Travel Alone vs With a Friend vs Group Travel – Which One is for You?

By this, I mean that you get to strike up conversations with strangers and you’re likely to meet some interesting people.

You can also meet like-minded people along the way with whom you can have fun with. In a group setup, you’ll be locked up in the group’s comfort zone and stick to their ideals, and you may never get the chance to meet a new person.

Whether you want to drink at the same joint every night or have an expensive meal in a 5-star hotel, it’s totally up to you.

The freedom of doing whatever you want without seeking anybody’s approval is perhaps the biggest advantage of solo traveling.

In a group setup, tensions can get high and when that happens, arguments follow.

Such kind of drama has no place in solo traveling and it’s unlikely that you’ll get into one with new companions that you’ll meet out there.

Some people take solo trips because they want time to be alone and reflect on their life.

In such a time when you want to be with your own thoughts without anybody’s intrusion, a solo trip might be just ideal.

As a solo traveler, you can make quick impromptu decisions to cut on costs such as getting cheaper meals, choosing an inexpensive hotel or using a cheap means of transportation.

Such decisions are usually predetermined in group travels and sometimes you have to squeeze your pockets to fit the bill.

Believe it or not, it’s a lot easier to learn the local culture in solo travel than on a group trip. When you’re alone, your spirit of adventure really kicks in.

Most of the people you meet are the locals and naturally you find it okay to allow them to show you around. In the meantime, you get to learn a bit of the local language as well as dine and see how they conduct their business.

Indeed, you can wander around and meet people but sometimes you may find yourself in a place that is not quite friendly. That is the point when you wish you had someone you know.

Many solo travelers are also accustomed to being on their own and if you’re not the type, then you may get lonely quicker.

At independentwolf.com, however, we say though shall not let loneliness overcome you; check out some of the things you can do to enjoy traveling alone and not get bored.

People believe in safety in numbers. I can’t agree more to that.

To be honest, solo travelers are more likely to become targets of stalkers, pick-pocketers and muggers, because they look more vulnerable. In addition, if you fall sick, get lost or get hurt, there’ll be no one to take care of you.

To avoid such scenarios too, take a look at the 50 safety tips for traveling alone.

Going on a trip with your loved one is a big chance to get intimate and do stuff that you’ve been dreaming about. There’s just the urge of doing some crazy stuff and take home sweet memories.

With someone that you just met, it can be difficult to express yourself, but you have nothing to worry about with a lifelong companion.

Your best friend is your best friend because you have a lot in common and you have known each other for a long time. Perhaps you schooled together, live in the same neighborhood or met at work.

Going on a trip with this guy/girl guarantees some of the best moments that you can’t even share with a lover, and I think it gets easier for men.

It’s easy to get into an argument with your girlfriend, maybe you were looking at the next girl the ‘wrong’ way, but with a buddy, it’s usually a fun time, all the time.

Moving abroad can be intimidating when you’re alone. When you have a friend with you, there’s the feeling of security and companionship.

Even when you will be stranded in some unknown street abroad, you’ll still find comfort in a friend.

Spending too much time with one person might not allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture.

In addition, your minor likes and dislikes may be a hindrance to either of you getting into some sort of activities. There’s just that thing of wanting to do the same thing that’s good for both of you.

Group mentality usually pushes people to do things for the sake of others. I can give you an example – I started drinking in college because the guys around me were doing it.

A group is just perfect for trying new stuff because there’s something that takes away your fears. There’s also something about being in a group of like-minded buddies, all into something that you’d never think of doing, that makes you want to be part of it.

People just let loose whenever in a group – they drink too much, smoke new stuff, play weird games – and this allows you to know the other side of whoever.

Who cares if you go that route and come across an anaconda? Risk-taking confidence is always high when you’re in a crew unlike being alone or only two people.

You may want to take riskier trips or even try some exotic dishes – things you may be scared to do alone.

If you fall sick or get into an accident, you can depend on your team to take care of you throughout your trip.

Even if you drink too much at a club, your crew can help you find your legs.

Group travel brings about great fun from the moment you set off to the last minute. In solo travel, you have to initiate a chat with a stranger or the other way round. With guys that you already know, chatting goes on as usual.

Things such as drinking happen almost anywhere. You can just arrive in any town and get into any club and have your own party. If you travel in an RV the better, as it will allow you to camp almost anywhere.

Furthermore, the fun and experiences that you share in group travel creates memories that can last a lifetime, whether good or bad.

Group travels are probably the easiest to take. One Friday afternoon a former colleague asked me to join him in group travel that he was part of. I didn’t have major plans that weekend and so I agreed without knowing where they were going and with whom.

If you plan to travel alone or with a friend, everything is all up to you, starting from researching every fine detail of the trip to where you’ll eat and sleep.

The biggest disadvantage of operating in a group is decision making.

First, it takes so much time to agree on one single thing since everyone usually wants to push their own agenda. Simple things such as settling on where to eat can lead to endless arguments.

It can be hard to balance the interests of every person in a group. You may want to go on a vacation focused on relaxation, yet have some party animals who still want to have fun their own way.

Some people want to hit the beach while others want to check out historical sites. Others want a bus tour and some want to trek. Little things like this can turn what is supposed to be a fun vacation for everyone into a frustrating one.

If you like having your own time to change clothes and such, group travel cannot offer you that kind of privacy, especially because you are likely to share rooms or stay in a hostel.

There’s this person that you don’t get along and it happens that you are traveling in the same group. This can cause an uncomfortable situation around others.