Travel trends are much like fashion trends in that they change with the seasons, but one sector that seems to be soaring in popularity is the high-end escorted tour.

No longer satisfied with a weeklong package holiday in a tourist built resort, the enterprising travellers of today are choosing exciting and interactive escorted tours, where they can enjoy the convenience of a well-planned route, but still have the freedom to make the holiday their own.

Replacing the large group tours of the past, today’s luxury small group escorted tours are much more relaxed, personal and comfortable, and as they include all your hotels, ground transportation, many meals, and all park entry fees, the only thing you have to worry about is enjoying it!

When it comes to escorted tours in 2013, the world really is your oyster! There are tours to suit every age group, every nationality, and most importantly, every budget, so here are our favourites to give you some inspiration:

Escorted Tours South Africa

One of the most popular destinations for an escorted tour, South Africa has so much to offer the traveller, that a well-organised route is vital.  From the world-famous Kruger Park to the Drakensberg Mountains, the township of Soweto, and the magnificent Garden Route, there really is something for everyone in South Africa, and if you take a small group escorted tour – you don’t have to miss a thing!

Escorted Tours Bolivia

It may be tiny compared to its neighbours of Peru, Argentina and Brazil, but Bolivia is fast becoming one of South America’s most popular destinations, due to the sheer volume of attractions it has to offer the traveller.  With the Salt Lake of Uyuni, the mining town of Potosí, and the crystal blue waters of Lake Titicaca just waiting to be uncovered, more and more tour operators are offering small group escorted tours to Bolivia, and they are perfect for those looking for a unique travel experience.

Escorted Tours New Zealand/Fiji Islands

If you live in Europe or the US, you have a very long way to go to get to New Zealand, but I have yet to meet anyone that didn’t think it was worth the journey!  A magnificent land of two islands, New Zealand offers most amazing scenery, great food and wines, friendly locals, and all the activities one could possibly wish for, so it is the ideal destination for an escorted tour.

Due to its close proximity to the Fiji Islands, many choose to add a week at the end of their escorted tour of New Zealand, to soak up the sun of the South Pacific before heading home.

Small group escorted tours may look a little expensive at first glance, but when you consider what is included in terms of accommodation, transport, entry fees, meals and your very own experienced tour guide, they can actually work out cheaper than ‘going it alone’.

Exploring the world is great fun, and by sharing your trip with a group of like-minded people, you may just make new friends along the way – perfect!