As a 20-something solo traveller who's been roaming the world for the last five years, I have seen the best and the worst of it when it comes to solo travel vs. group travel.  

During that time, I have solo travelled across the trains of Europe, sharing hostels with snoring friends, spent a year doing solo trips across the snowy pastures of North America, and, most recently, I completed the iconic big lap of Australia in a campervan. Some parts of this cross-country jaunt I tackled alone, while other stretches—like the wild West Coast from Broome to Perth—I shared with my best mates from uni.  

Having experienced both solo trips and group adventures, I’ve learned there’s a big difference between the two — especially when it comes to campervan hire travel. So, if you are debating on whether to invite your friends on a camper trip or to just go it alone, let’s dive into the ups and downs of both styles and help you figure out what’s right for your next Aussie road trip! 

TOP TIP: Planning a campervan hire road trip for the first time? Check out the full beginner's guide to hiring a campervan.  

 

Solo travel in a campervan: the freedom of the open road

Okay, first, let’s clear something up. Regardless of whether you go it alone or go camping with a group, hiring a motorhome is the best way to see Australia. But when I think back to my solo campervan adventures, the word that always comes to mind is freedom. There’s something magical about hitting the road alone and knowing that every decision is entirely up to you.  

In this section, I’ll share why people are drawn to solo travel in a campervan, how it can shape your journey, and the unexpected perks that come with it. If you’re the type who thrives on spontaneity, solo travel might just be your calling. 

 

Independence and flexibility

There are so many reasons to road trip Australia by yourself, but one of the best parts about solo van travel is the freedom to do exactly what you want when you want. There’s no need to negotiate stops or agree on a timeline with anyone else. Do you want to spend an extra day soaking up the sun at a campsite you’ve fallen in love with? No problem. You can take your time at every stop, set your own pace, and change plans on a whim. It’s the ultimate in flexible travel—no compromises required. 

 

Personal growth and reflection

Travelling solo in a campervan gives you the chance to really tune into yourself. With no one else around to distract you, you can reflect on your journey, connect with nature, and find a deeper sense of independence. I remember one quiet night camped under a blanket of stars in the Outback—just me and the wide-open sky.  

I journaled for hours, writing about the trip, all the things I had accomplished, and what else I was going to do on the trip. I was just so proud of myself, as corny as it sounds. It’s these moments of solitude on the road that have led to some of the most meaningful personal growth for me and have boosted my confidence and helped me discover what I’m really capable of. 

 

Safety considerations for solo travellers

When you're out on your own, staying safe while travelling is always a top priority. Whether you're camping under the stars or cruising through remote Outback roads, there are a few essential health and safety precautions to keep in mind:  

• Stay in campgrounds: I personally always make sure to stay at well-lit, populated campgrounds—there's comfort in knowing others are nearby.  

• Share your itinerary: Whether you choose to stay in campgrounds or enjoy a remote free camp, it’s smart to share your itinerary with a friend or family member, so someone knows where you’ll be and when.  

• Stay connected: Reliable communication is key, too, especially in areas with limited reception. A satellite phone or a personal emergency beacon can be a lifesaver if you’re off the beaten path.  

 

Group travel in a campervan: the joy of shared experiences

While solo travel has its perks, there’s something special about hitting the road with your best mates or family. Group travel in a campervan brings a different kind of magic—shared sunsets, group hikes, and late-night campfire chats. In this section, I’ll explore the unique joys of travelling with a crew, from the laughter and connection to the practical benefits of splitting costs and tasks. 

 

Connection and bonding

There’s no doubt that group travel strengthens bonds. Whether it’s cooking meals together at the campsite, navigating new hikes, or simply enjoying a beautiful sunset as a group, these shared moments turn into lifelong memories. On my West Coast trip from Broome to Perth, those evenings spent cooking dinner with my friends in our campervan hire were some of my favourite moments of the trip.  

 

Dividing responsibilities and costs

One of the biggest perks of travelling in a group is sharing the workload. Whether it's splitting up the driving or assigning cooking duties, group travel lets you divide tasks and keep things running smoothly. Plus, splitting costs for fuel, food, and campsite fees makes travelling in a campervan so much more affordable. When my friends and I hit the West Coast, this was by far one of the most cost-effective sections of my trip—so there's no denying that having a group to share with lightens the financial load! 

 

Potential challenges in group travel

Of course, no adventure is without its challenges. When you travel with others, differing opinions on where to stop, what to eat, and how long to stay in one place can cause some tension. To avoid these hiccups, it’s helpful to set clear ground rules before you hit the road.  

My friends and I made sure to chat about our expectations and agreed on a few key things we wanted to do, and the rest, we took turns on a bit of a rotating schedule—this meant we saw everything we really wanted to, but also had the chance to take charge of a certain leg of the trip, so everyone else could just enjoy the ride! 

 

Key differences between solo and group travel in a campervan

Whether you're craving the independence of solo travel or the fun of shared experiences with friends, each type of van travel brings its own unique rhythm. Let’s look at some of the key differences between solo travel and group travel, so you can figure out which style suits you best. 

 

Decision-making and flexibility

When you’re travelling solo, the decision-making power is all yours. Feel like extending your stay at a scenic campsite or making a spontaneous detour? You’re free to do so. With group travel, though, it’s all about compromise. Decisions on stops, routes, and activities need group agreement, which can sometimes slow the pace or add structure to the trip. While you might lose some of the flexibility and decision-making power, you gain the benefit of shared ideas and input. 

 

Social experience vs. solitude

The social aspect of group travel is one of its biggest draws for many—you’re constantly surrounded by friends, sharing meals, conversations, and experiences. There’s always someone to laugh with or lean on. On the flip side, solo travel is perfect for those who crave quiet time and introspection. If you’re the type who enjoys peaceful solitude or personal reflection, travelling solo gives you space to fully immerse yourself in your surroundings without distractions. 

 

Financial costs

As I mentioned, one of the major perks of group travel is splitting the costs. Expenses like fuel, food, and campsites become more affordable when shared among a group. With solo travel, you’ll be covering all those expenses alone, which can add up quickly, especially on longer trips. But on the bright side, solo travellers have full control over their budget, and you can make decisions that fit your personal travel style, whether that’s cooking simple meals or choosing budget-friendly spots. 

 

Safety and security

There’s a certain peace of mind that comes with group travel—knowing you have others around can make you feel more secure. There’s always someone to watch your back, and decisions about safety can be made together. For solo travellers, taking extra precautions is a must. That means staying in well-populated areas, keeping in touch with someone back home, and having a solid plan for emergencies. But solo travel can still be safe with the right prep, and the sense of self-reliance is hugely rewarding. 

 

Pros and cons: which style of travel suits you best?

So, which is the better fit for you—solo travel or group travel in a campervan? Both offer incredible experiences, but they come with their own sets of pros and cons. In this section, I’ll break down the perks and challenges of each, so you can decide which style of travel works best for your next Australia road trip. 

 

Pros of solo travel

One of the best things about solo travel is the complete freedom it offers. You get to set your own pace and make all the decisions, whether it’s staying longer at a beautiful campground or taking a random detour. Solo travel also encourages deep personal reflection, helping you grow in ways you might not expect. And funnily enough, when you’re on your own, you might find it easier to meet new people since locals and fellow travellers tend to strike up conversations more freely. 

I remember a solo trip through the Grampians where I planned to stay just two nights but ended up staying five because I couldn’t get enough of the hikes and views. It’s moments like that where solo travel shines—you can let the road guide you without having to check in with anyone else. 

 

Cons of solo travel

But it’s not always sunshine and rainbows. It can get lonely at times, especially when you’re craving company. Plus, all the responsibilities fall on you, from driving to cooking to navigation. While this can be empowering, it’s also exhausting when you’re doing it day after day for weeks at a time. 

On my solo drive through the Nullarbor Plain, I distinctly remember wishing I had someone to take over the wheel. It was a long, straight stretch of road (the longest in Australia, to be exact), and the isolation was intense. Moments like that remind you that while solo travel gives you independence, it also means handling every single task on your own, from navigation to cooking up a quick meal after a long drive. It can definitely get tiring if you don’t take adequate breaks.  

 

Pros of group travel

On the flip side, group travel offers the fun of shared experiences. Whether it’s cooking together or simply laughing around the campfire, there’s something special about making memories with you friends like this. It’s also cheaper since you can split costs for everything from fuel to food, making it more budget-friendly than going solo. And don’t forget the division of labour—someone else can drive while you relax or take charge of dinner while you plan the next stop. 

One of the best memories I have of group travel is from my trip with friends down the West Coast, from Broome to Perth. We’d pull up at our campsite for the night, split up tasks—one person handled the fire, another prepped dinner—and then we’d all set up our camp chairs to share highlights from the day and play a game of cards. There’s something about that shared experience that makes the moments even more special, and the inside jokes we created along the way still make us laugh today. 

 

Cons of group travel

That said, travelling in a group isn’t always smooth sailing. Differing preferences about where to go or what to do can lead to friction, especially when everyone has their own idea of the perfect road trip itinerary. Privacy can also be hard to come by, and you may find yourself craving some solo time. Group travel requires more compromise, which can be tricky when everyone has different schedules or priorities. 

On that same trip, there were times when the four of us couldn’t agree on the day’s plans. One of us wanted to spend more time at Coral Bay, while another was keen to move on to the next destination. After a long conversation, we made a list of all the things we had to see on the trip and decided that everything else would just be a “see how we feel”. That way we all had settled our expectations, and if you didn’t want to go on that activity on the day, you could just stay back in the campervan. It was all pretty smooth sailing from that point onwards!  

 

Practical tips for both solo and group campervan trips

Whether you're travelling solo or with friends, there are a few tips that can make your campervan adventure smoother. Let’s break down what you need to know, from planning to packing, to make sure you’re ready for the open road. 

 

Planning and preparation

Preparation is key for any Australia road trip, but the approach differs depending on whether you’re travelling solo or in a group. For solo travel, planning tends to be more straightforward since it’s just you calling the shots. You’ll want to research campgrounds, plot your route using a road trip itinerary planner, and leave room for flexibility. In a group, though, more coordination is needed. Discuss the itinerary ahead of time to make sure everyone’s on the same page, and agree on how responsibilities like driving and cooking will be shared. 

 

Packing essentials for solo vs. group travel

When you’re travelling solo, you have a lot of freedom, depending on the size of your camper. However, be mindful that whatever you pack, you will have to find a space for it! So try to stick to the essentials and try to pack things that can be used for multiple situations.  

When you’re travelling as a group, packing light is crucial. Space in a campervan can be limited, and when multiple people are staying in it, it gets cluttered quickly! A top tip? Use soft duffel bags instead of hard suitcases—they’re easier to store in tight spaces. For group travel, packing gets a little more communal. Make sure to coordinate who’s bringing what to avoid duplicates.  

READ MORE: For more tips on packing, check out the full guide to campervan road trip essentials. 

 

Campervan size and layout considerations

The size of your campervan can make or break the trip. If you’re on a solo holiday, a smaller, more agile camper is usually enough and makes for easier driving and parking. When you’re travelling as a group, though, you’ll need something larger and more spacious, with enough beds and seating to keep everyone comfortable. Look for vans with multiple sleeping areas or seating that convert into beds to maximise space. 

 

Ready to travel Australia in a campervan hire?

No matter which style of travel suits you best—solo travel or group travel—Australia is the perfect place to explore by campervan. Best of all, you can easily book your Apollo camper online and then pick it up from any Apollo branch before starting your road trip.  With their locations all around Australia, you can really experience it all! What are you waiting for?