Traveling with friends vs. solo

Two very different types of traveling styles: groups vs. solo traveling. I’ve done my fair share of both and this trip is no exception. I’m primarily here on a solo trip, but have a bunch of group trips thrown in the mix, so I thought what a great topic for my next post! I don’t know that I prefer one style over the other, but here’s my thoughts on the different types.

01. Group Trips

I have always been a people person first. Being surrounded by people, listening to them talk, being involved in their stories, chatting to them about mine, and learning from each other always makes me smile. I think this is the true value of friendship and traveling. Traveling in groups, you learn a lot about each other and can bring your group closer together, provided that the group all gets along. What is the most special is when you have a group of friends (even just one person) willing to travel the world with you.

While group travel is special, I think it’s also important to note that each individual needs their own space and time apart from the group to wind down no matter the group size. Groups usually mean compromise and while it’s ok at first, after a few days, it can be tiring and frustrating. It’s good to know your individual limits and build free time for everyone in your group trips to get that separation.

It’s also good to know from the start what everyone’s goals are for the trip and align. Do you want to party, sightsee, shop, relax, or do a combo? This way when planning your trip, you’ll know what makes the most sense and how to structure your days. It’s also good to make sure everyone has a voice. Groups are difficult in general because of psychological phenomenon like groupthink, group polarization, and the common knowledge effect. Getting everyone to vocalize their actual thoughts can be hard, but is important to make sure you’re all on the same page.

02. Solo Trips

While traveling by yourself is way more flexible considering timing, budget, location, activities, etc. you are by yourself, so security and loneliness become a factor. I have done my fair share of solo trips throughout my life and can say with confidence on each and every solo trip, I end up making at least one new friend. So can I say honestly that my solo trips are truly solo? Probably yes, because that person is not with me for the entirety of my trip and because they didn’t plan it with me. What I think I value the most about my solo trips is the little things I learn about myself as I explore each new place, because it doesn’t always have to be outside of the country. Could literally be in the next town over.

For example, I love musicals. In particular The Lion King. I’ve seen it probably over 9 times globally. New York, Chicago, London and in the photo above – Paris. I’ve only gone with another person a handful of those times with a majority being by myself. I’ve flown to New York, stayed a weekend just to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child when it came to Broadway. Unfortunately, none of my friends were able to come with when tickets were released, but that didn’t stop me from going on my own.

Solo traveling takes courage, but I believe that once you get over that first trip, it’s actually really easy and fun. Being able to hang out with yourself and actually enjoy your own company is not something I think most people can say these days. I love going to dinners, out to a movie, exploring a new city, etc. I’ve had so many experiences because I’ve never held myself back. Then when I come back home, I get to tell my friends about it and plan a trip together if they’re interested!