Where can I find student group tours?

[Kandahar]

Does anyone know of any good websites I can find any English-speaking, escorted tours of Europe specifically for students? I'm going to be travelling to Europe by myself, and I'd really prefer to find a group(s) to go with. Most of the tour group websites I've found are specifically for students, and I've heard that most of the people who sign up for them are elderly people. I'd like to be able to hang out with people my own age while I'm abroad.

Has anyone ever gone abroad with a tour group? Do you think that this would be a good idea for a first trip abroad, or does the flexibility of travelling solo outweigh the group support?

[ivybell]

I believe Contiki tours have an age limit of 35 so it would be mostly students.

There are also the Shamrock and Wild Haggis tours in Scotland, England and Ireland that are probably students, check their sites.

Busabout is kind of like a tour. You buy a ticket that's good for a certain amount of time for a bus that runs a specific route. You are then free to hop on and off within that route. I don't think they have any guides though.

www.busabout.com (Europe and Morroco)
www.contiki.com (Everywhere)
www.shamrockertours.com (Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales)

I have done all but one trip abroad without a tour and the one tour I was with I really disliked. I much prefer to travel alone and have been to 4 or 5 contries that way. It's really up to you in the end. How independent are you? Travelling alone lets you do what you want, when you want, you sleep in, see some obscure site or sit on a park bench all day. With most tours you'll have to do what they want you to do, on their schedule, so if want things planned for you then go for the tour. By staying in hostels and such you'll meet others your age that could travel with you for a few days.

Personally, I say go by yourself, it's a good learning experience in independence, planning, common sense and safety. Sometimes it's good to be alone with yourself for awhile.
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