Oh, solo traveling – such an experience that comes with a sense of freedom, courage, and adventure! A lot of travelers, including me, noted solo traveling as a life-changing experience that makes you grow as a person. Inspiration aside, solo traveling is fun on its own. You can be the boss of your own schedule and follow your own rhythm. However, as a group travel community, we have heard stories from our solo travelers about how their lives ‘changed’ after joining travel groups for solo travelers.
Shifting from solo travel to group travel sure brings changes in the best way possible. You meet new people, share stories, and explore the world with others who love travel just as much as you do. So, what if this is your first time joining a group trip alone? Our ex-solo travelers, who have learned the art of balancing independence and group fun, give their tips!
TL;DR – Joining Travel Groups for Solo Travelers
Joining your first group trip as a solo traveler can be exciting and a little nerve-wracking — but it’s one of the best ways to make new friends and see the world. Do your research, pick a trustworthy and flexible operator, and go in with an open mind. Join the group chat early, pack light, be punctual, and respect shared spaces. Bring small essentials that make bonding easier, have a personal backup plan, and don’t forget to help others and have fun. You’ll quickly see why travel groups for solo travelers are the perfect mix of freedom and friendship.
1. Do the Research
Before joining any solo travel group, take time to do your research. Each group has its distinctive style, from the more laidback vacations to the more adventurous ones. Spend time reading reviews, checking the itinerary, and understanding the type of travelers you’ll be with. Knowing this helps you choose one that truly fits your style.
Here is your cheat sheet to know which solo travel group can fit you the best:
- What is the age group of the travelers? Are they younger, older, or the same age as you?
- Does the group have specific interests that shaped their itinerary? (example: hiking trips for outdoor junkies)
- Who is the host of the group, and what is their background?
- Have the people in the group known each other or not?
2. Choose a Trustworthy and Flexible Operator
“Choosing a good, trustworthy operator is essential. I chose JoinMyTrip because it allows me to get to know my travel buddies before the trip. They also do background checks,” said TripLeader Josh, who decided to host trips after three years of traveling alone.
Therefore, the right tour operator can make or break your group travel experience. Go with a company that values safety, transparency, and flexibility. Nowadays, some group tour operators offer flexible time and itineraries for their travelers, especially those that cater to Gen Zs. Solo travelers value the opportunity to explore alone and check off their personal bucket list, so that will be a plus point for a solo travel group. Moreover, you can choose the one that verifies every traveler and plans thoughtful itineraries.
Other Tip: You can find fellow solo travelers who are creating groups to travel together on Meetup or Facebook.
3. Go with an Open Mind
“I traveled a lot alone or with my partner before. But, joining group travel has changed the way I travel. I value connections I made with new people and gain new stories and inspiration from them. So, going with an open mind is key for your first group travel,” said TripLeader Ellis, a host from Italy who has guided trips for two years.
When you travel with a group, you’ll meet people of all ages, backgrounds, and travel styles. Then, when you are joining an international group, you will meet people from different countries, raised in different cultures, and speaking languages you don’t speak. So, it is important to be open to different perspectives and ways of doing things. Often, the best memories come from unexpected moments and new friendships.
4. Join the Group Chat Early
5. Pack Light and Organized
One of the green flags of travel groups for solo travelers are having a group chat. Why? It’s easier to stay in touch with your group, update each other before the trip, and get to know briefly about the people traveling with you. Therefore, once you decided to join a group for solo travelers, ask to be invited to the chat group immediately. Don’t hesitate to introduce yourself, ask questions, or share your excitement. It makes meeting in person much easier and helps you connect faster once the trip starts.
Group travel moves fast, and no one wants to be the one holding everyone up. Pack only what you need, use packing cubes, and keep essentials like your passport, charger, and toiletries easily accessible.
6. Always Be 10 Minutes Early
Being punctual isn’t just polite — it shows respect for your travel mates and the organizers. When everyone’s ready on time, you’ll have more time to enjoy the destination instead of waiting around.
7. Bring Group-Friendly Essentials
You can steal the spot of being the superhero of the group by bringing much-needed essential. For added fun, you can bring a small speaker, deck of cards, or other games to break the ice. Moreover, other everyday items can be a life-changer for the group. You can pack a hand sanitizer, tissue, wet wipes, snacks, or a mini first-aid kit that would help the group adventure.
When I joined my first CoWorking trip (which was with JoinMyTrip’s teammates), one of us bring a full set of everyday medicine and refreshments to put in our apartment. And to be honest, having the caring/mom-type of TripMate is the best!
8. Respect Shared Spaces
If you’re sharing rooms or bathrooms, keep your belongings tidy and respect everyone’s privacy. Simple things like hanging your towel neatly or cleaning up after yourself make a big difference in keeping group harmony.
9. Have Your Own Backup Plan
Even with an organized itinerary, it’s smart to know your hotel address, emergency contacts, and local transport options. That way, you’ll feel confident even if you get separated from the group or plans suddenly change.
10. Offer to Help
Whether it’s taking a group photo, sharing snacks, or helping carry someone’s bag, small gestures go a long way. They show you’re a team player and make you someone people naturally gravitate toward.
11. Share, Mingle, and Have Fun
You joined a travel group for solo travelers to experience connection — so make the most of it! Chat with everyone, share stories, laugh over dinner, and be present in every moment. These friendships often last long after the trip ends.
Ready to Join a Solo Travel Group?
At JoinMyTrip, every traveler is verified, every trip is curated by passionate travelers, and every experience is designed to help you make real connections on the road. Whether it’s island-hopping in Greece or hiking in Patagonia, you’ll find solo travel groups that feel just right for you.
Join a group trip today and meet your next travel buddies with JoinMyTrip!