Solo travel vs. group tours: here’s why I love both

I never thought I would fall in love with solo travel. Growing up, I didn’t like to be far from home. And I hated being out after dark. 

My first solo trip was to Italy way back in 2008. I wanted to go there so badly, but couldn’t find anyone to go with. So, instead of waiting around, I just decided to go by myself. 

This was very unlike me. 

My trip got off to a rough start thanks to being ripped off by a cabbie in Milan. And my jet lag was horrendous. At many points through those first sleepless nights, I wondered what I was doing there on my own. 

Within a few days, and after I’d finally slept, I found my groove and realized I loved being there alone. 

I found so much joy in Rome’s early mornings, spending all day in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, and watching the gondolas meander up and down Venice’s canals. 

I made my trains on time, found my hotels, and ordered delicious food off Italian menus. I felt like I had conquered the world. 

The freedom of doing exactly as I wanted in this beautiful country would be the beginning of my solo travel addiction and many adventures to come. 

I’m obsessed with Europe. And over the years, I’ve explored much of it solo. I even moved to Spain alone. Twice.  It’s easy to be in Europe by myself. The culture is quite similar, yet there is still so much to inspire and challenge me. 

But there came a point where I was longing to experience something unfamiliar. 

I have always been fascinated by the art and architecture of the Islamic world. I wanted to see the spectacular mosques, get mixed up in the chaos of a bazaar, and hear the magnificent call to prayer.

But I knew the culture was completely different from my own, and I wasn’t sure how to navigate that by myself.

I had never sought out group tours. I liked doing my own thing and wasn’t keen on being shuffled around in a huge pack. Group tours also felt scammy, with operators trying to squeeze every dollar they could from their customers. 

But if I wanted to visit these places, I knew taking a tour was the only option I felt comfortable with. 

I have always been a fan of Rick Steves. I admire his travel ethos and use his guidebooks for my solo travels. In 2014, I was browsing his website and checking out the tours. I wasn’t intending to go anywhere in particular. But before I knew it, I had signed up for Rick Steves’ Best of Turkey Tour. 

I knew it would be good. 

And it was exceptional. 

This experience changed my view of group tours. And I have since gone with wonderful groups to Iran and Morocco. 

So, if you’re debating between a solo journey or the adventure of a lifetime with 25 others, keep reading. I’ll break down what makes both great and the challenges you can prepare for with each. 

Advantages of Solo Travel 

Solo travel offers freedom

Solo travel has enriched and benefited my life in endless ways. 

I love the freedom solo travel offers. I get to wake up on my timeline and do what I want. Nobody is making me miss out on something because they aren’t interested. I don’t have to deal with anyone’s quirks. And they, likewise, do not have to deal with mine. 

Solo travel has increased my confidence

I believe that if you can navigate your way around a foreign country, especially in another language, you are capable of anything. Solo travel builds independence and resilience. And if you can solve a problem abroad, nothing at home seems too hard to overcome. 

One of my favorite things about traveling on my own is that it allows me to reconnect with myself. Between work, bills, and other obligations, life at home is exhausting. 

Seeing new things, engaging with different people, and having time to do whatever I want recharges my body, mind, and spirit.  

Being alone makes you more approachable

And then there’s the people I meet. 

People are less afraid to talk to you if you’re by yourself. I have made some great friends just by sitting next to them at a restaurant or meeting on a walking tour in a new city.

I also find that it’s easier to connect with the locals. I enjoy chatting with shopkeepers and servers. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn about the local culture and practice the language. 

Disadvantages of Solo Travel 

Although the benefits of solo travel far outweigh the downsides, solo travel doesn’t come without challenges. 

Loneliness is the biggest struggle for most people 

For me, my itineraries are usually jam-packed with sightseeing and activities. I’m never bored and I don’t usually get too lonely. 

But one aspect that I always find difficult is dining alone. 

Although the pandemic helped me get more comfortable going to restaurants by myself, it still doesn’t feel natural or easy. I’ll bring a book or my phone, and that helps. And sometimes, I’d love to try lots of things on a menu, but there’s no one to share with.  

Getting sick is always a risk when traveling alone

And when it happens, it’s scary. One of the most awful experiences of my life was falling ill in England. Thankfully, kind strangers stepped up to help me. And speaking the same language was a godsend. But I never want to go through that again. 

A language barrier is the worst if you get sick or injured abroad. Most of the time, however, it can be quite fun to try to communicate using hand gestures and simple phrases. But it can make the easiest task difficult, especially when you’re tired. And being responsible for everything as a solo can be tiring!

And then there is safety

I have to be a lot more alert when I’m abroad. I’m always evaluating my surroundings and the people I come in contact with. I have felt uncomfortable in certain parts of town and around a few people. And I’ve missed out on a few nighttime activities due to location and transportation options. 

Advantages of a Group Tour

Planning is always half the fun of going on a trip. I love researching and working out every detail of my itinerary. But…

Sometimes, it’s nice to be able to just show up

Having all my sightseeing, accommodation and transportation taken care of feels luxurious. And it’s a treat to stay in nicer places than I would on my own.

I’ve heard people say that tours just focus on the big tourist sights and that you can’t experience the authentic side of a country on them. I understand what they mean, but I disagree. And what’s wrong with a tourist sight anyway? I love them. 

By choosing the right tours, I’ve experienced things I never would have on my own. How would I have had a meal with the Qashqai Nomads in the mountains of Iran or watched artisans weave a carpet in Turkey by myself? I wouldn’t have. 

Being with a group pushes me out of my comfort zone

I’m quite introverted, so being with others always brings me out of my shell. I would never have gone to a Turkish hammam alone. And I would have hesitated to eat a camel burger when I visited Morocco. Sometimes peer pressure is a good thing!

My favorite part of tours? The people

I have been blessed to have had extraordinary guides on all my tours. They have provided me with so much insight into the history and culture of their countries. I have now come to appreciate some of the world’s more misunderstood places. 

My guides also kept me safe. Things work differently in different countries. So, they taught us all about the norms and customs of the culture. This was especially important on my unforgettable trip to Iran.

Being on a guided tour also takes away a lot of the worry for your friends and family back home. Knowing I was with a guide definitely helped my mum sleep better while I was gone. 

We had a lot of fun with the local people. Middle Easterners love fun, happy groups. And I’ve never experienced warmer hospitality. They were eager to share their culture with us and take photos together. It was a beautiful way to connect, even with a language barrier. 

There’s something special about sharing a trip to astonishing places

It’s hard not to form a bond with your tour mates. It was so nice to have people to share meals with. And our long bus rides were spent recapping the day’s adventures. 

Some of my most treasured friendships are with people I met on my tours. We are scattered all around the world, but still stay in touch!

Disadvantages of a Group Tour

But like everything, group tours aren’t perfect. 

The biggest downside is the lack of freedom

Tour operators try to cram in as much as possible, understandably. They want you to get the best value for your money and show off the highlights. But this doesn’t allow for really savoring what you’re seeing. You’re always on a strict schedule with a tour.

I would have loved to have spent a week in vibrant Tehran, a night or two in lovely Rabat, and a full day at Topkapı Palace in Istanbul. But we had to move along. And that was disappointing. I guess there’s always next time. And I have my list!

You can’t choose your tour mates

This is another tricky aspect of group tours. You lack a connection with some people. Others can make you feel downright uncomfortable. With solo travel, you can escape easily. On a group tour, you have to find a way to deal with it. 

Group tours can be a great value, but not if you’re a solo who wants your own space. Those who don’t want to room with a stranger are forced to pay hundreds of extra dollars for a single supplement. I can’t afford that, so I always choose to share. Luckily, my roommates have all been amazing. But I know others who haven’t been so fortunate. 

📚 Related Reading: Vacation incompatibility and how to deal with it

Solo travel and group tours each come with their pros and cons. But there is undeniable value to both. 

Traveling solo will always have a slight edge over group tours for me. Exploring the world alone has given me confidence, strengthened my independence, and challenged me in ways I didn’t think were possible. And I love the freedom the most.   

But group tours have been the perfect way to visit countries that don’t feel so comfortable or easy. I have met incredible people, left my comfort zone, and seen things I only dreamt of. 

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There is definitely more of both in my future! How about you? What has your experience been like with solo travel or group tours and which do you prefer? Leave a comment to let me know!

Traveling solo or with an organized group isn’t the only way to travel, of course. Going with friends or family can make for some amazing memories if you plan accordingly. Next up, read Lea Rose’s article on how to survive (and thrive) during group trips.