Hello again, Lunatics!!
Here I am on a cool autumn night writing about traveling – well, again! Yay! So, today I will share my POV regarding the good and not so good of both solo traveling and group travel. I mean, there is a yin to the yang, a dark to the light – or… a good and not so good in everything. So, let’s dig in and see if this can help you decide which is best for you. Deal?
Looking at the plus side of each choice
While traveling solo and traveling in a group both have their unique advantages and disadvantages, I am biased. I have done group travel before, but to be honest, I prefer to do solo travel. Here is why:
Traveling Solo:
1. Independence: I have the freedom to plan my own itinerary and make spontaneous decisions without consulting others. I don’t have to wait for anyone, I decide what to do on my own time and if I want to hang out in skimpy clothes where I am staying, there is no one else I have to worry about offending! Seriously.
2. Self-discovery: Solo travel for me has always been a journey of self-discovery. It allows me to learn more about themselves and gain self-confidence. I take chances and do things that sometimes make me nervous, but excited and highly impressed at the same time. Traveling to the Orkney Isles in Scotland, walking all over Edinburgh, driving in O’Ahu, hiking Diamond Head – these experiences challenged me so deeply and when I finished, I was in awe.
3. Flexibility: It’s easier to change plans or adapt to unexpected circumstances when traveling alone. Whoooo! This? Big ticket item for me! I change my mind as often as a traffic light about the things I want to do, the food I want to eat, the places I want to visit – or the people I want to eat. So, being flexible with my time is a plus.
4. Personal growth: Solo travel often pushes me out of my comfort zone, which has lead to personal growth and resilience. Let me tell you, the first time I drove to my grandma’s house in 2012, I had to drive nearly two hours from San Juan to the mountains of Maricao, Puerto Rico. This is an IYKYK, but if you don’t know, it’s a road system that’s very, very, very scary. You have to do it to understand it. To tell you that after I left the island, I felt like I had conquered my biggest childhood fears was priceless. I have only gone back a few times after, but every time I have driven there, it’s phenomenal!
The Pluses of Traveling in a Group
1. Companionship: Group travel offers companionship and the opportunity to share experiences with friends or like-minded individuals. I traveled with my kids to California a few years back. It was great to go to Hollywood, catch a baseball game at Dodgers Stadium, go out to eat together or even cook together at the AirBnB. That was cool. We all had a separate rooms and had our own space to hang out when we needed alone time.
2. Safety: Traveling in a group can enhance safety, as members can watch out for each other. Sometimes. During that same trip, we went to The Santee Alleys. My youngest at the time got lured to some side street by a kid who was trying to sell her something. She was going, I was following her and my motherly instinct kicked in. Let’s say, she’s home safe.
3. Cost-sharing: Group travel often results in cost savings on accommodations, transportation, and group discounts. There is nothing better than chipping in for a rental car or the lodging. It cuts down on my budget and I can spend the rest of my money on other fun stuff. Like shopping or dining out.
4. Diverse perspectives: Group travel can provide diverse perspectives and ideas for exploring a destination. This is helpful because it’s exhausting to have to plan everything, especially for a group. So, having other people share what they want to do, and even lead an activity (hiking, shopping, museum hopping, etc.) is a lot of fun!
Let’s look at the not-so fun part of both solo and group travel
So here is where we go to the dark side… okay, okay! I am exaggerating here, but you get what I mean. Let’s go!
The Challenges of Solo Traveling
1. Loneliness: Sometimes, I do experience feelings of loneliness or isolation when traveling solo, especially during meals or downtime. This is sometimes because I do wonder, once in a while, what would it be to share this experience with someone – my kids, my family, my parents, or a special person, right? Especially going out to dinner, as a Solo Female Traveler, I have gotten the “look” as in “Awww, she is eating alone…” Why the look, bro? Why?
2. Safety concerns: Traveling alone can sometimes raise safety concerns, particularly in unfamiliar or risky destinations. Which is why I stay alert at all times and try not to go out too late at night. I am very aware that even in daylight, something bad can happen. So far, knock on wood, nothing has happened.
3. Limited shared experiences: As a solo traveler, I could miss out on the camaraderie and shared memories that come with group travel. Again, I prefer to travel by myself and I am okay because I am a little introverted, so after a while of hanging out with other people I am drained out. Again, I am a special breed! I am okay most of the time. However, I do need someone to take my photos so it’s a bummer not to have someone take pictures. Honestly!
4. Cost: As a solo traveler, I may incur higher costs for accommodations and activities, as there are no solo travel discounts like there may be for groups. The whole trip is on me from airfare to lodging to car rental to activities, and depending on where I am going, it can get pricey quickly!
The Challenges of Group Travel
1. Less independence: Group travel typically requires compromise and coordination, which can limit individual freedom. This is when the rubber hits the road because not everyone has the same interests and will want to do the same thing, let alone together! This is when one person needs to sort of take the lead and survey everyone to see who is doing what and when. There is no way to make everyone happy, but we can only try!
2. Decision-making: Group dynamics can lead to disagreements and delays in decision-making. Hiking or skydiving, beach day or amusement park, shopping or baseball game? It can get very stressful really quick and who wants that? Not me. For sure, not me!
3. Limited spontaneity: The need to accommodate the preferences and schedules of others may limit spontaneous adventures. This alone can create a little bit of chaos if there is a plan in place. Especially if some people want to sleep in and stay up or out later, while others want to hit the road early and be in bed or relaxing at a decent time. So, who wins? How do you throw in something not planned?
4. Social dynamics: Conflicts or personality clashes within the group can affect the overall experience. This is challenging especially when someone does not have enough discretionary cash to spend, or feels entitled to do whatever they want to do whenever they want to do it.
As you can see, it’s not impossible to do one or the other. There are positives and negatives to each choice. Can you overcome the challenges? I am sure! Can you compromise? For sure. Can you relax? You can try.
Either way, it’s always great to get away – even if it’s within the state or country where you live. It’s all about opening your perspectives and perceptions.
Ultimately, the choice between traveling solo or in a group depends on personal preferences, travel goals, and the specific destination. Some travelers may prefer the freedom of solo travel, like I do – while others enjoy the social aspect of group travel, and I can compromise sometimes. It’s essential to consider your own comfort level and objectives when making this decision.
Anywho, I hope this helps you in making your decision.
Remember to continue traveling “lightly ever after” and to subscribe to our newsletter to get your FREE Travel Planning Guide, my dear!
