Traveling alone can be incredibly rewarding. It allows you to explore new places at your own pace, try new things and meet new people. It means there’s no need to compromise on your plans – you can do precisely what you want, whenever you want to.
However, it can also be a bit daunting for some people, especially if you’re new to solo travel. There’s where group tours come in. These group vacations provide a solitary travel experience in a safe and pre-planned format, helping eliminate many common concerns. This article will examine why group tours are an excellent option for solo travelers.
Before discussing why group tours are perfect for solo female travelers, let’s first talk about a group tour, how it works, and what you can expect if you choose to join one. Not everyone knows about group tours or has been on one before, so we want to get you up to speed.
What is a group tour?
A group or escorted tour is a type of trip where multiple people, who are often strangers, come together for an adventure abroad. Hundreds of tour companies offer group tours abroad for a reasonable price.
How do group tours work?
Once you’ve identified the destination you want to visit and when you want to go, you can search for companies that offer group tours there. Usually, you’ll be asked to deposit to secure your spot for the tour. You can also pay in full.
Once you pay, you may be matched with a roommate. You can also opt for a single room. The tour company will then send you all the details about your tour, how to prepare, and other helpful information. Now all you have to do is show up and enjoy the tour! Group tours typically last between 3-10 days.
What are the pros and cons of taking a group tour?
Like any style of travel, there are pros and cons to taking a group tour. The main pros of group tours are making new friends, trying new things you usually wouldn’t do alone, and not worrying about safety. You also don’t have to spend much time on trip planning as all the logistics and details are usually taken care of for you. There’s a great deal of convenience with group tours because you can show up and follow the itinerary.
While group tours are super convenient, they usually follow a carefully-curated itinerary. It means there’s less flexibility if you want to be spontaneous. You may also have to wake up and go to bed at specific times to be prepared for all the activities.
You don’t have to worry about safety as much
The primary concern for most solo travelers is safety. When you’re traveling alone, you may be more vulnerable, particularly if you look unsure of your surroundings. You could quickly end up in an unsafe area without knowing, causing some travelers to hesitate when exploring.
On a group tour, you can rest assured that you’ll have a tour guide that knows the local area and can keep you safe. They’ll usually take care of most aspects of your holiday, from transportation and activities to accommodation, meaning you won’t have to worry about anything. What’s more, you’ll have safety in numbers which can help to reduce any vulnerability.
Making friends is a whole lot easier
Although traveling alone provides many benefits, it can get lonely at times. It can be hard to make connections, particularly if you’re in a country where you don’t speak the language. With a group tour, you’ll be traveling with a group of like-minded people who share your love of travel. The groups often are formed based on age or common interests, providing an excellent opportunity to meet new people, make friends, and share experiences.
There’s plenty of variety
There are many different places to explore on an escorted tour worldwide, and you’re bound to find plenty of tour options in your preferred location. Moreover, they can offer a wide range of activities, from visiting famous sights to hidden gems – they’ll ensure you make the most of your trip. The tour guide is also equipped with expert local knowledge, meaning you’ll experience lesser-known sights you may not have thought of alone. For example, they might organize local cultural experiences or culinary tours, giving you an authentic taste of the region.
You get great value for your money
A common complaint among solo travelers is the single-person supplemental charges. They can apply to many things, but the most significant expense is accommodation. Many providers will charge additional fees if you’re a single person occupying a room intended for two. In fact, solo travelers can expect to pay up to 87% more than couples.
With a group tour, you can often get much better value for your money. The tour operator will have negotiated group rates for things like hotels and attractions, so the costs could even work out less than traveling alone.
Group tours are a great option as they offer many benefits for solo travelers. If you’re new to traveling alone and considering your options, a group tour holiday can be a great place to start. These unique excursions offer everything you need and will make the trip memorable.
You can spend less time on trip planning
As I mentioned earlier, one of the main perks of going on a group tour is that the tour organizer takes care of the trip’s logistics. After going on dozens of group tours, this is definitely one of my favorite things about this style of travel. Food, hotels, ground transportation, excursions, entry fees, and other expenses are covered. That means you don’t have to worry about figuring out the logistics of your trip. All you have to do is show up and enjoy the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are group tours like?
The experience you’ll have on a group tour depends on several factors, like where you go, who you’re with, and the tour company you choose. Generally speaking, group tours are a great way to meet new people, try new things, and explore a new destination. You get to travel solo without traveling alone, which improves safety.
What is the ideal tour group size?
There is no ‘ideal’ group tour size. It depends on the destination, the itinerary, and your preferences. The size of group tours typically falls between 10-25 people.
Why would someone go on a group tour?
People go on group tours for convenience, savings, improved safety in numbers, and the chance to meet other travelers, among other reasons.
Are group tours more expensive?
Group tours aren’t necessarily more expensive than traveling alone. In fact, you might actually be able to save money due to group discount rates, sharing a ride with fellow travelers, and having a roommate.
Is it better to travel with a tour group?
Traveling with a tour group is not necessarily better, although it has many advantages. It all depends on your preferences. That said, I think everyone should try group travel at least once in their lives.
Travel resources I can’t live without
CabinZero Backpack
The CabinZero 36L Backpack – this trusty backpack has been my go-to luggage for domestic and international trips since 2018. I’ve used dozens of backpacks over the years and keep returning to this one. I seldom check-in luggage, so I need a carry-on bag that is spacious, sturdy, and comfortable with a laptop compartment. The Cabin Zero 36 L fits the bill. The size makes it small enough for a weekend getaway and big enough for a month of backpacking in Europe. The bag also comes with a tracker in case it gets lost. How convenient! Check out my complete review of the backpack.
Travel-wifi Portable Hotspot Device
Travel WiFI Pocket WIFI Device – With portable WiFi, you can say goodbye to ridiculous roaming charges and SIM cards for good. I’ve been using the Travel WiFi Portable Hotspot device for years and love the peace of mind it gives me. The device provides 3G-4G WiFi for at least 6 hours and works in 100+ countries. In my experience, it lasts 9 hours. It also works in a variety of landscapes and terrains.
Using my device, I even filmed a Facebook Live from a boat in the Atlantic Ocean. I can also use Google Maps, request an Uber, call my mom, and do many other things I couldn’t do before.
A quick tip: turn off the device when you’re not using it so the battery can last longer.
Booking.com
Booking.com – Booking.com is my go-to website for booking discounted accommodations worldwide. What I love most about Booking.com is the variety of properties you can find, from luxury apartments to treehouses to university housing. It’s hard to beat the meager prices. The website also has a flexible cancellation policy, which is great if things come up or you change your mind.
Somto Ugwueze
Hi! I'm Somto. Two years ago, I stopped making excuses, ditched my indecisive friends, and started booking flights. Today, I'm a full-time solo traveler on a mission to inspire young women to seek new adventures.
![Let’s talk about money in Croatia 🇭🇷 (and the Balkans)
📌[Save and Share]
⚠️ Quick tip: Don’t exchange money or take out money from any place that has a big, yellow sign
On my most recent trip to Croatia with @girlslovetravel, I learned that from the locals and other seasoned travelers.
I wanted to pass along the message to help you guys avoid falling for this trap, because I saw so many people getting ripped off.
If you’re traveling through Europe, especially in the Mediterranean, the Balkans, and Eastern Europe, you’re going to see these super-convenient money exchanges and ATMS.
With their big, yellow signs, these are hard to miss.
And they’re so seductive because they’re always conveniently located.
But don’t do it.
These places are known to have the worst exchange rates and sometimes hidden fees.
You’ll end up getting significantly less money than other comparable money exchanges.
The ATMS could charge you all sorts of ridiculous fees, which happened to one of my travel friends.
If you walk away from the touristy city centers, you can find places with better exchange rates.
Do your research.
Compare places, especially if you want to exchange a chunk of money.
Don’t go to the first place you see because it’s convenient.
Any other tips for exchanging money in Europe? Drop them below👇🏾](https://scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/363495583_681336997355409_8269653626385180880_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c4dd86&_nc_ohc=_vy0qj-WxFoAX-mjbwg&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=00_AfAPqz89qBOUgOh00AfVwwwiMtUalPvCK3LjBZqNY1ZuAQ&oe=657A6126)
![Let’s talk about money in Croatia 🇭🇷 (and the Balkans)
📌[Save and Share]
⚠️ Quick tip: Don’t exchange money or take out money from any place that has a big, yellow sign
On my most recent trip to Croatia with @girlslovetravel, I learned that from the locals and other seasoned travelers.
I wanted to pass along the message to help you guys avoid falling for this trap, because I saw so many people getting ripped off.
If you’re traveling through Europe, especially in the Mediterranean, the Balkans, and Eastern Europe, you’re going to see these super-convenient money exchanges and ATMS.
With their big, yellow signs, these are hard to miss.
And they’re so seductive because they’re always conveniently located.
But don’t do it.
These places are known to have the worst exchange rates and sometimes hidden fees.
You’ll end up getting significantly less money than other comparable money exchanges.
The ATMS could charge you all sorts of ridiculous fees, which happened to one of my travel friends.
If you walk away from the touristy city centers, you can find places with better exchange rates.
Do your research.
Compare places, especially if you want to exchange a chunk of money.
Don’t go to the first place you see because it’s convenient.
Any other tips for exchanging money in Europe? Drop them below👇🏾](https://scontent-dfw5-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/363496891_3960588657501192_2279069811238681499_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c4dd86&_nc_ohc=LtJTETr6UhgAX99KV_j&_nc_oc=AQmAmH8fEtUCrcX0JC3ab3nmi5MRB4e2Ji-S98sk2ENU8ZKpshumpTsxh4N_r9N8gx8&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=00_AfBLHqP4rlViQp28OGkZfCUrWhgAEJg_pGXIiiilHsTNeQ&oe=657922C5)
![Let’s talk about money in Croatia 🇭🇷 (and the Balkans)
📌[Save and Share]
⚠️ Quick tip: Don’t exchange money or take out money from any place that has a big, yellow sign
On my most recent trip to Croatia with @girlslovetravel, I learned that from the locals and other seasoned travelers.
I wanted to pass along the message to help you guys avoid falling for this trap, because I saw so many people getting ripped off.
If you’re traveling through Europe, especially in the Mediterranean, the Balkans, and Eastern Europe, you’re going to see these super-convenient money exchanges and ATMS.
With their big, yellow signs, these are hard to miss.
And they’re so seductive because they’re always conveniently located.
But don’t do it.
These places are known to have the worst exchange rates and sometimes hidden fees.
You’ll end up getting significantly less money than other comparable money exchanges.
The ATMS could charge you all sorts of ridiculous fees, which happened to one of my travel friends.
If you walk away from the touristy city centers, you can find places with better exchange rates.
Do your research.
Compare places, especially if you want to exchange a chunk of money.
Don’t go to the first place you see because it’s convenient.
Any other tips for exchanging money in Europe? Drop them below👇🏾](https://scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/364071653_816389820137326_3597345990832080157_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c4dd86&_nc_ohc=MYF5J3kz_SAAX8LrCKa&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=00_AfAyBMpI95aIAIlzLZ-1w4-QTfs64lpl2_uEMGTDvZljQA&oe=6578CBC2)
![Let’s talk about money in Croatia 🇭🇷 (and the Balkans)
📌[Save and Share]
⚠️ Quick tip: Don’t exchange money or take out money from any place that has a big, yellow sign
On my most recent trip to Croatia with @girlslovetravel, I learned that from the locals and other seasoned travelers.
I wanted to pass along the message to help you guys avoid falling for this trap, because I saw so many people getting ripped off.
If you’re traveling through Europe, especially in the Mediterranean, the Balkans, and Eastern Europe, you’re going to see these super-convenient money exchanges and ATMS.
With their big, yellow signs, these are hard to miss.
And they’re so seductive because they’re always conveniently located.
But don’t do it.
These places are known to have the worst exchange rates and sometimes hidden fees.
You’ll end up getting significantly less money than other comparable money exchanges.
The ATMS could charge you all sorts of ridiculous fees, which happened to one of my travel friends.
If you walk away from the touristy city centers, you can find places with better exchange rates.
Do your research.
Compare places, especially if you want to exchange a chunk of money.
Don’t go to the first place you see because it’s convenient.
Any other tips for exchanging money in Europe? Drop them below👇🏾](https://www.somtoseeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/363495583_681336997355409_8269653626385180880_n-256x320.jpg)
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