Should I travel with strangers on a group tour?

Hi Petrica!

              I hope you are doing well? I try reading your blogs whenever I am free, and to my amazement, you give simple solutions to our problems. So, even I had a question. Last time, I wanted to travel with my family, but things didn’t work out due to Covid-19. This time, I again made my travel plans, but my parents want to spend their anniversary time; alone so they won’t accompany me. Hence, I thought I would travel solo on a group tour with some strangers. But should I travel with strangers? I am really confused about this.

Love,

Giselle

Hi Giselle!

                   I can’t thank you enough for appreciating my work. Things are fine with me, and I hope they are fine with you as well? Whenever someone writes me about their travel plans, I am equally excited and can’t keep wondering about the exciting memories that we create while we travel. Your question is so obvious, and I know that traveling solo for the first time and that too on a group tour will make you feel a bit nervous, but hey, don’t worry, just read this. You’ll get everything sorted, I am sure.

So, about 2-3 years back, I planned a trip with my boyfriend. We were going through an organization where we were supposed to meet 30 other strange members from the same group.  But at the last moment, my BF ditched me, and he backed out. Then I too had the same- thought that what would I do alone in a group of 30 strangers? Won’t it be excruciatingly awkward moments of just small talks? Will I be comfortable in sharing the space with them and bla bla bla..But then, since I wanted a break from my routine work, I decided to take things as they were coming. I packed my bags and left…And believe me, Giselle life just happened to me on a trip of 30 strangers.

From hysteric laughter on crazy cycle rides to overnight trains with wine and conversations flowing into the early hours, it was such a heartening experience to see people from different backgrounds and life experiences pull together.

We were there for each other through two intense weeks with great humor, love, and high energy. I felt like a family which, was a real bonus. From the first day, it didn’t feel like my solo trip, it felt like a group of friends who had flown out to explore another friend’s home turf. Everyone was up for new things, great opportunities, and exciting journeys. Those two weeks felt like a month because life got filled with every waking minute of amazing experiences. I got home exhausted but happy. As for me, those newly made friends still beep in my Whtsapp notifications, and a lot of us keep meeting every month.

It was one of the best travel experiences I have reserved in my memory to date. I ended up making so many friends, and some of them are still in touch with me. You won’t believe Giselle, but we are making plans for our next travel.

I know your reason for nervousness. It is because you are shy to meet new people and spend some time with them. But, Giselle your nervousness will go when you will meet new people who have wonderful stories to narrate.  So, my dear, go ahead, enjoy the company, make new friends and have fun.

Love,

Petrica!