The Best Small Group Travel Opportunities for University Students

You’re in or just graduated from university and want to explore the world. But where do you find these trips, and what should you be looking out for before you confirm your booking? Whether you want some new friends to join you on your new adventures or you are tired of trips filled with large queues and full buses, small group travel is the perfect blend of social interaction with safety, personalized experiences, and flexibility (it’s also a bang for your buck!). 

At Further Travel, we organise group trips around the beautiful islands that are dedicated to interning and teaching, so students can have both a fun and impactful summer experience. From the safaris of South Africa to the humid islands of Thailand, our goal is to schedule, curate, and provide jam-packed, safe, and enriching small group travel experiences for university students and recent grads that is loads of fun without the hassle of scheduling and planning. 

If you’re already on board and want to start looking at our programmes, you can apply now, contact us, or see FAQs for more info. Otherwise, you can learn more through this article, where we’ll be covering where to find small group travel opportunities as well as reviewing some of Further Travel’s programmes, including: 

1. Camp Thailand 
2. Camp Maldives 
3. Camp Bali 
4. Camp Vietnam & Cambodia 
5. Camp South Africa 

Ready to pack your bags and book your flight? Let’s get started! 

Where Can I Find Small Group Travel Opportunities? 

There are many ways you can find small group travel opportunities, though each has their pros and cons. A general rule of thumb is to make sure that sites you are looking through have solid reviews, are consistently updated, acknowledge and account for visa requirements, and are transparent in fees, itineraries, and policies. Here is a list of some ways you can start your small group travel research: 

1. Educational Institutions 
2. Travel Forums 
3. Travel Apps 
4. Further Travel (our favorite, though we might be biased!) 

Educational Institutions 

Many educational institutions offer small group travel opportunities that integrate academic learning with cultural exploration. These trips are often tied to coursework or research, providing students with the chance to earn educational credit while travelling. However, these trips may have limited availability, usually scheduled during academic breaks, which can conflict with personal plans. Your university may also not have opportunities that align with your interests, whether that is your field of study or your dream travel destination. 

Travel Forums 

Online travel forums provide a platform for travellers to share experiences, recommendations, and tips for small group travel. They offer valuable insights into destinations, accommodations, and activities based on firsthand experiences from other travellers. Forums can be particularly budget-friendly, with members sharing cost-saving strategies, deals, and discounts. However, safety considerations come into play, as forum-based travel lacks the oversight and assurances provided by organised tour operators. 

Travel Apps 

Offering convenience at their fingertips, these apps allow users to browse and book trips directly from their smartphones. They provide access to reviews, ratings, and real-time updates on flight changes, weather conditions, and local events. However, using travel apps may incur booking fees or commissions, adding to the overall cost of the trip. There have also been reports of scams, especially in regards to housing and plane tickets, so you will have to be extra careful in your research. Travel apps also may not account for visa requirements. 

Why Choose Further Travel? 

At Further Travel, we have decades of experience in coordinating and managing camps to become a respected program, and now we are able to provide opportunities that ensure our travellers can take part in small group travel that result in close friendships, days of adventure, and itineraries that balance fun with positive impact on local communities. 

Beyond beach trips, tourist destinations, and late night campfires, our number one priority is ensuring that all travellers are safe and healthy throughout their experience. We work with World Nomads Insurance so that small group travel members can have top-notch care without having to worry about finding insurance that works in foreign countries and other logistical issues. Insurance includes: 

• 24/7 multilingual emergency assistance, customer service and claims support
• Ability to easily extend your policy to keep you on the road
• Travel coverage for 200+ adventure activities
• Up-to-date insurance information & safety advice to help you plan for your trip

Alongside insurance, taking part in well-established tours can ensure that your travels will be protected and enjoyable. For all of our camps, we offer on-the-ground support throughout your trip, as well as the ability to seek out further support from our in-house team at our Manchester-based HQ.  

Small Group Travel with Camp Thailand 

Welcome to Camp Thailand, where you can enjoy your vacation island hopping, helping out stray dogs, taking part in elephant conservation, visiting bustling markets and serene temples, and building unforgettable memories with your small travel cohort. You can apply now if you’re ready to start your adventure. Otherwise, let’s overview some small group travel opportunities you can experience: 

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1. 12 Day Adventure 
2. Ultimate Adventure 
3. Island Explorer
4. Bangkok to Beaches 
5. North Discovery 
6. Rescue Paws 

12 Day Adventure 

In 12 days, you’ll be able to have a little bit of everything, from exploring Bangkok to island hopping and making an impact with elephant conservation. From the get-go, our 12 Day Adventure programme takes you to visit the reclining Buddah in Wat Pho, spend a beach day in Phuket, have a boat trip in Phi Phi Islands, and more. This is ideal if you want a small group travel experience that is jam-packed and has diverse opportunities.

Ultimate Adventure 

In 20 days, you’ll be able to learn about Thailand’s vibrant culture, explore famous cultural landmarks, enjoy delicious street food, see beautiful nature, and make a positive impact in local communities through our Ultimate Adventure tour. If you want a small group travel experience that goes more in-depth and gives you ample time to immerse yourself in the island’s beauty (you’ll get to visit two national parks!) then this trip is right up your alley. 

Island Explorer 

For those of you who purely want a Thailand island tour–this one’s for you! Our Island Explorer trip is the ultimate island experience, where you will be able to spend 20 days island hopping while having impactful cultural experiences.  From school trips to elephant conservation, you’ll be balancing impact with diving into the crystal clear seas of Krabi and seeing the fire shows on the Phi Phi Islands. It’s the perfect balance of work and fun.

Bangkok to Beaches 

Are you an adventurous soul that wants small group travel that is filled to the brim with things to do? If so, look no further. Starting and ending in Bangkok, our Bangkok to Beaches tour gives you the opportunity to see all popular attractions, take Muay Thai classes, go on a boat trip and snorkel on Thailand’s islands, and dance the night away! It’s 12 days of pure excitement. 

North Discovery 

From teaching in local schools to going on national park and city tours, North Discovery is a 20 day experience that is ideal for solo travellers looking for an immersive experience that also helps the local community and creates new friendships. This trip has something for everyone, so it’s perfect if you are new to Thailand and want a holistic travel experience. 

Rescue Paws 

Who can say no to puppies? With Rescue Paws, you can spend your time in Thailand making a true impact by helping take care of Thailand’s rampant stray dog epidemic. In two weeks, you’ll gain practical knowledge on animal rights, care, and health, and make friends both in the local community and within your small travel group who came with the same passions, empathy, and intentions to help your furry friends. 

Our small group travel trips combine adventure with tangible impact, connecting university students with meaningful experiences in Thailand’s beautiful islands. Apply or contact us for more info! 

Small Group Travel with Camp Maldives  

It’s time to spend your days lounging on pristine beaches, exploring crystal clear oceans, and immersing yourself in beautiful cultures and wildlife. With Camp Maldives, your small group travel will involve conservation and environmental efforts, water sports, hikes, and bonding with your travel mates. 

After settling in and unpacking your bags, you’ll be able to discover the quieter side of life and learn about the conservation challenges arising from both tourism development and coastal development, unique to small island nations, and how you can leave a positive impact during your stay. 

In 16 days, the Maldives tour is filled with snorkeling with turtles, local cooking classes, beach cleanup efforts, days at local resorts, and visits to secret and mysterious lagoons. By the time you are done with your trip, you will have made a substantial impact on Maldives’ beach health and leave with a tan and one-of-a-kind memories. Apply now! 

Small Group Travel with Camp Bali 

Bali boasts picturesque beaches with turquoise waters, lush rice terraces, and volcanic mountains. At Camp Bali, we’ve come up with three programmes that travellers can choose from so that they take part in small group travel experiences that match exactly what they want out of their vacation: 

1. Island Hopper 
2. 12 Day Adventure 
3. Ultimate Impact 

Island Hopper 

Bali is actually four separate islands, and in our Island Hopper Tour, you’ll have the opportunity to explore their individual uniqueness. As you visit Legian, Ubud, Lombok and the gorgeous Gili Islands, you’ll get to see breathtaking waterfalls, witness wild monkeys hanging on the trees of monkey forests, find your zen taking sunset yoga and meditation classes, and get a taste of what each island offers. This is a perfect 20-day opportunity for those who want a small group travel experience that isn’t limited to a singular city or region. 

12 Day Adventure 

In Camp Bali’s 12 Day Adventure, you’ll be able to explore all the nooks and crannies of Bali in less than two weeks. You’ll be able to go white water rafting, encounter playful monkeys at Monkey Forest, take authentic surf lessons, visit temples during the sunset, and more! You’ll also spend time volunteering at NGOs, so that you can make a difference in the communities that you are visiting–it’s also something you can add to your resume, meaning you’ll have fun and a career boost! 

Ultimate Impact 

Camp Bali Ultimate Impact is a 20-day adventure trip in Bali that combines cultural exploration, volunteering, and outdoor activities. You’ll get to work with students with special needs, volunteer at animal shelters, spend the day helping conservation efforts for Balinese turtles, and still have a boatload of fun via snorkeling, surfing, hiking, and more! If you are interested in a longer, impact-oriented small group travel experience, this programme is for you! 

Small Group Travel in Vietnam & Cambodia 

Have you been wanting to find an opportunity to explore Southeast Asia without having to figure out the itinerary and making new friendships? With Camp Vietnam, you’ll be able to visit Vietnam and Cambodia with a small group to explore the beauty of both countries. Our Camp Vietnam and Cambodia combo programme intentionally has you visit each country so that you you check everything off of your bucket list, from kayaking your way through Ha Long Bay to watching the sunrise at Angkor Wat temples and seeing the lanterns glow in Hoi An. If you want to start your Southeast Asia journey, you can apply now! 

Small Group Travel in South Africa 

Imagine seeing lions, elephants, and zebras roam the safari during your afternoon walk with your friends. Well, you can turn that daydream into a reality with Camp South Africa! If you are already interested in signing up, you can apply now. 

Wildlife and Conservation Programme 

With Further Travel Camp South Africa’s Wildlife and Conservation Programme, you’ll be able to witness majestic wildlife in their natural habitat and play an active role in preserving Africa’s incredible biodiversity. For two weeks, you’ll be staying at the Kwantu Game Reserve, where you will be staying and working to aid in South Africa’s ongoing conservation efforts. If you are a student looking for small group travel experiences focused on animal care, or are just looking for something new, exciting, and adventurous, this is for you! 

Sports Coaching & English Teaching Programme 

If you are outdoorsy, like playing sports, and want to make an impact by teaching, then this small group travel experience is for you. With our sports coaching & English teaching programme, you can choose a community project of teaching or sports coaching to help out the local community. Outside of volunteering, you’ll also spend time at the safari, bungee jumping, skydiving and shark cage diving. 

Apply to Further Travel’s Small Group Travel Today! 

Finding small group travel that checks all the boxes, are reputable, and are specifically geared towards students looking for impact-filled, adventurous, and community-building programmes can be difficult. We want you to spend the hours packing and getting excited for your trip instead of researching and getting overwhelmed, anxious, and confused. 

At Further Travel, we’ve worked to make the application process as streamlined as possible for all of our available programmes, so that you only have to focus on three steps: 

1. Fill out our application form: Tell us about yourself and why you’d like to join our trip. The form is 3 questions and only takes around 5 minutes to complete. 
2. Application review: Our team will review your application. We’ll get in touch within 2 hours to let you know if you’ve been approved to join one of our trips. 
3. Pay your deposit: Secure your place with a deposit, which will let you access our portal where you’ll find pre-departure information and more.  

If you are interested in starting your small group travel journey, you can apply now or contact us for more info!