By: Katie Templet
Finally! You have always dreamed of traveling internationally, and it’s been on your bucket list for as long as you can remember. You’re finally ready to take the plunge, but there is something holding you back. Traveling internationally can seem a little daunting, and you may be interested in other options, besides traveling solo. Group travel is a great option if you’re thinking of discovering more of the world but wish to have a few companions along the way.
Group Travel = Group Discount
The first advantage that travelers and pilgrims attribute to group travel is saving money. Traveling with others can have its financial perks. Group travel means group airline tickets, a group bus, group meals, group accommodations, just to name a few. Once you add in splitting the cost for travel guides, you can just imagine there are savings to be had when traveling in a group.
Expert Travel Guides
As you can imagine, the most experienced and best travel guides can cost a pretty penny to book. However, having the opportunity to be guided through some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring places in the world is priceless. There is so much history behind these landmarks that it just doesn’t do it justice to only view these scenes, but to learn about them as well. Luckily with group travel this isn’t a benefit you have to sacrifice. Once again, you have access to group rates that are typically always included as part of your package. One pilgrim recalls when she visited the historic basilicas, Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican in Rome. “The history is unbelievable in every square inch in these iconic sites. After a tour guide explained a particular part of the Sistine Chapel in incredible detail and why Michelangelo chose to paint what he did, it made viewing the architecture even more profound. That is something I would have missed without a knowledgeable tour guide.”
The More, the Merrier
There is just something special about traveling with – initially – dozens of other strangers. This experience will never happen again. These 20, 30, 40 other travelers will never have all of their schedules available, nor be interested in the same destination a year from now. This is a moment in time to cherish the relationships that you may never have developed if it weren’t for this pilgrimage. Some of the fondest friendships were born on pilgrimage, friends who still keep in touch to this day.
Experience New Things
In this day and age, anyone can feel like their own travel agent. With access to endless travel content and advice, never has it been easier to plan your own trip. However, oftentimes travelers are limited to what they know, or what they can research on google. So many destinations have pockets of adventure and enjoyment not known to the rookie planner. Traveling with a group can change this. The old adage is true “Two heads are better than one”, and you can find yourself exploring places you didn’t even know existed.
Group Travel at Magnificat Travel
We like to think of ourselves as being expert planners at group travel. With over twenty years of designing travel experiences, we have found the perfect formula for affordable travel, experienced tour guides and flexible, but awe-inspiring, itineraries. Our journeys always have a spiritual twist, whether you are signing up for a pilgrimage or mission trip; our focus is to follow in the footsteps of the holy men and women before us, or encounter God as we live out His calling to serve others. If you’re ready to finally give group travel a chance, contact our team and we’ll be happy to show you the many opportunities available to you.