spent the best few days of our lives touring the West with our guide Chloe. She was an awesome guide with an endless knowledge of the sites , stories and people we visited. She was aware of our limits and likes and made sure that our tours were jam packed and filled with sensory overload. After the tour was over and we parted ways with Chloe and felt that we left a dear friend behind. Your company and Chloe get a solid 10 out of 10 ""Stars"" and talked about with nothing but the highest of praise. Thank you again for a lifetime of memories jam packed into a few short days.

• 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Mountain Hikes
• Hiking & Trekking

7 day Southwest National Parks Grand Canyon Tour

All We Could Have Asked For and More! We recently returned from the ""7 day Southwest National Parks Grand Canyon Tour"". Our tour was led by Kaitlyn Usher. The tour was wonderful, everything was near perfect and Kaitlyn is one of the kindest, hardest working and knowledgeable guides we've ever had! I had mentioned that my husband was turning 70 on the 1st day of the tour to someone at Bindlestiff 2 weeks before the tour and Kaitlyn had a small birthday cake and candles on that first lunch stop! What a nice surprise for my husband. Most anything we asked of her was taken care of and questions answered. We just can't say enough good things about her! The itinerary of the tour was great, we saw and did everything we wanted to do. The van was comfortable and kept clean by Kaitlyn every night. Plenty of items for the picnic lunches (a super idea). She always had options to match physical abilities. The 50 minute ride over the Grand Canyon (optional) was spectacular, the heliport is a distance from the rim, so be sure to do the longer ride to have enough canyon viewing time. The optional Hummer tour was very exciting and scary (in a good way). Thank you for a wonderful birthday trip and great memories!

LA to Vegas: Grand National Parks

Great trip. Mike was a great guide and found interesting things for us to do on "free" days and en route between parks. Amazing scenery and some great walking.

• Christmas & New Year

Mighty 5 From Las Vegas

This was the VERY BEST WAY to see the stunning National Parks of Southern Utah. You don't miss a thing due to needing "eyes on the road" as when you drive yourself, you have a knowledgeable (and SO pleasant) guide to take you to and tell you the significance of all you are seeing, and having all the many arrangements made for you is priceless. This was absolutely a seamless experience from start to finish.

Yellowstone & Rocky Mountain Explorer

No Words Can Adequately Describe...We recently went on the 7 day Southwest tour followed by the 7 day Yellowstone tour. We chose the camping option. All our expectations were exceeded. The itinerary was full on, allowing us to see everything on offer and more. A huge thank you to Chris Patrick, our guide. He kept everyone engaged, entertained, watered and fed. No request or concerns went unanswered. He's an asset to the Bindlestiff team and we would DEFINITELY recommend you do these trips. Being able to stay right in the National Parks was fantastic.

• In-depth Cultural

Vegas to San Fran

National Parks Tour 3 Days Small Group Tour from Las Vegas

We took this tour in October 2023 and had a blast. Our guide, John, was very friendly and knowledgeable. We were lucky to take this trip during the annular eclipse and our guide made a stop so we could watch it. We chose the camping option, but the it was too cold in Bryce to camp so we stayed in a hotel the first night. The next night we stayed at a camping site in Monument Valley and it was incredible. We also did all did Antelope Canyon and the helicopter ride. The highlight for me was seeing Monument Valley and the helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon. I will definitely take another trip with Bindlestiff. Pro tip: bring a bandana or something to cover your face during the jeep tours. The jeeps kick up a lot of dust driving through the desert.

• Photography
• Walking Adventure

Yellowstone / Grand Teton 4 Day / 3 Night Wildlife Adventure

Awesome tour. Our tour guide was excellent. Showed us a plethora of wildlife we never would have found on our own. Nice smooth trip.

• Overland Truck

Alaska Adventure - 20 Days

Infinite Adventures is the very very best!!!! We typically do a long trip every year and this one was the best we have ever done. My wife and two kids absolutely loved it. Dave, Tory, Nat, and Ellie made it very easy to enjoy Alaska's great outdoors without us having to plan or find the best spots. They know all the little details that made it fun. Their sense of humor was also a huge plus. After a day hiking glaciers or bear watching the camp sight was always fun and dinners/food was always on point. Natalie and Ellie made best scrambled eggs ever. Tory and Dave made best Salmon dinner's (they deserve at least one Michelin star). The bus ride was also fun, comfortable with good conversation and great music (Nat, please more ABBA next time LOL). Also, the group travel angle was great fun as we got to meet and bond with people from all over the world. Really wonderful group of people. We will definitely be doing another trip in future with Infinite Adventures and highly recommend it to others.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Alaska Kenai Adventure 9 Days

Excellent trip! I would absolutely recommend the Infinite Adventures trips to anyone who loves an adventure, enjoys being outside and is flexible in their travel. In this tour, you should be ready for the weather (have good gear) and love camping because much of it is outdoors. This was overall a great trip with lots of activities along the way.

USA Road Trip- The Best of Cali

Discover American Canyonlands National Geographic Journeys

Like many other businesses, they are having some staffing issues. This business was particularly affected by the pandemic as nobody traveled for a year and they had to lay off some people. We had some trouble getting through to them on occasion, but when the time came, they knocked it out of the park. It was a great trip from the beginning to the end. Their Nat Geo tours are a little bit higher end and, in my opinion, worth the money. We had enough time at multiple different locations to go on a very lengthy hikes. That was very nice because sometimes tours over program and you can only get as much accomplished as the slowest person on the tour. The portions of the tour that we did as a group were perfect. Coupled with the adequate time that we had to do our own thing, it made for a wonderful trip. We saw Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Antelope Canyon, the Grand Canyon and did some really cool smaller stops along the way. In each of the parks, we had six or seven hours to accomplish some major hikes. Nice hotels, great recommendations for dinners, wonderful people in our group and our tour guide (Megan) was fantastic. We went out to dinner with the group several nights and it was very pleasant. Some nights we did our own thing. Small groups no larger than 15. We had 13 people total. We brought our 13 and 15-year-old boys and they had a great time as well. I highly recommend.

Hike Alaska: Valdez and Wrangell St Elias

It was a very fun and adventuresome trip. The tour guide was well organized and hard working. The only problem was one of the camp sites was pretty primitive compared with the "KOA-style" campgrounds advertised by the company.

Alaska Journey National Geographic Journeys

We had a wonderful time. The tour was well planned and well managed. The CEO was excellent ..good driver, good communicator, had good knowledge of the local attractions and made great recommendations for restaurants. The group we were with was also a very pleasant group which made the experience that much more enjoyable. That said, would have loved to see the accommodations updated.. most except the Denali cabins were old and "weathered".

Reviews of Small Group tours to USA

Everything was great organized, our CEO Megan was so kind and well prepared.

Great trip. Wonderful guide.

What a lifetime experience everyone needs Jun 2023 • Solo Within 7 days, we drove in 3 states, visited 5 national parks / 2 state parks, hiked 60 miles, made friends from 7 different states/nations, and eventually traveled through the iconic Route 66 back to Las Vegas. What a lifetime experience everyone needs Day 1 - Zion National Park Day 2 - Bryce Canyon National Park Day 3 - Canyonlands National Park Day 4 - Arches National Park Day 5 - Monument Valley Navajo Nation Day 6 - Grand Canyon National Park / Antelope State Day 7- Grand Canyon back to Las Vegas via Historic Route 66 AMAZING!

• USA Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• 10 Best Backpacking Tours & Trips 2024/2025
• Best time to visit East Coast USA (Low & High Season)
• Best Time to Visit the West Coast, USA in 2024/2025 (with California)
• Best USA Vacation Spots for Couples: Parks, Cities and more
• 5 Best Guided Backpacking Trips & Tours
• Best 10 Day USA Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

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United states.

Land of the Free

The United States of America is truly the land of the beautiful from sea to shining sea. With easy access to thousands of miles of beautiful coastline and beaches, mountain ranges on both sides, even residents of its 50 states can’t take it all in in a lifetime. It is the most culturally diverse place on earth and birthplace of modern jazz, rock and blues. So whether you are young or old, a sports enthusiast, foodie, musician, historian or nature lover, the United States of America is right here waiting for you.

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Destination must-see's, west coast:.

Relish the welcoming culture of its laid back cities, some of the world’s finest wines, and landscapes that take your breath away. The west coast has an abundance of sites to see. Home to multiple national parks, get in touch with your adventurous side and do some exploring. Also rich in natural wonders it’s a nature-lovers dream.

Big Cities (Spotlights):

Explore some of the world’s most iconic cities and get to know the sites and culture that make them famous. Whether it is the hustle and bustle of New York City famous for Times Square and all its lights, or glamorous Hollywood filled with celebrities, you are sure to see some sights you will never forget.

Delight in some famed southern hospitality and cultural discovery traveling through America’s southern states. Home to country music, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, Grand Ole Opry, and Bluebird Café where many famous stars have performed. With so much farmland it will be easy to take on the role of a cowboy for a day. After a long day, finish up with an amazing home cooked meal and some sweet ice tea.

New England:

Discover New England and the many things it has to offer. From shorelines to mountain tops you get a little bit of everything. Sandy beaches make for great water sports, sunsets, and of course seafood! And majestic mountains make for great outdoor adventures, and sunsets as well. With its charming towns and vast amount of activities its unique culture is brought to life.

Destination Must-Do's

National parks:.

Travel through America’s National Parks getting to know the hidden gems and jaw-dropping scenery. With many hiking trails at different levels of difficulty there is a path for everyone! Stunning scenery, hidden caves, and lots of wildlife, it might be a hike but the view is worth it from the top!

Music Cities:

Revel in the sounds of the blues, jazz, country, and good old rock‘n’roll in the cities that shaped modern music. With as many as eight music cities all passionate about different styles of music, you are sure to find one that fits your taste.

Alaska Icebergs:

Behold Alaska’s most admired treasures - its ancient glaciers, snow-capped mountains and majestic icebergs. On foot or by boat you are not limited as to how you get to experience these massive glaciers.

Hawaiian Beaches:

Immerse yourself in paradise with a stroll along one of Hawaii’s pristine beaches including Oahu’s famous North Shore. Crystal clear waters, soft sand, and beautiful palm leaves make for a relaxing day at the beach with some beautiful views.

Expert Advice

Wow, it’s hard to give advice for the entire USA. It’s so diverse. I would say wherever you go – think of it as having its own culture and be ready to dive in and experience it, like one of my favorite places, Hawaii!

Always bring extra memory cards and batteries for your camera. It’s been my experience that you can never take enough picture of places like the National Parks or the New York skyline.

With such a diverse climate from Alaska to Arizona and New York to San Francisco, there’s really never a bad time to travel through the U.S. You can always find something amazing.

Featured Tours to United States

America's National Parks & Denver

Grand Hawaiian Adventure Four Islands featuring O'ahu, Big Island, Maui and Kauai

Alaska Discovery Land & Cruise featuring a 7-night Holland America Cruise

National Parks of America

Montana: Exploring Big Sky Country featuring Yellowstone & Glacier National Parks

Hawaiian Adventure Three Islands featuring O'ahu, Big Island and Maui

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Bluegrass Country & the Smoky Mountains featuring Louisville, Lexington, Gatlinburg & Asheville

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USA Group Tours 2024/2025

Find 316 Group Tours and Group Departures in USA with more than 173 customer reviews. The 316 USA group tours and USA group holidays are delivered by some of the top local and global travel companies in USA.

• Tours in USA
• USA Travel Guide
• 12 Things to do in the USA

287 Group Tours in USA with 173 Reviews

• Starts New York, USA
• Ends New Orleans, USA

Real Big Apple to Big Easy

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities Active and outdoor & City sightseeing Active and outdoor , City sightseeing , Camping & Museum and gallery visits 'data-more-tripid='3522'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hostel
• Transport Private Vehicle, Boat & Train
• Age Range 18-35 yrs
• Operated in English
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,895
• Special Deal (35%): - US$ 1,013
• Total Price from: US$ 1,882
• Jun 16 10+ seats left
• Jul 07 Only 9 seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

• Starts Los Angeles, USA
• Ends Las Vegas, USA

LA to Vegas Adventure

• Activities City sightseeing
• Accommodation Hotel, Camping & Hostel
• Transport Private Vehicle
• Age Range 15-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,515
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 151
• Total Price from: US$ 1,364
• May 14 Only 4 seats left
• Jun 11 Only 2 seats left

• Starts Las Vegas, USA

Wonders of the American West

• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities Explorer & Adventure
• Accommodation Hotel, Lodge & Resort
• Transport Coach, 4WD Jeep & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 5-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 4,671
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 701
• Total Price from: US$ 3,970
• May 12 Only 5 seats left
• May 19 10+ seats left

• Ends New York, USA

New York Explorer

• Activities Festivals and events
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Ferry & Coach
• Feb 22 Only 8 seats left
• Feb 28 Only 5 seats left

Spotlight on New York City

• Transport Ferry
• Age Range 1-95 yrs
• May 09 10+ seats left
• May 16 10+ seats left

• Starts Anchorage, USA
• Ends Anchorage, USA

Denali Alaska Highlights

• Free cancellation
• Trip customizable
• Activities Trekking and Hiking & Adventure Trekking and Hiking , Adventure , Camping , Wildlife & Rafting 'data-more-tripid='43847'>+3 more
• Accommodation Camping, Guest House, Hotel & Tent
• Transport Boat, Bus & Flight
• Age Range 10-79 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,270
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 327
• Total Price from: US$ 2,943

• Starts Nashville, USA

Rhythms of the South

• Activities Adventure & Explorer
• Transport Coach, Boat & Bus
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,450
• Special Deal (22%): - US$ 532
• Total Price from: US$ 1,918
• May 20 Only 10 seats left
• Jun 10 Only 7 seats left

• Starts Honolulu, USA
• Ends Honolulu, USA

Honolulu Hawaii Experience 7D/6N

• Activities Adventure
• Age Range 18-99 yrs
• Apr 25 10+ seats left
• Apr 26 10+ seats left

Eastern USA & Canada Escape

• Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing & City sightseeing
• Transport Coach, Boat, Bus & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 10-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,625
• Special Deal (28%): - US$ 1,025
• Total Price from: US$ 2,600
• Jun 17 10+ seats left
• Jul 08 10+ seats left

• Ends San Francisco, USA

Wild Western USA

• Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing & National parks
• Jul 09 Only 2 seats left

• Ends Miami, USA

New York to Miami

• Activities City sightseeing & Chill out
• Transport Coach & Boat
• Age Range 13-99 yrs
• Apr 26 Only 10 seats left
• May 24 Only 10 seats left

• Ends Los Angeles, USA

Western Trails

• Accommodation Hotel & Lodge
• Transport Coach
• Jun 21 Only 10 seats left
• Jul 05 Only 10 seats left

Best of the West

• Accommodation Hotel & Resort
• Transport Coach, Helicopter & Private Vehicle
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,695
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 409
• Total Price from: US$ 2,286
• Jun 06 Only 5 seats left
• Jul 11 10+ seats left

Utah Parks Circuit

• Activities National parks
• Accommodation Hotel, Camping & Hut
• Transport Private Vehicle & Jeep
• Jun 15 Only 3 seats left
• Jul 20 10+ seats left

USA Tour Reviews

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Popular Activities

• Adventure tours
• City sightseeing tours
• Cultural, religious and historic sites tours
• Explorer tours
• National parks tours
• Natural landmarks sightseeing tours
• Trekking and Hiking tours
• Wildlife tours

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Tours in the USA

From jazz and blues in the Deep South to whale-watching in Alaska, everything you could dream of for a vacation is right in your own backyard. The beauty of the National Parks is off the charts; watch the sun set through Delicate Arch in Utah for an unforgettable experience.

Ways to explore USA

Boat journeys, walking and trekking, popular usa trip searches, us national parks, north america small group tours, solo tours in north america, discover our usa tours.

There’s no time like the present to discover the national wonders of your own backyard. Take the road less traveled on an adventure vacation to little-known corners of the country, or seek out a national park landmark like the Grand Canyon or Zion National Park - it's no wonder Zion made it into the 35 best hikes in the world ! No matter where you plan to go, Explore can help you make the most of your USA adventure with our signature small group tours . 

Explore offers USA tour packages designed for all kinds of travelers, from families to solo adventurers and everyone in between. Our guided tours average just a dozen travelers, which means we’re able to lead small group tours to remote destinations like the wilds of Alaska, as well as the urban jungle of Las Vegas.

New to Explore? Check out our top questions answered about small group tours  to find out more.

Our most popular tours in USA

Western usa national parks explorer.

Best of the American West

Outdoor Alaska

An adventure travel company you can trust

Unforgettable experiences.

From big wows to hidden gems, our tours leave you feeling that you've really explored.

Expert tour leaders

Chosen for their great knowledge of your destination and a passion to make your trip extraordinary.

Small groups

Average groups of 11; solos, couples and friends, united by a desire for authentic experiences.

Responsible at heart

How we operate sets us apart; our flexible booking policy, our loyalty scheme & sustainable approach.

USA tour reviews

Average customer rating:

Independent service rating based on

Need some inspiration for your USA tour?

10 of the best national parks to visit

7 questions answered for your first small-group adventure tour

Protecting our National Parks

First solo trip with Explore? Top 7 questions answered

7 questions answered about your first walking trip

12 Best US National Parks for Kids

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Upcoming tours.

USA – 5 Days Blue Ridge Parkway to Great Smoky Mountains

USA – 5 Days Chasing Slot Canyons in Utah

USA – 5 Days Death Valley and Joshua Tree

USA – 5 Days Grand Canyon Rim to Rim Backpacking Adventure

USA – 5 Days Shenandoah – West Virginia Adventure with Rock Climbing via Ferrata

USA – 5 Days South Florida Highlights Miami to Key West

USA – 5 Days Yellowstone and Grand Tetons

USA – 6 Days Yellowstone Grand Tetons Adventure from Jackson Hole

USA – 6 Days Yellowstone Winter Wildlife Adventure

USA – 8 Day Eastern Highlights Washington DC New York Niagara Falls

USA – 8 Days Arches Canyonlands Antelope Zion Bryce Grand Canyon

USA – 8 Days Zion to Yosemite National Parks Adventures

USA – Alaska Fall Colors with Northern Lights

USA – Alaska Northern Lights Winter Wonderland

USA – Alaska Summer Fairbanks to Seward

USA – Best of Acadia National Park Maine

USA – Best of WA – North Cascades Olympic Mount Rainier National Parks

USA – Colorado Highlights with Fall Foliage

USA – Colorado Winter Adventures

USA – Hawaii – Kauai & Maui Islands Adventure

USA – Hawaii Big Island Volcanoes & Beaches

USA – Highlights of New Orleans

USA – Montana Glacier National Park Sun Road Llama Trek

USA – New Mexico Adventure – White Sands Santa Fe Balloon Ride

USA – New Mexico Balloon Fiesta & Santa Fe

USA – New Orleans Mardi Gras Carnival

USA – New Year in Las Vegas 5 Days Road Trip

USA & Canada – 8 Day New York Niagara Falls Washington DC

Must do adventure.

Check out the hundreds of colorful hot springs and geysers at Yellowstone National Park on the USA Tour and watch out for the grizzly bears, gray wolves, bison, and more. Feast your eyes on the Artist’s Point of the Grand Canyon and go rafting at the Yellowstone Lake.

Behold the most breathtaking natural show of lights and colors from the northernmost parts of the USA on the USA Tour. Take photographs of the stunning blend of colors of the Aurora Borealis from Fairbanks, Alaska. Camp at the wilderness to catch a glimpse of the myriad hues lighting up the dark skies.

The best part of the USA Tour is the trip to the New Mexico Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque. Take part in the most exciting fest that is the Hot Air Balloon Festival, which goes on for nine days, and releases more than 500 hot air balloons of quirky designs and themes into the sky.

Bucket List Experience

The USA Tour will perhaps be the most memorable because of the breathtaking view of lights and hues that you will witness against the dark skies. Go on a Northern Lights Hunting trip at Fairbanks to catch a glimpse of the vibrant Aurora Borealis at the night sky. But begin the day with relaxing at the Chena Hot Springs, followed by a trip to Aurora Ice Museum. Visit the Morri-Thompson Cultural Center to take part in a variety of exciting events and pet the friendly reindeer at Running Reindeer Ranch.

Albuquerque

Spend a day of the USA Tour at Albuquerque. Board the tram of Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway to glide through the Sandia Mountains check out the Zoo and Tingley Beach at ABQ BioPark. Witness the fabulous dance performances and museum exhibits at Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and stir the scientist in you at the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History. Ride the Hot Air Balloon at Balloon Fiesta Park for the most exhilarating experience and explore the nooks and corners of Old Town Albuquerque before heading back to the hotel.

New Orleans

Ditch the neon debauchery of Bourbon Street and experience the true essence of New Orleans at French Quarter. Hit the music clubs at Marigny and proceed to browse through the memorabilia at The National WWII Museum. Explore the eerie beauty of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 and visit Jackson Square to hire a coach and get around in style. Marvel at the bohemian art of ByWater, the hippiest town in New Orleans, and relax at City Park.

Maine, the Eastern Promenade of Portland and check out the six lighthouses of which West Quoddy is the most famous. Take a trip to Acadia National Park and shop at the Outlets in Freeport and Kittery. Try out the authentic Maine Lobster at Lobster Shack and explore the unique and beautiful Casco Bay Islands. Go whale watching and sunbathing at Goose Rocks Beach and catch a movie at the idyllic Bridgton Twin Drive-in Theater.

Hawaii Islands

Savor the ultimate Hawaiian experience at Haleakala Crater, and get an in-depth insight into the devastating WWII at Pearl Harbor. Go on an adventurous hike at the Grand Canyon trails and feast your eyes on the picturesque waterfalls at NaPali Coast. Check out Mauna Loa, the largest volcano in the world, at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and enjoy swimming and snorkeling at Kaanapali Beach. Explore the lush green Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden and marvel at the black sand beaches of Waianapanapa State Park.

Aspen, the tiny and quaint mountain town. Go skiing at Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, Highlands, and Snowmass Ski Resort and hiking at the trails that lead to Crater Lake and Maroon Lake. Take part in the White water river rafting at the rapids of Arkansas River and browse through the exhibits of the Aspen Art Museum. Check out the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies and savor the fabulous craft beer at Aspen Brewing Company.

When to Visit

Peak season.

The months between April and August constitute the best time to take part in the USA Tour, if you want to view the Northern Lights at Fairbanks, Alaska.

Travel Guide

Capital city, main airport, language spoken, electricity, vaccinations, emergency calls, faqs about usa, what is internet access like in the usa.

Wi-Fi access is available all over the USA for free and at a reasonable speed.

Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in the USA?

Use a quad-band unlocked GSM mobile phone to make calls in the USA.

What are the toilets like in the USA?

The USA has standard toilets and urinals. Soap and toilet paper will be available too.

Can I drink the water in the USA?

Tap water is safe for drinking in the USA. Bottled water and filtered hotel are also available.

Are credit cards accepted widely in the USA?

The USA widely accepts credit and debit cards of Visa and MasterCard.

What is ATM access like in the USA?

ATM access in the USA is widely available.

What to wear in the USA?

Wear your favorite skirts, dresses, shirts, tops, tunics, paired with shorts, pants. Pack in your warmest layers too for the Northern Lights Hunting trip on the USA Tour.

Is the USA safe for women to travel solo?

The USA is quite safe for women to travel solo.

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Experience a world beyond your expectations. Choose from our award-winning vacations on virtually every continent with local favorites and off-the-beaten-path experiences only Globus can share.

We know why you travel. You’d rather have an extra day exploring than a fancy chocolate on your pillow at night. Enjoy hand-selected inclusions and world-class experiences for value-minded travel lovers like you.

Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities.

Explore United States Tours

U.S. National Parks Small Group Tours & Trips

101 u.s. national parks trips. tours from 59 tour companies. 22 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating..

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Best of Utah & Arizona National Parks

Bryce Canyon, Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Monument Valley, Zion National Park

• Spend a whole day hiking in zion national park
• Explore the hoodoos of bryce canyon national park
• Take in the view of the colorado river from above at horseshoe bend
• Wander through antelope canyon
• Enjoy a navajo guided jeep tour of monument valley

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

Outdoor Alaska

Alaska, Anchorage, Chugach Mountains, Denali, Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward, Valdez, Wrangell

• Exploration of Alaska's dramatic wilderness
• Sea kayak to giant glaciers and explore alpine tundra
• Wildlife spotting; from grizzly bears to whales

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

"Lovely friendly and efficient staff Very knowledgeable and helpful"

Health Safety +

Hiking Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite

Kings Canyon National Park, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Sequoia National Park, Sierra Nevada, Yosemite National Park

• Stand in awe of giant trees in sequoia national park
• Hike past granite cliffs and cascading rivers in kings canyon national park
• Watch climbers ascend the sheer rockface of el capitan in yosemite national park
• Hike up challenging switchbacks for stunning views

High Adventure, Trekking & Expeditions

All U.S. National Parks , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about U.S. National Parks

Wild Western USA

Colorado, Death Valley, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Yosemite National Park

• Road trip along historic Route 66, also known as the 'Mother Road', stopping in quirky Seligman for a dose of old-fashioned Americana.
• Hike through beautiful Joshua Tree National Park among desert cactus gardens and unusual rock formations.
• The Grand Canyon National Park takes time to really discover – you'll spend two nights in the park, unlike on most trips, so there's a full day to explore properly and see the mighty canyon up close.
• Lose yourself among the bright desert lights of Las Vegas and the Strip, and remember, what happens in Vegas...
• Spending three nights in Yosemite National Park means two full days of exploration. With so many options on what to do, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Natural Highlights of California

California, Death Valley, Death Valley National Park, Golden Gate Bridge, Kings Canyon National Park, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Sequoia National Park, Sierra Nevada, Yosemite National Park

• Immerse yourself in the stark beauty of death valley
• Cross the stunning sierra nevada mountains
• Explore world-famous yosemite national park on a naturalist walk
• Marvel at ancient trees in sequoia national park
• Enjoy a full day in kings canyon national park

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

Las Vegas to San Fran: Parks, Canyons, Valleys

California, Death Valley, Death Valley National Park, Golden Gate Bridge, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, London, San Francisco, Sequoia National Park, York, Yosemite National Park

• Start your west coast adventure on the glitzy Strip of Las Vegas – hit the town for a dose of bright lights and the chance to win big!
• Explore the undulating sand dunes and striking landscapes of the Nevada desert before crossing into California and heading up into the Sierras.
• Hike through sequoia forests, granite cliff faces and cascading waterfalls in Yosemite National Park – one of the best places for hiking, walking and wildlife spotting.
• Enjoy a full day exploring California’s coastal parks, kick back on the gorgeous white sands of secrets coves and end with an evening of wine tastings at dinner at a local winery.
• End your trip in eccentric San Francisco, exploring the sights of the bay on a sunset catamaran cruise and sailing around the infamous Alcatraz Island and beneath the legendary Golden Gate Bridge.

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National Parks Family Journey: Yellowstone and Grand Teton

Jackson, Yellowstone National Park

• Set out on a wildlife safari through yellowstone’s lamar valley
• Where wolves prowl
• Buffalo roam
• And grizzly bears gather
• Raft down the snake river in grand teton national park

Raft & Ranch: Ultimate Western Vacation

Idaho, Lewiston

• Explore Nez Perce National Historical Park in Spalding
• Visit the world’s largest fish hatchery at the Dworshak Dam
• Enjoy a ride in the Clearwater National Forest
• Enjoy drive about two hours to our put-in on the Salmon River
• Visit an ancient Chinese rock house

50 plus, Family Friendly, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

"I have travelled with ROW numerous times, including four trips on the Rogue River. Every trip has been wonderful and every person associated with ROW has been nice, knowledgeable, professional and fun. The Rogue is a great river and the trip is an excellent one for two people or a large group—and I have done both. I’ve taken both of my kids, one time each, and have organized groups of colleagues twice; most recently in 2019 when 14 of us gathered. The guides at ROW are great and help to make the trip very enjoyable. The scenery, lodging and the wonderful outdoors including warm air and refreshing water, make for a wonderful escape from the everyday routine. The fact that this trip offers beds and indoor plumbing is a nice benefit and allows those who have an aversion to camping a chance to see the wilderness. I have recommended ROW and the Rogue trip more times than I can count and my group has already reserved our trip for 2021. What are you waiting for?"

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Best U.S. National Parks Tours by Duration

Tours, Cruises & Private Trips

Best U.S. National Parks Tours by Price

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U.s. national parks reviews & ratings.

Seeing the wonderful scenery of Alaska, particularly the Wrangell and St Elias National Park.

Tour:   Outdoor Alaska

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Really liked our guide Ken, He was full of knowledge, friendly and helpful. The highlight of our trip was either seeing three types of whales or walking a glacier. B...

Too much time spent in the minibus getting from A to B, however, I don't know how you mitigate this as the distances are so large. Very disappointed in the wildlife...

Kennicott and Seward plus Denali, for the variety of experiences.

See all U.S. National Parks reviews

U.S. National Parks Tour Selection Trips

• Since  America ’s National Parks are so spread out, it’s best to focus on tours that take in a few parks in one region or perhaps one park in conjunction with a broader regional tour.
• Consider spending an entire week touring one major park, such as  Yosemite  or Yellowstone.
• A two-week tour might include the Grand Canyon along with Utah’s Arches, Bryce Canyon, and Zion national parks, as well as Yellowstone and Grand Teton.
• Yosemite can easily be combined in a week’s tour with Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks in north-central California, along with perhaps Lake Tahoe, San Francisco and Monterey.
• Look for tours that spend nights in some of the national parks’ classic lodges, such as Yellowstone’s Old Faithful Inn or Yosemite’s Ahwahnee.
• Camping in many National Parks is also very popular for budget tourists.
• Land tours to Denali National Park, home to North America’s tallest peak, are a frequent extension following Alaska small ship cruises.
• Since U.S. national parks can get very crowded during high season, consider an off-season visit – Yellowstone in winter or Death Valley in summer aren’t for everyone, but spring or fall can be beautiful.

Additional details

How Many National Parks Are There in the U.S.?

• There are 60 National Parks in the United States.

What US state has the most National Parks? 

• California , with 9 total, has the most national parks in the United States
• Hawaii comes in at a close second with 8 national parks.

Californias National Parks:

1) Yosemite National Park

2) Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

3) Joshua Tree National Park

4) Lassen Volcanic National Park

5) Channel Islands National Park

6) Point Reyes National Seashore

7) Pinnacles National Park

8) Death Valley National Park

9) Redwood National Park

Best Time to Travel

U.S. National Parks are top travel destinations and as you can imagine, particularly for young children and adults. This means that summer travel to national parks can be downright crowded. Summer is also a time of abundance in wildlife and of course, good weather. 

The Great Smoky Mountains saw over 12 million visitors in 2019. You can also expect especially heavy summer crowds in the Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountain, Zion, Yellowstone, and Yosemite among others.

So when is the best time to visit national parks?

If you’re looking for a quieter experience and an easier hit to the wallet, October through February are the best times to visit U.S. national parks. The exception is in parks where fall foliage is at its prime in September and October.   

There are other considerations you might keep in mind as you plan your national park visit. If you enjoy winter wonderlands consider traveling to these areas in December through March although some parks, like Glacier National Park, will have limited to no accessibility.

Glacier’s iconic Going to the Sun Road doesn’t open until mid-June, sometimes later depending on snow. In Hawaii where there are 8 national parks, snow is usually not a problem unless trying to get to the top of Mauna Kea on the Big Island but the low season falls during the spring and fall.

Expect more rain and fog on some islands. And speaking of rain, July is a stunning time to be in the Rocky Mountain high country when blooms are at their peak after the spring rains. You’ll also have a better chance of getting away from crowds with back country hiking.

Physical Level Requirements. Will There be Hiking? 

National parks call out for discovery beyond park roads. There’s more to see of course if you’re willing and able to hike but this doesn’t necessarily mean that all trips are geared toward hiking.

For sure, they tend to be given the nature of the destination. There are  over 100 U.S. National Parks tours with a few dozen of them falling in the physically “ very easy ” and “ easy ” category. And even the strenuous ones don’t always mean strenuous hiking but rather, a packed itinerary. Read the trip descriptions to learn the details.

Packing Suggestions 

One of the benefits of booking a guided tour is that the company will provide a packing list which will depend on what type of travel you’ll be doing.

If camping, while much of the gear is provided, you’ll likely be asked to bring some items like water bottles, good hiking shoes and head lamps. If you’ll be headed to Death Valley , sun gear is critical and if you’ll be on a rafting trip in the Grand Canyon , water gear will be an important part of your comfort and safety. In some locations, you’ll need insect repellent. Of course, don’t forget any medications and your camera!

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The 10 Best Group Travel Tour Companies for 2023

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her adventures around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

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For those truly epic, once-in-a-lifetime destinations, you want to leave your itinerary to the experts. Whether your dream is to see the Big Five on an African Safari, trek tall mountains, explore European cities, or something even wilder, a group tour is the easiest way to do it.

However, picking the wrong group tour company is the quickest way to ruin your trip. Make sure you choose a tour company that aligns with your goals and travel styles. Do you want an intimate group tour or do you prefer to make lots of new friends in a big group? Does the price line up with what you like (luxury vs. budget)? Is the itinerary going to all the places you want to see? 

We’ve done the research and found the very best group travel tour companies for 2023 for every type of traveler.

Best Overall Group Travel: Exodus Travels

With trips on every continent, Exodus Travels covers anywhere on this planet that you could possibly want to go, from popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast to well off-the-beaten path adventures like Tajikistan. This award-winning group travel company boasts thousands of repeat customers who sign up for trips year after year (97% of past participants would recommend Exodus Travels to a friend). 

These small group tours operate with only around 12-16 people, and always feature experienced local leaders who can give you a unique insight into your destination. Exodus Travels caters to any type of travel style, including trips broken down by type of activity (think walking, cycling, multi-adventure, winter, or cultural) as well as type of traveler (family, age group, etc.). There are curated collections (coastal, “away from it all”, European wilderness, and trips of a lifetime) to inspire you, as well as self-guided options for when you want all the benefits of a group tour planner without the actual group. Looking for that special safari? Exodus Travels just partners with the African Wildlife Foundation to create carefully curated luxury adventures that go above and beyond the standard safari. 

Exodus Travels tours work for almost any budget, with options that range from affordable to premium. 

Top Trip: Explore under-the-radar Europe by foot on Exodus Travels’ Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia walking tour .

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Best Adventure Group Travel: World Expeditions

World Expeditions has been taking adventurous travelers to remote locations all over the world ever since its first group trek through Nepal in 1975. Today, World Expeditions offers active itineraries on every continent. Intrepid travelers can opt for trips themed around mountaineering, rafting, cycling, hiking, and more. 

World Expeditions aims to leave communities and places where they operate tours better than they found them. Trips are created using the company’s Thoughtful Travel Charter as a guideline, which emphasizes respect for the environment, sustainability, having a positive impact on local communities, protecting wildlife, and more. 

World Expeditions’ trips are capped at just 16 people to provide a good experience for participants, and there are no single supplements for solo travelers willing to share a room with someone of the same gender. 

Top Trip: Summit Africa’s tallest mountain on a fully-supported trek up Kilimanjaro on World Expeditions’ eight day trip up the beautiful Lemosho Route . 

Best Budget Group Travel: G Adventures 

For travelers on a budget, G Adventures offers cheap group tours that make dream destinations accessible to nearly anyone. (Think: sailing the Galapagos for just $1,124 , criss-crossing India’s Golden Triangle for $559 , or spending 8 days in Bali for less than $800.)

G Adventures is one of the best tour companies for solo travelers as well, as most trips don’t have a single-supplement. You can choose to share a room with another G Adventures solo traveler, or pay extra to have your own space.

G Adventures keeps costs down by opting for cheaper hotels and local meals, and making certain activities optional (for an additional cost). Pick your travel style—options range from “basic” to more luxe tours run in partnership with National Geographic. Family tours, local living tours (featuring homestays), and wellness-focused tours are also available. 

Top Trip: G Adventures’ China Express trip is a great way to see the highlights of China if you’re short on both time and budget. 

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Best Educational Group Tours: EF Go Ahead Tours

When you really want to learn about a destination, consider a group trip with EF Go Ahead Tours . EF is the world’s largest private education company, and the Go Ahead Tours arm capitalizes on the company’s relationships with local educators, historians, and tour guides to create group trips that take you deep into a destination. 

These small group tours generally cap at 38 travelers, and feature unique educational experiences. For a bucket list trip, EF Go Ahead Tour’s special event tours are particularly enticing, as they offer behind-the-scenes access to tough-to-plan trips like Oktoberfest in Munich or Cherry Blossom season in Japan. 

Intimidated by solo travel? EF Go Ahead Tours is a great option for solo travelers, since it offers designated trips for solo travelers , where everyone is traveling alone, making it less intimidating.  

Top Trip: Bring the tastes of Italy home with you on EF Go Ahead Tours’ Food & Wine: Piedmont & Tuscany tour (operated in partnership with America’s Test Kitchen), where you’ll learn how to make local dishes. 

Best Responsible Group Travel: Intrepid Travel

Looking for a responsible group travel operator that focuses on bettering the communities and destinations they visit? Intrepid Travel is the world’s largest travel B Corporation, a certification for companies doing good. 

Intrepid Travel’s tours focus on sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and sustaining communities. The company has its own charity, The Intrepid Foundation , which has donated over 7 million dollars to over 130 community organizations. 

Intrepid Travel’s small group tours attract a wide range of travelers, but they are especially great for younger travelers, as they have a large number of trips designed for people aged 18-29 . (Other trips, including family-focused trips, are geared toward any age.)

Top Trip: Experience unforgettable wildlife encounters on Intrepid Travel’s Premium Uganda & Rwanda trip which includes time with the mountain gorillas of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. 

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Best Private Group Travel: Kensington Tours

Whether your group consists of just two people or involves taking the entire extended family, Kensington Tours will take all the hassle of planning out of the equation. This private group operator creates personalized trips and itineraries tailored to your preferences, while their experts handle all the logistics and bookings. 

Plans are entirely flexible, and can even be changed while on the trip on a whim. Need some inspiration? Browse Kensington Tours’ travel ideas , to get some ideas for your next adventure. 

Top Trip: Sail around the stunning shores of Croatia and the Dalmation Islands on a private luxury catamaran on Kensington Tours’ fully customizable tour . 

Best Polar Group Travel: Chimu Adventures

Whether you’re headed north to the Artic or south to Antarctica, Chimu Adventures has the perfect polar group trip for you. Chimu Adventures has some of the most variety for polar trips, with options to fly, cruise, or a combination of both to get to your destination.

For an ultra-unique Antarctica trip, Chimu Adventures offers cruises departing from Australia or New Zealand (most Antarctica trips depart from Argentina). Can’t stay long? Book one of Chimu Adventures’ scenic flights to Antarctica , which fly as far as the south pole in one spectacular 16-hour day.

Chimu Adventures is one of the cheapest group trips to Antarctica, with rates starting under $5,000.

Top Trip: If you’re pressed for time (or simply don’t have the stomach for the Drake Passage), Chimu Adventures’ Antarctica Fly Cruise will get you to the ends of the earth quickly and smoothly.

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Best Group Tours for Solo Travelers: For the Love of Travel

Group tours can be a great way to meet new people, but they can sometimes skew on the older age range. If you’re between 25-39 and a solo traveler looking to meet new people, you’ll love For the Love of Travel . All participants on the trips are between 25-39, and according to the company, 80 percent are solo travelers—so you’ll make friends fast. Hoping to meet someone who will be more than just a friend on your next trip? Trips include a balanced number of “gal and guy spots” to ensure an even balance of genders within groups (and of course, non-binary genders are always welcome). 

For the Love of Travel offers weeklong (or longer) international trips as well as shorter weekender trips to nearby destinations like Mexico or Denver—perfect for people without a lot of vacation time.

Top Trip: Sleep in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights, go sledding with huskies, and warm up in traditional saunas on For the Love of Travel’s Lapland tour , already booking dates for 2024.

Best Biking Tours Group Travel: DuVine Cycling

Biking through the rolling hills of Italy or across the mountain roads of Chile sounds like a dream, but the logistics seem daunting (especially if you don’t want to haul all your own stuff from point-to-point). Enter: DuVine Cycling , a luxury small group tour company that specializes in bike trips. 

With trips across Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the United States, DuVine Cycling is a cyclist’s dream. Choose from all-biking trips or mix things up with a cycle and sail bike tour or a multi-sport adventure —no matter what, everything is included, from luxury boutique accommodations to top-quality name brand bikes. 

Top Trip: DuVine’s Holland Bike Tour promises “tulips, windmills, beer, and cheese”—what more could you need?

Best Luxury Group Travel: Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent has been delighting discerning travelers since 1962. Today, they take travelers on unforgettable adventures across over 100 different countries and all seven continents. Although Abercrombie & Kent’s trips are pricey, they encompass once-in-a-lifetime experiences like private jet tours around the world or luxury chartered cruises .

There are trips designed for solo travelers and families , and the small group journeys max out at around 14-18 guests.

Top Trip: Swim with whale sharks in the Philippines, feed proboscis monkeys in Malaysia, and photograph wild tigers in India on Abercrombie & Kent’s Wildlife Safari: Around the World by Private Jet trip , already booking dates into 2024.

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How a group tour changed my whole approach to travel

I 've always considered myself a fiercely independent traveler. I've navigated more than 50 countries on my own, and while I have sometimes booked short excursions, usually for a day, it had never occurred to me to book a group tour. That changed when I decided to take two of my children on a family tour with Intrepid Travel . 

I had planned on spending our winter break in the Middle East but changed my mind at the last minute due to safety concerns . Because of the abrupt change, I knew I wouldn't have time to plan an itinerary, book hotels and arrange transportation before our departure date. However, I didn’t want to let that stop me from having an adventure. I'm glad I took a chance on a group tour because it changed the way I travel. Here's how.

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The trip planning was stress-free

I spent a little time comparing tour companies but quickly honed in on Intrepid. The company offers a variety of itineraries for families at different price points, and a few of my friends had been on its tours and had a good experience. I also liked that Intrepid offers specialized tours for different types of travelers, including family tours . 

At first I planned on an "original" style family tour but upgraded to a "comfort" tour, which included more activities and meals along with upgraded accommodations. Although it cost more, the company's 10-day Morocco Family Holiday tour was still within my budget and looked like a good value. 

BEFORE YOU GO: The 5 most important questions to ask yourself before booking a tour  

Once I committed to a tour, my planning was essentially done. That was a huge relief. I normally spend hours searching for hotels , figuring out some must-do activities in every location along with some off-the-beaten-track attractions, researching transportation options, and gathering restaurant recommendations. Although I often find it's fun, it’s also time-consuming and can become draining for trips that involve several stops.

Even though a group tour was not exactly what I would have planned on my own, Intrepid's Morocco itinerary was fairly close. I thought giving up some control was well worth the trade-off of not having to do all the planning on my own. Because Intrepid uses local teams based at its tour destinations to plan trips, I also hoped having a local involved would bring me to places I never would have found on my own. 

SAVE MONEY: Kids stay free at these 10 all-inclusive family resorts

Instead of reading hotel reviews and booking entry tickets, I spent the weeks leading up to my family vacation learning more about Moroccan culture. I knew this would enrich my experience more than figuring out all of the details for a trip abroad to run smoothly. I'm usually a mix of excited and stressed in the week or two leading up to a big trip. This time I was mostly excited, and my stress was at a minimum. 

Though I won’t stick exclusively to group tours in the future, this trip taught me to not sweat the small stuff so much. I don’t need to spend so much time finding the perfect hotel or restaurant to have a great trip.

Group trips are fantastic for solo travelers and parents traveling on their own

Before I had a family, I often traveled on my own. Though I enjoyed solo travel , it was lonely at times, even more so when I stopped staying at youth hostels and lost access to the fantastic communities they provide. Now I frequently travel with my two younger children. They are fantastic travel companions, but on longer trips I sometimes find myself longing for adult interaction or an extra pair of hands. Additionally, even though my kids usually get along well, they sometimes get sick of each other in the absence of any other playmates. 

TRAVEL WITH TEENS: 10 best vacation ideas for families with teenagers

On my Intrepid trip, I had other adults to talk to throughout the day. That was a refreshing change from my usual experience of going a week or more without speaking to another adult for more than five minutes, usually for transactional matters like checking into a hotel. My kids also quickly made friends with the other children on the trip. Not surprisingly, all of the families on the trip had similar interests and an adventurous spirit. My children and I were the only Americans in the group, and it was interesting learning more about life in New Zealand, Canada and Australia from the other families.

The parents in the group quickly started leaning on one another for support. One mom, also traveling alone with her children, asked me to take one of her daughters on an outing so she could get some one-on-one time with her other child. I asked a different mom to keep an eye on my son while I packed our things for the next day. It was nice not feeling as if I was on my own. 

UNIQUE TRIPS: Hate bus tours? These 7 unique guided tours were made for you

This "it takes a village" spirit is something I want to bring with me in my future travels. Although it’s not possible to replicate the experience of traveling with other families, it is possible to seek out connections away from home. For example, on a recent trip, my son wanted to play soccer with local children who lived near our hotel. Instead of rushing him away so we could squeeze in another activity, I let him play. He wound up meeting up with the other kids every night we were there, sharing candy and communicating with an app. The nights playing soccer were a highlight of that trip for him and something I probably would not have let him do before my experience with a group tour.  

I appreciated a slower pace

I have serious FOMO and often pack too much into my days when I travel. When I first reviewed the itinerary, I noted right away that it had downtime and even an entire free afternoon built into the trip. Though I know many people enjoy that balance, I was worried I would feel bored and come away feeling as if I had traveled halfway around the world and missed seeing all there is to do. 

TRIP REVIEW: Adventures by Disney’s Peru tour is a riveting family adventure

The reality is it’s impossible to do everything. Trying is exhausting and impossible. There is always something left on the to-do list at the end of the trip. It was refreshing to go into a trip not trying to see an entire country in two weeks and being OK with that from the outset. 

Though there were a couple of other things I would have liked to have squeezed in, I was very happy with the balance of activities and downtime. Other than all-inclusive family vacations and trips to family resorts , I normally don’t schedule time to just relax while I am traveling. It was really nice to have time to read and play UNO with my kids. I also liked that Intrepid had a couple of optional activities for those of us who didn’t want quite as much downtime as others. 

MONEY MATTERS: How much should you tip on a guided tour? All your gratuity questions answered  

I do still feel pressure to see and do everything when I travel, but going on a group trip helped me see the value in traveling at a slower pace. Some of my favorite moments from my Intrepid trip happened during scheduled downtime; they gave me and my children time to just enjoy being with one another without the pressures of work and school. It’s a lesson I’ve tried to carry with me as I’ve planned future trips. 

Learning from a local is invaluable 

One reason I chose Intrepid is the company uses all local guides, and most tours use the same guide throughout the trip. It may sound obvious that learning from locals is the best way to get to know a country, but I had underestimated just how valuable traveling with a local guide would be. 

TOUR REVIEW: Adventures by Disney’s South Africa tour is a lesson in culture, history, and beauty  

I learned much about Moroccan culture through our tour guide, who was always willing to answer questions about his life and traditions. He even brought us to his family home to meet his parents and niece, which was a very special experience. Aside from being able to share the history of everywhere we visited, I also liked that our guide warned us about scams to watch out for, shared the tipping culture and gave advice on bargaining. He was also helpful when it came to practical matters like finding an ATM.  

For future trips, I will be more open to taking guided tours with local guides, even if it’s just for a few hours. I will also make it a point to try to talk to more locals, as long as I can do so without bothering them too much. 

Even though it wasn’t what I had originally planned, not only did I have a great experience on my trip with Intrepid, it has also forever changed the way I plan to travel.

How a group tour changed my whole approach to travel originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com .

More from TourScoop:

• 9 best travel companies that specialize in women-only tours
• 8 best senior travel tour companies
• 4 great tour companies with independent tours

The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology , we review and select family vacation ideas , family vacation spots , all-inclusive family resorts , and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators , tour operator reviews , tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations .

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How a group tour changed my whole approach to travel

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What we know about unauthorized immigrants living in the U.S.

The unauthorized immigrant population in the United States reached 10.5 million in 2021, according to new Pew Research Center estimates. That was a modest increase over 2019 but nearly identical to 2017.

The number of unauthorized immigrants living in the U.S. in 2021 remained below its peak of 12.2 million in 2007. It was about the same size as in 2004 and lower than every year from 2005 to 2015.

The new estimates do not reflect changes that have occurred since apprehensions and expulsions of migrants along the U.S.-Mexico border started increasing in March 2021 . Migrant encounters at the border have since reached historic highs .

Pew Research Center undertook this research to understand ongoing changes in the size and characteristics of the unauthorized immigrant population in the United States. The Center has published estimates of the U.S. unauthorized immigrant population for more than two decades. The estimates presented in this research are the Center’s latest, adding new and updated annual estimates for 2017 through 2021.

Center estimates of the unauthorized immigrant population use a “residual method.” It is similar to methods used by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Immigration Statistics and nongovernmental organizations, including the Center for Migration Studies and the Migration Policy Institute . Those organizations’ estimates are generally consistent with ours. Our estimates also align with official U.S. data sources, including birth records, school enrollment figures and tax data, as well as Mexican censuses and surveys.

Our “residual” method for estimating the nation’s unauthorized immigrant population includes these steps:

• Estimate the total number of immigrants living in the country in a particular year using data from U.S. censuses and government surveys such as the American Community Survey and the Current Population Survey.
• Estimate the number of immigrants living in the U.S. legally using official counts of immigrant and refugee admissions together with other demographic data (for example, death and out-migration rates).
• Subtract our estimate of lawful immigrants from our estimate of the total immigrant population . This provides an initial estimate of the unauthorized immigrant population .

Our final estimate of the U.S. unauthorized immigrant population, as well as estimates for lawful immigrants, includes an upward adjustment. We do this because censuses and surveys tend to miss some people . Undercounts for immigrants, especially unauthorized immigrants, tend to be higher than for other groups. (Our 1990 estimate comes from work by Robert Warren and John Robert Warren; details can be found here .)

The term “unauthorized immigrant” reflects standard and customary usage by many academic researchers and policy analysts. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Immigration Statistics also generally uses it. The term means the same thing as undocumented immigrants, illegal immigrants and illegal aliens.

For more details on how we produced our estimates, read the Methodology section of our November 2018 report on unauthorized immigrants.

The unauthorized immigrant population includes any immigrants not in the following groups:

• Immigrants admitted for lawful residence (i.e., green card admissions)
• People admitted formally as refugees
• People granted asylum
• Former unauthorized immigrants granted legal residence under the 1985 Immigration Reform and Control Act
• Immigrants admitted under any of categories 1-4 who have become naturalized U.S. citizens
• Individuals admitted as lawful temporary residents under specific visa categories

Read the Methodology section of our November 2018 report on unauthorized immigrants for more details.

Pew Research Center’s estimate of unauthorized immigrants includes more than 2 million immigrants who have temporary permission to be in the United States. (Some also have permission to work in the country.) These immigrants account for about 20% of our national estimate of 10.5 million unauthorized immigrants for 2021.

Although these immigrants have permission to be in the country, they could be subject to deportation if government policy changes. Other organizations and the federal government also include these immigrants in their estimates of the U.S. unauthorized immigrant population.

Immigrants can receive temporary permission to be in the U.S. through the following ways:

Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

In 2021, there were about 500,000 unauthorized immigrants with Temporary Protected Status . This status provides protection from removal or deportation to individuals who cannot safely return to their country because of civil unrest, violence or natural disaster.

Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) is a similar program that grants protection from removal. The number of immigrants with DED is much smaller than the number with TPS.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals is a program that offers protection from deportation to individuals who were brought to the U.S. as children before June 15, 2007. As of the end of 2021, there were slightly more than 600,000 DACA beneficiaries , largely immigrants from Mexico.

Asylum applicants

Individuals who have applied for asylum but are awaiting a ruling are not legal residents yet but cannot be deported. There are two types of asylum claims, defensive and affirmative .

Defensive asylum applications are generally filed by individuals facing deportation or removal from the U.S. These are processed by the Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. At the end of 2021, there were almost 600,000 applications pending.

Affirmative asylum claims are made by individuals already in the U.S. who are not in the process of being deported or removed. These claims are handled by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). At the end of 2021, more than 400,000 applications for affirmative asylum were pending, some covering more than one applicant.

Here are key findings about how the U.S. unauthorized immigrant population changed from 2017 to 2021:

• The most common country of birth for unauthorized immigrants is Mexico. However, the population of unauthorized immigrants from Mexico dropped by 900,000 from 2017 to 2021 , to 4.1 million.
• There were increases in unauthorized immigrants from nearly every other region of the world – Central America, the Caribbean, South America, Asia, Europe and sub-Saharan Africa.
• Among U.S. states, only Florida and Washington saw increases to their unauthorized immigrant populations , while California and Nevada saw decreases. In all other states, unauthorized immigrant populations were unchanged.
• 4.6% of U.S. workers in 2021 were unauthorized immigrants , virtually identical to the share in 2017.

Trends in the U.S. immigrant population

The U.S. foreign-born population was 14.1% of the nation’s population in 2021. That was very slightly higher than in the last five years but below the record high of 14.8% in 1890.

As of 2021, the nation’s 10.5 million unauthorized immigrants represented about 3% of the total U.S. population and 22% of the foreign-born population. These shares were among the lowest since the 1990s.

Between 2007 and 2021, the unauthorized immigrant population decreased by 1.75 million, or 14%.

Meanwhile, the lawful immigrant population grew by more than 8 million, a 29% increase, and the number of naturalized U.S. citizens grew by 49%. In 2021, naturalized citizens accounted for about half (49%) of all immigrants in the country.

Where unauthorized immigrants come from

Unauthorized immigrants living in the U.S. come from many parts of the world, with Mexico being the most common origin country.

The origin countries for unauthorized immigrants have changed since the population peaked in 2007, before the Great Recession slowed immigration. Here are some highlights of those changes:

The number of unauthorized immigrants from Mexico living in the U.S. (4.1 million in 2021) was the lowest since the 1990s. Mexico accounted for 39% of the nation’s unauthorized immigrants in 2021, by far the smallest share on record .

The decrease in unauthorized immigrants from Mexico reflects several factors:

• A broader decline in migration from Mexico to the U.S.
• Mexican immigrants to the U.S. continuing to return to Mexico
• Expanded opportunities for lawful immigration from Mexico and other countries, especially for temporary agricultural workers.

The rest of the world

The total number of unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. from countries other than Mexico has grown rapidly. In 2021, this population was 6.4 million, up by 900,000 from 2017.

Almost every region in the world had a notable increase in the number of unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. from 2007 to 2021. The largest increases were from Central America (240,000) and South and East Asia (180,000).

After Mexico, the countries of origin with the largest unauthorized immigrant populations in the U.S. in 2021 were:

• El Salvador (800,000)
• India (725,000)
• Guatemala (700,000)
• Honduras (525,000)

India, Guatemala and Honduras all saw increases from 2017.

The Northern Triangle

Three Central American countries – El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala – together represented 2.0 million unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. in 2021, or almost 20% of the total. The unauthorized immigrant population from the Northern Triangle grew by about 250,000 from 2017 and about 700,000 from 2007.

Other origin countries

Venezuela was the country of birth for 190,000 U.S. unauthorized immigrants in 2021. This population saw particularly fast growth, from 130,000 in 2017 and 55,000 in 2007.

Among countries with the largest numbers of U.S. unauthorized immigrants, India, Brazil, Canada and former Soviet Union countries all experienced growth from 2017 to 2021.

Some origin countries with significant unauthorized immigrant populations showed no change, notably China (375,000) and the Dominican Republic (230,000).

Detailed table: Unauthorized immigrant population by region and selected country of birth (and margins of error), 1990-2021 (Excel)

U.S. states of residence of unauthorized immigrants

The unauthorized immigrant population in most U.S. states stayed steady from 2017 to 2021. However, four states saw significant changes:

• Florida (+80,000)
• Washington (+60,000)
• California (-150,000)
• Nevada (-25,000)

States with the most unauthorized immigrants

The six states with the largest unauthorized immigrant populations in 2021 were:

• California (1.9 million)
• Texas (1.6 million)
• Florida (900,000)
• New York (600,000)
• New Jersey (450,000)
• Illinois (400,000)

These states have consistently had the most unauthorized immigrants since 1990 and earlier .

At the same time, the unauthorized immigrant population has become less geographically concentrated. In 2021, these six states were home to 56% of the nation’s unauthorized immigrants, down from 80% in 1990.

Detailed table: Unauthorized immigrant population for states (and margins of error), 1990-2021 (Excel)

Detailed table: Unauthorized immigrants and characteristics for states, 2021 (Excel)

Unauthorized immigrants in the labor force

The share of unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. workforce was slightly less than 5% in 2021, compared with 3% of the total U.S. population.

Demographics help explain the difference: The unauthorized immigrant population includes relatively few children or elderly adults, groups that tend not to be in the labor force.

Overall, about 7.8 million unauthorized immigrants were in the U.S. labor force in 2021. That was up slightly from 2019 but smaller than every year from 2007 through 2015.

Detailed table: Unauthorized immigrants in the labor force for states, 2021 (Excel)

Here are some additional findings about unauthorized immigrants as a share of the workforce nationwide and in certain states:

• Since 2003, unauthorized immigrants have made up 4.4% to 5.4% of all U.S. workers, a relatively narrow range.
• Fewer than 1% of workers in Maine, Montana, Vermont and West Virginia in 2021 were unauthorized immigrants.
• Nevada (9%) and Texas (8%) had the highest shares of unauthorized immigrants in the workforce.
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• Unauthorized Immigration

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Biden pledges G7 response, U.S. support for Israel after Iran attacks

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Get weekly news and analysis on the U.S. elections and how it matters to the world with the newsletter On the Campaign Trail. Sign up here.

Reporting by Jeff Mason, Steve Holland, Doina Chiacu, Eric Beech, and Joel Schectman; Editing by Diane Craft, Chizu Nomiyama and Jonathan Oatis and Miral Fahmy

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Jeff Mason is a White House Correspondent for Reuters. He has covered the presidencies of Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Joe Biden and the presidential campaigns of Biden, Trump, Obama, Hillary Clinton and John McCain. He served as president of the White House Correspondents’ Association in 2016-2017, leading the press corps in advocating for press freedom in the early days of the Trump administration. His and the WHCA's work was recognized with Deutsche Welle's "Freedom of Speech Award." Jeff has asked pointed questions of domestic and foreign leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong Un. He is a winner of the WHCA's “Excellence in Presidential News Coverage Under Deadline Pressure" award and co-winner of the Association for Business Journalists' "Breaking News" award. Jeff began his career in Frankfurt, Germany as a business reporter before being posted to Brussels, Belgium, where he covered the European Union. Jeff appears regularly on television and radio and teaches political journalism at Georgetown University. He is a graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism and a former Fulbright scholar.

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Turkey says ending Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories is 'first priority'

Tension between Israel and Iran should not distract from the situation in Gaza and the first priority of the international community should be ending the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said.

Ukraine attacked eight Russian regions with dozens of long-range strike drones, setting ablaze a fuel depot and hitting three power substations in a major attack early on Saturday, an intelligence source in Kyiv told Reuters.

Police investigating after 'American Idol' alum, singer Mandisa found dead in home

Christian music sensation Mandisa has died at 47.

The singer was found deceased in her home on Thursday, a rep for Mandisa confirmed to USA TODAY on Friday.

“At this time, we do not know the cause of death or any further details. We ask for your prayers for her family and close-knit circle of friends during this incredibly difficult time," her team said via email.

Officers were investigating her death, a spokesperson for the Franklin Police Department told the USA TODAY Network on Friday after the Christian singer and "American Idol" alum was found dead.

"Mandisa was a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges all around the world. She wrote this song for a dear friend who had passed in 2017. Her own words say it best. 'I'm already home, You've got to lay it down 'cause Jesus holds me now—And I am not alone,'" a statement posted Friday on her official Facebook account read.

The California native first rose to fame on Season 5 of "American Idol," when she finished within the Top 10.

Later, she released her debut album "True Beauty" and went on to become one of the most recognizable voices in the Christian music industry. The five-time Grammy Award nominee snagged the best contemporary Christian music album award for her 2013 album, "Overcomer," featuring the popular title song.

Passages 2024: Dickey Betts, Eleanor Coppola, Roberto Cavalli, more stars we've lost

Reps for the show issued a statement to USA TODAY about the loss of Mandisa on Friday.

"Mandisa was an adored icon on American Idol and in the music industry. She had become a platinum-selling artist and had won several Grammys for her music. Her passing has left everyone on the show heartbroken, and we extend our deepest condolences to her family," the statement read.

Robin Roberts mourns loss of Mandisa, who she listened to during cancer treatments

In 2017, during an interview with Robin Roberts on "Good Morning America," Mandisa recounted her struggle with a deep depression three years prior. Mandisa said she became depressed after the death from breast cancer of her best friend LaKisha "Kisha" Mitchell , who was also a background singer for the star.

“It got pretty bad to the point where if I had not gotten off that road I would not be sitting here today,” Mandisa told Robin Roberts on “ GMA .” "I was this close to listening to that voice that told me, ‘You can be with Jesus right now, Mandisa. All you have to do is take your life.'"

Roberts, who listened to Mandisa's song "Stronger" during her own breast cancer treatments, mourned Mandisa's loss in a Facebook post Friday, recounting how the "Idol" alum was present during her first day back on "GMA" after her cancer battle.

"My heart is heavy hearing about Mandisa. Incredibly blessed that she was there my first day back on GMA after my long medical leave. Her beautiful music and spirit lifted me and countless others. Sending prayers and condolences to her family & loved ones." she said, adding a link of Mandisa's performance .

Mandisa's death shared by Christian radio station: 'Struggles are over'

Mandisa's death was first shared in a blog post by Christian radio station K-Love.

In a statement, K-Love Chief Media Officer David Pierce said she "loved Jesus, and she used her unusually extensive platform to talk about Him at every turn" and asked for prayers for the star's family and friends.

"Her kindness was epic, her smile electric, her voice massive, but it wasno match for the size of her heart. Mandisa struggled, and she was vulnerable enough to share that with us, which helped us talk about our own struggles. Mandisa’s struggles are over. She is with the God she sang about now. While we are saddened, Mandisa is home," the statement read.

Contributing: Melonee Hurt and Craig Shoup; The Tennessean

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A jury of his peers: A look at how jury selection will work in Donald Trump’s first criminal trial

How will the attorneys and judge overseeing the trial of Donald Trump find a “fair and impartial” jury to sit in judgement of a former and possibly future president charged with a crime? A New York criminal justice professor breaks down the process. (AP Video: Joseph B. Frederick)

Trump the defendant and 2024 presidential candidate aims to campaign at New York hush money trial

The first of Donald Trump’s four criminal trials will begin in New York on April 15. Here is a look at some of the key figures in the case. (AP Video: Ted Shaffrey)

FILE - Former President Donald Trump, center, appears in court for his arraignment, Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in New York. Trump’s history-making criminal trial is set to start Monday, April 15, with a group of 12 jurors and six alternates chosen to decide whether Trump is guilty of a crime. The idea is to get people who are willing to put their personal opinions aside and make a decision based on the evidence. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, Pool)

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FILE - Judge Juan Merchan’s Manhattan courtroom sits empty between proceedings, March 12, 2024, in New York. Former President Donald Trump’s history-making criminal trial is set to start Monday, April 15, with a group of 12 jurors and six alternates chosen to decide whether the former president of the United States is guilty of a crime. The idea is to get people who are willing to put their personal opinions aside and make a decision based on the evidence. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

FILE - Former President Donald Trump awaits the start of a pre-trial hearing with his defense team at Manhattan criminal court, Monday, March 25, 2024, in New York. Trump’s history-making criminal trial is set to start Monday, April 15, with a group of 12 jurors and six alternates chosen to decide whether Trump is guilty of a crime. The idea is to get people who are willing to put their personal opinions aside and make a decision based on the evidence. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, Pool)

FILE - Adult film actress Stormy Daniels arrives at an event in Berlin, on Oct. 11, 2018. Former President Donald Trump’s history-making criminal trial for charges related to a sex scandal involving Daniels is set to start Monday, April 15, with a group of 12 jurors and six alternates chosen to decide whether the former president of the United States is guilty of a crime. The idea is to get people who are willing to put their personal opinions aside and make a decision based on the evidence. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, File)

FILE - Judge Juan M. Merchan poses in his chambers in New York, March 14, 2024. Former President Donald Trump’s history-making criminal trial is set to start Monday, April 15, with a group of 12 jurors and six alternates chosen to decide whether Trump is guilty of a crime. Merchan will ask the potential jurors a critical question: Can they serve and be fair and impartial? For this trial, jurors who indicate they cannot serve or be fair will be dismissed. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

FILE - Judge Juan Merchan’s courtroom sits empty between proceedings, March 12, 2024, in New York. Former President Donald Trump’s history-making criminal trial is set to start Monday, April 15, with a group of 12 jurors and six alternates chosen to decide whether Trump is guilty of a crime. The idea is to get people who are willing to put their personal opinions aside and make a decision based on the evidence. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

FILE - Judge Juan Merchan’s name plate sits on the bench in his Manhattan criminal courtroom, March 12, 2024, in New York. Former President Donald Trump’s history-making criminal trial is set to start Monday, April 15, with a group of 12 jurors and six alternates chosen to decide whether the former president of the United States is guilty of a crime. Merchan will ask the potential jurors a critical question: Can they serve and be fair and impartial? For this trial, jurors who indicate they cannot serve or be fair will be dismissed. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump’s history-making criminal trial is set to start Monday with a simple but extraordinary procedural step that is vital to American democracy. A group of regular citizens — Trump’s peers, in the eyes of the law — will be chosen to decide whether the former president of the United States is guilty of a crime.

The process of picking a jury could take days. Lawyers on both sides of the case will have limited opportunities to try and shape the panel in their favor, but the court’s goal won’t be to ensure that it has a partisan balance between Democrats and Republicans, or is made up of people oblivious to previous news coverage about the trial.

The idea is to get people who are willing to put their personal opinions aside and make a decision based on the evidence and the law.

Here are some of the factors that will go into jury selection:

What to know about Trump’s hush money trial:

• Trump will be first ex-president on criminal trial. Here’s what to know about the hush money case.
• A jury of his peers: A look at how jury selection will work in Donald Trump’s first criminal trial .
• Donald Trump is facing four criminal indictments, and a civil lawsuit. You can track all of the cases here.

Who can sit on the jury?

This jury will be made up only of people who live in Manhattan, one of New York City’s five boroughs. All English-speaking, U.S. citizens over age 18 who have not been convicted of a felony are eligible for jury duty in New York. Court officials identify potential jurors from lists of registered voters, taxpayers, driver’s license holders, public benefit recipients and other sources.

The pool of potential jurors for Trump’s trial will have been chosen at random. People can volunteer for jury duty, but they can’t pick what trial they serve on.

What if a juror doesn’t want to serve?

Jury duty is compulsory, but you can get excused for a variety of reasons, including a financial or medical hardship.

How will the jury get picked?

Judge Juan M. Merchan will begin by bringing a large group of potential jurors into his courtroom. He will then give a brief outline of the case and introduce the defendant, Trump, to the jury. The judge will then ask the potential jurors a critical question: Can they serve and be fair and impartial? Those who cannot will be asked to raise their hand. For this trial, jurors who indicate they cannot serve or be fair will be dismissed.

Those who remain will be called in groups into the jury box, where they will be asked 42 questions, some with multiple parts.

The lawyers on each side will have a limited number of strikes they can use to exclude potential jurors who they don’t like, without giving a reason. They can also argue that a particular juror should be excluded, but have to get the judge to agree to dismiss that person.

The process continues until 12 jurors and six alternates have been picked. More large groups of potential jurors can be brought into the courtroom, if needed.

What questions will jurors be asked?

The judge won’t allow the lawyers to ask whether potential jurors are Democrats or Republicans, whom they voted for or whether they have given money to any political causes. But there are multiple questions aimed at rooting out whether people are likely to be biased against, or in favor of, Trump.

Among them:

“Do you have any political, moral, intellectual, or religious beliefs or opinions which might prevent you from following the court’s instructions on the law or which might slant your approach to this case?”

“Have you, a relative, or a close friend ever worked or volunteered for a Trump presidential campaign, the Trump presidential administration, or any other political entity affiliated with Mr. Trump?”

“Have you ever attended a rally or campaign event for Donald Trump?”

“Do you currently follow Donald Trump on any social media site or have you done so in the past?”

“Have you, a relative, or a close friend ever worked or volunteered for any anti-Trump group or organization?”

“Have you ever attended a rally or campaign event for any anti-Trump group or organization?”

“Do you currently follow any anti-Trump group or organization on any social media site, or have you done so in the past?”

“Have you ever considered yourself a supporter of or belonged to any of the following: The QAnon movement, Proud Boys, Oathkeepers, Three Percenters, Boogaloo Boys, Antifa.”

Jurors will be asked what podcasts and talk radio programs they listen to and where they get their news.

Will the public learn the identities of the jurors?

The judge has ordered that the jurors’ names be kept secret, an unusual but not unprecedented step in trials where there is a potential that jurors might wind up being harassed or threatened during or after the trial. There is nothing to stop jurors from voluntarily talking about their experiences after the trial is over. While it is pending, they aren’t supposed to talk about it to anyone.

What will this jury decide?

Jurors in this trial will listen to testimony and decide whether Trump is guilty of any of 34 counts of falsifying business records. Their decision to convict or acquit must be unanimous. If they cannot agree on a verdict, the judge can declare a mistrial. If jurors have a reasonable doubt that Trump is guilty, they must acquit him. If they convict him, the judge will be the one who decides the sentence, not the jurors.

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Solo Tours, Travel & Vacations

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• Solo travel

Got the urge for adventure, but no one to do it with? Over 50% of travelers on our trips are traveling solo.

This is why traveling as part of our small group tours has its perks. We’ve got expert local leaders who can't wait to show you around, ready-made friends who are itching to explore (just like you), and optional single supplements if you want a room all to yourself. All you have to do is turn up with a smile and a passport: we’ll handle the rest.

Our most popular group trips for solo travelers

All our group trips are perfectly suited to those of you traveling solo, but here are a few favorites as rated by our previous solo travelers.

Beautiful Bali

9 days from 974.

Travel to Bali and experience this oasis off the coast of Indonesia. Bali's Ubud, Mt...

Best of Morocco

15 days from 1212.

Discover the best of Morocco on an action-packed trip exploring Marrakech, Fes, the...

Everest Base Camp Trek

15 days from 1396.

Embark on the trek of a lifetime to Everest Base Camp on this tour. Fly into Lukla and...

Explore Jordan

8 days from 1141.

Travel to Jordan and tour Amman, Madaba and the inspiring desert landscape of Wadi Rum....

Turkey Uncovered

14 days from 1513.

Discover the best of Turkey on a 14-day trip exploring Istanbul, Gallipoli, Fethiye,...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

Group trips for solo travelers by region

South Africa

The perks of solo travel on a group tour

A local leader

When you’re all by yourself, it’s easy to fall into the typical tourist traps. You wander within a few blocks of your hotel, see a few of the big sights and that’s about it. But solo travel on a group tour isn’t like that. Each of our trips has an expert local leader who knows every backstreet bar, cool tapas joint and hidden gallery. They’ll give you tips for your free time exploring, and introduce you to locals.

Ready-made friendships

Go solo, but not alone. That’s our motto. The average Intrepid Travel trip has about ten people on it – people of all ages and backgrounds from all over the world. It’s like a hostel dorm room that travels with you (minus the smell and the weird naked guy). You’ve got ready-made friends for a karaoke session in Vietnam, a  canoeing adventure in New Zealand  or a  chat over chai  at the breakfast table. For a solo traveler, it’s a nice perk to have.

Logistics and convenience

We’ve spent the better part of 30 years honing our itineraries, getting rid of the dodgy hotels and keeping the good ones, picking the best restaurants to visit, and organizing public transport and all the other logistics of travel so you don’t have to worry. Traveling alone can often be a) confusing and b) complicated. But with us, all you need is a good attitude – we’ll take care of the rest.

Our leaders know the areas of town to avoid after dark. They know how to haggle at markets, avoid pickpockets and scammers and generally have a good time without anything going wrong. And don’t forget, when you're a single traveler on a group tour, you’re in a group! You’ll have a bunch of new friends to watch your back (and your stuff). It’s all the flexibility and freedom of independent travel but without the risks.

Solo travel FAQs

Will i have my own room.

It’s completely up to you. On our trips rooming is organized on a twin-share basis and we pair up solo travelers with another traveler of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. But if you'd like your own room, an individual room is available on the majority of our trips (it’s just a small extra charge). Just mention this to our  customer service team  when booking your trip and they'll arrange it for you.

As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please  contact us  so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

On a small selection of itineraries, some accommodations are booked on an open-gender, multi-share basis (for example on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances, it will clearly be stated in our Essential Trip Information prior to booking and traveling.

How does group time work?

Whether you’re traveling solo or with a partner, our trips have a set itinerary. But within that, there’s time set aside for your own exploration (if you want to – no pressure). The amount of free time depends on the travel style - you can ask your guide for a few tips then head out alone, or hang out with the group and see where the day takes you.

Do I have to pay for an individual room?

Not if you don’t want to. If you’re happy to bunk with a traveler of the same gender, paired up as per the gender marker on each of their passports, there’s nothing extra to pay on the vast majority of our trips. If you want your own room, just mention it to our customer service team when booking and they can organize an individual room for a small charge.

As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please  contact us  so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

I'm new to group travel, what will my group be like?

Intrepid travelers are connected more by attitude than age. They’re a friendly, open-minded and curious bunch, and a lot of them elect to travel alone (so no third-wheeling, we promise). Our trips attract a mix of genders and ages generally ranging from 25 to 65. It’s hard to know exactly who you’ll meet, but you can be assured you'll be a part of the fun.

Is it cheaper to travel in a group?

On average, solo travel on a group tour is way more cost-effective than heading out on your own as you're splitting the costs. We can also guarantee a lot more inclusions and extras than you’d usually get for your money.

Can I tailor the trip to me?

We have a range of trip styles – Basix, Original, Comfort and Premium – that offer different levels of flexibility and free time. Lots of our travelers choose to travel on their own, so it’s common for people to want different things from their experience. Be sure to chat with your leader ; they can recommend places to explore during your free time or things to try after the trip has finished. 

Tips for solo travelers

Embrace local 

It pays to learn a little bit of the local language wherever you go and you should always consider the country’s dress code when picking out what to wear. In many places, you maybe be expected to dress modestly and cover up exposed skin so consider packing a sarong or light scarf to cover exposed shoulders, along with a long skirt or trousers. Whether you agree with it or not, it’s respectful (and smart) to follow the local style.

When you’re out and about being all adventure-y, just keep an eye on the sunset. Try to avoid catching public transport after dark when you’re on your own, especially if you’re carrying your suitcase/backpack/fancy camera/map (it kind of screams ‘tourist’). Travelling with a  group  is a smart move for any traveller; it’s always good to have people around who’ve got your back.

Social media may be the doom of mankind and rational thought as we know it, but it can be useful, even as a safety tool. Your friends and family are now privy to a minute-by-minute update of your whereabouts, regardless of where you are in the world. Before you leave home, give your friends/family a social media heads-up: ‘If I don’t post a sunset selfie for five days straight, get in touch and see if I’m okay.’

Our solo travel safety guide

Share your itinerary.

Good advice for us all, but particularly for people traveling solo. Make copies of your itinerary, contact details, passport, and travel insurance, then email them to yourself and to one or two friends/family at home. Check in on social media when you can so people can keep track of where you are. 

Remember the little things

If you’re arriving late in a city by yourself, book a hotel with a front desk or concierge service (many hotels also offer private transfers that don’t cost the earth from the airport or train station). If you're traveling with us, we can help you organize an  arrival transfer.  Read your maps  before  you head out for a walk (you can use a map app on your smartphone – or take screenshots of where you’re going if you don’t want to use up your precious data). If you need to check your map when you’re out and about, duck into a shop or café to do it. Leave the blingy jewelry, wedding rings, and designer clothes at home, and aim to dress as the locals do – hit up the local markets if you haven’t packed the right outfits. Aim to keep track of travel times, so you’re not caught out after dark.

Roam if you want to

Most mobile/cell providers now offer travel passes to help manage your international roaming costs (which, let’s face it, are expensive!). For a few dollars a day, you’ll have access to data, which means you can log into your apps (like Skype, email, and WhatsApp) when you’re out of WiFi zones and quickly get in touch with someone – a friend at home, someone in your group, or the police – if you need to. It might also be worth checking out the local cell/mobile providers as these can be quite cost-effective. 

Fare's fair

Solo travelers are way more likely to be ‘taken for a ride’ at the airport by unscrupulous taxi drivers, so do your research before you arrive. Make sure you get a cab from the airport/station taxi rank – if you’re not sure where to go, just head to the information desk for help. Touts tend to hang out in the arrivals area and promise cheaper rates, but can often be dodgy. When you get to the cab rank, ask the driver to use the meter or request a cost estimate  before  you hop in the car – if it’s way higher than it should be, pick another vehicle. A lot of airports have train stations attached as well, so consider public transport if you want to save a dollar or two.

Stick together

It’s one of the advantages of traveling solo on a group tour: safety in numbers. The big, 50-person bus groups stand out on the road, but a small  Intrepid group  of eight or nine people, with a local leader showing the way – including areas to avoid and getting around safely – won’t draw much attention. Plus, it’s a great way to see parts of the world you may feel uncomfortable exploring on your own. If you want to do things on your own, consider a  day tour  to familiarise yourself with a city and get to know the local way of life. 

Trust your instincts

Solo travel is all about confidence. If you’re relaxed and self-assured on the street, you’re more likely to blend in. When you meet new people, don’t assume they’re all out to get you, but be sensible too and trust your gut. If it feels wrong, it probably is. Remember: the popular tourist areas are often the most well-lit and secure, but they’re often a juicier target for pickpockets and scammers. Just use your common sense; half of travel safety is simply being aware of your surroundings.

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