Europe gives millions of travelers each year countless ways to explore it, but the two basic approaches boil down to going solo or joining a guided group.
Some people love the idea of meandering through a city with nothing but a basic map, while others prefer the help of a guide who can let them in on local secrets. Both options have their benefits, but one will likely suit your preferences and comfort level much more than the other.
The Appeal of Solo Travel
Traveling alone comes with its own kind of freedom. You get to set your pace, choose the detours, and decide how you want to spend your days.
Solo travel allows for a more personal, on-the-ground experience. You can stop at a local market that catches your eye, get to know the locals, and discover the lesser-known spots that mainstream travelers usually miss. These authentic experiences rarely happen when you’re following a group schedule.
You also have the option to have some downtime on the days you really want to without the pressure to keep pace with others or compromise on your preferred rhythm.
Solo travel is a good fit for people who are more independent and prefer exploring unfamiliar places on their own.
The Escorted Tour Route
When you go with an escorted tour, you’re taking a lot of potential stress and guesswork out of the equation.
Instead of figuring out public transportation schedules or trying to secure hotel and museum bookings, everything is mostly handled for you. It’s one of the main reasons why more and more travelers gravitate towards all-inclusive Europe travel options.
A guided tour also gives you access to all of those local insights you might miss when
exploring on your own, such as strange historical stories or the best food cart to grab your lunch from.
You also get to meet fellow travelers who share your interests, which can make the whole trip more fun and relaxing.
And, if downtime is still important to you, all you have to do is look out for a tour that gives you pockets of free time. It’s the best of both worlds.
Deciding On Your Travel Style
The last thing you want to do is book an entire European trip only to be left feeling frustrated and disappointed. So, before committing to either approach, let’s look at the most important considerations.
Experience level: If you’re new to travel, you might feel more comfortable in a group
with a guide, but if you already have a few trips under your belt, solo travel could be
an exciting twist.
Time: If you want to spend more time sightseeing and less time on logistics, an
escorted tour is ideal. Solo travel, on the other hand, gives you more chances to pick
and choose and slow down.
Budget: Solo travel could work out cheaper, especially if you’re visiting some of the
cheapest places in Europe, but it all depends on how you spend your time. As for
group tours, they might seem like they cost more upfront, but consider everything
they include in that price.
Destination: Cities that are easy to navigate, like Amsterdam or Barcelona, are great
for independent travel, but if you’re heading to more complex regions, an escorted
group could make more sense.
Choose Your Own Rhythm
There’s really no single way to see Europe, and both solo travel and guided groups will give you a memorable experience. The best European adventure is the one that’s based on your preferences, so get clear on those first, and the rest will fall into place.
