When it comes to choosing between a group and solo travel, it all boils down to your personality and budget.
Before you get carried away with the idea of conquering the wilderness all by yourself, remember that if you go on a travel adventure with a group program, you won’t have to worry or take care of the pesky details such as the logistics of your adventure, since that will be taken care of by the tour leader. So, while you might not have the privacy that comes with going alone, there is the convenience and safety of a stress-free trip that comes with a group travel adventure.
Are You an Introvert or an Extrovert?
If you are an introvert, the idea of going at it alone will no doubt be the most attractive option. You can dive right in and bond with the new environment on an emotional and spiritual level, without the constant chatter of fellow travellers interrupting your thoughts.
But, if you are an extrovert, you will no doubt feel safer and more comfortable in a group that you can chat and bond with while on your adventure travel. It is also the perfect opportunity to make new friends with people that share your interests.
If you are introverted, you will be less interested in chatting and taking group selfies. Instead, you’ll be more interested in observing your surroundings and absorbing the new environment, people, and cultures you come across during your travels. If your plan is to immerse yourself in a foreign culture or do some soul searching, going alone is probably best.
If, as an introvert, you join a group, you will probably find it tedious being constantly polite and acting interested when others in your group try to communicate with you. Also, as an extrovert, you could find yourself chatting with others in your group and missing out on quite a bit of your own adventure.
Why Opt for a Group Tour?
Being part of a group-guided tour will greatly influence how you experience your adventure. The impact can be either positive or negative depending on your travel goals and individual preferences. For instance, a group tour adventure typically comes with tour destinations, travel arrangements, accommodation and timetables, so you don’t have to worry about those details. But, then again, you may find such a strictly-scheduled arrangement stifling and restrictive, with little room to explore your destination exactly how you’d like to.
If you are uncertain that being part of a group tour will suit your travel needs and expectations, take into consideration the following pros and cons.
Pros
- Being part of a group can offer a safer experience, especially if you are visiting a place not known for safety and security. It can also be beneficial if you are heading out on a safari or another type of trip to an uncharted or wild area. Being in a group program, you will have a knowledgeable tour guide who can navigate you safely through the area. This is especially useful if you are going to a country with a language you don’t understand.
- If you come across any difficulties during your travels, especially with the locals, you will have help immediately available to straighten out any messes or misunderstandings in a peaceful and amicable manner.
- At certain destinations, you may have trouble accessing specific activities (such as adventure sports) if you are not part of a group or don’t have a travel guide.
- Being part of a group means you will have a guide nearby at all times to help with learning about overwhelming or complex attractions. For example, if you are interacting with wildlife or a historical site.
- Being part of a guided group tour can give you access to discounts or other special offers available to only tour groups. For instance, certain museums give tour groups a head start so that they can avoid crowds. They also offer free entry in some circumstances.
- If the destination’s environment is completely alien to you, you may find yourself uncomfortably standing out if you are alone. In a group, at least you can draw confidence from numbers.
- If you are on a limited schedule and budget, being part of a guided group tour will help you effectively manage your time and finances, so you can get the most out of your trip.
Cons
- A fancy guided group tour can cost more than going at it alone with just your wits and a guidebook. Apps such as Next Stop or target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”Hear Planet can also help facilitate your trip.
- Being part of a guided group tour, you will likely have less control over your travel experience. This is especially true if the guided tour already has a strict schedule or program which you have to adhere to. Simply put, you may end up experiencing less of what you really want.
- Nothing identifies you as a tourist more than being part of a flock of chattering strangers with incessantly clicking cameras. Being part of this type of group makes you easily identifiable by possible scammers and swindlers.
- If you speak the language of your destination, there are friendly locals, and safety isn’t really an issue, being part of a guided tour is more of a crutch that could slow down your adventure.
- There are some unique local sights that a guided tour may not bother showing you. If you want to experience the local sights, sounds, and tastes at the core of your destination, going it alone with no restrictions may work better.
For heightened security, regardless of if you are travelling alone or in a group, Air New Zealand Insurance advises that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers you in every way that matters while on your trip.
Choosing a Good Group Guided Tour Company
The quality of a guided group tour will definitely go a long way in determining whether you have fun or not. To pick one that will work best for you as an extrovert looking to have a good time, look out for the following:
- Quality: Look for online reviews. The more positive reviews you find, the better. Look out for reviews on the group guide’s website as well as on third-party sites. Ensure the group guide isn’t a scam and take time to ensure choosing them will guarantee a high-quality experience. TripAdvisor and Any Road are both known for offering quality guide groups.
- Cost: Naturally, the cost of a guided group should fit your budget. If it exceeds your budget then it’s clearly not a good fit for your travel goals.
- Activities: Heading to a specific destination, there are clearly things you would like to do and experience when you get there. If you can’t find a guided group whose schedule of activities matches your plans, or even most of your plans, you may be better off going alone.
- Cancellation Policy: This is important in case something comes up and you have to cancel your trip. You should be able to get all, or at least part, of your money back in the event you have to cancel your group guide booking.
Ensure to verify all of the above before signing up for a group tour to ensure you get good value for your money
So, What’s Your Preference?
Going solo offers freedom, flexibility, and control. It’s your trip and your decisions that primarily determine the flow of your adventure. However, if we are being realistic, depending on your destination, going alone isn’t always advisable or viable. For instance, certain destinations aren’t very safe for women or lone strangers in general. This is even more apparent if you don’t speak the local language(s).
Going alone is also ill-advised if you are heading into barren or inhospitable, or unpopulated, regions that lack infrastructure. If you are alone in such an area and you get lost or robbed, your circumstances could easily turn into a life or death issue.
If your adventure is to a familiar, peaceful, friendly, or safe location, going alone is fine. But if it’s unfamiliar territory, where things can go wrong at the drop of a hat, then the safety of a group tour may be for the best.
Regardless of if you choose a group tour or to go alone, try to make sure you fulfil as much of your travel fantasy as you can. Mingle with the locals, try new things, and be open to new experiences. Going alone, you get to do things your way. In a group, you may be limited to doing things the group guide’s way, but at least you won’t have to worry about the logistics and day-to-day details and arrangements of your travel adventure.