So, you’re new to traveling solo but not ready for a DIY tour just yet. You want to go around the area but you do not know how to. It is definitely scary at first especially if you’re not used to being alone in a strange place. To join a group tour would be your best option if you haven’t found that full confidence to be on your own yet. Here are 5 reasons why you should consider to join a group tour.
Join a Group Tour to Save Money
Who would not want to save money? Renting a boat to do an island-hopping tour would cost you an arm and a leg if you’re going to shoulder the total cost on your own. This can be daunting as the cost of some goods and services are really higher if you’re traveling solo. Joining a group would split the cost of the tour to all the joiners. Nowadays, in the Philippines at least, there are lots of tour operators that cater to solo travelers, backpackers and couples. You would not have a hard time to look for a group tour to join in.
Tip: For most of us, if not all, money is the first thing that we consider when we travel. You must know your budget. Set a limit for yourself that you are comfortable with. How much are you willing to spend for airfare, food, accommodations, tours, transportation and all other costs associated with traveling. Place it in envelopes and label them, if you must. It doesn’t need to be too expensive to enjoy your travels.
Tip: For most of us, if not all, money is the first thing that we consider when we travel. You must know your budget. Set a limit for yourself that you are comfortable with. How much are you willing to spend for airfare, food, accommodations, tours, transportation and all other costs associated with traveling. Place it in envelopes and label them, if you must. It doesn’t need to be too expensive to enjoy your travels.
Organized Itinerary
Admit it! There are times when you are just too lazy to make plans. You want to visit all the famous sites but you don’t want to organize an itinerary for yourself. The group tour packages already have a set itinerary visiting most of the landmarks and iconic places in the area. They also have their own transportation service so you can just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride until you reach your destination. This would be a great option especially if the place that you’re going to doesn’t have public transportation service available.
Know the Place Better
If you join a group tour, you have access to professional tour guides. They are locals who are doing it for quite a while. Most of them have undergone training with the local government on how to conduct the tours. You would know the place better of it’s rich history, culture, people and even some urban legends not known to many.
Meet Other People and Expand Your Network
When you’re traveling with a group or a friend you tend to always stick together and not really pay too much attention to the other tourists. A simple “Hi!”, “Hello!”, “Where are you from?” would do but that’s usually about it. Traveling alone and joining group tours mean you get to meet other people and expand your network. Even if when you’re not the type of person who makes the first move to talk to strangers, sometimes, you just need to. And you would have to learn to adapt fast. It’s time to break the “don’t talk to strangers” rule that your momma once told you when you were a child. Who knows? That stranger could be of some importance to you in the future.
Build Friendship with Total Strangers
Making friends out of your tour mates is actually one of the “promises” of joining a group tour. When you spend a whole day or two with the same group and have enjoyed each other’s company, chances are you get to exchange numbers or social media accounts to stay in touch. Then you will start planning for your next trip as a group and next thing you know, you’re travel buddies. 🙂
Personally, I like DIY because it gives me more freedom and control over my travels. But it doesn’t hurt to join a group tour once in a while. You need to think about the Pros and Cons of DIY travel and group tours depending on each place. Ultimately, you just have to be smart and practical.
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How About You? Have you already thought of joining a group tour? Have you already joined one before? What was it like? Share your thoughts.
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I tend to avoid group tours where I can help it because I’m a bit stubborn and don’t like having to dance to the beat of someone else’s drum, so to speak! However, I did sign up for a few group tours in Chile and had an absolute blast! Sometimes travelling solo gets lonely so joining a group tour is the perfect way to make friends, or just exercise your vocal chords for a day!
It really depends on the situation or how you’re feeling at that point. But just like you, I do prefer DIY most of the time.
Great article!! Appreciate the tips.
Thanks Kally.
I prefer solo travels but there are times I join a local group tour – it could be a walking tour or a day trip to a local destination. It’s nice to meet other people and chat, and I got to admit, no man is an island. Every once in a while, it’s good to crave for company 🙂 And the good thing I like about a tour is that it takes away the headache of planning an itinerary. Sometimes I get so lazy after a while, I enjoy the fact that someone else is doing it for me!
Yup, exactly. It’s good to meet new people once in a while it helps you grow as a person/traveler. Their presence also adds up to the whole experience of our journeys.
Hmmm….we’re not really much of an advocate on group travels. We love doing trips and adventures on our own (as a duo) due to the freedom it offers. However, we do occasionally join in groups or invite people to join us, especially if we need to lower our costs.
I can totally understand. Yes, saving money is my main reason for joining groups as well. Maybe I can join yours someday. 🙂
Sure! We are always open to that. 🙂
I’ve been on a couple of solo trips with groups. Its much more relaxing and fun filled with such groups. First thing is you get to make some new friends. Things like safety, money matters are much better with groups.
That’s true, it is much laid back, no worries at all.