Going places was always my preferred type of flying. I rented for a few years mostly sharing the trips to keep costs down. Until recently I have still rented when on holiday, sometimes for up to two weeks at a time. Costs were split 3 or four ways. That worked really well.
Joining a group I think is ultimately the way to go. You will probably find the savings in a nice touring aircraft are not huge over hiring but it will be a known quality and usually available for longer trips.
Savings can be had with a permit aircraft but there may be compromises to be made in usability an you may be expected to get your hands dirty.
Don't under estimate how quickly you can outgrow an aircraft. You are living in a country with not the best of flying weather. To get better use from a shareoplane you may find you will soon want an IR/R. Not necessarily for hard IFR. Just to get on top.
So, first stage, get a flying buddy or two.