In my previous posts, I talked about the ups and downs about solo travel. Now I want to shift to traveling with others.
Traveling solo has its perks — freedom, self-discovery, and independence — but it also comes with challenges like loneliness and stress. On the flip side, traveling with friends or in a group brings its own set of advantages that can truly elevate the experience.
Whether you’re planning your first group trip or reminiscing about the good times with your travel crew, here are five reasons why group travel can be the way to go.
1. Group Travel Feels Safer
Safety is one of the biggest differences between traveling solo vs. with others. When you’re alone, you’re responsible for staying aware of your surroundings, watching your back, and navigating unfamiliar environments on your own.
But when you’re with friends, you look out for each other. You’re more likely to notice something sketchy down the road, avoid risky areas, and make smarter group decisions. Simply put — there’s strength in numbers. Having even one other person with you can reduce anxiety and increase confidence in new places.
2. You Always Have Someone to Talk To
Solo travel can get quiet — and that silence can feel isolating. When you’re traveling with friends, you’ve got a built-in support system and someone to share the moment with.
Whether it’s reminiscing about past memories, cracking jokes over dinner, or just chatting on the train, having someone to talk to makes the journey more lively. The laughs, conversations, and companionship are part of what makes a group trip unforgettable.
3. It’s Easier to Navigate and Plan
One of the underrated perks of group travel? You don’t have to do it all alone. When I visited Japan for the first time in 2017, I struggled at times to find certain places — even with Google Maps. At one point, it tried to direct me to a meeting spot that was literally in the middle of an intersection instead of the nearby train station.
Having someone else to read maps, do research, or spot signs you missed makes a huge difference. Two heads (and sets of eyes) are always better than one when it comes to logistics, especially in a foreign country.
4. You Can Share the Experience in Real Time
One of the best things about traveling with others is sharing those spontaneous, unforgettable moments together. When you’re alone, you might witness something wild — but there’s no one next to you to say, “Did you see that?!”
In 2019, while exploring Shinjuku at night, my friends and I ran into a group of drunk Japanese guys who were absolutely hilarious. To this day, we still laugh about the random conversation we had — and it’s a memory we all share, not just one I hold on my own.
Shared moments become stories you’ll relive again and again.
5. Evenings Are More Relaxed and Enjoyable
After a long day of sightseeing, there’s nothing better than kicking back with your travel buddies. Some of my favorite travel memories aren’t even from the sightseeing — they’re from those quiet hotel evenings, relaxing with a drink, feet up, just talking.
I remember one night in 2019, sitting in our Tokyo hotel room with a cold beer, watching a Japanese baseball game (we had no idea what was happening, but it was entertaining). It was the perfect way to unwind, reflect on the day, and bond even more with my friends.
Group travel isn’t just about the adventures — it’s about those in-between moments, too.
Final Thoughts: Group Travel Adds More Than Just Extra People
Traveling with others brings safety, laughter, and shared memories that make every trip feel fuller. You still get to explore and have fun — but you also get support, companionship, and someone to relive the best moments with.
Up next, I’ll be putting together a comparison of solo vs. group travel to help you decide which style fits you best — or how to balance both.
Travels With Matt Blog 
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