Why Group Travel is Better Than Solo Travel (Sometimes)

I've done both. Three years of solo backpacking followed by two years of group travel through JustWravel. Both are incredible. Here's why I now prefer group travel for certain trips.

The Real Cost of Solo Travel

Solo travellers pay solo premiums — hotel single occupancy surcharges, tour packages designed for couples/families, private cabs where a group would split costs. Group travel can be 40-60% cheaper per person on the same trip.

Instant Community

Arriving at a new destination alone can be lonely. But arriving with 12 strangers who share your passion for travel? By Day 3, they're friends. By Day 7, they're people you'll keep in touch with for years.

Safety in Numbers

Especially relevant for solo female travellers — a group provides safety, backup, and confidence in unfamiliar places. Experienced group leaders handle logistics, negotiations, and emergencies.

Access to Better Experiences

Some of the best experiences — campsites, homestays, local cooking sessions, village walks — are organised more easily for groups. Local communities often prefer engaging with organised groups over individual tourists.

You Still Get Solo Time

Good group trips build in free time. You explore together for the big sights and split up for personal time. Best of both worlds.

When Solo Travel Wins

Solo travel is still superior for very specific situations:

• When you want complete flexibility with no fixed itinerary
• When you travel at an unusual pace (very fast or very slow)
• For soul-searching or digital detox journeys
• When you have very specific niche interests

The Bottom Line

Choose group travel for adventure-heavy trips (treks, road trips, backpacking) where logistics are complex and sharing costs makes the trip affordable. Choose solo travel for city exploration, spiritual journeys, or when you specifically want the solo challenge.