Going alone, together: Are group travel trips worth it?

Pre-pandemic group travel, especially with people I did not know was never something I considered doing or found appealing. However,  having experienced my first group travel trip with Go Jolley to Italy in 2022, I was sold! 

I think of curated group travel as “going alone, together”. Going alone but adventuring together is part of what makes curated group trips such a great middle ground for solo travelers. I’ve been on both sides, as a participant and as a host for a travel company ,and those experiences have given me a clear sense of when group travel truly shines, and when it might not be the best fit

Understanding Group Travel

So, what exactly is group travel?

We’re not talking about vacations with friends (I’ll save that for another post). Here, we’re talking about organized group trips, curated travel experiences where your itinerary, accommodations, and activities are pre-planned by a host or travel company.

These trips have grown in popularity for a reason:

• Some people want to travel but can’t align schedules or budgets with friends.
• Others love the idea of travel but don’t want to deal with the mental load of planning every detail.
• And some simply want to meet new people who love to travel as much as they do 
• Some  want travel experiences centered around a niche activity or hobby
  

Organized group travel takes care of the logistics  flights, transfers, daily activities, and some meals  so you can focus on showing up and enjoying the experience.

The Cost of Convenience

Here’s something people don’t always say out loud: curated group trips aren’t always cheaper.

Because they often include perks like airport transfers, professional photographers, or higher-end hotels, these experiences can be more expensive than planning everything yourself.

That said, sometimes the extra cost is absolutely worth it. The first group trip I joined was to Italy, and it included private pickups, luxurious stays, and a photographer who captured every moment. Sure, I could’ve done Italy for less,  but I wouldn’t have had the same seamless, indulgent experience.

It was also worth it because I could turn my mind off for a bit and just take in the experience, I didn’t have to pre plan my transit or commute for the next day, or wonder if i bought the right entrance ticket to a tourist site etc etc, I could lay back and relax because everything was take care of.

Group travel is a reminder that sometimes, you’re paying for ease, connection, and peace of mind, not just the destination.

 Types of Group Travel

Not all group trips are the same. You’ll find:

• Small group trips (6–12 travelers): More intimate, easier to connect with others, and usually more flexible and personally my recommended group travel size
  
• Large group tours (20+ travelers): Great for extroverts, but it can feel hectic and rushed. Personally, I’d advise against it, I don’t trust companies that pack more than 12 people into a trip; it usually feels like a cash grab rather than a thoughtfully designed experience for each traveler. Also, it often feels disconnected, with too many people and makes it hard to build meaningful connections if that’s what you’re after.
  
• Guided trips:  This can be  a small or large tour where everything is led by a host or expert, and has  rarely a free day in between. It is  perfect for those who want structure. Can be great for activity based trips like hiking, or mountain climbing etc
  
• Hybrid trips: A mix of group activities and free time for solo exploration (my personal favorite).
  

If you prefer downtime, look for trips that build in free afternoons or solo exploration days, they’ll give you space to recharge while still feeling part of the group.  

 The Roommate Question

One common feature of group travel is shared accommodations. You’ll often be paired with another traveler to keep costs lower. If you prefer your own space, most companies offer a “single supplement” fee, but that can increase the overall cost significantly.

Personally, I’ve had great roommate experiences, but I always recommend checking group reviews and host policies before booking.

Instagram vs. Reality

Some group trips look incredible online, dreamy villas, matching outfits, and endless photo ops. But not every trip lives up to its feed. Many are curated for content, and the reality can feel rushed, surface-level and far from ideal.

So before you get taken in by the trip on social media, do your research, read reviews, and look for hosts who prioritize community and experience over photo ops. Although photos are great too (i personally loved having a personal photographer for one of the days of y go jolley trip) they cannot be the driving force of the trip, to me the best  group trips feel immersive, balanced, and intentional and not like a content factory.

 How to Choose the Right Group Trip

If you’re considering your first group trip, here are a few questions to ask before booking:

1. Who is the trip designed for?
Some trips cater to wellness travelers, others to adventure seekers, and others to content creators. Make sure the focus matches your travel style and energy level.

For example, you can have a culinary experience of peru or an adventure and hiking experience of peru, same country completely different experiences

Take a look at the age group being catered to as well, groups like contiki cater to significantly younger travel groups, so the hostel choice, activity choices etc for the same city might not be the same as the G Adventures 

2. How big is the group?
Ask for the typical group size. Small groups (ideally 10 to 12) often mean more connection and flexibility.

3. What’s included , and what isn’t?
Some trips include airport transfers, most meals, and excursions. Others only cover accommodation and a few group activities. Always review what you’ll be responsible for financially.

4. How experienced is the host?
Look for someone who’s led multiple trips and has reviews you can verify. A good host is organized, communicative, and transparent.

5. Is there any free time built in?
Structured trips are great, but downtime matters, especially for introverts or solo travelers who need space to recharge. Some tours I’ve found can move too fast, even if its a small group, tours with rest days in between can allow you time to do personal excursions or activities not on the itinerary or just have some extra time to take in the city /town

6. What’s the refund or cancellation policy?
It’s not fun to think about, but things happen. A fair cancellation policy is a sign of a trustworthy company and it’s good to know what you are entitled to and how to get it before an emergency strikes

Overall, I think that there are plenty of benefits to curated group travel. It can be a nice bridge between being social and travelling solo. And while it does come with its list of pros and cons ,when it’s done right it can be one of the most rewarding ways to see the world.