Traveling Solo vs. With Friends: The Honest Truth You Need to Hear

Get Real with Your Travel Goals: Key Factors to Consider

If you’re not truly honest with yourself about who you are as a traveler, you’ll be doing yourself a disservice. 

Maybe you’re the one others might consider “difficult to travel with”—and honestly, there’s no shame in that. 

You are who you are, and if you prefer sleeping in on vacation or ordering room service instead of going out to eat, so be it!  

Remember, you don’t have to change who you are, but you do need to be honest with yourself about whether you are a good person to travel with or not. 

Ask yourself these key questions: 

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1. What kind of pace do I prefer while traveling?

Do I like a detailed, pre-planned itinerary, a relaxed and spontaneous schedule, or something in between? Am I comfortable adjusting to others’ pace, or do I prefer setting my own?

2. How flexible am I when it comes to others’ preferences?

Am I open to compromise and accommodating others’ interests? Or do I prefer having full control over my plans and activities?

3. How do I feel about shared responsibilities while traveling?

Am I comfortable splitting tasks like planning, navigating, and budgeting? Or do I prefer to handle everything myself for complete independence?

4. What kind of interactions do I hope to have on this trip?

Am I looking to make connections with locals, meet new people, or bond deeply with my travel companions? How important is socializing versus spending time on my own?

5. How do I typically handle challenges while traveling?

Do I feel more confident handling unexpected situations alone, or do I find it comforting to have others around for support?

The Brutally Honest Pros and Cons of Traveling Alone

I love countless things about traveling alone now, but I’ll be honest—at first, I didn’t really enjoy it. While all the pros I listed below were there from the beginning, I wasn’t ready to see them as benefits.

Learning to love solo travel requires a bit of a mindset shift. If you start your journey convinced that being alone is a bad thing, guess what? You’ll probably have a tough time.

That was my experience, anyway. But once I let go of that initial sadness and began to see solo travel as a truly empowering experience, my entire world opened up—literally.

So, as you read through each of these pros below, keep an open mind. Solo travel might be challenging at first, but the rewards are incredibly fulfilling.

Benefits of traveling alone versus with a partner or friend

• Independence and Freedom: Enjoy the flexibility to make spontaneous decisions without needing to consult anyone else. This is a major pro for me as I just don’t want to compromise on vacation.
• Personal Growth and Confidence: You can learn a lot from solo travel. Build self-reliance, trust your instincts, and tackle challenges independently.
• Connection with Locals: Traveling solo often makes engaging with locals easier and gaining cultural insights that you might miss otherwise.
• Meeting New People: When you’re alone, connecting with other travelers or locals who might approach you for conversation is easier.
• Cost Savings: With the freedom to control your spending, solo travel can often lead to lower costs without the pressure to splurge or keep up with others’ budgets.
• Self-Discovery: Solo travel allows you to embrace solitude, reflect on your experiences, and immerse yourself in your surroundings uniquely.

What I Experienced As “Cons” of Solo Travel

Sometimes, to truly appreciate the pros, you must weigh them against the cons. Luckily, I don’t have any solo travel horror stories to share. But, I won’t sugarcoat it—traveling alone has definite downsides.

But most of these are temporary, and with the right mindset, you might even find ways to turn these cons into pros. 

• Loneliness and Lack of Shared Moments: One of the hardest parts of solo travel is not having someone there to share those unforgettable moments, like a breathtaking sunset or a perfect meal.
• Safety Concerns: Traveling alone means managing your safety and security independently, which can be especially challenging for female travelers. Staying vigilant and updated on travel advisories is essential. I recommend having a detailed itinerary plan and all the apps for solo travel.
• Handling Challenges Alone: When things go wrong, you’re the only one responsible for problem-solving, which can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Pros and Cons of Traveling with Friends or a Partner

Traveling with the right friend or partner can make for some of the best memories of your life. But if they’re the wrong travel companion, it could turn into the trip from hell. Here’s a look at both sides

Pros of Traveling with Friends or a Partner

• Shared Memories and Bonding: There’s something special about sharing experiences with someone close to you. It strengthens friendships and makes memories even more meaningful. Plus, having a built-in photographer means more candid shots—you’ll actually get photos of yourself, which isn’t always easy when traveling solo.
• Support System: Friends can provide security and reassurance when things go wrong. For instance, I once took the wrong train in Poland, but having a travel buddy made it less stressful because we could tackle the problem together.
• Cost Sharing: Splitting expenses for accommodations, transport, and meals can make travel more affordable—especially if you have similar budgets and are comfortable sharing a room or meal preferences.
• Increased Fun and Variety: Having friends along often leads to trying new activities or stepping out of your comfort zone. They can encourage you to take that dance class, try a daring dish, or explore an off-the-beaten-path destination.

Cons of Traveling with Friends or a Partner

• Compromises and Conflict of Interests: Balancing different preferences can create tension. You might love museums, but they don’t—or you’re excited about a seafood restaurant, and they hate fish. Compromise is key, but it can feel frustrating when it’s a “trip of a lifetime” and you’re sacrificing your own preferences.
• Less Interaction with Locals: Group travel can make you more insular, limiting opportunities to interact with locals. When you’re solo, it’s easier to communicate with strangers, even at a restaurant or café.
• Lack of Flexibility: Making decisions as a group often reduces freedom and spontaneity. This one’s a deal breaker for me! If I’m set on seeing or doing something, I’m going—and that can cause friction if your friend or partner isn’t comfortable with a bit of alone time.
• Potential Strain on Friendships: Travel has a way of revealing differences in travel styles, and even the best of friendships can feel strained when preferences clash.

Tips for Solo and Friend Travel

Understanding the pros and cons is helpful, but sometimes what you need is real, practical advice.

Here are some essential tips for making the most of your journey, whether you’re going solo or traveling with friends.

Tips for Solo Travel

• Stay Open to New Connections: Solo travel offers countless opportunities to meet locals and fellow travelers. Joining walking tours, cooking classes, or other group activities can be a fantastic way to make connections and feel more immersed in your destination.
• Prioritize Safety: Share your itinerary with someone you trust, and research safety tips for your destination—especially if you’re a solo female traveler. Carry a personal alarm or download a safety app for added peace of mind.
• Plan Flexibly: Have a loose itinerary as a guide, but leave room for spontaneity. Solo travel is about exploring at your own pace, so don’t hesitate to follow your instincts or try something new that catches your interest.

Tips for Traveling with Friends

• Communicate Expectations: Before you go, discuss your travel goals and expectations with your friends. Agreeing on priorities—like relaxation vs. adventure—can help avoid misunderstandings and keep everyone on the same page.
• Balance Together and Solo Time: Spending every moment together can lead to burnout. Plan for occasional solo outings or downtime to recharge and explore personal interests, giving everyone a chance to relax.
• Divide and Conquer Responsibilities: Share the load by assigning tasks like booking accommodations, researching restaurants, or handling navigation. This makes planning more manageable and ensures everyone is involved.

With these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your travels—whether you’re embracing the freedom of solo travel or creating unforgettable memories with friends.

Is a Group Trip the Perfect Compromise Between Traveling with Friends or Solo?

If you’re interested in solo travel but not quite ready to go it alone, a group trip can be an ideal compromise.

Choose a group trip that aligns with your values and travel style, so you’re comfortable and engaged throughout the experience.

Be sure to pick the right type of group trip for your preferences. For example, if you’re a slow traveler, avoid high-paced tours that change locations every day.

Today’s group trips come in all shapes and sizes—some focus on relaxing beach escapes, others on history and museums, and some revolve around food, wine, and the finer things in life.

With a bit of research, you can find the perfect fit!

For women interested in slow-paced group travel in Europe, consider joining a tour with A Solo Woman Traveling.

We prioritize a balance between free time and organized activities, staying only in boutique hotels. Our small groups create a space to genuinely connect and build lasting bonds with fellow travelers.

Best group travel options for solo travelers

This could be trips where there is a lot of free time built in. If you are a frequent solo traveler, you might want that flexibility to do your own thing. 

Decision time: 

Ultimately, the decision to travel alone, with friends, or in a group comes down to knowing yourself and what you hope to gain from your journey. Each option has its unique pros and cons, and each can lead to a fulfilling adventure if it aligns with your travel goals and personality.

Solo travel offers independence, personal growth, and the freedom to immerse fully in new cultures. But it requires a level of self-reliance that isn’t for everyone.

Traveling with friends or a partner can be deeply rewarding, with shared memories and mutual support, yet it also involves compromise and the occasional clash of interests.

And if neither solo nor friend travel feels like the perfect fit, a group trip might offer the ideal balance, giving you community with the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Whatever you choose, the most important thing is to embrace the experience. Travel is one of the best ways to learn about the world—and yourself.

So go forward, be open to new experiences, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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