Howdy!
Quick question. Have you ever, mid-trip, looked at your travel companion and thought — with complete sincerity — I wish I were alone right now?
Be honest! Most likely yes
And have you ever sat at a stunning restaurant abroad, something delicious in front of you, and felt the quiet ache of wishing someone else was there to say “oh WOW” alongside you?
Also yes.
The Solo vs. Group debate isn’t about which is better. It’s about understanding what each gives you — and what each quietly takes away. Let’s get into it.
Solo Travel: The Honest Truth
I have been traveling solo since a teenager. I honestly don't recall which was my first solo stint but the one that I fondly remember is that to Goa where for the first two days or so I was alone till my cousins joined in. I have to admit, I loved the solo part.
What solo gives you: complete freedom of pace, unexpected connections with strangers (you’re approachable in a way groups never are), and a surprisingly clear window into what you actually enjoy — without anyone else’s preferences in the mix.
What solo takes away: someone to turn to when something is beautiful. Company on long evenings. The shared chaos that becomes a story.
Loneliness on solo trips is real. Not always — but sometimes. That’s not a reason not to go. It’s just something to know before you do.
Ami's honest take
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Group Travel: The Honest Truth
For me, group travel ranges from family to friends and sometimes even strangers (other influencers on a project with me). I have loved the family and friends ones - the memories that we have created will stay with me for life!
However, traveling with strangers can be a hit or a miss! Take for example, the trip on the Golden Chariot - I made some amazing friends and travel buddies for life. We had a shared interest in knowing stories, exploring the unexplored, and honesty from the word" Go". We belonged and how - the same group that got together to explore more, including Ladakh, Nepal and Indonesia. It was just amazing!
On the other hand, there was the Statue of Unity and the Kutch trip with tons of Instagrammers, whose only purpose was to change their outfits and hog the frames. Most were not interested in the knowledge and were not even considerate enough to allow others to get their frame.
Trust me - it is not so nice when you have timed moments like sunset and sunrise to capture a certain angle and someone just photobombs the perfect set-up that you have!
That said, Group travel gets a worse reputation than it deserves. Yes, there will be compromises. Yes, someone will always be late. But group travel done right gives you something solo travel simply cannot: shared memory.
The “we got completely lost and ended up at a cooking class by accident” story only exists in group travel. So does the “we should NOT have ordered this much food” moment. Solo travel gives you wisdom. Group travel gives you lore.
What group takes away: your autonomy. Decision fatigue when reaching consensus on everything. And — if you’re unlucky — the discovery that your closest friend is a completely incompatible travel companion.
Choose your travel companions as carefully as you choose your destination. A short 3-day trip will tell you everything you need to know before you commit to 2 weeks in Japan together.
Ami's honest take
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Which One Suits This Trip?
Three quick questions to run through before booking:
- How long is the trip? Under 5 days — solo works brilliantly. Longer — companionship matters more.
- What’s the goal? Exploration and self-discovery — go solo. Celebration and shared adventure — bring the squad.
- What does your gut say? When you picture yourself on this specific trip, are you alone or with someone? The first answer is usually right.
Solo travel made me braver. The first time I navigated a foreign city alone, got comprehensively lost, and found my way back without panicking — that was a confidence I couldn’t have gotten any other way.
Group travel gave me my best memories. The laughing-till-we-cry moments, the “run, the last train leaves in four minutes” moments. None of those exist in my solo stories.
My current rhythm: 2–3 solo trips a year, 1–2 group. The solo ones restore me. The group ones remind me why I love people. Both are necessary.
Until next time
XOXO
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Your free downloadable this month
The Solo Travel Safety Starter Kit
Everything a first-time solo traveller needs to feel prepared, not paranoid:
• Pre-departure safety checklist
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• How to handle the top 5 scary solo scenarios
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Click to download your Solo Travel Starter Kit
Travel Inspiration for this month
Seville caught me completely off guard.
Free flamenco shows, a Game of Thrones palace, streets so narrow you can touch both walls — and a day trip to Africa thrown in for good measure. If you've been sleeping on Seville, this is your sign.
Full 2-day itinerary, city card breakdown and the best day trips from Seville
