Travel styles are constantly evolving, but one style that stays evergreen is group travel. Whether you are traveling as a family or with a group of college friends, group travel gives a sense of security and company. But nowadays, small group travel has emerged as one of the most rewarding and enriching ways to explore the world. It strikes the perfect balance between independence and connection.
Our community travels in small groups, usually consisting of 8 people in maximum. Based on their insights, here’s why small group travel is becoming the go-to choice for modern travelers. We will also talk a bit about the pros and cons of solo and large group travel, as a basis for why small group travel is a fabulous intersection.
Pros and Cons of Solo Travel
Many people count solo travel as a groundbreaking moment and achievement in their adult life. Of course, solo travel gives a sense of freedom, courage, and confidence that you can hardly find anywhere else.
Pros of Solo Travel:
- Freedom and flexibility
You are the boss of your own schedule. You can design the itinerary based on every bucket list you want to check, or change plans last-minute without compromise. - Personal growth
Like we talked in the beginning, traveling alone is a life-changing moment. When I first solo-traveled, I challenged myself out of my comfort zone, gained confidence, and learned how to manage money. Solo travel unlocks new insights for us. - Deeper cultural immersion
Being alone often encourages more interaction with locals.
Cons of Solo Travel:
- Loneliness
“Solo traveling is great and all. But sometimes, it gets lonely and you miss sharing moments with someone,” said TripLeader Maria, our community’s group leader who traveled solo around 30+ countries before hosting group trips. - Safety concerns
Imagine landing in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language. A traveler might feel confused and anxious during that situation. Traveling solo means you have to be fully responsible for your own safety. - Higher costs
With no one to share costs with, solo travel can be more expensive. You have to strategically find reasonable accommodations and fairly-priced activities to not go over budget.
Pros and Cons of Group Travel
Guided group trips have been a consistent choice for travelers seeking comfort and total exploration. Having a knowledgeable guide who knows the best spot and an operator who arranges everything makes travel easier. Meanwhile, large group travel is a hit for young travelers. Making many friends in a single trip and having people to party with? Total win!
But of course, every travel style has its pros and cons. Here is what large group travel offers:
Pros:
- Convenience
No need to stress out on the planning and hotel booking, joining group travel means you have a team handling them for you. The itinerary is also designed to let you see the best spots in the destination, so you won’t miss anything. - Knowledgeable guides
Guided group trips usually assign a local guide to lead the trip. With insights into culture and history, the trip will be more enriching and fun. Moreover, having a knowledgeable guide means you are less likely to get lost. - Built-in social setting
You’re automatically surrounded by fellow travelers. Although many start as strangers, conversations feel natural, and the group can bond over the activities.
Cons:
- Lack of flexibility
Fixed schedules may feel restrictive. You have limited time to enjoy a destination to visit all the places listed on the itinerary. Also, some group tours don’t have enough free time for travelers to explore on their own. - Overcrowding
Traveling in a group sounds like fun and games, especially if you have friends to party all night long together or fit in a rafting boat. But, sometimes large groups can be overwhelming. You will find yourself always in group settings and mingling with other travelers. Rather than deep connections, large groups can feel like a short-type of fun. - Surface-level experiences
With a strict itinerary, there’s often less room for spontaneous discovery.
Small Group Travel: The Best of Both Worlds
Here’s where small group travel shines. It combines the independence of solo adventures with the social perks and convenience of group tours. Typically ranging from 4–12 travelers, small group trips offer a more intimate and balanced experience.
- You enjoy companionship without the crowd, making it easier to form meaningful connections.
- The group is small enough to stay flexible, so there’s room for spontaneous plans and deeper local exploration.
- Costs like accommodation and transport are often shared, making travel more affordable.
This middle ground is why more travelers are choosing small group adventures – it truly is the sweet spot.
Benefits of Small Group Travel
Most of our travelers start found themselves solo traveling before hosting or joining groups at JoinMyTrip. One of our expert traveler, TripLeader Ellis from Italy, mentioned that she started group traveling since she missed people’s energy. Ellis traveled solo or with her partner (who is also JoinMyTrip’s travel expert) Mario before hosting trips. Meanwhile, TripLeader Joshua from England chose to go on group travel to make it easier to find friends who’ll travel with him. “I have a hard time arranging schedule with my friends back home. But with small group travel, I can balance effective planning and meeting fantastic people,” he said.
So, here are some benefits of group travel and reasons why our community LOVE it!
Shared Experiences
There’s something magical about bonding over sunsets, hikes, or cultural discoveries – that’s what our travelers always talk about.
Built-in Support System
Travel buddies mean more safety, help with logistics, and reassurance in new places. TripLeader Windy, a travel expert from Indonesia, mentioned about how her group helped her when her phone was missing in Finland’s thick snow. “A moment that supposed to feel agitating and overwhelming actually became one of the best proof how travel friendships are real. My group comforted and made me laugh during that moment,” said Windy.
Authentic Connections
Smaller groups make it easier to get to know everyone, often leading to lifelong friendships. Moreover, you get to know each other and bond on fun moments during the trip. Walking around a new city, going on a road trip, to trying cliff-jumping together – what a fantastic way to make memories and friendships! Therefore, many travelers in small group trips go home with new lasting friendships. “Most of the TripMates have become good friends by now and we even visited each other on private occasions,” shared TripLeader Maria.
Better Access to Unique Spots
Smaller groups means smaller transportation, smaller tables, and more opportunities to squeeze everyone in. Unlike big groups that need large spaces, small groups can explore hidden gems and local favorites. From a local hidden taverna in Greece to meeting a local tribe in Ethiopia, smaller groups highlights accessibility and authenticity.
Balanced Independence
You still get “me time,” but with the option to join group activities when you want.
Summary
While solo travel fosters independence and large group tours offer structure, small group travel blends the best of both worlds. It’s intimate, flexible, cost-friendly, and socially enriching. No wonder it’s quickly becoming the IT way of traveling for modern explorers.
Ready to Experience the Magic of Small Group Travel?
At JoinMyTrip, we believe travel is better when shared. That’s why we bring together like-minded travelers to create unforgettable small group adventures worldwide. Whether you’re chasing Northern Lights, road-tripping through Europe, or exploring hidden beaches, you’ll find your perfect travel buddies with us.
👉 Join a small group trip with JoinMyTrip today and discover a whole new way of traveling!