So, you want to travel somewhere but aren’t sure how to go about it. If you’re weighing the pros and cons of solo vs group travel, this is the post for you!
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Over the years, I’ve traveled in just about every way you can imagine: solo backpacking through Southeast Asia, catamaran trips with strangers-turned-friends, luxury cruises with small groups, and “figure-it-out-as-you-go” adventures with girlfriends.
And the one thing I’ve learned?
There’s no perfect way to travel! Only what’s perfect for you, at that moment.
Still, there are very real trade-offs between going solo and traveling with a group. If you’re weighing your options, here’s an honest breakdown of the pros and cons of each style based on decades of experience, plenty of mistakes, and a whole lot of stories.
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The Freedom of Solo Travel
Let’s start with the obvious one: freedom.
When you’re traveling alone, you get to do exactly what you want, when you want, and for as long as you want. I used to travel for two, three, or four months by myself. Now I’ll travel solo for a few weeks, then bookend it with a group or a small tour.
Whether you’re in the mood for museums, mezcal tastings, or sleeping in until 11, there’s no one else’s schedule to work around. You choose your:
- Destination
- Accommodation
- Activities
- Meals
- Budget
And no compromises, which is liberating!
Solo Travel Can Be Expensive
When comparing solo vs group travel, there’s one thing people don’t often expect. Solo travel is typically more expensive. If you spend $5,000 as a solo traveler, that’s all on you. If two people travel together, the total cost might be $7,500, making it cheaper per person.
Why is solo travel more expensive?
You’re not splitting hotel rooms, taxis, or rental cars. Some tours and cruises even charge single supplements for solo travelers, which can significantly bump up the cost (check out these cruises that don’t charge single supplement fees). Plus, there’s no one to split a bottle of wine or share dishes with at dinner.
So, while you’re free to do what you want, your wallet has to carry the cost of it all.
Group Travel = Shared Costs and Shared Plans
In contrast, group travel (whether with friends or a tour company) often means lower costs and easier logistics. You share a room, share meals, and share transportation. There’s a shared cost benefit, and someone else is usually organizing all the big and little details.
If you don’t want to research every bus route or haggle over room prices, group travel can be a huge relief. Tour operators often handle accommodation bookings, excursions, transportation, meal reservations, and more. All you need to do is just show up and follow the itinerary!
It’s ideal for people who want to travel without the logistical stress, especially in more remote or complex destinations.
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Group Travel Can Feel Confining
The flip side of group travel? You lose control. When somebody else is doing the planning, you don’t always get to do what you want. You might end up spending time at six museums, and you don’t even like museums.
In group travel, the majority rules. That means doing things you’re not excited about or skipping things you were really looking forward to.
There’s also the pacing to consider. You might want to linger in a neighborhood café, but the group is hustling to the next photo op. Flexibility goes out the window when there’s a bus to catch and 20 people waiting.
In the battle of solo vs group travel, solo travel wins this round every single time. No trip is perfect, but it’s easier to do exactly what you want to do when you travel on your own.
Solo Travel Can Feel Isolating... But Also Empowering
Another of the benefits of solo travel can also be viewed as a con — at times.
Loneliness is real. Especially if you’re solo for an extended period. In my experience, you do get lonely. You have to work harder to stay connected. It’s just more work emotionally, physically, and mentally.
At the same time, solo travel builds confidence like no other experience! You solve problems, learn what you like, and grow a lot as a person. You also have more room to connect with locals, because you’re not caught up in conversations with travel buddies.
If you’re new to it, start with a short trip. It’s okay to ease into solo travel. Do what I do and bookend your solo travel with a group trip or meet up with friends!
The Sweet Spot of Small Groups
Not into the big tour bus scene? There is a happy medium: small group travel! This is the compromise between solo vs group travel – it’s the best of both worlds. You can go solo, but have the comfort of a small group of people if you want to interact with them.
If I’m traveling with other people I know, my ideal scenario is four or fewer people, not a big group. I’ve started really liking small boats or yachts that carry under 300 passengers. You get the community on the water, and the freedom when you’re in port.
With 2-4 people, you still share costs and camaraderie, but you still have a lot of flexibility. You can pivot plans, adjust the pace, and make decisions together. This works especially well with close friends or family, or in curated small tours, like a week-long catamaran trip or a boutique cruise.
G Adventures is one of my favorite small group travel companies! They offer flexible itineraries, freedom to explore, safety and peace of mind, and locally based guides wherever you go. Their groups average around 10-12 people, and they try to keep all their groups to 16 people or fewer.
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How to Choose What’s Right for You
If you’re torn between solo and group travel, consider the following:
- Your personality. Do you recharge better alone or around others?
- Your destination. Is it safe and easy to navigate solo?
- Your budget. Can you comfortably cover the costs on your own?
- Your priorities. Do you want total control, or a relaxing experience with less planning?
And don’t forget, you don’t have to choose just one! It’s a brilliant way to balance freedom and connection.
Solo vs group travel: which side are you on?
There’s no “better” way to travel, only what’s better for you at that moment in your life.
Sometimes, you want quiet mornings, spontaneous detours, and full autonomy. Other times, you want shared laughter, a guide handling the details, and someone else to toast with at dinner.
Whichever path you choose, the real magic is in being open to new places, new people, and new parts of yourself. See you out there!
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