Solo travel vs guided tours
Solo Travel vs Guided Tours with an Ethical Tour Company
Travelling the globe comes with an endless amount of decisions. Should you book a group trip? Would you prefer solo travel? Can group tours provide a better experience? It will all come down to personal preferences but our solo travel vs group tours guide will give you an overview to make your own decision.
It’s worth mentioning that when we say group tours, we don’t mean mass mega bus guided tours that rush you through all major attractions for a “reasonable” price. We mean local guides on a small group tour providing you with enriching cultural experiences and extensive knowledge. So bear in mind that when researching group tours compared to doing it solo and know that you can always do a mixture of the two.
Pros of solo travel
Travelling solo comes with complete freedom to make your own decisions and itinerary. It can be great for self-discovery and personal growth, encouraging you to navigate independently and connect with yourself. However, we believe you can have these same profound experiences with both responsible guided tours and solo travel. After all, everybody is seeking connection right?
1. Stick to your own schedule
One of the key benefits of a solo trip is the freedom to decide your schedule, in advance or on the day. You have complete control over how you spend your time. If something takes your curiosity, you have the freedom to change your schedule in the moment and explore somewhere new.
2. Complete independence
When you journey alone, you have the privilege to make every decision on your own terms. You can choose where to go, what to see, and how to experience it, without the need for compromise or consensus. This autonomy fosters a deep sense of empowerment, as you navigate unfamiliar environments and challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone.
3. Choose your own meals
One of the perks of solo travel is the ability to choose your own meals, whenever you want them. You can indulge in culinary experiences that cater to your personal tastes. Whether you’re a food enthusiast eager to explore local delicacies and street food or someone with specific dietary requirements, solo travel allows you to curate your dining experiences without any compromises.
4. Go at your own pace
Whether you prefer taking your time to absorb the sights and sounds, or you’re an adventure seeker, eager to conquer multiple activities in a day, solo travel allows you to cater your itinerary to your energy levels. You can linger longer at places that captivate you, pause for reflection, or adapt your plans on a whim.
Cons of solo travel
While independent travel offers numerous advantages, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks as well. Without the support of an expert tour guide, you could miss out on hidden gems, cultural stories and connection with the local community.
1. Can get stuck on the tourist trail
When travelling alone, it’s easy to rely on popular attractions and well-trodden paths, missing out on more hidden experiences. Without the guidance of a local guide, it can be challenging to venture beyond the usual tourist hotspots. This can result in a less authentic and immersive travel experience, as you may only scratch the surface of the destination’s culture and local life.
2. Takes a lot of research
Beyond researching travel, accommodation and attractions, you also need to research local customs, history and culture in order to have a deeper travel experience. Researching facts on your phone whilst in a sacred or beautiful landscape could take away from being fully immersed in the land and culture. Whereas, with a responsible tour operator, the local tour leader will have incredible stories, connections and historic facts so you can learn whilst you are absorbing the atmosphere.
3. Can feel lonely
One of the potential drawbacks of solo travel is the possibility of feeling lonely. Going to places that take your breath away and make you say “wow” can be more meaningful when they are shared experiences, especially when shared with like minded people. Responsible group tour companies seek out purposeful experiences with the community and bring connection to both locals and travellers that you may miss out on with purely solo trips.
4. Can cost you more money
Single occupancy rates for hotels or attractions often come at a premium, making it more expensive in the long run. Group tours have the benefit of accessing group discounts, making your package all the more worthwhile.
5. No expert tips or connection to local communities
Another potential drawback of solo travel is the lack of access to expert tips and a deep connection to local communities. When you travel solo, you may miss out on the insights and knowledge that come from experienced guides or organised tours. These experts can provide valuable information about the destination’s history, culture, and hidden gems that might not be easily discovered on your own. Solo travellers might find it more challenging to establish these connections, potentially missing out on authentic cultural exchanges and a deeper understanding of the local way of life.
Pros of a responsible guided tour
Guided tours with an ethical tour company offer a multitude of advantages that extend far beyond the mere convenience of having a knowledgeable guide. By joining a group, travellers are provided with a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for responsible travel.
1. Expert knowledge
One significant advantage of guided tours with an ethical tour company is access to expert knowledge. These tour companies employ knowledgeable guides who possess in-depth understanding of the destination’s history, culture, and environment. They serve as invaluable resources, providing fascinating insights, interesting anecdotes, and expert commentary throughout the tour. With their expertise, they can navigate you through hidden gems, lesser-known attractions, and off-the-beaten-path locations that may not be easily discovered during solo travel. This expertise enhances your understanding and appreciation of the destination, allowing you to delve deeper into its rich heritage and connect with its unique essence in a meaningful way.
2. Bespoke and set itinerary
Ethical tour companies often offer the flexibility to customise certain aspects of the itinerary to cater to individual likes and dislikes, ensuring that your travel experience aligns with you. This allows you to make the most of your time in both the destination and with the expert guide and their countless stories and facts. Responsible group tour companies exist to enhance the travel experience and they carefully design their tours, curating a well-rounded and thoughtfully planned journey for their guests.
3. Connection to land and culture
One of the remarkable advantages of guided tours with ethical tour companies is the opportunity to foster a deep connection to the land and culture of the destination. These tours are often designed with a strong emphasis on cultural immersion and responsible travel practices. Through interactions with local communities, you can gain a profound understanding and appreciation for the traditions, customs, and values of the place you’re visiting. This connection to the land and culture creates a more enriching travel experience, leaving you with a lasting impression and a sense of gratitude you may not get with solo travel.
4. Off the beaten track
Ethical group tours often specialise in also showcasing lesser-known or hidden gems that are not typically found on mainstream tourist itineraries. By joining their tours, you have the privilege of venturing into unexplored territories, discovering secluded landscapes, and experiencing the authentic essence of a place untouched by mass tourism. These off the beaten track destinations offer a sense of exclusivity and a chance to connect with nature, local communities, and cultural heritage in a more intimate and immersive way.
5. Trust in your local guides
One of the notable benefits of joining guided tours with ethical group travel tours is the ability to place your trust in local guides. These guides are typically from the region and possess a deep understanding of the local culture, traditions, and environment. Their expertise and knowledge make them reliable sources of information and ensure that you receive accurate and authentic insights during your journey.
6. Awesome travel photos
One aspect to consider when comparing solo travel vs group tours is the challenge of capturing great photos of yourself. When travelling alone, it can be difficult to get those perfect shots with yourself in the frame, especially in iconic locations or breathtaking landscapes. On the other hand, joining a guided tour allows you the opportunity to have your photos taken by knowledgeable guides or fellow travellers who can help capture those memorable moments with you included. This ensures that you can return home with a collection of awesome photos that truly reflect your experiences and the beauty of the destinations you visited.
Cons of a guided tour group
While there are numerous benefits to joining guided tour groups with ethical tour companies, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks as well. These drawbacks, although not universal, can impact the overall experience for some travellers.
1. Research to avoid mass tourism companies
One of the cons of joining a guided tour group is the need for research to avoid mass tourism companies. With the popularity of guided tours, there is a wide range of companies operating in the industry, some of which may prioritise profit over ethical practices or sustainable travel. To ensure you choose an ethical tour group company that aligns with your values, it becomes necessary to invest time and effort in researching and selecting the right one. This involves examining their responsible tourism practices, environmental initiatives, community engagement, and overall commitment to sustainable travel. By conducting thorough research, you can ensure that you support a tour company that prioritises responsible and ethical tourism, contributing to positive impacts on the local community and the environment.
2. Potential to not like your travel buddies
Another potential drawback of joining a guided tour group is the possibility of not liking your travel buddies. When you travel with a group, you are likely to be paired with fellow travellers who have different personalities, preferences, and interests. While some interactions may lead to lifelong friendships, there is a chance that you may not connect or share similar travel styles with everyone on the group trip. However, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s possible to meet individuals with whom you have great rapport and enjoy shared experiences, especially when you join a small ethical group of like-minded people.
3. May not suit introverts
One consideration when it comes to joining guided tour groups is that it may not suit introverted individuals. Guided tours typically involve travelling with a group of people, which can mean constant social interaction. This level of extroverted engagement may not align with the preferences and energy levels of introverts who often require solitude and quiet time to recharge. It’s essential to consider the tour itinerary, group size, and the level of social interaction involved to ensure that the tour aligns with your personal needs and comfort as an introverted traveller.
Pros of an Ethical Tour Group
When researching for a trip and deciding on solo travel vs group guided tours, it pays to understand the difference in tour operators. Many group tours offer rushed itineraries, mass coach travel and basic experiences which may set your decision purely to solo travel. However, an ethical tour operator is purely designed to ensure the tourism industry benefits both your rich experience and the local communities experience. When you choose to be an ethical tourist and find a responsible guided tour, you opt for a profound travel experience, connection to culture and support a sustainable industry.
The benefit of living ethically and responsibly, even when you travel, outweighs everything. But, you also get incredible benefits of:
- Small groups
- Bespoke Itineraries
- Responsible and sustainable practices
- Connection with local communities
- Supporting the local economy
- Fascinating facts and local knowledge
- Local tour guides
- Deepened memories and experiences
Northern Territory tours you can’t get from a solo trip
As discussed in this article, sometimes travelling solo does not give you the benefit of enriched cultural connections, off-the-beaten track experience and local knowledge. We think the best thing is a combination of the two, solo travel mixed with purposeful, responsible guided tours of sacred and beautiful placed. Take a look at some of our bespoke solo or group tours which would enhance your travels:
1. Wildlife and Environments Tour
Our wildlife and environments tour of Fogg Dam and the floodplains around Darwin is for the true nature lover. Led by an expert environmentalist guide, our bespoke itinerary can offer the very best bird watching secrets, environmental knowledge, including our work with National Parks to save landscapes, and an introduction to traditional bush foods and medicine.
2. Bespoke Litchfield National Park Hikes
Explore all the local paths and hidden secrets on a bespoke Litchfield hike with an Ethical Adventures tour. We know how to get you to the most secluded and beautiful spots, away from all the tourist crowds so you can experience Litchfield as it was meant to be seen. We work with local groups and the Government to protect Litchfield National Park’s diverse environment, cultural history and wildlife so this beautiful landscape is around for future generations to come. So, we may be biased but there is no one better to hike with through Litchfield than Ethical Adventures qualified eco-tour guides.
3. Kakadu 2-day tour
With an Aboriginal tour guide cultural cruise, incredible dreamtime stories and history, this Kakadu 2-day tour from Darwin gives you access to see Kakadu from the perspective of the community who lived here for more than 65,000 years. You can do Kakadu as a solo trip and feast your eyes on the magnificent national park. But, you would be doing it and disservice if you do not take a group tour that connects you to land and culture as it was meant to be experienced.