Advantages of Solo Group Travel

By Mark Wiens 12 Comments
Advantages of Solo Group Travel
Advantages of Solo Group Travel

Have you ever wanted to go somewhere but couldn’t get friends or family to go with you?

This can be one of the most frustrating things when planning an adventure and is a main reason many trips never happen.

There is a great alternative to staying home or traveling solo: Travel Clubs

When I lived in Sydney Australia I had 6 months to explore that side of the world and began planning trips like the “travaholic” that I am.

After carefully planning various international excursions and asking people to join I quickly realized my friends were either not interested or could not afford to go on many of them. I was bummed at first but ended up going to Fiji, Bali, & the Outback by myself anyway.

Traveling solo was a blast and I quickly fell in love with this style of travel. You get to meet tons of people from all over the world and call your own shots the entire trip.

There is a lot to be said for these advantages but the hard work and planning that goes into a solo trip also has its disadvantages. You are on your own so if you get stuck in a bind you need to be quick on your feet and be open to last minute changes. Many people do not like this unstructured form of travel that often comes with exploring solo.

It is great to interact with strangers, especially from different cultures foreign to yours. It helps you grow as an individual and offers invaluable perspective about the world and the country you live in.

These interactions can happen more frequently and easily when traveling solo but it can be just as rewarding traveling to a country with friends or like-minded individuals.

Masai Group
Masai Group

For example, if you love photography and explore the pyramids with a group of photography lovers this can only enhance the experience. A great way to combine the best aspects of solo travel and group travel is finding a travel club or organization that shares the same interests.

Believe it or not there are tons of them out there.

From skiing & hiking travel clubs to foodie & cycling clubs, there is sure to be one for anyone if you look hard enough.

Advantages of Solo Group Travel
Advantages of Solo Group Travel

PhotoFly Travel Club is a great group for photography travel lovers. Another popular type of group is singles travel. Both of these groups offer a valuable alternative to traveling alone. All the travel planning is done for you, you get to travel with people who share common interests, & you can save money by pairing up with other members to avoid those costly single supplement fees!

Travel clubs and other group travel organizations are a great way to explore the world as a solo traveler.

Have you ever considered solo travel…with a group?

About the Author: Steve Juba is an expert on solo group travel. He is the leader of Singles By The Bay, a club that organizes adventurous trips around the world and he also runs PhotoFly Travel Club, dedicated to anyone who loves travel photography.

12 comments. I'd love to hear from you!

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  • crauzby

    3 years ago

    Looks amazing to be here able to know some beautiful idea that i missed.

  • Micamyx|Senyorita

    12 years ago

    I can say that I enjoy both, but group travels can be a frustrating one especially if you’re the organizer and some of your companions are not paying attention or too lazy to move. Hmmm… lemme write a similar entry soon 😛

    • Mark Wiens

      12 years ago

      Thanks for the comment Micamyx! Yes, I can definitely see how it can be frustrating at times for a leader of a group like this – be sure to let me know when you write an article about solo-group travel!

  • 50+ and on the Run

    12 years ago

    Hey, Mark, thanks for the post. I started solo group traveling as a way to dip my toe in the water before really setting out for the unknown all by myself. So far, so good. One of these days I’ll go solo-solo!

    • Mark Wiens

      12 years ago

      Thanks for sharing, and glad to hear your positive review of solo group travel!

  • Arti

    12 years ago

    I have always travelled with my family and its been wonderful. But to travel alone in these groups must be fun as well. Travelling is such a joy, it really teaches you so much in life.
    Thought provoking post Mark, Thanks for sharing:)

    • Mark Wiens

      12 years ago

      No problem Arti. I think solo group travel is a great way to get started traveling especially when one is concerned about heading off by themselves. Traveling with you family is another great way to travel!

  • jenjenk

    12 years ago

    I think the concept of solo group travel is great – especially if traveling alone is something that would prevent a person from traveling all together.

    • Mark Wiens

      12 years ago

      I fully agree Jen. It’s a great way to get into travel – even when you don’t know anyone else who wants to come with you.

  • Maria

    12 years ago

    Always assumed group travel meant hard and restrictive schedules… glad to see it’s far more than I’d imagined and I am intrigued by the contradiction of a solo group. Thnx

    • Mark Wiens

      12 years ago

      Thanks for the comment Maria. I think it all depends on the company tour group, but I think the best solo group travel tours should be a good mix of a tentative schedule that can be re-arranged or activities that are optional. I think solo group travel is a great way to get started traveling.