Table of Contents
Solo travels can be fun, challenging, and liberating. There's something beautiful about getting out of your comfort zone, trying new things, and just experiencing new places on your own. However, group travel also has its own charms. If you've never done it before, well... you should! It's a great way to meet new friends and create new experiences.
Why are group travels so underrated? First, it's far less stressful when you know you don't have to plan your itinerary, hotel reservations, or meals. Exploring new places with a group is also less intimidating. Lastly, you gain instant travel buddies who can potentially become your real-life forever friends.
Since most group travels are preplanned, there's not much you'll need to worry about, aside from what to wear and buy!
There are plenty of group travel tours out there, with each promising similar adventures. How do you know whether they're for you and if they're worth your money?
We've previously covered tours like Contiki, EF Ultimate Break, and Under30 Experiences. Today, we'll cover a new group tour that's so crazy about group travel they've named their tour appropriately so. Keep reading to find out more about the group tour For the Love of Travel!
What is For the Love of Travel?
For the Love of Travel (FTLO Travel) is a Millennial-focused modern group traveling company that designs unique trips for professionals and creatives to incredible destinations around the world.
Created in 2016 by Tara Cappel, the company currently focuses on small group travel experiences of around six to 14 people per trip. Most of their trips are week-long, though they also have shorter trips they call "Weekender Series," which allows you to have a fun group trip within 200 miles of your hometown.
Why For The Love of Travel?
According to the company, eighty percent of their clients are solo travelers. FLTO claims their service provides "Modern Group Travel for Ages 25-39". FTLO also says that trips are focused on fostering "travel and community." This means that FTLO aims to help travelers create unforgettable memories with new but like-minded strangers.
FLTO also realizes that most tours have packed itineraries that dilute your travel experience. This is why FLTO tours allow you to explore attractions and destinations at your own pace. No rushed itineraries!
During the height of the pandemic, they briefly paused their service. After reopening, FLTO also implemented a travel credit program for postponed trips due to the pandemic.
How do you book a trip with FTLO Travel?
Booking a trip with FLTO Travel is easy. Simply go to their website answer a few questions on their Introduce Yourself Page.
They will then craft a trip for you based on your travel preferences. That's it, it's that simple! Here are some questions they ask:
- What are the top three countries you'd like to visit?
- What are the best months for you to travel?
- Preferred group vibe?
- Vacation nightlife vibe?
- Ideal planned time vs. free time ratio?
Once you've answered and submitted the form, they will ask you to wait for their email response, following up with the next steps.
Best Features of FTLO Travel
Fun Curated Trips
Each trip is designed by the FTLO travel team to match the client's interests and tastes.
Most locations listed in their itineraries are unique, under-the-radar spots that locals love. But they also make sure that you get to visit the iconic must-sees of every region. Everything is planned by the team, so you won't have to spend hours planning or wasting time dealing with unforeseen issues.
Slow, Sustainable Travel
"If we don't take care of the world, there won't be one left to explore."
Since the company focuses on slow, sustainable travel, most trips explore one destination per day instead of stuffed itineraries. They also encourage their clients to travel more mindfully and connect with the "soul of their destination." Unlike other itineraries where you're hopping from one place to another, FTLO trips focus on authentic cultural experiences. They usually go to destinations by foot or public transportation.
Insider Knowledge
FTLO team knows where the spots are and how to get there. Similar to Localeur, the travel company provides travelers authentic local chosen sites. You will not be taken to overly crowded tourist spots, and your trips will be totally unique. Also, no more reading Yelp reviews or asking locals where to stay or eat!
Perfect for Single Solo Travelers
Are you a single solo traveler looking to mingle? FTLO travel might just be where you'll find your soulmate or bestie. The company explicitly allows its clients to choose what group they would like to travel with. Singles can hang out with other singles. Imagine spending a week exploring a foreign country and meeting a potential date or future travel buddy. So, if you're looking for love/friendship + unforgettable travel memories, FTLO can help you!
Fun Group Experiences with No Pressure
FTLO makes it possible for you to travel with a crew of like-minded individuals—but without the pressure of feeling, you have to do everything together. You're given the freedom to spend the whole day wandering just by yourself and still get to dine with the group at the end of the day.
What we didn't like about FTLO Travel.
Strict Itineraries
Unlike other group travel planner agencies, you can't choose the type of accommodation, meals, or services you want—meaning no luxury hotels or budget stays. You have to go with the accommodation and mode of travel they provide which is something between both.
Only Caters To Young Adults
The travel service says explicitly that their trips are for 25-39-year-olds. This is a bit disappointing if you don't belong to the age bracket. Younger travelers around 18-24 or older ones above 40 will simply not have the opportunity to join their curated trips. Unlike other travel services such as Intrepid, which is more inclusive (18 and above), FTLO travel is for Millennials only.
Is FLTO Travels Worth It?
If you're down to travel to new places and experience new things while making new friends, FLTO is the one. However, we find FLTO to be too restricting with the accommodations or itineraries. With that being said, we believe that FLTO is for spontaneous travelers that's down to let someone else take the helms in travel planning.
Our Rating: 4.6/5
Pros:
- Fun group experiences designed for members
- Trips are focused on culture and community
- Insider knowledge of best local spots to visit
- Slow, sustainable travel mindset
Cons:
- Strictly for 25 - 39-year-olds
- No budget or luxurious accommodation options
Plan trips with Pilot instead!
If you're not down for someone taking full control of your trip, we understand. Although traveling and meeting new people sounds great, we still like to plan our own trips.
Planning for your next vacation is no small task. Take the pressure and make it the best trip ever with Pilot.