{"id":9116,"date":"2026-08-31T17:09:24","date_gmt":"2026-08-31T15:09:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.weroad.com\/blog\/?p=9116"},"modified":"2026-09-02T12:27:58","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T10:27:58","slug":"starting-alone-finding-community-how-group-travel-is-evolving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.weroad.com\/blog\/starting-alone-finding-community-how-group-travel-is-evolving","title":{"rendered":"Starting Alone, Finding Community: How Group Travel is Evolving"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cAny suggestions on travel groups for solo travelers?\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cI decided if I keep waiting on people to travel places I\u2019ve always wanted to go, I\u2019ll never be able to do it and miss out on some unforgettable experiences,\u201d she continued. \u201cSo I\u2019m about to just do it by myself!\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u2019s rapid expansion, driven by Gen Z and Millennials\u2019 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\u2014including women and LGBTQ+ people\u2014are turning to group travel in order to explore the world with greater confidence.<\/p>\n

In fact, National Geographic reported last year that solo women travelers\u2019 growing demand for women-only group trips are reshaping the travel industry. The magazine called the trend a \u201cnew zeitgeist,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese travel experiences are specifically designed to create welcoming, inclusive environments where travelers can relax without worrying about judgment or assumptions,\u201d the association wrote. \u201cWhat sets these experiences apart is the intentional focus on community.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Solo but not alone<\/h2>\n

Some travelers are looking for the flexibility of traveling independently<\/a> without the pressure of planning everything alone, or the fear of being isolated in an unfamiliar place.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve always traveled with friends or family, but recently I\u2019ve seen a lot of \u2018group trips for solo travelers,\u2019\u201d another Reddit user wrote. \u201cFor anyone who\u2019s tried this, what was your experience like joining a trip where you didn\u2019t know anyone? Did it feel safe, fun, or awkward at first?\u201d<\/p>\n

Among a growing selection of travel companies targeting the tourist who wants to travel solo, but not alone, WeRoad offers trips<\/a> that promise adventure and flexibility within a familiar environment. \u201cEach itinerary is designed for those who want to share authentic experiences with people who have the same wanderlust as you.\u201d From weekend getaways to longer vacations, the trips range from exploring the Moroccan desert to sunbathing in Thailand to visiting Mayan temples.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve 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,\u201d a user named Arianna wrote on TrustPilot. \u201cWhat 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to research<\/a> published by WeRoad, social isolation is one of the main drivers of solo travelers\u2019 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\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Safety and inclusion<\/h2>\n

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 \u201cmay involve subtle calculations about safety, comfort, and social acceptance.\u201d This can be true even in destinations that are welcoming and inclusive.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust wondering if anyone has had experience traveling alone in Europe as someone who’s part of the LGBTQ+ community,\u201d a reddit user wrote a few years ago. \u201cI’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?\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 2025 State of Solo Travel Report<\/a>, 71% of solo travelers are looking to meet new people on their trips. And about 18% of travelers polled by Hostelworld identify as LGBTQ+.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m in desperate need of a getaway and problem is that I have nobody to travel with. I\u2019ve done the solo-vaca before and am over it right now,\u201d a user wrote in an LGBTQ+ Reddit thread. \u201cDoes anyone know of a good group for trips? I\u2019m open to globe-trotting but I need conversation too. I\u2019m early 40s, single dad of 2, I wear shorts and t-shirts, I go from Ritz Carlton to McDonald\u2019s. Where are my people?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Group travel for solo travelers is evolving, as more people seek the freedom of independent travel with the added benefits of community, safety and support.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30,"featured_media":9118,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[168],"mete":[193,171,179,203,212],"class_list":["post-9116","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel-ideas","tag-group-travel","tag-lgbtq-travel","tag-small-group-travel","tag-solo-travel","tag-solo-travel-groups","tag-travel-trends","mete-africa","mete-europe","mete-italy","mete-latin-america","mete-mexico"],"acf":{"post_summary":"

In a nutshell<\/h3>\r\n