Exodus Adventure Travels has just launched a new offering that taps into two seemingly opposite travel desires: social connection and personal space. The tour company, known for its small-group adventure itineraries, announced it’s now offering private group departures, letting families, friends, or coworkers book entire trips just for themselves.
This move reflects a shift in how people are traveling in 2025. While group travel is making a comeback after years of disruption to the travel industry, many travelers still crave the safety, comfort, and flexibility that comes with keeping their circle small.
The new private group option allows travelers to reserve any of Exodus’ 500+ itineraries, ranging from cycling tours in Italy to hiking adventures in Patagonia, for just their own group, with a local guide and no strangers in tow.
Real Trips, Real Places
So what kind of adventures are available? The new private group option includes trips across more than 100 countries. Popular examples include:
- Cycling Italy’s Amalfi Coast, where travelers bike scenic coastal routes, stop in small fishing towns and enjoy some of the best food and wine Europe has to offer.
- Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, a bucket-list trek that combines history, nature, and high-altitude adventure, is now doable with just your circle and a dedicated local guide.
- Exploring the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater on a wildlife safari, where private game drives and group-only lodges enhance both safety and experience.
- Kayaking through Vietnam’s Halong Bay or walking the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in Spain.
These aren’t stripped-down itineraries, but they include the same local guides, lodging, transportation, and curated activities as traditional group departures. The only difference? You choose who’s coming with you.
A Middle Ground Between DIY Travel and Packaged Tours
Private group travel offers a sweet spot: the organization and guidance of a traditional tour without the unpredictability of unfamiliar companions. It appeals to families celebrating milestones, friend groups reconnecting after time apart, or even remote teams looking for a unique retreat.
This isn’t just about luxury, but it’s about ease and connection. Instead of piecing together hotels, transport, and activities, private group trips give travelers a ready-made itinerary they can tweak to fit their pace.
According to Exodus, an increasing number of travelers are requesting this type of semi-custom, low-stress travel, especially those seeking to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, or reunions on their vacations.
What This Means for the Future of Adventure Travel
By making its existing tours customizable for private groups, Exodus is tapping into the growing demand for more control without sacrificing experience. These aren’t build-your-own trips from scratch but rather curated journeys that remove the guesswork and planning fatigue many travelers feel.
It’s part of a larger trend in the travel world: experiences designed for smaller circles, whether that’s renting a villa, hiring a private guide, or booking out an entire tour. The appeal isn’t just comfort; it’s also personalization. And for many, the idea of exploring a new culture with their own people at their own pace feels both safer and more special.
