Whether you’re a social butterfly who loves nothing more than meeting new groups of like-minded travelers or someone looking to push themselves into new situations, traveling solo can be one of life’s most rewarding and liberating experiences.
Joining an organized tour as a solo traveler gives you the best of both worlds – the opportunity to indulge your own interests and enjoy the flexibility of built-in free days, without the hassle and stress of planning it all. You’re also guaranteed to meet lots of people from all walks of life!
Going on a solo adventure can transform your self-confidence and reignite your passion for the world around you. If you’re a solo voyager who’s thinking of joining a group tour, we have some expert advice to help you make the most of your first ‘go it alone’ experience.
Why Travel Solo on a Group Adventure?
Meet Like-Minded People
Not everyone dreams of summiting Kilimanjaro, hiking to Everest Base Camp or tracking mountain gorillas in the misty Ugandan jungle. But the people who do are likely to share an intrinsic understanding of one another. These shared interests and aspirations create natural bonds between kindred spirits – and we’ve witness countless lasting friendships blook among our travelers.
Feel Safe
For most solo travelers, peace of mind is often the foundation of true discovery. Joining a small-group expedition offers that rare alchemy of independence and security, allowing your adventurous spirit to soar while knowing you’re in exceptionally capable hands. All our small-group tours are guided by an experience leader who brings not only rigorous safety training, but also an intimate understanding of the land’s hidden paths and the subtle rhythms of local life.
Push Your Limits
Even the most seasoned solo traveler may recall a moment of hesitation before stepping into a circle of unfamiliar faces. But after organizing group adventures for over 50 years, we can say with confidence that the benefits far outweigh the initial nerves. Do it, and you’ll soon realize you’re more than capable of pushing yourself outside your comfort zone.
Set Your Own Agenda
It’s never easy to find a time, destination, itinerary and budget that works for your entire group of friends. When you venture out solo and join a small-group tour, all the big decisions – where you go, how you travel, what you see – are completely up to you. No more endless group chats trying to coordinate plans. It’s just you, choosing your perfect adventure.
Remove the Hassle of Planning
Crafting extraordinary journeys takes lots of time and insider knowledge, particularly if you’re looking for unique experiences and an in-depth exploration of the local culture. By joining one of our adventures, you tap into decades of on-the-ground expertise and cherished local relationships built along the way. We’ve already done the heavy lifting. All you need to do it show up ready to explore.
Our Top Tips for Travelling Solo
Ask Your Sales Representative for the Group Demographics
Knowing what to expect from your adventure is an effective way to quash any pre-trip nerves. So, ask your dedicated sales representative for the group demographics. They won’t be able to reveal personal details, but you can discover the group’s make up, including:
- Group size
- Number of solo travellers
- Rough ages
- Gender
You can also opt for a departure with more solo travelers. But keep in mind – the desire to forge meaningful connections knows no traveling status. Whether people arrive solo or with a travel companion, many are eager to make new friends.
Think Carefully About Whether you Want a Private Room
Like most small-group tour operators, we typically pair solo travelers together as roommates –though you always have the option to book your own private room for an additional fee. Sharing a room often sparks an easy friendship, the kind that blooms naturally over morning coffees and evening recaps of the day’s discoveries. Plus, you’re much less likely to sleep through two alarms in the morning!
Attend the Welcome Briefing
Most of our adventures begin with a welcome briefing, often held in the evening of Day 1. Here, your expert guide shares all the essential details you’ll need while settling in, as well as what to expect on your journey. It’s also a time in which each group member will introduce themselves and share a fun fact or too.
Join as Many Group Dinners and Drinks as Possible
Few things bring people together quite like sharing a meal and raising a glass after a day of exploration. Whether it’s a dinner included in your journey or an impromptu gathering at that charming café your guide recommended, these moments become the heart of group travel. It’s amazing how quickly fellow travelers become friends when you’re reliving the day’s highlights over a great meal and good company.
Be Active in the WhatsApp Group
It’s common for each adventure to have a WhatsApp group. These are useful for asking anything you need to know – where and when to meet, for example – but also a great place to share photos and videos. We’ve found many groups keep on chatting well after the adventure has finished, with friends meeting up back home and even planning their next trip with us.
Buy the First Round at the Bar
Has anyone ever had a bad word to say about the person who bought the first round of drinks? We think not.
Our Top Adventures for Solo Travellers
Choosing from our wide range of trips may seem a bit daunting to solo travelers who’ve never joined a guided group before. We get it – it’s the ultimate paradox of choice! To help narrow things down, we’ve rounded up five adventures that have consistently received glowing feedback from past solo travelers.
1. Borneo Wildlife Discoverer
Ideal for solo travelers who love wildlife spotting, our Borneo Wildlife Discoverer trip offers plenty of opportunities for close encounters with some of Malayasia’s most fascinating creatures. Some of our past solo travelers said they appreciated not having to organize the logistics behind travelling to remote areas like the Danum Valley and Kinabatangan, which gave them more time to kick back and enjoy the adventure. Others enjoyed sharing key wildlife experiences with their group – like watching the epic bat exodus in Mulu National Park and spotting rare pygmy elephants while cruising along the Kinabatangan River. With downtime for snorkeling in Kota Kinabalu and other optional activities, this trip is the perfect all-rounder for solos.
2. Classic Dolomites – Premium Adventure
Discover the breathtaking Dolomites on this Premium Adventure, starting in the charming village of Villabassa. In the company of like-minded travelers, you’ll admire the serene Lago di Braies, walk to the base of the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo, climb panoramic peaks like Strudelkopf and delve into the region’s First World War history at Monte Piana. One reason why our Classic Dolomites – Premium Adventure has been a hit with solo travelers is because it offers great flexibility; depending on which departure you choose, you could go for Activity Level 3 (Moderate) or up the ante and try our more challenging Activity Level 5 (Challenging). You can also enjoy a free day to unwind and take advantage of the hotel’s wellness center or explore nearby Alpine towns, such as Bolzano or the city of Lienz in Austria. With brilliant hikes, a charming stay in the four-star Hotel Adler and countless opportunities to indulge in delicious gourmet Tyrolean cuisine, this trip is ideal for solo travelers with a passion for hiking.
3. Cycle Namibia
Our Cycle Namibia adventure is great for solo travelers looking to dip their toes into group travel. Starting in Windhoek, you join a small, like-minded group as you cycle through Namibia’s stunning landscapes, from the Khomas Hochland and giant dunes to the iconic Dune 45 and Swakopmund’s dunes. Our afternoon of fat biking across Swakopmund on Day 6 remains a highlight and group bonding experience. The adventure also includes an incredible group safari across Etosha National Park, where you might spot elephants, rhinos, and lions. Visits to the Otjiwa Safari Lodge and the Waterberg Plateau enhance this adventure further.
4. Highlights of Northern India
This nine-day adventure through Northern India is fantastic for solo travelers looking to explore the region’s top highlights, including the Golden Triangle and Varanasi. Covering iconic sites such as Jaipur’s Amber Fort, the majestic Taj Mahal, and the sacred ghats of Varanasi, this whistlestop tour removes all the stress of planning a busy itinerary alone. Our small group size (maximum 16 people), not only ensures a more personal experience, but is more convenient when moving around crowded areas. Solo female travelers, in particular, may appreciate the safe, inclusive group dynamic fostered by our expert local tour leaders, who manage train allocations, group dinners and public transport along the way. Our tour leaders also know the best spots to try authentic local snacks and drinks.
5. Cycling Vietnam
The 14-day Cycling Vietnam adventure is one of our bestsellers – and for good reason. With a maximum group size of 18, it’s an amazing way to meet people from all walks of life, especially since the trip often runs at full capacity. In two weeks, you cover some of Vietnam’s top cultural highlights, including the Cu Chi Tunnels, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay and Whale Island, while also enjoying varied cycling through the country’s most scenic landscapes from the shimmering coast to the central highlands. Regardless of group size, you always have a dedicated cycling leader, assistant leader, and two vehicles if you need them. Repeatedly, solo travelers have praised these teams saying they go above and beyond to make everyone feel included and supported. Vietnam is also a safe and welcoming country, both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are wonderful places to explore on your own if you arrive early or want to extend your stay after our trip.
If you’d like to read more about traveling solo in a guided group with Exodus, take a look at our Solo Travel page.
