Best Travel Groups for Solo Travelers: Where to Go and Who to Go With

One in four travellers plans to go solo this year, but here’s the twist: most of them don’t want to be alone the entire time.

Going solo doesn’t mean going silent. It doesn’t mean eating all your meals with your phone as your only dinner companion or pretending to enjoy hiking alone when you’d rather share the view. It just means you’re ready to take ownership of your time, your itinerary, and maybe your bucket list.

And that’s where travel groups for solo travellers change the game.

They’re not cringey high school field trips or awkward “singles tours.” The best ones feel more like travelling with strangers who instantly get it, because they’re solo too. They want to explore, connect, and go deep without needing to drag along a plus-one.

In this guide, we’re diving into what these groups offer, how to pick the right one, and which companies actually deliver. No fluff. No vague “transformational journey” stuff. Just real talk, practical tips, and a nudge of courage if you need it.

Let’s make solo travel social, without making it weird.

Key Takeaways

• Group travel for solo travellers combines independence with connection, ideal for those who want to travel alone but not be alone the whole time.

• Why join: Skip the logistics, stay safe, meet like-minded people, and enjoy a social trip designed for solos.

• What to expect: Small groups (10-16), built-in flexibility, optional private rooms, and everyone arriving solo, no cliques, no pressure.

• Top travel groups: Intrepid, G Adventures, Explore Worldwide, Exodus, Go Ahead Tours, Road Scholar, EF Ultimate Break (ages 18-35).

• Good for all ages: Choose based on your pace, destination, and group dynamic, some focus on adventure, others on comfort or culture.

• Popular destinations: Portugal, Japan, Costa Rica, Vietnam, Greece, Morocco, safe, scenic, and solo-friendly with the right group.

• Tips for first-timers: Join the group chat early, pack light, take breaks, and be open but real. Everyone’s solo, so connection happens naturally.

• Common myths: Not for singles only, not overly structured, not lonely or awkward, just a smarter, easier way to travel solo.

Why Join a Travel Group as a Solo Traveller

Solo travel sounds exciting until you hit the sixth hour of eating alone in an airport food court.

Freedom? Incredible. The planning, safety concerns, and occasional loneliness? Less so.

That’s where group travel for solo adventurers flips the script. You get all the joy of solo decision-making, without sacrificing connection, convenience, or confidence. These trips are built for people who want to explore without coordinating logistics, splitting hotel rooms, or wondering if they’ve just signed up for a honeymoon package… alone.

You don’t need a friend to tag along. You need a trip designed for solo travellers. With like-minded people, an expert guide, and a ready-made community that doesn’t feel forced.

It’s solo, but better.

What to Expect from a Solo-Friendly Group Tour

Here’s what the good ones get right.

Small group sizes. You’re not joining a bus with 40 matching hats. Think 10 to 16 people max, enough for variety, small enough to bond.

Built-in balance. These tours mix structure with freedom. A few anchor activities, some local guidance, then time to wander or nap or skip that museum entirely. No pressure.

Everyone’s solo. You won’t be the odd one out. Most travellers travel alone. That means fewer cliques, more openness, and people who want to connect.

Flexible lodging. Private rooms, roommate matching, and zero shame if you want space. You won’t be stuck sharing with a stranger unless you opt in.

Real conversations. The best part of solo-friendly groups? The people. You’ll meet folks who’ve also stepped out of their comfort zones. And those are the kinds of people worth sitting next to at dinner.

Best Travel Groups for Solo Travellers in 2026

There are plenty of options, but these are the standouts, each with its own vibe, price point, and traveller profile.

Intrepid Travel

Small-group adventures that lean local and sustainable. Great for culture seekers and minimal-fuss travellers who want real immersion without roughing it.

G Adventures

Global, budget-friendly, and super solo-conscious. They’ve mastered the art of making it feel like a road trip with friends, except with actual planning and zero guesswork.

Explore Worldwide

Over 80% of their travellers go solo, so they design everything with that in mind. A great variety of trips, from chill to challenging.

Exodus Travels

Perfect for active adventurers. If you want to hike, bike, or get muddy somewhere beautiful, this is your crew.

Go Ahead Tours

Polished, comfortable, and built for solo travellers who still love a hotel room that feels like a treat. Often includes single rooms as part of the package.

EF Ultimate Break

Younger vibe. Think ages 18-35. High-energy trips with group bonding built in. If you want to see Europe and make friends fast, start here.

Road Scholar

Designed for curious travellers over 50. Educational focus, slower pace, and a welcoming, thoughtful group dynamic.

No one group fits all. But one of these will probably feel like it was built just for you.

How to Choose the Right Group for You

Here’s the part where a little self-awareness goes a long way.

What’s your travel style? Are you a “wake up at 6 and summit something” type, or do you want wine tastings and cathedrals? Your pace = your people.

What’s your vibe? Big nights out or early-morning hikes? Chill or structured? Look for companies that match your energy, not just your bucket list.

What’s your age group? This matters more than you think. A 24-year-old solo backpacker and a 50-year-old art lover are looking for different things, and both deserve a trip that feels right.

How much freedom do you want? Some tours are planned every minute. Others give you just enough guidance to get oriented, then let you roam. Know what works for you.

Where do you want to go? Sounds obvious, but some companies shine in certain regions. Intrepid nails Southeast Asia. Exodus owns trekking. Go Ahead Tours crushes Europe. Match the company to the destination.

How social do you want this to be? If you’re extroverted, go smaller and looser. If you’re introverted, look for trips with solo-friendly downtime.

The more honest you are about what you need, the better your experience will be. Don’t pick a trip based on hype. Pick one that fits you.

Tips for First-Time Solo Group Travellers

This isn’t your typical “10 best travel hacks” list. These are the things I wish someone had told me before I joined my first solo tour:

• Join the group chat early. Most tours have a WhatsApp or FB group. Jump in. Say hi. It makes day one less weird.

• Bring your own headphones. Sometimes you’ll want to opt out of the small talk. Totally okay.

• Pack lighter than you think. Seriously. No one’s judging you for rewearing shirts.

• Be open, not performative. You don’t need to be “on” all the time. Be real. People will respond.

• Say yes to weird stuff. The best memories come from the least expected moments.

• Take a break when you need one. Skip the group dinner if you’re wiped. No one will mind.

Most of all? Trust that the awkwardness fades fast. Everyone’s in the same boat. Or a minibus.

Solo Travel vs. Group Solo Travel: What’s the Difference?

Let’s clear this up, because the terminology can get a little messy.

Solo travel means you plan the trip yourself, go alone, and call all the shots. No set schedule. No built-in company. Just you, your destination, and whatever happens next.

Group solo travel means you go alone, but join a tour with other solo travellers. You get a curated experience, expert guides, and people to share the trip with. But you’re not bringing anyone with you. No coordinating schedules. No drama.

One gives you full freedom. The other gives you freedom plus connection.

Both are awesome. But if you’re new to solo travel, or you just don’t want to spend two weeks Googling train schedules in a foreign language, group solo travel is a smart place to start.

Are Group Tours Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

Short answer: Yes. If you pick the right one.

Most companies that run solo travel group tours know what matters, especially for women travelling alone. They vet hotels. They train guides. They build itineraries that prioritise comfort, cultural sensitivity, and personal space.

Still, do your homework:

• Look for companies with strong reputations and reviews

• Ask about rooming options if you prefer privacy

• Make sure there’s a clear point of contact during the trip

• Trust your gut. If a company’s marketing feels off, it probably is

Also, don’t underestimate the peace of mind that comes from having a crew, even if they’re strangers on day one. Because group solo travel isn’t just about the logistics. It’s about not having to keep your head on a swivel 24/7. That kind of mental rest? Worth it.

Best Destinations for Group Solo Travel in 2026

Not every destination works well for group travel, or for first-time solo travellers. Here are a few that strike the perfect balance between exciting, safe, and group-friendly:

• Portugal – Coastal cities, friendly locals, and amazing food without the crowds of Western Europe

• Japan – Incredibly safe, culturally rich, and best explored with a guide who speaks the language

• Costa Rica – Eco-adventures, wildlife, and beach time, great for activity-based group bonding

• Vietnam – Affordable, welcoming, and perfect for small group exploration

• Greece – Islands, ruins, and group-friendly nightlife that isn’t overwhelming

• Morocco – Magical, layered, and so much easier to navigate with a trusted local company

A great trip isn’t just about where. It’s about how you experience it. The right destination paired with the right group tour = game changer.

What to Pack for Group Solo Travel (That You Might Forget)

You already know the basics. But here’s what experienced group solo travellers always bring:

• Headphones – For solo downtime or muting snorers

• Daypack – Lightweight, secure, perfect for group excursions

• Refillable water bottle – Obvious, but everyone forgets one

• Tiny power strip – One outlet, six roommates? Be the hero

• Notebook or travel journal – Yes, really. You’ll want to remember names, places, and unexpected advice

• Emergency snack – There’s always a delayed meal or bus ride

• Travel laundry kit – Pack less. Wash mid-trip. Thank yourself later.

Also: pack your patience, your curiosity, and a few conversation starters. You’re showing up solo, but you won’t be for long.

Common Misconceptions About Solo Travel Groups

Let’s kill some myths before they scare you off.

“I’ll be the only one solo.” Nope. Most people on these trips come solo. That’s the whole point.

“It’ll feel like forced fun.” The good tours build in downtime, not cheerleading sessions.

“It’s a singles trip.” Wrong vibe. These are for people who want to travel—not date.

“I’ll have no privacy.” That’s what optional private rooms and flexible schedules are for.

“It’s expensive.” Not when you factor in lodging, guides, meals, transportation, and the hours you don’t spend planning.

It’s not about “finding yourself” (unless you want to). It’s about making travel easier, richer, and way less lonely.

Conclusion

Here’s the takeaway: solo travel doesn’t mean you have to do everything alone.

It means freedom. And flexibility. And space to choose your adventure, with or without people you’ve just met over welcome drinks and jet lag.

Group travel for solo travellers bridges the gap. It gives you structure, safety, and social connection, without hijacking your independence. You still get to choose when to engage and when to explore solo. No pressure, no expectations. Just options.

So, if you’ve been waiting for someone to join you before you finally take that trip? Consider this your sign: go anyway. Go solo. Join a group. Meet people who are also done waiting.

Because you might start the trip alone, but you definitely won’t finish it that way.

Craving more than just travel tips? Our Bali Travel E-Guide helps solo travellers discover authentic culture, hidden gems, and local insights so you can explore the island with freedom and connection.