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If you want to travel, have no one to go with, and are not quite ready for solo travel, should you join a small group tour?
Long before I started curating small group trips for women, I joined a few myself. While there were some aspects I didn’t love, the benefits of traveling with others far outweighed any downsides.
And even though I like to make all the decisions, it was an incredible feeling knowing I didn’t need to lift a finger. I could truly just enjoy the moment and get to know the other women on the trip!
What You Can Typically Expect From A Small Group Tour
On any small group tours I’ve joined or created, you can expect that all hotels, transportation within the tour, and activities are meticulously planned out for you.
This means you won’t need to worry about logistics or figuring out directions—everything is organized to make the experience as smooth as possible.
Plus, small group tours often include unique local experiences, expert guides, and a mix of structured activities with free time, so you get a balance of exploring on your own and connecting with others.
It’s a chance to travel with ease and truly enjoy the journey.
What You’ll Love
Convenience:
Everything is planned for you, making it easy to travel stress-free. Imagine just having to show up at the airport, and the rest is taken care of for you.
Trying to figure out how to get from point A to point B has already been handled. Your tickets are purchased for you. Participating in a group trip is the ultimate stress-free vacation.
The older I get, the more I would rather pay for convenience, and something like a group trip is a good value for the money.
Safety:
Enhanced safety, especially for women and solo travelers, is a real benefit when traveling in group settings.
Local Insight:
Access to knowledgeable guides who know the destination deeply so you don’t have to spend hours researching or vetting yourself.
Social Aspect:
Build connections with other travelers, which is great for solo travelers who still want company. And I love meeting people I’d probably never meet otherwise.
When you travel with friends or family, you can feel tied to their plans and preferences. But on a group tour with strangers, you get the best of both worlds—company when you want it, freedom when you don’t.
There’s no pressure to stick together all the time, so you can do your own thing during free time and then reconnect for shared adventures.
Plus, traveling with new people brings a fresh vibe. You’re all in this together, discovering a new place side-by-side, and it’s amazing how quickly you bond.
I’ve met people on group tours that I still keep in touch with, and even if we went our separate ways after, we share memories no one else gets.
And you’ll be surprised how much you learn from each other. Someone might have a knack for spotting hidden gems or have a cool travel story that gives you a new perspective. You don’t get that same spark with people you already know.
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Potential Downsides
Cost:
The higher cost of a small group tour is worth considering, which can be a big factor for budget-conscious travelers. Small group trips often include guides, pre-booked accommodations, and unique experiences, which add to the price.
If you’re used to traveling on a tight budget, you may find group tours more expensive than solo travel or planning everything yourself.
However, for many, the convenience and access to curated experiences can be well worth the extra cost.
Group Limitations:
When you are part of a group, you need to consider whether you want to stick a pre-set schedule.
Do you like to sleep late? Or do you have a real issue with showing up on time? If so, a group trip might not be for you.
When a Small Group Tour is Worth It
- Limited Time: When you have limited time to research or plan a trip, this type of travel can be invaluable. Planning a trip is comparable to a small part time job. There is so much to consider, and if you don’t have the time to dedicate to this, you might want to join a group trip.
- Foreign or Remote Locations: When a destination is hard to navigate on your own, having expert guides can make all the difference. For example, if never traveled outside the country and want to visit Greece for example, I highly recommend a group tour.
- Safety Concerns: Particularly useful for solo female travelers who prioritize safety. Even though I consider myself an experienced traveler there are just some destinations that I wont visit on my own.
When You Might Skip a Small Group Tour
- Budget Travelers: If you prefer to budget carefully, small group tours may not align with your spending habits. It can sometimes be a challenge to stay on a strict budget when you are in a group. An example would be splitting the bills during dinner. Not all meals are included, and if you join other travelers at a restaurant, you will need to work together to pay for the meal.
- Independent Travelers: If you like total freedom in your itinerary, you may find group tours restrictive. While all of my group tours include free time every day, it may not be enough time, depending on your travel style.
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Final Thoughts
Joining a group trip was my first step in solo travel, and it’s a great way to start exploring the world. Traveling with others can take some adjustment, but the benefits make it worth it.
Small group trips let you explore new places without the stress of planning—your accommodations, transport, and activities are all sorted, so you can just enjoy the experience.
One of the best parts? You’ll get access to unique experiences you might miss on your own, like guided tours with locals or special events.
Plus, you’ll have travel companions to share laughs, stories, and memories with. For anyone nervous about going alone, a small group trip is a perfect way to have both companionship and freedom.
Whether you’re new to travel or experienced, a small group tour can bring incredible experiences and connections, making it a rewarding way to see the world.
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