10 Trips Millennial Travelers Will Love

Contrary to popular belief, small-group tours are one of the best ways to see far-off destinations, and are affordable with seasoned millennial travel providers like Geckos Adventures. The key word here is “small”—avoid tour providers that will plop you on a giant bus with dozens of strangers. Large groups stick out in most destinations, and are unlikely to get off the beaten path for any local experiences or hidden gems.

Geckos Adventures serves travelers under 30 and packs plenty of value into trips like South America treks and Southeast Asia island adventures. Geckos' local guides provide indispensable insight and connect visitors with locals for unique experiences—and a safari in Botswana or hot-air balloon ride in India is going to be a lot more enjoyable with people your age. Prices start lower than you might expect (airfare not included) and last-minute deals are posted often. See Cambodia in a week from $391 or boat around Thailand from $705—accommodations, activities, and ground transportation included.

SmarterTravel Editor Ashley Rossi recently traveled with Geckos Adventures to Morocco, and says her expert guide and the age limit opened up more activities to the group. "The itinerary was active and accommodated anyone who fit the 18 to 29 age range—we were able to do a longer hike along the Atlas Mountains that might not have been possible with older travelers," Rossi says. "Our tour guide was flexible with what the group wanted to do, whether it was picking a trendier restaurant or taking us out to a bar in Marrakech."

Not sold on spending your money on a tour? Use ViaHero to get expert insight without being chained to a guided experience. For $25 per day, ViaHero connects travelers in Cuba, Colombia, and Japan with seasoned locals to craft an itinerary full of hidden gems. The app offers an offline mode for when you don't have Wi-Fi or data, and matches you up with a trip planner based on your specified interests.

Your personally assigned local “hero” will recommend an itinerary for your trip, and will tailor it upon request if you have suggestions or concerns. ViaHero says 75 percent of proceeds go directly to the locals they employ, and the company is hoping to expand soon to other destinations. The local help and low price point make it the perfect millennial travel option.

Want a quick, all-inclusive outdoor getaway? Millennial travelers can join hikers, mountain bikers, and backpackers of all ages for REI Adventures Weekend Getaways. Dozens are available across North America, and start at around $549 including accommodation and activities.

REI also offers weekend-long, women-only Outessa Retreats: designed to connect women through the outdoors, they're also an ideal millennial travel option. Outessa trips start at $799 and include gear, guide-led classes, chef-prepared meals, wine and beer, and activities like inspirational speakers. Find one within driving distance to skip airfare costs. You'll meet like-minded female travelers on a relaxing long weekend, little to no vacation time required.

Camping is a great way to unplug, but as a millennial traveler, I can confidently say that many of us don't know how (or don't want) to purchase, pack, and set up all the campsite necessities. If you're more of a glamping person, try Tentrr—the Airbnb of camping.

Land owners list campsites on Tentrr, which provides the equipment when you rent the space. Forget lugging grills, chairs, or water. Upgrade to a campsite with a toilet and giant tents, which are included in the nightly price of about $120—a steal if you're splitting among friends. The service is currently offered in limited U.S. locations.

Looking to befriend some fellow young professionals with a passion for jet setting? A millennial travel service called For the Love of Travel caters to those between the ages of 24 and 34, and provides both weekend and longer international trips for like-minded travelers. Groups are tailor-made to complement your interests based on your personal profile, and a roster of your group will be provided before departure.

For the Love of Travel tells me most participants are under 30. The service's more affordable trips include simpler weekenders like Los Angeles from $499, or niche options like Meditation and Margaritas in Mexico for $1,599—but the itineraries extend far beyond North America. Where else can you find a travel company to vet your tour group for you?

If "shoestring budget" sums up your millennial travel needs and Southeast Asia tops your list, it's still possible to get a guide-led tour. G Adventures offers travelers age 18 to 30-something an array of affordable no-frills tours, some for less than $1,000.

Destinations include Vietnam, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka. Skip the hassle of researching and booking hotels and transportation—these tours include both (but not airfare) plus a local guide to lead you through it all. When you don't speak the language or understand the day-to-day customs, the help of a local is invaluable.

With a focus on 18- to 28-year-olds, EF Ultimate Break is perfect for anyone looking to travel before settling into a day job. Trips can be paid in monthly installments, many starting well under $200 per month, and EF College Break prices out excursions separately so you'll only pay for what you want to do.

Trips include experiences rather than cookie-cutter vacations, like Carnival in Panama or a customizable, up-to-35-day itinerary of Europe. Whether it's the study abroad adventure you never had or a chance to abandon your day-to-day work schedule for a while, EF Ultimate Break is a versatile millennial travel option.

Backpacking or hostel-hopping around Europe means counting your nickels and dimes, so walking tours, while insightful and educational, usually won't make the budget. In some cities, however, you can get a walking tour for free—Sandeman's New Europe tour guides work for tips, and therefore draw millennial travel addicts happy to capitalize off of anything labeled “free.” Next time you're in a European hub wondering where to begin, see if Sandeman's guides can tell you about the local history and culture, and maybe recommend a restaurant or two. Locations include London, Brussels, Paris, Prague, Munich, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Lisbon, Liverpool, and many more. Tip what you can.

Deal-hunting millennial travelers can find affordable vacation packages at Topdeck Travel, which offers sales of as much as 30 percent off. Think seven-day South Africa safari/beach package from $620, or a Portugal 'Surfari'—a new way to experience Iberia—from $1,379. Topdeck's unique packages are available across the globe, and pack value if they're not already surprisingly affordable. Once you purchase, there's no need for planning: most meals, lodging, activities, and a guide are included. Unique add-ons like yoga classes and guided tours make it a customizable experience.

Want a volunteer opportunity worth traveling for, but not sure where to start? International Volunteer HQ can set you up with a vetted and affordable volunteer program in more than 40 destinations, from Brazil to Romania to Vietnam. Thousands of under-35 travelers have used International Volunteer HQ to start their voluntourism, with program fees starting at $180 per week. In exchange for your time, you'll get transportation from the airport, a place to stay, meals, an orientation session, and pre-departure as well as on-site support services. Weekends are yours to travel as you'd like, and you're likely to find yourself surrounded by like-minded volunteer travelers making lasting memories.