Solo travel vs group travel: Which is right for you? 

Having taken many group travel tours in my life (you can read about some of them here and here), and also travelled to many destinations solo, including on a 9 month long career break, I feel I am equipped to discuss the pros and cons of each. This wealth of information should then help you to decide: solo travel vs group travel: Which is right for you? 

What is solo travel vs group travel? 

Firstly, what is solo travel vs group travel? You have heard of both terms, obviously, but what are they really? And what is the difference? Firstly, I think that if you are joining a group travel tour as a single person, then this is still solo travel. In this respect, let’s consider group travel a subdivision of solo travel. But let’s define the terms. 

What is solo travel

Very simply and clearly, it is taking a trip by oneself. Reaching a new destination without a friend, travel buddy or family member with you. It can be anything from a trip in your own country, a weekend break, or long-term travelling. Giving you the freedom to choose how long you travel, where you go, what you plan to see and do, and where to stay, all on your own. 

What is group travel? 

Group travel mainly refers to joining an organised tour where the itinerary is planned for you. You will meet and travel with other group members, and have a tour guide with you. Transport will be arranged for you, and depending on the tour, so will the accommodation. 

Why are more people choosing group tours and solo travel?

Increasingly more and more people are embarking on solo travel; there is a big, wide world out there, and it begs to be explored. With the world changing, flexible working schedules, better travel tech, and a desire to find those meaningful experiences, travel has never been so achievable. And now, not having someone to go with is no longer a reason not to go. There is a solo travel option for everyone. Whether it is travelling with a new group of friends or embracing the challenge of doing it alone, both are incredibly rewarding experiences. But, solo travel vs group travel? Which is the right fit?

Solo travel vs group travel – when does group win, vs when does solo win? 

There are pros and cons to both kinds of travel. Each one has benefits that outweigh the others, and it is important to consider this when thinking about solo travel vs group travel and which one is right for you. Let’s explore when solo travel wins vs when group travel wins.

Group travel tours – the wins 

Security

If you are travelling somewhere where there might be potential challenges, then group travel tours provide peace of mind to help you navigate these destinations. Whether it be safety concerns as a solo female traveller, political instability or unfamiliar customs, this is where group travel tours provide great value: comfort and stability. Having a local guide who knows how to deal with these challenges means you can focus on enjoying the experience. 

Logistics of off-the-beaten-track destinations 

Some destinations are harder to travel through, often due to a lack of public transport systems or an infrastructure that might mean you don’t want to hire your own car. I joined group travel tours in Mongolia, East and Southern Africa and Nepal for these reasons. 

Group travel tours offer a logistically beneficial way of travelling by having local drivers. To hire a local driver and a car independently would be a high financial cost.

Itineraries if you are short on time 

Group Travel tours are often fast, and while it is sometimes seen as a negative, I think it is a positive thing. Not everyone has the time or ability to travel long term, but that absolutely doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to travel to any destination. If you are travelling alongside a full-time job, then a group travel tour often offers a well-paced itinerary that fits in the key spots without feeling rushed. All without having to Google every route yourself.

Ease

Sometimes you just want to switch off and not have to plan everything yourself; it can get exhausting having to constantly work out where you are going next and how to get there. A good group travel tour takes that off your plate. You get to show up and experience the journey without the admin. Plus, group travel tours are designed to hit the ‘must-sees’ of a country, so you know you are going to see the best bits. All mixed in with some off the beaten track cultural experiences. The best of both worlds without the logistical challenges of planning yourself! Total bliss when life feels a bit too full already.

Instant and deep friendships

The friendships you make on a group travel tour are like no other. They are instant and deep. It is a really unique and special connection that you don’t get in any other travel experience. As you are travelling with the same group of like-minded people, you are going to form friendships and form them quickly. It is, of course, possible to make friends while solo travelling, but you often have to work a little harder at it. Plus, people often have different itineraries, so solo travel can feel more transient. The friendships you make on a group travel tour, in your little bubble, are wonderful. My favourite thing about group travel tours. 

Budgeting

This one might seem controversial, and I am not saying group travel tours are cheaper than doing it independently. But if you are travelling on a group travel tour, then a large portion of your travel is paid for up front. Most group travel tours include transport, accommodation and some food. So the most expensive things are already taken care of. There are additional meals and optional activities you can add on during a group travel tour. But the pre-tour information will give you an idea of the cost of these, so you can work out what you want to take part in before you budget accordingly. 

Solo travel – the wins 

Cost

Undeniably, solo travel is cheaper. There are, of course, more budget group travel tours you can take, but they will still work out to be slightly more expensive. When booking a group travel tour, you also need to make sure you are not paying a solo travel supplement! With solo travel, you are completely in charge of your budget, and can choose how much you want to spend on accommodation, transport and activities. Allowing you to save more as you travel. 

Connections with fellow travellers

Solo travel fully allows you to connect with your people, and you will make loads of friends along the way. But if the mood changes, you don’t have to travel with them for weeks. You can move on and find new people to bond with. This flexibility allows you to make connections depending on the type of experience you are after. Whether you want a friend in a city to go partying with, or someone to embark on a hike with, you have the freedom to find the right person at the right time. 

While the advantage of group travel tours is that it is easy to make friends as you are travelling with the same people, this can, of course, become a disadvantage. If there is someone you have not clicked with, you are stuck with them for the duration of the tour. 

Flexibility

A massive solo travel win. You are completely and 100% in control. If you arrive somewhere and fall in love, you can change your plans and stay. If you arrive somewhere and it is not for you, you can move on earlier. And if you just need a rest day and some chill, then you can factor this in too. You are not beholden to any predetermined plan that you have to adhere to for others. 

Independence

With solo travel, you have complete control over how to spend your day. Whether this is having a long lunch or spending the entire day soaking in all the sights by walking around a city, the choice is completely up to you. There’s no itinerary to stick to, and no compromises you have to make. You won’t have that FOMO feeling of going along with the group, because you don’t want to miss out. It’s pure, unfiltered freedom.

Rewarding 

The biggest win for solo travel is the reward. Solo travel is an incredibly empowering thing and absolutely a journey of discovery. But knowing you have achieved it, and achieved it all on your own, is one of the biggest rewards. Let’s face it, it’s not always easy. Navigating unfamiliar streets, eating alone, figuring out bus systems in foreign languages — solo travel can test you. But that’s kind of the point. Each little win builds confidence. Its growth, and it is wonderful. 

Solo travel vs Group travel – where they both win 

Making memories 

Whichever way you decide to travel, you are going to come away with a lifetime of memories. Seeing the places you have dreamed of visiting, meeting people along the way, the mishaps, and the adventures. Whether you are solo travelling or part of a group tour, these moments don’t change. 

Cultural immersion 

This is a really tricky one when considering solo travel vs group travel. I have often been told that you don’t see as much of a country on a group travel tour, but I really disagree with this. In Nepal, our guide took us to a school where his kid was performing. When in Zambia, we went to the village for dinner and ate with the locals. In Mongolia, we cooked and drank home-brewed vodka in a local family’s ger tent. These are experiences I would never have had if I had travelled independently. 

However, solo travel gives you more flexibility and time to immerse yourself more deeply in cultural moments. Group travel tour itineraries are often busy, so these moments are hours. Solo travel would allow you to seek out these experiences and spend days in remote locations, if this is how you wish to travel. 

Many group travel tours often still include local transport, depending on the tour and the destination. This is a great way to meet and chat with locals, so a win for both travel styles!

Solo travel vs Group travel – which is the right choice?

It is fair to say there is no clear-cut, right answer when debating solo travel vs group travel. It hugely depends on the type of traveller you are, the type of experience you want and the destination that you are going to. Both are equally valid and equally rewarding ways of travelling, but there are times when one might suit your needs better than the other. 

When is solo travel the right choice?

Solo travel is the right choice if: 

• You want tight control over your budget 
• You enjoy spending time on your own 
• You feel you can navigate the destination safely 
• You have time and flexibility with your itinerary and want to go at your own pace
• You want to challenge yourself

When is group travel the right choice? 

Group travel tours are the right choice if: 

• You are travelling somewhere with logistical challenges
• You want the stress taken out of travelling 
• You want to meet like-minded people and form deep connections 
• You are tight on time
• You don’t want the hassle of planning all the logistics  

Group travel companies to look at 

If you do want to embark on a group travel tour, here are some companies to consider: 

G Adventures– The ultimate group travel tour company, and one I have travelled with a lot. Known for being budget-friendly and ‘off the beaten track’. They have various travel styles to suit all needs. 

Contiki – If you are a younger demographic, and want to have a good time with fellow travellers, Contiki is the company for you. A strong focus on social, fun, and fast-paced travel

Rabbies – Mainly UK and Ireland, with some in trips in Europe. You can choose to just book your transport, or you can book accommodation through the tour with a range to suit different budgets. 

Alternative options to group travel tours

If you aren’t sure how to decide between solo travel vs group travel, then why not look at a compromise? 

Hop on hop off buses

You could start with a hop-on, hop-off bus, which offers a set route and drop off and collection at recommended hostels, but with the freedom to stop at each place for as long as you want. I travelled with Kiwi Experience, who offer this in New Zealand. Take a look at the review: what it is really like to travel around New Zealand with Kiwi Experience

Shorter tours 

To help decide if this style of travel is for you, look at shorter 5-day tours. You can often book tours like these through Viator or Get Your Guide. 

SOME EXAMPLES ARE:
7-day highlights of Turkey
6-day tour to Marrakech, the desert and Chefchaouen 

Conclusion: Solo travel vs group travel: Which is right for you? 

As frequently said, both have their place in travel. Ultimately, pick the right one for the right time for you. There is no right or wrong with travel, and whichever decision you make, it will be the right one! 

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