demographics of the group

Are you asking about the Rick Steves' tours or some other tour?

There is a range of ages on RS tours. I've been on 8; I'm in my 70s and have never felt the wrong demographic. If you go in summer there may be a younger crowd. My spring and fall tours with RS have included folks from 21 to about 80. I talk to everyone. On one tour we had tales of experiences during the sixties.

My question was about Rick Steves' tours. We've never participated in one of his, but friends suggested that we should consider that as an option to a more traditional tour.

Can answer about our trip with RS tours - roughly 3/4 of the group were - retired, married couples, well traveled, fit and knowledgeable in European travel, averaging 60 years young! Throw in a few single women, (retirement age) single male, a young couple and a more "mature couple" who could run circles around us! We had a great group. Lots of life stories and the best thing was everyone was very ready everyday to get going and keep going. We picked our RS tour because we felt it was a good fit for active and busy lifestyle oriented people like us and we were right. I may add that as we went in late autumn,this likely precluded families with school age children. You may want to plan accordingly if that is a concern.

Judy's description sounds like many of the Rick Steves groups I've traveled with, especially when I've gone in October. I continue to be impressed with the consistency of the amenable, friendly, cohesive groups that the tours attract.

As long as you pack lightly and can manage your luggage you will fit in fine! We have been on many tours with several companies and the demographics have always had a wide spectrum.

It could definitely vary depending on the time of year you travel and which tour you choose. On our Best of Europe 21 Day tour this summer, there were 10 teens (aged 14-19) and most of the adults were in their 40s and 50s. Only one couple was in their 70s. Age didn't seem to matter and everyone got along great....but if you would prefer not to have a lot of young folks on your tour, you might want to avoid certain "best of" tours during the months of June and July. You could also call the RS office and ask about specific tours and whether or not they are likely to have a younger crowd.

buddee65,
I suggest you repost this thread in the Tour Forum (link here ) if you want some detailed responses to this question.

I've noticed the demographics changes depending on what time of year you travel, and the length of the tour. (e.g. teachers have different vacation schedules than some of us who can't take 3 weeks off in one stretch.)

The tours I have been on, it has been a wide mix of ages and relational mixes. I've seen friends in their [20s,30s,40s+], single travellers both female (30s to 70+) and male (I'll make a guess- 20s-30s), couples (20s to 70s), families (including 'kids' in 30s, their parents (no comment what age), and the "kid's" spouse), retirees (I don't dare guess), grandma and granddaughter, mom and daughter, and two siblings travelling. I personally have not been on a tour with small children or anyone under 17 yet, but I know there have been groups with kids when it is not a "family tour". Most of the members are American, there were a few from Canada. One person thought there are more travellers from the West coast (Pacific northwest and western states, to Colorado) but I think they come from all across the country (I should think everywhere PBS broadcasts Rick Steves' show.).

Since nobody actually tells me their (real?) age, and assuming our plastic surgery and botox technology has not achieved photoshop miracles, from the tours I've been on the bell curve is centered towards the boomers and up.

The pricier and longer tours might attract an older demographic (because they have the time and funds). One tour member told me when he got the group roster he scanned the names list looking for "old" names to see if he could guess if he was not the oldest member of the group. (His wife rolled his eyes and said "don't ask" when I wanted to inquire what were the names he had in mind.) I only mention that because what the age make-up of a group is probably a common concern among the travellers.

If the physically demanding part of the tour is no issue (walking hilly sidewalks, cobblestones, stairs, standing, holding it until you can get to a restroom, more stairs, being your own porter), the demographic of the group didn't necessarily determine the group interaction. I saw tour members from both ends of the age spectrum go do independent activities together after the guided tour part for the day. I also found that when I was close in age to some members I didn't interact with them much on some tours.