Traveling solo has its upside at any age, even for women who have passed the midlife half-point – you do not have to consult anyone when you want to do something particularly interesting.

The downside is that you will have to make all the decisions yourself, including planning and research, which is exhausting. It can feel lonely to not have anyone to share your adventurous spirit with. Not to mention, eating alone every meal on vacation can be very lonely indeed.

You can combine the very best of both worlds by traveling with a group of solo travelers. Here are 10 benefits you can reap from that experience:

You Will Make New Friends

You may arrive solo, but you will lose that feeling very quickly. You, and everyone else in the group, will have no choice but to make the necessary introductions. It’s less intimidating this way too. Small groups end up bonding very quickly, especially since you’re visiting a place of common interest.

You Will Share the Excitement

You will have others with whom to share your travel experiences. Someone to laugh with, to do things with, share stories, make memories – and to take that picture of you having a great time.

You Will Not Feel Lonely

Loneliness can be hazardous to your health and is linked to increased cholesterol level, depression, and high blood pressure. You will not experience any feeling of loneliness in a group of solo travelers.

You Will Feel Safer

It is true, there is safety in numbers. Studies have shown that you are less of a target when traveling with a group rather than alone. Everyone looks out for one another in a group.

You Don’t Need to Do Any Planning

Group tours are already planned for you with a day by day itinerary. When you join a group, someone else handles all the logistics. Your group leader takes care of the details. You get to sit back, relax, and enjoy.

You Can Still Have Alone Time

Free time will be included for you to do whatever you would like to do. And you can choose to have some alone activities or bring a friend you made in the group.

You Will Have Guidance

Expert guides will be at your disposal to answer all your questions about the history and culture of the places you will be visiting.

You Will Save on Rates

Traveling with a group is much more economical. With negotiated lower rates for hotel rooms, airfare, cruises, and discounted rates to events, they pass that savings on to you with a lower price than you would get if you were traveling alone.

You Will Not Pay More for Traveling Single

Traveling with a group will avoid paying the dreaded single supplement. Solo travel companies can pair you with another same sex roommate so that you are not paying double for a hotel room or cruise cabin. Some cruises and tours will not have a single supplement for anyone.

Your Comfort Zone Will Be Challenged

Your new travel friends will give you courage to leave your comfort zone and try things you would never do alone.

So don’t wait until you feel comfortable with the idea of solo traveling with a group. Instead, get out of your comfort zone and join a group tour – it will enhance your travel experience and save you money.

Moreover, the friendships you will develop with people from all over the world and shared memories will be PRICELESS.

How often do you travel by yourself? Do you group with other people? How do you avoid paying the single supplement? What group travels have you been to? Please share with out community!