“Both are good” leaves a comparison unfinished. A more useful answer explains the different benefits and shows which one matters more in a particular situation.
The travel questions in IELTS Speaking Confidence with 50 Practice Materials contrast independence with shared experiences. This original exercise develops that trade-off without assuming that all travellers have the same priorities.
Compare decisions, not stereotypes
Travelling alone may allow a person to change plans independently. Travelling with others may involve agreeing on activities. Neither observation means that solo travellers are antisocial or groups always disagree.
Original response
“For a short photography trip, I might prefer going alone because I could spend longer in one place. For a family holiday, sharing the experience would matter more to me than having complete freedom over the timetable.”
Explain the compromise
A preference often involves accepting a limitation. You might give up some flexibility to share an experience, or choose independence while missing company. Naming that compromise makes your reasoning clearer.
Develop the short answer
Starting point: “I prefer travelling with friends.”
Possible development: “I enjoy having someone to share the experience with, even though we sometimes need to compromise about activities.”
The answer gives both the valued benefit and the accepted limitation.
Respond to the exact situation
A work trip, a family visit and a leisure trip may lead to different choices. If the question provides a situation, use it. If it asks generally, you can introduce a specific example to explain your view.
Practise changing only the purpose of the trip while keeping the comparison. This helps you build flexible reasoning rather than memorising one answer for every travel question.
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Source: IELTS SP 169.epub, Jobins Training. Examples labelled original or illustrative were written for this article. Independent exam preparation; no affiliation with or endorsement by the examining body. Practice does not predict an official score.