solo group travel companies

Best Tour Companies for Singles

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Ligaya Malones is an editor, blogger, and freelance writer specializing in food and travel. Ligaya's work has appeared in publications including Lonely Planet and BRIDES.

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A recent study showed that the solo travel industry is projected to experience a significant influx in the upcoming years. Whether you want to experience a solo adventure, see the world at your own convenience, or hope to meet new people along the way, there’s always something worthwhile about traveling by yourself. 

Luckily, there are plenty of travel companies that cater to solo travelers to make planning stress-free. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best companies for every budget and travel preference to support your wanderlust—including our top picks for women-only and solo parent travel.

8 Best Tour Companies for Singles of 2024

• Best Experience: Exodus Travels
• Best for Ages 35-50: El Camino Travel
• Best Sustainable: G Adventures
• Best for True Solo Travel: Black Tomato
• Best for Ages 25-39: For The Love of Travel
• Best for 50+: Overseas Adventure Travel Rates
• Best Female: Wild Women Expeditions
• Best for Solo Parent Travel: Intrepid Travel

Best Experience : Exodus Travels

Courtesy of Exodus Travels

Traveling solo on an Exodus Travels group trip means access to self-guided and guided excursions around the world for every type of traveler. Choose a walking wine holiday in Portugal or explore Egypt via cruise boat and sleeper train, for example. Additionally, its Exodus Edits collection offers shorter itineraries of up to five days and is geared towards travelers in their 30s and 40s—though they’re ideal for anyone looking for more vigorous activity such as ziplining and surfing in Costa Rica or sampling street eats and beach hopping in Sicily. 

There is no single supplement fee when you room with a fellow traveler, and chances are you may end up with your own room anyway. Booking a travel itinerary with UK-based Exodus Travels includes a full refund should the company need to cancel your trip and a complimentary trip transfer to another tour or different person up to 21 days before the scheduled trip. Plus, travelers who book their third or more trips with Exodus receive a 5 percent discount on their next booking.

What’s more, the company works to curate trips that align with a number of United Nations sustainable development goals including goals for responsible consumption and production, empowering local communities, and climate action considerations. Exodus Travels (founded in 1974) was awarded Best Operator in National Geographic Traveller’s sixth annual Reader Awards in 2021.

Best for Ages 35-50 : El Camino Travel

Courtesy of Encounter Travel

According to El Camino Travel ’s founder, Katalina Mayorga, elder millennials are their strongest customer base. That means if you were born between 1980 and 1985 approximately, you’ll find yourself among curious, like-minded solo travelers looking to immerse themselves in destinations like Trinidad and Tobago, Colombia, and the Eastern European nation of Georgia. Some trips even add a professional photographer to capture shareable shots so you can remain in the moment.

All of El Camino’s guided, small group trips max out at 12 participants. They’re also curated with an ethos of preserving and protecting local culture, the environment, and communities. For example, some of their partners include the Environmental Research Institute Charlotteville in Tobago and La Sierra Artist Residency in Santa Marta, Colombia.

Best Sustainable : G Adventures

Courtesy of Intrepid Travel

G Adventures is particularly known for its sustainable, responsible ethos. The company works with small, locally-owned hotels and operators to ensure your travel dollars benefit the community you’re visiting; outlines policies around child and animal welfare practices; aims to reduce single-use plastics, and works to ensure experiences taking place in Indigenous communities align with community goals.

Founded in 1990, G Adventures specializes in small group adventure tours to a host of destinations from Asia to South America and Africa to the Arctic. Nearly half of the travelers on every trip are flying solo, and there’s no single supplement if you choose to bunk with a same-sex roommate. Or, select your own room for a fee. 

A Chief Experience Officer leads each group tour and itineraries are searchable by travel style. For example, find wellness-centric trips like nine days of daily yoga, visits to Hindu temples, and partake in traditional healing ceremonies in Bali. Or travel with their partner, National Geographic, for an exclusive guided tour of South Africa’s Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and a visit to Soweto township in Johannesburg, the home of Nelson Mandela. 

G Adventures partnered with hostel booking service Hostelworld in 2021 to launch its Roamies itineraries. Its combination of backpacking and organized travel itineraries includes countries like Albania, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Vietnam. The trips are marketed to 18- to 35-year-olds, though like-minded individuals keen on budget travel and communal environments may enjoy these trips, too.

Best for True Solo Travel : Black Tomato

Courtesy of G Adventures

Black Tomato specializes in bespoke luxury travel experiences. For those interested in traversing around the world solo and willing to pay a premium for tailored itineraries, its adventurous or culturally immersive experiences may just be your ticket.

Your travels might look like hiking and biking in Patagonia, embarking on a spiritual pilgrimage through Bhutan and India, chasing glaciers and geysers in Iceland, or learning to cook Georgia and Armenia’s local dishes or Japan’s regional cuisine.

In 2017, Black Tomato launched its Get Lost adventure travel experience. With the support of a dedicated team, and without prior knowledge of where they're headed, Get Lost participants will find their way home from an undisclosed location. The location is selected based on a pre-travel questionnaire about which environment clients would like to immerse themselves in. Then, they show up at the airport and the adventure begins.

Best for Ages 25-39 : For The Love of Travel

Courtesy of Contiki

With 80 percent of individuals traveling with For The Love of Travel jet -setting solo, each trip is packed with opportunities to meet fellow Millennial and Gen Z travel enthusiasts. For example, within your small “crew” of up to 14 people, make new friends doing snow sports and unwinding in saunas in Lapland or devouring tacos and sipping mezcal in Mexico City. Trips range from four to nine days, including weekends in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain wilderness or an extended weekend in Costa Rica where you’ll hike through rainforests, relax in hammocks, and hike, bike, or surf.

According to company feedback, the average FTLOT traveler is 30 years old and interested in meeting new people while traveling . The company bills itself as a mid-range travel company, where “​​we might stay in a more basic hotel for a couple of nights so we can include a Michelin-worthy meal and a private catamaran ride.” 

In 2022, FTLOT plans to offer at least 10 new itineraries including to Belize, Turkey, and Spain’s Basque Country. And for those with the flexibility, the company launched Sojrn in 2021 featuring month-long, themed stays in destinations like Cape Town—focused on biodiversity—and a fashion-oriented stay in Paris.

FTLOT requires an initial deposit and allows installment payments if not paid in full.

Best for 50+ : Overseas Adventure Travel Rates

Courtesy Flash Pack

Overseas Adventure Travel is primarily aimed at American travelers aged 50 and over. It offers guided itineraries to worldwide destinations, including Africa, Antarctica, Asia, and the South Pacific, with trips ranked by activity level and accompanied by a list of physical requirements to help select an itinerary that is best suited for you. For example, their Japan and South Korea itinerary advise that participants be able to carry their own luggage as the selected hotels do not have porter service.

Some of Overseas Adventure Travel’s most popular trips include 17 days of wending the Adriatic from Croatia to Bosnia and Herzegovina (think a walking tour in Dubrovnik, sampling traditional Bosnian food in Sarajevo, and exploring the countryside near Zagreb). On another popular trip, you spend 15 days traveling through Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, ending in Helsinki, Finland. All trips offer pre-and post-itinerary extensions, and either waive the single supplement entirely or offer a discount on a private room.

The company offers a free Roommate Matching Program which helps you find a like-minded, same-sex roommate. If they can’t find a match, your single supplement is deducted. Small group sizes typically average 13 travelers.

Overseas Adventure Travel won the Solo Travel Award for Best Tour in 2017 and 2018, thanks in large part to its policy of offering a limited number of single spaces for each itinerary.

Best Female : Wild Women Expeditions

Courtesy of Overseas Adventure Travel

It began as an all-women, Canada-based canoe tripping company in 1991, and Wild Women Expeditions is perfect for boundary-pushing women who want to travel independently and enjoy the safety and support of an organized tour. The company also prioritizes hiring female tour leaders and on-the-ground guides. It offers outdoor adventures for women of all ages and identities and with a range of physical abilities (“whether your greatest skill is tracking a storm or talking up a storm, summiting mountains or summoning courage, keeping your kayak in line or coloring outside the lines,” as the company describes).

The company travels to 31 destinations around the world like Egypt, Tanzania, and the Azores islands. Itineraries are typically adventure-based and are filtered on their website by activity, with options ranging from sailing to cycling and horse riding. Imagine yourself sea kayaking and snorkeling in the Galapagos or scaling glaciers in Alaska. 

Most guests are solo travelers and there’s no single supplement to worry about as accommodation is typically in a shared room or cabin. Though if privacy is a priority, you can usually snag your own room for a nominal extra fee. Group sizes are kept small and social with between six and 14 women, depending on the itinerary you choose. The average group size is eight. 

Wild Women Expeditions also takes care to curate trips that avoid or minimize the disturbance of wildlife; supports environmental education and advocacy projects; and partners with social justice and women’s rights organizations.

Want to take a look at some other options? See our guide to the best women-only adventure travel companies .

Best for Solo Parent Travel : Intrepid Travel

Courtesy of Wild Women Expeditions

Intrepid ’s family-themed holidays welcome adults traveling with children, including solo parents looking to travel with their kids without the stress of planning and coordinating a trip. Since each family’s travel needs and preferences are different, every itinerary includes an “essential trip information” section where Intrepid outlines whether the trip would be a good fit for you and your kids, as well as a physical rating from least to more strenuous activities. 

For example, an itinerary through part of the Amazon Jungle in Peru advises the jungle can be very hot and humid, and that the weather can be unpredictable in the Andes. On the other hand, an 11-day trip to Borneo island in Southeast Asia lists a minimum age of 5 and outlines a range of accommodations from hotels to guesthouses and jungle camps; on a few occasions, travel times between destinations range between four to five hours. Trips to Costa Rica, Tanzania, China, and Morocco are also listed.

Individuals under 17 years typically receive a 10 percent discount, and the company requires that adults have at least one child under 18 years traveling with them. As part of Intrepid’s commitment to responsible travel, itineraries support initiatives surrounding sustainability and conservation, climate education, and preservation of Indigenous culture.  

Mathieu Young / Getty Images

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Solo Tours, Travel & Vacations

• Travel styles
• Solo travel

Got the urge for adventure, but no one to do it with? Over 50% of travelers on our trips are traveling solo.

This is why traveling as part of our small group tours has its perks. We’ve got expert local leaders who can't wait to show you around, ready-made friends who are itching to explore (just like you), and optional single supplements if you want a room all to yourself. All you have to do is turn up with a smile and a passport: we’ll handle the rest.

World Sale - Up to 20% off!

Save up to 20% off* small group adventures worldwide for a limited time only.

Our most popular group trips for solo travelers

All our group trips are perfectly suited to those of you traveling solo, but here are a few favorites as rated by our previous solo travelers.

Beautiful Bali

9 days from 981.

Travel to Bali and experience this oasis off the coast of Indonesia. Bali's Ubud, Mt...

Best of Morocco

15 days from 1165.

Discover the best of Morocco on an action-packed trip exploring Marrakech, Fes, the...

Everest Base Camp Trek

15 days from 1512.

Embark on the trek of a lifetime to Everest Base Camp on this tour. Fly into Lukla and...

Explore Jordan

8 days from 1304.

Travel to Jordan and tour Amman, Madaba and the inspiring desert landscape of Wadi Rum....

Turkey Uncovered

14 days from 1403.

Discover the best of Turkey on a 14-day trip exploring Istanbul, Gallipoli, Fethiye,...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

Group trips for solo travelers by region

South Africa

The perks of solo travel on a group tour

A local leader

When you’re all by yourself, it’s easy to fall into the typical tourist traps. You wander within a few blocks of your hotel, see a few of the big sights and that’s about it. But solo travel on a group tour isn’t like that. Each of our trips has an expert local leader who knows every backstreet bar, cool tapas joint and hidden gallery. They’ll give you tips for your free time exploring, and introduce you to locals.

Ready-made friendships

Go solo, but not alone. That’s our motto. The average Intrepid Travel trip has about ten people on it – people of all ages and backgrounds from all over the world. It’s like a hostel dorm room that travels with you (minus the smell and the weird naked guy). You’ve got ready-made friends for a karaoke session in Vietnam, a  canoeing adventure in New Zealand  or a  chat over chai  at the breakfast table. For a solo traveler, it’s a nice perk to have.

Logistics and convenience

We’ve spent the better part of 30 years honing our itineraries, getting rid of the dodgy hotels and keeping the good ones, picking the best restaurants to visit, and organizing public transport and all the other logistics of travel so you don’t have to worry. Traveling alone can often be a) confusing and b) complicated. But with us, all you need is a good attitude – we’ll take care of the rest.

Our leaders know the areas of town to avoid after dark. They know how to haggle at markets, avoid pickpockets and scammers and generally have a good time without anything going wrong. And don’t forget, when you're a single traveler on a group tour, you’re in a group! You’ll have a bunch of new friends to watch your back (and your stuff). It’s all the flexibility and freedom of independent travel but without the risks.

Solo travel FAQs

Will i have my own room.

It’s completely up to you. On our trips rooming is organized on a twin-share basis and we pair up solo travelers with another traveler of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. But if you'd like your own room, an individual room is available on the majority of our trips (it’s just a small extra charge). Just mention this to our  customer service team  when booking your trip and they'll arrange it for you.

As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please  contact us  so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

On a small selection of itineraries, some accommodations are booked on an open-gender, multi-share basis (for example on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances, it will clearly be stated in our Essential Trip Information prior to booking and traveling.

How does group time work?

Whether you’re traveling solo or with a partner, our trips have a set itinerary. But within that, there’s time set aside for your own exploration (if you want to – no pressure). The amount of free time depends on the travel style - you can ask your guide for a few tips then head out alone, or hang out with the group and see where the day takes you.

Do I have to pay for an individual room?

Not if you don’t want to. If you’re happy to bunk with a traveler of the same gender, paired up as per the gender marker on each of their passports, there’s nothing extra to pay on the vast majority of our trips. If you want your own room, just mention it to our customer service team when booking and they can organize an individual room for a small charge.

As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please  contact us  so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

I'm new to group travel, what will my group be like?

Intrepid travelers are connected more by attitude than age. They’re a friendly, open-minded and curious bunch, and a lot of them elect to travel alone (so no third-wheeling, we promise). Our trips attract a mix of genders and ages generally ranging from 25 to 65. It’s hard to know exactly who you’ll meet, but you can be assured you'll be a part of the fun.

Is it cheaper to travel in a group?

On average, solo travel on a group tour is way more cost-effective than heading out on your own as you're splitting the costs. We can also guarantee a lot more inclusions and extras than you’d usually get for your money.

Can I tailor the trip to me?

We have a range of trip styles – Basix, Original, Comfort and Premium – that offer different levels of flexibility and free time. Lots of our travelers choose to travel on their own, so it’s common for people to want different things from their experience. Be sure to chat with your leader ; they can recommend places to explore during your free time or things to try after the trip has finished. 

Tips for solo travelers

Embrace local 

It pays to learn a little bit of the local language wherever you go and you should always consider the country’s dress code when picking out what to wear. In many places, you maybe be expected to dress modestly and cover up exposed skin so consider packing a sarong or light scarf to cover exposed shoulders, along with a long skirt or trousers. Whether you agree with it or not, it’s respectful (and smart) to follow the local style.

When you’re out and about being all adventure-y, just keep an eye on the sunset. Try to avoid catching public transport after dark when you’re on your own, especially if you’re carrying your suitcase/backpack/fancy camera/map (it kind of screams ‘tourist’). Travelling with a  group  is a smart move for any traveller; it’s always good to have people around who’ve got your back.

Social media may be the doom of mankind and rational thought as we know it, but it can be useful, even as a safety tool. Your friends and family are now privy to a minute-by-minute update of your whereabouts, regardless of where you are in the world. Before you leave home, give your friends/family a social media heads-up: ‘If I don’t post a sunset selfie for five days straight, get in touch and see if I’m okay.’

Our solo travel safety guide

Share your itinerary.

Good advice for us all, but particularly for people traveling solo. Make copies of your itinerary, contact details, passport, and travel insurance, then email them to yourself and to one or two friends/family at home. Check in on social media when you can so people can keep track of where you are. 

Remember the little things

If you’re arriving late in a city by yourself, book a hotel with a front desk or concierge service (many hotels also offer private transfers that don’t cost the earth from the airport or train station). If you're traveling with us, we can help you organize an  arrival transfer.  Read your maps  before  you head out for a walk (you can use a map app on your smartphone – or take screenshots of where you’re going if you don’t want to use up your precious data). If you need to check your map when you’re out and about, duck into a shop or café to do it. Leave the blingy jewelry, wedding rings, and designer clothes at home, and aim to dress as the locals do – hit up the local markets if you haven’t packed the right outfits. Aim to keep track of travel times, so you’re not caught out after dark.

Roam if you want to

Most mobile/cell providers now offer travel passes to help manage your international roaming costs (which, let’s face it, are expensive!). For a few dollars a day, you’ll have access to data, which means you can log into your apps (like Skype, email, and WhatsApp) when you’re out of WiFi zones and quickly get in touch with someone – a friend at home, someone in your group, or the police – if you need to. It might also be worth checking out the local cell/mobile providers as these can be quite cost-effective. 

Fare's fair

Solo travelers are way more likely to be ‘taken for a ride’ at the airport by unscrupulous taxi drivers, so do your research before you arrive. Make sure you get a cab from the airport/station taxi rank – if you’re not sure where to go, just head to the information desk for help. Touts tend to hang out in the arrivals area and promise cheaper rates, but can often be dodgy. When you get to the cab rank, ask the driver to use the meter or request a cost estimate  before  you hop in the car – if it’s way higher than it should be, pick another vehicle. A lot of airports have train stations attached as well, so consider public transport if you want to save a dollar or two.

Stick together

It’s one of the advantages of traveling solo on a group tour: safety in numbers. The big, 50-person bus groups stand out on the road, but a small  Intrepid group  of eight or nine people, with a local leader showing the way – including areas to avoid and getting around safely – won’t draw much attention. Plus, it’s a great way to see parts of the world you may feel uncomfortable exploring on your own. If you want to do things on your own, consider a  day tour  to familiarise yourself with a city and get to know the local way of life. 

Trust your instincts

Solo travel is all about confidence. If you’re relaxed and self-assured on the street, you’re more likely to blend in. When you meet new people, don’t assume they’re all out to get you, but be sensible too and trust your gut. If it feels wrong, it probably is. Remember: the popular tourist areas are often the most well-lit and secure, but they’re often a juicier target for pickpockets and scammers. Just use your common sense; half of travel safety is simply being aware of your surroundings.

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10 Best Travel Companies for Solo Travel Tours in 2024

These tour companies are a perfect fit for solo travelers in 2024..

The Scoop: What to Know About Trafalgar Tours

Solo travel tours are one of the fastest growing sectors of group travel for all ages. They’re popular with solo travelers because they offer shared adventures that translate into easy camaraderie, and they take the tedious details like hotel bookings and flight reservations out of planning a solo trip. Once the trip starts, you’ll be escorted by expert guides who handle everything from airport transfers and meals to tours and guides, too.

2024’s Best Tour Companies for Solo Travelers

Many tour groups for solo travelers will pair singles with a roommate so you won’t pay a penny extra for traveling alone; others will offer single rooms at a discounted rate so you won’t have to pay the entire dreaded “single supplement.” Some of the best companies even have tours designed specifically for solo travelers. Here are my picks for 2024’s top companies offering solo travel tours.

WORLD’S BEST:  15 Best Group Travel Companies for Guided Tours in 2024

1. G Adventures

A popular tour company offering small group tours worldwide, G Adventures  offers a range of itineraries to suit solo travelers. If you’re traveling solo, you will either be paired with another traveler of the same sex for rooming purposes, or in your own room if you pay a single supplement. G Adventures tends to attract likeminded participants, creating a good environment for solo travelers looking to meet new people. Trips support local businesses with a goal of helping communities to better sustain themselves.

MORE TOURS: 10 Best G Adventures Tours to Take in 2024

Travelers under age 35 are drawn to the company’s new Roamies  itineraries, which are immersive small group trips to iconic locations with overnights at some of the world’s finest hostels. The company’s Local Living tours allow you to participate in the rituals of daily life and see what life would be like if you resided in the destination. And its  Jane Goodall wildlife-centric trips  to places like Belize and Madagascar are particularly popular. A large percentage of G Adventure guests are solo female travelers, gravitating to destinations such as Morocco, Costa Rica, Peru, and Jordan.

Quick Facts about Solo Travel Tours with G Adventures

• Average group size:   12 people.
• Price range:  Moderate.
• What’s included:  Accommodations and some meals.
• What’s not included:   Airfare.
• Primary audience:  Adults ages 30 to 55.
• Destinations:  More than 750 trips in 100 countries on all seven continents.
• How to book: Directly through G Adventures , Travelstride , Tourhub , or TourRadar ; or through a travel agent such as AAA

2. Trafalgar

Guided tour company Trafalgar  operates more than 300 tours across seven continents, with trips that range from culinary adventures to wildlife safaris, and solo travelers represent a significant portion of its customer base. While Trafalgar doesn’t operate specific tours groups for solo travelers, 61% of women on its women’s only tours are traveling solo. Additionally, the company offers you the option to be matched with a roommate on nearly all itineraries or receive single room supplements at reduced rates. On select trips, solo travelers may even enjoy a single room upgrade for free.

MORE TOURS: 10 Best Trafalgar Tours to Take in 2024

Sought-after destinations for solo travel tours with Trafalgar include Italy, Portugal, and Egypt. Tour directors have least three years of road experience, and many have been with the company for decades. One-of-a-kind travel experiences such as dining with locals and VIP entry to iconic sights sets Trafalgar apart. ( Read our full Trafalgar review here .)

Quick Facts about Solo Travel Tours with Trafalgar

• Average group size:  40 people.
• What’s included:  Accommodations, daily breakfast, many meals,   luxury coach transportation, Wi-Fi in most countries, airport transfers, and luggage handling.
• What’s not included:  Airfare.
• Primary audience:  Adults over 50.
• Destinations:  All seven continents.
• How to book: Book online with Trafalgar , Travelstride , Tourhub , or TourRadar ; or through a travel agent such as AAA .

3. EF Go Ahead Tours

EF Go Ahead Tours  offers tours to fit travelers of every stripe, including solo travel tours to destinations including Peru, Portugal, Thailand, and Egypt.   You’ll get your own room for no extra charge and all of your tour mates will be other solo travelers. EF Go Ahead organizes hotels, meals, activities, and local transportation.

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You’ll be accompanied by a local EF Tour Director who has extensive experience, gently guiding you every step of the way. The tour company partners with a range of local experts, enriching each stop along your journey. Once you’ve booked, you can download the  free mobile app  and connect with fellow travelers before departure. EF Go Ahead Tours also offers a Solo Travel Facebook group, providing access to an online community. ( Read our full EF Go Ahead Tours review here. )

Quick Facts about Group Tours for Solo Travel with EF Go Ahead

• Average group size:   Capped at 38 guests; usually 10 to 22 people.
• What’s included:  Guided tours, meals, accommodations, and transportation during the tour.
• Primary audience:  Adults aged 35+ with a mix of solo, couple, and group travelers.
• Destinations:   87 countries on all seven continents.
• How to book: Directly through EF Go Ahead or through a travel agent such as AAA .

4. Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent ’s luxury escorted tours hit the sweet spot with solo travelers, blending the   experience of vacationing with like-minded travelers with the privacy of retreating to your own accommodations at the end of each day. A Resident Tour Director remains with the group throughout and is assisted by specialized local guides.

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Abercrombie & Kent’s website has a page dedicated to solo travelers, including special offers on single supplements, in some cases discounted by as much as 75%. Safaris in East and Southern Africa are very popular. By definition, safaris are not a solitary experience; guests go on game drives together, drink sundowners around the campfire, and converse about the day’s wildlife sightings over dinner. 

Quick Facts about Solo Travel Tours with Abercrombie & Kent

• Average group size:   14 people.
• Price range:   Upscale.
• What’s included:  Inter-itinerary flights, accommodations, luggage transfers, meals, mid-journey laundry, activities, and expert guides.
• What’s not included:   Airfare, though a flight concierge is available 24/7 to assist with airline delays.
• Primary audience:  Gen X to Boomers.
• Destinations:  More than 100 countries and on all seven continents.
• How to book: Directly through Abercrombie & Kent or Travelstride ; or through a travel agent such as AAA .

5. Wild Frontiers

Trips with British-based  Wild Frontiers  go off the beaten path to destinations such as Guatemala, Jordan, and Pakistan, and it’s especially suited to solo travel tours because approximately 70% of participants are solo travelers. If you’re willing to share a room, it will match you with a fellow traveler of the same sex. If there’s no other single on your tour, you’ll get your own room without paying any supplement. 

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Tours are fully escorted with experienced guides who use their logistical expertise to troubleshoot the potential pitfalls and challenges of deep-dive, international travel. Hotels may not be the most expensive in town but they are characteristic of the destination and create a sense of place. Meals focus on independently owned eateries serving authentic regional specialties. 

Quick Facts about Group Tours for Solo Travel with Wild Frontiers

• Average group size:   12 people.
• What’s included:  All accommodations, meals, transport, and entrance fees.
• Primary audience:  Solo and adventure travelers of all ages.
• Destinations:   Central Asia and the Far East, Europe and the Caucasus, India Subcontinent, Latin America, North Africa and the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Pacific, and Sub Saharan Africa.
• How to book: Directly through Wild Frontiers or Tourhub ; or through a travel agent such as AAA .

6. Road Scholar

Not-for-profit  Road Scholar  is top option for solo seniors and boomers. Approximately 30% of its trip participants are traveling solo, with 85% identifying as female. Road Scholar trips tend to attract lifelong learners who are keen to plunge beneath the surface, so expect a robust exchange of ideas and plenty of stimulating conversations. 

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Two leaders ensure solo travelers feel included in the broader group. Leaders take care of logistics while local instructors add expertise on a broad range of topics along the way. Some of Road Scholar’s most popular tours for solo travelers include island hopping in Croatia, exploring New Orleans, and culinary adventures in Oaxaca. Road Scholar also has a collection of tours offering single rooms at no additional cost. ( Read our full Road Scholar review here .)

Quick Facts about Solo Traveler Tours with Road Scholar

• Average group size:   22 people.
• Price range:  Moderate.
• What’s included:  Accommodations, most meals, hands-on experiences, gratuities throughout the program, and the Road Scholar Assurance Plan .
• What’s not included:  Travel to and from the program and cancellation insurance.
• Primary audience:  Baby boomers and seniors.
• Destinations:  150 countries and all 50 states,   from Arizona to Zimbabwe.
• How to book: Directly through Road Scholar or Travelstride ; or through a travel agent such as AAA .

7. Intrepid Travel

At  Intrepid Travel , more than 50% of its customers are solo travelers. Responsible, experience-rich travel is a mission at this not-for-profit organization. The tour company prioritizes the preservation of indigenous cultures, climate education, and personal connections with locals. Solo travelers may choose a single room for a small extra charge or be paired with another traveler of the same gender.

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Intrepid strives for inclusivity, so if you identify as a different gender than what is on your passport, let them know in advance so rooming options may be discussed. Popular solo travel tours with Intrepid include exploring Morocco, trekking in New Zealand, and visiting Bali.  In addition to taking care of the most minute details, your expert local leader also knows all the under-the-radar spots that many tourists miss, and trips tend to offer a bit of free time as well. 

Quick Facts about Solo Travel Tours with Intrepid

• Average group size: 10 people.
• Price range:  Economical/moderate.
• What’s included:  Accommodations, local transport, and some meals.
• What’s not included:  Airfare and travel insurance.
• Primary audience : Solo travelers and adults ages 25 to 40.
• Destinations : More than 1,000 trips to 100 countries across seven continents
• How to book: Directly through Intrepid , Travelstride , Tourhub , or TourRadar ; or through a travel agent such as AAA .

8. REI Adventures

For solo travelers who crave adventure in the great outdoors,  REI Adventures  hits the spot. The power of nature acts as a catalyst for bonding over shared fresh-air experiences, from kayaking to biking. And you won’t be staying at run-of-the-mill hotels, either. Instead, you’ll camp under the stars in comfy tents or sleep at a cozy park lodge. Trips for individuals who identify as  women  are guided by women and are very popular with solo travelers. Trips that cater to those  under 35 years old  attract youthful solos. 

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REI Adventures focuses exclusively on American itineraries. Popular trips for solo travelers include hiking in Bryce Canyon, kayaking around the San Juan Islands, and backpacking in Joshua Tree. To keep costs reasonable, REI will pair you with a roommate; if no roommate is available, the company won’t charge you a single supplement fee. If you request private accommodations, you will pay a modest additional fee. REI members receive a discount. 

Quick Facts about Solo Travel Tours with REI Adventures

• Average group size:   10 people.
• What’s included:  Camping gear, meals, and national park fees.
• What’s not included:   Transportation to the trip starting point.
• Primary audience:  Travelers who love the outdoors.
• Destinations:  Eight states including Wyoming, Alaska, and California.
• How to Bbok: Directly via the REI Adventures website.

9. CIE Tours

Though U.S.-based, CIE Tours  is partly owned by the Irish government’s national transport company. It offers guided group trips to the U.K, Iceland, and Italy, but specializes in Ireland and is recognized as a bona fide expert and a top choice for anyone wanting to explore the Emerald Isle. Unlike most tour companies, which can charge extra when you come alone, CIE actually gives you a discount if you’re traveling solo.

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Guided vacations are helmed by personable local tour directors who’ve undergone extensive training as well as annual workshops to keep them up to date. CIE’S guides also garner guest accolades thanks to their wealth of insider knowledge, including tidbits of Celtic lore that enhance the journey. Many have the Irish gift of gab, assuring easy conversations and sense of belonging. ( Read our full CIE Tours review here .)

Quick Facts about Solo Travel Tours with CIE Tours

• Average group size:   Up to 44 people.
• Price range : Moderate.
• What’s included:  Most meals including daily hot breakfast, all entrance fees to attractions and experiences, all on-tour transportation, free Wi-Fi on coaches and in hotels, baggage handlings, local taxes, and hotel service charges.
• Primary audience:  CIE Tours travelers average between 45 and 70 years old, and are primarily from the U.S. or Canada.
• Destinations:  Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales, Italy, and Iceland.
• How to book: Directly through CIE Tours , Travelstride , or TourRadar ; or through a travel agent such as AAA .

10. Tauck Tours

Family-owned  Tauck  has been offering guided group vacations for close to a century. It doesn’t match single travelers with roommates, but in an effort to embrace solo travelers, the company has reduced or eliminated single supplements on some of its most popular trips. Trip directors work hard to ensure solo tour guests are integrated into the group dynamic and feel secure throughout the journey. 

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Tauck has longstanding relationships with a network of global partners, assuring every detail of each trip is seamless. And guides are known for their personal touch and are well-versed in local customs and traditions. Meals and hotels are notably top notch. ( Read our full Tauck review here .)

Quick Facts about Solo Traveler Tours with Tauck

• Average group size:   35 people.
• Price range:  Upscale.
• What’s included:  Gratuities, sightseeing and admissions, most meals, airport handling, luggage transfer, and taxes.
• What’s not included:  Airfare and adult beverages.
• Primary audience:  Upscale travelers over age 50.
• Destinations:  Over 100 destinations in more than 70 countries on seven continents.
• How to book: Directly through Tauck , Travelstride , or Tourhub ; or through a travel agent such as AAA .

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The 10 Best Group Travel Tour Companies for 2023

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her adventures around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

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For those truly epic, once-in-a-lifetime destinations, you want to leave your itinerary to the experts. Whether your dream is to see the Big Five on an African Safari, trek tall mountains, explore European cities, or something even wilder, a group tour is the easiest way to do it.

However, picking the wrong group tour company is the quickest way to ruin your trip. Make sure you choose a tour company that aligns with your goals and travel styles. Do you want an intimate group tour or do you prefer to make lots of new friends in a big group? Does the price line up with what you like (luxury vs. budget)? Is the itinerary going to all the places you want to see? 

We’ve done the research and found the very best group travel tour companies for 2023 for every type of traveler.

Best Overall Group Travel: Exodus Travels

With trips on every continent, Exodus Travels covers anywhere on this planet that you could possibly want to go, from popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast to well off-the-beaten path adventures like Tajikistan. This award-winning group travel company boasts thousands of repeat customers who sign up for trips year after year (97% of past participants would recommend Exodus Travels to a friend). 

These small group tours operate with only around 12-16 people, and always feature experienced local leaders who can give you a unique insight into your destination. Exodus Travels caters to any type of travel style, including trips broken down by type of activity (think walking, cycling, multi-adventure, winter, or cultural) as well as type of traveler (family, age group, etc.). There are curated collections (coastal, “away from it all”, European wilderness, and trips of a lifetime) to inspire you, as well as self-guided options for when you want all the benefits of a group tour planner without the actual group. Looking for that special safari? Exodus Travels just partners with the African Wildlife Foundation to create carefully curated luxury adventures that go above and beyond the standard safari. 

Exodus Travels tours work for almost any budget, with options that range from affordable to premium. 

Top Trip: Explore under-the-radar Europe by foot on Exodus Travels’ Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia walking tour .

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Best Adventure Group Travel: World Expeditions

World Expeditions has been taking adventurous travelers to remote locations all over the world ever since its first group trek through Nepal in 1975. Today, World Expeditions offers active itineraries on every continent. Intrepid travelers can opt for trips themed around mountaineering, rafting, cycling, hiking, and more. 

World Expeditions aims to leave communities and places where they operate tours better than they found them. Trips are created using the company’s Thoughtful Travel Charter as a guideline, which emphasizes respect for the environment, sustainability, having a positive impact on local communities, protecting wildlife, and more. 

World Expeditions’ trips are capped at just 16 people to provide a good experience for participants, and there are no single supplements for solo travelers willing to share a room with someone of the same gender. 

Top Trip: Summit Africa’s tallest mountain on a fully-supported trek up Kilimanjaro on World Expeditions’ eight day trip up the beautiful Lemosho Route . 

Best Budget Group Travel: G Adventures 

For travelers on a budget, G Adventures offers cheap group tours that make dream destinations accessible to nearly anyone. (Think: sailing the Galapagos for just $1,124 , criss-crossing India’s Golden Triangle for $559 , or spending 8 days in Bali for less than $800.)

G Adventures is one of the best tour companies for solo travelers as well, as most trips don’t have a single-supplement. You can choose to share a room with another G Adventures solo traveler, or pay extra to have your own space.

G Adventures keeps costs down by opting for cheaper hotels and local meals, and making certain activities optional (for an additional cost). Pick your travel style—options range from “basic” to more luxe tours run in partnership with National Geographic. Family tours, local living tours (featuring homestays), and wellness-focused tours are also available. 

Top Trip: G Adventures’ China Express trip is a great way to see the highlights of China if you’re short on both time and budget. 

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Best Educational Group Tours: EF Go Ahead Tours

When you really want to learn about a destination, consider a group trip with EF Go Ahead Tours . EF is the world’s largest private education company, and the Go Ahead Tours arm capitalizes on the company’s relationships with local educators, historians, and tour guides to create group trips that take you deep into a destination. 

These small group tours generally cap at 38 travelers, and feature unique educational experiences. For a bucket list trip, EF Go Ahead Tour’s special event tours are particularly enticing, as they offer behind-the-scenes access to tough-to-plan trips like Oktoberfest in Munich or Cherry Blossom season in Japan. 

Intimidated by solo travel? EF Go Ahead Tours is a great option for solo travelers, since it offers designated trips for solo travelers , where everyone is traveling alone, making it less intimidating.  

Top Trip: Bring the tastes of Italy home with you on EF Go Ahead Tours’ Food & Wine: Piedmont & Tuscany tour (operated in partnership with America’s Test Kitchen), where you’ll learn how to make local dishes. 

Best Responsible Group Travel: Intrepid Travel

Looking for a responsible group travel operator that focuses on bettering the communities and destinations they visit? Intrepid Travel is the world’s largest travel B Corporation, a certification for companies doing good. 

Intrepid Travel’s tours focus on sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and sustaining communities. The company has its own charity, The Intrepid Foundation , which has donated over 7 million dollars to over 130 community organizations. 

Intrepid Travel’s small group tours attract a wide range of travelers, but they are especially great for younger travelers, as they have a large number of trips designed for people aged 18-29 . (Other trips, including family-focused trips, are geared toward any age.)

Top Trip: Experience unforgettable wildlife encounters on Intrepid Travel’s Premium Uganda & Rwanda trip which includes time with the mountain gorillas of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. 

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Best Private Group Travel: Kensington Tours

Whether your group consists of just two people or involves taking the entire extended family, Kensington Tours will take all the hassle of planning out of the equation. This private group operator creates personalized trips and itineraries tailored to your preferences, while their experts handle all the logistics and bookings. 

Plans are entirely flexible, and can even be changed while on the trip on a whim. Need some inspiration? Browse Kensington Tours’ travel ideas , to get some ideas for your next adventure. 

Top Trip: Sail around the stunning shores of Croatia and the Dalmation Islands on a private luxury catamaran on Kensington Tours’ fully customizable tour . 

Best Polar Group Travel: Chimu Adventures

Whether you’re headed north to the Artic or south to Antarctica, Chimu Adventures has the perfect polar group trip for you. Chimu Adventures has some of the most variety for polar trips, with options to fly, cruise, or a combination of both to get to your destination.

For an ultra-unique Antarctica trip, Chimu Adventures offers cruises departing from Australia or New Zealand (most Antarctica trips depart from Argentina). Can’t stay long? Book one of Chimu Adventures’ scenic flights to Antarctica , which fly as far as the south pole in one spectacular 16-hour day.

Chimu Adventures is one of the cheapest group trips to Antarctica, with rates starting under $5,000.

Top Trip: If you’re pressed for time (or simply don’t have the stomach for the Drake Passage), Chimu Adventures’ Antarctica Fly Cruise will get you to the ends of the earth quickly and smoothly.

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Best Group Tours for Solo Travelers: For the Love of Travel

Group tours can be a great way to meet new people, but they can sometimes skew on the older age range. If you’re between 25-39 and a solo traveler looking to meet new people, you’ll love For the Love of Travel . All participants on the trips are between 25-39, and according to the company, 80 percent are solo travelers—so you’ll make friends fast. Hoping to meet someone who will be more than just a friend on your next trip? Trips include a balanced number of “gal and guy spots” to ensure an even balance of genders within groups (and of course, non-binary genders are always welcome). 

For the Love of Travel offers weeklong (or longer) international trips as well as shorter weekender trips to nearby destinations like Mexico or Denver—perfect for people without a lot of vacation time.

Top Trip: Sleep in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights, go sledding with huskies, and warm up in traditional saunas on For the Love of Travel’s Lapland tour , already booking dates for 2024.

Best Biking Tours Group Travel: DuVine Cycling

Biking through the rolling hills of Italy or across the mountain roads of Chile sounds like a dream, but the logistics seem daunting (especially if you don’t want to haul all your own stuff from point-to-point). Enter: DuVine Cycling , a luxury small group tour company that specializes in bike trips. 

With trips across Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the United States, DuVine Cycling is a cyclist’s dream. Choose from all-biking trips or mix things up with a cycle and sail bike tour or a multi-sport adventure —no matter what, everything is included, from luxury boutique accommodations to top-quality name brand bikes. 

Top Trip: DuVine’s Holland Bike Tour promises “tulips, windmills, beer, and cheese”—what more could you need?

Best Luxury Group Travel: Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent has been delighting discerning travelers since 1962. Today, they take travelers on unforgettable adventures across over 100 different countries and all seven continents. Although Abercrombie & Kent’s trips are pricey, they encompass once-in-a-lifetime experiences like private jet tours around the world or luxury chartered cruises .

There are trips designed for solo travelers and families , and the small group journeys max out at around 14-18 guests.

Top Trip: Swim with whale sharks in the Philippines, feed proboscis monkeys in Malaysia, and photograph wild tigers in India on Abercrombie & Kent’s Wildlife Safari: Around the World by Private Jet trip , already booking dates into 2024.

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If you want to see a country fast, and get a good taste, not just in the obvious touristy places. If you are ready for a lot of travelling and a bit of mild disco...

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A relaxing and very enjoyable adventure. First day of camel trecking was enhanced by a terrific sandstorm, followed by torrential rain that fell whilst we were sle...

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Although I’ve been back home a while. I still have memories of seeing a mules loaded up with our heavy suitcases. Their legs buckling underneath. A taxi brought so...

Great trip but some journeys too long

A good trip covering a vast area gave us a good experience of the country. Each area had something different, ,enjoyed the desert . also the Atlas Mountains, only p...

Enlightening Tour of Morocco!

Thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the trip. Thought it was well organised. Riding through the dunes on a camel! Staying in Kasbah Oliver and exploring the village a...

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10 of the best tour companies for solo travellers

Discover the best tour companies for solo travellers, from luxury flashpacking to holidays for single parents.

S ingle supplements, hidden extra charges, being made to share a room — sometimes solo travellers feel as if they’re being penalised. Not any more. We’ve put together a list of the top tour operators that offer solo traveller holidays and have adventurous trips ideal for meeting new people and immersing travellers in local culture, no matter their age. And solo doesn’t always have to mean single. Perhaps your partner is unable to travel at the same time or has different interests, perhaps you’re a single parent, or a teenager looking for life-defining experiences. Heck, even if you do have a travel buddy, the trips offered by these tour companies make solo travel look so good you’ll be tempted to leave them at home.

Main photo: on the shore of Lake Pehoe in Patagonia (Getty Images)

1. G Adventures

Best for local culture Founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip when he was just 22, G Adventures connects travellers with local people in the countries they visit and is now the world’s largest small-group adventure travel company. Tours are hosted in over 100 countries and run the gamut from classic and 18–30 tours to wellness, rail and local living tours that base travellers with a host family. Most of the trips do not have a single supplement and accommodation is based on a twin-share basis with another traveller of the same sex. What sets G Adventures apart is its focus on putting money back into local communities and supporting indigenous peoples, women and youth through its non-profit partner, Planeterra Foundation. It supports more than 80 community development projects globally and 90 per cent of travellers visit a social enterprise project on their tour.

2. Intrepid

Best for sustainability Carbon neutral since 2010, an early adopter of carbon offsets, and with its own not-for-profit foundation, Intrepid was started in 1989 by two Australian friends, Darrell Wade and Geoff Manchester. Thirty years on, 50 per cent of its customers are single travellers and it lives up to its name by heading particularly far-flung areas of the globe, including Samoa, Papua New Guinea and the tiny African country of Djibouti. Intrepid also ventures into the Polar regions too, including voyages on the ice-strengthened Ocean Endeavour, which takes 200 passengers.

Best for travellers short on time When the 1970s hippie trail across Asia was in its heyday, John Gillies and David Burlinson drove an overland truck into the Hindu Kush — word spread and they built three more trucks to take groups from London to Kathmandu. That spirit of adventure still informs Exodus trips and solo travellers are eligible to join, with the most popular destinations for singles including Vietnam , Sri Lanka and Costa Rica . They also provide Exodus Edits — bite-size, adventure-packed trips for people in their thirties and forties that are designed to eat into annual leave as little as possible and allow travellers to take multiple shorter trips in a year.

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4. explore.

Best for adventure Explore! is a trusted adventure travel company with tours in all seven continents spanning everything from cycling the Amalfi coast to jungle hikes in Jamaica . Roughly half of its customers travel solo, alongside a mix of couples or friends travelling together. The average group size is 12 and trips are graded from “relaxed”, with more free time, to “full on”, with less downtime. While solo travellers can join all tours, Explore! also provides exclusively solo traveller tours that are broken down into categories for those in their thirties, forties, fifties and sixties, as well as self-guided walking and cycling holidays that solos can undertake.

Best for 18-35s In the summer of 1962 New Zealander John Anderson began to organise tours of Europe out of his minivan and Contiki was born. The backpacking spirit is still alive and strong, with the company catering exclusively to 18 to 35-year-olds and visiting a list of destinations that spans six continents. Seventy per cent of their travellers join trips solo and there’s a strong emphasis on “social travel” — group sizes can range from anywhere between 12 and 52 people — to help people forge lasting friendships. As an added bonus, trips can be paid for in instalments and cancelled free of charge.

6. One Traveller

Best for mature travellers One Traveller is a family-run company that hosts holidays exclusively for mature single travellers, ranging in age from 50 to fit 80-year-olds. Group sizes are larger (on average around 25) and the company provides strong European and Asian offerings, as well as a handful of destinations further afield such as Japan , Chile and Morocco , plus ocean cruises and UK holidays. “Scenic” and “Relaxed” tours cater to those with lower fitness levels and most tours include Vox audio guides for those with a hearing impairment.

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7. Solos Holidays

Best for private rooms What started as golfing holidays for players whose partners didn’t want to join them has grown into tours for solo travellers on six continents. Holidays are organised by activity: from golf, skiing, tennis and treks to city breaks and cultural “discovery” tours that range from two nights to two weeks and are aimed mainly at travellers aged 40 and above. Unlike many operators, Solos ensure travellers always have sole use of either a single or double/twin room with no extra fees; there is no sharing of twins or single supplements.

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8. Flashpack

Best for posh backpacking Married couple Radha Vyas and Lee Thompson founded Flashpack in 2014 after seeing a gap in the market between off-the-rack tours for single 20-year-olds and those aged 50-plus — they designed adventurous tours with a touch of luxury for travellers in their thirties and forties. Trips are classic itineraries interspersed with “can’t-do-it-by-yourself” experiences such as learning to make pastel de nata in Lisbon or canyoning through hidden caves in Slovenia . And with 80 per cent of “Flashpackers” keeping in touch after the trip, it’s great for making lasting friends.

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• Best destinations for solo female travellers

9. Rabbie’s

Best for the UK Although Rabbie’s has now started trips within Europe, Robin Worsnopp started his company in Scotland in 1993 with a single Sherpa van. Some trips — especially in the UK — are day trips but increasingly there are also longer versions. Most prices in the UK don’t include accommodation (although Rabbie’s can book hotels for their guests) and welcome children, while European overnight tours include hotels. What’s universal is Rabbie’s fleet of driver-guides and 16-seater minibuses that can head into offbeat and single-track territory with ease. The London to Edinburgh Adventure winds its way through Stratford-upon-Avon, Conwy in Wales , Whitby, the Lake District and the borderlands of Cumbria and Scotland .

rabbies.com

10. We Road

Best for budget For those in their twenties, thirties and forties, you’ll start getting to know your fellow travellers via WhatsApp two weeks before. Trips are divided into specific themes, including beaches, speedy trips and trekking — all with co-ordinators that you can message directly. At between eight and 15 people, group sizes are small. The “360” holidays aim to cover as much ground as possible (backpacks rather than suitcases are recommended). The Japan 360 trip ticks off all the main cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka plus bamboo forests, bullet trains and the Buddhist temples of Kamakura.

weroad.co.uk

Additional reporting by Sarah Turner

• Best cruise lines for solo travellers • Best destinations for solo travellers

Take me there

Inspired to do some solo travelling, but yet to book your trip? Here are the best options with Jet2Holidays and Tui . Alternatively, try a solo tour with one of our preferred partners here .

Sign up for the Times Travel Newsletter here .

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Solo travel

The best way to travel solo? With us. On our solo tours, you’ll enjoy a private room at no extra cost—and your tourmates will be solo travelers, too. By the time your tour ends, we’re pretty sure your group will feel more like family.

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Adventures (and new friends) await

Been waiting for the perfect travel companion to come along? That’s us—and the friendly, up-for-anything solo travelers you’ll meet on tour.

Whatever your reasons for traveling solo, you’re not alone: More and more travelers—1 in 4, to be precise—are choosing to set out solo. Watch our video to see what going solo’s all about.

Friendship. Flexibility. Full planning support.

These are just a few advantages you’ll enjoy on our solo group tours.

You’ll become part of a close-knit community

Explore alongside other solo travelers who share your curiosity about the world and your craving for meaningful connections.

You can go where and when you want

Fancy seeing Ireland at its lush, summertime best? Or maybe a year-end trip to Egypt’s more your speed. It’s 100% up to you.

You’ll have a room all to yourself ( ahhh )

At the end of each day, you’ll wind down, stretch out, and rest up in your own private room, and it won’t cost you anything extra.

You won’t have to sweat the details

We’ll plan hotels, meals, activities, and transportation . You? Focus on new sights, sounds, and flavors—and friendships taking shape.

We’ll have your back every step of the way

On your trip, you’ll be accompanied by one of our best-in-the-biz Tour Directors. Plus, our global staff will be here to support you 24/7.

Solo travel’s always in season

The beauty of traveling solo? Taking off whenever you want to—summer, winter, or anytime in between. We offer Solo Tours around the world and all year round. So, whenever you’re ready to go, a just-right tour will be, too. Here are just two ways to experience your dream solo escape.

Thailand for Solo Travelers

Escape the chill at home—and avoid Southeast Asia’s rainy season—with a wintertime Thailand tour. Bond with other solo travelers while market-hopping in Bangkok, snorkeling off the coast of Phuket, and more.

Central Europe for Solo Travelers

The best time for a solo sojourn through Central Europe? Summer, when green Alpine trails, sparkling Swiss lakes, and stately palaces from Bavaria to Vienna beckon with full-on fairytale charm.

Your solo adventure starts here

History buff? Outdoor enthusiast? Architecture admirer? We offer Solo Tours for all interests in more than 20 countries, from Austria to Egypt and beyond.

Solo travel made easy

With lots of options—and ways to connect with fellow solo travelers—at your disposal, this is how simple (and fun) solo travel can be.

We offer Solo Tours to Portugal, Peru, Egypt, and beyond. Need help deciding? Chat with us or schedule a call . We’ll help narrow down the choices as we get to know you.

That’s all it takes to secure your spot on tour when you sign up for AutoPay —a hassle-free way to make interest-free, monthly payments leading up to your tour.

Once you’ve booked, download our free mobile app and connect with your fellow travelers before tour. You can also check out your itinerary, scope out your hotels, and more.

As a member of this supportive online community , you can swap travel tips and inspo with other solo travelers. (And who knows? You might even meet a new travel pal.)

On tour, you can explore even more in depth during sunset cruises, cooking classes, and other excursion options. Want your trip to last a little longer? Add its extension.

The moment has arrived—and so have you. Meet your group in your arrival destination, and spend the next several days soaking up culture and newfound friendships.

What travelers are saying about their Solo Tours

Even more tours to choose from.

In addition to our solo trips, you can join any of our 200+ group tours as a solo traveler. Check out some of our most popular trips.

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FAQs and benefits of traveling solo with a group

Solo travel can offer you a unique opportunity to challenge yourself, gain independence, and have an adventure. Plus, going on a guided tour as a solo traveler comes with great perks—including, private rooms in handpicked hotels, local experts and a Tour Director to handle all the details, and the company of equally curious travelers to share your journey. Here are a few other compelling reasons to go solo:

• Take the guesswork out of exploring someplace new. Need tickets to the Spanish Riding School in Vienna? Want to dine like a true Italian at a local’s home in Rome? Wondering how to hire a boat to float down the Nile River? Our experts will help you securely and easily navigate a destination you’ve only dreamed about exploring.
• No need to find a travel partner. Perhaps the biggest reason people  travel solo  is not having someone with matching travel interests. Traveling solo opens up a whole new world of possibilities. You get to go where you want, when you want, chasing your dreams without waiting for someone to come along for the ride.
• Enjoy adventures beyond your comfort zone. Traveling solo isn’t just exhilarating, but easy on one of our small-group adventure trips . You’ll find yourself learning and trying new things, from what you do (hands-on activities) to where you’ll go (roads less traveled) to how you'll get around (think outside the bus). All you need to get started is an open mind, a good pair of walking shoes, and a passion for taking the side streets.

Discover more reasons why people choose solo travel  →

Thanks to its mix of culture, history, natural landscapes, and centuries-old culinary traditions, Europe is an ideal destination for travelers who book solo vacation packages. Individual countries and regions of Europe also make great choices when you go solo. For the best solo travel experiences, we recommend the following:

• Greece .  Explore the best of the Greek Islands alongside fellow solo travelers as you hop from Athens to Crete and over to Santorini.
• Portugal .  Sampling Portugal’s signature pastel de nata, a flaky and flavorful custard tart, is much more fun when you have new friends to share in the excitement of taking that first bite.
• Peru .  Make your way from cosmopolitan Lima to historic Cuzco to the sweeping Sacred Valley—and mystical Machu Picchu—alongside fellow solo travelers.
• Central Europe .  Whether you’re excited to see Bavarian castles or sample Swiss chocolate, there’s no better way to tour Switzerland, Germany, and Austria than with like-minded travelers.
• Egypt .  With fellow solo travelers by your side, you’ll decipher hieroglyphics at towering temples, stand in the shadows of the Pyramids of Giza, and take to the Nile by boat.
• Ireland .  Green landscapes and frothy Guinness await solo travelers on the Emerald Isle, where making new friends comes naturally.
• Thailand .  Visit an elephant sanctuary and hop between Thailand’s temples, markets, and islands with fellow solo travelers.
• United States .  You don’t need to go international to go solo. America’s majestic  national parks are a great choice for solo travel tours.
• Japan .  Be dazzled by Japan’s natural beauty, rich history, and distinctive cuisine—and bond with your fellow solo travelers over hands-on activities, such as cooking classes.
• Kenya .  Majestic wildlife, vibrant culture, and warm locals make for the ultimate mix when you join fellow solo travelers on an epic journey across Kenya.
• Spain .  Spain charms from Catalonia to the Costa del Sol with its mix of cosmopolitan, coastal, and cultural treasures on solo travel tours.
• Italy .  Travel solo (but never alone!) as you eat your way through Italy with fellow foodies, while taking in the classic sights and delicious cuisine.

For more inspiration, check out  eight of the best places to travel solo →

Consider your interests, budget, and comfort level in a foreign environment. Depending on factors such as language barriers and cultural differences, some destinations may be better suited for solo travel than others. Research your options and read reviews from other solo travelers. 

For more inspiration, check out  eight of the best places to travel solo  →

Embrace new experiences, be open to meeting new people, and step outside your comfort zone. Take time to reflect on your journey and enjoy the freedom that comes with traveling solo. Remember to take plenty of photos and keep a journal to capture your memories. And take advantage of the Tour Director and local guides who’ll accompany you during your travels. They can recommend places to eat, sights to not miss, and things to do in your free time on tour.

Explore our favorite free-time activities for solo travelers →

Yes, if you’re looking to get out of your comfort zone. There’s free time to explore on your own, so you can be as social as you want. Traveling solo within a group can be a great way to break out of your personal space and meet others who share your passion for exploration. And there’s no easier way to find a new friend than on tour!

Tips for breaking the ice with fellow travelers on a solo tour →

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and connect with fellow travelers; they’re going solo, just like you! Here are a few tips and tools to help you feel confident when you travel solo:

• Check out our Go Ahead Difference page. You’ll discover all the perks of traveling with us, including unrivaled safety and support. Learn more about our Go Ahead Difference .
• Involve your friends back home. Let all your friends know about your travel plans and get their tips and tricks. Have them follow you along on your journey.
• Download our free mobile app . It puts everything you might need for your trip on your phone on one easy-to-navigate platform. Our app has not only the itinerary but also the addresses and contact details you need for your trip. Plus, we even include a list of your  fellow travelers  there. That way, you can connect with them before you leave for the tour and start building friendships you’ll strengthen when you’re finally on the road.
• Join our Facebook page. You’ll find lots of helpful info on our private Solo Travelers Facebook page , including answers to frequently asked questions.

Eight reasons to go guided as a female solo traveler →

The first thing to know is that even though you’ll be traveling solo, you won’t be traveling alone. You’re about to go on a trip with 14–20 people who will be solo, just like you. Plus, you’ll have your expert Tour Director to guide you along the journey. Solo travel is one of the most exciting ways to see the world. When you travel on one of our solo trips, you may not be with a friend you already know, but you’ll join equally curious travel lovers on the adventure of a lifetime. More important things to know before you go:

• Your Tour Director will meet you at the airport when you arrive in your destination
• We curate these tours with solo travel in mind
• Experiences are made for solo travelers to come together as a group
• You’ll make friends whom you could travel with in the future

We specially design our Solo Tours for solo travelers. When you join one of our solo travel groups, you’ll get your own included, private hotel room. Each day, you’ll be able to explore your destination alongside your tourmates, who are solo travelers, too. And you’ll have free time to explore your own interests at your own pace.

You’ll never be alone when you book one of our solo travel packages, even though you’re traveling solo. Our worldwide presence gives solo travelers the safety and security to discover the world with confidence. Here are just a few reasons to travel on our solo guided tours:

• Security of the EF global network
• Assistance from our On-Tour Support Team (they’re on-call 24/7)
• Getting the local’s perspective from your Tour Director and other guides
• Meeting equally curious travelers
• Enjoying the perfect balance of sightseeing tours and time to explore each locale at your leisure

Best Tour Companies For Solo Travellers And Singles

It’s time to compare the top group tour companies for solo travellers and singles.

Coming up, I’ll run through the best group tour companies for solo travellers! From Intrepid and Trek America, to Busabout , Contiki , MedSailors and Travel Talk Tours – who offers the best experience for solo travellers and singles?

Travelling solo can be daunting at the best of times, even more so when you set off on an adventure to a country where you don’t speak the language or know how to get around. When you travel as part of a group, the stresses are taken away, leaving more time to truly enjoy yourself! Not to mention, you’ll have a great bunch of new friends by the end.

Having booked group tours with most of the top companies specialising in solo travel and singles holidays, I figured I’d reveal what I really thought. The added bonus – I have dedicated blogs and videos for them too, so you can delve deep into what the experience is really like! Solo holidays are becoming more popular then ever, so time to reveal a few of my favourite tour companies specialising in solo travel tours.

Best tour companies for solo travellers  and trips for Singles

Click to jump straight to read about these companies

Trek America

Travel talk tours.

First up, the company that kicked off my wanderlust! Years before I started blogging, or discovered my love of travel, I spent two weeks travelling around Mexico with Trek America. It was an AWESOME experience. Trek offer tours across North, South and Central America, so there’s bound to be something that takes your fancy.

I remember being SO anxious before I left London. I’d never been on a plane on my own, let alone long haul, and I’d be arriving in a country that would feel totally foreign to me. I spoke no Spanish and didn’t know who I’d be spending the next few weeks with. It was incredibly daunting.

Over two weeks we travelled around in a mini-bus, visited Chichen Itza, dived into cenotes, explored the magical lagoon of seven colours in Bacalar and partied ‘til dawn in Playa Del Carmen. Mexican tour guide Juan was young, fun and full of enthusiasm. He took us to loads of his favourite secret spots and removed all stresses from the trip. I left with a bunch of new friends, memories and a longing to jet off again! You can imagine just how excited I was when I was invited to join their annual #iTrekHere tour in California last year?!    

Group tours available: in North America, Canada, Mexico, Central America, South America

Read more about my Trek America experience.

Next up, was my adventure in South America with Contiki. Over the course of 10 days I visited vibrant Buenos Aires, the incredible Iguazu falls, chilled out on the beach in Buzios in Brazil and then finished up in Rio de Janeiro. We covered a lot of ground in a short time, and again, the hassle of transport and day tours was taken out of our hands.

Our guide Christian (from Chile) was a lot of fun and really looked after us. Contiki tours are a little more full on than the other tours I’ve done, sheerly because you’ll be travelling with a coach load of people rather than a small group. I made a few really great friends on this trip, one of whom I’ve caught up with in New York and London!

Group tours available: pretty much everywhere! Contiki offers 300+ trips across 6 continents!

Read more about my Contiki experience.

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid’s tours had been recommended to me several times before, and it turns out they’re awesome. When I travelled through Central America a couple of years ago (you know – when I started this blog malarkey) I booked the majority of the trip through Intrepid. I was worried about border crossings, particularly in Honduras and Belize where I’d heard a few horror stories. I also wasn’t sure my Spanish would be good enough to negotiate or figure out routes along the way. They specialise in group travel, and in my opinion offer some of the best options for solo travel tours and adventure holidays for singles.

Looking back, I know I could have done the trip solo, but actually I’m REALLY glad I went as part of a tour. The main reason was because of the friendships that were formed. There were so many people I clicked with, and a real mix at that (from 20 to 70 year olds!)

Our guides were amazing – Vinnie from Guatemala and Randy from Costa Rica. I was so sad to say goodbye to both of them. We had an easy trip, mainly travelling by private mini-bus and the odd chicken bus thrown in for good measure. We stayed with local families in Guatemala, climbed the ancient Mayan ruins in Tikal and even got caught in a crazy storm in the middle of the ocean in Belize. Needless to say, a serious bout of the post-holiday blues followed, but that only happens when the experience really means something to you.

Group tours available: across the world, from Asia and Australia to Europe, Africa and America!

Read more about my Intrepid experiences.

Want to read more about solo female travel check out this post:  solo female travel: what is it like to travel on your own.

Busabout specialises in Europe, although they’ve launched in Asia now too. Along with awesome group tours to European festivals including La Tomatina and Oktoberfest, they offer a hop-on hop-off bus service around Europe. It’s really handy for people who want to have a bit of a group dynamic, but also enjoy a flexible itinerary.

Last year I went on a group tour around Scandinavia and The Baltics. Other than Sweden (where I’ve been several times), the tour covered all sorts of places I’d never thought of visiting. With around 36 hours in each, we visited Lithuania, Latvia, Sweden, Finland and Estonia… fitting in trips to local landmarks, city tours and plenty more. Our guide Pasqual was SO much fun – full of enthusiasm and so experienced, she knew Busabout’s tours inside-out. It was a fun trip and a great way to cram a lot into one week.

Group tours available: in Europe, Asia and North Africa plus plenty of festivals too.

Read more about my Busabout  experience.

A few years ago I sailed around Croatia with MedSailors and had THE BEST TIME! It’s a trip I was a little apprehensive about as I wondered whether staying on a boat for a week would be a claustrophobic experience. Thankfully, it wasn’t! Most of the week we were either up on deck sunbathing, eating, and helping with boat duties… or on dry land enjoying sightseeing, wine tasting and good food!

I was lucky to be assigned a boat with a great bunch of people. MedSailors send out a questionnaire prior to travelling so they can match people based on age, interests and holiday styles. You have up to 8 people on a boat, plus an experienced skipper who takes care of you for the week, rustling up a great breakfast and lunch, plus sailing your boat from A to B.

There are several boats on the MedSailors flotilla, so once you reach dry land it’s a great chance to meet those on other boats. On the last day, there’s a sailing competition to see which boat is the champion – all good fun and really brings you together as a group!  

Since writing about this trip, I’ve been back out with MedSailors on another solo travel adventure, this time to Sicily. Read all about it here .

Skippered sailing yacht holidays available: in Croatia , Greece, Turkey and Sicily , Italy… plus rumour has it they’ll be launching in the Caribbean in 2018.

Read more about my MedSailors experience In Croatia  and Sicily .

While this is quite a big group tour, the experience still felt pretty intimate, particularly as there was free time in each place.

This tour company is great if you’re looking for upmarket accommodation. Other than our two nights glamping in the Sahara (which was one of my favourite travel experiences!) we stayed at 4 and 5 star hotels. This level of quality accommodation (often at a very reasonable price) is something that really sets Travel Talk Tours apart from the others I’ve mentioned.

It’s worth noting that there’s usually a local payment required when you reach your destination, so be sure to check all the costs before you book.

Group tours available: Europe, Middle East, North Africa, Asia plus some festivals too.

Read more about my Travel Talk Tours experience.

I hope this helps you when you’re deciding which group tour company to book your next trip with. i’d love to hear about your group tour experiences below, enjoyed this post why not pin it…, chloe gunning.

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

4 thoughts on “Best Tour Companies For Solo Travellers And Singles”

Super useful post Chloe! I’ve never taken the plunge and travelled solo but I like the idea of meeting new people along the way!

Thank you Angie! I figured it was an area I had a lot of knowledge of. I’ve loved my solo travels, often more than my travels with friends and family! There’s something so special about the friends you make along the way. You should try it out soon! Cx

Just decided to book with Medsailors. Do you have any advice on budgeting for meals and spending cash? This is the first time I booked a trip like this and I have no idea where to start!

Hey Lauren! Ah amazing – you’re going to love it. Where are you heading to with MedSailors? I would suggest around £30 a day. As you get breakfast and lunch on board, you’re only really worrying about dinner and a few drinks. You can always eat and drink cheaply if you’re on a budget, or splurge if you want to, but that’s probably a good guide price. Have an amazing trip! Cx

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There are so many reasons why people choose to travel independently, and at Just You, we’ve been crafting solo escorted tours for over 20 years. The great thing about all our singles tours is that you’ll be with like-minded people who share your passion for travel and sense of adventure. Don’t worry – on our vacations, you’ll always be able to enjoy new experiences with other single travellers, as well as your own free time to explore independently. No matter your age or interests, we’re sure to have trip that you’ll love.

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Get away from it all and relax on St Lucia's golden beaches. You'll also enjoy a tour of the island and a thrilling rainforest safari.

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This holiday of a lifetime is a must for lovers of nature. Explore Ecuador's incredible cloud forest, before discovering remarkable landscapes and unique wildlife when you stay on three of the UNESCO-listed Galapagos Islands.

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Got an inner urge to get out and explore, but none of your travel buddies can make it happen? Sure, you could hit the road all on your own. But going with a small group gives your solo trip more structure, guidance and safety, letting you get head-to-toe immersed in our world.

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Why travel solo with g adventures, you’re in good hands.

All our trips are led by a Chief Experience Officer, aka CEO. These locally based expert guides are your adventure’s captain, keeping things moving, organized, and as safe as can be.

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Why should traveling solo be more expensive? We treat single travelers the same as the rest of the group, which is why we don’t charge single supplements.

Freedom to do you

Your trip is just that – yours. Want to linger at the market or grab a table at that cozy café? Go right ahead. We give your trip structure, but also plenty of free time.

Connection comes standard

With group sizes typically ranging from 12 to 16 people, you’ll have built-in community and connection with equally adventurous travelers from all over the world.

Always female friendly

Traveling solo as a woman can feel risky, but we’re committed to keeping everyone on our trips as safe as possible at all times. From our CEOs to our same-sex roommates, all women can adventure with confidence.

Some privacy, please

Want a room all to yourself? We offer single travelers a "My Own Room" option, meaning you could have a private room (and personal washroom) for your entire trip.

Know before you go

Never traveled solo or gone as part of a group before? We can get you sorted. Check out some of our most frequently asked questions or  get in touch with us any time.

We offer the “My Own Room” option on most of our tours, which guarantees you a room of your own for a modest additional fee. Cost and details of “My Own Room” vary according to the specific trip, so be sure to consult our trip summary pages for full details. On some tours, a single room may not be available at certain overnight stops, depending on the style of accommodation.

Wherever your heart takes you! Just about any place worth exploring is a good spot to venture out on your own.

Our groups often experience a good mix of ages, everything from travellers in their early-20s to those aged 60 and over. We sort all of our trips into Travel Styles, which guarantee that you’ll be travelling with people who share the same interests you do. Over the years, we’ve found that a good range of ages within a group often adds to the experience

On most evenings, your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will organize a group meal. It’s pretty flexible; you can choose to dine with the group or head off and do your own thing. Other nights, your CEO may recommend a few nearby restaurants you can try. Again, you determine whether you want to stick with the group or go it alone.

Most of our trips split pretty evenly down gender lines. We average roughly 60:40 female-to-male, so you’ll never feel outnumbered.

On most G Adventures tours, the ratio of solo travellers to others (couples, friends travelling together, etc) is roughly 40:60. For privacy reasons, we can’t share information about your soon-to-be travelling companions ahead of time. Our tours appeal to a wide cross-section of adventurous people from all over the world united by a desire to experience our planet from a grassroots level. Our tours are conducted in English and tend to attract travellers from North America, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.

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5 ways solo travel helps you meet new people

See how small group tours like National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures help spark lasting connections

Written by: G Adventures , 20 Feb. 2024 12:02 p.m.

Going solo: how to travel the world on your own

See how small group tours pave the way for incredible solo adventures (especially for women!)

Written by: G Adventures , 1 Feb. 2024 01:25 p.m.

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Some of life's greatest lessons are learned through travel, so what are you waiting for? From meeting new friends to having eye-opening experiences every day, our solo trips will enrich you in ways you could never imagine.

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Embark on your own personal journey with our solo travel tours. Wherever you go, you’ll travel with new friends by your side, and our Travel Directors will always ensure your comfort and look out for you every step of the way. From the wonders of Italy and Spain , to the treasures of Switzerland and Scandinavia , your solo trip may be the best thing you ever do for yourself.

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We take you to the best solo travel destinations, where you’ll be met with the warmest of welcomes. Learn how to cook like an Italian nonna in the Tuscan hills , enjoy an evening of storytelling on a goat farm in Norway , meet the liberated women of Demircidere in Turkey , or the talented single female artisans of Iraq Al Amir in Jordan . Wherever you choose to travel to, you’ll join local families to share traditional meals and hear their stories.

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Choose a solo room share or upgrade to a solo room for more space. Access discounted single supplements on select departures of our award-winning handcrafted itineraries. Experience the best of every destination, and enjoy the freedom of solo travel.

All you need to know about Solo Travel

Where can i go on vacation alone.

You can travel solo all over the world. Each year, millions of people travel alone, enjoying the independence of forging their own travel path or using it as an opportunity to connect with other travelers. If you want to travel solo, we recommend our specially-crafted tours, so you can meet like-minded solo travelers from all over the world.

Where is the best place to travel alone?

We love traveling solo in places like Europe, Canada, Australia, Singapore and Japan, but there are dozens of great places to travel solo around the world. If you want to make new friends and experience new things, you'll love our handcrafted group tours, where you’ll see and experience the best of each destination, while learning new skills like cooking with local chefs and enjoying dinner and storytelling with local families.

Why is solo travel important?

Traveling alone is one of the most enriching experiences you can have. It’s empowering and liberating and will challenge your limits. It helps you get out of your comfort zone, gain confidence, and see the world in a unique way. Solo travel also gives you the opportunity to learn about new cultures, gain new skills, and meet like-minded people who might just become lifelong friends.

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Traveling Alone, in Groups

Group tour companies are accommodating more and more solo travelers, who are looking for company — and someone else to handle the complexities of traveling during the pandemic.

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By Debra Kamin

After Sheila Katz’s husband died of a degenerative nervous system disorder in April, she knew she had to get away. But her husband had been her travel partner, and without him, she was hesitant to travel alone. The pandemic’s ever-shifting travel regulations were intimidating as well. So Ms. Katz, 45, did something she’d never done before: She joined a group tour.

“I wanted to not be totally alone, but also to be able to do my own thing when I wanted,” she said. So in July, she joined a group of 17 fully vaccinated travelers heading to Belize with EF Go Ahead Tours , making friends as she snorkeled, visited Mayan ruins and took chocolate- and tortilla-making classes.

Solo travelers like Ms. Katz are joining guided tours at unprecedented rates, say tour organizers, with some companies reporting single bookings up 300 percent over those from couples, families or clusters of friends. The majority of these lone travelers have never taken a group trip before. After years of planning their own trips and traveling solo or with a partner, the pandemic — with its months of isolation and its Byzantine travel rules for testing, masks and vaccination — has pushed them to change their ways.

Ms. Katz, a sociology professor at the University of Houston, had just endured the tenure-review process while also navigating her grief. She was exhausted, and had no interest in parsing border regulations or stressing out about potential exposure to the coronavirus. For her trip to Belize, everyone in the group had to be vaccinated, which lifted a proverbial weight from her shoulders.

“Had it not been a pandemic, I probably would have just gone to lie on a Caribbean beach for seven days,” she said.

‘Even solo travelers want to travel with people sometimes’

The National Tour Association, a professional organization for tour operators, said the group travel industry as a whole has yet to recover from the pandemic’s blow to its business. “Half of our tour operators don’t expect their company to outperform 2019 metrics until 2023,” said Bob Rouse, N.T.A.’s vice president of communication.

But even before the pandemic, group travel was gaining a foothold among two key demographics: women and millennials. Travel companies catering specifically to women have increased by 230 percent over the past six years, while a flurry of new travel start-ups, including AvantStay and TRIPS by the Culture Trip , have grown by marketing toward those born after 1980.

Women’s interest in group travel is perhaps most notable. Katalina Mayorga, the chief executive of El Camino Travel , which offers small group tours for women, says that sales for the fourth quarter of 2021 are 200 percent higher than the same period in 2019, and 65 percent of those booking are doing so as solo travelers. Contiki ’s customers skew 60 percent female. Allison Scola, founder of Experience Sicily , says solo women on her tours now make up 66 percent of guests, while at Indus Travels , 80 percent of customers booking spots on tours for solo travelers are now women. Ninety percent of Indus’s customers this year are booking for the first time.

“Even solo travelers want to travel with people sometimes, especially people who they have something in common with,” said Amanda Black, the founder of The Solo Female Traveler Network , where women can book individual tickets for group trips across the globe. Ms. Black, 35, restarted her tours in May after shutting down at the start of the pandemic, and said bookings have been steadily climbing.

After months of isolation, it seems, many women miss socializing.

“I live alone, so, it’s been a lot of alone time,” said Jes Maxfield, 34, a client service manager in Boston who booked a trip to Greece with FTLO Travel in August. The group included eight women and one man, and the man broke his foot on the second day and had to fly home. By the end of the trip, a sisterhood had emerged. “It was really nice to meet so many similar, like-minded women, and to share a beautiful place with them,” she said.

The idea of safety in numbers also plays a part. “To hike through the woods by myself isn’t exactly the safest thing to do,” said Emily Cardona, 36, a New Yorker who took outdoor group trips over the past 18 months with Outer There , a New York City-based tour company. The trips were a refuge, she said, from the stress of her two jobs as a senior care manager and mental health therapist.

The millennial connection

“It’s almost as if the difficulties of traveling during the pandemic have helped millennials get over the idea that group tours aren’t cool,” said Tara Cappel, the founder and chief executive of FTLO Travel , where bookings for 2022 are up 225 percent over 2019. FTLO caters to 20- and 30-somethings, and first-time customers — many of them joining solo — now comprise 82 percent of those bookings; 75 percent of travelers booking for 2022 are women.

In many cases, the shift to millennial-focused marketing is redefining the idea of what it means to travel on an organized tour in the first place.

“It was really intimate, and we kind of just looked like some friends who were traveling,” said Autumn Lewis, an attorney in Los Angeles who took her first-ever group tour, a trip to Greece run by Tripsha , in July. “It’s not like you’re having an experience where you just follow the guy with the umbrella.”

The pandemic’s solo travel trend is not limited to tour groups. Solo air bookings are up overall, with Orbitz reporting that single round-trip tickets climbed 200 percent over last year this past Labor Day weekend. In years past, it was difficult to parse whether those tickets indicated single leisure travelers or those flying alone on business, but with business travel still sluggish, 2021 is an exception, said Mel Dohmen, senior brand manager for Orbitz.

And while there’s no definitive way to track how many of those solo travelers join up with groups at their destinations, tour operators are reporting major growth in their overseas destinations.

At Devour Tours , which runs culinary walking tours across Europe, 22 percent of bookings this summer were for just one person, which is more than double what it was during the same period in 2019.

Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.) , which offers small group tours for travelers age 50 and above, has seen an uptick of 7 percent in the percentage of solo bookings since the beginning of the pandemic. Eighty-five percent of their solo travelers are women.

The new allure of organized travel

“If there’s one thing the pandemic has shown us, it’s that the value of tour operators has increased tenfold,” said Terry Dale, president and chief executive of the United States Tour Operators Association .

Like travel agents, who are also enjoying a resurgence in popularity , much of that value comes when a traveler can delegate the pandemic mental load: Which vaccine card is valid? On which day do I need to take my P.C.R. test?

But after months of isolation, the group tour’s strongest draw may be its most obvious: It comes with a built-in community.

“Women who have been booking tours with us have definitely been doing so because they want someone who can navigate the Covid restrictions. But there are a number of other motivations,” said Meg Jerrard, co-founder of Solo Female Travelers , which runs small group tours for women. Safety is a major concern, she said, and “the stigma of being alone is another key motivator.”

Ms. Katz, the widow in Texas, had expected that for some meals on her tour, people would go off and do their own thing. She was wrong.

“Our tour guides had to go out of their way because we all wanted to have all of our meals together,” she said. “I think we were all just so thankful to not be in our living rooms, staring at the wall.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places list .

GROUP TRIPS FOR SOLOS 30s & 40s

A modern approach to group travel.

Ready for your next epic adventure but friends all busy? Nobody to travel with? Considering group trips but don’t want to end up on some touristy experience with a bunch of randoms? We got you covered. Join other solo travellers in their 30s & 40s and experience the same type of adventurous and authentic trips you’d do with your own friends. 

Our speciality is group travel for solo travellers. Expect a more immersive approach to travel than you’re likely to find with other tour companies. You’ll gain a genuine insight into the people, places and culture of some of the most fascinating countries in the world. And you’ll have a lot of laughs along the way!

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Having been on numerous group holidays with more than 5 different companies, my standards are high and I can honestly say that Other Way Round is head and shoulders above all of them.

“Not Mass Produced or Touristy”

What I loved about this trip was that it didn’t feel mass produced and touristy. There was a sense of originality to it and uniqueness about the trip and the itinerary .

“Completely Hassle Free”

I usually travel DIY, where I arrange and book everything myself, and it was such a welcome change to have all that time and stress of booking the different elements of the trip taken away from me.

“Trip of a Lifetime”

I will never forget this trip. Not only because of the country itself, but because of the experience that Other Way Round gave me and the other group members. It was a trip of a lifetime and you will be missing out if you don’t just book it!

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"head and shoulders above the rest", "not mass produced or touristy".

What I loved about this trip was that it didn’t feel mass produced and touristy. There was a sense of originality to it and uniqueness about the trip and the itinerary.

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MEET STEVE DILLON , FOUNDER OF OTHER WAY ROUND

“ I was in my 30s and didn’t really have anyone to go on holiday with. My friends were all off buying houses, getting married or having kids. I liked the idea of travelling with others but didn’t quite see myself as the tour group type. It all felt a bit, well, “touristy”. I came to realise that many people of my generation face a similar issue. They’re looking to meet and travel with people their age, but don’t want to sacrifice on authenticity. So that’s what we do. Adventurous trips. Exotic locations. Groups aged 30s & 40s. All with an immersive style of travel that allows for an authentic experience of the places you visit. I hope to see you soon. “

Why I Started a Group Travel Company for Solo Travellers

OWR Travel – Which Trip is Right For You?

by Other Way Round Travel | Jan 11, 2024

Fancy joining one of our trips but trying to decide which one is right for you? Here’s some insight. If you want a summer vacay type trip in and around the ocean do...GREECE, CROATIA or BRAZIL If you want an in-depth cultural experience do...INDIA or MOROCCO If you...

Inca Trail & Machu Picchu with OWR Travel

by Other Way Round Travel | Mar 15, 2023

As part of our 12-day Peru trip one of the massive highlights is hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Here we share a little of what to expect. First up, if you didn’t already know, it’s worth some background on what this actually is. Machu Picchu – is an ancient...

Group Travel In Your 30s & 40s – what you need to know

by Steven Dillon | Feb 13, 2020

Hi, I’m Steve. About two years ago I started a group travel company called Other Way Round. I done it because - I’d been on group trips before and experienced how amazing they could be I felt there was a need for a more modern version of a group tour that better...

23 Things to Expect on an Other Way Round Trip (to Colombia)

by Steven Dillon | Jan 23, 2020

Hola! We’re Other Way Round and we specialise in Colombia trips for adventure loving people aged 25-45. Thinking about joining one of our trips? Here’s what you can expect.1. You're going to see a lot of epic views (and we mean everywhere). These are just a few.Like...

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The best tour companies for seniors

“When you’re traveling, opportunities are offered to step out of your comfort zone. You might think you’re too old. But you’re not!” says Matt Berna, a president at Intrepid Travel, a world leader in global travel. “We discovered that the things that seemed initially the scariest turned out to be the most thrilling, the most exciting, the most enlivening. So go for it.”

We heard a slew of variations on the Nike JDI slogan when we spoke with travel industry experts about senior travel: Just do it!

In some ways, traveling can become easier with age. Seniors, often retired or semi-retired, have more flexibility. They can travel off-season when prices are lower and popular destinations are less busy. They can travel longer, as there’s no need to cram it into a one- or two-week vacation. And often, they have more money to spend on travel.

So, what are you waiting for? Here are three top companies, specializing in small-group travel. We talked to them about popular destinations in 2024, and their tips for traveling seniors.

This longstanding company offers some 1,150 tours, focusing on local culture, and led by local experts. Globally, 51 percent of their bookings in September 2023 were from the over-50 crowd, and they see their senior bookings trending up. The average group size is 10.

“Smaller groups provide the ideal balance of being able to travel independently, while also having ready-made travel companions to share the experience with,” says Berna. “We’ve found that it’s not only about the sights you see but the people you meet along the way, the friendships you make.”

The company is also seeing a rise in solo travel. “We’ve seen a shift within the travel industry where solo vacations are experiencing unprecedented growth, and it’s the senior set leading the charge,” says Berna. “Many seniors are not waiting around for friends and family and are choosing to go on their own.”

In North America, 75 percent of Intrepid solo travelers are women, and 64 percent are over age 50.

You can feel good about booking an Intrepid trip, too. Globally recognized for its commitment to ethical and sustainable travel, they became the world’s largest travel company to achieve B-Corp certification in 2018, given to businesses that meet certain social and environmental standards. Intrepid Travel is also the first tour operator with near-term science-based climate targets through the Science Based Targets Initiative, and its not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation , has raised more than $13 million for more than 135 partners.

Popular destinations for seniors in 2024: Africa, Australia, and Asia. US seniors traveling solo are heading to Southeast Asia, Central America, Turkey, India, and Nepal.

Here’s a tip: Consider more frequent, closer-to-home trips. “You might want to budget for several cheaper long weekend excursions versus one longer expensive vacation,” says Berna. Also check out their Best Tours for Seniors and 7 of the Best Destinations for Solo Travellers Over 50 .

Overseas Adventure Travel

This company is part of the Grand Circle Corporation, established in 1958 to exclusively serve members of the American Association of Retired Persons. They’ve been dedicated to senior and solo travelers, specializing in small group trips, with no more than 16 people on land trips and 25 on their small boat cruises. Active Americans ages 50 and over are their primary market, but all its tours have an activity rating that ranks tours from one (easy) to five (strenuous) to help travelers find the right fit.

More than 65 “soft adventure” trips are offered on all continents, conducted by local English-speaking experts, and designed to showcase local culture and make connections with local people. For example, you might share a meal on a hosted visit with a local family or visit a local school.

OAT is a leader in solo travel; more than half of their customers are solo travelers, and they offer some of the best rates in the industry, with free or low-cost single supplements. In fact, 92 percent of their single spaces are available without an additional single supplement cost, and the remaining eight percent have some of the lowest single supplement costs in the industry.

Popular destinations for seniors in 2024: Egypt and the Nile, Sicily, Japan, Morocco, Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego and the Chilean fjords, and the Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe safari.

Here’s a tip: Learn a bit of the local language. “Making friends (and just getting around) will be much easier,” says Harriet Lewis, chair. “Even if you mangle every word, it’s a great icebreaker and most people will genuinely appreciate your effort.” Also, check out their 101+ Tips for Solo Women Travelers , which are applicable to all traveling seniors.

Road Scholar

Love to learn? Road Scholar, a nonprofit organization, is arguably the world leader in educational travel for seniors. Founded as Elderhostel in 1975, the organization offers learning adventures, hosted by expert faculty, in nearly 100 countries abroad and throughout the United States. In 2024, the organization will offer 683 program itineraries.

Group size is small, an average of 21 people, encouraging social connections. “Every day, we hear how much our participants enjoy taking part in lively discussions and getting to know their fellow travelers,” says Matt Faucher, senior director of participant experience. “Countless Road Scholar participants have walked away with new lifelong friends, many of whom also become travel companions on future trips.”

Road Scholar offers programs for all levels of mobility. You can filter the thousands of programs they offer by activity level to find the right fit for you.

Between 25 to 30 percent of Road Scholar travelers are solo travelers, and 85 percent of those solos are women. “Solo travel is on the rise among seniors,” says Faucher. “Road Scholar offers ample opportunities for traveling solo, but with a group, which can be particularly valuable for seniors.” Faucher says, more than half of their solo travelers are married but travel without their spouse.

Most popular destinations for 2024: In North America, Arizona, California, Florida, New York, and Georgia, lead the list. Popular international destinations include Italy, Costa Rica, France, Mexico, and Egypt.

Here’s a tip: “Be honest with yourself about your physical abilities and familiarize yourself with the physical demands of the destination you’re visiting,” says Faucher. “We remind our participants at various points before and after enrolling to familiarize themselves with the physical demands of their programs so that they can be sure it’s a good fit for them and they can prepare accordingly. It’s no fun for you or the group if you’re on a program that feels too difficult or not challenging enough.”

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My perception of group travel before wasn't great – you have stereotypes. But Flash Pack changed it. It’s unique.

There was something so special about travelling with a group of people with the same mindset and willingness to adventure.

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Krasnodar, Russia

Tours, Attractions and Things To Do in Krasnodar

Here we are in the South of Russia. Welcome to Krasnodar, a major economic and cultural center of North Caucasus, also called “the capital of Kuban”. Krasnodar, perhaps, is one of the most interesting resort towns of the Russian Federation. It is a relatively young city founded by the Cossacks in в 1793 on the lands granted by Ekaterina II (hence its former name was Ekaterinodar). Later, when the Soviet system rose to power, the city was re-named to Krasnodar in 1920, and it preserved this name up to date.

Krasnodar is a center of the Russia’s southern touristic zone, located of the right bank of the Kuban River, 120-150 km from two warm seas – the Black and the Azov. It is an interesting fact that the city is located in the golden section of the Earth, almost in between the equator and the North Pole, right on the 45th parallel, also called “the Golden Line” or “the Life Line”. There exists an opinion that the living conditions in these latitudes are most favorable for human.

In spite of the city’s “youth” Krasnodar has many historical landmarks, while its architectural look is various and represented by different styles from Baroque and Classicism to late Modern. In Krasnodar, there is one of the largest Russian churches – Saint Catherine’s Cathedral, built as early as in 1914 and survived by a miracle under the Soviet power. It is also worth while visiting the Krasnodar main Orthodox Church – Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Interesting and dramatic, was the fate of this, one of the Russia’s most beautiful churches, an example of Russian and Byzantine templar style. Alexander Nevsky Military Cathedral was erected in April 1853, but later on, in year 1932 it was blown up by the Communists. And it was not until May 2006 when the inauguration ceremony of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral built anew took place.

Nowadays the Krasnodar architectural variety combines the harmony of old and modern structures. Now, next to the churches there are also modern high-rise buildings (the Marriott Hotel”), shopping and entertainment centers (“Red Square”), modern concert halls (Palace of Arts “Premiere”), restaurants, and night clubs. The city also strikes with its numerous museums, theaters, art galleries. Particularly, if you find yourself in Krasnodar, we recommend you to visit the Krasnodar Regional Art Museum named after F. A. Kovalenko to enjoy a rare collection of Russian avant-garde and Dutch art of XVI century, and also attend concerts of SSAI “Kuban Cossack chorus” to listen to Kuban Cossack, Russian and Ukrainian folk-songs.

Two Krasnodar unusual landmarks enjoy wide popularity among tourists and local community: the Monument to a purse and the Monument to the doggies in love. Do you want to turn round? Then you are to the purse. It is enough to rub your purse over it, and you will have more money. But if you are unlucky in love, then the loving couple of dogs will help you, you should stroke their small paws and love will certainly come to you.

Motivations, Needs, and Perceived Risks of Middle-Aged and Senior Solo Travelling Women: A Study of Brazilian Female Travellers

• Open access
• Published: 23 April 2024

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• Michelle Maiurro   ORCID: orcid.org/0009-0007-9223-0880 1 &
• Filipa Brandão   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-9323-4572 1  

The trend of senior women travelling alone is increasing as they feel empowered and independent. With more resources available at this stage of life, they choose to travel without the company of acquaintances, but rather with strangers in similar circumstances. Although senior women travelling solo is an important market segment in tourism, few studies have been conducted to better understand this group. This study aims to address the gap in knowledge by exploring the motivations, needs, and perceived risks of senior women who travel alone or with other women. We conducted a qualitative empirical investigation using semi-structured interviews with a group of Brazilian senior women who travel solo. The results demonstrate that travellers’ motivations and needs have a significant impact on their choice of accommodation and activities. Meanwhile, their choice of destination is influenced by perceived risks, with safety and health being prioritised. Additionally, this demographic is more demanding in terms of services offered and prioritises comfort, amenities, and accessibility. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate that female solo travellers of advanced age are more affected by gender-related concerns than by their age during their journeys

Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.

Introduction

The market for female tourists has been growing in recent years, particularly for those travelling alone or with other women (Cockburn et al., 2006; Henderson, 2000 ; Smith, 2022 ). This trend characterises the female solo traveller segment. They currently represent 50% of the travel market, consuming various tourism products such as adventure, educational, backpacking, and eco-tourism trips (Wilson & Harris, 2006 ; Wilson & Little, 2005 ; Yang et al., 2017 ). This growth can be attributed to socio-economic and cultural changes driven by factors related to gender equality (Khan, 2011 ; Wilson & Little, 2005 ; World Economic Forum, 2018 ). Women now have greater access to employment and education, as well as more opportunities for leisure, which has led to an increased sense of empowerment and a desire to explore the world through tourism, whether alone or with companions. Studies on gender and tourism have identified safety and specialized services (Su & Wu, 2020 ; Wilson & Little, 2008 ; Pritchard & Morgan, 2000 ) as critical factors in this market. It is important to identify and characterise the motivations, needs, and perceived risks of women travelling alone. The trends and issues of the female solo traveller segment are also present in the mature female sub-group, which includes middle-aged and senior women. Senior tourism is a growing niche dominated by women (Pettersson & Schmöcker, 2010 ; Losada et al., 2016 ). It has been observed that women tend to start travelling later in life, typically after the age of 55, while senior men tend to start travelling after the age of 45 (Sakai et al., 2000 ).

Several studies have examined the motivations of older women travellers (Chen & Wu, 2009 ; Fleischer & Pizam, 2002 ; Nyaupane et al., 2008 ). The most commonly cited reasons are a desire for a more stable social and economic life, as well as the wish to enjoy moments of leisure and rest at this stage in life. However, the segment of older women travelling alone has not been studied as extensively as that of younger women. Therefore, further research is required to characterise the segment and describe its profile. This could aid in the development of more suitable tourism products and services.

The present study aims to fill this gap by exploring the motivations, needs, and perceived risks of older women when travelling alone or with other women. Qualitative research was conducted using semi-structured interviews with Brazilian women who meet this condition. In recent years, Brazilian women have been travelling more frequently and independently due to a combination of social, economic, and cultural factors. These factors include increased personal and economic independence, higher levels of education, changing social norms towards a more open-minded society, increased access to information, and the desire for cultural exchange (Moraes, 2020 ).

Theoretical Background

Gender equality in tourism (from the perspective of the solo female traveller).

Researchers have studied the experiences of women tourists, including the benefits, motivations, and challenges of travelling alone or with companions (Brown & Osman, 2017 ; Yozukmaz, 2024 ). Gender is a significant factor that affects women’s travel, shaping opportunities and influencing behaviour. Gender equality is a key objective of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The goal is to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women and girls (United Nations, 2022 ). The tourism industry is a significant contributor to the global economy, with important economic, social, and environmental impacts (Boluk et al., 2019 ). Promoting gender equality is an essential function of the tourism sector (Cole, 2018 ; Font et al., 2016 ).

Wilson and Little ( 2008 ) argue that women’s fear of travel is influenced by geography, perpetuating the belief that solo travel is unsafe in certain destinations. One of the main concerns for women travelling alone is the risk of exploring an unfamiliar place and feeling insecure. Chang ( 2009 ) notes that risk and tourism are inherently linked, as travel involves uncertainty and exploration of unknown places. Gustafson ( 1998 ) suggests that there may be differences in risk perception between genders, as some risks that women perceive are imposed by men, such as sexual violence. Women’s fear is often based on perception (Brown & Osman, 2017 ), personal experiences, stories heard, and media reporting of attacks on women (Wilson & Little, 2008 ). Insecurity related to gender issues is often a decisive factor for women who travel alone, as evidenced by Seow and Brown’s research (2018).

When analysing gender issues in tourism, authors often consider how women handle travel expectations and economic concerns, and how these are influenced by their daily lives and those of their families. Pennington-Gray and Kerstetter ( 2001 ) note that women tourists have different expectations and attitudes towards travel. Many women who travel alone seek self-discovery, education, and respite from domestic work (Cockburn-Wootten et al., 2006 ).

Finally, when discussing gender equality in tourism, the aim is to address more than just equality in the process and course of a trip. Alarcón and Cole ( 2019 ) state that gender equality is a crucial component of sustainable tourism. Women seek empowerment, socialisation, the opportunity to discover new places and cultures, and to disconnect from their daily lives. These factors have significant implications for their daily lives.

Solo Travelling Women

Economic progress in both developed and developing countries, coupled with improvements in gender equality, has led to increased opportunities for women. Consequently, more women are embracing autonomy and travelling independently in search of freedom and empowerment (Elliot, 2015 ; Jordan & Gibson, 2005 ). Solo travel can be empowering for those who engage in it (Gibson & Jordan, 1998 a, b; Jordan & Gibson, 2005 ; Wilson & Harris, 2006 ; Myers, 2010 ). Women who travel alone have distinct motivations, needs, and perceived risks compared to other groups. According to Milyavskaya and Koestner ( 2011 ), motivations are the driving forces behind behaviours, which can be influenced by various levels of needs, including individual and group-based needs. These needs are not necessarily hierarchical in their importance for motivation. Tourists are motivated by a desire to escape routine and seek personal fulfilment. According to Gnoth ( 1997 ) and Snepenger et al. ( 2006 ), individuals may also have emotional needs, such as achieving personal goals and experiencing social or cultural connections.

Laesser et al. ( 2009 ) classify the solo travel market into two groups: the ‘single-solo’ and the ‘single-group’. The former represents individuals who travel and stay alone, whereas the latter is characterized by individuals who travel in a group but are unaccompanied by previously known people. Furthermore, Osman et al. ( 2019 , p. 10) coined the expression ‘solo, but not alone’ to describe this type of traveller.

Gender is a significant focus in studies on solo travellers, particularly in identifying their demographic and social characteristics and classifying them based on family size, motivations, spending patterns, and travel preferences (Laesser et al., 2009 ). According to a survey conducted by VISA (Dempsey, 2015 ), solo travel has become a trend, with approximately 20% of respondents choosing it as a leisure travel option, with women comprising the majority of the participants. Based on a 2015 survey by TripAdvisor, solo travel has gained popularity, with 48% of Asian women already opting for this type of travel.

Motivation in tourism refers to the choices made to achieve a goal when travelling to a destination or undertaking leisure activities (Paris & Teye, 2010 ; Pearce & Lee, 2005 ; Tangeland et al., 2013 ). Solo travellers are motivated by various factors when travelling alone, including ease, flexibility, freedom, exploration, spontaneity, and solitude (Mehmetoglu et al., 2001 ). TripAdvisor conducted research on women’s motivations for travelling alone. The study’s main findings indicate that 60% of women travel alone for the freedom to do what they want, 45% for independence and challenge, and 32% due to a lack of companionship caused by issues related to availability of time or resources (TripAdvisor, 2015 ). Chiang and Jogaratnam ( 2006 ) investigated the motivation of women who travel solo. Their findings revealed that the most common reasons for solo travel among women were experience, escape, relaxation, social factors, and self-esteem. In these studies, women who travel alone are primarily motivated by the challenge, sense of autonomy and self-determination, possibility of meeting new people, and/or escape from their comfort zone (Jordan & Gibson, 2005 ; Chiang and Jongaratnam, 2006; Wilson & Little, 2005 , 2008 ; McNamara & Prideaux, 2010 ).

Roehl and Fesenmaier ( 1992 ) state that perceived risk includes various dimensions, such as financial, physical, psychological, social, satisfaction, and time-related risks. Evaluating the risk of a destination is challenging for solo travellers as they can only rely on the available information, and the actual evaluation can only be made after arriving at the destination (Karagöz et al., 2021 ). Perceived risk is an uncertainty that arises in the face of circumstances (Dowling & Staelin, 1994 ). Travellers may avoid a particular destination due to safety and security concerns (Sönmez & Graefe, 1998 b). Women are more concerned than men about physical safety and security while travelling (Brown & Osman, 2017 ). This is because of various factors such as food, hygiene, environmental disasters, disease, culture, and language barriers (Rasoolimanesh et al., 2020 ; Maser & Weiermair, 1998 ; Roehl & Fesenmaier, 1992 ). Moreover, women encounter several risks while travelling, including unwanted attention, sexual harassment, and social disapproval for travelling alone (Karagöz et al., 2021 ). Personal safety is a major concern for solo female travellers, encompassing risks such as violence, harassment, and assault (Wilson & Little, 2005 , 2008 ; Jordan & Aitchison, 2008 ; Yang et al., 2018a ; Khoo-Lattimore & Gibson, 2018 ). Sexual harassment is the most common risk faced by solo female travellers (Seow & Brown, 2018 ; Toh et al., 2017 ; Valaja, 2018 ; Su & Wu, 2020 ).

Senior Solo Travelling Women: Motivation, Needs and Perceived Risks

A survey conducted by Solo Traveler (2022) in the USA revealed how, why, and where solo travellers spend their money. The survey found that individuals over the age of 55 were more likely to travel alone, with a preference for this mode of travel. In other words, middle-aged and senior tourists prefer to travel alone but with a group of like-minded individuals. The market’s behaviour has changed over the years, influenced by preferences and increased access to information. Senior citizens are increasingly opting for educational and cultural trips over beach vacations, as noted by Levine ( 2008 ). This segment of the market is also benefiting from higher travel frequency and longer stays, as supported by Alén et al. ( 2014 ), Littrell et al. ( 2004 ), and Oliveira et al. ( 2018 ). Lehto et al. ( 2008 ) noted that individuals in this age group typically have greater financial resources. For example, travel expenses increase in proportion to generational cohorts, indicating that travel spending grows as the generation ages (Alonso-Vazquez et al., 2023 ).

According to Otoo et al. ( 2020 ), understanding the motivations of senior travellers is a significant contribution to the practice and knowledge of the senior tourism market. Senior travellers have a range of motivations, such as culture, nature, experience, adventure, relaxation, well-being, escape, socialisation, and self-esteem enhancement (Patuelli & Nijkamp, 2016 ). This segment discusses the motivations of individuals who have fewer work, family, and other obligations (Patuelli & Nijkamp, 2016 ). Life events such as retirement, divorce, widowhood, health, emotional state, and social relationships can either facilitate or constrain this group (Huber et al., 2018 ). Women travellers are particularly affected by some of these factors, which ultimately influence their travel decision-making. Motivation in tourism can be analysed through the Pull and Push categories (Carneiro et al., 2013 ; Patuelli & Nijkamp, 2016 ). Seniors’ decisions are influenced by various internal factors of Pull origin, such as spirituality, health, work, money, and availability of company for travel (Widiyastuti & Ermawati, 2019 ). Additionally, older tourists are motivated by external factors, including their appreciation for the services and facilities provided by the accommodation. Small ( 2003 ) notes a contrast between younger and older tourists. While there have been numerous studies on women in tourism, there remains a significant gap in knowledge regarding older tourists.

Senior tourists may face more challenges than younger ones, including health concerns, financial limitations, family obligations, and safety concerns (McIntosh et al., 1995 ). However, some obstacles, such as the availability of barrier-free public transportation, accommodation, tourist sites, and services, as well as tourism programs, are not age or gender-specific (Lee, 2016 ). Hsu, Cai, and Li ( 2010 ) argue that constraints influence destination selection. Therefore, the tourism industry must consider the needs of senior tourists to meet their demands (Small, 2003 ).

It is crucial to address the risks perceived by senior travellers, including challenges faced by women tourists, such as sexual harassment, lack of safety, and judgement when travelling alone. These constraints are not limited to young women and are faced by any woman at different stages of life (Wilson & Little, 2008 ; Yang et al., 2018a , b ). Gender is a central element in the perceived risk for women, but it is not the only determinant of this identity (Kong & Zhu, 2021 ). Other factors, such as race, ethnicity, class, and age, also shape women’s means of local consumption (Gao & Kerstetter, 2016 ; Yang et al., 2019 ).

Table  1 presents the correlation between keywords related to the motivations, needs, and perceived risks of women travelling alone and their corresponding bibliographic sources. This forms the basis of the theoretical framework.

The methodology of this work is divided into two phases. The first phase is exploratory and involves a literature review. Secondary data were obtained from databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The reviewed literature resulted in a theoretical framework, which is presented in Table  1 . This framework contributed directly to the design of the second phase of the study, which used qualitative methodology and the inductive method for data collection. Specifically, it provided guidelines for the semi-structured interview. The aim of this empirical study was to identify the main motivations, needs, and risks of respondents when travelling solo. To achieve this, three blocks of questions were developed, covering socio-demographic profiles, motivations and needs, and general and perceived risks. A total of twenty-one questions were included.

The interviews were conducted with the target audience described by Manzini ( 1990/1991 , p. 154): Respondents were selected through non-probabilistic convenience sampling, indicating that the sample was not chosen randomly. Brazilian women over the age of fifty who had previously travelled alone or with other women. The participants in the study were selected based on specific criteria. The ‘snowball’ sampling method was used to select a portion of the sample, whereby potential participants were identified and suggested by members of the target audience themselves. According to Berg ( 2006 ), snowball sampling can be used by researchers when they lack access to a population of potential subjects. This technique involves asking one study subject to find and potentially recruit more subjects. The researcher identified the sample’s target audience from former clients of their travel agency and referrals from other women. All communication with the interviewees, including the interview itself, was conducted remotely through digital channels. WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger were used for organization, and Zoom Meetings were used for the video call interview.

Thirteen Brazilian women aged between 52 and 78 participated in this study. The sample size was reduced due to the challenge of finding respondents who met the selection criteria, and the interviews were conducted remotely between April and May 2022. The interviews lasted an average of 30 min, with the longest interview taking 35 min and the shortest lasting only 11 min. After conducting the interviews, we transcribed and analysed the audio recordings using content analysis techniques to create codes.

As Coutinho ( 2011 ) notes, qualitative data production is often extensive and requires organization and reduction (data reduction) to facilitate interpretation of the studied phenomenon. Therefore, coding is necessary for the emergence of categories from the data (Wiersma, 1995 ). Following these guidelines, we conducted a thorough analysis of the interviews. We systematically and objectively examined and categorized each question to identify important messages for the research. This enabled us to determine the frequency with which each code was mentioned by the respondents.

Characterization of the Interviewees

This study examines middle-aged and senior Brazilian women who travel or have travelled alone, residing in major Brazilian cities and appearing to travel more frequently than the average person. These findings confirm those of Czepkiewicz et al. ( 2018 ), who argue that residents of large cities, particularly those from centrally located and densely built areas, tend to travel more, especially internationally. Solo travel for women in Brazil is becoming increasingly popular, as evidenced by the emergence of specialized service agencies and platforms. However, Brazilian destinations may not be adequately equipped to accommodate women travelling alone, and high rates of violence against women and public insecurity can influence their decision to travel alone within the country (Mario et al., 2021 ).

Table  2 presents the sociodemographic data of the interviewed women. The research focuses on middle-aged and senior Brazilian women. Of the interviewees, 15% were living outside of Brazil at the time of the interview. Of the interviewees, 15% were living outside of Brazil at the time of the interview. Marital status was varied, with 31% single, 31% widowed, 23% divorced, 7.5% separated (after a non-official marriage), and 7.5% married. In the study, it was found that 23% of the interviewees did not have any children, 39% had one child, 23% had two children, 7.5% had three children, and 7.5% had four children. All interviewees had higher education, with five of them holding a graduate degree. In terms of their professional life, 54% still work in different fields, 38% are retired, and 8% are retired but still work in medicine. Finally, all participants confirmed having a monthly income exceeding one thousand dollars at the time of the interview.

The collected sociodemographic data confirms the theories referenced by Meiners and Seeberger ( 2010 ) and Lehto et al. ( 2008 ) regarding the greater financial disposition of the interviewees. The authors Boksberger and Laesser ( 2009 ), Karani and Fraccastoro ( 2010 ), Patterson and Pegg ( 2009 ), Ritchie et al. ( 2003 ), and Wong ( 2007 ) refer to the higher level of education of this generation, which is also evidenced by our data.

Results and Discussion

Motivations for traveling.

Figure  1 shows a word cloud of the motivations for senior women traveling alone, as mentioned by the interviewees.

Word cloud of motivations declared by the interviewees to travel alone

It is clear that most interviewees chose to travel alone because they lacked company. Out of the 13 interviewees, 8 stated this as their main motivation, which is in line with the findings of Mehmetoglu et al. ( 2001 ), who identified the absence of company, loneliness, and freedom as the primary motivational factors for solo travellers. The next most commonly cited motivations were a love for travel (4) and a sense of independence (3).

Figure  2 shows a second word cloud generated from a question about reasons for travelling with other women in the context of senior solo travel.

Word cloud of motivations declared by the interviewees to travel accompanied by other women

Out of the 13 women interviewed, 7 stated that their main motivation for travelling with companions was to share the experience. The second most frequently mentioned motivation was related to health concerns, as some expressed fear of falling ill during their trips, which is a common concern among older people. The least frequently mentioned motivations were related to the cost of the trip and the language barrier. These findings are in line with the literature, as they correspond with the results of McIntosh et al. ( 1995 ), who discussed the factors that can act as barriers for senior tourists, particularly women travellers.

When participants were asked about the reasons for choosing their last destination, the results were categorized and presented in Fig.  3 .

Reasons for the interviewees to choose their last travel destinations

The primary motivation for travel and destination selection is often opportunity. Respondents frequently choose a destination spontaneously, without prior planning. As Interviewee 1 stated, ‘my travel choices and destinations are not motivated by a pre-established objective.’ In terms of tourism, my approach is opportunistic. This sentiment was echoed by Interviewee 12 who stated, ‘If there’s an opportunity to go to a certain place, let’s take it. I go where opportunities arise, whether it’s here or there’. This sentiment was echoed by Interviewee 12 who stated, ‘If there’s an opportunity to go to a certain place, let’s take it.’ This supports the findings of Hung and Petrick ( 2012 ), indicating that travel intentions are greatly influenced by motivation, opportunity, and ability. In addition to opportunity, Interviewee 6 mentions the personal interests of the travel group. ‘I am part of some travel groups for people who enjoy travelling by ship, so we always research trips that interest us and then plan accordingly. There is no set plan. We look at the opportunities, prices, what is good, and then book it.’ (Int6).

Although safety is sometimes cited as a reason for travelling with a company, only one woman mentioned it as her main motivator for choosing a destination. She stated, ‘I really like Spain due to its proximity to Portugal. At this moment, it makes me feel safer because we are neighbours of a war, a relative neighbour. I was even interested in travelling to more distant places, like Amsterdam, for example.’ Int2 stated that they avoided taking a plane to areas affected by war or targeted by attacks, preferring to stay closer. According to Karagöz et al. ( 2021 ), solo travellers perceive the greatest risks associated with their destination.

It can be concluded that the primary motivation for women to travel alone is the absence of company. The main reason for travelling with other women is the opportunity to share experiences with someone who has similar preferences and needs, followed by sharing the travel costs. Finally, the motivation for choosing a particular destination is highly related to the opportunities that arise at the moment. This highlights the importance of spontaneity demonstrated by this group when organizing their vacations, often with little planning in advance.

Identified Needs while Travelling

A second dimension of analysis concerns the main needs of older women when travelling alone or with other women. Most respondents gave more than one answer. These were grouped into the dimensions shown in Fig.  4 .

Main needs declared by the interviewees in the context of women solo travel

Of the thirteen respondents, 11 said that a good location of the accommodation was a primary need, while safety was the second most important need (6 answers). It is also possible to link these two needs, since the choice of location is determined by the security it offers. Respondent 2 states that her main need is related to security: “First, to be accommodated in a very reliable place. So I invest in better places, private rooms. I go to hotels rather than hostels because I am alone. So the location is important, not in places where there might be some risk”. This is confirmed by respondents 6 and 7: “I always look for location and safety”, “I really research the best location, not only the mobility issue, but also the safety issue. I always think of an area that is safer, better known”. This was previously confirmed by Wilson & Little, 2005 ), 2008 ); Jordan and Aitchison ( 2008 ); Yang et al. ( 2018a ); Khoo-Lattimore and Gibson ( 2018 ).

The type and location of accommodation are crucial factors for women when travelling, as they prioritize safety and accessibility to central places. It is the most important thing they consider when planning their trip. Interviewees 3, 4 and 5 stated: “It’s good to be close to everything, to be able to do things, to get to know everything without needing a car. A good location with means of transport, either bus or train, I think that is important”; “I always think about the best location, underground, train, everything that helps me to escape when I need to”.

They also reported additional needs such as comfort (4 responses), hiring a local guide to accompany them in activities during the trip (4), accessibility of public transport (4), hotel services and facilities (2), cleanliness of accommodation (2) and good restaurants (1). Small ( 2003 ) suggests that mature women require and appreciate higher quality services, cleanliness, comfort and facilities compared to younger women, which is also supported by our results.

Respondents were also asked what they value most in destinations (Fig.  5 ). Again, they value good and high-quality services and mention the issue of safety. Indeed, safety is a recurring concern for older women, as it is something that affects their travel behaviour as a result of their needs. Also relevant, but to a lesser extent, respondents value local architecture, culture and customs, conservation of space, natural beauty and, once again, accessible transport as assets of a tourist destination.

Most valued destination aspects declared by the interviewees

Lee ( 2016 ) suggests that there are gender-independent barriers to travel, and that the perception of limitations can play a significant role in destination choice (Hsu, Cai & Li, 2010 ). The interviewees were asked if they had any special needs due to their age when travelling alone. Nine out of thirteen respondents denied having any special needs, while four mentioned mobility as an issue. The latter said that they had problems carrying their luggage alone, whether on trains, stairs or elsewhere: “We took some stations where there was no lift, so we had to carry our suitcase up the stairs, it’s a bit complicated with age”. (Int6), “For example: me with my suitcases to get on the train is a mess. Because my suitcases are very heavy. (Int7), “There was a hotel that my daughter booked for me and they put me on the third floor and there was no lift. It was a staircase; she didn’t think of that when she made the reservation. I can climb stairs easily, but can you imagine a lady like me on the third floor with a suitcase, work material and three steps? (Int11). In addition, one woman reported difficulties in walking on paths because “there was no infrastructure, we went down to the lake without any protection, no handrails, no ladders, nothing”. (Int9). Overall, an important conclusion that can be drawn is that the age-related needs of these women are very much linked to the infrastructure of the destinations and the existing tourism services.

General and Perceived Risks during Trips

The final category analysed concerned the general and specific risks perceived by the women interviewed on their most recent trips. The results are shown in the word cloud in Fig.  6 and, not surprisingly, can be related to their needs to some extent.

Word cloud of perceived risks during a trip declared by the interviewees

The analysis shows that safety is the most frequently mentioned concern, followed by related issues such as violence, harassment, sexism, and gender. Other risk factors, including health, loneliness, embarrassment, and worry, were also identified. These findings are consistent with those of McIntosh et al. ( 1995 ), who identified health and lack of security as the primary risks for older travellers. Sönmez and Graefe’s (1998b) study emphasizes safety and security as factors that affect the selection of a destination by senior travellers.

Furthermore, all female interviewees expressed feeling unsafe when travelling alone in Brazil. Although some still do so, they report feeling insecure throughout their trip. As a result, the majority of respondents stated that their most recent travels were to Europe. Some even admitted to avoiding travel to certain countries due to fear. For instance, Interviewee 10 disclosed that she would not travel alone to Turkey due to concerns over the treatment of women in Asian and Muslim countries. However, Interviewee 1 stated that she would like to travel to Morocco but is deterred by concerns over safety and sexism.

When comparing our findings to the research conducted by Huber et al. ( 2018 ), it becomes apparent that health is a limiting factor. Specifically, the stress caused by the lack of physical capacity to travel alone is a concern. This issue was highlighted by several of the women interviewed, who, in addition to health issues, also mentioned age and the fact that they were travelling alone. For example, interviewee 4 is “afraid of travelling alone, it worries me because of my age. We already have some health problems, like high blood pressure, this kind of syndromes… I am afraid to travel alone with a heart problem, high blood pressure, these are emergency problems. Several respondents highlight the fear of falling ill or having an accident as the main perceived risks: “The biggest risk is getting sick.” (Int5); “The biggest risk is that something might happen, an accident, you might get sick. Getting sick in a foreign country. Even though I have health insurance, I think it is very complicated, the worst thing would be that”. (Int8); “I fell myself when I was walking on the grass, I stumbled, I fell and it was in a place that I cannot say was safe. I fell and tripped myself. It is a question of balance, which I do not do so well because of my age. (Int9).

With this in mind, one of the interviewees gave important tips for women travelling alone: “Share your location with family or friends; always have a spare battery for your mobile phone; get checked before travelling to avoid unforeseen health problems; have a good internet data plan; always inform your family about any change of plans during the trip”. (Int13).

These quotes demonstrate that interviewees consider previous travel experiences as a factor in their decision-making process for future trips. They also note that experiencing a destination firsthand allows them to compare reality with their subjective perceptions.

In addition, the female participants were asked about any specific risks they perceived during their last trip. Out of the thirteen interviewees, six reported no perceived risks, while one mentioned a friend experiencing a serious health problem during their trip. The remaining interviewees reported various risks they had felt or experienced. The participants reported various concerns related to their travel experiences. These included the insecurity of travelling with their own car, which had broken down on the road (Int1); robberies in Paris (Int5); harassment inside a store in Italy (Int7); insecurity in hiring a boat trip and being at the mercy of the contractor (Int10); insecurity in renting a car when travelling alone at night and the possibility of encountering mechanical problems (Int11); and a general sense of insecurity during a trip to Russia (Int12). The perceived risks of senior women are closely linked to their safety needs, which influence their choice of destination, accommodation location, and type. Health concerns while travelling are also a priority, leading them to travel with companions, particularly women. Constraints in solo travel are more related to gender than age. Finally, individuals may choose to avoid travelling to certain destinations for various reasons, some of which may be related to gender. Wilson & Little, 2005 ), 2008 ); Jordan and Aitchison ( 2008 ); Yang et al. ( 2018a ); Khoo-Lattimore and Gibson ( 2018 ) have previously confirmed this.

Main Results and Contributions

This work presents the results of a qualitative investigation into the behaviour of middle-aged and senior women who travel alone or in a group of women, known as senior women solo travel. The investigation focuses on specific aspects associated with these trips, such as motivation, needs, and risks.

It should be noted that senior women who travel alone may not actually be travelling alone, despite the name. Our interviewees found the company of other women who share their interest in leisure activities to be particularly important during their travels. These travel companions are sought after when their family or regular friends are unavailable or unwilling to join them. The motivation behind these trips is often the pleasure of travelling and a desire for independence, which may be facilitated by a more favourable financial situation in this stage of life. Group travel can provide benefits such as shared experiences, cost-sharing, and assistance with language barriers and health concerns. Rawlins ( 2012 ) highlights that unfamiliarity with local culture and language can exacerbate challenges for some tourists. The selection of a destination was primarily motivated by opportunity rather than a deliberate decision based on prior planning. Therefore, it can be concluded that senior female tourists continue to travel in groups even under adverse conditions, even if accompanied by strangers.

During our interviews, senior women who travel alone identified safety as their primary concern. Safety was the most frequently mentioned aspect when discussing their needs and perceived risks during a trip. The choice of accommodation location is influenced by both the proximity to destination attractions and the safety of the region. In addition, it is crucial to consider accessibility, which encompasses both the infrastructure of the destination, such as pedestrian walkways and public transportation, and the facilities and services of the accommodation, including room accessibility and availability of amenities.

According to our interviewees, senior travellers face health limitations due to age-related physical restrictions and pre-existing medical conditions. Additionally, when travelling alone, safety is a primary concern due to issues such as violence, sexism, harassment, and assault, as reported by the interviewees. The data indicates that insecurity is perceived differently in various destinations, which is consistent with previous studies (Wilson & Little, 2005 , 2008 ; Jordan & Aitchison, 2008 ; Yang et al., 2018a ; Khoo-Lattimore & Gibson, 2018 ). This study’s primary discovery is that senior women who travel alone perceive risks that are more closely linked to their gender than their age. This affects their choice of travel destinations, limiting their options and ability to participate in cultural and leisure activities.

Limitations and Suggestions for Future Research

During the initial exploratory phase, we faced challenges in finding bibliographic material and specific policies that cater to the senior tourism sector. Small ( 2003 ) notes in his article that there is a gap in the gender literature for this age group.

As the number of senior women travelling alone increases and women become more empowered, it is crucial to conduct further studies to understand and meet their expectations. Limited research has been conducted in this area for this demographic. Therefore, it is important to amplify their voices and address their needs. Although this work contributes to the task, additional studies are necessary to bridge the gap between sample statistics and representativeness. The sample size was limited in this work due to specific requirements for participation, such as age, nationality, and solo travel experience. Although this research provides valuable insights, it cannot be generalised. However, it can serve as a starting point for future studies on the topic.

A limitation of the study was that some women were unable to participate due to a lack of proficiency in using the Zoom meeting tool, as the interviews were conducted online. To address this limitation in future research, new studies can be designed to analyse this population and achieve additional objectives to further consolidate the results. In this context, future studies could broaden data collection to include women of other nationalities to determine if they share similar needs, motivations, and perceived risks as the Brazilian women studied in this research. To gain a better understanding of the strategies and measures being implemented to cater to this audience, it may be worthwhile to seek more in-depth information directly from tourism stakeholders, specifically those on the supply/destination side. However, the interview should be limited to its original scope and not expanded to draw further conclusions. The impact of solo travel on the cultural, social, and professional development and achievements of older and middle-aged women is beyond the scope of this study. The interviewees’ experiences were mainly reported before the Covid-19 pandemic. Conducting a longitudinal study to understand the impact of the pandemic on the motivations, needs and risks of older women traveling solo would be an interesting avenue for future research. Finally, a quantitative study based on a questionnaire survey of a large sample of middle-aged and elderly women who travel alone may provide more consolidated and generalizable results.

This paper addresses a gap in the literature by providing insights into the motivations, needs, and risks experienced by senior women who travel alone or with other women. The enhancement of the health and economic conditions of this demographic warrants further investigation by academics to expand related knowledge. This can inform tourism practitioners by providing strategic and political guidelines. Although exploratory, this study represents a first step in this field.

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Maiurro, M., Brandão, F. Motivations, Needs, and Perceived Risks of Middle-Aged and Senior Solo Travelling Women: A Study of Brazilian Female Travellers. Population Ageing (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12062-024-09450-z

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