Out of Your Comfort Zone
The art of backpacking & adventures to get out of your comfort zone – tips and advice, 5 best group tour companies for young solo single travelers.
Last Updated on September 9, 2024 by Rodrigo @ OutofYourComfortZone
Traveling alone is wonderful, but it can also be intimidating. Especially if your destination has a language or a culture completely different from your own.
And sometimes, making friends while traveling can be difficult and many worry about getting lonely. So, a good option for anyone who wants to begin adventuring around the world on their own is to use a tour excursion company that specializes in trips for young adults.
Of course, traveling is always about visiting a place and seeing new things, but one of the highlights is often meeting new people along the way. This is what is called social traveling .
Table of Contents
- 1 Is it worth going on a group tour as a young solo/single traveler?
- 2 What are travel groups for young solo/single travelers like?
- 3 How to choose a tour company for young single/solo travelers
- 4 5 Best Tour Companies for Young Solo/Single Travelers
- 5 Bonus: World Tours for Women Only
- 6 Planning your next trip?
Is it worth going on a group tour as a young solo/single traveler?
As with all types of travel, there are pros and cons to going with a tour company, especially with companies specialized in tours for young travelers since many include lots of partying and going out and daily bonding with the same group. So, it’s possible that this isn’t the right choice for you.
(PS: still a young adult traveler who is interested in group tours but not the party aspect of them? See tour companies # 3 & #4 below or see my article with the 5 Best Small Group Tour Companies for International Travel for some more options)
So it’s important to know some things beforehand about this type of trip so you can decide for yourself if it’s your style or not.
What are travel groups for young solo/single travelers like?
How to choose a tour company for young single/solo travelers
To help you choose an excursion that works for you and fits your travel type, we’ll separate out the companies that specialize in guided trips for young single/solo travelers with the best reputations (and prices) on the market here, including a comparison table.
It’s also worth remembering that some of these companies offer guided tours beyond those just for young adults. So no matter what, you should be able to find one a tour that works best with your personality, your wallet, and your patience.
Note: And if you are a woman and want to take a solo female small group tour, take a look at our bonus option after the comparison table: Solo Female Travelers Tours
5 Best Tour Companies for Young Solo/Single Travelers
Contiki is the most well-known tour company for young travelers worldwide. It’s been around since 1962, so its name carries quite a lot of weight.
But don’t worry if this sounds a bit intense for you…the options below are a bit more “calm.”
So, as you can imagine, most of Contiki’s excursions involve lots of partying and going out with “pub crawl” kind of nights. And since there’s plenty of cool stories online of young travelers who traveled and would travel again with Contiki, it must be one of the best companies available if this is the type of travel you’re looking for.
Contiki has more than 328 distinct tours for many destinations across the 6 continents. According to their website, 55% of travelers who chose Contiki are single and are traveling alone, but the trips can also accommodate groups of friends and couples.
One thing to keep in mind is that the groups are usually quite big, around 30 people, and the main form of travel is the company’s coach bus.
Finally, their tours have a bit of everything: physical activities , exploration of local culture and food, and visits to ethical and sustainable organizations and projects in your destination. In other words, you are capable of a journey full of different attractions, sounds, and experiences!
Topdeck is a company that offers“epic trips and tours for young adventurers aged 18-39.”With 40 years of experience, alongside Contiki, Topdeck is one of the most well-known companies in terms of group travel for young solo/single travelers.
Their trips are divided into several categories:
- Hotel tours: designed for couples or singles who want to travel a bit more comfortably through Europe, the U.S., Canada, or Asia. All hotels have, at least, 3 stars and the excursions give you a lot of free time to relax or explore on your own.
- Explorer trips: these are shorter trips, between 6 days and 3 weeks, with just one country for those who want to explore local culture more deeply. The groups are small and accommodation is in shared or private hotel rooms.
- Hostel plus trip: low-cost tours with accommodation in hostels , cabins, or vans and with itineraries with multiple destinations/countries.
- Camping trips: these trips are the cheapest way to travel through Europe with Topdeck. The accommodation is camping with private chefs cooking meals daily. The bunks are for two people and include mattresses.
- Sailing trips: these trips are an awesome option for anyone who dreams of sailing the world but doesn’t have an idea of where to start. Accommodation is within a sailboat in double, triple, or quadruple rooms with meals included.
- Festivals and events: these tours are specifically for events like Oktoberfest or the Sziget festival (in Hungary) and other festivals in the United States, Canada, and Europe .
- Ski trips: these trips are perfect for anyone who loves snow and skiing . With destinations in Canada, New Zealand, Bulgaria, and Japan . Accommodation is in private or shared hotel rooms.
- Gap year: this trip is made for young travelers 17-18 who want to travel in Europe after graduating high school. It’s a great idea for anyone who wants to travel on their own without freaking their parents out. Accommodation is in hostels and the destinations usually include 8-10 countries.
Created in 1990, G Adventures was born with the idea of offering authentic adventures responsibly and sustainably. Their excursions have reasonable prices and cover all the continents, including Antarctica!
The groups are small and the itineraries are designed so you have time to explore on your own. The trips are themed and have different options for all ages, including a category for young travelers aged 18-39.
The trips in this category are faster-paced and designed for young travelers. In other words, you explore during the day and stay up at night. Their motto for these excursions is “live fast now.” So, their trips are usually longer than the others and offer more activities.
Plus, this category of travel groups is a bit more affordable with accommodation in hostels and a few meals included to guarantee a cheaper price. You can read more about these trips here .
Or, just click in the link above, go to G Adventures main page, click “Travel Styles” and select “18-to-Thirtysomethings!”
It’s worth remembering that these trips follow the basic principles of G Adventures: small groups and free time. Plus, the trips are done in a responsible and sustainable way, prioritizing small businesses and the welfare of animals, children, and indigenous communities.
And finally, like Intrepid, G Adventures is a partner of Planeterra, an NGO dedicated to ensuring that communities touched by tourism benefit from it, rather than be exploited by it. The organization helps to empower local populations, preserve their cultures, and create support systems by managing 50 organizations across the 7 continents with the aim of benefiting women, at-risk youth, and indigenous and rural communities. You can read more about Planeterra here .
Intrepid is considered by many to be one of the best options for those who want to travel as part of an excursion with small, adventure-focused groups .
All trips offered by Intrepid are sustainable, and because of this Intrepid is known and respected as the global leader in sustainable travel.
The company has zeroed its carbon footprint and supports the Intrepid Foundation, a foundation that finances the planting of trees worldwide creates jobs and local education, and helps the world achieve 8 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. You can read more about the foundation at https://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/.
Intrepid has many types of trips for all budgets and personalities. That said, the company prides itself in organizing small groups of up to 10 people. This is because Intrepid believes that this is the maximum number of people that still allows a true connection with locals without you simply feeling like just a face in the group. The trips are also always designed to give you some time to explore on your own.
The trips made for young travelers aged 18-29 (called their “18 to 29s” trips) are designed specifically for the new generation of socially-conscious explorers. In other words, they were created for travelers who want to discover new places and cultures, make new friends , and also make a difference in the world.
There are many destinations and the cost of the trips are relatively low given that they are designed for young travelers. You can see all of Intrepid’s tour options here .
Unlike the other companies mentioned above, Trek American only offers excursions for North and Central America. And in general their tours are quite small, just 13 people, with the exception of their “plus” tours of up to 30 people.
Trek America is also quite well-known and has been running since 1972. Like Contiki, the tours are exclusively for young travelers aged 18-38 and include itineraries of 3 days to 3 months.
The reputation of Trek America is that they offer experiences which change your life with a balance between visiting big cities, national parks, and other activities that explore the most incredible places in North and Central America.
And, unlike Contiki, Trek America trips don’t include the “pub crawl” culture. So if you are a young traveler who is more interested in exploring and making new experiences instead of partying, Trek America might be good for you.
They have 3 types of tours:
- Original tours: small group tours with the aim of having an authentic “ road trip ,” with cheap accommodation that includes hostels, camping, and budget hotels. The groups have 10-13 people, which gives you a bit more flexibility in the itinerary.
- Plus tours: offered just to explore North America, these tours offer more comfort, primarily when it comes to accommodation, and you’ll stay in hotels, eco resorts, and apartments. Plus, breakfast is included as is more activities than the original tours. The only “con” is that the groups are usually bigger (up to 30 people).
- BOLT tours: offered exclusively for Central America with a combination of private transportation and local transportation. The groups are 12-18 people with accommodation in hotels and with a bit more flexibility, meaning the most famous tourist spots will be included, but you’ll still have lots of free time to explore on your own.
Comparison table of the best group tour companies for young solo/single travelers:
Bonus: World Tours for Women Only
Solo Female Travelers Tours is a company that serves women travelers from all over the world. It is focused on facilitating women’s adventures around the world with all the confidence, safety, and comfort needed by its clients.
Some of the destinations served by SFT Tours are Mongolia , Antarctica, Sudan, Tanzania, Tuscany, and Iceland. There are tours for all tastes, from luxury tours in Tuscany to extreme adventures like climbing Kilimanjaro (with a female guide!).
In addition to empowering diverse women to embark on journeys around the world, all trips taken by Solo Female Travelers Tours are supported by women-owned businesses and partnered with entrepreneurs whose mission is to empower female figures.
In conclusion…
Traveling is always an enriching experience. And for anyone who just likes to travel solo, group tours can be a fun and safe opportunity to explore a new country.
And the truth is, by traveling in a group with a guide, you’ll have an incredible experience and return filled with stories, friends, and memories. What matters is that you get out and explore the world, whether solo or with a group, because the world is big and waiting for you!
Planning your next trip?
Already reserved your hotel or hostel? If not, our article with The 6 Best and Cheapest Websites to Find & Reserve Accommodation can help you out. You’ll also find some promotions and discount codes .
Still haven’t booked your plane ticket and want to save big? Take a look at our page with 16 Tips to Save on Flights where you’ll also find the 4 best websites to buy your plane tickets.
And finally, will you need to rent a car during your trip? Then surely our page with The 5 Best and Cheapest Websites to Compare and Rent Cars Around the World will help you choose the best rental car and find a good deal.
16 Responses
[…] the major difference between tourists is their desire to explore the world alone or in a group of like-minded people. In the post below, we will take a deeper dive and discover the […]
It is always fun to travel with a group tour whether as a solo traveler or couple. There is so fun when you meet people and network.
Hi Magdalene! I completely agree. Traveling is not just about the tourist attractions, but also the people you meet during the process! 🙂
[…] of the option you choose to travel in Norway, whether independently or on a group tour, each has its positive and negative […]
[…] summary, the choice between traveling independently or in a group in Italy depends on your personal preferences. Evaluate your interests, time availability, budget, […]
Rodrigo, do you have any updated or more recent article like this one?
Hi Josias, thank you for your comment! The article is supposed to be updated. Do you see any old information that is not relevant anymore? Please let me know! 🙂
[…] of the option you choose to travel to New Zealand—whether independently or on a group tour—each has its advantages and […]
[…] the other hand, a group tour with a guide offers the company of fellow travelers and the opportunity to meet people with similar […]
[…] of the option you choose to travel through Egypt—whether independently or on a group tour—each has its advantages and […]
[…] summary, the choice between traveling independently or in a group in Vietnam depends on your personal preferences. Evaluate your interests, time availability, […]
To your list I would also recommend Italy on a Budget Tours for Italy tours
How Irene, thank you for your comment and suggestion! Now it’s here for all the readers to take a look! Thanks!
[…] of these types of companies have 100+ excursions across the 7 continents for groups of all kinds for you to choose from. Whether you want to travel […]
[…] Explore caves together. If you are inexperienced, make sure to go on guided tours and follow safety […]
[…] summary, the decision between traveling independently or in a group in Southeast Asia will depend on your personal preferences. Consider your interests, time […]
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Best Tour Companies for Singles
Book your next adventure with one of these options.
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.
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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. Â
Mathieu Young / Getty Images
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Few travellers make it to this icy continent, but the lucky ones who do get to explore a frozen Eden ruled by the elements and teeming with wildlife.
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G adventures sailing & cruises, solo-ish adventures.
Travel for yourself, not by yourself with our brand new, solo-only adventures designed to get you and your group-mates feeling connected right from day one.
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Whether it’s a family retreat or a girls trip, you can surround yourself with a hand-picked crew and customize a tour that fits you all perfectly.
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Our new line of premium active adventures is officially here. With perfectly paced itineraries, one-of-a-kind accommodations and elevated dining, this is adventure at its finest.
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Go deeper into the cultures and habitats of the places we explore. More is included and you’ll enjoy greater hands-on exploration, interactions with local experts, and freedom to roam.
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Are you an adventure-loving family in search of meaningful ways to discover the world together? These tours are specially designed for travellers seven and up and their inquisitive families.
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Step deeper into the animal kingdom while respecting all of its inhabitants. Our incredible collection of wildlife-focused tours is endorsed by the world-renowned ethologist.
Why choose us
As the leader in small group travel for 30 years, we know how to do it right: flexible itineraries, freedom to roam, safety, peace of mind, and locally based guides.
Change the world just by having the time of your life. When you travel with us, you become a force for good by acting responsibly and creating positive impact.
Together with our non-profit partner, Planeterra, we ensure local communities touched by our tours benefit from our visits in as many ways possible.
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Leave your destination even greener than you found it! For every day on tour, we’ll plant a tree in your honour and ensure that our forests get to live their best lives.
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Looking to have the time of your life in the next 90 days or so? You can save big if you’re ready to book now.
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Your trusted choice for solo travel
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. For 30+ years, we have crafted thousands of itineraries perfect for solo travellers, and sent hundreds of thousands of solo travellers confidently to every corner of the planet.
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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 full of solo travel safety tips.
Easy on the wallet
Why should travelling solo be more expensive? We treat solo travellers 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 small travel group sizes typically ranging from 12 to 16 people, you’ll have built-in community and connection with equally adventurous travellers from all over the world.
Always female friendly
Travelling solo as a female can feel risky, but we’re committed to keeping every woman 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 travellers a "My Own Room" option, meaning you could have a private room (and personal washroom) for your entire trip.
Introducing Solo • ish Adventures
Travel for yourself, not by yourself with our brand new, solo-only adventures designed to get you and your group-mates connected right from day one.
Solo travel tips and answers
Never travelled by yourself or gone as part of a small group before? We can get you sorted. Check out our most frequently asked questions about solo travel, 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, often skewing towards females, so you’ll never feel outnumbered.
On most G Adventures tours, you’ll find that solo travellers are a huge part of the experience. It’s not uncommon for half of your group to be solo adventurers! 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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Comparison of the best small group tour companies for young single solo travelers. With pros and cons and table. Ideal if you want to party or just explore.
Small group travel for young adults ages 21-35. Enjoyed by thousands of travelers every year. See why Under30Experiences has over 1000 5-star reviews!
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.
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.”.
Browse our most popular group trips for solo travellers, with itineraries all around the world. Visit us online today to start planning your adventure!
Perfect small group tours for solo travelers. We offer affordable tour packages for solo travelers across the globe. Choose the destination from your bucket list & become part of the never forgettable trip.