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Exploring a place alone is a wonderful way to truly experience it. Many people from India are opting for solo trips instead of going with family or friends due to the hassle of coordinating schedules and limited budgets. Solo travel provides the perfect solution to these logistical challenges. A recent report by the American Express Travel 2024 Global Travel Trends highlighted that a large percentage of Indians are planning to travel alone this year: 34% more frequently than the global average. The allure of solo travel for Indians lies in indulging in self-love, seeking introspection, taking a break from busyness, and enjoying independence. In 2024, Indian travelers are driven by a thirst for new adventures and cultural immersions.
Sanjay Khanna mentioned that people often choose trips based on their preferences and habits, and solo travels are usually freeing, but they can also be difficult. Solo female travelers may face additional concerns. What if you could combine the independence of solo travel with the security of a group that handles all travel stress? There are different kinds of tour groups, catering to various interests and age groups. Consider the cost - budget, trendy, luxury, or extremely luxurious? With so many tour operators to choose from, how do you pick the right one for you? When selecting a tour group, start by looking at the group size, as it can significantly influence your overall experience. Rohit Khattar, the founder of Ikigai Travels, typically leads groups of 16-20 people, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable experience.
"At times, we embark on unique journeys where we must operate on a first-come-first-serve basis. Unlike major travel companies, we lack the luxury of hotel partnerships. During one such trip, we lodge in a quaint village boasting just a single guest house with non-negotiable rates. We usually have lenient requirements for travel companions, but we sometimes regret declining requests due to space constraints at remote locales," explains Khattar. If solo exploration appeals to you, consider joining larger groups that permit independence. Opt for a group allowing leisure hours for personal exploration or activities. Smaller groups often follow tighter schedules and are pricier, offering exclusive, personalized experiences. Always review the inclusions and fine print; while booking through platforms like MakeMyTrip, filter your search by travel days, flight preferences, and activity options."
The initial cost often includes lodging, airport transportation, and morning meals. Additional expenses like air travel, taxi rides, local transportation, lodging preferences, and activities will raise the total price step by step. Hence, it is crucial to carefully go through all the details before confirming your journey. MakeMyTrip offers trips usually for groups of forty, providing a mix of planned activities and leisure days for your selection. Select trips based on your cultural interests. In a bigger group with flexible schedules, you have the liberty to wander a city or country at your own pace. Day excursions from cities permit independent exploration using helpful apps and maps for guidance. Some tour operators introduce game-like elements into their applications. On tightly scheduled tours, sticking to the plan is mandatory for the group; nonetheless, many travelers desire the freedom to navigate a place at their own speed minus the hassle of baggage transfers or internal transit. It's not about backpacking; this service caters to those of us who can't give up our checked bags.
During the typical day, we often lose track of time as night turns into morning. To make sure your time off feels truly like a break from work, opt for a group with moderate activity. For those seeking a more exciting vacation, a group offering high levels of activity might be the best choice. Also check your travel schedule to see if you travel by bus for more than 10 hours a day, commute between two cities (or even countries) every day, or if there are days when you don't have time for a coffee break. The Need to Do It We all suffer from FOMO from time to time, but the trick is to take your vacation at a moderate pace. Or look at groups that alternate between moderate and high activity. Most cheap group tours are spacious. Think about 40-100 people in each group. So while you can split into smaller groups within the main group, keep in mind that larger groups can cause even more confusion. For example, if you are traveling with a large group of Indians, consider the average delay. For Western travel companies, punctuality is usually a non-negotiable factor.
