You’ve got itchy feet and a passport that’s begging for new stamps – but the big question is: solo travel vs group travel?
Solo travel has its own sparkle. It’s you, Google Maps and total freedom to decide every day. There’s no one to veto your plan of having churros for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You’re the main character in that movie – but you’re also responsible for all the research, planning and logistics.
Then there’s group travel – complete with built-in friends, shared laughs and someone to remind you where the bus is parked. Best of all, someone always has snacks. There’s safety in numbers and the joy of letting someone else lead the way and make decisions. If you’re with a guided tour – like Trafalgar – you don’t have to stress over train timetables, local phrases or whether you accidentally ordered sheep’s brains for dinner (unless, of course, you want to).
Both options come with their own set of perks and quirks, from budget considerations to safety tips to how much you actually enjoy sharing snacks on a coach. In this guide, we’ll break down the highs and lows of each style, answer your burning questions (like is solo travel safe? and is it cheaper to travel in a group?), and help you figure out which adventure vibe suits you best.
So when it comes to solo travel vs group travel which travel style should you choose? In this guide, we’ll break down the pros, cons and quirks of the two. We’ll answer any burning questions, like is solo travel safe? Is it cheaper to travel in a group? How do I find a group to travel with? to help you figure out which adventure vibe suits you best.
What is solo travel?
Think solo travel is niche? Actually, it’s booming. According to recent travel-industry reports, 58% of people planned to travel solo in 2024. Women make up a large share of solo travelers, often citing empowerment and self-growth as big motivations. At its heart, solo travel is all about independence, flexibility and self-discovery – the freedom to set your own pace, change your mind on a whim and learn a little more about yourself along the way.
For the sake of this article, when we say “solo travel” we’re talking more about independent travel – the kind where you’re the boss. You book your flights, painstakingly pick your hotels, decide when to wake up (or not) and choose whether today is about museums or margaritas. It might be just you, but it could also be you and your partner or a friend going it alone.
We’re making this definition clear because solo travel doesn’t have to always mean traveling alone. Many solo travelers hop onto group tours for part of their journey – and it’s actually one of the most popular ways to blend independent solo travel with connection and community. You get the thrill of going it alone, but with the chance to share memories with new friends and the joy of not having to think about logistics! Basically: best of both worlds.
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What are group tours and group travel?
Group travel is exactly what it sounds like – exploring the world with a group of people on an organized tour where transport, hotels and activities are planned for you. You can join group tours as a solo traveler, a couple, or small group or friends or families. You can even book a Trafalgar tour private if you have a big group of family or friends wanting to explore.
Group tours are a travel hack for anyone who loves the idea of seeing the world without the stress of planning every little detail. Think of them as “plug-and-play travel” – you show up ready for adventure. Meals, guides, entry tickets, transport… sorted.
Best of all, you’ll meet a group of like-minded travel lovers who might become future lifelong travel buddies.
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Pros of solo travel
Full freedom and flexibility
When you’re traveling solo you can explore as you please. Want to spend three hours in a museum? Do it. Want to spend the day chasing down the city’s best ice cream shop instead? Also a great choice. With no one else’s schedule or preferences to juggle, you’re free to pivot your plans or explore more unexpected adventures.
Personal growth and independence
There’s something quite empowering about navigating a new city, ordering food in another language or figuring out the metro on your own. Solo travel often pushes you out of your comfort zone in ways that build confidence, resilience and self-trust. You are more capable than you think!
Easier to meet locals and new people
Ironically, being alone can make you more approachable. Locals may strike up conversations and fellow travelers often welcome you into their groups. Whether it’s chatting with someone on a train, joining a walking tour or bonding over food at a street market, solo travel can open the door to friendships you might never have found if you were there with a friend or partner.
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Cons of solo travel
Is solo travel safe?
Safety is often the number one concern. With the right precautions, solo travel is generally safe – but being alone does require extra vigilance. It’s often common sense safety tips like avoiding poorly lit areas at night, sharing your itinerary with someone you trust and researching local scams in advance. If you travel solo, it pays to do your research to be prepared and aware.
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Potential loneliness
Sometimes solo travel gets a little… quiet. Meals for one, long train rides or seeing a breathtaking view without someone to share it with can feel isolating. That’s why many solo travelers find ways to beat loneliness by staying in hostels, joining day tours, chatting to locals, or joining a group tour for part of the adventure. Make sure to pack a book or two to avoid doom scrolling through every solo meal out!
Costs may be higher without shared expenses
When you’re solo, there’s no one to split that taxi fare or hotel room with. While it gives you total freedom over how you spend, it also means there’s no one to chip in and lighten the load. Even if you do have someone to share the room with – the price of independent travel vs guided is often higher as group tours take advantage of hotel deals – and Trafalgar passes that saving on in the price.
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Tips for choosing solo-friendly destinations
- Choose easy-to-navigate cities with solid public transport and plenty of walkable areas.
- Seek out social hubs like hostels or destinations with day tours and group outings.
- Do your homework on safety, checking travel advisories and recent rankings before you book.
- Begin with tried-and-true solo favorites – destinations known for being welcoming and stress-free – before tackling more off-beat adventures.
Where is the best place to travel as a solo female?
Destinations like Japan, Portugal, and New Zealand are often rated highly for safety, friendliness and ease of getting around. Many female travelers also recommend Scandinavia for its welcoming vibe and strong safety record.
Where is the best place to travel in Europe as a solo traveler?
Europe is practically built for solo adventurers. Cities like Barcelona, Amsterdam and Prague are easy to navigate, packed with culture and have good, safe transport systems.
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Pros of group travel and tours
Everything’s taken care of
One of the biggest perks of group tours is that you leave the logistics to someone else. Hotels, transportation, guided tours and some meals are arranged in advance, meaning less stress and more time to enjoy the adventure. You don’t need to worry about missing a train, translating menus or navigating unfamiliar cities – it is mapped out for you! Guided group travel is perfect for first-time travelers or anyone who just wants to immerse themselves in the experience rather than micromanage the details.
The itineraries are often time-efficient
Group travel itineraries are carefully planned to maximize your experience in a way that independent travel can’t match. Instead of spending hours figuring out how to fit in every sight, your schedule is optimized to hit highlights efficiently – so you’ll likely cover more destinations, attractions and experiences in less time than if you were planning solo.
Plus, with an expert guide leading the way – they know the fastest routes, peak visiting hours and hidden shortcuts that skip lines. Essentially, group travel lets you make the most of each day, ensuring you get the full adventure without the stress of overpacking your schedule or missing key experiences.
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Built-in companionship and new friendships
No need to worry about feeling lonely – a group tour means you have a squad of soon-to-be friends. Whether swapping stories on the bus, sharing laughs over dinner or exploring a landmark together, group travel makes the adventure more social.
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If something goes wrong, the tour manager handles it
Weather delays the train. Planes get cancelled. The hotel doesn’t have your booking. You fall ill while traveling. There are dozens of things – big and small that can dgo wrong while on the road. All of this detracts from the joy of travel, but on a group tour your Travel Director and the company’s operations team are on hand to solve problems big and small as they arise. Meanwhile, you just sip that Aperol spritz and take a selfie.
Safety in numbers – and a guide that knows the local language
Being part of a group means there’s always someone watching your back, whether it’s navigating busy streets or handling unexpected hiccups. Add a knowledgeable guide or tour leader who speaks the local language and you’ve got the confidence to explore and order off menus without worry.
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Is it cheaper to travel in a group?
Yes! Often it is. If you’re traveling in a small group you can share the costs of a taxi, private guide and some meals. While with a group tour – like Trafalgar – you’ll find extra perks like skip-the-line tickets, added excursions or guides, or negotiated hotel rates mean the price is often better value or cheaper. If you do girl maths and add the cost of the hotel rooms, included meals, transportation and guided tours (not to mention a Travel Director there to put out fires, solves problems and offer local suggestions) you’ll find guided group trips offer great value. Plus you can see more in less time!
Cons of group travel
Less flexibility and independence
When you’re traveling with a group, last-minute detours or spontaneous adventures are trickier to pull off. For any changes to the itinerary you’ll need to consider the preferences and schedules of everyone else. On a guided tour, you have to gow ith the flow of the schedule (of course) but there is always free time built in so you can chase your interests as an individual.
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Navigating group dynamics
When you travel in a group you’ll come across people with differences in personalities, energy levels and travel styles. You have to embark with an open mind – understanding that some people will be introverts, others extroverted and respect each other’s space. On Trafalgar tours we’ve had singles meet the love of their lives and new besties forge bonds that last decades.
Occasional hidden costs in organized tours
Some group packages come with extra fees for optional activities, single-room supplements, or meals not included in the main price. It’s worth reading the fine print carefully to avoid surprises and ensure your budget stretches as far as your adventure does.
Tips for choosing group travel
What are the best places to travel as a group?
Group travel thrives in all destinations, honestly! It’s even better when there’s a mix of attractions and easy logistics. Popular choices include Italy for history and cuisine, Costa Rica for adventure and nature, and Japan for a blend of culture and cosmopolitan living. Group tours are a great way to explore Europe’s major cities, and more off-beat natural destinations that might be otherwise hard to reach.
Are there travel groups for singles?
Absolutely! Solo travelers are always welcome on group tours – and it’s a great way to find companionship on the road without sacrificing independence. Groups are a fantastic way to meet like-minded people, learn with guided tours and share experiences with new friends. There are groups and companies that run singles-focused cruises and adventure tours, but singles or solo travelers are always welcomed on guided tours.
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How do I find a group to travel with?
The internet is a great place to start – of course, we’ll be biased and say Trafalgar tours is the best – but there are other companies that run guided group tours for different demographics and interests, including ones that focus on super niche topics like food or art history. Beyond a quick Google search you could look to social platforms or Facebook travel groups to see what others have enjoyed.
Factors to consider when choosing between solo and group travel
- Budget – Solo travel can be pricier since there’s no one to split accommodation, transport or meal costs. Group tours often include shared expenses, package deals and sometimes perks like skip-the-line tickets.
- Travel style – Do you love structure and planning, or thrive on spontaneity? Solo travel offers complete freedom but is a lot more work, while group travel comes with a pre-set itinerary and expert guidance.
- Safety and comfort – Some destinations are easier to navigate alone, others feel safer in a group. Group travel provides a social safety net and peace of mind (ideal for first-time travelers).
- Personal growth vs. social experience – Solo travel encourages independence, confidence and self-discovery. Group travel delivers shared adventures and the chance to meet new people.
- Desired experiences – Want to immerse yourself in local culture or follow your own whims? Go solo. Looking for convenience, efficiency and seeing major sights with less planning stress? Group travel is your fit.
- Time and logistics – Solo travel requires planning every detail while group tours save time and streamline logistics.
How do you feel about solo travel vs group travel? Let us know in the comments…