There are plenty of decisions to make when it comes to travel. Where will I go? How long will I go for? How much will it cost? These questions can be hard to answer particularly for a first time traveller. And another important decision is will you choose group travel or solo travel? A group could be with a group of friends or on a group tour. Or will you head off into the unknown on your own? There are pros and cons to both types of travel. I have done both myself, and I enjoyed both for different reasons. Here is my take on group travel vs solo travel to help you choose which type of travel may suit you.

I first wrote this blog post a number of years ago based on information that appears in my travel guide ‘Ready, Set, Go – Travel‘. This guide was written for nervous and apprehensive first-time travelers who need reassurance and advice on how to get ready for travel.

 

Solo Travel vs Group Tours – How to Choose

 

The best way to choose between group tours and solo travel is to understand what each is and the pros and cons to both. So let me explain.

 

What is Group Travel?

 

Group travel refers to any organised tour. It could be for a day, a number of days or weeks. The trip is pre-booked, fully paid for before you leave and you travel with a group of other travellers who booked the same trip. The group tour will have a tour leader who you can go to for any problems you may have plus, they often provide information about where you are and take you to pre-planned activities. Included in the tour is your travel, usually by bus, accommodation and most meals. The goal of the group travel is to make the holiday easy for you to sit back and enjoy your trip without having to worry about any logistics.

 

Advantages of Group travel

 

• Everything is included. 

The first advantage of group travel on my list and what I think is the biggest pro of group travel is everything (well mostly), is included. If choosing group travel and going on a group tour,  the transport, accommodation, most meals, some entrance fees and a tip for your tour leader are included in the cost. With all these things paid for you only need to take spending money. This is great to help you budget.

• The trip is planned for you. 

That’s right, choosing group travel can be less stressful. Yep, you don’t have to make the decisions yourself because you don’t have to organise the above (which can cause fights with travel partners).

• Meet Like-minded people. 

Group travel gives you the opportunity to meet other like-minded travellers. You can make lasting friendships and even meet the partner of your dreams. You will be bound with these people forever by the experience you have together. I have a few life-long friends I’ve met during my travels, including my partner.

• No single supplements

Single supplements are so annoying and unfair. I don’t know why solo travelers must pay extra just because they are traveling solo. Thankfully, some tour companies do not charge single supplements to people travelling on their own. Particularly those aimed at 18-35 year olds such as Top Deck and Contiki and G-Adventures.

• Everything is pre-planned for you.

Group tours take you to the places you want to see and go and you will have a tour leader to assist with any problems. Plus the tour guide will provide a rundown on the places you are visiting. You don’t get this if you are travelling solo.

• Luggage is safe while you are travelling.

You do not usually have to carry your luggage around as it will be in the transport or at the accommodation. If you do have to carry it it won’t be very far. From the bus to your hotel room and from your room to the bus.

• Safety in numbers

This is a biggie for some solo travellers, particularly female travellers. There can be safety travelling in numbers. This can be true in countries where women aren’t treated at the same level as some men.

• Always someone to take your photo

When you choose group travel over solo travel you won’t have to take selfies because there will be others who are happy to take your photo for you. And this can help with your safety as you travel because selfie sticks are a dead giveaway that you are a tourist, or maybe a travel blogger or vlogger and may be carrying valuables.

• Choose the tour length that suits your time available.

If you have limited time you will want to make the most of it. Tour companies usually have tours lasting for a different number of days and weeks to different areas and countries.

• Tips for the tour

When you book on a group tour you will be provided with pre-departure information. The information will provide plenty of tips on what to pack, how to take money and how to the tour will work.

 

Disadvantages of Group Travel

 

• No deviations allowed 

The biggest con of group travel is that group tours stick to an itinerary and there is restricted time in each place. Thus only providing an overview of each place you visit, which limits you from immersing yourself in the local culture. There are no deviations to the touring schedule compared to solo travel where you can change your schedule at a moments notice. So there is less flexibility to deviate from any travel plans.

• Stuck with the People on the same tour

You may unfortunately on a group tour get stuck with people you have nothing in common. Or find that someone annoys you immensely. If you don’t like a tour you are not obliged to stay on it. But if you leave of your own accord, don’t expect to receive a refund for the remaining portion of the trip which you did not undertake.

• No Privacy

You won’t have much privacy on a group tour as you will be with the touring group most of the time. And singles are often paired with someone to share a room to avoid single supplements.

 

What is Solo Travel?

 

Simply put, you are travelling alone. You plan everything by yourself and undertake all the travelling alone. Travelling solo can be very rewarding, yet at time, scary. Travelling solo gives you a lot of flexibility with your travel plans. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of solo travel vs group travel.

 

Advantages of Solo Travel

 

• Flexibility and Freedom

The biggest pro of solo travel is the flexibility and freedom you have over your travel plans. Solo travel provides you with the freedom to do as you please. You can go where you want, when you want and to stay as long as you want. There is a lot of flexibility to change your plans whenever you want.

• You are the captain of your own ship

Yep, you make all your travel decisions yourself so basically, you are the captain of your own ship.

• Get off the Grid

When you travel solo you can get off the well-worn beaten tourist track and immerse yourself in the local culture. Of course you will want to see all the iconic spots of where you are, but unlike on a tour where you have limited time, you can explore more in depth. You can get off the grid if you wish.

• Personal Growth

I think everyone should try solo travel at least once in their life. The solo travel experience will push you beyond your comfort zone in many ways. You may overcome a lot of fears. You may do things you would never thought you might have done before. Your confidence will grow and you may strike up conversations with people at many different places. Accomplishing these things will give you pride in yourself and along with confidence you will conquer the world!.

 

Disadvantages of Solo Travel

 

• Solitude and Loneliness

The first disadvantage on this list of cons of solo travel is the solitude and loneliness you can feel when you travel solo. You can get lonely when you travel solo but here are my suggestions on how to find friends. I often find it easier to meet people when I travel solo. This is because I make a more concerted effort by chatting and looking like I want to engage. If traveling in a group, I would stick with the group.

• Carry all your possessions with you

You must carry your luggage around which is why most travel with a backpack or luggage that has wheels.

• You need to find your own accommodation

Solo travellers will need to find your own accommodation (if you haven’t pre-booked). I suggest using booking sites such as HostelWorld for a hostel bed and Booking.com for a hotel room. Or if after free accommodation why not try house sitting through TrustedHousesitters.

• Uncomfortable Eating Alone

Solo travellers can feel uncomfortable eating on their own in restaurants. An option is to choose to eat in a food court, food market or fast food joint. Or stay in a place where other solo travellers stay, like a hostel.

• Cooking on your own

Cooking for one can be hard due to a lack of cooking utensils and being unable to carry fresh ingredients around with you. Lucky then I have written Travellers Fare — Fast & Fabulous Meals for Travellers. An ebook full of easy recipes that use limited utensils and ingredients – perfect if you are staying in a hostel or hotel room with limited cooking facilities.

• You may Get Lost

Being a solo traveller can lead you getting lost looking for tourist sites. But isn’t that half the fun? Sometimes the best travel experiences occur when you least expect them!

• Unsafe

Being alone can sometimes be scary, particularly if you start to feel unsafe, because your safety should be utmost. I would highly suggest you always be wary of your surroundings and if you feel unsafe remove yourself from the situation. My biggest tip here is to how not to look like a tourist.

 

To Recap Group Travel vs Solo Travel

 

Solo Travel Pros

• Flexibility and Freedom
• Captain of your own ship
• Get off the grid
• Personal Growth

 

 

 

Solo Travel Cons

• Solitude and Loneliness to much for some
• Carry all your luggage
• Find your own accommodation
• Uncomfortable eating alone
• You may get lost
• Safety concerns

 

Is it better to travel alone or in a group?

 

As you can see, there are advantages and advantages to both group travel and solo travel. Is there one better than the other? My advice is to try both types and see what you prefer. Then you can decide what suits your travels best. Perhaps a combination of both!

When I first started travelling solo, I went on a tour, a Contiki tour of Europe. I really enjoyed it. One thing it gave me was the courage to return to many places I visited on the tour solo. And what I do now is, look at the destination I am headed to and choose whether a group tour or solo travel would be better. For instance, I am looking into going on safari in Africa and I think a tour would be best to keep me safe amongst the animals. However, if I was going to Bali for a couple of weeks, I would go solo because I know how tourist-friendly the place is. So which is better? I think there are advantages and disadvantages to both, and I use a combination of them to make the most of my travels.

 

Tour Companies to Consider for Group Travel

 

Here are some tour companies to consider. They are in alphabetical order and in no order of preference. I have not been paid to list them, I have chosen them for the tours they offer. There are probably many more I could add to the list. If you can suggest one, please do.

Abercrombie & Kent (Luxury Group Travel)
Chimu Adventures (Polar Group Travel
Contiki (18-35 year olds)
Cosmos
DuVine Cycling (Biking Tour Group)
EF Go Ahead Tours (Educational Tours)
Exodus Travels
G Adventures (budget tours)
Globus
Intrepid Travel (Responsible Group Travel)
Kensington Tours (Private Group Travel)
Top Deck (18-39 year olds)
Trafalgar Tours.

 

Final Thoughts on Group Travel vs Solo Travel

 

As you have read, there are advantages and disadvantages to both solo travel and group travel. And you should realise there is no right or wrong way to travel. I suggest you weigh up the type of travelling you want to do. You can always do a mixture such as I did. I went to London on a working holiday by myself. Then I went on a group tour with Contiki through Europe by myself and I met a couple of people I am still in contact with today. Other times I travelled independently and often bought a train or bus ticket and went away on weekends or longer by myself or with friends. I hope you have found ‘my take’ on solo travel vs group travel helpful and no matter what form of travel you choose, I wish you happy travels! Let me know in the comments following what travel you choose.