At Railway Adventures, we aren’t biased, but we’ll go ahead and say it anyway – group travel is, in our opinion, one of the best ways to explore the world. Based on our many years of experience, we’ve found that the sweet spot for an unforgettable group travel experience is 16-21 people with 25 being the maximum for a truly great holiday. Why? The research tells us it’s just the right number to enjoy the camaraderie, fun, flexibility, and adventure that comes with travelling as a group. If you’re curious about why this range works so well, we’ve broken it down here in one of your earlier blogs.
But let’s talk about something equally important: being a good group traveller. It’s not just about showing up with a suitcase and a smile. Group travel only works when everyone brings their best self. That means embracing a few key habits—like being punctual, staying positive, and rolling with the punches. Want to know how to be the kind of traveller that everyone wants to be friends with? Let’s get into it.

1. Be honest on your booking form: Stress-free travel
When booking your trip, you’ll be asked questions about any dietary requirements or mobility issues you may have that may prevent you from enjoying the itinerary that has been advertised. Be honest! Our team will make sure your requirements are met if we know about them. You don’t want to be that person who creates extra stress for your tour leader and fellow travellers when you can’t eat the food being offered or can’t walk the short distance to the railway station.
Pro tip: If you have an allergic reaction to certain foods, be sure to make that clear on your form. If you cannot walk up a flight of stairs without having to stop and rest, make that clear. Our tours all have a fitness rating that is clearly provided in the brochure! If you aren’t sure about how to document your requirements, call our office and chat with one of our friendly staff.
Why it matters: The itinerary timings are set with the tour fitness rating in mind. If you are unable to keep up, it ruins the experience for others and you may have to miss some activities, which would be disappointing. Menus are determined based around people’s dietary requirements – changing these once the tour has departed creates unnecessary stress for many people.
2. Be punctual: Time is everyone’s best friend
We all know that person who’s always just a few minutes late – and we know how frustrating that can be. When travelling with a group, punctuality is crucial. The train won’t wait, the tour leader can’t stall, and the rest of the group shouldn’t have to twiddle their thumbs because someone can’t get themselves organised.
Pro tip: Listen to your tour leader’s instructions, set alarms or reminders on your phone, and aim to be five minutes early for everything. If you’re the type to cut it close, buddy up with someone who’s always on time—they’ll keep you accountable.
Why it matters: Being punctual ensures that the itinerary stays on track for everyone and the group avoids unnecessary stress. Plus, it shows respect for everyone’s time. Not to mention that you’ll make more friends!
3. Listen to your tour leader’s instructions: Know what’s happening
When your tour leader is briefing you each morning, or providing helpful information when arriving at a destination, don’t be the person who chats with others while they’re trying to listen. There’s nothing more irritating than someone who asks what is happening 10 minutes after the information has been provided!
Pro tip: Set the example to others by not engaging in conversations while your tour leader is providing information – a finger to the lips is all they need to see to realise they should be listening.
Why it matters: Knowing what to expect and the timings for the day will not only empower your own knowledge but enable you to help others. On some occasions, it will also mean you do not get separated from the group.
4. Embrace flexibility: Go with the flow
While our office team and experienced tour leaders plan our tours down to the smallest details, sometimes things don’t go to plan – maybe a train gets delayed, or it’s raining on a day we were meant to spend outdoors, or a restaurant is unexpectedly short-staffed so your beer might take a bit longer to be delivered. In these moments, flexibility and understanding that absolute perfection doesn’t exist is your superpower.
Pro tip: Treat detours as part of the adventure. Who knows? That unexpected turn might lead to a memorable experience or a hidden gem you wouldn’t have discovered otherwise!
Why it matters: A flexible attitude keeps the group’s mood upbeat and ensures small hiccups don’t ruin the experience. And think of the great travel stories you might get to tell!

5. Stay positive: Bring good vibes only
Nobody wants to hear constant complaints about the weather, food, or the length of the walking tour. Things are what they are! Positivity is contagious, and being the person who sees the bright side can make all the difference.
Pro tip: When something goes wrong, tell your tour leader privately about any concerns to give them a chance to fix them! Or better still, find humour in the situation. It’s often these moments that turn into the best stories.
Why it matters: A positive attitude boosts group morale and helps turn challenges into opportunities for friendly bonding with your fellow travellers.
6. Communicate clearly: Speak up
Good communication is the backbone of smooth group travel. Whether it’s sharing your preferences or voicing concerns, being honest and open helps avoid misunderstandings. Keeping your tour leader in the loop will ensure the best possible outcome for you.
Pro tip: Talk to your tour leader first before creating unhelpful discussions in the group. Use the tour group chat to let people know where you are or if you’d like to opt out of any activity.
Why it matters: Clear communication ensures everyone feels heard and makes decision-making much easier.
7. Be curious: Seek to understand the place you are in
The least popular people on tour are those that appear bored by everything. No-one knows everything about everything! Being genuinely curious about where you are and what you are experiencing will endear you to your tour leader, local guides and fellow travellers in a very special way. And the more questions you ask, the more everyone will learn!
Pro tip: Ask specific questions of your guides to get the information you want – don’t expect that they will ‘just know’ what you are uniquely interested in.
Why it matters: Your tour leader goes out of their way to curate a special experience for you, and for the local guides, your questions are music to their ears! The more you want to know, the happier they are to share!
8. Respect personal space: Know when to step back or lean in!
Even in a group setting, everyone needs a little breathing room to do their own thing, either alone or with others. Not every moment has to be spent together, and it’s perfectly fine to sit out an activity or take some alone time, and let others do the same. Respect the emerging friendships that naturally form on tour and take the step toward developing your own by reaching out to others to share a drink or meal.
Pro tip: Use downtime to recharge—whether that’s reading a book, going for a quiet walk, or simply enjoying a coffee solo. Be the person to initiate an invitation if you’d like to spend quiet time away from the group with someone else.
Why it matters: Respecting personal space prevents burnout, fosters generosity of spirit, and keeps relationships harmonious.

9. Pack light and smart: Don’t be the overpacker
A small group doesn’t mean unlimited luggage space. Pack only what you need and avoid bringing items that take up unnecessary room.
Pro tip: Stick to versatile layered clothing and consider the group’s shared space when packing.
Why it matters: Packing efficiently shows consideration for the group, makes travel logistics easier for everyone, and doesn’t slow you down if you have to handle your own luggage.
10. Share responsibilities: Be a team player
Travelling as a group is a team effort. Whether it’s being the unofficial photographer or being the group’s go-to jokes master, each of us adds their own touch of fun and personality, making the journey even more enjoyable.
Pro tip: Volunteer for tasks that align with your strengths, if you have a flair for storytelling, keep everyone entertained during downtime! If you’re physically strong, offer to help with loading or unloading luggage.
Why it matters: Shared responsibilities foster a sense of camaraderie and prevent any one person, including your tour leader, from feeling overwhelmed.
11. Show gratitude: A simple thank you goes a long way
Group travel often means relying on others, whether it’s your tour leader making sure everything stays on track, the local guide who shares their culture and personal stories, the person who sings the best songs, takes the best photographs or someone who always has snacks at the ready. A little gratitude can go a long way.
Pro tip: Take a moment to thank your tour leader, guides, and fellow travellers for their efforts, even for small things like recommending a great restaurant on a free night.
Why it matters: Gratitude keeps the group dynamic positive, makes everyone feel appreciated, and elevates people to want to do more.
12. Celebrate together: Make the most of the experience
From a successful excursion to a shared meal, take time to celebrate the little wins along the way. These moments of connection are what make group travel so special.
Pro tip: Participate with enthusiasm in the organised group dinners and photos. Take every opportunity to enjoy each occasion.
Why it matters: Shared celebrations create lasting memories and bring the group closer together.

Final thoughts: Travel like a pro
At the end of the day, being a good group traveller is about being thoughtful, available, adaptable, and considerate. When everyone brings their best self, group travel becomes more than just a trip—it’s an unforgettable adventure that is also great for your health too!
So pack your bags, embrace the journey, and remember: it’s the people you meet along the way who make the places truly special.
If you’re ready to take on your next adventure, check out our latest tours page for our next departure destination.