The Art of Travel: Going It Alone vs aN Organised Tour
Despite the allure of independent travel, I believe group travel and organised adventures with travel groups can be a smart, stress-free alternative to travel, especially in unfamiliar or logistically challenging regions, like remote national parks or places where language barriers could hinder your experience.
I also believe that while independent travel empowers – guided tours enrich – but as there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how you travel, the best approach depends on your destination, time, and comfort level.
And, in the end, the right choice is the one that makes you most excited to pack your bags and go!
Right now, I’m travel planning again and it feels exciting – if a little daunting because I’m now without the help of my beloved backpacking husband – now my heavenly husband. First and foremost, I need to apply for a new passport.
Every entry and exit stamp in my old passport is a now precious memory for which I’m profoundly grateful.
It feels right and it feels poignant that as I start to plan to travel again – as I promised my darling husband I would – that I have a new passport to symbolise my fresh start. I’m not religious person but I am spiritual and so I do believe he is with me, watching over me, guiding me, and forever in my heart because our love will never die.
So, while I’ve been waiting for my new passport to arrive, I’ve been doing research into destinations and flights and accommodations for an extended trip early in 2026 to Asia, and to include Malaysia, Vietnam, Japan, and South Korea (to visit my son as he and his family live in South Korea).
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- The Art of Travel: Going It Alone vs aN Organised Tour
- Independent Travel vs. Group Travel
- Independent Travel vs. Group Travel: Pros & Cons Checklist
- Which Travel Style Suits You Best?
- The Best of Both Worlds
- Mixing Group and Independent Travel
- Frequently Asked Questions About Group Travel for Over 50s
- My Thoughts on Independent vs Group Travel
MY TRAVEL PLANS
And, although I expected that I’d be travelling solo this time, I’m delighted to tell you that my lifelong and best friend, Dina, is now joining me on this upcoming trip to Asia, so I will have a travel companion!
Dina and I know each other well. We were actually born right next door to each other (although I’m a year older) and our mothers had also good friends. My mum helped to deliver Dina, as she was born a few days before Christmas and in a snowstorm, which delayed the midwife getting there on her bicycle – as that was how a midwife travelled back in the 1960’s!
For many travellers, myself included, planning an independent trip is half the adventure. Mapping out routes and planning your itinerary, finding flights, trying to keep on budget, hunting down hidden gems of destinations, and booking your accommodation, and choosing your own pace of travel. It all adds up to a feeling of freedom that’s hard to beat.
But what if you don’t enjoy making all your own travel arrangements?
What if you find travel planning stressful?
I have over ten years of experience of independent travel planning, but once I get started on booking flights and booking hotels I really need to keep my stress in check by creating a detailed spreadsheet, so I don’t get confused and lose track of important information, flights, e-tickets, visas, reservations, and expenses.
So, while I can appreciate that DIY travel offers freedom and flexibility, it’s not always the best route for everyone, especially when navigating complex destinations or time-sensitive itineraries.
MY ADVICE: Travel in midlife and retirement should be about freedom and fun and enjoyment not stress. If you find making travel plans and travel arrangements tricky and stressful I can advise on one or two things to make travel planning more enjoyable.
Firstly, check out all my Travel Planning posts here on my website for practical travel tips and destination inspiration AND if you are a woman and over age fifty then why not become a member of my Facebook travel planning group for planning holidays for couples, groups, and singles over 50 – Women 50+ Unfolding Travel – Unfolding A New Chapter Of You!
And, when travel planning feels too overwhelming why not opt for a guided tour experience instead and let someone else handle the logistics, so that you can focus on enjoying the journey? Especially when local guides can often unlock experiences you’d never find on your own like home-cooked meals to off-the-map sites.
Right now, for later in 2025 and 2026, as well as independently travel planning, I’m also looking at all the exciting tours and holidays for over 50s offered by an organised travel tour company called TourRadar, who offer the world’s largest selection of multi-day organised adventures worldwide and who are rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot.
Right now they have a Mega Sale of group trips with up to 70% off thousands of tours worldwide!
For later in the year, I’m looking at trips and tours to Iceland in search of Northern Lights and to Egypt for the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum. I’m also interested in a bucket list trip to India for a tour of The Golden Triangle!
There are so many places where opting for an adults guided tour experience makes the most sense!
Indeed, despite the allure of independent travel vacations, I believe organised adventures with travel groups can be a smart, stress-free alternative – especially in unfamiliar or logistically challenging regions – think remote national parks or places where language barriers could hinder your experience.
I also believe that while independent travel empowers – guided tours enrich – but that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how you travel. The best approach depends on your destination, time, and comfort level. And, in the end, the right choice is the one that makes you most excited to pack your bags and go!
Independent Travel vs. Group Travel
Deciding how to travel in midlife or retirement often comes down to one big question: Do you want to plan and explore independently, or join a group where everything is arranged for you? Both options have their perks and challenges.
Here’s a quick comparison of ‘pros’ and ‘cons’ to help you choose:
Independent Travel vs. Group Travel: Pros & Cons Checklist
Which Travel Style Suits You Best?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The beauty of traveling in midlife and retirement is that you can choose the style that matches your mood, energy, and goals for each trip. Whether you go solo or with a group, the world is waiting and every journey has something valuable to offer.
Independent Travel is ideal if you love freedom, want to explore off the beaten path and don’t mind handling the details yourself.
Group Travel is a great fit if you prefer convenience, enjoy sharing experiences, and value the safety and guidance of traveling with others.
The Best of Both Worlds
Mixing Group and Independent Travel
My own choice and that of many travellers in midlife or retirement are finding that a blended approach works best.
This can mean booking city breaks and less challenging destinations independently and then choose a group tour for structure and for companionship. It’s even possible to perhaps tag on a few independently planned days at the start or at the end of the guided trip for personal exploration. I like this approach for boosting one’s confidence.
Here are a few ways to create this hybrid “best of both worlds” travel style:
1. Use Group Travel as a “Confidence Booster”
This way of travel appeals to me as a newbie solo traveller. If it’s been a while since you’ve travelled, or if solo travel feels daunting, group tours are a great way to ease back in. After building confidence, you may feel more comfortable adding independent legs to your journeys.
2. Start with a Group Tour Then Add Independent Days
Joining a group tour at the beginning of your trip gives you the comfort of a guide, travel companions, and organized logistics. Once the tour ends, stay a few extra days to explore on your own at your own pace.
Example: Take a 7-day guided tour through Italy’s highlights then spend three extra nights in Florence wandering museums and cafés at leisure.
3. Mix and Match Destinations
Choose group travel for places that feel more complex – like countries with language barriers or tricky transportation. For easier-to-navigate spots, go independently.
Example: Book with platinum tour operator G Adventurers and take a group tour in Morocco then add a solo city break in London or Paris.
4. Short Group Excursions Within Independent Trips
Even if you’re mostly traveling on your own, you can join a day tour or short 2–3 day group excursion. This adds companionship, local expertise, and variety without committing to a full package.
Example: Take a trip to Spain – add a guided trip to Andalusia – and perhaps a tag on small-group wine tour.
4. Travel with Friends or Family in a Small Group Tour
For retirees traveling with friends, consider a small-group package where you still get a guide and itinerary, but the atmosphere feels more personal and flexible.
Example: A river cruise with a small-group where you can enjoy organized activities but still have free time together.
5. Use Group Travel as a “Confidence Booster”
This way of travel appeals to me as a newbie solo traveller. If it’s been a while since you’ve travelled, or if solo travel feels daunting, group tours are a great way to ease back in. After building confidence, you may feel more comfortable adding independent legs to your journeys.
Frequently Asked Questions About Group Travel for Over 50s
1. What are the best group tours for midlife and seniors?
Some of the most popular options include guided tours in Europe, river cruises, cultural trips through Asia, and small-group adventure tours tailored for mature travellers. Many companies design itineraries specifically for people 50+ with a balance of comfort and activity. TourRadar is a platform to compare small group tours for over 50’s and find tours that match your interests.
2. Is group travel safe for midlife and senior travellers?
Yes, group travel is one of the safest ways to see the world. You’ll have the support of a professional guide, travel companions, and organized transportation, which reduces risks when exploring new destinations.
3. Can I join a group tour if I’m traveling solo?
Absolutely! Many solo travellers choose group tours for the companionship and sense of community. Some companies like G Adventures booked through TourRadar offer solo-ish or solo-friendly travel group options with no or low single supplements.
4. Are group tours too fast-paced for older travellers?
Not at all. Many group tours are designed with pacing in mind, allowing for free time and rest. You can choose tours based on your comfort level, from leisurely cultural trips to more active adventures.
5. Why choose group travel in retirement?
Group travel takes the stress out of planning, ensures safety, and provides companionship. It’s a great way to tick destinations off your bucket list while making new friends along the way. Travel in midlife and retirement is about more than just seeing new places – it’s about experiencing them fully, without the worries of planning or traveling alone.
Group travel for seniors and over-50 adventurers – like this Grand Tour of Europe offered by platinum operator Trafalgar through TourRadar offers companionship, expert guidance, and the chance to build memories that last a lifetime. If you’ve been dreaming about your next adventure, now might be the perfect time to join a group tour.
The world is waiting and it’s even better when shared!
My Thoughts on Independent vs Group Travel
If you are lucky enough to have reasonable health and mobility in midlife and in retirement then travel and adventure doesn’t need to be an impossible dream. In fact, for many of us, it’s just beginning because midlife and retirement opens up the freedom to explore without the constraints of busy work schedules or family responsibilities.
So, whether you’ve always dreamed of strolling through European cities, discovering hidden gems in Asia, or cruising along scenic coastlines, now is the time to make it happen.
But if planning every detail of a trip feels daunting, or you’d rather not travel alone, group travel could be the answer.
The best group tours for over 50s and retirees combine ease, companionship, and unforgettable experiences, making your journey more rewarding than ever.
Travel in midlife and retirement should be about freedom and fun and enjoyment not stress.
By blending group and independent travel, you get the security, friendships, and insights of guided tours along with the freedom and flexibility of exploring on your own. Think of it as designing your own perfect recipe for adventure: a little structure, a little spontaneity, and a lot of unforgettable memories!
Are you planning a trip?
What is your ideal way to travel?
Are you and indie or a group travel fan?
Let me know. Leave a comment below!
