Are Small Group Tours Worth It for Solo Travelers? Pros, Cons & Costs

What Is Considered a Small Group Tour?

There isn’t one universal definition of a small group tour. Depending on the tour company, “small group” could mean anywhere from 8 to 20 travelers, and some companies use the term for groups of 24 or more.

That’s why I always recommend checking the maximum group size before booking rather than relying on the words “small group.”

In my experience, the sweet spot is around 8 to 12 travelers. It’s large enough to have a fun social dynamic and meet different people, but small enough that you can actually get to know everyone.

Smaller groups can also change the way you experience a destination. Instead of traveling everywhere on a large coach, you may be able to use smaller vehicles, stay in boutique hotels, eat at restaurants that can’t accommodate big tour groups, and take part in more intimate local experiences.

On my women-only group tours, I cap the group at 12 women. I’ve found that this keeps the trip feeling personal and makes it much easier for women traveling alone to connect with one another.

When comparing small group tours, I’d look beyond the number of travelers, too. Pay attention to how much free time is built into the itinerary, how often you change hotels, what type of transportation is used, and whether you’ll be expected to do everything with the group.

A tour with 10 people and every minute scheduled can feel much more like a traditional group tour than one with 12 people that gives you plenty of time to explore independently.

Pros and Cons of Group Tours

What You’ll Love About a Group Tour

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Convenience:

Everything is planned for you, making it easy to travel stress-free. Imagine just having to show up at the airport, and the rest is taken care of for you. 

Trying to figure out how to get from point A to point B has already been handled. Your tickets are purchased for you. Participating in a group trip is the ultimate stress-free vacation.

The older I get, the more I would rather pay for convenience, and something like a group trip is a good value for the money. 

Safety:

Enhanced safety, especially for women and solo travelers, is a real benefit when traveling in group settings.

Local Insight:

Access to knowledgeable guides who know the destination deeply so you don’t have to spend hours researching or vetting yourself.  

Social Aspect:

Build connections with other travelers, which is great for solo travelers who still want company. And I love meeting people I’d probably never meet otherwise. 

When you travel with friends or family, you can feel tied to their plans and preferences. But on a group tour with strangers, you get the best of both worlds—company when you want it, freedom when you don’t.

There’s no pressure to stick together all the time, so you can do your own thing during free time and then reconnect for shared adventures.

Plus, traveling with new people brings a fresh vibe. You’re all in this together, discovering a new place side-by-side, and it’s amazing how quickly you bond.

I’ve met people on group tours that I still keep in touch with, and even if we went our separate ways after, we share memories no one else gets.

And you’ll be surprised how much you learn from each other. Someone might have a knack for spotting hidden gems or have a cool travel story that gives you a new perspective. You don’t get that same spark with people you already know.

Potential Downsides of A Small Group Tour

Cost:

The higher cost of a small group tour is worth considering, which can be a big factor for budget-conscious travelers. Small group trips often include guides, pre-booked accommodations, and unique experiences, which add to the price.

If you’re used to traveling on a tight budget, you may find group tours more expensive than solo travel or planning everything yourself.

However, for many, the convenience and access to curated experiences can be well worth the extra cost.

Group Limitations:

When you are part of a group, you need to consider whether you want to stick a pre-set schedule.

Do you like to sleep late? Or do you have a real issue with showing up on time? If so, a group trip might not be for you. 

When a Small Group Tour is Worth It

• Limited Time: When you have limited time to research or plan a trip, this type of travel can be invaluable. Planning a trip is comparable to a small part time job. There is so much to consider, and if you don’t have the time to dedicate to this, you might want to join a group trip. 

• Foreign or Remote Locations: When a destination is hard to navigate on your own, having expert guides can make all the difference. For example, if never traveled outside the country and want to visit Greece for example, I highly recommend a group tour.

• Safety Concerns: Particularly useful for solo female travelers who prioritize safety. Even though I consider myself an experienced traveler there are just some destinations that I wont visit on my own. 

When You Might Skip a Small Group Tour

• Budget Travelers: If you prefer to budget carefully, small group tours may not align with your spending habits. It can sometimes be a challenge to stay on a strict budget when you are in a group. An example would be splitting the bills during dinner. Not all meals are included, and if you join other travelers at a restaurant, you will need to work together to pay for the meal. 
• Independent Travelers: If you like total freedom in your itinerary, you may find group tours restrictive. While all of my group tours include free time every day, it may not be enough time, depending on your travel style. 

So, Is a Small Group Tour Worth It?

A small group tour is worth it if what you’re really buying is convenience, confidence, companionship, and access to experiences you wouldn’t necessarily arrange yourself.

It’s probably not worth the extra cost if planning is part of the fun for you, you want complete control over every day, or you’re happiest traveling as cheaply and spontaneously as possible.

For solo travelers, though, I think small group trips occupy a particularly useful middle ground: you can arrive alone without actually having to travel alone.