In a nutshell
In a nutshell
- More people are traveling alone—but many don’t want to feel alone while they do it.
- A growing number of solo travelers are choosing small-group trips that offer flexibility, built-in community and less planning stress.
- Women and LGBTQ+ travelers may also turn to group travel for added confidence, support and a greater sense of inclusion.
- Social connection is a major draw: Hostelworld reports that 71% of solo travelers want to meet new people while traveling.
- Companies such as WeRoad are tapping into this shift with group trips designed for people who may arrive as strangers but share similar interests and travel styles.
- The result is a new model of travel that combines independence with community—giving travelers the freedom to set out on their own without having to experience the journey entirely by themselves.
“Any suggestions on travel groups for solo travelers?”
This was the question a 37-year-old woman put to the Reddit community a couple of years ago, adding that she had never traveled alone outside of the United States, felt nervous and wanted to make sure she picked the right group trip.
“I decided if I keep waiting on people to travel places I’ve always wanted to go, I’ll never be able to do it and miss out on some unforgettable experiences,” she continued. “So I’m about to just do it by myself!”
This traveler is hardly alone. The solo travel market is projected to grow by more than 14% over the next decade, according to Grand View Research. But along with the niche’s rapid expansion, driven by Gen Z and Millennials’ preference for flexibility and more personalized vacations, is the reality that many travelers still value the safety of a group without the constraints of traditional group trips. Because not every destination offers the same level of safety or inclusivity, many travelers—including women and LGBTQ+ people—are turning to group travel in order to explore the world with greater confidence.
In fact, National Geographic reported last year that solo women travelers’ growing demand for women-only group trips are reshaping the travel industry. The magazine called the trend a “new zeitgeist,” noting that the Adventure Travel Trade Association has seen a 230% increase in the number of travel companies catering specifically to women. And earlier this year, The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association wrote about the growing popularity of LGBTQ+ group travel in recent years.
“These travel experiences are specifically designed to create welcoming, inclusive environments where travelers can relax without worrying about judgment or assumptions,” the association wrote. “What sets these experiences apart is the intentional focus on community.”
Solo but not alone
Some travelers are looking for the flexibility of traveling independently without the pressure of planning everything alone, or the fear of being isolated in an unfamiliar place.
“I’ve always traveled with friends or family, but recently I’ve seen a lot of ‘group trips for solo travelers,’” another Reddit user wrote. “For anyone who’s tried this, what was your experience like joining a trip where you didn’t know anyone? Did it feel safe, fun, or awkward at first?”
Among a growing selection of travel companies targeting the tourist who wants to travel solo, but not alone, WeRoad offers trips that promise adventure and flexibility within a familiar environment. “Each itinerary is designed for those who want to share authentic experiences with people who have the same wanderlust as you.” From weekend getaways to longer vacations, the trips range from exploring the Moroccan desert to sunbathing in Thailand to visiting Mayan temples.
“I’ve now done two WeRoad trips, and both have been absolutely incredible experiences. From the organization and the itineraries to the people I travelled with, everything has always been really well managed and enjoyable,” a user named Arianna wrote on TrustPilot. “What I love most about WeRoad is that you can start a trip travelling with a group of strangers and end it with amazing memories, new friendships and people you genuinely hope to meet again.”
According to research published by WeRoad, social isolation is one of the main drivers of solo travelers’ shift toward group travel. Based on a survey of 4,000 people between the ages of 20-49 who generally travel alone but chose to go on a WeRoad backpacking, the company learned that seeking friendship was one of the travelers’ main reasons for booking the trip. Nearly half of those surveyed said they came away from the trip with a lifelong friend, and a few people even met romantic partners.
Safety and inclusion
For some LGBTQ+ travelers, the reality of different cultural contexts can sometimes complicate travel planning and create unnecessary stress. As the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association points out, a trip to an unfamiliar place “may involve subtle calculations about safety, comfort, and social acceptance.” This can be true even in destinations that are welcoming and inclusive.
“Just wondering if anyone has had experience traveling alone in Europe as someone who’s part of the LGBTQ+ community,” a reddit user wrote a few years ago. “I’m looking at Greece, Spain or Croatia next year due to expiring travel credits. But circumstances happened so that I may have to travel alone. I know each country is different but I am wondering if some countries are more open/safe to LGBTQ+ than others?”
For other travelers, it is not the trip research and planning that is daunting, but the reality of spending a vacation alone. According to Hostelworld’s 2025 State of Solo Travel Report, 71% of solo travelers are looking to meet new people on their trips. And about 18% of travelers polled by Hostelworld identify as LGBTQ+.
“I’m in desperate need of a getaway and problem is that I have nobody to travel with. I’ve done the solo-vaca before and am over it right now,” a user wrote in an LGBTQ+ Reddit thread. “Does anyone know of a good group for trips? I’m open to globe-trotting but I need conversation too. I’m early 40s, single dad of 2, I wear shorts and t-shirts, I go from Ritz Carlton to McDonald’s. Where are my people?”