Travelling is unique to every individual, as the reasons behind it can vary from person to person. Whether you are travelling to relax, or want to experience adventure or desire to explore new cultures, travelling is a personal decision to make.
So is whether or not you want to travel alone. It is easier to choose a destination, budget and duration, but the decision to travel with a group or go solo can be quite daunting, especially for first-time travellers.
Here is a guide on solo travel vs group travel that will help you make a decision. However, the choice you make will depend on your preferences and personality.
Let us begin by understanding these travel types individually.
Solo Travel -Features
In this, you travel alone to destinations independently. There are many benefits of travelling solo, but first, let us discuss the features of this travel type:
Independence
This type of travel gives you the liberty to make your own choices. It can be liberating for some to travel on their own.
Easy Budget Management
If you fall short on your budget, you can modify your plans to accommodate activities according to your expenses.
No Accountability
When travelling on your own, there is no time restraint on what and when you choose to do something.
Individual Experience
Travelling alone gives you the opportunity to meet new people and experience new situations in life. You learn a lot when you choose to travel alone.
Group Travel - Features
In travel alone vs group travel, individuals opt for the latter because this travel type offers travelling with friends or in an organised group with a set travel itinerary for the trip. Features of this travel type include:
Guide for the Tour
Organised travel generally includes tour guides for assistance. This way, you can safely visit tourist attractions without being troubled by locals.
Pre-planned Accommodations
The accommodations are reserved in advance for group travels. Moreover, the restaurants to visit are planned as well. All you have to do is select which accommodation plan suits you best.
Safe Trip
One of the biggest reasons for choosing to travel with friends when comparing solo travel vs travel with friends, is the safety aspect. Organised group travelling means you are not alone when faced with troubles like thugs or accidents.
Itinerary is Already Set
Visiting a new place can get you confused. However, in group travels, you simply need to follow the itinerary and activities set for you instead of wondering where to go next.
Solo Travel vs Group Travel - Things to Consider
Some of the things that you have to consider, whether you are travelling alone or with friends, are listed below.
The Freedom Factor
As mentioned above, one crucial solo travel benefit is flexibility and freedom during travel. When travelling in a group, you have to depend on what is scheduled for you and follow that accordingly.
The Expenses Involved
Travelling on your own is less expensive than travelling in a group, even if you have to modify your budget during the trip. In a group trip, since someone else is planning the trip on your behalf, you have to pay for the convenience that comes with this type of travel.
Trip Convenience and Safety
Travelling with friends in a group gives you the advantage of a tour guide, which will pave the way for you. There is no need to worry about dealing with new languages or visiting new places. Additionally, with a bunch of people around you, there is no need to worry about sudden illnesses, accidents, or being attacked in a foreign land. All these things are missing in solo travel.
Trip Quality
This is highly subjective, as only you can decide whether or not you truly enjoy a trip with your friends or organised groups. Generally, it is more self-satisfying to travel alone, as you are solely responsible for determining where to go and how to travel. Group trips are more streamlined and give you very little opportunity to discover things outside of your itinerary or plan.
New Experiences
While group travel offers the chance to get to know new people, solo travel has limitations in meeting new people. However, new experiences like learning about new cultures and exploring less popular places can be expected while travelling alone rather than in an organised way.
Solo vs Group Travel - Advantages and Disadvantages
The following lines compare the benefits and disadvantages of travelling alone vs travelling with friends, which will give you a better picture of these travel types.
Advantages of Travelling Solo
Opportunity to customise your travel plan for personal growth and self-discovery.
All major and minor decisions are for you to make.
You get a chance to develop confidence in matters of ability and responsibility.
Moving around is more convenient and less complicated when travelling alone.
Preferences and timings are flexible and according to your choice alone.
Disadvantages of Travelling Solo
It can get lonely sometimes.
You need to be extra vigilant and cautious.
It can get difficult to face challenges at times.
The memories and experiences that you gather are restricted to yourself.
Advantages of Group Travel
It ushers in a sense of security in each group member.
Experiences and memories are shared with other group members.
Loneliness is almost absent as it promotes social interaction.
The likelihood of potential threats is less when travelling in a group.
The trip budget is fixed, which means you don’t have to spend extra money during the trip.
Disadvantages of Group Travel
The absence of flexibility in schedules might not fit well with personal preferences.
Group decisions and compromises can limit your freedom.
Conflicts in the group may arise due to preferences and personality differences among individuals.
It can be difficult to organise and arrange a group, especially if it involves a lot of individuals.
Your overall sense of freedom is affected due to the need to compromise.
Solo vs Group Travel - Tips for Each type of Travel
Group Travel Tips:
These are the guidelines to follow if you opt for group travel for your next trip:
Do your research properly, and talk to consultants before planning your travel.
Ask if you will be provided a tent, hotel or hostel for accommodation.
Enquire about food availability and whether or not you have to prepare food for yourself. If yes, is the accommodation equipped with a proper kitchen?
Find out if the restaurants you visit offer cuisines native to your place. If you want to experiment with local dishes, you must inquire if such a provision is available during the trip.
Also, learn about which places you will be visiting, whether or not they are rural locations, and how much time it will take to cover each destination.
Solo Travel Tips:
If you are planning a
solo trip to Europe from India or to any other country, the following guidelines will prove helpful.
If you are planning a social trip, opt for shared dorms in hostels in social areas.
Take part in activities like walking tours and cooking classes to acquaint yourself with new people.
Be approachable and friendly, rather than sitting all by yourself and spending time on the phone or a book.
Prepare a travel itinerary and send a copy to your family and friends back home so that they know about your travel plans in detail.
To avoid feeling lonely, participate in activities that make you happy and satisfied.
Keep your phone charged all the time and download applications that will keep you safe when travelling alone.
Secure Your Solo Travel Experience with Individual Overseas Travel Insurance Plan
Whether you choose to travel overseas with your loved ones or by yourself, you may face problems in both cases. Opting for an
international travel insurance policy that caters to your financial requirements in case an unforeseen event occurs is especially important when you travel alone.
At Reliance General Insurance, we cater to the needs of those who prefer travelling overseas on their own. Our individual travel insurance policy takes care of solo travellers when faced with difficult times abroad. We also offer other overseas insurance plans that you can check before planning a trip abroad.
Conclusion
It is completely up to you to select whether or not you want to travel alone. If you are confident about travelling solo, you will get to experience the world in a new way, not to mention all the learning opportunities you will encounter during your trip.
Group travel, on the other hand, is restrictive when it comes to exploring new things, but it has its advantages that you will not get in solo travel. No matter what travel type you choose, you should not ignore the significance of overseas travel insurance when planning a trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ways to stay safe when travelling solo?
It is crucial that you stay alert and cautious at all times. Try to be in public places as much as possible. Avoid all kinds of trouble, and do not take any help from strangers, especially if they volunteer to help you unnecessarily.
Is group or solo travel better for interacting with new people when on the road?
Solo travel gives you the scope to meet locals and other fellow travellers, thereby forming a bond with new people throughout your stay. In group travel, however, the dynamic of the group decides whether or not you get to acquaint yourself with new people. While both travel types encourage meeting new people, travelling alone makes it more convenient to strike off conversations and build relationships with others.
When opting for an unfamiliar destination, is it better to travel alone or in a group?
It is generally considered safer to travel in a group when visiting an unfamiliar place, as you have companionship and support from other group members. However, with proper research, vigilance and planning, you can successfully complete a solo trip safely.