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If you’re between 18 and 35, traveling solo, and don’t want to blow your savings or travel alone, young adult travel companies are one of the smartest ways to see the world. These companies combine affordability, built-in social network, and stress-free planning, making them ideal for first-time travelers and budget-conscious adventurers.
Below are the best young adult travel companies that consistently deliver great value, social vibes, and unforgettable experiences.
Why Group Travel is Perfect for Young Solo Travelers
For many of you reading this, you have probably done little to no traveling. Traveling solo as a young adult is an adventure like no other. You get to meet incredible people, experience new cultures, and more importantly, step out of your comfort zone. But let’s be honest, traveling alone can feel overwhelming and lonely at times.
Where do you start? How do you find people to hang out with? And how do you stretch your budget without sacrificing amazing experiences?
That’s where young adult travel companies come in. These companies cater to 18-to-30-year-olds, offering budget-friendly group trips that take care of the details while keeping things fun and social. Whether you’re dreaming of backpacking through Europe, exploring Asia, or traveling across South America, these companies can make your dream trip happen without breaking the bank.
Why Book with Young Adult Travel Companies?
Solo travel sounds amazing… until you’re planning routes, booking hostels, and wondering who you’ll actually hang out with. This is where young adult travel companies solve all of that. Here are some key benefits:
- Travel with people your age.
- Ground transport and accommodations are included.
- Built-in social group from day one.
- Guides who handle logistics for you.
- Safer and easier than planning everything solo.
Now, let’s get into the best young adult travel companies for budget-conscious solo travelers!
Best Young Adult Travel Companies
1) INTRO Travel: Real Experiences, Connections & Travel 🔥
INTRO Travel is an Aussie-based company with 55 tours operating mainly in Asia but they also do Mexico, Central America, Australia and New Zealand. They cater to the 18-to-49-year-old market, but realistically, you mainly will see 18-to 35-year-olds. They have over 16,561 reviews with a 4.8-star rating.
Why choose INTRO Travel?
- Activities are included with the ability to do your own thing.
- Perfect blend of culture, adventure, and nightlife.
- Smaller group size with 22 travelers max.
- End to end support.
With INTRO Travel you’ll get a good dose of cultural experience, adventure and nightlife. The best part is there’s no pressure and you can do your own thing if you so choose.
2) Contiki: Travel With No Regrets
If you’re looking for a fast-paced, fun-filled trip with other young travelers, Contiki is the way to go… It’s impossible not to mention Contiki when discussing young adult travel companies. They’ve been running trips for 18-to-35-year-olds since 1962 and have mastered the art of social group travel.
Note: In keeping with youth culture, Contiki has a hard cut-off at age 35. That’s what sets them apart from most other tour operators.
Contiki tours have a reputation for being a boozy tour company and for good reason. They have a heavy focus on nightlife, with pub crawls and clubbing as major highlights. Just be prepared for early mornings after late nights!
Why book Contiki:
- Huge community of young travelers.
- Excellent tours throughout.
- Everything is organized for you.
⚠️ Heads up: Group sizes can be large (30+), and the party vibe isn’t subtle.
3) Travel Talk: Unique & Affordable Group Travel
A winner of multiple travel industry awards, Travel Talk caters to 18 to 45 year olds; however, there are no strict age limits. They focus on unique destinations, local guides, and budget-friendly travel experiences.
From my experience, if you’re looking for more cultural immersion and less partying, then Travel Talk will likely be a better fit for your travel style.
Why Choose Travel Talk?
- Amazing destinations beyond the usual European hot-spots.
- Guaranteed departures (so your trip won’t get canceled).
- Budget-friendly tours with quality accommodations.
It’s worth giving Travel Talk a good hard look since many of the tours they offer aren’t exactly the typical tours you’d expect. There are currently 126 tours operated by Travel Talk, take and see which will be your next trip.
4) G Adventures: Small Group Trips
G Adventures is another great choice among young adult travelers (18 to 30-something travelers), offering exceptional value for adventurous travelers. They were the first to offer guaranteed departures, meaning no last-minute trip cancellations.
Why Choose G Adventures?
- Smaller group sizes (max 17 travelers) mean better connections.
- More departure dates to fit your schedule.
- Frequent deals with 15 to 30% off their top trips.
If your travel style is more immersive and experience driven but still within the 18 to 30-something traveler, then G Adventures is a great fit.
5) One Life Adventures: Epic Small Group Tours
With over 8,000 5-star reviews, One Life Adventures is a solid choice for young adults looking for small group adventure tours. They focus on epic bucket-list destinations like Bali, Vietnam, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, India, and Japan.
Their philosophy? “We believe travel changes you & it can change the world.” Furthermore, they back it up by supporting community projects, local guides, wildlife sanctuaries, and environmental protection efforts.
If you want meaningful, responsible travel with a fun, young crowd, One Life Adventures is a top pick.
6) Tru Travels: Party & Adventure Combined
When discussing budget-friendly young adult travel companies, Tru Travels is a must-mention. This company was founded in 2012 and has since earned top accolades for its fun and affordable tours. They’re very much like Contiki but with smaller groups usually capped at 20 people.
Just looking at their trips, they clearly offer great value for money. Tru Travels will organize the whole itinerary with all the important things, so you can focus on enjoying yourself and having a great time.
What Makes Tru Travels Unique?
- Over 15,000+ 5-star reviews.
- 40+ tour options across 18 countries.
- Focus on social & party-heavy experiences.
If you love the idea of epic day tours + wild nights, Tru Travels is the company for you!
7) Intrepid Travel: Small-Group, Culture-Focused Trips
If you’re looking for a more mature but still social experience, Intrepid Travel is a fantastic option. Unlike some young adult travel companies, Intrepid offers age-specific tours for 18-to-35-year-olds while also running mixed-age tours.
Why choose Intrepid?
- Small group sizes (10 – 16 travelers).
- More focus on local culture & adventure.
- Great for young professionals who want more than just partying.
If you prefer smaller groups and authentic experiences with fellow 18-to-35-year-old travelers, then Intrepid Travel is a solid choice.
Tips for Booking an Affordable Group Trip
- 💰 Look for deals: Book early or watch for flash sales
- 🛫 Travel in the off-season: Prices drop when crowds disappear.
- ⭐ Read the reviews: Make sure the company’s vibe matches what you want.
Final Thoughts: Which Young Adult Travel Company is Right for You?
If you’re young, traveling solo, and want maximum value with minimum stress, young adult travel companies are absolutely worth it. Pick the company that matches your vibe, lock in a deal, and go. The hardest part is booking…everything after that is the adventure.
- Want the perfect blend of culture and social trip? → INTRO Travel 🔥
- Want a high-energy, social trip? → Contiki or Tru Travels
- Prefer immersive cultural experiences? → Travel Talk, G Adventures, or Intrepid Travel
- Looking for smaller groups & adventure? → One Life Adventures or G Adventures
Whatever you choose, just go for it! Traveling solo in your twenties is one of the best things you’ll ever do. You’ll make lifelong friends, see incredible places, and come back with stories you’ll never stop telling. So pack your bags, book that trip, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
