Group travel has a lot going for it. You've got people to talk to, someone to split the bill with, and a bit of a safety net when things go sideways. But solo travel makes a strong case too, and honestly it's the kind of trip that changes how you see yourself. If you've been toying with the idea of heading off on your own, here's how to actually make it happen.

Why go it alone?

The obvious answer is freedom. You move at your own pace, you build your own itinerary, and you don't have to wait around while someone else finishes their third coffee of the morning. Nobody to answer to. And funnily enough, being on your own tends to make you more approachable, so you end up meeting people and stumbling into experiences you'd probably have missed in a pack.

Yes, it can get lonely. I won't pretend otherwise. But that's fixable. Join an organised tour for a day, drop into a local meetup, sit at the bar instead of a table. And on the days you do end up alone, that's not a failure either. Some of my best thinking has happened over a solo dinner in a city where nobody knew my name.

So if the idea keeps nagging at you, book it. That's the kind of trip that stays with you.

The case for travelling with a group

Groups have their own magic. You meet people, you make friends, and there's a real comfort in numbers when you land somewhere unfamiliar. Having someone along who actually knows the area is worth its weight in gold, especially in those first confusing hours in a new city. And practically speaking, splitting the cost of transport and a room where you're all crashing keeps things a good deal cheaper.

Weighing up both sides

Both ways of travelling come with trade-offs. Here's what's worth chewing over before you commit.

Solo has clear upsides. Your pace, your sights, no committee vote on where to eat. It can also work out cheaper because you're only ever covering your own expenses and no one else's whims.

Then again, a group is often just more fun. You've got people to share the good moments with and lean on when the day goes wrong. And it can come in cheaper too, since costs like transport and lodging get spread around.

Really, the right way to travel is whatever feels right to you. Comfortable on your own? Go. Prefer having your people close? Book a group tour, or just rope in some friends and family. Neither one's a mistake.

What to weigh before you decide

Solo or group is one of the bigger calls you'll make when planning a trip, and the answer really does come down to you. A few things to sit with before you book:

Going solo tends to be more flexible and, in a lot of cases, cheaper, because you're not bending your plans around anyone else's calendar. You'll also find it easier to strike up conversations with other travellers and locals when you're on your own, and that's where the richest travel memories usually come from. The flip side: some things cost more alone (single tickets to attractions, that lone hotel room), and there are situations where being by yourself carries a bit more risk.

A group, on the other hand, gives you safety in numbers, and let's be honest, exploring somewhere new is more of a laugh with friends. It can be lighter on the wallet once you split accommodation and transport. The catch is the logistics. Herding everyone in the same direction takes patience, and you'll have to give up a little of your own freedom to keep the peace.

Making either one work

Group or solo, both have their headaches. Travelling with friends is a brilliant way to tick off everything on the list and share the cost, but wrangling five people's schedules can turn hectic fast. Go it alone and you get total freedom to do what you want when you want, though you're also on the hook for sorting every last detail yourself.

If you're stuck on the decision, start with the kind of trip you actually want. Chasing rest and a proper reset? Solo is probably your friend, so you can switch off completely without managing anyone else's mood. After adventure and a bit of chaos? A group trip is more likely to deliver.

Whatever you land on, there are ways to get the best out of it. In a group, get everyone roughly aligned on what they want to see before you go, and lay down a few ground rules so nobody's surprised later. On your own, just don't be shy about reaching out to people.

So, which is it?

Travel is one of the best ways to see somewhere new and get a feel for how other people live. But there's no universal right answer between going alone and going with others. When you're deciding, think honestly about your personality, your budget, and the sort of trip you're after. If you're outgoing and get a buzz from meeting new faces, a group might suit you down to the ground. If you'd rather keep your own company and move at your own rhythm, solo could be the better shout. Either way, the main thing is that you actually get out there.