But I've never traveled, so how do I

know?
Don't know whether a solo or group trip would suit you best? A lot of it really depends
on your personality in general. Do you prefer to be alone, or do things with friends and
family? Personally, I would never travel alone, because I'd be nervous, and because I
enjoy sharing fun experiences with the people I love.

If you haven't traveled before and you're not sure whether a solo or group adventure is
the way to go, why not try a few smaller trips—some on your own, some with friends—
and then decide? If you're away for a day and you hate being alone, chances are you
wouldn't enjoy being away for an extended period on your own. On the flip side, if you're
away for a day with friends and you discover you don't enjoy having company, solo
travel might be the way to go for you.

Advantages of Group Travel

Saving money. Group travel is generally much cheaper. You can get group rates on
accommodations (you've probably seen brochures that say single occupancy, double
occupancy, triple occupancy, and so on - the price goes down for each person sharing a
room), companion rates for certain modes of transportation (particularly bus and train),
group rates into attractions (amusement parks, museums, etc), and there are tons of
other things you can split costs on. If you're able to reduce costs, you'll have extra
money to see and do more things.

Safety in numbers. Have you ever heard that old saying? It's especially true when
traveling, particularly in unknown places. Every town or city in every country has its
problems, even if they're small - pick-pockets, crazy drivers, drug dealers, etc. When
you journey with a companion or within a group, you have someone to watch your back.
Do you remember when you were little and your parents or teachers implemented the
buddy system? There's a reason for that, and it doesn't only apply to children.

Someone to share with. When you're traveling with other people, there's always
someone else around to share in your good times. For many people this is the best part
of traveling - there's always someone to do things with, laugh with, share stories with,
and make memories with. Need someone to take your picture in front of a monument?
Or someone to help you translate something into a foreign language? Or maybe you're
directionally challenged and need someone to prevent you from getting lost in a strange
place. These are just some of the reasons traveling with friends is a bonus.

Group travel is a lot of fun. There's always someone around to do

things with and share your experiences with.

Disadvantages of Group Travel

No privacy. If you're someone who values their privacy, group travel may not be for
you. There could be very little chance to have any time to yourself when you're within a
group, especially if you're sharing a hotel room or staying in a hostel.
Clashing personalities. If you don't get along with someone in the group, traveling with
them isn't going to suddenly turn you into best friends. It can end up being awkward and
uncomfortable for everyone involved. On the other hand, if you generally get along with
someone, you might discover that traveling with them can put strain on your
relationship, particularly if you're not used to spending long stretches of time with them.

Different interests. Not everyone is interested in the same thing, and it's not always fun
having to go along with a group when you're not interested in what they're doing. Your
friends want to hit the beach but you'd rather check out a museum? You want to go on a
bus tour but your friends would rather take a walking tour? Little things like that might
not seem like a big deal, but if you constantly have to compromise to keep the group
happy, your fun vacation can turn frustrating very quickly.

Advantages of Solo Travel

You're the boss. You get to call the shots. There's no one to tell you where to go or
what to do, and you don't have to make compromises. You can do things at your own
pace, on your own timetable.

Meeting new people. For some people, meeting other travelers is part of the draw of
traveling alone. A lot of solo travelers seem to end up in the same spots, so you have a
chance to meet other people with the same interests. You can join them for some
companionship so you don't become a complete hermit, then go your separate ways.

Reflection. Some people take trips alone because they want time on their own to
reflect. If you simply enjoy your own company, or want to be with your own thoughts
without anyone else intruding, solo travel might be the way to go.
Disadvantages of Solo Travel
Safety. Without someone looking out for you, anything could happen. Things can
happen in groups, too, but solo travelers are more likely to be targets of muggings, pick-
pockets, attacks, etc., because they appear more vulnerable. What if you were hurt?
What if you got lost? What if you got sick? There would be no one there to help you or
take care of you.

Loneliness. Most solo travelers are likely accustomed to being on their own, but if
you're not used to being independent, you can get lonely pretty quickly. You could
spend all day alone, then go back to an empty hotel and spend the night alone. Some
people become lonely very quickly, and need the companionship of others.
Prefer solitude and your own company? Solo travel might be right
for you.

Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are advantages and disadvantages to both solo and group travel.
As I mentioned before, a lot of it really depends on your personality. Think of how you
are in your everyday life—would you rather be alone or within a group? Do you value
your solo time, or do you prefer to be in the company of others? It might not seem like a
big deal, but if you're traveling for any length of time, it could mean the difference
between an enjoyable, memorable vacation, or a miserable trip.