Best Young Adult Travel Companies For Budget Travelers

You’re about the scoop on some of the best young adult travel companies all geared in arranging group tours for young people, college students and young professionals offering a chance to see the world at an exceptional value.

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.

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.

What to Look for in a Young Adult Travel Company

Not all young adult travel companies are the same, and finding the right fit can make or break your trip. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Affordability – Look for trips that include accommodation, breakfast, and ground transportation.
• Destinations & Travel Style – Are you looking for a fast-paced or slow and immersive experience? Do you want to party or focus on cultural experiences?
• Solo-Friendly Atmosphere – The best part of group travel is making new friends. Make sure the company attracts like-minded travelers.

Hot Tip: Meeting people is as easy as introducing yourself “Hi I’m Gary, nice to meet you” that’s all it takes to break the ice.

Now, let’s get into the best young adult travel companies for budget-conscious solo travelers!

Best Young Adult Travel Companies

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: Keeping with youth culture, Contiki has a hard cut-off after age 35. That’s what sets them apart from every other tour operator.

Contiki tours has 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!

One thing to keep in mind: group sizes can be 30+ travelers, so if you prefer smaller groups, this may not be the best option.

Travel Talk: Unique & Affordable Group Travel

A winner of multiple travel industry awards, Travel Talk caters to 18-to-39-year-olds with no strict age limits. They focus on unique destinations, local guides, and budget-friendly travel experiences.

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.

G Adventures: Small Group Trips

G Adventures is another great choice among young adult travelers (18 to 30-something traveler), 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)
• More departure dates to fit your schedule
• Frequent deals with 15–30% off 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.

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.

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!

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, Intrepid Travel is a solid choice.

Tips for Booking an Affordable Group Trip

• Look for deals – Referral programs and seasonal sales can save you hundreds.
• 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?

Choosing the right young adult travel company depends on your travel style.

• 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