Whether you’re a social butterfly who loves nothing more than meeting new groups of like-minded travellers or someone looking to push themselves into new situations, travelling solo can be one of life’s most rewarding and liberating experiences.
Joining an organised tour as a solo traveller 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 wants to climb Kilimanjaro, hike to Everest Base Camp or track gorillas in the Ugandan jungle. But the people who do are very likely to get on well. These shared interests and experiences are a straightforward way to connect with like-minded people and we’ve made plenty of life-long friends on our tours.
Feel Safe
Safety is the top priority for most solo travellers. Joining a small-group adventure means you can feel comfortable in the knowledge that you’ll be looked after. All our small-group adventures are guided by an experienced tour leader who has been trained in safety, knows the local area and understands the culture.
Push Your Limits
Unless you’re an experienced solo traveller, you may feel a little nervy about joining a gang of new people. But we’ve being organising group adventures for more than 50 years, so we can say with confidence that the good far outweighs the initial nerves. Do it, and you’ll soon realise 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 whole group of friends. Go solo and there’s only one person you need to worry about. Joining a small-group adventure likes ours means all the big decisions – where you go, how you travel, what you see – are completely up to you, meaning you get the adventure you want – not a compromise of everyone’s desires.
Remove the Hassle of Planning
Planning adventures like ours takes lots of time and insider knowledge, particularly if you’re looking for unique experiences and an in-depth exploration of the local culture. Joining one of our tours means you can leave the planning to us.
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 nerves. So, ask your 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 ask before you buy, meaning you can opt for a departure with more solo travellers. But remember, couples or friends are just as likely to want to meet new people as those travelling by themselves.
Think Carefully About Whether you Want a Private Room
Like most small-group tour operators, we typically pair solo travellers together for the rooming. Of course, you always have the choice to pay extra and get a private room, but sharing a room is a wonderful way to bond with at least one of your other group members. 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, typically held in the evening of Day 1. They’re an important part of the process, in which we gather for the first time as a group and receive valuable information from the tour leader. 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
Whether they’re included within the itinerary or organised by the group, there will be plenty of chances to bond over food and a drink or two. These shared experiences are a great chance to relax with your new-found friends and chat about the incredible adventures you’ve had together on the trip.
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
Did anyone have a bad word to say about the person that bought the first round of drinks? We think not.
Our Top Adventures for Solo Travellers
Choosing from our wide range of trips that span all seven continents may seem a bit daunting to solo travellers 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 travellers.
1. Borneo Wildlife Discoverer
Ideal for solo travellers 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 travellers said they appreciated not having to organise 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 snorkelling 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 travellers, 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 travellers 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 centre 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 travellers with a passion for trekking.
3. Cycle Namibia
Our Cycle Namibia adventure is great for solo travellers 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 travellers 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 travellers, 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 travellers 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 travelling solo in a guided group with Exodus, take a look at our Solo Travel page.
