Travelling As A Group | 13 Lessons Learned

Travelling as a group is thought to be something that only inexperienced, lazy and frighted people do. As a solo traveller, group travel is something that has never appealed to me in the slightest. A few years ago, I went on a group trip and it was the worst trip in all my years of travelling, I vowed never to ever embark on a group trip again.

I quickly realised that travelling as a group is/was not for me, I am far too independent and have a different style of travel. As a solo traveller, I am an advocate for encouraging people to travel solo and often shy away from group travel. Recently, however, I swallowed the bullet and went on another group trip to Prague.

13 Lessons Learned From Travelling As A Group

As a travel addict, I am a great believer in trying new experiences, new things that I wouldn’t normally do. Group travel is an experience that often leaves a bitter taste in my mouth because my experiences have been awful. The recent day trip travelling as a group to Prague was remarkably better thanks to our host.

Even though I can honestly say travelling as a group is still not for me, there are some lessons that I learned and wanted to share. Everyone’s experience on group trips will be different that’s why I would encourage people to give it a try and see if its something you can get onboard with.

You will make new friends

One thing that has always been constant when I have travelled as part of a group is that I have made life long friends. When I have travelled solo, whilst it has been much harder to make friends, I still prefer it. Once you’ve travelled in a group, you will learn what kind of people you want to make friends with.

You will meet different kinds of people

This is a given and not only the locals that you will come in contact with but the people on your trip. I have always thought of myself as an open-minded person but travelling in a group definitely tests you to the limit.

Gives you a new perspective

Everyone sees things differently and understand them differently, travelling as part of a group gives you a new perspective. Though I have been to Prague many times, I saw it in a new light travelling with others and exploring places I have never considered.

You can save money

This is a given if your group trip is overnight, day trips are slightly different in that you pay for your own things. You will still have the buying power being part of a group and utilize the group discounts.

You’ll practice patience

This is something that all my group trips have taught me, I actually have more patience than I thought. I don’t give two hoots but I am more ‘understanding’ when I travel in groups than alone. You will notice behaviours that teaches you great patience.

All details are taken care of

Unless you’re a group leader, almost all details are already taken care of and you just have to turn up. You would have already agreed on things you want to do and see.

You can have as much free time as needed

This is a double-edged sword in that, you can have too much free time and lose out on exploring and not enough depending on the kind of travellers you’re travelling with. I am personally a fast traveller and often allocate free time to the end of the day.

You have someone to explore with

I have been a solo traveller for over 5 years and one thing I miss on solo trips is companionship. With group travels, you have this in abundance, especially when travelling with like-minded people.

People to take pictures of you

Travelling solo, I find it awkward taking my own pictures and often leave destinations without a picture with me in it. In a group, you have people you can help you take pictures and even suggest great posses. You also learn new tips and tricks on taking the best pictures when travelling.

You’re more confident

Travelling in a group always boosts your confidence levels, you have like-minded people and travelling somewhere you love. You will be encouraged to try new things and live out new experiences. I have found myself to be more daring when I travel with others and more open to try things I wouldn’t other do as a solo traveller.

A memorable experience

Whether good or bad, it is always a memorable experience when you travel with a group. I have missed memories about my recent group trip but it was definitely memorable and very educational.

Pushes you out of your comfort zone

Travelling alone is already out of your comfort zone but group travel takes a whole new level. When you’re with a group, you’re more inclined to step outside your everyday norm. Its even more encouraging to see others doing things that are not in their comfort zone.

You appreciate solo travel more

As a solo traveller, one learns group travel always teaches me is that I love solo travel more. I won’t give up group travel but maybe in small doses and few people. The consraints of group travel are not there when travelling solo, I have my own timetable and only worry about my feelings.

Travelling in a group is an experience that should be hard to experience the other side of travel especially for solo travellers. Group travel is different from hopping on a group guided tour, it’s more than meeting like-minded people. Its forming new relations, learning about your own travel preferences and teaches you patience you didn’t know you had.