Traveling today is no longer just about choosing a destination, but also about choosing how you want to experience it. Some travelers enjoy going solo and have full control over their itinerary, while others celebrate the social and stress-free aspects of group travel.
As a travel writer who has been traveling for the past three years, I have tried both planning my own trip and trusting a group travel operator for my vacation. Which one do I like better? Honestly, both are enjoyable, yet there are issues here and there. Choosing to go for group travel or independent travel basically depends on various factors, including your travel style, budget, personality, and expectations. Let’s dive into the pros and cons with our experienced travelers, who started as solo travelers and now decide to host group trips for strangers, to help you decide which option fits you best!
What is Group Travel?
Group travel refers to trips where travelers join a planned itinerary with other participants. These trips are usually organized by travel companies or trip leaders who arrange transportation, accommodations, activities, and sometimes meals. Moreover, group travel is especially popular among solo travelers who want to meet like-minded people, as well as those who prefer a hassle-free way to explore new destinations.
Group travel can come in different formats, including:
- Large guided tours with structured daily schedules
- Small group trips with more flexibility and personalized experiences
What Is Independent Travel?
Highlight the word ‘independent’, because this time you are doing it yourself! Independent travel allows you to organize your own itinerary and plan your trips based on your own liking. This means booking flights, accommodation, transportation, and activities individually.
However, independent travel is more than solo travel. Yes, you can travel independently alone, but independent travel also refers to trips you take with your partner, family, or friends. As long as you have complete control over the schedule and decisions, it is independent travel. This concept is ideal for those who enjoy flexibility and personalization.
Now that we are on the same ground for the definition of ‘group travel’ and ‘independent travel’, let’s break down what it looks like from these aspects.
Flexibility
Three years ago, my coworkers and I traveled to Vietnam and handled the itineraries ourselves. A few months later, I booked a group tour to Japan. One of the biggest differences I see is flexibility.
Joining a group travel tour means following a rigid itinerary when everything is carefully planned. You have a clear idea of what you will do in a day, so you won’t spend time thinking “what’s next?” My days in Japan were structured, as I was informed about all stops of the day. On the other hand, group tours are time-bound, meaning you’ll have limited time to enjoy a destination. I had fun at Tokyo Disney Sea, but the tour gave us a time limit to leave at 8 PM, which made me miss the fireworks show.
Meanwhile, independent travel offers full flexibility. You can plan your schedule ahead of time, but you can change it anytime during the trip. When I traveled to Vietnam with friends, we had to drop a temple from our itinerary because everyone felt like shopping. No hard feelings, no stress, we can just adjust the schedule! On the other hand, this type of freedom requires constant planning and decision-making throughout the trip.
Cost
“Which one is cheaper – group travel or independent travel?” – you might ask. There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ answer to this question. Sometimes group travel is cheaper, sometimes independent travel saves your wallet more. But here are some things you need to know:
Group travel often includes bundled pricing that covers accommodation, transportation, guided activities, and sometimes meals. Basic stuff like accommodation and transportation are shared with other travelers, resulting in lower prices. Not only is it more ‘affordable’, but the value is also better! TripLeader Marie, who has hosted trips with us for 3+ years, loves to book nice villas for her travel buddies. Since they are sharing it with at least three people, one person only spends €50 for a gorgeous pool villa instead of €150. The math is mathing!
The freedom to choose your travel style, the type of accommodation you want to stay in, and others can result in lower prices. However, costs can add up quickly when booking transportation, entrance fees, tours, and last-minute arrangements separately. It is riskier to spend ‘emergency’ money if something goes out of plan, such as taking a taxi because you missed the bus or paying tourist tax you have no idea about.
Activities and Experiences
One undeniable pattern found in group tours: It is touristy. You are taken to see the famous attractions in a destination, such as the Eiffel Tower in France and the Galerie Vittoria Emmanuel in Milan. If you are traveling for the first time or eager to see the best of a destination, going on group tours will make you happy. Although you are ‘stuck’ in the iconic destinations, having guides in the group tours allows you to learn more about the destination and find places only known to locals. Thanks to the guide in my Halong Bay group tour, I found out the exact island pictured in a Vietnamese dong bill!
Aside from that, group tours give you access to adventures that cannot be arranged independently. Like it or not, you will need a group to hike the Dolomites, chase the Northern Lights in Finland’s remote wilderness, or visit Machu Picchu. For example, TripLeader Vasyl – a Nordic travel specialist, hosts all-around road trips to reach remote places off the tourist map in Iceland.
Meanwhile, independent travel allows you to choose activities entirely based on personal interests. Whether you want to relax all day on a beach in Bali or sign up for a pottery class in Morocco, it’s totally up to you. Independent travel also frees you from popular tourist attractions, perfect if you are into more niche and authentic travel. However, you need to research and coordinate all your activities yourself. Hassle-free option: Book a guided day trip
Social Experience
Group travel is made for travelers who want to meet people, connect, and socialize. That is the main reason why people choose group travel: making friends and building connections. Large group tours allow you to meet many people and live by the “the more, the merrier” concept, yet it is more challenging to get along or maintain the connection. If you want to travel and make friends, we recommend joining small group tours instead. With only 3-12 people on board, the dynamic feels more natural, not forced, and more flexible.
Independent travel is made for quality time, either with yourself or your loved ones. People choosing to travel independently to make memories and have fun with their group of friends, partner, or family. You will spend a huge portion of the trip with your circle instead of interacting with strangers. But, you can also meet people organically throughout the journey.
Safety and Comfort
Group travel often provides additional safety through professional guides, planned logistics, and group support. Travelers usually feel more confident exploring unfamiliar destinations, remote locations, or countries with language barriers when traveling with a group.
Independent travel requires travelers to manage safety planning on their own. While many destinations are safe for solo exploration, travelers need to research transportation, accommodation safety, and local customs. Experienced travelers often feel comfortable managing these challenges, but beginners may find it overwhelming.
Time Efficiency
Group travel is designed to maximize time by organizing efficient routes, pre-booking attractions, and minimizing logistical challenges. Travelers can focus on enjoying experiences rather than coordinating transportation or planning daily schedules.
Independent travel can offer slower and more immersive experiences, but it often requires additional time for research and organization. Travelers may spend hours planning routes, comparing options, and managing bookings, which can reduce relaxation time during the trip.
Final Verdict: Group Travel or Independent Travel
Choose Group Travel If You:
- Want to meet new people and share travel experiences
- Prefer organized itineraries and structured schedules
- Have limited time to plan a trip
- Feel more comfortable with guided support
- Want to visit complex or remote destinations
- Enjoy curated activities and local insights
Choose Independent Travel If You:
- Prefer complete freedom and flexibility
- Enjoy researching and planning travel details
- Want to customize your itinerary entirely
- Prefer traveling at your own pace
- Enjoy solo experiences and personal exploration
- Are confident managing logistics and safety planning
Both group travel and independent travel offer rewarding ways to explore the world. Independent travel provides freedom and personalization, while group travel offers convenience, social connection, and guided experiences. So, which one will you choose for your next trip?
Or do you want the middle ground where flexibility meets connection? Travel with JoinMyTrip in small group trips! Our platform offers group trips that fit only 3-12 people on board, perfect for travelers who want to make friends yet having the freedom to explore on their own. Hosted by experienced travelers and local hosts, these trips feel like traveling with friends instead of a classic flag-waving guided tours.
Find a group trip that you like and start traveling today!