Congratulations, you are finally making your travel bucket list come true! You have spent hours researching your dream destination, from the best places to visit to the packing list. While scrolling through your laptop, you stumbled upon some all-inclusive group travel packages. Those packages make traveling look easy and hassle-free. So, you feel like you are witnessing a showdown featuring solo travel vs group travel.
Both solo travel and group travel have their benefits and drawbacks. Also, everyone has a different perspective and preference on what travel style works best for them. I have gone on solo trips and joined group trips during my two years of travel content writing. Moreover, at JoinMyTrip, a huge portion of our travelers started from solo travel and ended up hosting group trips. Let’s break down the two travel styles and you can decide which one fits you better!
Solo Travel
I just recently returned from my solo trip to Bali at the beginning of February 2025. Generally, it was an enjoyable trip where I could be the boss of my itinerary. Our community also welcomes many solo travelers who are happy that they took the chance. For example, TripLeader Windy has traveled to 40 countries worldwide and almost half of them were solo.
Solo travel comes with flexibility and authenticity, but it opens doors to loneliness and less safety. Discover the pros and cons of traveling alone before deciding to book your solo adventure.
Pros of Solo Travel
Freedom and Flexibility
One thing I treasure most from my last solo traveling experience is freedom and flexibility. I found myself booking a flight last minute and scrolling through TikTok for ‘the best eats in Ubud’ without having to wait for anyone. When I arrived in Bali, I learned to be flexible with my schedule. I planned to sign up for a dance class. However, the plan was canceled since heavy rain washed me and my Gojek driver on the way. Although it did not go as I expected, I can easily change my plans indoors.
Solo travel allows you to be a boss and not cling to anyone’s opinion or schedule. You can freely choose the activities you like and the places you want to visit. That is why most of JoinMyTrip’s travelers start with solo travel!
Personal Growth
You might have repeatedly heard that ‘solo travel pushes you out of your comfort zone’. Imagine landing in a foreign country with a language you don’t speak. You have to navigate the right metro route and decide what you want to order from the menu alone. The challenges and unfamiliarity will shape your decision-making and problem-solving skills. If I compare my first solo trips to the latest, I can see how I am growing as a person. So, we can say that solo travel is great for personal growth.
It’s a Win
“Seeing the world as a solo traveler feels like a win to me,” says TripLeader Tajana who has settled in Malaga after traveling to more than a dozen countries. Traveling solo is a big and bold step. As we discussed before, solo traveling pushes you out of your comfort zone. It allows you to discover new experiences and say yes to activities you have never done before. In the end, you can fly back home with a smile. Lots of travelers call solo traveling a personal achievement and we cannot agree more!
Unlocking New Experiences
Traveling solo means you are on your own, scary and liberating at the same time. You don’t have to make anyone happy by saying yes to an expensive dinner at a seaside restaurant or do white-water rafting when you don’t feel like it. So, it is time to uncover new experiences you have never thought of before. My last solo trip to Bali led me to immerse myself in the melukat water ceremony. The locals introduced me about the beautiful ceremony and guided me along the way. Meeting new people and embracing different cultures will widen your horizons.
Meeting People and Friends for Life
Who says you have to be always alone when solo traveling? In contrary, you can have both the freedom over your itinerary AND companionship during solo travel. Stay in a hostel, sign up for a day trip or cooking class, or attend a game night at a local bar/restaurant – you might meet people who will change your life.
I actually met a lot of people when I travel alone, which has been my favorite part of solo traveling. I stayed in hostels where I can casually chat with other travelers and ending up exploring the city together. Learning different perspectives, understanding issues happening outside of the country, and even gaining deep insights on life are the things I didn’t thought I would get by solo traveling. Then, if you decided to solo travel, don’t be shy to say hi to other travelers! Traveling makes the energy open and warm, as almost everyone is looking for friends.
Cons of Solo Travel
Loneliness
We won’t deny the feeling of loneliness that may come with solo traveling. After a long day of exploring and hopping on crazy activities, you just want to end the day by talking to someone. Traveling alone also means that you don’t have a shoulder to lean on and it’s just yourself. You might have a friend, partner, or family who keeps tabs on you and is only one call away. Nonetheless, loneliness is an understandable feeling that comes with solo travel.
Safety Concerns
One of the major concerns for solo traveling is safety. Having only yourself to rely on makes you have to be careful and vigilant about your surroundings. You have to ensure that you and your personal belongings are safe throughout the trip. However, a person who is alone is more prone to crimes than a group of people. So, during solo traveling, it’s important to research the destination thoroughly and trust the right people.
Can Be More Expensive
You are counting on yourself for everything including the finances. No cost sharing for accommodations, taxis, or tours, requiring you to spend more money if you want the most comfortable options.
Group Travel
Our community, JoinMyTrip, is all about group travel! Our travelers have been hosting group trips since 2019. And fun fact, lots of them start from solo travelers before liking group travel more! Our CEO Niels had solo trips to more than a dozen countries. Along the way, he also found out that traveling with friends – even strangers – is also fun! In this section, we will talk about group travel tours that have planned itineraries and essentials. Let’s discover the pros and cons before you decide to hop in one.
Pros of Group Travel
There is Safety in Numbers
Traveling with a group gives you a sense of safety and security. You have someone that can keep an eye on you and vice versa. Whether you are strolling through a city’s busiest street or driving to a hidden beach, travel buddies make you feel you are not alone. Groups are less likely to be scammed or experience pickpockets. Moreover, you are having each others’ back and make sure everyone gets home safely.
Skip the Planning Part
Let’s admit – some of us hate the planning part. We want to skip the long scrolls in hotel booking pages or travel blogs talking about itineraries. Luckily, you can avoid that part by booking a group travel tour. TripLeader Ellis knows that planning a trip, starting from choosing the nicest hotel to selecting places to visit, is such a hassle. After traveling solo and with her partner for 8+ years, she began hosting all-inclusive trips for solo travelers and people who want to make friends at JoinMyTrip.
Group travel tours arrange everything for you, from planning the itineraries to choosing the comfiest transportation mode during the trip. You don’t have to worry about the itinerary or staying in a bad hotel. It will save you from lots of stress before, during, and after the trip!
Better Value of Money
Joining group trips mean you can get a hotel room with double bed with the price of a single bunk in a hostel. Or you can pay less for an island-hopping trip since you’re booking a group package. So, group travel is not only about spending less, but also getting better value by spending reasonably.
Built-in Social Experiences
Let’s be real – you need to work harder to make friends when you are solo traveling. Meanwhile, group tours allow you to naturally meet people and share a few days of traveling with them. In a nutshell, group tours are made for connections and friendships. You are going to spend days exploring a new destination and seeing beautiful places with your group, which later develop into sharing good conversations and memories.
I was not expecting to make friends when joining a small group trip to Japan. Interestingly, I went home with three friends I still hang out with and a few acquaintances sharing lovely travel moments in Tokyo. If you are dreaming of a ‘meet-cute’ type of friendships, joining a group trip is the one!
Access to Unique Adventures
Cons of Group Travel
Less Flexibility and Freedom
One of the most common concerns about group travel is the reduced flexibility compared to traveling independently. Group trips usually follow a planned itinerary, meaning travelers may have limited ability to change schedules, skip activities, or explore spontaneously. However, this largely depends on the type of group tour. Smaller travel communities, such as JoinMyTrip, offer a more flexible approach by keeping groups intimate, typically with only 3–12 travelers. This smaller group size allows for more free time, easier decision-making, and greater freedom to explore destinations at your own pace while still enjoying the benefits of organized travel.
Group Dynamics
Traveling with a group means sharing experiences with people who may have different personalities, interests, and travel styles. While this can lead to meaningful friendships and unforgettable shared memories, it can also occasionally create challenges. Differences in energy levels, activity preferences, or communication styles may require compromise. The overall experience often depends on group compatibility, which is why many modern group trips focus on connecting travelers with similar interests and expectations before the journey begins.
Fixed Pace
Group travel typically operates on a shared schedule, which means travelers need to follow a set pace throughout the trip. Some may feel the itinerary moves too quickly, leaving little time to fully absorb a destination, while others might find certain stops too slow for their liking. This structured pacing is designed to help travelers see key highlights efficiently, especially in destinations with many must-visit locations. However, it may not always match every traveler’s preferred speed or travel style.
Final Verdict – Solo Travel vs Group Travel
So, here is the conclusion of the solo travel vs group travel showdown:
- Solo Travel is better for travelers who want to have a feeling of achievement, getting outside of their comfort zone, and savoring unique experiences
- Group Travel is better for travelers who want a hassle-free, neat, and safe trip
If you want a great balance between group travel and solo travel, hop on JoinMyTrip’s group travel package for your next holiday. You can meet fellow solo travelers while enjoying an expertly-crafted itinerary by the TripLeader. Each group is also small with only 3-8 people on board. So, you can feel safe while also building stronger friendships with your group.