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 itineraries. 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 from 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!
Find New People and Experiences
Although you fly to a destination alone, that does not mean you will be there alone. Solo traveling is a fantastic way to make new friends. I would say I meet some of the most amazing people through solo traveling. When I traveled alone to Bali, I chose to stay in a hostel. The hostel has become an awesome little community where travelers from all over the world meet.
Furthermore, traveling solo uncovers new experiences that you have never though 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.
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.
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 Gülçin knew that planning can be quite a hassle – not to mention that you can get stuck on tourist traps! So, she created group travel experiences that include accommodation, transportation, and city tours at JoinMyTrip.
For that reason, we recommend booking a group travel tour for first-time travelers. You don’t have to worry about the itinerary or staying in a bad hotel. Group travel is the shortcut to an awesome trip.
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.