About us
Our mission to create 1 million meaningful friendships across the globe
OUR STORY
HOW IT STARTED
With friends all tied up at work or with children, and one bland 18-30s group tour under her belt, Flash Pack co-founder and keen traveller Radha Vyas decided to look into immersive, high-end group tours for like-minded people her age. The result of her search? Nothing. Only off-the-shelf, lower-budget tours for people in their 20s, or a jump up to the 50+ age range, seemed to exist. But what about people like her, in their 30s, looking for something a little different? Something truly adventurous, but with a touch of luxury?
And so the idea for Flash Pack was born
THE FRIENDSHIPS
Friendships, and human-connection, are everything – even more so now the world is opening up post-pandemic. Yet, in your 30s and 40s, finding friends that are available to go traveling with is near impossible, and making new ones can be even harder. That’s where we come in.
It’s our mission to create 1 million meaningful friendships across the globe using the power of travel. A pipe dream? History tells us otherwise. 80% of past Flashpackers keep in touch today, and Flash Pack created 50,000 friendships in 2019.
That’s because we absolutely obsess over the group dynamic, making sure you feel like you’re travelling with friends within the first 24 hours.
TRIPS YOU CAN’T REPLICATE
Flash Pack trips are made up of ‘can’t-do-by-yourself’ experiences – think learning survival skills with a Royal Marine Army Commando in the Arctic and glamping in Range Rovers on the Serengeti.
We’ve got years of experience building trips that cater to the needs of discerning 30-49 year olds, and local guides on the ground to help us ensure they’re immersive and authentic.
It’s true that COVID put a stop to things for us, but it also gave us time to obsess over Flash Pack’s adventures. With the help of our guides and years of feedback and data, we have fine-tuned and perfected every one of the adventures you can book today.
NO MORE HASSLE
It’s our job to take the hassle out of travel planning for you.
From helping you decide which trip is best and putting you in a group that’s perfect for you, to taking care of all the logistics; once booked, all you need to do is turn up.
All our adventures come with private transport and English-speaking guides, too, and our experts will share advice on everything from visas to packing.
Based on feedback from past Flashpackers we’ve even included generous guide and driver tips so you really don’t have to worry about anything.
WE ARE NOT FOR EVERYONE
Group travel means you might not always have it your way, but that’s all part of the experience.
A Flash Pack adventure is an amazing opportunity to break out of your comfort zone and do things differently, all the while getting to know genuinely interesting people.
‘Embrace the adventure’ is our core value, and we expect Flashpackers to do the same.
Not sure you’re ready to completely give yourself up to the experience? Perhaps we’re not for you.
FLASH PACK, POST-COVID
Sadly, COVID had a devastating impact on the business.
Travel was hit hard, but group trips with solo travelers were hit particularly badly. We were forced to reset the business (via administration) in Nov 2020 to enable all our customers to claim a refund.
Our founders worked tirelessly for a year to help customers get their money back and they managed to buy back Flash Pack by remortgaging their home.
We are now backed by the biggest investment firm in the Europe so we can ride out any future wave of COVID
Thank you for being here – we are so excited to travel with you again.
THE FLASH PACK FOUNDATION
At Flash Pack, we firmly believe in channeling money back into local communities and we’ve set up a Flash Pack Foundation for exactly that purpose.
We now offset all the carbon emissions produced on your trip. We will update you with more information soon.
Find out how we support local businesses around the world and join us in making a positive difference.
WE ARE HIRING
We have been on quite the journey over the last 12 months but we have thankfully re-emerged with a renewed sense of ambition and energy to capitalise on the great travel rebound.
We’re backed by fantastic venture capitalists and have massive plans for 2021 and beyond.
New jobs will be posted to our careers page soon.
Our Community
The group I was with were all like minded people and as soon as I met them I knew I would have an amazing time
Alex via Feefo
Flash Pack aren’t the cheapest (I’ll admit that made me waver a little bit before booking) but I’m convinced they are the best value for money, with so many activities included, and really lovely hotels.
Victoria via Feefo
I had never travelled on my own and I was nervous at the thought of spending 2 weeks with complete strangers. I had absolutely NOTHING to worry about at all. The group of people on this trip were fantastic.
Rhiannan via Feefo
MEET THE FOUNDERS
Radha Vyas & Lee Thompson
“I was in my thirties, stressed at work and wanted to get away and have some fun and adventure. All my friends were busy getting married, having kids or tied up with their own respective careers. When I researched the market, I realised it was predominantly catering to young budget backpackers or the luxury, retired market. I was somewhere in between. I wanted a dynamic adventure with people my own age and a boutique hotel. So I set up my own travel company!”
“If you told me I’d be running a group travel company six years ago, I’d have laughed you out the door. Hand-holding isn’t my thing. In fact, my 14-year career as a photojournalist means I am fiercely independent. Working for national and international titles, my job led me all over the world, from the chaos of the Libyan Civil War to the fallout of the Japanese tsunami. My assignments were difficult and often dangerous, but never, ever dull. And they opened up a side to countries that tourists just don’t get to see. It’s this off-radar magic that convinced me I could change the face of group travel”
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