A Mercedes Van, Six Travelers, and Plenty of Room
Moriah traveled in a business-class high-top Mercedes van configured for up to 13 passengers — but with only six people on board, she enjoyed a spacious ride from the front passenger seat.
"The van was very new and very clean," she recalled. Her fellow travelers were mostly older couples who had teamed up for the trip, but she quickly found the energy gap was more imagined than real.
"The uncles and aunties were even more energetic than me — I felt like the old one!" she laughed. "When everyone was hanging out together, it was just laughter and good vibes. I never felt any awkward generation gap."
Tour Guide Jack Zheng: "The Soul of the Group"
A standout element of the trip was tour guide Jack Zheng, whom Moriah described as patient, attentive, and deeply knowledgeable about local history and the national parks.
"He helped me so much throughout the trip," she said. "I couldn't wake up in the morning — he made sure I was up. I dropped my hat in a lake — and he was still there. When I wanted photos, he was always ready to help."
Wang noted that a great tour guide serves as the soul of the group, bringing historical context and local expertise that transforms a sightseeing trip into a richer experience. Moriah agreed: "When you have someone who truly understands the local culture and stories, it makes everything so much more interesting."
She also recognized the physical demands of the role: "Sometimes everyone on the van fell asleep, but he was still going. That's not easy at all."
From "I'd Never Join a Group Tour" to "It's Not What You Think"
Perhaps the most revealing moment came when Wang asked about her previous attitude toward group travel.
"Before this, I thought I would never join a group tour," Moriah admitted. "I had some stereotypes and misunderstandings — you know, the idea that it's all old people."
But after five days on the road, her perspective shifted. "Group tours aren't as scary as you imagine. I think a lot of the time, people need their own space when they travel. Sometimes the meaning of travel isn't just about being with friends — it's about truly immersing yourself in the scenery."
She described the group atmosphere as natural and harmonious. "The vibe was flowing. You just naturally fall into it. For me, it was genuinely healing. These five days were completely my own time — I truly found myself again."
The Ideal Group? Ten People
When asked about her preferred group size, Moriah didn't hesitate: "Ten people."
For future trips, her non-negotiables are straightforward: great scenery, comfortable accommodations, and good food. "As long as those three things are met, I'm in."
A Series Rooted in Real Experience
The series was created by Tours4fun to document authentic traveler experiences — from pre-trip preparation and on-the-road moments to scenic highlights and dining experiences — offering a multi-angle view of what it's really like to explore America's national parks with a guided small group.
Tours4fun's Yellowstone small-group tours depart from Los Angeles and feature boutique accommodations, expert local guides, and itineraries designed to maximize time inside the park. With groups kept small, travelers enjoy a personalized experience that balances structured guidance with personal freedom.
