Solo travel: 5 reasons to go on a group tour in Southeast Asia

Travelling solo doesn’t always mean ‘going it alone’. It’s freeing to pack a bag and set off by yourself, but there’s something exciting about arriving in a new place to meet a whole new group of friends for a series of shared experiences.

Every time you head to the airport in search of the next adventure, you might feel a bubbling fear of the unknown, but on a group tour there’s a whole host of different unanswered questions before you arrive. What if it’s all couples? What if we have nothing in common? What if I want to break away and do my own thing? All legitimate, if completely unfounded, concerns.

Why travel solo on a group tour?

Let us count the ways…

1. Different people

Sometimes it’s not about being with ‘like-minded people’. One of the best parts of group travel is meeting those you may never otherwise have crossed paths with. Regardless of how diverse your backgrounds are though, you will always start with at least one thing in common – a longing to travel!

Not all group travel is created equally, so do your research. On a small group tour you’ll bypass huge coach tours for meaningful experiences and greater access to your guide.

2. Access to new experiences

Travel books and websites are no match for the connections you’ll make on a group tour. Having been busy on the ground meeting the locals, finding the best dishes and taking the road less travelled, your guides will have oodles of first-hand experience to make sure you have the best time.

There’s also something to be said for ‘being in it together’ – whether taking a street food tour, trying your hand at traditional arts and crafts or rice planting at a homestay, some experiences are just better when shared.

3. New friends

It can be hard for solo travellers to chat to strangers, but being thrown into unfamiliar surroundings on a group tour has a way of building firm friendships quickly. In fact, you might even find yourself wanting to spend time together afterwards; some of our Small Group Tour members have even gone on to travel with each other again!

4. Experienced guides

Don’t underestimate the value of a good guide – they’re worth their weight in gold. As well as answering all your questions, speaking the local language and knowing their way from A to B without consulting countless maps, guides plan your time effectively and take care of all those logistics you’d rather not think about. Trying to decipher a map as a solo traveller is perhaps the least fun way to kill a couple of hours. It is meant to be a holiday after all!

5. Flexibility

There will be plenty of opportunity to pursue your own interests, but don’t be surprised if you fancy checking out that market, visiting that restaurant or exploring that beach together.

If you’re a solo traveller, there’s no reason not to go on a Small Group Tour in Southeast Asia. Take a look at all of our options here – happy planning!