Flash Pack in-depth review: A worthy group travel company?

Many solo travelers prefer to plan their vacations independently because it gives the flexibility and freedom to enjoy a destination at your own pace. But, if planning isn't really your thing, tour companies offer guided tours with ample flexibility. 

Are you considering options for reliable guided group tours? Do you like the trips to offer a good dose of adventure? Then, Flash Pack is a tour company that caters to solo travelers like you. 

If this is the first time you are hearing about it or need another opinion to validate your choice, our Flash Pack review can help you. Keep reading to find out what we really think of Flash Pack, starting with who they are.

What is Flash Pack?

Founded in 2014 by Radha Vyes and Lee Thompson, Flash Pack is an adventure travel company geared towards solo travelers in their 30s and 40s. It aims to bring like-minded travelers together through its guided group tours for destinations worldwide. 

Creating a "group dynamic" that connects travelers is at the company's heart, and each group has no more than 14 members. Flash Pack offers a combination of backpacking and luxury travel experience, making it more expensive than its alternatives in the market. 

What are the trip types offered by Flash Pack?

At present, Flash Pack offers trips to the following destinations. 

• Asia: Bali, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam
• Africa: Morocco, South Africa, and Tanzania 
• Europe: Croatia, Finland, Iceland, and Turkey 
• The Americas: Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Peru

The trip types are categorized as Beach Holidays, City Breaks, Escape the Crowds, Most Active, Wellness, Wildlife, and Winter Escapes. There are also long-haul trips and short breaks that travelers can choose from based on their expected duration of the vacation. 

How does Flash Pack work?

You can visit the Flash Pack website and browse the tours they offer. If you can't decide for yourself, you can always contact their Travel Advisors, explain your preferences, and get recommendations from them. 

Once you have picked the tour, it's a matter of selecting the date and making a deposit to reserve your place in the group. Flash Pack will get back to you, ideally within 24 hours, confirming your booking with the local team. 

Flash Pack assigns a Trip Expert to you for help. You can clarify your doubts or questions regarding the trip and get tailormade travel advice from them. In the meantime, get your flights and travel insurance sorted. 

Before a month, Flash Pack provides travelers with login details for the Flash Pack app to update you on the latest travel information and tips. Two weeks prior, you will join the WhatsApp Group to get to know fellow travelers in your group. Then, it's time you start packing!

What is included in a Flash Pack tour?

Flash Pack covers the cost of accommodation, all experiences/activities in the itinerary, and some meals. In addition, airport transfers will be provided too.

You have to book flights and obtain travel insurance at your own cost. You should also carry money to spend on meals, shopping, and other events not included in the trip. An expert local guide will accompany the group throughout the tour. 

Flash Pack really takes the lodging it provides to travelers seriously. They pick 3-5 star rated accommodation choices, usually high-end boutique hotels, for a comfortable and luxury experience. Depending on the destination, you can also expect treehouses, ice domes, and other unique types of accommodations. 

Usually, you will have to share a twin room with a fellow traveler. In some instances, you will be provided with a single room, depending on the selected accommodation. But, you can always request a private room throughout the trip at an extra cost.

What we liked about Flash pack

• Unique experiences

Flash Pack offers activities that wouldn't be possible if you travel independently. Some examples of hiking through a secret route into Jordan Petra, wrestling with a Luchador, or staying on a private island. Many past customers say that Flash Pack tours offer value for money, covering both off-the-beaten-path and popular tourist spots. 

• The age group

Most adventure travel companies cap the age limit to 30s. Although older people might join them, there's a high chance they would feel left out when touring with people much younger than them. Flash Pack bridges the market gap by catering to those aged 30-50. They consider your age when grouping travelers to create a good bond – a factor they take very seriously.

• Organization 

Many Flash Pack reviews highlighted that the trips were well organized to provide travelers with a seamless experience. Their itineraries usually go at a good pace, so you won't feel rushed. They are renowned for arranging quality accommodation, comfortable transport facilities, and good meals.  

• Support 

The guides are usually very knowledgeable and fun company! They will explain the facts and stories related to the attractions, help resolve issues you face, and provide helpful travel advice. If you plan on extending your stay, Flash Pack and its local guides will help you with tips and recommendations. Even the customer support is prompt and responsive to help you before and during the trip. 

What's not so great about Flash Pack

• Price of tours 

With the guarantee of quality and comfort comes a heavy price tag. Flash Pack tours are a bit more expensive compared to other tour company alternatives. For example, a 9-day Costa Rica adventure costs $3495 whereas, in G-Adventures, 9-day Costa Rica tours come under $2000.

However, there are differences in group size, experience, and quality of accommodation between the two. So, if you are a budget traveler, Flash Pack may not be the best choice for you. 

• Refund and cancellation policy 

Many customers had a terrible ordeal trying to contact the customer support team to claim refunds for their canceled trips during the global pandemic. Initially, Flash Pack has failed to provide refunds and instead offered a reschedule with a trip dating one year from the originally booked date. The customers, however, didn't like it.

Some reviews state that it was against Flash Pack's initial terms and conditions that promised a refund in the event of a cancellation from the company's end. 

Flash Pack's bankruptcy 

The leading cause for the refund issue was that Flash Pack was heading into bankruptcy due to Covid-19. When the pandemic hit, the start-up was still trying to make a considerable profit. They nearly went into liquidation, but they have relaunched the company recently, thanks to some investors. So, the Flash Pack you see today is a rebranded company starting anew with the same principles as before!

Is Flash Pack worth it?

Overall, we think Flash Pack is a great company, and they offer quality and meaningful travel experiences. We do recognize that the prices of their group travel might not be for the budget conscious, and given their past of unreliable refund/cancellation policy, it's more than reasonable to go with other group tours.

However, we believe that the new Flash Pack deserves a chance to continue serving travelers amazing experiences and make meaningful friendships!

Our Rating: 4.7/5

Pros 

• Unique experiences
• Caters to older travelers 
• Well organized tours 
• Good customer support 

Cons 

• Quite expensive 
• Unreliable refund and cancellation policy

Plan your own travels with Pilot 

Group tours are a fun way to visit new destinations and make cool new friends along the way. However, if you're anything like me, I'd prefer to have total control of my trip itineraries. Regardless of how good you are at planning trips, I believe that travel planning should be fun and enjoyable. This is why I recommend Pilot!