A collection of tours that launched earlier this year aims to attract young vacationers with a combo of group adventure travel and low-cost accommodations in hostels. It's sort of like backpacking but without having to take on all the logistics yourself.
Intended for travelers ages 18 to 35, Roamies, as the project is known, is a joint effort from tour operator G Adventures and hostel-focused online travel agency Hostelworld.
Roamies has 38 available itineraries in 15 countries across Asia, Central and South America, and Europe. Trips last anywhere from 3 to 34 days, with groups of 16 to 24 participants on each departure.
In addition to overnight accommodations in more than 50 participating hostels (many of which have amenities like pools and game rooms and will let you pick your room options), each tour includes activities with local guides as well as the support of an "expert chief experience officer" every step of the way.
You can swim in Mexican cenotes, hike across dramatic coastlines in the Balkans, sample street food in Bangkok, and otherwise stock your memory bank with stuff to talk about for the next 50 years.
Schedules have flexibility built in, too, with free time and optional excursions to ensure you see what you want to see.
Prices for Roamies range from about $200 for 3-day trips to around $5,000 for monthlong tours. Note that airfare is not included in the price of the tour.
To see what's available or to book, go to the website of either G Adventures or Hostelworld.
