Solo vs Group Travel: What’s Right for You?
We’re Sami and Zaara, and between the two of us, we’ve journeyed across some of the world’s most incredible places — together and solo. As a duo, we’ve explored the lush rice terraces of Bali, soaked up golden sunsets in Thailand, wandered the buzzing night markets of Malaysia, admired the futuristic skylines of Dubai, hiked the dramatic peaks of Georgia, and immersed ourselves in the vibrant chaos of Pakistan.
But we’re not always side-by-side.
Zaara’s solo adventures have taken her from temple-hopping in Vietnam to spotting elephants on safari in South Africa. She’s navigated the buzzing streets of Istanbul, wandered through historic alleys in Hong Kong, fallen in love with Melbourne’s café culture, and explored cities and countryside across China, India, and Singapore.
Sami’s solo travels have been more introspective, more meditative. He found peace in the deserts of Saudi Arabia, reflection in Bali’s quiet corners, and personal breakthroughs in the streets of Bangkok.
So yeah — when it comes to both solo travel and group tours, we’ve lived it all.
In this guide, we’re breaking down the pros, cons, and personal insights from years of travel. Whether you’re deciding between going it alone or joining a group, we’ll help you figure out what’s right for you.
What Is Solo Travel?
Solo travel isn’t just about going somewhere alone — it’s about choosing yourself.
It’s about waking up without an agenda, walking a new city with no one to please but you. It’s choosing spontaneity, tuning into your inner compass, and making decisions that are rooted in your own curiosity.
There are two main types of solo travel:
- Independent Solo Travel – You book everything yourself: flights, hotels, transport, experiences. You’re completely in control.
- Curated Solo Travel Experiences – You join trips designed for solo travelers. You’re “traveling solo,” but with a group of others doing the same. Think: Trafalgar, Cosmos, or even one of our tours!
Both come with a sense of independence — but the vibe and effort required are different.
What Are Group Tours?
Group tours are pre-arranged trips for people who want to travel with ease, structure, and a bit of built-in community.
Think: handpicked accommodations, local guides, planned itineraries, internal transportation — all taken care of. You just show up and enjoy.
We’ve hosted group tours through Bali, Pakistan, and more. We curate them to highlight immersive experiences, deep cultural connections, and the kind of adventures you just can’t find on Google.
It’s not about following a flag or hopping on tourist buses. Our trips are intentionally designed to feel like you’re traveling with friends — just with a lot less stress.
Pros of Solo Travel
1. Freedom to Roam
Solo travel = absolute flexibility.
You can extend your stay, ditch an entire city, or spend the whole day in a bookshop if you want. Zaara once extended her time in India by a week because a conversation with a local led her to an artist’s residency in Goa — it ended up being the most memorable part of the trip.
2. Deep Self-Discovery
There’s something about being alone in a new country that brings clarity. Sami had some of his most reflective moments sipping mint tea under the stars in Saudi Arabia.
You learn what you actually enjoy, without the influence of others. Solo travel builds resilience and reveals who you are when no one’s watching.
3. Meet People From Around the World
Ironically, solo travel often makes you more social.
From hostel lobbies to walking tours to local cafés, solo travelers are naturally drawn to each other. Zaara once met a crew of strangers in Cape Town at a cooking class — they ended up road-tripping the Garden Route together!
4. Control Your Own Itinerary
Want to spend three hours in a bookstore? Done. Skip every museum and just café-hop? Go for it.
When Zaara was in Medan, she changed her plans last-minute to follow a local’s tip about a hidden waterfall. No compromises, no convincing anyone — just freedom.
Cons of Solo Travel
1. It Can Get Lonely
Even in paradise, sunsets can feel empty when there’s no one to share them with.
You’ll have highs and lows — and sometimes, the quiet gets loud. That’s okay. But it’s something to be ready for.
2. Not Always the Cheapest
Without someone to split costs with, things add up — from hotel rooms to Grab rides to shared meals.
Sami once booked a safari in Thailand that was double the price solo, compared to couples or small groups. Ouch.
3. Safety Requires Extra Planning
Zaara always registers with Smart Traveler and shares her itinerary with someone back home. She also carries a portable door lock and pepper spray in certain areas.
Planning for safety solo can be mentally exhausting — especially in unfamiliar or less-developed regions.
4. It’s All On You
Missed your train? Bad hotel? Wrong visa? There’s no one to help troubleshoot.
Being your own navigator, planner, and fixer is empowering — but it can also be overwhelming.
Pros of Group Travel
1. Instant Community
Shared experiences bond people fast.
We’ve seen strangers become best friends (and even business partners) on our tours. There’s something magical about having a built-in crew, especially in a new place.
2. No Stress Planning
Flights aside, everything is handled. You don’t need to research which train to take or whether that “hidden gem” is a tourist trap.
You just show up and go deep — into the culture, the food, the landscapes — without worrying about logistics.
3. Authentic, Local Experiences
Not all tours are created equal. But the good ones (like Intrepid, or ahem, ours 😉) tap into local guides, grassroots communities, and offbeat gems most tourists miss.
From home-cooked meals in a Pakistani village to sunrise ceremonies in Bali — these aren’t things you find in guidebooks.
4. Safer for Remote or Challenging Destinations
Places like Pakistan, parts of Georgia, or certain areas in Africa can be incredible — but harder to navigate solo.
With a group, you get local expertise, vetted guides, and the comfort of numbers.
5. More Value for Money
Costs are shared, which means you get more for less: boutique hotels, private vans, hidden gems, and exclusive access.
One of our travelers said our Pakistan trip gave her “luxury on a budget” — because we were able to leverage group pricing for top-notch experiences.
Cons of Group Travel
1. Less Spontaneity
You can’t just wander off mid-day or decide to stay an extra week.
If you’re someone who thrives on last-minute decisions or loves chasing serendipity, the structure might feel limiting.
2. Group Vibes Vary
Even with great planning, group dynamics matter. Not every personality meshes.
We do our best to screen for compatibility and foster an open, respectful vibe — but you’re still traveling with people you don’t know.
3. Fast Pace (Sometimes)
Some tours try to pack everything into every day.
If you’re a slow traveler — someone who loves long breakfasts, lazy strolls, and deep dives — choose your group tour accordingly. We always build in chill time, but not every tour does.
Which Is Right for You?
Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you decide:
| Choose Solo Travel If… | Choose Group Tours If… |
|---|---|
| You crave full freedom | You want ease + community |
| You’re self-sufficient | You love shared stories |
| You’re comfortable alone | You prefer structure |
| You want flexibility | You want to see a lot quickly |
| You like planning + logistics | You value safety & shared costs |
Our Real-Life Balance
We do both — on purpose.
Zaara uses solo travel for creativity, inspiration, and personal connection. Her time in Singapore, Melbourne, and Cape Town helped her find her voice and vision.
Sami uses solo travel for peace and reflection. Bali and Saudi Arabia, especially, gave him time to connect with himself and slow down.
Then we come together to co-host curated group experiences that are all about depth, community, and culture.
Our trips combine the best of both worlds: the intention of solo travel with the magic of shared experience.
Bonus: Try Hybrid Travel
Why not both?
Many of our travelers start with a group tour, then extend solo — or vice versa. It’s a great way to ease into independence or build confidence before going fully solo.
We’ve even helped travelers design “bookend adventures” — joining one of our tours, then staying longer solo with a custom plan we help create.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re wandering through the rice paddies of Vietnam solo, joining a curated group adventure in Pakistan, or figuring out your rhythm as a traveler — remember:
There’s no “right” way to travel. Just your way.
Try both. Switch it up. See what resonates.
Every trip teaches you something new — about the world and about yourself.
Want to Travel With Us?
Check out our upcoming group trips — curated with love, local connections, and real adventure. We build every journey to help you explore deeper, travel slower, and connect more meaningfully — with yourself, the world, and others.
Planning a solo trip and need advice? We’ve got you. From solo-friendly tours to destination tips, we’re always down to help.
📍Check out our Upcoming Group Tours
Let’s make your dream trip real.
