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When people hear that I travel solo, they often imagine I’m always wandering around alone, doing it all independently. And while I do love the freedom of solo travel, there’s one thing I’ve embraced more and more over the years: group tours.
During my year long career break, I broke up my travels with a load of different group tours. Whether it was a whistle-stop week through Jordan, a deeper dive into Sri Lanka, or a mini-adventure in Central America, companies like G Adventures, Intrepid Travel, and TourRadar became some of my favourite ways to explore new countries. If you’re a solo traveller (or solo-ish!) in your 30s and beyond, group tours can be the perfect blend of independence and ease.
Why I Book Group Tours
1. The people
One of the best parts of a group tour is the people you meet. Everyone’s signed up for the same reason: to see the world, learn new things, and share the experience. I’ve travelled with people from all over world including families, students, police officers, retirees, and fellow female solo travellers - each with a story to tell and a love of travel. It’s a great way to connect with likeminded travellers without the awkwardness of trying to strike up conversations in a hostel kitchen.
2. Local knowledge without the stress
I love planning trips, but sometimes it’s just… a lot. One of the biggest perks of joining a group tour is that someone else takes care of the logistics. You’ve got a knowledgeable local guide who can tell you what you’re looking at (and where the best coffee is), plus all your accommodation and transport is sorted. It means I get to focus on soaking up the culture instead of staring at Google Maps trying to work out where that insta famous landmark is.
3. Safety and support
In some destinations - especially those I might feel a bit less confident navigating alone - it’s reassuring to be with a group. Whether it’s navigating unfamiliar border crossings or simply arriving late at night, being part of a tour provides that extra bit of comfort and security. There's no way I would have ended up on a chicken bus in Guatemala without the help of Alonso from G Adventures!
4. It’s not as rigid as you think
Most of the tours I’ve done include free afternoons or optional activities, so you still have time to explore on your own. Fancy skipping the museum and having a long coffee with a view instead? Go for it. When my introvert took over in Costa Rica, no one batted an eye-lid when I said I wanted to stay behind and read for a while. No forced fun here!
Choosing the Right Tour
I’ve booked with G Adventures (get on board with their new Rail Adventures!) and Intrepid Travel directly, and used TourRadar to compare itineraries and prices across different companies. It’s like Skyscanner for group tours—super handy.
When picking a tour, I usually look at:
- Group size (I prefer smaller groups of 10–16)
- Pace (how many places you’re visiting vs. time spent there)
- Local experiences (cooking classes, homestays, etc.)
- Solo supplement policy (many tours don’t charge extra if you’re happy to share a room)
If you want to compare a few trips or see what’s available for your travel dates, I’d recommend browsing TourRadar’s full tour listings
Group tours aren’t just for gap year students or first-time travellers. They’re ideal for anyone who wants to travel solo - but not alone. I still travel independently, but when I want a balance of structure, socialising, and expert guidance, I’ll happily hand over the reins to a tour company.
So if you’re thinking about a group tour and wondering if it’s “your thing” - it might just be. I’ve had some of my best travel experiences on tours, and I’d sign up again in a heartbeat.
Have you done a group tour? Let me know in the comments—or message me on Instagram if you’re trying to choose between a few options!