Hi WinterTravel,
GCT trips might have up to 44 people, couples and singles. OAT now has up to 24. They increased it recently from up to 16.

On our trip to Thailand with OAT, there were two couples and the rest were single and married women traveling alone. I think your relative would be happier for her first trip going on an OAt trip. They are a little more active, but if she is in fairly good shape, no problem. Also the guide can give more attention to each traveler.

I thought most of the hotels on GCT were nicer, but they were usually in the larger town and cities. OAT hotels were more interesting. Some were basic, but they were clean and okay. You don't spend a whole lot of time there, except for sleeping, because there is so much to do.

Tell your relative to just pick an OAT trip and go. People that travel on these trips are usually very friendly. OAt will even try to match you up with another single traveler to share a room, if you want.

Happy travels!

Thanks for the encouragement. We had her looking into the China trips this week based on the comments. Two weeks in China on GTC is about $2,000 (including airfare). This seems too good to be true -- has anyone been on the China trip; are the accommodations good given the price?

Just in case anyone searches this thread when looking for China tours, we wanted to follow up with a post-trip comment. In the end, our relative decided to go with Grand Circle Tours to China this summer. She could not say enough positive things about the trip and about the tour company. GCT turned out to be the perfect choice. Thanks to everyone who provided advice this spring!