If you’ve ever looked at a group walking holiday and thought… “That looks amazing… but i’m not sure it’s for me”
You’re not alone. In fact, most people who join an Adventure Geek trip felt exactly the same before they booked.
So let’s take the pressure off and talk about it honestly.
First things first… it’s completely normal to feel unsure
Before their first trip, people often wonder:
- Will I fit in?
- What if I’m too slow?
- What if everyone already knows each other?
- Will it be awkward?
These are real thoughts and they are valid. But the truth is that most people arrive feeling exactly the same.
Who group walking holidays ARE perfect for
You’ll likely love this kind of trip if you:
✔ Enjoy being outdoors (you don’t have to be super fit!)
✔ Like the idea of meeting new people without pressure
✔ Want a break from planning everything yourself
✔ Are open to a bit of adventure
✔ Fancy doing something a little bit different with your time
A lot of our travellers come on their own and many are going through a life change. Some have always wanted to do something like this… and finally say yes.
Who they might NOT be for
Let’s be real, these trips aren’t for everyone.
They might not suit you if you:
✖ Want a luxury, lie-by-the-pool type holiday
✖ Prefer complete independence with no group interaction
✖ Don’t enjoy walking (this one helps 😉)
✖ Like everything to be highly structured and formal
And that’s absolutely fine. The goal isn’t to be for everyone, it’s to be right for the right people.
What it’s actually like (from day one)
With all of our trips you will join a WhatsApp group upon booking (not a few days before a trip like some companies do). Here you will get to see the countdown messages, the questions that others ask about the trip, and you will slowly get to know people online. Then, a few weeks before each trip we also hold a Zoom session, usually with the guide so you can ask them first hand questions and we go through the itinerary. By the time you arrive at the airport or at the event itself, the ice has already been well and truly broken.
That first day on trail may be a little daunting to start with, but you soon realise that others are also on their own. Before long you are charring over a coffee like you have known each other much more than five minutes!
There’s something about being outdoors, side by side, that makes conversation easier. No pressure. No awkward eye contact. Just a natural flow.
By the end of the first day, it already feels different.
By the end of the trip, it often feels like you’ve been part of something really special.
Let’s tackle the common worries
“I won’t know anyone”
Most people don’t. That’s the beauty of it.
“I’m not fit enough”
You don’t need to be an athlete. If a trip has a certain level, it’s clearly explained, and there’s always encouragement along the way.
“I’ll feel awkward”
You might… for about 10 minutes. Then it fades faster than you’d expect.
“What if I don’t keep up?”
This isn’t a race. It’s about enjoying the experience, not rushing through it. Some of our trips we do walk as a group, but other trips (like Camino’s or Hadrian’s Wall), the guide will give you a tracker. You will be given places to check in and to update the group at certain points on the trail. For pilgrimages in particular, I am a big believer of being able to walk at your pace, enjoy some of your own time. Some people like walking fast, others like to read information boards, visit churches along the way, or take lots of photos and videos. We are all different and if the terrain is simple to navigate then we are comfortable letting people do their own thing – but then being part of the group meal each night, and the morning briefings.
The bit people don’t expect
It’s not just about the walking. It’s the laughs and the tears. The shared meals and the random conversations you didn’t expect to have. For me, I love those quiet moments in beautiful places and sharing a sunrise with people who are happy to get up early to see some magic.
And often, what some people don’t expect is that boost in confidence that stays with you long after you get home.
So… are they for you?
If you’re reading this and thinking:
“I quite like the sound of that… but I’m still a bit unsure” That’s usually a good sign. For sure, you don’t need to feel 100% ready. You just need to be a little bit curious.
Final thought
Most people don’t regret the things they try. They regret the things they nearly did. (I may have subconsciously nicked that from somewhere, but it’s true!)
If a group walking holiday has been sitting in the back of your mind for a while… Maybe it’s time to bring it to the front.
And if you do decide to join us—you won’t be the only one feeling a little nervous at the start.
But you might just leave wondering why you didn’t do it sooner.
