Travelling Solo? 5 Friendly Reasons to Join a Travel Group for Solo Travellers

Solo travellers step out alone to explore our colourful world, but travelling solo doesn’t have to mean travelling alone.  

Travelling in a group, either on a tour, at a resort, or on a cruise, is a great way for solo travellers to form new friendships.

I still hear stories of connections that have lasted over the years from meeting on one of our travel groups for solo travellers. I know of friendships that even span more than a decade from our trips in our founding few years from 2006.

In today's fast-paced world, where family and work commitments often consume our time, it's challenging to form new friendships. Even more so as the years pass. The demands of everyday life leave little room for meeting new people and building connections. However, the unique setting of travelling together melts away the barriers to creating the new friendships.

 

 

Canada with Alaska May 2023
Murray River Cruise
Singapore Fling August 2022

Trips together create the perfect environment for forging lifetime bonds. There are five reasons around friendship why joining a travel group just for solo travellers may just trump your experience of travelling alone, or joining other groups that aren’t just for solo travellers.

Red Centre Solo Travel Tour
Red Centre Discovery 2022
Scandinavia Solo Travel Tour
Scandinavia Explorer 2016
Europe Solo Travel Tour
European Icons

1. Break Free from the Daily Grind

Travel provides an escape from our everyday routines, allowing us to step out of our comfort zones and be open to new connections. Away from the pressures of work and family responsibilities, and in an environment that fosters interaction. This newfound freedom from the daily grind creates an atmosphere where bonds can form more easily.

Greece April 2023

2. Quality Time and Shared Experiences

Small group tours, resort trips or cruise groups offer more time to get to know each other than brief encounters. Whether it's exploring ancient ruins, embarking on thrilling adventures, or simply sharing meals, the shared experiences create a solid foundation for meaningful connections.

Solo Travel Resort Escapes
Bali 2014

3. Shared Passions and Kindred Spirits

Solo travellers who choose the same small group tour often share a common passion for exploring the world. This shared interest, whether enjoying the destination or the activities, brings together kindred spirits - open to embracing new cultures, cuisines, and adventures. With group experiences on offer, be it the adventure of a hot air balloon flight in Egypt above the River Nile, an exhilarating ‘shot over jet’ boat ride in New Zealand, or cooking class in Italy, just to name a few, travellers bond over the excitement and joy of these unique experiences.

Treasure of Norfolk Island
UK Solo Traveller Tour
UK Tour

4. Breaking Down Barriers and Building Trust

As a solo traveller on tour with a group of other ‘solos’ it’s the ultimate setting - everyone is seeking companionship and connection. The shared vulnerability of leaving home alone to join a group of strangers breaks down barriers and fosters a sense of trust and common ground. Without preconceived notions or societal expectations, genuine bonds based on authenticity and mutual understanding are created.

Thailand Solo Travel
Hanging out in Thailand
India Solo Travel Tour group
Discover North India February 2023

5. Creating Lasting Memories

The memories created during a small group tour have a profound impact on the creation of lifelong friendships. The moments shared, whether it's exploring hidden gems, laughing together, or supporting each other through a travel challenge, become the building blocks of a unique bond. These shared memories are the cherished stories that are relived and retold throughout the years, solidifying that connection between fellow travellers.

Solo Travel Friendships
Iceland 2022

From Strangers to Friends

There’s also the bonus of meeting travellers from far and wide. As an Australian travel company, you’re meeting travellers from all corners of Australia. Also, solo travellers from other countries like New Zealand, the UK and USA join us and new friendships transcend borders, leading to global connections that are truly amazing.

Escaping the daily grind and sharing travel experiences creates the perfect connection. So next time you’re thinking about stepping out alone to travel near or far across our globe, give some thought to joining a group just for solo travellers – once you’ve done it, you’ll never look back.

 

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Getting Started For The First Time?
Check out my book, How To Travel Solo But Not Alone

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About the author

Justine Waddington

Justine Waddington is the founder and director of Encounter Travel, a company that creates holiday groups exclusively for solo travellers. As a solo traveller with 60 countries under her belt and 15 years of arranging travel groups, Justine is in the unique position of being able to offer tips and advice from the perspective of an experienced solo traveller and also that of a travel agent.

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