Is it better to go backpacking or go with a tour group?
By nixiecole
@nixiecole (358)
Philippines
October 7, 2011 11:25pm CST
Good day myLotters,
So I will be graduating college soon and for a graduation gift, I asked my parents to go on a Euro trip. I'm very excited about it and I preferred to go alone coz I wanted to test my independence and all. At first, I planned on joining a tour group so that I would be sure to know about the people, but then I realized that backpacking would be more challenging and worthwhile. Although, I don't think I prefer the fashion choice of backpacking coz I love dressing up and it's hard to go backpacking bringing tons of clothes.
I want the comfort I get in tour groups but the adventure that I get with backpacking.
What do you guys think? My goal for this trip is to prove to myself and to others that I could be independent. I also want meet new friends since I'm really shy and I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and meet other people and learn about their cultures. I'm of course concerned with safety also so I really don't know. What do you guys think? Have you gone backpacking or traveled with a group? Which would you prefer? Are there any tips for traveling alone?
Thanks so much and your answers would be very much apreciated. 
I want the comfort I get in tour groups but the adventure that I get with backpacking.
What do you guys think? My goal for this trip is to prove to myself and to others that I could be independent. I also want meet new friends since I'm really shy and I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and meet other people and learn about their cultures. I'm of course concerned with safety also so I really don't know. What do you guys think? Have you gone backpacking or traveled with a group? Which would you prefer? Are there any tips for traveling alone?
Thanks so much and your answers would be very much apreciated. 2 responses
@maximax8 (31046)
• United Kingdom
8 Oct 11
I used to travel on my own when I was a young person. Now I travel with my 4 year old disabled son and my 2 year old daughter. I am an independent traveler and I have been a backpacker in the past. I don't take a guided tour because I like to travel independently. I have only taken a short tour when it has been necessary like a tour day tour around Kangaroo Island. I found staying at youth hostels and backpacker hostels a way to make new friends. Although I traveled on my own I never felt lonely.
At age 18 years old I traveled around Europe by train alone. I traveled on an inter rail pass. I stayed in youth hostels and had a lovely time. The highlight of my trip was Budapest. I was 20 to 21 years old when I traveled around the world on my own. I found Australia the ideal country for backpacking and I stayed in some amazing backpacker hostels. I was 29 years old when I went backpacking in New Zealand.
Regarding safety I have found Europe, Australia and New Zealand very safe. I visited Colombia earlier this year. I stayed safe and read safety trips before I traveled there. When I visited Guatemala I hid my money in 5 different places to make sure I didn't lose everything if I got mugged. I stayed totally safe there I am pleased to say. I liked to carry a large backpack when I was a young backpacker. Now I travel with holdall bags. Three of them for me and my kids.
You could take a travel iron if you want your clothes to look good on your trip. It is possible to take loads of clothes or some clothes and buy more on your travels.
1 person likes this
@nixiecole (358)
• Philippines
9 Oct 11
Did you travel alone? How was it? When you traveled around the world, how long did it take? Sorry for the tons of questions but I'm really intrigued on how you did it because that's what I wanted to do. And I envy you for having done that!
HAHAHA!
I can't imagine how hard it must be to travel with kids! It must be really tiring but I know that in the end it was worth it.
HAHAHA!
I can't imagine how hard it must be to travel with kids! It must be really tiring but I know that in the end it was worth it. 
@singuri (571)
• India
8 Oct 11
I think it is better to go in a group. It is not a good idea to go back packing. If you want to test your independence there are other ways to do that. When you go on aa office work or some other work, those things will teach you and test your independence. There is no need to go out just to test yourself.
. Going out with tour group is a nice method to enjoy the tour.
. Going out with tour group is a nice method to enjoy the tour.@nixiecole (358)
• Philippines
8 Oct 11
Thank you so much for your opinion. Yeah. But I think it's more interesting to test it with this since it's a really big deal to travel to a place where you don't know anyone and there won't be anyone you can't rely on. It's interestng, challenging, and I think it would be fun.
