8 Reasons Why I Won't Travel In Large Groups Anymore

If you're traveling in a large group, chances are, everyone will have at least one thing in common. From my experience, we are all Australian. Most of us from Sydney and know each other already or via someone else.

We have had big groups for festivals and ski trips. The last big ski trip had a group of eighty people. And this time I was not one of them.

I've realised I'm out of touch with the twenty somethings, freshly arrived on their holiday-working visa. I used to be like them, having so much curiosity and exuberance for the new world.

The introductory small-talk with Aussies in Europe is now tiring. How many times have I asked and answered the same questions. How long have you been in London? Where are you from in Australia? Where is your next holiday?

Not meaning to rain on your parade here, new people. Travelling in large groups works when you're new to travelling, unattached/single, off to festivals or you're in a very exotic country. It's also easy having the planning done and all you have to do is follow. But in other times its like a social security blanket where you least need one.

My priorities have changed. I'm no longer interested in festivals. I prefer independence and comfort. And to be frank, I don't need to be friends with everyone I meet.

Here are 8 reasons why I won't travel in large groups anymore.

1) It annoys the locals. They don't want their lives to be disrupted by loud people crowding up the streets/restaurants/bars. A large group commands attention in some way. They take up space, they make noise and when you're on a flight with one, you will certainly know. When I travel I want to be inconspicuous and blend into the background. Travelling in large groups is as welcomed to the locals as holidaying stag-dos or hen-parties.

2) You have to wait for people before you can go anywhere. You are as fast as the slowest person in a group. Someone will be consistently slow or late. Maybe it's you and people are grumbling behind your back.

3) You might not be able to do what you really want. You have to fit into the group's schedule and not risk being left behind if your thing runs overtime or you get lost.

4) You have to make friends/put up with everyone. Who needs social hang ups when you're traveling? I might be cynical but there will be someone you won't agree with. Or there will be certain people who latch on to each other and it's as if you're travelling like strangers anyway.

5) It prevents you from meeting people-different people! These are the friends you really set out to meet when you came to London. They are the ones who introduce you to their culture, teach you their language and you might get a personalised tour in their hometown one day. Sadly the chances of meeting people outside the group are slim when you're surrounded by friends taking up your attention.

6)  If you're travelling with "noobs", attempts to genuinely assimilate to the local culture will be cheapened by their amusement. Noobs can be annoying and will turn the conversation about your experiences to all about them. I guess I don't have the patience to play along and the sentiment of trying to become like the local is somewhat lost.

7) You are a sitting duck for tourist restaurants. Unless everyone has made their own plans for dinner, you'll probably end up in a restaurant that caters for everybody's tastes with a long menu translated in at least three languages. The food will be bland and have little resemblance to the authentic version served by the small restaurant on the side street.

8) No one can make an executive decision. The decisions are made democratically and this takes time. Sometimes no one wants to make a call. A strong leader is required to keep plans in line and be assertive.