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How to Find a Travel Companion: Safe Options and Some to Avoid

February 20, 2023 by Janice Waugh

Finding a travel companion can make travel better but it can also make it worse.

There was a lively debate about finding a travel partner on the Solo Travel Society on Facebook.

• The majority of people considered this service counter to solo travel. Karen wrote: “I don't want to connect with anyone, love being solo. “
• Some thought that there was definitely a place for it. Danielle wrote: “when it comes to hiking or camping remotely while solo, that's a little nerve wracking and I'd love to meet up with people who are in the same mindset. “
• Some liked the idea as a means of getting around the single supplement. Mary wrote: “I like the idea of being connected to someone sometimes to avoid that “single-occupancy tax. “

Let's be clear: despite being a solo traveler, I have traveled with companions many times and had good success. It can enhance the travel experience as you discover a new destination through your own cultural lens and that of your new travel companion as well.

Yet, whatever your reason for seeking a travel companion, I suggest you proceed with caution and use the methods below. They are safe and will help increase your chances of making a successful match.

Table of Contents

How to Find a Travel Companion: Methods I Can Recommend

There are safe ways to find a travel partner for a day, a week, or more. These methods give you the freedom of being solo and connecting to interesting people when you want.

1. Get a warm introduction from a friend.

One of the best ways to find a travel companion is through a friend or family member. Being concerned for your safety, they will only suggest that you travel with people they trust. Hopefully, you will be geographically close enough to meet each other a few times before setting out so that you can determine for yourself whether they are a person with whom you'd like to spend a lot of time.

2. How to meet the right travel companion along the way.

This has happened to me most often in hostels, but it doesn't really matter where you meet them. The point is that you meet a travel buddy as you travel, not before. You get to meet them in person and spend a few days together sharing meals or day tours before committing to anything longer. Spend the days in the public sphere and return to your own safe accommodation every night. Eventually, you can decide whether this is the right person for you to travel with.

3. Let your tour/cruise company connect you with a travel partner.

If your goal is to avoid the single supplement on a tour or cruise, ask the travel company to partner you with another solo traveler. Most companies will and, if they can't, they'll give you your own room for no additional charge. See our Deals  page for tours and cruises with no or low single supplements.

4. Use Meetup.com to find locals who want similar experiences

Meetup.com is a fabulous resource for solo travelers to meet people of similar interests. These are most often locals, not people to travel with. But, locals! How great is that? I used Meetup.com and found people to hike with in Hong Kong.

5. Book a greeter and have a local share their city with you. 

International Greeters  connects you with locals who volunteer to show off their city. I've used this service in Paris, New York, Kyoto, and Chicago. It's a great way to meet and have fun with someone new. I've gone cycling, shared lunch, and shopped with greeters.

6. Women Welcome Women World Wide

This is an international community of 2,400 people in over 80 countries. They are mostly women over 60 who want to travel more often and meet locals, so they host one another for a tea or a stay as they travel. Read  Women Welcoming Women: A Gateway to International Friendships .

7. Take a day tour or a class to find a travel companion.

If social is what you're looking for, schedule in time for social activities. Day tours and group lessons give you a social experience. Perhaps you'll meet someone with whom you'd like to spend more time. Read How to Travel Alone Without Being Lonely: 10 Tips & 6 Short Stories .

3 Safety Rules for Traveling with Someone New

Traveling with someone you do not know really well requires a few safety tips, especially if you're traveling independently:

• Stay in public. When you are with someone new, stay in the public sphere for at least a few days. You need a bit of time to get to know them before renting a car together or sharing a hotel room. Eventually, determine whether this is a person with whom you truly feel safe.
• Be proactive . Choose who you want to spend time with. Make your own decisions rather than responding to invitations from others who might have agendas of their own.
• Don't be rushed into a decision. If you are considering traveling with someone, don't be rushed into the decision. If the idea comes up but they say that you must decide by a time that is less than comfortable for you, decline the opportunity.

Also, read our primary post on solo travel safety .

Apps/Sites for Travel Companions: My Concerns

There are a number of apps and websites that will help you find a travel partner. I have concerns about them for the following reasons.

• Compatibility . Just because you're going to the same destination does not mean that you're compatible with someone. You may not discover until you're into the trip that you don't share the same interests or ways of exploring, never mind the rhythm of your travels. This can make for a miserable trip.
• Catfishing . A catfish is someone online who pretends to be someone they're not. Without a real life connection, there is no way to know who is real and who isn't on social media. This could put you in a vulnerable situation where the person you thought was going to be your travel buddy is actually expecting to hook up, is not who they pretended to be, or worse.
• Misunderstandings . The potential for a serious misunderstanding is another reason I don't promote the idea of finding a travel partner on an app. Your new travel partner may not have had any intention of deceiving you and may not mean to cause you any harm, yet they may have different hopes for the trip than you do.
• Telling the world you're solo . By participating on an independent matching site and sharing your itinerary you are telling the world that you are traveling solo and where. While I don't hide the fact that I'm solo while I travel, for safety reasons, I don't broadcast it either.
• Sites/apps can get too much personal information . In an effort to increase member safety, some sites go through a variety of verification steps, including gathering government ID information. This raises identity safety concerns.

Because I can't promote the sites that help you find a travel partner (I don't have experience with them), I'm not giving you a list. However, if you are still interested, you will find a list on Google. If you do so, I hope you'll be cautious with a new travel partner and read the Solo Travel Safety section of the site before leaving.

Sharing is caring!

Publisher Janice: info @ solotravelerworld.com

Editor Tracey: tracey @ solotravelerworld.com

Sales Simon: simon @ solotravelerworld.com

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12 Sites That Will Help You Find A Travel Buddy

Meeting new people is one of the best parts of traveling.

Hopefully, you found some cool solo travel groups in our blog post, 10 Different Types of Solo Travel Groups . But there are also times when you might want to find a travel buddy, one other person to travel with, on your own trip.

Here are 11 sites that will help you find a travel buddy:

Search a destination, find travel partners, get connected, and trip together! It’s as easy as that. You can rest easy knowing that GAFFL uses a strict verification process so you can feel safe about your travel partner. Start your search here !

2. Utilize Social Media Groups

There are many Facebook groups and pages that you can follow and join to meet people with similar interests as you. Search for things like “travel” or “travel buddy” and you will find groups like Female Travel Buddies, Travel Buddies, and Travel Friends Finder that you can join.

I have been a part of a Facebook group called Women Who Travel , and it has been very helpful to me. Not only do these women post when they need travel companions, but they post tips for each other too. Other sites like Reddit utilize forums and feeds to connect people. All worth a look!

Check out Women Who Travel’s podcast  too!

3. Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a service that allows you to connect to a worldwide community of travelers. It is a great place to somewhere to stay or to share your home with travelers.

As with any online interaction, you need to make sure you do your due diligence. Using trusted sources for finding couches to key to couch surfing safely .

This website is super cool because it’s simpler than the rest. On Meetup , you can search for events in the area or wherever you will be, and see who is attending. You can even contact those people through Meetup too!

Working with Meetup will be a little different than other sites when looking for a travel companion. You might not meet your travel companion until you go to an event or two. It is more of a free-flowing way to meet people in the area you are in.

5. TripGiraffe

TripGiraffe is really easy to use. It offers the options of finding a travel buddy, exploring all travelers on the site, and looking for meetups. You can search for trips coming up soon as well as create your own.

Each mini-profile is straightforward listing the exact places you will be going, the dates you will be traveling, your gender and age, as well as the type of trip and budget.

Check out some of the profiles before you build your own – you might just want to hop on someone else’s trip!

6.  Trip in Touch

How about a new site called Trip in Touch . “Same place. Same time. Same interests. Trip in Touch – find your next Travel Buddy!”

The app is on its way, for now, you can subscribe and join their Facebook groups to connect with other travelers.

7. Intrepid Travel

If you’ve got the urge to travel but no one to do it with you can stop worrying because Intrepid has got you covered. Join one of their small group tours and find ready-made friends who are itching to explore just like you are.

8. Flexible Guided Travel

If you book daily tours in each place you stay, you are sure to make friends that might be on the same schedule as you! Give it a chance.

In New Zealand, you can pay for guided but flexible travel with the Kiwi Experience . The Kiwi Experience is a bus that travels around New Zealand making stops and bringing you from Point A to Point B. But it’s your choice how often you want to stay on the bus or on the journey! Completely flexible!

This would be a great way to meet people while you’re in the country and possibly grab a travel companion while you’re there.

9.  Travello

Travello is an app designed to make travel social. Known for where travelers connect, Travello asks you what you are interested in and then helps you to connect with other travelers nearby.

This is an excellent way to meet a travel buddy, whether you’re at home before the trip takes place or on the actual trip!

If you meet someone at home with similar interests and who loves to travel, chances are it could be a good match! This also eliminates traveling far to meet up before the trip.

10. Tourlina

Tourlina is specifically for females looking for female travel buddies. Another option to browse other trips, create your own, and speak with other females about their trips too!

The app promises a trusted and secure network of individuals.

11. Join My Trip

Choose the destination, the group size, and the experience that is right for you and Join My Trip will find the trip mates.

Whether you are looking for a simple weekend getaway or the trip of a lifetime, this is a great way to find new friends, share costs, and make memories that will last forever.

12. DePassport

DePassport can be the premier destination for you to find adventure buddies and a perfect travel companion. And for a surprise, this app lets you find not just a partner, but someone whom you will truly vibe with. The platform uses an AI-powered matching algorithm to connect you with people who match your values, and interests. 

You can connect with people from around the world, and plan your travels easily.

44 Responses

You need to add http://www.gogaffl.com to this list!

Thanks for the tip!

Very good information regarding travel

Thanks so much, Prakash!

Hi Erica, Absolutely awesome article. Btw, you are missing two big ones. CouchSurfing and GAFFL. I have always used CS before and recently used GAFFL in Australia. It was awesome. It connects people based on trips. You can start a trip or join trips. I think you can mention them in your list too.

Will do, thanks Ed!

I love Wandure app! They have amazing experiences created by awesome locals.

We love it too Lina!

Finding a perfect travel buddy is always difficult. But, having a travel buddy can make the trip more enjoyable and less lonely. It helps to have someone to split the expenses with, so you can save up for your next trip. A travel partner also minimizes risks associated with traveling alone. GAFFL (www.gogaffl.com) can be a great addition to this list. It matches up travelers with similar travel plans and ensures the safety of travelers through their well-built verification process.

Thanks for the tip, Abrar!

Are you a solo traveller? I am an Indian n Canadian citizen retired 60+ age group in n good shape to travel. Can you suggest some dependable solo travel groups. Pls email your response to [email protected] thanks

Hi Peter, check out Eldertreks, Adventures Abroad, Road Scholar, Walking the World!

Yes! I love it

Thanks Sarah!

Ms.Erika Szumel, Really Thank you for the information. Can you please rank them according to your knowledge and experience? is it possible to know which are all providing paid and which are all free in 2020?

Hi Siva, thanks for reading! Most of these are free or offer free basic memberships. Click on the links to get an idea of which fits best!

Thanks for sharing this info..

Really nice post. Thanks for sharing with us..

Thanks for reading, Suvajit!

Great Blog.It is very useful.Thanks….

Thanks for this lovely info.

Thanks for reading, Pradyut!

Great post!! Thank you very much for sharing.

Glad you enjoyed it, Ujjal!

Hi, maybe you should add https://backpackingtribe.com/ to this list. It’s a platform where you can find not just a buddy, but an entire group to backpack together with! It’s amazing!

Thanks for the tip, Wijnand!

Hey Erika, You should think about adding Share Bus to this list – if you’re travelling in Aus! Its a shared rental of a minibus, trailer and camping equipment. They find the travel mates (other backpackers) for you. It’s totally flexible and self guided – you just join on the trip/date you want to do (i.e. Perth to Broome) and you can make your own adventure.

Hey Jade, thanks for the tip!

This is such a great list! It’s got everything except https://www.fairytrail.app , a dating app for people with a passion for adventure and can work anywhere (one can look for friendships too). You should check it out and review it 😉

The most interesting list is here to find a travel buddy. Travelling with someone is fun. And these days finding a perfect travel partner is tough task, but your list has made it bit easy.

Great post! thank you so much for sharing

Thanks, Shawn!

Great content. You can also add https://cogofly.com to this list. It is a travel social networking site that helps travellers connect with other travellers around the world. As well as with its advanced search filter, anyone can find the perfect travel buddy match.

Thanks for the tip, Sameena!

You need to add http://www.joinmytrip.com to this list for sure!

Thanks for the tip, Prasanna!

great post … full of knowledge ,i am inviting you to India if you think so it will be a great pleasure for me to hosting you

Are there any sites for older people? Most of these sound like they are for younger folks. Thanks for any referrals.

Check out Walking The World, Eldertreks, Adventures Abroad, Intrepid!

Hello, I am 61 yr old female looking to travel solo but would like to join a group to travel to St Martin in the spring 2023. Do you have any recommendations.

Hi Valerie, check out some of the sites listed above! We know there are specific age groups that you can book with.

I think you have missed http://www.connectingtraveller.com as well.

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Find Travel Buddies

Real & verified travelers, reviews from our tripmates.

• How do I find a travel buddy at JoinMyTrip? You can find a travel buddy by joining trips hosted by passionate travel buddies, whom we call TripLeaders. The trips are carefully handpicked and curated, offering you the best experience you can't find anywhere else. The TripLeaders will be in charge of these trips, from designing the itinerary to leading the way. Furthermore, TripLeaders will accept travelers, whom we call TripMates, on their trips and travel together. So, by joining our trips, you can connect with other amazing travelers from all over the world.
• How does JoinMyTrip verify Travel Buddies? Nothing is more important than your safety when traveling with us! Every TripLeader and every TripMate who wants to join one of our trips has to verify their identity with us. Provide us with your ID or passport and phone number to verify you.
• The more, the merrier. Gain lots of amazing moments as you share them with your travel buddy, a.k.a. TripMates.
• Save money by sharing costs with your travel friends.
• You do not need to spend a lot of time creating an itinerary as it is provided by our TripLeaders.
• As you know, there is safety in numbers. Traveling together with your travel buddies can ensure you this!
• You get to know every travel buddy who will be traveling with you before you go on a trip. You can see the profile of your TripLeader and TripMates beforehand. Besides that, your TripLeader will create a group so you can get closer to your travel buddies.
• How safe is it to find a travel buddy at JoinMyTrip? Your Safety is our top priority. We verify every travel buddy on the platform. A TripLeader has to verify their phone number and identity with us by uploading an ID or passport. We also keep in touch with our TripLeaders before, during, and after the trip. Most importantly, our community protects you. If there is a problem, we will definitely intervene remotely. If you still have any doubts, please get in touch with us !

The Top 7 Websites to Find a Travel Buddy

If you're heading off on a travelling adventure soon and don't want to go alone, check out these seven websites that can help you find a travel buddy.

Traveling solo can be fun at times, but there are times when you want a travel partner. It's pretty common for family or friends to ditch you at the last moment and ruin your big trip. You don't have to give up on your plans because of that, though.

Luckily, there are websites out there that connect you with travel buddies, so you can have company on your trip. These websites will embellish your journey and make the holiday memorable.

So, let's take a look at seven of the best websites for finding a travel buddy.

GAFFL helps you find a dependable travel partner. It's easy to use, and you get a lot of options to choose from while selecting your partner.

The first step is to search and select your destination . The second step is to find the people who also want to travel to the same place.

You'll find a list of different routes and the locals and people near you who also want to visit that destination. All you have to do is choose the preferred options to carve out a plan for your trip.

You can start talking to the potential travel buddies in the chat to try to know them better. You can initiate the chat by clicking the connect button. This website also shows if their accounts are verified.

If you like the person, you can meet up with them and plan the trip together. Finding a partner is effortless on this website.

2. Flip the Trip

Flip the Trip offers a wide range of services. It lets you find either a local or a nearby partner with whom you can travel with ease. You need to search for the place you want to visit, then select the exact location where you are planning to travel.

The website shows a list of local people. Locals can be excellent guides as they can introduce you to local places and know the best places to get native food. You can also select somebody who lives near you. In this way, both of you can travel together right from the start.

People can ask random questions related to their travel on the website in the Feed section. Other people who have been to those places can answer them.

3. Trip in Touch

Trip in Touch not only finds you a travel buddy, but is also well known for its travel blogs. You can read travel blogs on the website and find great traveling partners.

This site doesn't just provide you with a partner for adventurous traveling–it also helps you find partners for dates and concerts. You can connect with people all over the globe on Trip in Touch.

RELATED: Travel Apps That'll Help You Save Money

The website only connects you with trustworthy people. It also lets you join its massive Facebook community, where people can communicate with each other.

You can share your traveling experience on the blog so that other people get tips from it. Trip in Touch is a content-rich travel website worth checking out.

4. TripGiraffe

TripGiraffe is a straightforward travel website. It helps you save time and money so that you can travel in peace. You can either create a trip or join an existing one.

The first step is to share your details and the destination of your trip. You can also add the date and time of travel.

Secondly, you can specify which type of partner you want for your journey. You can also select the gender of your partner. The site then connects you with a partner to travel with, in up to 100 countries or so.

Moreover, there is an option to select whether you want to split the expenses with your partner or not. You can also predefine your budget.

This is one of the most polished websites on this list. It specifies everything one needs to know and tries not to leave any ambiguities behind. TripGiraffe also has several travel blogs that are pretty helpful for a traveler.

5. Women Welcome Women WorldWide

This website is a space for women travelers to travel with other women. It is a website made by women for women. However, it's worth noting that the website is based in the UK, but anyone can join.

The site takes into account all the needs a woman can have while traveling. If you specifically want to travel in a girl group, you should try this website. It also gives you local members' contacts who can guide you on your trip.

RELATED: The Best Websites to Help You Travel for Free

You need to join the website to get access to people worldwide. You can then choose the people you would like to contact and get in touch with them. Women above the age of 18 are eligible to join this platform–the membership of the website costs around $50.

6. Workaway

You can join Workaway either as a worker or as a host. A worker helps the community by writing their experiences and helping others in their travel plans.

Workers stay at a host's place in return for sharing their skills. The skills can be gardening, charity work, house sitting, teaching, or practicing a language. The workers who help the host in business activities get paid a minimum wage per hour. You can make new friends this way.

You don't have to pay any money for this stay. All you have to do is provide some valuable services. This website is review-based to make it convenient for you to make your choices.

7. JoinMyTrip

JoinMyTrip allows you to travel to more than 6,000 destinations. You can select your desired location and find the people who also want to travel to the same place.

You can also create a trip on your own. In this way, other people will join your trip. Many passionate travelers enjoy making their trips in this space.

RELATED: Apps Every Solo Traveler Should Have

The price of the trip caters to all the expenses of the journey. This website has excellent customer care service as per the reviews.

You also get to know your trip leader before the actual trip. All the leaders are verified. In this way, the site clears all your security concerns.

Find Your Travel Buddy Using These Websites

All these websites will help you arrange or join an organized trip. You can meet honest and dependable travel buddies on these websites.

Chatting and meeting up with people before going on the trip is usually a good idea. Check out these sites to choose the one that looks most reliable and interesting to you.

20 Ways to find travel buddies and friends for travel in 2023

We’re all for solo travel, and we encourage everyone to try it at least once, especially women (warning: it’s addictive!).

But we also recognize that there is immense learning and perspective to be earned from finding a travel buddy with similar interests, or in making new friends for travel. Such connections are made in our community every day.

Travel buddies can make a trip better through shared experiences, making some parts of that solo trip all the more memorable.

They are also one of the best ways to fight the anxiety that comes with doing something alone, the fear of boredom and the loneliness that may sometimes strike on a solo trip.

Traveling is important , and traveling solo is a wonderful experience, but making meaningful connections with people is one of the most important benefits of travel and one of the many reasons why women travel solo .

Deep connections are more easily built when we are on vacation somewhere far away from home. That traveler you met in Antigua and with whom you went on a 2 day volcano hike could end up being one of your best friends.

You can look for opportunities to meet people when traveling , but in this article we will explore ways in which you can make friends for travel before going on a trip, maybe even planning a trip together before departure.

Everyone needs travel friends with whom to go on some of the life changing adventures that are better shared.

Find your ideal travel buddy with the help of our tips.

• 1 Facebook groups
• 2 Join a solos vacation
• 4 Couchsurfing
• 5 Internations
• 6 Join My Trip
• 8 BeWelcome 
• 9 Travel Buddies
• 11 Lonely Planet’s ThornTree
• 13 Your colleagues
• 14 Find someone on the road
• 15 Take a guided tour or class
• 16 Meet up with a local
• 18 Work Exchange Programs
• 19 Volunteering
• 20 On a plane or train
• 21 Safety tips for meeting travel buddies

Facebook groups

Social media is after all, social 🙂

Facebook is full of various travel groups for people with all kinds of interests. You can look for groups that match your particular hobby or interest, there are ride sharing groups, meetup and couchsurfing groups and we have even created our very own group for meeting solo female travelers on the road.

You can join our group and meet other solo female travelers who are exclusively interested in meeting up, finding a female travel buddy, swapping homes or getting a pet sitting engagement or a pet sitter.

Another group to join is Host a Sister which follows the same logic and is also exclusively for women. You can also search for more specific groups by typing on Facebook’s search box “travel buddies over 50”, “Black travel buddies”, etc.

Recent posts from members who met up using our group

Join a solos vacation

All our Solo Female Travel Tours are designed by women and for women who travel solo, and 85%+ of our guests do come on their own.

We pair travelers to avoid the single supplement and most of our guests come without a travel partner, so everyone is ready to mingle and get to know one another. There is no awkwardness in talking to the rest of the group and everyone’s openness makes it a great way to make travel friends.

While the majority of the tour activities are planned out, there is often free time and we put all guests in touch with each other before the trip so they can connect and decide if they want to extend the trip and travel together.

Many friendships flourish during these trips and lifetime travel buddies are often found. We love seeing guests book trips together again after meeting during one of our tours.

Workaway is all about giving back to the community you’re traveling to by contributing your time and skills to a host of your choice.

You pick a destination you are interested in visiting and then look for available opportunities. The intention is to immerse yourself in the local way of living, enhancing your travel experience through cultural immersion. 

The most common opportunities are volunteering and working holidays where you are expected to help out during a few hours every day in exchange for accommodation and sometimes meals.

Workaway also has a “ Travel Buddy ” section, where, instead of finding a host, you look for someone who is traveling in the same region you’re in so that you can connect, meetup or even travel together.

You can see where people are traveling, the dates they intend to be there and the reason why they’re traveling and see if they match up with what you are looking for. 

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a free version of Airbnb, or shall we say Airbnb is a paid version of Couchsurfing since they were first!

The idea is to live like a local by staying in someone’s house sleeping for free on their couch, bed or a mattress. Some hosts have proper guest bedrooms. There is no expectation of payment but you should offer to cook for your host, bring a small gift or take them out for a meal to appreciate their hospitality.

Like Workaway, Couchsurfing offers a meetup feature where you can either meet with another traveler one-on-one or you can create a group meetup for similarly-minded people who like to do the same activities as you, from hiking to wine tasting. 

Internations

Meeting people is particularly difficult when you move to a new city and know nobody. In the years before social media became as pervasive as it now it, I used Internations as my go-to place for weekly meet-ups, parties and events.

This social media networking site is a cross between LinkedIn and Facebook in that it has a more professional, expat-y target but it is all about meeting new people and mingling, for fun and for business connections.

The average user is an educated professional in their 20-40 age range. The site has local guides with things to do and lots of events that are social in nature and where new people are warmly welcomed by the designated hosts.

You can share your travel plans, meet locals where you will be for a work trip or make new friends at a new destination. It is especially useful for the bigger cities where there is a larger base.

Base entry level is free but to access more benefits you need to pay a fee.

Join My Trip

Join My Trip is sort of like a local, guided experience where you can tag along with other travelers on a local journey around a specific part of the world. Anyone can create a trip and let others join.

The trips vary in price as some are with professional guides while others are just for tagging along with other solo travelers who want to share transportation fare (what they call a “seat filler”). The trip leader can charge a small fee to organize the entire trip.

They also have a “Global Greeter Network” where you pay the annual membership and then can request someone to pick you up at a designated spot. You can then go on for a guided tour, a walk around the city, or just be dropped off somewhere.

In this way, you get to find out more about the area from a local without worrying about having to find a taxi. Other categories include “Travel buddies”, “Group Travel”, and “Female Travel”. 

Have you ever tried Meetup ?

This is an awesome app to use while traveling that isn’t only for global travel, but is also a great way to meet people where you live who share your interests.

You join a meetup in the area you’re situated, which is basically an event or activity, and meet people for anything, from sunrise yoga to kayaking. 

Travel-related Meetup groups are a great way to find a travel buddy as you can connect with people who have shared interests and friendships may form. And remember meetups are for anyone, both locals and international travelers, so you never know who you’re going to meet.

BeWelcome 

Just like Couchsurfing, BeWelcome is a site where you can find a place to stay, connect with other travelers, create or join meetups.

Unlike the others, which are paid options, BeWelcome is a free, open source, not-for-profit site that works on volunteers and donations.

Just create an account and then search the world for open-minded individuals looking to share their local knowledge with all those who are interested in listening. 

Travel Buddies

Travel Buddies is a simple and straightforward site to share your upcoming trip and hopefully find someone who will be traveling to the same area and at the same time.

It’s a similar setup to a forum site like Reddit, so you can view other people’s posts and chat to them directly, and there is no social linking or vetting so it feels less safe than other options.

There’s a Home “Public Wall” if you’d like to ask a general question to the community or a “Find a travel buddy” where you can filter by your destination.  You don’t even need to login to see other people’s plans and profiles, everything is open.

GAFFL is a website that connects travelers with similar travel plans and you can even share the costs of transport or accommodation.

The name is quite cute as it stands for “Get a Friend for Life”. The site is separated into “Travel Buddy”, “Stays” and “Flights”. So you can either find someone to travel with, or share the cost of a stay so you don’t have to pay the full room rate.

There’s quite some inbuilt safety on GAFFL, as you can split costs using their payment system, join other travelers, start your own trip, invite others and even control who can join you.

Find other travelers in your destination with the “Discover”, so that you can connect instantaneously.

There is also a four step verification process, travel partner reviews and ID verification. GAFFL is not free but their prices work per month ($7), 6 months ($20) or a year ($30).

Lonely Planet’s ThornTree

Thorn Tree is Lonely Planet’s dedicated forum board that’s been active since 1996 and has a really great track record and an expansive community.

Did you know that their name comes from an actual acacia tree at one of the colonial hotels in Nairobi?

The Sarova Stanley was where travelers would look for other travelers to share transportation or a trip with by posting notes on the tree’s trunk. The tree and the message board still exists and you can see it if you head over to the hotel’s cafe .

Reddit is another great place to find male or female travel buddies, although unlike Facebook groups (or anything out of social media) the ability to vet the person via their social proof is very limited and thus you should tread carefully.

Scroll through the various subreddits. Some good ones for finding travel buddies include Travel Partners and Solo Travel .

Your colleagues

Do you know someone who loves to travel as much as you do?

Maybe they are not a close friend but someone who you share a passion for travel with. Ask them if they are keen to go on a trip, but start small to make sure that you are compatible.

I have been on a multitude of trips with colleagues at my various jobs, be it at Google or as a Management Consultant. Because we would be traveling for work together, adding a few days of leisure travel at either end was easy and worked well.

Plus, I already knew them and the professional bond made it more likely that we would all be more accommodating and get along better.

Find someone on the road

Meeting someone on the road could turn into a lifelong friendship and some of the best travel buddies could end up being that person you met at a hostel somewhere and with whom you went on a week-long trip.

Like with other travel buddies you do not know well, you may want to start with a day trip somewhere and then extend if you click and travel well together.  

If the connection is not there and they turn out to be a bit irritating, just have the confidence to decline further adventures. You’ll likely never see them again after your stay anyway, so don’t feel bad. And it’s much better to feel bad than struggling along with someone you don’t like. 

Take a guided tour or class

A surefire way to meet a travel buddy that shares your interests is to take a guided tour or class in your destination.

There are many different types of tours that you can book these days from cooking and market tours to bicycle, segway or walking tours. You can also book a day trip somewhere or join one of the free walking tours that are available in most cities and which work on donations / tips.

Select a small group tour and even possibly reach out to the tour guide or company to find out if any other singles will be joining. Female-only tours will allow you to connect with other ladies who are either traveling alone or in couples which makes connections easy. 

If you enjoy the tour guide and they are open to it, you even can ask to connect over drinks or a coffee after the official tour has ended. They may know some friends who would be willing to take you out and explore the area through the eyes of a local.

As one of our members says:

“Oftentimes, you can strike a conversation with a fellow traveler, perhaps by offering a compliment on their dress or their accessories, and a friendship may flourish.”

I always use GetYourGuide to book any tours and activities when traveling. They have a wide range of options, especially in Europe and North America. For Asia, I also check KKDay (Japan and Korea) and Klook, which has a wide array of options beyond the typical tours (eg. making mochi in Japan).

While Airbnb is known throughout the world as an accommodation app where you get to live like a local, they now offer Airbnb experiences too.

These are, as the name suggests, experiences and activities that you can take part in with a local in the area. From pasta making in Italy to Music history and culture tour with a DJ in Cuba, there are so many amazing and culturally specific experiences to be had. 

They can be one-on-one or in groups, so you can learn about your destination’s culture, food and history and have the possibility of meeting a new travel buddy.

Meet up with a local

We have already mentioned browsing apps and websites above to find a travel buddy, but there are also specific travel sites that allow you to meet up with a local.

International Greeter Association

The International Greeter Association , for instance, is a non-profit organization that allows greeters to meet with international travelers. They show you around their city, volunteering their time to give free personal walking tours. 

You can sign up to the platform by entering your details as well as your interests and they will connect you to a greeter. This process can take a while, especially if you’re going to a more remote destination and have very unique interests. So plan for this.

The tours are free but you will have to pay for your own transportation, food and drinks. If you hit it off with the greeter, maybe you can see them again to find out more about the place and possibly travel with them.

Female Only Meet-up Options

A female-only option to meet locals in an authentic way is to join 5W or Women Welcome Women Worldwide.

This is a non-profit institution that’s been fostering female empowerment since 1984 and has grown to an international community of over 2,000 members  in over 80 countries. 

After completing the prerequisites, you can find locals in various countries who want to welcome other women into their homes for a cup of tea and a chat.

While all ages are welcome, you won’t find any motorcycle tours or base jumping excursions here. What you will find is a group of honest local women who want to share their culture, history and a chat with other open-minded individuals. 

If you’re more of a party goer, join a local meet up, festival or bar to engage with the locals. Join Facebook groups to find out where female-only or female-friendly parties are happening in the area you’re traveling.

Women have been using hostels to meet male and female travel buddies ever since they existed. Why are hostels such a great place to meet other travelers?

The answer is that the setup is very social, and the number of solo travelers is high, making it the perfect place for serendipitous interactions where random conversations are bound to happen among likeminded people. 

There are dormitory-style bedrooms where you will be sharing bunk beds with a few other people, the kitchen is open plan and the lounge or pool area is also open with social seating arrangements.

This takes the effort out of trying to make conversation, as spontaneous chit-chat is expected. We have a special article with more tips for staying in a hostel .

If you hate the idea of sharing a room, some hostels offer private rooms at a higher price. It means you can use the social areas to meet people and then escape to your own room when needed. There are also female-only dorms if you worry about your safety. 

You can also stay in a hotel and spend the day or night at a hostel to meet people from all over the world. Even if you’re not traveling, you can visit a hostel in your own city to meet potential travel buddy candidates all in the comfort of your own hometown.

Remember that hostels do vary, from raucous party ones to tranquil meditative ones, so read the reviews and pick the right one for you to attract the right travel buddy. 

Work Exchange Programs

We mentioned Workaway above as an option to solve the issue of how to find travel buddies, but there are so many more legit work exchange programs you can go on to find someone to travel with. 

Workaway is more a place where you can exchange small jobs for accommodation and friendship.

What we explore here is the option to actually work in another part of the world for an extended period of time from volunteering to actual paid work. 

Through these platforms you get to work in an area that you are passionate about with people who are passionate about the same thing.

Maybe you want to help once captured elephants adapt to the wild again in Cambodia, or maybe you’d like to do your part in the fight against global warming through volunteer work in the Amazon. Perhaps you’d like to learn about sustainable and organic farming methods in India. 

Joining a work exchange program is a great way to learn a new skill, help the environment, immerse yourself in a new culture and of course, meet plenty of new friends, both local and international.

However, compared to other options, this is more of a long term commitment as the requirements are typically for a few weeks or months.

The other volunteers working there are likely to be just like you, and could make for great travel friends you can continue exploring with when the assignment ends.

Top options for work exchange programs include WWOOF , Worldpackers , and HelpX . Workaway also provides longer term work exchanges and is a popular choice. 

Volunteering

Volunteering abroad is one of the best ways to travel with others and meet people who you have a shared interest with. You will find that those who chose the same volunteering opportunity you did already have a common ground and similar travel style.

However, it is important to do your due diligence and make sure that the organization you will be volunteering with is legitimate, ethical and does good rather than harm.

Unfortunately, this is not always obvious or easy to spot which is why we wrote an entire article on Volunteering programs that also includes a list of considerations you need to put each volunteering opportunity through before committing.

On a plane or train

Transportation and waiting for transportation can be the most amazing places to meet your future travel buddies. You could be riding the train in India, a bus in South Africa or traveling by plane to Australia and you are guaranteed to be surrounded by other travelers like you. 

Scout the area and see if anyone stands out to you as being a solo journey enthusiast. Go strike up a conversation with the usual, “So, where are you from?” and let the discussion flow.

Sometimes people just want to be left alone as they’re going home or are introverts trying to enjoy their much needed solo time but if you see another fellow traveler (and they do tend to be easy to spot) give it a go and simply say “Hi, what takes you to xxx?”. 

Pro tip : For safety, don’t say that you’re traveling solo up front and wait until you’ve got to know them a bit better. 

Safety tips for meeting travel buddies

While finding travel buddies on the road can be an easy and rewarding experience, you will need to use your common sense in order to know if the person is genuine or not.

• Trust your instincts. If something feels off about the situation or the person, get out of there. Either just call a taxi and go or gently excuse yourself saying that you’re not feeling too good and need to lay down. Don’t worry about hurting anyone’s feelings, your safety is more important. 
• Don’t share personal details from the get-go : It is better to not overshare too many personal details when you first meet someone. Don’t let them know that you’re traveling solo or at least state that your friend is meeting up with you soon. 
• Always let someone know your itinerary. Let a family member, or even the hotel staff, know where you will be and at what time you’re expecting to be back at the hotel. This doesn’t mean that you can’t be flexible. Plans change and it’s okay to go along with them, just make sure you know the exact location you’re headed to if you do change course. There are travel apps to help you set up your complete itinerary and share it with your loved ones.
• Take a photo of the person you want to travel with and post it on social media so that everyone knows what they look like. If they’re on the same social platform, tag them so that they know your followers have seen them. And if you get their number, send it to someone you know and trust. 
• When drinking, don’t overdo it. Go slow and steady and do not to leave your drink unattended. After a few nights out with the person, you can build trust, but at first be on the lookout for any odd behavior.

Remember, you always have the option of joining one of our small group, women-only tours!

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Home » Blog » 20 Ways to find travel buddies and friends for travel in 2023

I Need a Solo Trip. How Do I Tell My Partner?

By Megan Spurrell

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Every traveler knows the feeling of desperately needing someone to turn to. In our Women Who Travel advice column, we'll be answering questions from our Facebook group members , readers , podcast listeners , newsletter subscribers , and travelers . Have a question? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected].

Dear Women Who Travel, 

After a long year-and-a-half of staying close to home, I want to take a big trip this fall. I'm looking for a real adventure: getting lost in a foreign city, seeing new sights, all of it. I'm hoping it'll be a chance to reset and reconnect with myself—before the pandemic, travel was such a big part of who I was. 

There's just one hiccup: I want to do this trip alone. I have a serious partner (we've been together for years and we live together) and I'm not sure how to tell him that I'd rather go by myself. We always plan our trips together, except for the occasional one with our own friends. I'm sure he'll ultimately be supportive, but I want to navigate this carefully. I know it could come off the wrong way, and I know he would typically be really excited to join a big trip like this. How do you tell someone you love, who you also love traveling with, that you want to leave them behind?

—Uncertain solo traveler

Dear traveler, 

This is a flip of a familiar coin. Many solo female travelers, in my experience, share a common motivation for hitting the road alone: They don't have anyone else to go with, for whatever reason, and aren't going to let that hold them back. That's not everyone's rationale of course. Some people prefer the autonomy or solitude. For others, it's simply a different type of adventure. But in my life and reporting, most of the women I've been exposed to have shared that similar reasoning for hitting the road alone. 

So, your question is an interesting one: What if you have a willing and available travel buddy, and you'd still rather do your own thing? 

The expected, immediate reaction I have is to tell you that you don't need permission from anyone to take this trip by yourself. But you know that. What's more sticky is how you plan to express this intent to someone you love, so that they understand that this decision is just about you—not them. 

Erika Owen , author of The Art of Flaneuring , and Lawbreaking Ladies, just returned from her first solo trip to Iceland . (Editor's note: Owen works at Architectural Digest , which is owned by Condé Nast Traveler 's parent company.) Having had a similar conversation with her partner, she suggests starting by making sure you have a clear understanding of your motivation for the trip. “Really think about the reasons why you want to travel by yourself,” says Owen. “Write your reasons down and show that you've put some thought into the decision. In my situation, I needed a solo trip to a favorite place to recenter myself as a writer and a human.”

For travel photographer Amanda Villarosa , that's what solo trips—something she used to do annually, pre-pandemic—are always about. “I reset and recharge when I'm by myself,” she says. “When I travel alone that's when I feel most like myself—without the thoughts and input of someone else, without the preferences of someone else, without the schedule and timeline of someone else, no matter who they are.” 

How to articulate that choice—without hurting feelings, or simply creating confusion—can be a learned skill, especially if your partner doesn't share or understand the desire to travel alone. 

“In the beginning [of our relationship], I didn't have the proper vocabulary or tools to have this conversation,” says Villarosa. “With time—and therapy—I [now] know how to have a conversation that's about me and not about him.” She starts by explaining how she's feeling, why she's itching to get away by herself, and giving her partner a clear vision for the trip: letting him know where she's planning to go and when, in case it impacts any plans of theirs.

Cha McCoy , sommelier and founder of wine experience company Cha Squared , says that this plan-sharing step can go a long way in making your partner feel considered. “I would advise, you know, not leaving on their birthday, and being mindful of holidays,” McCoy says. (An ill-timed solo trip over Thanksgiving in a past relationship has made her think more carefully about this, she notes.)

Lastly, Owen suggests thinking about your COVID precautions before you have this conversation. “Your choice to travel impacts them as much as you when it comes to potential infection,” she says. “Make sure you're sharing all of the safety precautions you're taking with your partner. I also found that sharing my own worries and testing plans with someone else helped my anxiety around the topic.”

Rachel Chang

Sophie Morgan

Lale Arikoglu

Not everyone will immediately understand why you want to travel alone, but what matters is that your partner is open to understanding (tl;dr, this might not be a one-conversation topic). “It's important to have somebody who, even if they don't understand in the beginning, doesn't come at you when you say it for the first time,” Villarosa says. 

That understanding might just become a two-way road, adds McCoy. “Don’t be surprised if they want to do the same [and take a solo trip]," she says. "You’ve got to extend that honesty and transparency and space and grace for them, too.”

One thing McCoy and Villarosa say they'd suggest to women in newer relationships: Start having this conversation early, to set the expectation from the start. “My lifestyle comes with solo travel‚ it's part of who I am at this point,” she says. “So if I'm dating people, it's about getting them to understand that.”

And don't forget: In addition to simply supporting one another, there are perks for both parties involved, says McCoy. “What I hope to gain from being able to go on to solo trips is that [my partner] also may have needed a break from me that they didn't realize they needed,” she says. “At the end of the day, I'm hoping I'm doing it for the both of us. I get to take a few days away, and they get to do whatever they want at home.”

Ultimately, the intimidating conversations always have a payoff—surely, once you land wherever you're headed, you'll be glad you faced the hurdles of getting there. After all, you deserve a return to your post-COVID traveling self, on your terms. Everyone does. 

“We've all been through so much—having the space and time to reconnect with yourself is so important," says Owen. “I cannot recommend enough making your first post-COVID trip all about you.”

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Find and connect with locals and female travelers who live or travel to the many countries. 

The most popular destinations at Tourlina are:

Australia, Thailand (Asia), New Zealand, USA, Canada, Indonesia (Asia), Malaysia (Asia), India, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, South America, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Vietnam.

Finding the right travel partner or the right woman to accompany you on your trip is easy with the Tourlina app – create a trip and enter your travel preferences and Tourlina will show you all suitable travel partners. Chat with potential travel partners for your trip and see who is currently in your area and organize a meeting. Tourlina is the world’s first travel partner exchange just for women who are looking for a travel partner in a secure network. Whether you want to backpack, travel by car, rent a camper van or work and travel Australia, you can find a suitable vacation companion worldwide in the Tourlina app – for your entire trip or an evening in Singapore or Spain or India or Bali and so on. Tourlina is safe and reputable! We check all new profiles! With Tourlina, you are sure to find the right vacation partner for your trip to Asia, USA, Europe, etc..

Some work & travel examples  which Tourlistas had in the past: Working as a snorkeling instructor in Thailand, working as ground crew in Kuala Lumpur, Teaching English in Singapore, Working as an Au Pair in America (Work & Travel), working in Backpackers Hostel in Argentina, voluntary teaching in Vietnam, bar maid in Bogota (work & travel job), watersports instructor in Costa Rica, kitchen assistant in Ecuador, bar woman in Buenos Aires (work and travel job), childrens club in Greece, work& travel as housekeeping in Italy, teaching English in Madrid, children’s rep in Barcelona, work & travel as fruit picking in Australia, bar manager in New York (work and travel), barge hostess in Berlin, work & travel as strawberry picking in France, conservation research assistant in Greece.

The Tourlina travel app is like a membership app only for GIRLS who want to find a travel buddy or travel partner or just want to meetup with locals and other travellers nearby . Sign-up to the Tourlina travel app and connect with thousends of like-minded girls around the world. The Tourlina team verfies all girls manually, therefore Tourlina is safe and it is really easy to connect and meetup with like minded girls. Sign up and start exploring the world and find interesting female travel buddies to meet with and travel with all over the the world. Never be lonely while you travel and even find like minded girls in your home town or at other cities.

You are an au pair girl  and stay in a foreign country working for, and living as part of, a host family. You take as an au pairs the family’s responsibility for childcare as well as housework. Have fun and meetup with other au pair girls nearby. Find au pair girls in America (USA), Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Ireland, Netherlands, UK (United Kingdom) and many other countries. Meetup with au pair girls  and exchange about your experience or just do some

• Tourlina helps female travelers to find a female travel buddy  and locals
• With the Tourina app, you can connect and chat with other international female travelers  and you can connect and chat with women who live nearby your home location or at any other location around the world – even before you go to this location
• Tourlina is an international community of female travelers . You can find travelling girls and solo female travelers
• With the Tourlina solo travel app , you can connect with girls who are looking for a travel mate, travel buddy or a travel companion
• Tourlina is the first women-only travel app where female travelers can find international female travel companions, travel mates and travel buddies
• Tourlina allows women to connect and chat in a large and international female travel community and meet travelers  from all over the world. It is an easy and successful way to find solo female travelers  within a large travelling girls community
• Well known companies like New York Times, El Tiempo, Hostelworld, Kayak, Washington Post, Huffington Post, National Geographic and many others recommend Tourlina app for solo female travelers from all over the world
• You should choose a destination where the risk for a woman traveling alone is low. Such countries actually include all countries in Europe as well as many countries in Asia, such as Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Japan and Indonesia (Bali). You should not necessarily travel to India alone as a woman. Muslim countries are also rather difficult for women traveling alone and should be visited by women who already have a lot of experience with traveling alone.
• Plan your vacation carefully and make sure that you always travel during the day and arrive at your next accommodation before dark.
• Share your travel plan with friends and family
• Don’t try to see as much as possible in a short space of time, but take your time traveling and stay in one place for longer.
• Find a travel partner: Use apps like Tourlina and meet locals and other travelers.
• Try to master the important terms and phrases in the language of the country before your trip
• Use social media and solo travel meetings as well as travel apps to find friends, such as the Tourlina app
• Stay overnight in a hostel. You’ll always meet like-minded people there and quickly make new contacts
• Book tours and activities on site to go on an excursion together with others
• Go to cafés and restaurants. Especially in Asia, you will quickly make new contacts over a meal
• Meet new friends, for example if you book a yoga retreat
• Try out a work & travel experience
• You decide what you want to do and when. That’s just great and fun!
• You become braver and braver!
• You have more intense experiences and see more on vacation!
• You get to know yourself better and better!
• You become more and more self-confident!
• A solo trip makes you more relaxed!
• As a solo traveler, you’ll make friends more quickly and meet new people more easily!
• Despite traveling solo, you will find that you are only alone when you really want to be. Otherwise, you’ll be meeting other people all the time!
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Home » Budget Travel » How to Find a Travel Buddy: Travelling with a Friend 101

How to Find a Travel Buddy: Travelling with a Friend 101

There’s a certain romanticism in the life of an intrepid solo traveller—solitary and stoic—braving venturing unto new frontiers. But do you want to know the truth?

Some of my warmest, happiest, and most sincere memories from the road are of experiences shared travelling with a friend.

Now, that’s not necessarily to say a friend  from home.  No, rather, a travel buddy that I met on the road. People that, astonishingly quickly, became treasured friends and companions.

Because that’s the underlying magic of finding a travel buddy: it’s a shared experience, and that makes it more real. Suddenly, there’s someone to tell that story with—someone to reminisce with. At the one-year reunion, the two-year reunion, or, hell, maybe (if you’re lucky enough), then when you’re old and grey and still complaining about the price of cigarettes together.

And that’s exactly why I want to teach you how to find a travel buddy! Because remembering and sharing those stories together… that’s more special than the travels themself.

We’ll be covering the basics today, i.e. how to make a friend (in case you missed that 101). But also the peripherals: how to find a travel buddy online AND offline, the (more practical) benefits of travelling with friends, and even the stampeding elephant in the room that is the variable of gender.

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Why Travel with a Stranger?

How to find a travel buddy online, how to find a travel buddy offline, the ins-and-outs of travelling with a buddy.

Ok, so ‘stranger’ is a bit rough. Sure, when you first meet a travel buddy they’ll be a stranger, but that’s the beauty of travel relationships: they get real deep real fast.

Imagine a friend that you see every day of your life, be it for 3 days or 3 months. Every decision is shared, resources are shared, stories—new and old—are shared. Rapidly, this person becomes a staple and constant in your life.

It sounds almost like a… real relationship , right?

But it is, essentially, albeit platonically (most of the time).

If the idea that you won’t find a travel partner is holding you back from travelling, that’s daft. There are incredible places to travel alone in the world.

Short of disappearing into the frozen expanses of the Alaskan tundra, you will never be alone. Often, alone time can almost be like black gold for a traveller.

The world is a big place, and no matter how hard you try, you’re never really alone.

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The Benefits of Travelling with a Friend

Outside of all the esoteric mumbo-jumbo about meeting people to travel with and forming lifelong kinships of an almost spiritual substance, there are heaps of logistical reasons to travel with someone!

• Saving money – Duh— budget backpacking 101 ! Someone to split costs with means spending less money overall.
• Taking nicer rooms – Kind of an offshoot of the last point but think about all the private room options that will open up if you’re sharing. You can take swanky Airbnbs at a steal or share grimy single rooms (with one person on the floor) for a pittance!
• Sharing resources – “Hey, dude, got any mozzie spray?”
• Someone to watch your back – Safety in numbers, naturally, but not just that. You’ve got someone to watch your stuff when you wander off for a piss or to talk to on the long train rides. It’s the little things.
• They might not finish their meal – Cha-ching!
• Photo-ops – You’re gonna be featured in way more Insta-basic-beach-poser shots with someone around to take them.

Travelling with a Friend from Home

Personally, I’m not a fan of the ‘bring a friend’ method. You know how sometimes friends choose to live together and then they discover they’re shit housemates and it gets petty and causes schisms within the whole friendship group? (No, you’re a projection!)

I know the dream is to have your mates from home tag along for the adventure, but a dream can quickly turn to a lucid nightmare. Once you’re travelling—solo or with a travel buddy—you’ll discover the glory of freedom. Both the freedom of the road and freedom from home.

Travel is a chance to be free of the perceptions of who you are held by the people closest to you. It’s a chance to grow, develop, and learn about yourself, with yourself, in brand new and unprecedented scenarios. Bringing a friend from home along to that experience is like sneaking a flask into an AA meeting.

I wouldn’t say doggedly avoid travelling with a friend from home. I would, however, suggest to experience travel in its fullest before you bring that home-friend.

A home-friend, or, yes, a partner, is—to be blunt—a ball-and-chain. A travelling friend is someone you meet on the road. You have no unspoken contract to uphold; if it goes south, then so do you (while they go north).

A friend you travel with , however, has all sorts of potential to get messy, and it’s not a good first-time introduction into the backpack-o-sphere. It’s a commitment and one that works counter-intuitively to the freedom of travel.

It can be a real restriction.

Will here again!

While planning an entire backpacking trip with a friend (or friends) can lead to surefire disaster, a short stint through the crazies of Asia or clubs of Europe is a blast!

When it comes to getting my friends to come out and travel with me for a bit, I am absolutely a convincing bastard! What I like to do on longer trips is to make a Facebook group, add my favourite homies, and then post my—extremely rough—itinerary and any general directional updates. That way, people can work out where I’m heading and decide if they’d like to swing by for an interlude.

I tend to much prefer to go my own way during the adventures, but seeing the peeps from back home is always such a heartwarming experience, especially in the reaches of some far-flung land. It may just take some persistence to convince them. 😉

Travel Alone or with Someone: Shoulda Put a Ring on It

While travelling with a friend may be the dream, solo travel is the real journey. If you find a travel buddy, you’re not solo travelling, and that, simply by nature, is restricting.

As a solo traveller, you’re living on a whim. Anywhere you go is entirely in your hands. And experiences come a lot more frequently as a result of your solitude.

• Hitchhiking alone is easier.
• Meeting locals is easier.
• Having someone host you is easier.

That’s not to say that this stuff doesn’t happen when travelling with someone. Only, it’s more restrictive.

A pair of exotic foreigners is a lot more daunting to approach than a single dazed soul. And you haven’t got to hash out decisions with someone either before you do something crazy in the spur of the moment. You do you.

However, you do lose a lot too. Travel isn’t about being alone: it’s about all the people you meet. It’s about all the things that they teach you, and all the things that you learn together. Meeting a travel buddy and earning a travel companion is a natural extension of that.

What I’m trying to say is that sometimes you just wanna smoke a joint by yourself. I get that—we all do. But, at the end of the day…

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It’s the 21st-century. Of course, we’re doing this digitally! Isn’t the main reason to travel to be looking at your phone more?

Ok, so finding a travel buddy online may not be my favourite flavour, but it does work. There are no shortage of travel companion sites and ‘find a travel buddy’ apps fit for the purpose of hooking you up with some loose cannon through cyberspace.

The most obvious is social media and this does work:

• Facebook – Is the no brainer. Check general backpacking groups, backpacking groups for the country you’re in, groups for specific hobbies (hiking, climbing, etc.), or even ride offering/asking groups in the famous road trip countries (Australia/New Zealand/etc.).
• Instagram – Yeah, Insta does have its purposes ; try posting a photo or story showcasing where you’re at now. Chances are someone you met on the road before will hit you up.
• Twitter – I’m not even going to pretend to be an expert on Twitter, but if you’re already an avid tweeter of twits, then I’m sure you know how to utilise it. I have heard success stories!

Your socials are already covering a lot of ground given that so many people—and travellers—are active users. But your also looking at a huge gene pool of many splendid examples of the lowest common denominator. There are no referrals, no rating system, and no barrier of entry.

They definitely have their uses, but there are plenty of much more nuanced travel friend apps and sites to find people to travel with.

Best Travel Buddy Apps and Sites

• GAFFL – On the reverse end of social media’s low threshold to sign up is GAFFL with its 4-step verification process—yikes! There’s a site with a yummy UX and an accompanying travel buddy app, plus you get some extra bonus features for planning the trip itinerary and securely splitting the costs even prior to the trip.
• Travel Buddies – Well the name certainly fits! It’s kinda like a social media platform with the explicit purpose of advertising your upcoming trips and seeing other peoples’. It’s pretty straightforward to contact people and overall a pretty clearcut travel buddy site.
• Meetup – It’s not actually a site for finding a travel companion but rather a site for group meetups and events—hiking, pub drinks, Taco Tuesdays, LGBTQ Taco Tuesdays. You may never meet a travel buddy through meetup, but you’ll definitely meet some friends!
• Tinder – I know, I know. But, using Tinder while travelling does have its uses.
• Backpackr – Just a straight app without a website. You can browse people’s profiles (so, yeah, it’s a bit dating-ish) and a ‘Common Room’ for asking questions, getting tips, and screaming into the void.
• 5W: Women Welcome Women Worldwide – I wanted to throw a ladies-only choice in, and this one is more like a worldwide network than just an app for meeting travellers. 5W is a non-profit that’s been around since 1984. You’ll have to complete an application process first to ensure you meet the prerequisites (i.e. having a vagina), but once you do, you’ll be given the keys to the kingdom: the members list with plenty of opportunities for attending gatherings or organising one-on-one meetings.

Then there are Traveller forums. They’re a dime a dozen for both seeking tips and finding travel buddies. If you’re not a massive fan of apps, these are the major players you should look at:

• Tripadvisor forums – People ask a lot of questions over there too.
• Reddit –  There are endless subreddits divided by different destinations, communities, and hobbies. Check out the Travel Partners and Solo Travel boards particularly.

Couchsurfing – A Broke Backpacker’s Secret Weapon

Heya, Sexylegs.

While the above apps certainly serve the cause, there’s only one platform that I believe takes the true crowning jewel of being the best app to find a travel buddy—Couchsurfing! I have Couchsurfed in all manner of weird and wonderful locales—Iran, Venezuela, and Jordan just to name a few—and I have always found the Couchsurfing community to be absolute gems.

As well as being a fantastic platform for finding free accommodation and meeting locals, Couchsurfing is also a great site and app for making travel friends. I have found numerous people through Couchsurfing’s groups who I have travelled with, and I’ve won some truly treasured friendships as a result.

The best group to look in is either the ‘Backpacker’ group or the ‘Travel Buddies’ group as well as checking out the specific group for whichever country or region you are travelling and Couchsurfing in. Often, people will post in country or city groups asking if other CSers are around for drinks, an adventure, or to see if anybody else is trying to find a travel mate. It’s also definitely worth heading to any local Couchsurfing meetups in your area too!

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Look, I’m old fashioned. I don’t like Tinder. I prefer paying in cash, and I do enjoy popping the odd Werther’s Original. Finding someone to travel with offline is my jam.

You’re going to meet travel companions organically as you travel alone (assuming you’re lovable with a winning smile). It’ll be in any number of differing formats too. They could be a:

• Solo human with an equally unquenchable thirst for the world’s most adventurous places .
• Pair of humans who are either previous friends or also travel buddies.
• Group of any size and connecting factor (though a group of all solo travellers is always madness of the finest calibre).
• Romantic pair of humans. This actually happens more often then you might think and is more-often-than-not excellent fun! Bonus points to the travelling couples who argue in their native tongue for the sake of politeness.

There are probably other formats than this, but that’s the basics. And again, it will happen organically , even if you’re not lovable with a winning smile. (Unless, of course, you’re a total prick, but then you have bigger issues).

Meet Other Travellers (But Never Settle for Second-Best)

Do let it be organic. You’re a solo traveller! Be the badass motherfucking homeless-hero thou most certainly art.

Go and solo travel. Brave new ventures, be lonely sometimes, and make many, many new friends. When the right companion to travel with comes along, you’ll know it. Forcing this issue is just like forcing relationships – it doesn’t work out very well!

Usually, finding a travel buddy (or buddies) is a matter of something shared; it is a core value of The Broke Backpacker Manifesto . A shared desire for the same off-beat adventure. Or it could be a shared matter of convenience— we were both going to the same place, but then we stayed together.

Often, for me, it’s just a shared love for the same simplicities in life: living cheap, travelling without money , eating local, smoking the finest dankeries, and, sometimes, sleeping under the stars. The dirtbag life.

My point is, don’t settle for mediocrity! You’re way too good for that. Wait until you meet travel buddies that truly deserve you.

Just do you, soak up the journey, and let the opportunity come to you. Ultimately, it’s gotta flow.

Places to Find a Travel Buddy Offline

If you’re steering clear of the apps and socials in your travels (or are just terrible at using them), then there are still some classic meeting points to find a travel mate:

• Hostels – Staying in backpacker hostels is the tried-and-true classical method to meet travellers and find someone to travel with. But remember to pick hostels that match your vibe.
• Work Exchange Programs – Absolutely! Things like Workaway, WWOOF, Worldpackers, HelpX, etc… these types of travel jobs are tops places for meeting travellers. Particularly solo and long-term travellers.
• Public Transport – If you’re carving a typical backpacking route for any given place—say the Banana Pancake Trail in Southeast Asia —then you’ll always encounter travellers en route between the major destinations.
• On the Plane – You can find a travel buddy before you even leave the airport! Scout the plane and passengers (at the baggage claim is also a smart spot) for any smelly backpacker vagrant types, and ask them if they’d like to share a taxi to the nearest backpacker hub of whatever city you’ve landed in. A general rule: the cheaper the flight , the more likely you’ll walk into some fellow broke backpackers!
• Declaring a Grand Adventure – It’s happened to me no short number of times. You declare with great intention (no bluffing allowed) about some grand adventure you’re planning—say, hitchhiking across India or finding some legendary hidden mountain village. If the chances of death are still low enough, people are always gonna want to tag along.

Often, if the flow is right, someone that you met as a short-term travel buddy (say, on the bus) can end up being someone you travel with for a while. Sometimes, it can be a long while.

Seriously, work exchange programs are a brilliant method to meet other travellers. Given that the people you meet—not even counting the local friends that you’ll make—are more than likely going to be dedicated to the slow travel life (and to exploring a country away from the tourist bubbles), forming substantial friendships is just a matter of being in the right place at the right time.

It also helps to know your way around the voluntourism sector, and how to choose worthwhile programs (ideally, with a steady influx of travellers). Worldpackers and Workaway —two esteemed platforms for volunteering abroad—are good places to look too.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

Nobody said it was easy. No one ever said it would be this hard.

Yes, indeed, the man known as ‘Coldplay’ was correct. While sometimes it flows effortlessly, sometimes it is hard.

They’re not a true friend until you’ve seen them at their worst. They’re not a true friend until you’ve considered throwing them out of a 6-storey window.

If you’re going to choose to travel with a stranger, you’ve got to be prepared for some strangeness. Sometimes it gets tense. Sometimes it gets uneasy.

Finding a travel partner is only half the journey.

Oh Boy, We’re Discussing Genders

Yay for minefields! I really wanted to avoid this topic because finding a travel buddy should never be about the potential to get inside another traveller’s Thailand Elephant Pants. However, we can’t honestly pretend that gender isn’t an influencing factor and so… it’s into the abyss we go!

Yes, finding travel companions for singles, as a single, is definitely a thing. Finding love and sex while backpacking is a potential natural conclusion of this. Fairly often, it ends poorly once the honeymoon bubble of travelling together wears off; but it does work out too… sometimes.

BUT, it’s more important to shift your thinking away from that and to more consider the variable of gender , i.e. how gender affects travel.

I remember travelling with a friend—female and very much treasured—in Sri Lanka. She cracked the shits at me one night after dinner because I failed to see the host was ignoring her and taking executive decisions on the meal order from me: the man. Truthfully, I was completely oblivious; I was just pumped for dinner.

However, having a female travel companion does help create insight. Many parts of the world are substantially more difficult for a girl to travel in solo or otherwise (though certainly not impossible)…

The Arab World is tricky. South Asia is not the best either? South America is… mmm .

Being a female looking for a male travel partner in these parts of the world—while not a necessity—is smart. It does mitigate the intensity. With a couple of fake wedding rings thrown in, you’ll be coastin’.

If you do end up travelling with someone of the preferred gender and orientation you most enjoy diddling, again, you guys do you. Just remember the variable.

Dudes, stay aware of your female travel companions. Just stand a bit tighter in the surge of a crowded bazaar, or keep an eye on her drinks during a psy-banger in Goa. Remember that her experience will always be different.

As for the Mademoiselles travelling with a guy friend, just keep communicating: be chill, girl-bros. If you’re gonna crack the shits, do so gently. Sometimes, we’re just not paying attention.

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How to Travel with a Friend: On Fights

Yeah, arguments do happen on the road. Travel with a friend long enough, and, eventually, it’ll happen.

The first time I had an argument with a travel buddy, it got ferocious. Imagine two colourfully dressed hippies shoeless on the side of a New Zealand road screaming and cussing each other out—one in broad Australian, one in angry Japanese. That wasn’t our last argument either.

The next time I hitched long distance with someone, I warned him:

“Alright, dude. At some point, we’re gonna fight. We need to decide now, what we’ll do then.”

He thought I was joking.

“Oh, yeah, well how about we roll a joint on it.”

Several days later while being held semi-captive in a buttfuck-nowhere Indian village, we had our first fight, and that’s exactly what we did.

Assume it’ll happen, make the necessary plans in your head, and communicate well. When you find a travel companion, you’re gonna see that person every day. Often, for every meal.

Travelling relationships can be every bit as intense as romantic ones. The only difference is you don’t get the catharsis of a make-up bang afterwards.

How to Travel with Someone – Tips and Pointers

• Talk – And communicate; if you’re having an off-day—a case of the traveller blues—mention it. Talking is important, especially if it’s about something that affects the team.
• Share – If you’re both giving and taking fairly, you’ll end up a stronger team for it. Pool your resources!
• Don’t be an accountant –  For big sums of money, sure, but keeping track of the little things is going to wear very thin. Often, it’s easier just to go 1:1 on buying each other chai, meals, bus fares, and whatever else.
• Take Space – When you feel you need it, and sometimes when you don’t too. Timeout is rarely the wrong choice.
• Compromise – You ain’t solo travelling anymore which means sometimes you’ll need to make concessions! Somedays, you’re just not going want to do the same thing.

And remember that word— team.  Because that’s what you are. You’re a team working together towards a shared goal.

You gotta function as a unit.

Travel Alone or with Someone, but Get Insurance!

I once had a friend spot his travel buddy several grand when she got herself into a medical mess in Nepal (which is yet to be returned, to the best of my knowledge). Now, granted, he’s self-sacrificing to a fault, however, it’s a picture-perfect example of exactly why you should have travel insurance.

Because it ain’t you who’ll be cleaning up your mess.

All kinds of things can happen when you travel, and they do happen. Be sure to consider some quality travel insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

And Now You Know How to Find a Travel Buddy!

And how to travel with them. It’s kinda cool, right?

Ding-dong—I’m a solo traveler!

For me, one of the greatest thrills of backpacking is to rock up somewhere completely new and meet a whole new crowd of people, travellers and locals alike. I have done a huge amount of solo, partnered, and group travel, and I highly recommend you have a crack at all of them.

Moreso, I can’t stress enough that if the fear of being alone is holding you back from travelling, it shouldn’t. One of the main reasons some would-be vagabonds never leave home is because they’re worried they won’t meet anyone and will be lonely. One of the lessons you’ll learn travelling is that that’s simply never going to happen.

The backpacker community is awesome; everybody is extremely friendly and, in general, people just want to meet-and-greet (the same as you). It’s really quite easy to find people to travel with. And the times that you are, you’ll still be having a damn good time!

It’s something someone said to me a long time ago: some things you can only learn in a relationship, and some things you can only learn on your own. I think the same is true of travel.

Travelling solo is only one part of travel as is travelling with a friend , buddy, stranger, partner, or even in a group. Don’t find a travel buddy because you’re scared. Be scared and be awesome, because the two aren’t mutually exclusive.

Travel in all ways, experience it in all forms, and when you do find travel buddies, experience that too. Because many of those shared stories—and those shared photos—will be the ones that inspire your kids to travel.

1+1=3… which is to say that a unit is greater than the sum of its parts. A team, a friendship, and travel buddies—when it’s right—are stronger together than they are apart. And the end results?

They’re worth all the stupid fights.

Ziggy Samuels

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17 Comments

Too cool of a website. Thumbed the NA Continent, tried in SE Asia {didnt know what thumbing was} and met fine people. There are great people wherever one goes and ones that will go out of their way to help another. Canada is super, picturesque as is the Alcan, North of 60 {Phillip smith mts}. Stayed mostly northern areas. The south has a different atmosphere but good folks. Want to try Hitching Trains. Valuable info to share with others re the site

This helps. I need a travel companion if nothing else someone to talk to but, I would like to find someone that can do some of the driving. Money is not my problem it’s time. I once said we have 3 things. MONEY, SEX, TIME. SOMEONE INTERESTED IN TRAVELING THE USA STARTING IN MARCH OR APRIL CONTACT ME. [email protected] .

I’ve been trying to FIND Someone Anyone!! to go with me from: TX. To and Through: OK./MO./KS. with NO LUCK!!! LOCAL TRAVEL(S) NOT FOREIGN TRAVELS!! Because I LIVE LOCALLY In The USA DUH,……For TWO YEARS Now,…..SO NOT GETTING ANYWHERE OR ANYPLACE, With DIALING The: CHARTER BUSES, The RIDE SHARES, And Even Other HIKING AND BIKING BUDDIES, Especially LONG Distance, Because I Don’t Drive A Car As A Grown Up ok??? VERY FRUSTRATING!!!! What HAPPENED To Just Getting A SIMPLE RIDE Safely Of Course (That Word SAFE AGAIN Grrrr!!!) (SAFE THIS AND SAFE THAT, Or: Safe That And Safe This, For TWO FREAKING YEARS NOW!!!) (SHUT UP ABOUT SAFE!!!) (And Oh Yeah Also: WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER BULLCRAP For TWO FREAKING YEARS!!! ENOUGH ALREADY!!!) Basically AND Generally??? I N E E D A R I D E From A D R I V E R Or D R I V E R S And/Or A Bike AND Hike Group A LONG A DISTANCE Soon For The REST Of This fall And winter DUH!!! And SOMEONE AND SOMEBODY WHO KNOWS THE AREA And/Or AREAS WE ARE GOING THROUGH Soon!!!!! I JUST WISH!!!!!! I’LL EVEN LEAD THE GROUP OR A GROUP, IF NEED BE, THOUGH I’VE NEVER ACTUALLY HAVE LED A GROUP OF OTHER PEDESTRIANS EVER!!! UHG!!! GETTING MORE AND MORE FRUSTRATED DAILY HERE IN GREENVILLE, TX./Texas AND SOON I’M JUST GOING To Go FIND SOME ABANDONED CAR, AND HOTWIRE IT EVEN IF IT’S A NEW WORLD ORDER AI SCARY BOT CAR!!! TIRED OF WAITING FOR A FEW YEARS TO RETURN There WHEREVER!! And A FRUSTRATED TRAVELER(S), BECOMES A HOSTILE CRANKY TRAVELER(S)!!!

Sad to not see more comments since Covid… It’s like a message in a bottle thrown into the sea. I’m French, 35 yo, fit, gentleman, I don’t smoke, marketing manager teleworking, looking for a travel buddy, a woman, I’m not vaccinated, I already moved to different places with my car in France but I also plan to travel in EU, I usually stay a month or more in the same place. I like to explore around, to try the local food, organic mostly, monuments, history, nature… The week I stay around the place to work and do multimedia art, music, etc. on my laptop… I don’t need someone but when I see that most places I rent are for 2 minimum, well… It’s a shame not to share this experience, right?

TravBuddy & Thorntree shut down their service.

GAFFL is a similar site which matches up travelers with similar travel plans and ensures the safety of travelers through their well-built verification process. Currently, it has users from over 170 countries.

This can be a great addition to this list.

Hi my name is LUIS I live in Houston to and I’m ready for new adventures

Teacher: Looking for travel buddy know knows how to budget. Currently in Mexico and looking to head to Asia. Any takers? My goal is to travel with Will one day!

Yes i too would like to travel to Asia! You still down for it?

Hi Guy !!! I am an asian guy,living in the Netherlands now.I will be travelling to Viet Nam ( from 12th/Jan/2019 till 28/febr/2018. I wanna look for a travelbuddy to join me .You dont need to travel as long as i do if you cant.You dont need to travel with me all the time either,if you dont want it.You can catch me up during imy holiday in Viet Nam.Travelling with me together wont be only a great fun, but it will also be a great advantage for you,because i have known the beaufitul cities and countrysides in Viet nam,i do know where we can get cheap accomodation ,, cheap and delicious local food..and wonderful highlights in Viet nam too.Ofcourse you can afford in travelling with me with your low budget . I can speak Vietnamese ,English and Dutch.Any guys are interested in being on vacation with me together in Viet Nam.Be welcome to contact me : [email protected] Greeting. Khale

Hi I’m isaac 28 yr old currently homeless having lost both my parents rest of family have turn there back on me looking for a buddy to travel with I’ve haven’t got much but a good Hart and great company.

I am nearing 60 , but my heart is still of 25 . Passionate about Travel ( Nature) , Sports Music . I have traveled 59 countries so far , partially due to my official requirement and remaining pleasure- trip . I have now enough free time to explore the World with some like minded travelers at economical way . South America , Australia-New Zealand, Japan , Scandinavian Countries are in my bucket list. I am of very flexible and adjusting nature . I am now looking for a like minded travel buddy. Anyone interested ? [email protected]

I would like to add https://travelmate.world to your list as well 🙂 It’s more than just a platform to meet travel buddies. You can also write a free travel blog and ask others for help.

Nice one! It is really nice to watch people going back to good old fashioned hobby – travelling. I love those new travel platforms and apps, allowing people to find ideal companion from a different country so quickly and easily. I do not have many experiences with a “travel buddy” system, but many times I heared about https://tripgiraffe.com/

Another good article for finding travel partners.. Also, Babak I really liked your network you’ve created too! I started my own travel network a while back for finding like-minded travel partners also – http://www.travelchum.net

Great roundup. I’d add another free resource: https://www.tripolette.com/ I started Tripolette to help you find other travelers with similar plans and share trips together. The benefit of this over other forums is the powerful search and discovery, and social aspect. Give me a shout if you like it!

I’ve taken a lot from this post. Firstly – awesome idea about making the facebook group for your itinerary, I always struggle so much remembering who to tell.

BUT, mostly I’ve decided that if you’re ever short of cash, you should contact Colegate and offer to promote them while you travel. They sponsor you to smile next to a famous landmark and boom, you’re rolling in dollar. While giving 60% to your manager in commission for coming up with such a great idea of course.

Oh, I’ll be your Colegate manager by the way.

This looks crazy fun. This is one of the best things in travelling with family and friends. You get to do all things that can give you the fun that you need.

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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.

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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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.  

Mathieu Young / Getty Images

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Traveling Alone, in Groups

Group tour companies are accommodating more and more solo travelers, who are looking for company — and someone else to handle the complexities of traveling during the pandemic.

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By Debra Kamin

After Sheila Katz’s husband died of a degenerative nervous system disorder in April, she knew she had to get away. But her husband had been her travel partner, and without him, she was hesitant to travel alone. The pandemic’s ever-shifting travel regulations were intimidating as well. So Ms. Katz, 45, did something she’d never done before: She joined a group tour.

“I wanted to not be totally alone, but also to be able to do my own thing when I wanted,” she said. So in July, she joined a group of 17 fully vaccinated travelers heading to Belize with EF Go Ahead Tours , making friends as she snorkeled, visited Mayan ruins and took chocolate- and tortilla-making classes.

Solo travelers like Ms. Katz are joining guided tours at unprecedented rates, say tour organizers, with some companies reporting single bookings up 300 percent over those from couples, families or clusters of friends. The majority of these lone travelers have never taken a group trip before. After years of planning their own trips and traveling solo or with a partner, the pandemic — with its months of isolation and its Byzantine travel rules for testing, masks and vaccination — has pushed them to change their ways.

Ms. Katz, a sociology professor at the University of Houston, had just endured the tenure-review process while also navigating her grief. She was exhausted, and had no interest in parsing border regulations or stressing out about potential exposure to the coronavirus. For her trip to Belize, everyone in the group had to be vaccinated, which lifted a proverbial weight from her shoulders.

“Had it not been a pandemic, I probably would have just gone to lie on a Caribbean beach for seven days,” she said.

‘Even solo travelers want to travel with people sometimes’

The National Tour Association, a professional organization for tour operators, said the group travel industry as a whole has yet to recover from the pandemic’s blow to its business. “Half of our tour operators don’t expect their company to outperform 2019 metrics until 2023,” said Bob Rouse, N.T.A.’s vice president of communication.

But even before the pandemic, group travel was gaining a foothold among two key demographics: women and millennials. Travel companies catering specifically to women have increased by 230 percent over the past six years, while a flurry of new travel start-ups, including AvantStay and TRIPS by the Culture Trip , have grown by marketing toward those born after 1980.

Women’s interest in group travel is perhaps most notable. Katalina Mayorga, the chief executive of El Camino Travel , which offers small group tours for women, says that sales for the fourth quarter of 2021 are 200 percent higher than the same period in 2019, and 65 percent of those booking are doing so as solo travelers. Contiki ’s customers skew 60 percent female. Allison Scola, founder of Experience Sicily , says solo women on her tours now make up 66 percent of guests, while at Indus Travels , 80 percent of customers booking spots on tours for solo travelers are now women. Ninety percent of Indus’s customers this year are booking for the first time.

“Even solo travelers want to travel with people sometimes, especially people who they have something in common with,” said Amanda Black, the founder of The Solo Female Traveler Network , where women can book individual tickets for group trips across the globe. Ms. Black, 35, restarted her tours in May after shutting down at the start of the pandemic, and said bookings have been steadily climbing.

After months of isolation, it seems, many women miss socializing.

“I live alone, so, it’s been a lot of alone time,” said Jes Maxfield, 34, a client service manager in Boston who booked a trip to Greece with FTLO Travel in August. The group included eight women and one man, and the man broke his foot on the second day and had to fly home. By the end of the trip, a sisterhood had emerged. “It was really nice to meet so many similar, like-minded women, and to share a beautiful place with them,” she said.

The idea of safety in numbers also plays a part. “To hike through the woods by myself isn’t exactly the safest thing to do,” said Emily Cardona, 36, a New Yorker who took outdoor group trips over the past 18 months with Outer There , a New York City-based tour company. The trips were a refuge, she said, from the stress of her two jobs as a senior care manager and mental health therapist.

The millennial connection

“It’s almost as if the difficulties of traveling during the pandemic have helped millennials get over the idea that group tours aren’t cool,” said Tara Cappel, the founder and chief executive of FTLO Travel , where bookings for 2022 are up 225 percent over 2019. FTLO caters to 20- and 30-somethings, and first-time customers — many of them joining solo — now comprise 82 percent of those bookings; 75 percent of travelers booking for 2022 are women.

In many cases, the shift to millennial-focused marketing is redefining the idea of what it means to travel on an organized tour in the first place.

“It was really intimate, and we kind of just looked like some friends who were traveling,” said Autumn Lewis, an attorney in Los Angeles who took her first-ever group tour, a trip to Greece run by Tripsha , in July. “It’s not like you’re having an experience where you just follow the guy with the umbrella.”

The pandemic’s solo travel trend is not limited to tour groups. Solo air bookings are up overall, with Orbitz reporting that single round-trip tickets climbed 200 percent over last year this past Labor Day weekend. In years past, it was difficult to parse whether those tickets indicated single leisure travelers or those flying alone on business, but with business travel still sluggish, 2021 is an exception, said Mel Dohmen, senior brand manager for Orbitz.

And while there’s no definitive way to track how many of those solo travelers join up with groups at their destinations, tour operators are reporting major growth in their overseas destinations.

At Devour Tours , which runs culinary walking tours across Europe, 22 percent of bookings this summer were for just one person, which is more than double what it was during the same period in 2019.

Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.) , which offers small group tours for travelers age 50 and above, has seen an uptick of 7 percent in the percentage of solo bookings since the beginning of the pandemic. Eighty-five percent of their solo travelers are women.

The new allure of organized travel

“If there’s one thing the pandemic has shown us, it’s that the value of tour operators has increased tenfold,” said Terry Dale, president and chief executive of the United States Tour Operators Association .

Like travel agents, who are also enjoying a resurgence in popularity , much of that value comes when a traveler can delegate the pandemic mental load: Which vaccine card is valid? On which day do I need to take my P.C.R. test?

But after months of isolation, the group tour’s strongest draw may be its most obvious: It comes with a built-in community.

“Women who have been booking tours with us have definitely been doing so because they want someone who can navigate the Covid restrictions. But there are a number of other motivations,” said Meg Jerrard, co-founder of Solo Female Travelers , which runs small group tours for women. Safety is a major concern, she said, and “the stigma of being alone is another key motivator.”

Ms. Katz, the widow in Texas, had expected that for some meals on her tour, people would go off and do their own thing. She was wrong.

“Our tour guides had to go out of their way because we all wanted to have all of our meals together,” she said. “I think we were all just so thankful to not be in our living rooms, staring at the wall.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places list .

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Travel Companions for Seniors – How to Find the Best Travel Partner for You

Many women over 60 love to travel, but don’t want to travel alone. If you’re looking for alternatives to traveling solo, perhaps you would do well to find a good travel partner.

Traveling can be a bit of a stress-test for a friendship – being in new surroundings with a different schedule, different food, and even different customs and languages can present challenges to your friendship if you’re not prepared. Some otherwise wonderful friends are not always the most ideal travel companions.

Before you embark on a long journey, it’s best to think ahead and talk in advance to make sure you and your travel partner are well suited to travel together.

Here are a few tips for how to communicate and plan to find the perfect travel partner:

Discuss Your Goals for the Trip

What do you most want to experience on this trip? Are you hoping for a relaxing visit to the beach, or a bustling sightseeing tour with an action-packed itinerary? Do you want to spend time alone, or stay together most of the time? Do you want to meet new people, or get to know each other better? Do you want to experience serenity or stimulation – do you want to retreat from civilization, or get caught up in the excitement of an urban center?

It’s best to have a sense of what kind of vacation experience you want to get, prior to embarking on the journey. Talk with your travel partner about your hopes and expectations. Even if you don’t agree on absolutely every aspect of the trip, make sure you have enough common ground and can support each other in finding your ideal vacation experiences along the way.

Choose a Good “Roommate”

It’s wonderful to have a travel partner to share the adventure with – but make sure you are compatible. Is your travel partner easy to get along with in close quarters, or do they have a lot of particular needs that make it difficult to share space together? Do you enjoy each other’s company? Can you have fun talking to each other for hours – and more importantly, perhaps, can you enjoy the silence together and share space without constantly having to entertain each other?

Talk About Your Budget

Traveling with a friend is a great way to save money on accommodation and meal expenses, but make sure that you both have the same idea of what you want this vacation to cost.

Will you be splitting the costs of the trip (hotels, restaurant meals, tours, etc.) or each paying your own way separately? Does one of you have more expensive needs than the other – will you both be happy in a no-frills hotel, or do you need a more deluxe set of accommodations?

Talking about these issues in advance can avoid any misunderstandings or hard feelings once you are on vacation.

Take a Short Trip Together First

It’s often best to take a test run with your new travel partner, to make sure you can be a good team on the road. Before you book a round-trip ticket to the far side of the world, consider taking a short weekend trip to stay at a nearby Bed and Breakfast.

Choosing the right travel partner can make your vacations even more enjoyable and often affordable. Just make sure to discuss some expectations upfront to make sure you both can get the vacation experience you were hoping for – without any misunderstandings or disappointments along the way.

Have you ever traveled with a friend? What did you learn from the experience that you can share with the rest of the community? Do you have any other senior travel tips to share? Please join the conversation.

Learn more about traveling and exploring new cultures. Watch my interview with the fabulous and inspirational Evelyn Hannon.

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I am looking for a female travel buddy for Europe.

I am looking for someone who want to travel china or japan

Tags Travel Tips and Plans

Margaret Manning

Margaret Manning is the founder of Sixty and Me. She is an entrepreneur, author and speaker. Margaret is passionate about building dynamic and engaged communities that improve lives and change perceptions. Margaret can be contacted at [email protected]

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How to Solo Travel When You Have a Partner

Travel has always been a big part of my life. I made my first trip across the country before I was a year old, went on many family vacations as a kid, traveled extensively throughout university and haven’t slowed down since. I’ve done solo travel, trips with friends, family vacations and adventures with my partner. And while I love them all, there is something really special about solo travel . It’s not something I’m willing to give up just because I’m in a partnership.

But solo travel when you have a partner isn’t as straight forward as when you’re single. It’s even more complicated if you and your partner live together, share expenses, share household duties and have other responsibilities like kids, pets or a business. But even with all of those complications, it is possible and beneficial to solo travel while you’re in a relationship.

Want to take a trip solo but worried about how to do that with a partner at home? Here are some tips and things to think about before you book that flight .

Table of Contents

Figure out finances

This is especially important if you and your partner have a joint account or otherwise share your finances. Before you travel solo, you need to have an honest talk about money. In fact, I think talking openly with your partner about money regularly is really important . But even more so when you’re planning a solo travel trip without them.

It can feel really uncomfortable to spend joint money on a solo trip. Talk about what kind of spending you’re both comfortable with. Are you both on board with your trip budget? And if the guilt of spending joint money on your own trip is getting to you, think about how you want to deal with that. Maybe you can pick up a side hustle, work a little over time or cut back on your spending in the months leading up to the trip.

Set boundaries

Talk with your partner about what boundaries you’ll stick to on your solo trip. This isn’t about your partner  allowing you to go or controlling where you go and what you do. Gross. It’s about setting expectations and taking into consideration what you both want.

For example, you might have limits on how long you’ll travel solo. Your partner might be comfortable holding down the fort at home for a week or two but a month-long trip might be pushing it. You might also have certain locations that are off-limits – like maybe you’re saving Bali or Copenhagen for a couple’s trip because you both want to go there together.

Talk before you book – WAY before

I always preach that you need to jump on flight deals as soon as you see them . But that should only apply to solo travel if you’ve talked to your partner first. Solo travel when you have a partner should never be a unilateral decision. You’re partners and you should make the decision together. If you book something without talking to your partner, it will start your trip off on a really shitty foot and feel like you’re going behind their back.

So give your partner as much notice as possible. Let them know what you’re planning, even if it’s something as vague as wanting to go on a one week solo trip sometime in the next year. The more notice you can give them, the better. This way, they have time to ask questions and become comfortable with your solo trip.

Talking to your partner about your solo travel isn’t about asking permission. It’s about making a decision together about what you both want and what works for your partnership.

Work out duties at home ahead of time

Especially if you live together and share household responsibilities, it’s really important to have an honest talk about what those home duties will look like when you’re gone. Discuss things like walking the dog, dropping kids off at daycare, mowing the lawn, etc.

If possible, try to do some things before your solo travel trip so there’s less on your partner’s plate. Or perhaps some chores can wait until you’re back home and you can tackle them together. But some duties, like dog walks and childcare, can’t be put on hold or done ahead of time. If your partner isn’t able to do it all by him or herself, call in reinforcements. Ask friends to babysit, call mom to help with after school pick up or hire a dog walker.

Set expectations around how in touch you’ll be

As best you can, try to come up with a plan for communication while you’ll be away. What kind of communication are you going to have and how often? If you can set these expectations ahead of time, both of you will be on the same page. You don’t want your partner waiting around for a nightly phone call when you were only planning to send an email every few days.

Of course, things can change. You might have tech issues or your itinerary could be altered. But try to have a general communication plan and stick to it as best you can.

Explore different ways to stay connected

On that same token, look into different ways to stay connected. If it’s too expensive or isn’t possible to chat on the phone or send text messages, see what else you can do. Chat over Skype, Facebook Messenger, Facetime or Whatsapp (to name a few). You could also go old school and send postcards or leave some notes behind for your partner to find while you’re away.

Make the most of it

Even if you really miss your partner and wish they were staring up at the Eiffel Tower right next to you, don’t let those feelings take over your solo travel. This is one that I have definitely struggled with. It’s so easy to get caught up in missing your person and imagining what they would be doing if they were on the trip with you. But remember: solo travel is an opportunity that you need to take advantage of. You can’t spend your whole trip stuck in a hotel room wishing your partner was there.

Enjoy this time by yourself! This is your chance to have your own adventure. And it’s a great way to remind yourself that you’re a cool, smart and adventurous person outside of your partnership.

Remember the benefits

Reflect on why you want to travel solo. Are you doing this to push yourself and take on a new challenge? Are you looking for some time to yourself? Do you want to explore a new place or an old haunt on your own terms? Do you want to see how capable you are?

There are so many benefits to solo travel and so many reasons to embark on a trip by yourself. You get to travel with only your own agenda in mind. You don’t have to go to that boring museum or trek across town to see a statue that only your partner cares about. And you’ll get to enjoy your own company. It can be really nice to take yourself out to dinner.

Plus, there’s all the fun of coming home. They say that distance makes the heart grow fonder. It’s so nice to come home to your partner after solo travel. You appreciate them more because you missed them. You get to come back refreshed and with a million new travel stories to tell.

Make it special

Sometimes it can be a struggle to see the benefits of a solo travel trip when you’re missing your partner terribly. I’ve been there. Break yourself out of that by planning something special for your trip. What’s something you can do that always lifts your spirits? Bonus points if it’s something your partner would never want to do so you can indulge in it solo as a rare treat. Maybe you’re an adrenaline junkie while he’s scared of heights so you add bungee jumping to your trip itinerary. Or maybe she would hate to spend a day at the spa so you book yourself a few spa treatments since you’re traveling without her.

You can also suggest the same thing to your partner who is no doubt missing you and maybe feeling a little left out. What’s something they can do at home to make this time apart special? It might be as simple as having the house to themselves (I know Colin really loves this since I work from home and am always there), inviting friends over, ordering from that one restaurant you can’t stand, seeing a movie you have no interest in, etc.

The most important tip around solo travel when you have a partner is to still go. Even if you feel guilty and miss them so much, push yourself and go on that trip. Solo travel is important to you for a reason. For me, travel is such a huge part of my life. It’s something I have to do. And that means I can’t always wait for my partner to get time off or go on every trip with me. So I go with other people or even by myself – sometimes by choice. It’s important for me to fill that travel vessel within myself and come back from my trips a better and more fulfilled person – rather than sit at home and resent my partner for “forcing” me to say no to travel.

Solo travel doesn’t have to end when you get into a relationship. Just because you are a girlfriend, boyfriend, spouse, partner or parent doesn’t mean you aren’t your own person and don’t deserve time to pursue your own interests. There are so many benefits to solo travel and they aren’t reserved just for single people. Plus, it’s the best welcome home ever!

Where have you gone on a solo travel trip without your partner?

Riana Ang-Canning is a travel writer who has been sharing her global adventures as the founder of Teaspoon of Adventure since 2012. In that time, Riana has travelled to almost 50 countries on 6 continents, including interning in Eswatini, working in Tokyo, road tripping New Zealand and living abroad in Prague. Riana helps everyday travellers discover the world on a mid-budget, proving that you don't have to be athletic, wealthy or nomadic to have an adventure!

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13 comments.

As always boo, great tips and the best one is reading this post and being prepared. xo

Thanks so much, Moo 🙂

Great tips. It’s hard adjusting to a “committee” after traveling solo for so long, but solo travel is necessary for sanity. I enjoy our foodie trips together, but he does not share my joy of scuba diving. That makes it easy to plan a girl trip or solo.

So true! We’re currently travelling with our moms and it’s way different from solo travel or even couple’s travel. But it’s nice to mix it up every now and then to enjoy the pros of all different types of travel. Awesome that you can do your scuba diving solo or with your girlfriends!

Thanks for the great post. Solo travel is so important to me that I find it weird when people ask how I could leave my partner behind! More people should read this post. Then, maybe they’d understand!

Thank you so much, Hannah! Yes, I love a good solo trip – and it doesn’t mean we love our partners any less!

The thing I love most about solo travel is the confidence I get relying solely on myself especially in a foreign country speaking another language. Us I’m more social an md talk to locals. Great story!

Yes, the confidence boost is huge when you successfully figure something out! Awesome point!

Great tips. I have been with my boyfriend for 7 months now and about to go away on my first trip since we have been together. I’m nervous to go as I don’t want things to change between us but reading your tips I am reassured that it can work. Thanks

Thanks for reading! Have a fabulous time on your trip. I’m sure it’s going to go so well and the distance will only make your relationship that much stronger!

Oh my gosh I love this post. You talked about everything I feel as a traveler who often goes on solo trips but leaves my partner at home a lot of the time. He gets less vacation time than me so I often go on other trips. I feel guilty for sure but we usually make out work and always stay in touch. It’s hard but necessary for me to continue to travel

Thanks so much for reading & commenting, Emma! I totally feel that same guilt. But like you said, travel is important to us and I know I can be a better partner if I’m able to still go on trips alone.

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Why you should travel solo while in a relationship

Sep 18, 2019 • 5 min read

It’s a common misconception that solo travel is reserved for single people. I’ve been traveling solo since I was 18 and, despite now being in a serious relationship, it’s still my preferred method of seeing the world. I still enjoy the freedom and autonomy that traveling solo gives me, and I believe the lessons I’ve learned during my adventures have been invaluable in many other parts of my life.

Over the past 6 years of my relationship, I’ve traveled solo to dozens of countries across five continents, including three long trips that spanned four months or more. While traveling alone, I’ve trekked in South America , wandered through Central Asia , and backpacked my way through Europe . Although it may seem counter-intuitive, my solo travel experiences have actually strengthened my relationship with my partner through a stronger sense of independence.

How traveling solo improved my relationship

My partner and I both travel alone almost every year because our vacation schedules conflict and we enjoy our own space.

The most valuable benefit is an increased understanding of expectations. We have a mutual agreement that we will stay within the boundaries of our relationship while traveling solo, and that we’ll communicate as frequently as possible. When I’m on the road, this gives me both the freedom to make my own travel decisions, as well as the responsibility of communicating them to my significant other back home.

When we’re both home though, the communication doesn’t go away. We’re quick to talk about problems if they arise, directly and tactfully. It also didn’t bother us as much when we’ve had to go months as a long-distance couple - we’ve been there and done that through our various solo trips.

In our free time, we don’t need to be together constantly, and can hang out with our own friend groups or colleagues without the other person. Both at home and on the road, we have our own separate lives, and when we spend time together we get to share these new experiences and stories. The independence we’ve both learned from traveling solo has given us a gift that we’ll never take for granted: trust.

Solo travel: how to keep costs down

Personal benefits of solo travel

Although it might sound intimidating, I believe everyone should travel solo at least once. As much as I enjoy traveling with my significant other, I’ve definitely learned the most and had the most memorable experiences during my solo adventures.

I’ve now become completely self-sufficient while on the road. I can get myself from place to place, learn enough of a language to get around, and organize my own adventures and tours without the help of anyone else. I’m alert and vigilant all the time, relying on my own instincts to keep me out of dangerous situations – a good skill to have for anyone who travels frequently.

I’ve learned how to make friends on the road and put myself out there, minimizing feelings of loneliness. On the other hand, I’m also comfortable being alone, and I don’t always feel like I need to constantly be around people to be content (despite the fact that I’m actually an extrovert).

Why travel could change you forever

Most importantly, spending a lot of time on my own has given me a strong and unwavering sense of independence. I love being able to do what I want, when I want, and make my own decisions about where I want to go. This independence has translated to virtually every aspect of my life – my job, my friendships and even my relationship.

Challenges of traveling solo while in a relationship

While traveling solo provides tons of personal and relationship benefits, it can be difficult at times. It’s not unusual to feel lonely, especially if you’re traveling alone for days or weeks at a time. You might start to miss your partner and wish they were with you. These feelings are totally normal, and they’ll come and go no matter how long you’ve been traveling.

When you’re off seeing the world, your partner can sometimes feel jealous or resentful. Worse still, if there’s a time difference or connectivity issues, communicating can be difficult and might have them feeling left behind or ignored at times.

The best way to mitigate these feelings is to set very clear expectations before you leave, and provide as much information as possible about your itinerary. This way, they’ll know if you’re planning on being in a small village with sparse WiFi, or if you have an all-day activity planned. Additionally, let them know how much time you think you can commit to talking while you’re gone, and decide on the best method of communication for both of you. 

Establishing consistent communication with your partner can be difficult at first, but it can help alleviate a lot of the negative feelings.

Advice for anyone wanting to travel solo without your partner

It’s not always easy to be away from your partner while in a new, foreign place. However, there are a few things you can do to make the distance less difficult on your relationship.

Communication is a key aspect of traveling solo that you and your partner should discuss before your trip. It’s important to establish norms on when and how often you and your partner will touch base, especially if you’ll be in different time zones. Before I travel, I usually sit down with my partner to discuss when the best times to talk to him may be.

Set boundaries  on what’s acceptable to both of you. For example, you may want to go out to bars alone every night, but that might make your partner uncomfortable. Establish these boundaries ahead of time so you both understand all expectations while you’re apart.

Trust is the backbone of any kind of relationship, but especially if you’re going to be off traveling. Knowing and trusting that your partner will stay safe and faithful is only half of the equation – that trust needs to go both ways. Handle your solo travels right and your trust will steadily grow.

Traveling by yourself is an incredible experience, and I’d recommend it for anyone, even if you’re in a relationship. Having the space to learn and grow away from your partner is an important aspect of a healthy relationship. Now, you’ll just need to decide where in the world your solo travels will take you...

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Solo Tours, Travel & Holidays

• Travel styles
• Solo travel

Got the urge for adventure, but no one to do it with? Over 50% of travellers on our trips are travelling solo.

This is why travelling as part of our small group tours has its perks. We’ve got expert local leaders who can't wait to show you around, ready-made friends who are itching to explore (just like you), and optional single supplements if you want a room all to yourself. All you have to do is turn up with a smile and a passport: we’ll handle the rest.

Our most popular group trips for solo travellers

All our group trips are perfectly suited to those of you travelling solo, but here are a few favourites as rated by our previous solo travellers.

Beautiful Bali

9 days from 981.

Travel to Bali and experience this oasis off the coast of Indonesia. Bali's Ubud, Mt...

Best of Morocco

15 days from 1165.

Discover the best of Morocco on an action-packed trip exploring Marrakech, Fes, the...

Everest Base Camp Trek

15 days from 1512.

Embark on the trek of a lifetime to Everest Base Camp on this tour. Fly into Lukla and...

Explore Jordan

8 days from 1304.

Travel to Jordan and tour Amman, Madaba and the inspiring desert landscape of Wadi Rum....

Turkey Uncovered

14 days from 1344.

Discover the best of Turkey on a 14-day trip exploring Istanbul, Gallipoli, Fethiye,...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

Group trips for solo travellers by region

South Africa

The perks of solo travel on a group tour

A local leader

When you’re all by yourself, it’s easy to fall into the typical tourist traps. You wander within a few blocks of your hotel, see a few of the big sights and that’s about it. But solo travel on a group tour isn’t like that. Each of our trips has an expert local leader who knows every backstreet bar, cool tapas joint and hidden gallery. They’ll give you tips for your free time exploring, and introduce you to locals.

Ready-made friends

Go solo, but not alone. That’s our motto. The average Intrepid Travel trip has about ten people on it – people of all ages and backgrounds from all over the world. It’s like a hostel dorm room that travels with you (minus the smell and the weird naked guy). You’ve got ready-made friends for a karaoke session in Vietnam, a canoeing adventure in New Zealand or a chat over chai at the breakfast table. For a solo traveller, it’s a nice perk to have.

Logistics and convenience

We’ve spent the better part of 30 years honing our itineraries, getting rid of the dodgy hotels and keeping the good ones, picking the best restaurants to visit, and organising public transport and all the other logistics of travel so you don’t have to worry. Travelling alone can often be a) confusing and b) complicated. But with us, all you need is a good attitude – we’ll take care of the rest.

Our leaders know the areas of town to avoid after dark. They know how to haggle at markets, avoid pickpockets and scammers and generally have a good time without anything going wrong. And don’t forget, when you're a single traveller on a group tour, you’re in a group! You’ll have a bunch of new friends to watch your back (and your stuff). It’s all the flexibility and freedom of independent travel, but without the risks.

Solo travel FAQs

Will i have my own room.

It’s completely up to you. On our trips rooming is organised on a twin-share basis and we pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. But if you'd like your own room, an individual room is available on the majority of our trips (it’s just a small extra charge). Just mention this to our  customer service team  when booking your trip and they'll arrange it for you.

As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please  contact us  so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

On a small selection of itineraries some accommodations are booked on an open gender, multi-share basis (for example on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances it will clearly be stated in our Essential Trip Information prior to booking and travelling.

How does group time work?

Whether you’re travelling solo or with a partner, our trips have a set itinerary. But within that there’s time set aside for your own exploration (if you want to – no pressure). The amount of free time depends on the travel style - you can ask your guide for a few tips then head out alone, or hang out with the group and see where the day takes you.

Do I have to pay for an individual room?

Not if you don’t want to. If you’re happy to bunk with a traveller of the same gender – paired up as per the gender marker on each of their passports – there’s nothing extra to pay on the vast majority of our trips. If you want your own room, just mention it to our customer service team when booking and they can organise an individual room for a small charge.

As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please  contact us  so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

I'm new to group travel, what will my group be like?

Intrepid travellers are connected more by attitude than age. They’re a friendly, open-minded and curious bunch, and a lot of them elect to travel alone (so no third-wheeling, we promise). Our trips attract a mix of genders and ages generally range from 25 to 65. It’s hard to know exactly who you’ll meet, but you can be assured you'll be a part of the fun.

Is it cheaper to travel in a group?

On average, solo travel on a group tour is way more cost-effective than heading out on your own as you're splitting the cost (we can also guarantee a lot more inclusions and extras than you’d usually get for your money).

Can I tailor the trip to me?

We have a range of trip styles – Basix, Original and Comfort – that offer different levels of flexibility and free time. While there’s always a set itinerary for the group, our Basix trips tend to have less included activities and more time to do your own thing, Original trips have a 50/50 balance, and our Comfort trips have more included activities. Lots of our travellers choose to travel on their own, so it’s common for people to want different things from their experience. Be sure to chat to your leader ; they can recommend places to explore during free time or things to try after the trip has finished. 

Tips for solo travellers

Embrace local 

It pays to learn a little bit of the local language wherever you go and you should always consider the country’s dress code when picking out what to wear. In many places, you maybe be expected to dress modestly and cover up exposed skin so consider packing a sarong or light scarf to cover exposed shoulders, along with a long skirt or trousers. Whether you agree with it or not, it’s respectful (and smart) to follow the local style.

When you’re out and about being all adventure-y, just keep an eye on the sunset. Try to avoid catching public transport after dark when you’re on your own, especially if you’re carrying your suitcase/backpack/fancy camera/map (it kind of screams ‘tourist’). Travelling with a  group  is a smart move for any traveller; it’s always good to have people around who’ve got your back.

Social media may be the doom of mankind and rational thought as we know it, but it can be useful, even as a safety tool. Your friends and family are now privy to a minute-by-minute update of your whereabouts, regardless of where you are in the world. Before you leave home, give your friends/family a social media heads-up: ‘If I don’t post a sunset selfie for five days straight, get in touch and see if I’m okay.’

Our solo travel safety guide

Share your itinerary.

Good advice for us all, but particularly for people travelling solo. Make copies of your itinerary, contact details, passport and travel insurance, then email them to yourself and to one or two friends/family at home. Check-in on social media when you can so people can keep track of where you are. 

Remember the little things

If you’re arriving late in a city by yourself, book a hotel with a front desk or concierge service (many hotels also offer private transfers that don’t cost the earth from the airport or train station). If you're travelling with us, we can help you organise an arrival transfer. Read your maps  before  you head out for a walk (you can use a map app on your smartphone – or take screenshots of where you’re going if you don’t want to use up your precious data). If you need to check your map when you’re out and about, duck into a shop or café to do it. Leave the blingy jewellery, wedding rings and designer clothes at home, and aim to dress like the locals do – hit up the local markets if you haven’t packed the right outfits. Aim to keep track of travel times, so you’re not caught out after dark.

Roam if you want to

Most mobile/cell providers now offer travel passes to help manage your international roaming costs (which, let’s face it, are expensive!). For a few dollars a day, you’ll have access to data, which means you can log into your apps (like Skype, email and WhatsApp) when you’re out of WiFi zones and quickly get in touch with someone – a friend at home, someone in your group, or the police – if you need to. It might also be worth checking out the local cell/mobile providers as these can be quite cost effective. 

Fare's fair

Solo travellers are way more likely to be ‘taken for a ride’ at the airport by unscrupulous taxi drivers, so do your research before you arrive. Make sure you get a cab from the airport/station taxi rank – if you’re not sure where to go, just head to the information desk for help. Touts tend to hang out in the arrivals area and promise cheaper rates, but can often be dodgy. When you get to the cab rank, ask the driver to use the meter or request a cost estimate  before  you hop in the car – if it’s way higher than it should be, pick another vehicle. A lot of airports have train stations attached as well, so consider public transport if you want to save a dollar or two.

Stick together

It’s one of the advantages of travelling solo on a group tour: safety in numbers. The big, 50-person bus groups stand out on the road, but a small Intrepid group of eight or nine people, with a local leader showing the way – including areas to avoid and getting around safely – won’t draw much attention. Plus, it’s a great way to see parts of the world you may feel uncomfortable exploring on your own. If you want to do things on your own, consider a day tour to familiarise yourself with a city and get to know the local way of life. 

Trust your instincts

Solo travel is all about confidence. If you’re relaxed and self-assured on the street, you’re more likely to blend in. When you meet new people, don’t assume they’re all out to get you, but be sensible too and trust your gut. If it feels wrong, it probably is. Remember: the popular tourist areas are often the most well-lit and secure, but they’re often a juicier target for pickpockets and scammers. Just use your common sense; half of travel safety is simply being aware of your surroundings.

Read more about solo travel

clock This article was published more than  1 year ago

Take a solo trip, even if you’re coupled up

Having a kid made travel more complicated. Going it alone was the compromise.

Welcome to The Upgrade, By The Way’s new series on travel hacks and hot takes. See how to submit here.

As an extreme extrovert, I avoided solo travel . “The more the merrier” was my travel mantra. Then I had a kid.

As frequent fliers, my wife and I were determined to travel once our daughter was born. The week we left the hospital as a family of three, we booked flights to Havana . Ripping off the “traveling with a kid” Band-Aid set us up to travel with a baby.

Once our daughter started school, traveling became harder. Daily drop-offs and weekend birthday parties kept us home. We needed a compromise to continue our love of traveling.

Enter solo trips. To celebrate major milestones, we each go it alone. When my wife got a new job, she spent a night in Baltimore. When I started my own company earlier this year, I road-tripped to Philadelphia.

Solo travel taught this extrovert the power of being alone and all the advantages that come with it.

It’s easier to get into top-rated restaurants. Zahav , an Israeli restaurant in Philadelphia once named the “best restaurant in the country,” has a months-long waitlist. It’s almost impossible to get in at the last minute. Determined to shoot my shot, I sent Zahav a direct message on Instagram a few days before my trip asking if they had space for one person. Soon after, I was dining on laffa bread with hummus at the chef’s counter.

How I tried to work remote in Paris on a $100 budget

Solo travel also lets you wander. There is no schedule, other people’s expectations or a toddler needing nap. It’s just you and time. While on a Seattle trip, I walked south for miles from Union Station, finding murals on industrial buildings and craft breweries by railroad tracks. I eventually stumbled upon Georgetown, one of Seattle’s oldest neighborhoods with antique shops, top restaurants and an outdoor trailer-park mall.

Traveling by yourself gives you space. On our solo trips, my wife and I have a tradition to find a locally loved coffee shop to sit, reflect and journal for hours because we can. There’s no heading back to a five-year-old for her rest time (don’t worry; we do plenty with her on vacations, too). It’s just me and my journal. I return to my family refreshed, more thoughtful and present. My wife is the same after her time away.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Austin Graff (@austinkgraff)

As parents who split duties equally, logistics are not too difficult when the other is gone for only one or two days. Our daughter enjoys the quality time — and an extra dinner out, which makes solo parenting go smoother. At the same time, I recognize this is a privilege not every parent has.

My 25-year-old self would balk at solo travel. My 37-year-old self depends on it. It gives my hidden introvert side permission to spend time alone. The freedom to strike up a conversation with a stranger satisfies my extraversion. Either way, solo travel gives me the power to be who I want to be.

More travel tips

Vacation planning: Start with a strategy to maximize days off by taking PTO around holidays. Experts recommend taking multiple short trips for peak happiness . Want to take an ambitious trip? Here are 12 destinations to try this year — without crowds.

Cheap flights: Follow our best advice for scoring low airfare , including setting flight price alerts and subscribing to deal newsletters. If you’re set on an expensive getaway, here’s a plan to save up without straining your credit limit.

Airport chaos: We’ve got advice for every scenario , from canceled flights to lost luggage . Stuck at the rental car counter? These tips can speed up the process. And following these 52 rules of flying should make the experience better for everyone.

Expert advice: Our By The Way Concierge solves readers’ dilemmas , including whether it’s okay to ditch a partner at security, or what happens if you get caught flying with weed . Submit your question here . Or you could look to the gurus: Lonely Planet and Rick Steves .

Best Beach Destinations For Solo Female Travelers

By Jessie Festa. This guide to the best solo beach vacations contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Looking for the best beach destinations for solo female travelers ?

Then you’re in the right place!

As an avid solo traveler who loves the beach, I reached out to some of my favorite travel bloggers to see where they think the best beach destinations for solo travel around the world are—and this post shares their responses.

Below, you’ll find some of the world’s most incredible beach vacations, including a mix of popular cities and islands and lesser-known beaches. For each, you’ll also snag local travel tips and recommendations to plan the perfect solo beach vacation.

So, if you’re trying to decide where to travel alone for a beach vacation, keep reading to discover!

Quick tip: When traveling solo, even in safe destinations, it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings and to pack travel safety essentials . One top pick is the She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm , which is TSA-approved and can help scare away potential attackers. Other recommendations include Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments and Speakeasy Travel Supply Hidden Pocket Scarves .

Travel Solo With Confidence [Free Course]

But first, before we get into our list of unforgettable beach destinations for solo travelers, I invite you to grab a seat in my  free Savvy Solo Traveler E-Course .

The 6-day course is designed to help you feel confident about booking your first solo trip and exploring the world alone.

Lessons include:

• Common solo travel fears and how to overcome them
• How to choose your perfect solo trip
• How to tell loved ones you’re hitting the road solo
• Mentally preparing for your solo journey without losing your mind
• Essential steps for staying safe on a solo trip
• How to take amazing solo selfies

Once you’ve  grabbed your seat , read on for first-hand recommendations for where to take your next solo beach trip .

Tips For Finding Safe Beach Destinations For Solo Female Travelers

Before we dive into the best beach destinations for solo travelers, let’s discuss how to find a safe beach destination. Here are my top tips for traveling solo successfully on a beach trip:

1. Do your research

One of the most important things you can do as a solo traveler is to research your preferred beach vacations for solo travelers.

Look at safety statistics on platforms like Travel Safe-Abroad and the Global Peace Index , but don’t let them scare you. I always do this to ensure I am aware of potential issues and how to prevent them.

For example, if pickpocketing is a problem, consider buying an anti-theft bag or pickpocket-proof garments and avoid wearing expensive jewelry.

2. Pick a solo beach destination that suits your travel style

If you love a good party, fantastic beach destinations are offering that! For example, the island of Mykonos in Greece .

However, if you prefer somewhere to sit back and relax, the beaches of New Zealand or the Seychelles are perfect.

Can’t spend a full day at the beach? If you like a combination of beaches and sightseeing, opt for European cities like Malaga or Dubrovnik.

3. Check the best times to travel and weather

If you want to fully enjoy going to the beach alone, it’s important to check the best times to visit for dry and sunny weather before booking your trip.

By doing this, you can save money and ensure you’ll have plenty of time to spend at the beach without worrying about the weather or things like beaches packed with seaweed, which is common in destinations like Mexico .

On that note, let’s dive into our list of unforgettable beach holidays for solo travelers. I’ve separated the destinations by continent to help you easily find your perfect solo beach getaway.

Best Beach Destinations For Solo Travelers In Africa

1. essaouira, morocco.

If you’re searching for one of the best beach destinations for solo female travelers, Essaouira should be on your list.

One of the top places to travel solo in Morocco , this 18th-century fortified town and beach destination is about 2.5 hours away from Marrakech or 3 hours if you take a Supratours bus.

Here, you can relax on the beach, watch a beautiful sunset, and try surfing or kitesurfing thanks to the intense winds that come off the Atlantic Ocean.

If you’re an experienced surfer, hop on the #2 bus and take it to the surf village of Sidi Kaouki . The beach here is quieter, has better waves, and is only about a 45-minute bus ride from Essaouira. 

Other fun things to do in Essaouira include admiring the views of the old port from the Scala du Port , enjoying the sunset and 19 canons along the Skala de la Ville (city wall), and exploring the blue and white streets of the Medina of Essaouira (old town).

The latter is an amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a fantastic place to walk around and soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful beach town. 

But, what makes Essaouira a perfect beach destination for solo female travelers is safety. You can walk around the streets, even at night, and won’t have to worry about petty crime or getting harassed.

Pro Tip : You can easily meet other travelers at hostels like Chill Art Hostel . Plus, the locals are super friendly and will be happy to show you around this amazing beach town in Morocco.

-By Kelly from Travel Morocco Today

Essaouira Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Essaouira .

Essaouira Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Essaouira .

2. La Digue Island, Seychelles

If you’re looking for the best islands for solo travel, La Digue Island in the Seychelles is a picturesque destination located in the Indian Ocean.

Its turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and unique giant granite boulders make it the perfect tropical vacation spot.

Although it is known to attract couples and honeymooners, solo travelers can also enjoy La Digue Island.

One of the more unique features of the island is its main means of transportation: bicycles. It gives the island an easygoing vibe, allowing solo travelers to explore and appreciate the beauty of the island at a leisurely pace.

Among the beautiful beaches on La Digue, there is one that stands out: Anse Source d’Argent , an amazing solo travel beach famed for being the most photographed beach in the world.

Beyond the sand, the Seychelles is also a great destination for nature enthusiasts. You will find diverse fauna and flora, such as the endemic Aldabra Giant Tortoises that you can encounter throughout the island.

There is also the iconic Coco de Mer—which is the world’s largest nut—found at Valleé de Mai Nature Reserve , a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the nearby Praslin Island .

La Digue Island and its surrounding islands are also home to abundant underwater marine life, including vibrant coral reefs, colorful fish, and sea turtles—best explored on a snorkeling or diving trip .

Additionally, if you’re searching for luxury beach destinations for solo female travelers, the Seychelles offers many opportunities to pamper yourself, from opulent resorts to sumptuous spas.

The Seychelles—particularly La Digue Island—are considered safe with friendly and helpful people; however, be mindful of pickpockets and keep your valuables safe, especially on the busy Anse Source d’Argent Beach.

Pro Tip : To help keep your valuables safe on the beach during solo travel, get a hidden pocket towel to store your belongings while you swim—like this microfiber option , which dries quickly and has a hidden zipper pocket.

-By Alina from The Luxury Travelers

La Digue Island Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in La Digue Island .

La Digue Island Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in La Digue Island .

Best Beach Destinations For Solo Travelers In Asia

3. bali, indonesia.

Bali is one of the best beach destinations for solo female travelers thanks to its many stunning beach options.

While more remote beaches like Padang Padang and Bingin are hidden away and provide peace and amazing natural beauty, solo female travelers can enjoy well-known beaches like Kuta and Seminyak for lively nightlife and surfing.

Some things to do on Bali’s beaches include surfing, unwinding with some beach yoga, or even doing a surf and yoga retreat .

Also, don’t miss snorkeling and diving Bali’s vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life—especially around areas like Menjangan Island —and then ending the day with a relaxing flower bath , which the island is known for.

Bali is an excellent destination for solo female travelers thanks to its welcoming culture, well-established tourist infrastructure, budget-friendly pricing, and an array of activities that range from adventure to wellness to spirituality and beyond.

It’s also one of the safest tropical vacation spots you could choose. According to Travel Safe-Abroad , your risk of being the victim of violent crime or pickpocketing is low.

Additionally, Bali’s extensive network of hostels and group tours facilitates meeting new people. You’ll come here alone and leave with so many friends!

Pro Tip : Join the locals at temples or village centers for traditional rites or community gatherings. Immersing yourself in Balinese culture enhances your vacation and creates chances for real conversations and connections with residents.

Additionally, the island is a long-term travel destination so you may want to spend at least 2 weeks in Bali . To save on costs, you can look for volunteer programs. This is particularly interesting if you are a yogi, as there are many opportunities for holistic volunteering!

-By Krish Villanueva from Indonesia Insider

Bali Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Bali .

Bali Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Bali .

4. Koh Tao, Thailand

As a solo female traveler who is obsessed with the beach, there are a few destinations that have stuck out to me during my travels. One of these extraordinary destinations is a tiny island in the Gulf of Thailand called Koh Tao. 

Koh Tao (or Tao Island) is part of a small chain of islands. Sadly, many tourists skip this little slice of heaven in exchange for a visit to nearby Koh Pha Ngan , where they can experience Thailand’s legendary Full Moon Party.

However, if you’re visiting Thailand as a solo female traveler, I highly recommend making room for Koh Tao in your itinerary. 

During my visit, I enjoyed all the best and beachiest activities—like scuba diving in crystal clear waters, hiking to numerous viewpoints, and paddle boarding out to Koh Nang Yuan .

Additionally, I also got my drink on at the Queen’s Cabaret Show and enjoyed delicious Thai dishes at local eateries around the island. There are loads of beachfront eateries too, like Breeze Koh Tao and FIZZ beachlounge .

For those seeking the best tropical destinations for solo travelers, there could hardly be a better place, especially as Koh Tao is a popular place for those traveling alone. Actually, after disembarking off the night ferry, I had already managed to make two friends in the 15-minute four-wheeler ride to the hostel!

And when it comes to safe solo trips for females, know that Koh Tao is very safe; however, there is also safety in numbers. Luckily, it’s easy to find those numbers on the island.

Pro Tip : If you make time for Koh Tao in your solo travel itinerary be sure to follow this simple tip: book a hostel.

Even if you opt for a private room, the Koh Tao hostels are legendary for their social and fun atmospheres. So pack your bikini, brush up on your scooter skills, and book that ticket to Koh Tao! Trust me, you won’t regret it. 

-By Madison from Madison’s Footsteps Travel Blog

Koh Tao Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Koh Tao .

Koh Tao Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Koh Tao .

5. Sentosa Island, Singapore

Traveling alone in Asia ? Singapore is one of Asia’s safest countries! Honestly, you can leave a smartphone or purse at a hawker stall table, and no one will touch it.

Safety is a significant factor when traveling solo, which makes Singapore an ideal destination for single travelers.

Sentosa Island—a unique gem south of downtown and one of the best islands for solo female travel—is a paradise waiting to be explored. Accessible by a boardwalk, Sentosa Cable Car , or monorail system, it is a hub of diverse activities. 

From heart-pounding adventures like skydiving in a tube and bungee jumping to the awe-inspiring Universal Studios Singapore , Sentosa Island is a thrill-seeker’s paradise.

Alternatively, if chilling on a beach is more your thing, the island’s southwest side has beautiful sandy stretches covering over 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) of coastline. 

Tanjong , Palawan , and Siloso Beach face the Straits of Singapore , with the latter putting guests closer to resorts and restaurants.

However, Palawan Beach provides access to Palawan Island via a suspension bridge. The small islet is home to the southernmost point of Continental Asia , where visitors can climb two viewing towers for panoramic vistas in all directions.

Dreamer Dee, a giant troll created by artist Thomas Dambos, lies on the western side. His companions, Curious Sue, Reef the Chief, and Little Lyn, complete the Explorers of Sentosa collection . Made from recycled materials, they are found sunning themselves along Palawan Beach.

This stretch of sand has washrooms, bike racks, beach swings, sunscreen dispensers, and lockers that provide that extra touch of security when swimming solo in the warm ocean.

Pro Tip:  Sentosa Island attracts a local crowd on weekends and evenings. To enjoy the beaches and various activities, plan to visit mid-week when there are fewer people.

-By Karen from  Forever Karen

Sentosa Island Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Sentosa Island .

Sentosa Island Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Sentosa Island .

Best Beach Destinations For Solo Travelers In The Caribbean

6. basse-terre, guadeloupe.

Thanks to so many easy direct flights from NYC, I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying solo travel in the Caribbean numerous times.

And while there are many excellent destinations, possibly the best Caribbean island for solo travel is Guadeloupe—which is home to over 200 beautiful beaches!

Actually, Guadeloupe is comprised of seven inhabited islands and even more uninhabited islands. That being said, most people choose to stay on Basse-Terre or Grande-Terre, which are connected by a small bridge and form a butterfly shape if viewed from above.

During my trip, I stayed on Basse-Terre, which was accessible to loads of beautiful beaches, aquatic activities, and opportunities to immerse myself in nature.

A few highlights from this solo beach vacation included hiking through Guadeloupe National Park, stand-up paddleboarding through the mangroves from Plage de Babin  (Babin Beach), trekking along the coast via the Trece Des Felices Trail , and taking in a stunning sunset from Plage de la Perle (Pearl Beach).

Possibly the best part about Guadeloupe is you don’t really need a plan. The roads are so well-marked that you can easily find the many beaches and attractions to visit spontaneously.

And if you’re looking for the safest solo female travel destinations, violent crime in Guadeloupe is rare. As a solo female traveler, I never felt unsafe exploring on my own—though, as with any destination, I’d suggest avoiding isolated areas at night.

Pro Tip:  When visiting Guadeloupe, rent a car . This will allow you to maximize what you do on the island. You’ll even potentially be able to stay on both Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre. You can drive from corner to corner between the islands in about 90 minutes.

-By Jessie from Jessie on a Journey

Basse-Terre Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Basse-Terre .

Basse-Terre Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Basse-Terre .

7. San Juan, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a top beach destination for solo female travelers . It’s a Caribbean island where you can enjoy the year-round sunny weather.

The capital of San Juan is a lively and colorful waterfront city offering a plethora of exciting experiences for solo female travelers.

First of all, it’s considered a safe and tourist-friendly city and features a high concentration of beaches, seaside parks, and historical sights.

Old San Juan is particularly fun to visit, as it’s walkable and showcases lovely buildings painted in lively shades of pink, yellow, green, and blue. You’ll also find many delicious restaurants and fun options for nightlife.

Other popular areas like Condado Beach , Miramar , and Loiza are just a short and inexpensive Uber away.

If you are a nature lover, you will love the mountains, forests, waterfalls, caves, coral reefs, and beaches nearby. Some recommended spots to visit include El Yunque National Forest , Charco Prieto Waterfall , Laguna Grande Bioluminescent Bay , and Camuy River Cave Park .

There are locally-guided day tours that can take solo travelers to see these areas.

As it’s part of the United States , Puerto Rico is a very easy beach destination for Americans, as there is no need to bring your passport or wait in customs lines!

Pro Tip : While the main strip of Condado Beach is the area most Puerto Rico solo travelers stay in San Juan, I recommend opting for the quieter Playita del Condado —a sheltered bayside area with no waves!

-By Eleanor from  Elevate Your Escapes

San Juan Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in San Juan .

San Juan Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in San Juan .

Best Beach Destinations For Solo Travelers In Europe

8. corfu, greece.

If you’re searching for one of the best beach-filled islands for solo travel, head to Corfu—an amazing destination for solo travel in Greece !

This Ionian island is famous for its unique landscapes, scenic beaches, rich history, delicious food, and unique local drinks .

One of the best beachside villages to base yourself is Paleokastritsa . Located on the west coast of Corfu, it’s home to some of the best beaches for solo female travelers.

A few of the top things to do in Paleokastritsa include visiting the Monastery of Paleokastritsa , hiking the scenic trails , and going on a boat tour . Another must is La Grotta , a bar built out of the cliff that provides stunning views and sea access.

When it comes to beach hopping, a few of the most picturesque options include Rovinia Beach , Agia Triada , and Agios Spyridon .

Overall, Corfu is regarded as one of the safest Greek islands. Violent crime is rare, if not unheard of, especially with tourists. Paleokastritsa is considered one of the best locations for families, making it an excellent destination for solo travelers for safety.

Additionally, Paleokastritsa is a superb destination for solo travelers thanks to its ease of interacting with friendly locals and the numerous activities available.

Pro Tip : For solo travelers, it’s best to stay within the town’s center to be within walking distance of many attractions.

-By Tamara from My Elated Odyssey

Corfu Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Corfu .

Corfu Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Corfu .

9. Dubrovnik, Croatia

If you are a Game of Thrones fan or simply love beautiful beach destinations, consider Dubrovnik on the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia.

One fun-filled area of Dubrovnik is the Old Town where you can walk the stone walls surrounding the city. Trust me, you won’t find better views of the orange-roof tops of the Old Town and the bejeweled waters of the Adriatic Sea .

Another recommendation: take the cable car up Mount Srd , where a historic Fort Imperial sits just waiting to be explored. The best part of the journey is the stunning views from above.

Dubrovnik is a popular and safe destination for solo travel. There is no need to worry, whether you wake up early in the morning and wander through the Old Town sans tourists or enjoy its lively bars and cafes in the late evenings.

There are some nice beaches around the Old Town of Dubrovnik too—like Banje Beach , which is the closest option and is walkable through the beautiful Ploče Gate .

Note that most beaches in Croatia are pebbly, so I recommend bringing water shoes .

Also, if you’re on a budget, the area of Banje Beach with sun loungers and umbrellas is pricey. One tip is to skip these chairs and lay your towel down directly on the beach, which is free!

Pro Tip : The best time to visit Dubrovnik is late spring or early summer (May and June). During this time, there are fewer crowds and the weather is pleasant. July and August get hot and crowded. If you must visit in the summer, avoid days when cruise ships dock in Dubrovnik and fill the Old Town.

-By Shweta from  Zest In A Tote

Dubrovnik Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Dubrovnik .

Dubrovnik Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Dubrovnik .

10. Lagos, Portugal

If you’re traveling solo in Portugal , Lagos should be at the top of your list. It’s one of the best beach destinations for solo female travelers in Europe !

Picture this: golden beaches, gorgeous towering limestone cliffs, an eclectic food scene, and turquoise waters as far as the eye can see.

Lagos is located in the Algarve , a 2.5-to-3-hour drive south of Lisbon . It is located in the southernmost part of Portugal and covers an area of approximately 4,997 square kilometers (1,929 square miles).

The Algarve is known for its historical sites, picturesque fishing villages, breathtaking cliffs, and sunny skies. In fact, its mild climate makes it perfect for year-round visits.

One of the most famous spots in the Algarve is Lagos, and for good reason. Unlike any other destination in the region, it is home to the incredible Ponta da Piedade rock formation.

The Ponta da Piedade is a stunning coastal feature known for its series of highly sculpted sandstone cliffs, caves, and sea arches. The best way to explore them is either from above or taking a boat tour . 

But that isn’t the only thing that you can do in Lagos. The city is known for its amazing beaches—including Praia Batata , which is dog-friendly—and watersports like kayaking and dolphin watching. 

Once the sun goes down, the city offers a wide array of food options and restaurants to suit any palette. You can also shop until you drop or party until sunrise.

When it comes to safety, Portugal is a top contender. It’s one of the safest destinations in Europe, ranked 5th most peaceful in Europe and 7th in the world by the Global Peace Index . So, you can explore Lagos and its surroundings with peace of mind. 

Lagos, specifically, is generally super safe. You shouldn’t have any problems walking around on your own, even after dark, especially in the more populated tourist areas. This helps to make it a top pick for a beach holiday alone!

Pro Tip : Visit Lagos during the shoulder seasons. During summer, the Algarve is packed with both local and international tourists. May-June and September-October are the best times to visit Lagos. The weather is still amazing, and the tourist crowds have come and gone. And yes, you can still swim and enjoy beach activities during these months!

-By Yvonne from Now in Portugal

Lagos Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Lagos .

Lagos Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Lagos .

11. Malaga, Spain

Malaga, located in the Andalucia region of Spain, is one of the best solo beach destinations in Europe. You have beaches but also other fun activities for foodies and culture lovers. 

The most accessible beach in Malaga is La Malagueta Beach , a 15-minute walk from the city center. This beach has good facilities and is convenient.

Besides the beach, one of the best things to do in Malaga is to visit its Moorish fortress palace called La Alcazaba . It is rich in history and offers stunning city views. 

Other unmissable sights include the Picasso Museum , Malaga Cathedral , and Gibralfaro Castle .

If you love trying the local cuisine, go to El Pimpi Bodega Bar . They serve delicious typical dishes made with natural and seasonal ingredients—including produce from their own vegetable garden—paired with local wine.

Malaga is very safe for solo travelers in Spain and great for exploring on foot, but the city also has excellent public transport. 

Pro Tip : Explore the towns near Malaga. Nerja has some of the best beaches, especially for travelers who love kayaking and snorkeling; however, if you prefer sightseeing, don’t miss out on the white-painted villages like Mijas Pueblo and Frigiliana .

The best way to visit them is by renting a car ; but if you don’t want to drive, you can also book an excursion from Malaga . 

-By Cristina Reina from My Little World of Travelling  

Malaga Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Malaga .

Malaga Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Malaga .

Best Beach Destinations For Solo Travelers In Central America

12. tamarindo, costa rica.

Nestled on the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, Tamarindo is a hip coastal town in Costa Rica and one of the best beach destinations for solo female travelers thanks to its sprawling beaches with golden sand.

Tamarindo is famous for its surf culture. Whether you’re a newbie or a professional surfer, there are plenty of surf schools and rental shops to choose from where you can take lessons or connect with like-minded travelers.

Those looking to unwind after a day on the beach can head to one of the local yoga studios, or extend your practice at a retreat.

Tamarindo is also home to a variety of upbeat beach bars and restaurants, which are great for an evening meal out or partying all night long. During the day, check out an independent coffee shop or brunch in a boutique cafe.

When it comes to safe tropical vacations, as one of the more popular beach towns in Costa Rica, Tamarindo is very safe to visit. There’s a large expat community and the town is also popular with digital nomads .

Pro Tip : Don’t miss sampling local coffee blends at Nordico Coffee House , one of the best coffee shops in Tamarindo with a great selection of drinks and brewing methods.

-By Lucy and Dan from Thoroughly Travel

Tamarindo Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Tamarindo .

Tamarindo Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Tamarindo .

Best Beach Destinations For Solo Travelers In North America

13. maui, hawaii.

The island of Maui is so much more than just a beachy paradise for solo travelers in Hawaii .

While there’s no shortage of shoreline for those who want to swim, surf, or sunbathe, you can also hike into Iao Valley , watch the sunrise from 10,000 feet above sea level at Haleakala Mountain , drive the famous Road to Hana , or watch pro surfers take on the big waves at Hookipa .

During the winter, don’t miss a whale-watching cruise to see the annual humpback whale migration. Take time to slow down and talk with locals to get recommendations on what to do and where to eat.

Foodies will love the fresh local fish, fruits, and veggies. Pick up a fresh poke bowl or stop at a food truck and have a picnic at the beach or on a hike. Visit a farmers market, tour a chocolate farm, or take part in tastings at Maui Wine or Ocean Vodka .

Because of Maui’s multi-cultural sugar plantation past, you can sample a world of flavors in a single plate lunch with options like shrimp tempura, teri beef, chicken adobo, lau lau , or kal bi providing a glimpse into the melting pot of cultures that call the island home.

If you’re keen to rent a car , you’ll be able to get around the island easily and safely on your own, but be sure to leave your valuables at home to avoid break-ins.

If you’re not driving and can allow a bit more time in your schedule, you could opt for a rideshare or the Maui Bus.

Another great option for solo travelers is to join group tours for hiking, beach days, or farm tours. Howzit Hostels in Wailuku offers free daily activities and tours where you can socialize with other guests. 

Finally, if you’re looking for safe tropical places to travel, Maui fits the bill, as there is very little violent crime. As you would with any destination though, do stay aware of your surroundings and keep general safety tips in mind.

Pro Tip : Maui is still recovering in the aftermath of the August 2023 wildfires that devastated the beachside town of Lahaina as well as parts of Kula in Upcountry. A great way to lend a hand while on your vacation and meet like-minded travelers is to look into volunteer options at Maui Nui Strong .

Additionally, try to spend your money with small businesses whenever possible, pack some extra patience, and tip generously. Avoid asking too many questions of locals you meet, as many may still be displaced from their homes or feeling the pinch of the housing crisis made worse by the fires. 

-By Malia from Shoyu Sugar

Maui Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Maui .

Maui Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Maui .

14. San Diego, California

San Diego has much to offer for solo travelers in California . The combination of diverse sights, quaint shops, interesting culture, and lots of sunshine makes San Diego a top choice for a trip.

San Diego’s Balboa Park is not only a beautiful city park, but it’s also the home of 18 museums covering everything from model trains and natural history to folk art and aviation.

If you plan to visit several museums during your stay you should check out the Balboa Park Explorer Passes as they can save you money!

At the waterfront, both the Maritime Museum and USS Midway (a former aircraft carrier) are well worth a visit.

Additionally, Old Town San Diego State Park offers a perfect mix of education, fun, and tasty Mexican food.

Given San Diego’s almost constant sunshine, the beach is the place to be. Whether you prefer funky Mission Beach with Belmont Park —an old-fashioned amusement park with a historic roller coaster—or upscale La Jolla where you can explore sea caves and watch sea lions, San Diego has a beach for everyone.

An inexpensive ferry ride to Coronado Island is a must-do activity for solo travelers in San Diego.

Not only does the island boast one of California’s best beaches, but when you have had enough sand and surf, you can check out the iconic Hotel Del Coronado as well as the cute shops, bars, and restaurants along Orange Avenue.

There is lots to see and do in San Diego itself; but if you still have time after sampling all the city has to offer, it is easy to take a day trip to nearby beach towns like Encinitas , Carlsbad , or Del Mar for even more variety.

Though it is always a good idea to follow common safety precautions, San Diego is generally considered safe for its size. On my visits to San Diego, I have never had any problems and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the town for solo female travelers.

Pro Tip : Unless you are in town specifically for Comic-Con, it is best to avoid a visit in late July when the popular event takes place as hotel prices go through the roof!

-By Kitty from Kitty Meets World

San Diego Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in San Diego .

San Diego Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in San Diego .

15. Sayulita, Mexico

Sayulita is a special place for me because I had originally planned to travel here solo and ended up staying for two years! 

Sayulita is a vibrant coastal town in Nayarit, Mexico, located on the Pacific Coast about 25 miles north of Puerto Vallarta . Known for its stunning natural beauty, Sayulita boasts a variety of beaches that cater to different tastes and activities. 

The main beach, Playa Sayulita , is famous for its golden sand and excellent surf conditions, making it a hotspot for surfers and beachgoers alike. It also has small waves for long-boarding, perfect for beginners!

Smaller, more secluded beaches like Playa de los Muertos offer tranquil spots for relaxation and swimming while surrounded by lush greenery and rocky outcrops.

The whole coast of Nayarit has many beaches, so from Sayulita, you can also do 10-minute drives to nearby towns like Punta Mita and San Pancho , and you can even go further north up to Mazatlán .

Another reason that Sayulita is great for solo travelers in Mexico is its vibrant nightlife that attracts many young travelers and digital nomads from all over the globe.

Because of the town’s small size—about 5,000 full-time inhabitants—meeting people is easy and everyone knows everyone. You’ll be alone but not really! 

Pro Tip : As is common with small towns, Sayulita has one bank and a bunch of ATMs that frequently run out of cash. You also rarely can use US dollars in Sayulita so make sure to withdraw cash when in Puerto Vallarta Airport.

Many establishments accept credit cards, but not all (unless you’re going somewhere fancy). Sayulita is still a cash society so make sure you have enough currency in your wallet.

-By Trisha Velarmino from Mexico Insider  

Sayulita Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Sayulita .

Sayulita Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Sayulita .

16. St. Pete Beach, Florida

St. Pete Beach is located on a barrier island along the Gulf of Mexico in Florida, just outside of Tampa .

It’s one of the best beach destinations for solo female travelers and one of the top places to travel alone in the USA .

There is something for every solo female traveler in St. Pete Beach! From luxury to boutique hotels and fun beach bars to upscale restaurants, women traveling alone can easily have a memorable experience in this resort city.

Some of the best things to do in St. Pete Beach include enjoying a relaxing beach day at Upham Beach Park or Fort De Soto Park , making memories at Postcard Inn Beach Bar or Caddy’s on the Beach , and savoring the most delicious meals at local restaurants like Coconut Charlie’s Beach Bar & Grill and Buoy’s Waterfront Bar & Grill .

The Saint Hotel is the best hotel for a solo female traveler in St. Pete Beach. It’s a boutique property with a pool, lots of lounge seating, and an “Instagrammable” brunch spot called 82 Degrees .

During a solo vacation to St. Pete Beach, it’s a must to head into Downtown St. Petersburg and eat at Taverna Costale , a lovely Italian restaurant, and sip a refreshing cocktail at the sophisticated Mandarine Hide . Don’t forget to head to The Don CeSar , an iconic pink hotel, for sunset drinks at Rowe Bar !

Overall, St. Pete Beach is a safe destination for women. That being said, just like anywhere else, it’s best to always remain aware, no matter the time of day. Remember solo travel safety tips such as don’t wander alone at night, watch your valuables, and walk around confidently.

St. Pete Beach is a year-round vacation destination that draws families, couples, friend groups, retirees, and locals. The beaches are clean, the streets are well-lit at night, and the locals are friendly. This fantastic beach destination is also rated safer than 87% of all other cities in Florida.

Pro Tip : When traveling to St. Pete Beach as a solo female traveler, skip renting a car and take rideshares instead. Uber and Lyft are widely available. Also, make restaurant reservations ahead of time because they book up quickly!

-By Taylor from  Brown Eyed Flower Child

St. Pete Beach Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in St. Pete Beach .

St. Pete Beach Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in St. Pete Beach .

Best Beach Destinations For Solo Travelers In South America

17. cartagena, colombia.

Cartagena, Colombia is the perfect introduction to South America for solo travelers . The city is relatively safe compared to many other beach cities on the continent and boasts tons of interesting activities that don’t require a plus one.

The Walled City (Old Town) is Cartagena’s main attraction, where local boutiques, gastronomic restaurants, and hotels have made their homes in colorful republic buildings.

Shop at St. Dom , Casa Chiqui , and Lucy Jewelry for a taste of Colombian design before grabbing lunch at Carmen , which is easily one of the city’s most impressive restaurants.

From there, head over to Centenario Park , where you can spot dozens of wild monkeys and sloths. 

Keep walking to enter Getsemaní , Cartagena’s artsy district filled with street art and fun bars. Here, Arepas Colombitalia makes the best arepas in the city.

Late at night, when locals and tourists take over Beer Lovers and Cafe Havana nearby, you’ll find lines down the block for this street food stall. 

Stroll through Getsmaní’s iconic umbrella street on your way back to the Old Town. Just don’t stay too late—you’ll want to see the sunset from the top of the walls.

Cartagena’s tourist zones, including the Walled City, Getsmaní, and Bocagrande , are generally very safe for solo travelers, though you will still need to exercise typical city safety measures. Avoid walking alone at night and opt for Uber instead.

You can also book a few tours to meet other travelers and help you feel more comfortable in the city. The Rosario Islands are a top choice for tours from Cartagena, though you could also take one of the free walking tours offered by the city that hits the main landmarks.

Pro Tip : If you feel nervous about dining in Cartagena alone, head to Alquímico . Rated as the 9th best bar in the world by World’s 50 Best, this cocktail bar’s fun atmosphere welcomes solo travelers. To make new friends, grab a barstool on Alquímico’s rooftop, which tends to be more communal and laidback than the bar’s other two floors.

-By Eva Phan from Eva Darling

Cartagena Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Cartagena .

Cartagena Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Cartagena .

18. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galapagos archipelago isn’t your typical beach destination. Situated roughly 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, these volcanic islands are known for their otherworldly landscapes and remarkable biodiversity—including species you won’t find anywhere else on the planet.

Nature might be the Galapagos’ main draw, but this archipelago also has some of the most beautiful beaches in South America.

When it comes to activities, there’s so much to see and do here for solo travelers. You can snorkel with penguins, hike to the top of an active volcano, hang out with sea lions, and observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat. If you love nature and adventure, you’ll love the Galapagos.

While there are many things to do in Puerto Ayora , which you can get to by bus from the airport, a Galapagos Islands cruise is typically the best way to visit multiple destinations and remote areas in the archipelago.

Plus, the itinerary is pre-planned and it’s easy to meet people on an organized tour—a win-win when you’re traveling solo.

If you’re not keen on a cruise, an alternative option is to base yourself on land and explore nearby islands via day trips. Staying on land is more budget-friendly , but you can travel further and explore more on a cruise.

If you’re concerned about safety, you don’t have to worry about solo travel in the Galapagos. The archipelago is considered to be a safe destination with low crime rates.

The Galapagos is also highly protected, with extensive regulations in place to keep travelers and the environment safe.

However, you’ll still need to plan and prepare accordingly before you arrive—especially when it comes to packing. Sturdy walking shoes, lightweight clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, and seasickness medication are a few must-have essentials for any Galapagos trip.

Pro Tip : Bring a good amount of cash with you, including smaller bills. There are very few ATMs on the islands and they’re known to run out of money from time to time.

-By Ashley from Ashley Wanders

Galapagos Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Galapagos .

Galapagos Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Galapagos .

Best Beach Destinations For Solo Travelers In Oceania

19. fremantle, australia.

Fremantle is a great beachside destination for solo female travelers in Australia . Located in Western Australia, you’ll enjoy beautiful beaches, a historic port, and a thriving arts scene.

There are numerous beaches in Fremantle proper, with Port Beach, South Beach, and Bathers Beach being some of the most popular. Port Beach is lovely and chilled out, while South Beach is great for picnics and lazy afternoons. Bathers Beach is a protected bay, so is perfect for swimming. 

While the beaches in town are lovely, the beaches in the larger region are truly outstanding. Coogee Beach , only a 15-minute drive away, was recently named one of Australia’s top 15 beaches. There’s a historic jetty, walking trails, and incredible snorkeling—including a shipwreck just off the shore that you can explore.

Not to be outdone, Cottesloe Beach is also picture-perfect and one of the most famous beaches in all of Western Australia.  

Aside from the fantastic beaches, some of the other attractions in Fremantle include the Fremantle Prison , the Fremantle Arts Centre , and the Fremantle Markets , especially for the food stalls.

There’s also Rottnest Island , a short ferry ride away. Once you’re on the island, be sure to take a selfie with a quokka, one of the world’s cutest animals and easily the most photogenic. 

Fremantle is also well known for its vibrant restaurants, bars, music, and vintage shopping. Some of the best cafes, restaurants, and pubs are located on the infamous ‘ Cappuccino Strip ’. Be sure to also get some fish and chips by the harbor and have a beer at one of Fremantle’s many craft breweries. 

This port city is great for solo female travelers as it’s very safe, even at night. The crime rate is low and as with all Aussies, the locals are friendly and approachable.

Fremantle’s public transport is reliable and easy to use and unlike its big sister, Perth , the city is very walkable, making it easy and safe to explore on foot. 

Pro Tip : There’s a bike path along the Indian Ocean between Cottesloe Beach and Fremantle. Hire a bike and pack some snacks for an excellent day trip that you can do independently or with any new friends you’ve made. 

-By Dotti from Travel Oasis

Fremantle Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Fremantle .

Fremantle Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Fremantle .

20. Kaiteriteri, New Zealand

New Zealand, known for being one of the safest countries in the world, is an ideal destination for solo travelers. 

South Island’s Nelson region is particularly enticing. It is known for its stunning beaches, national parks, and thriving arts and crafts culture. Additionally, the region boasts one of the lowest crime rates in the country, and locals are friendly and welcoming to tourists.

Located 30 miles from Nelson City , Kaiteriteri is a charming beach village that has won the award for New Zealand’s best beach several times.

With its golden sands, turquoise waters, and extensive walking trails , this beach paradise offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. There are many exciting activities—whether swimming, snorkeling, beachside walks, or exploring the many bush trails in the area.

The area is an excellent option for solo travelers. English is widely spoken, making communication effortless. Plus, it is a popular destination among backpackers, so meeting other people while traveling solo is easy.

Having said that, in Kaiteriteri, you will be too busy relaxing on the beach or exploring the bush trails to feel the need for company.

However, if you are a craving company, several tours depart from Kaiteriteri, including bushwalking, cruises, kayaking, or a combination.

The biggest attraction in the area is Abel Tasman National Park , where you can go on guided kayak tours or scenic hikes. The stunning coastlines and forests will leave you in awe, and you’ll enjoy some of the best hikes in New Zealand .

Pro Tip : One of the top places we have stayed while traveling solo in New Zealand is The Barn Cabins & Camp , located at the Abel Tasman National Park entrance in Marahau, a suburb next to Kaiteriteri Beach.

They offer camping, cabins, and dorms that are ideal for budget travelers. More importantly, the communal area includes three kitchens, living rooms, and fire pits, making it an excellent place to meet and socialize with solo travelers.

We have met many solo travelers who often stay for a few weeks or months, sometimes finding work for a few hours a day helping out on the property.

-By Oli from  New Zealand South Island Travel Insider Guide

Kaiteriteri Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Kaiteriteri .

Kaiteriteri Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Kaiteriteri .

Renting A Car For Your Solo Beach Trip

Need to rent a car for your solo beach holiday? Check out Disc over Cars to quickly compare your rental options.

Their comparison tool does the homework for you, so there’s no need to have 10+ tabs up while trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. Actually, you can save up to 70% using their tool!

Getting Travel Insurance For Your Solo Beach Vacation

When heading to a beach destination alone, it’s important to get travel insurance.

For this, I have two recommendations:

SafetyWing . If you’re looking for something straightforward and budget-friendly, you can’t beat SafetyWing. They offer one global policy that you can cancel at any time or continue paying for long-term coverage (making it the perfect option for digital nomads!).

Their plan includes medical coverage, trip interruptions, personal liability, unplanned overnight stays, lost luggage, and more.

World Nomads . For something more comprehensive, World Nomads is a great option. While you’ll pay a bit more, you’ll typically get higher coverage maximums as well as additional inclusions—like trip cancellation.

What best beach destinations for solo female travelers would you add to this list?

Find A Travel Buddy in India, Share Costs & Travel Together

How GAFFL Works

Find travel partners, get connected, trip together.

• Find a Travel Buddy
• Travel Buddy India

What GAFFL Users Are Saying

"It’s really nice to have a platform like GAFFL with lots of travelers wanting to do the same as you, a real beautiful cultural exchange. You can meet people so easily and in a trustful way. We were four girls, from French, German and American backgrounds, without knowing each other from before. We spent an amazing week together, 2000km driving, camping on the way. We saw kangaroos, koalas, penguins and pelicans"

“I have found GAFFL to be an amazing tool for finding similar minded travel partners to embark on an adventure. Through GAFFL, I had organized a trip to Mexico City last month and Quazi joined the trip from Victoria, BC. We spent 14 days of straight exploring, hiking, eating and drinking. Quite an amazing experience - all thanks to GAFFL!”

"I accidentally scrolled across GAFFL and I'm so pleased I did. I met Amaia and immediately decided to road-trip together. We're spending 10 days together and it's great because we have so much in common. Couldn't have done it without GAFFL helping us find one another! It has honestly made NZ so much cheaper to explore as I get to split the costs with someone too​"

Were you looking forward to a trip with your friends, only to find out that they had backed out last minute? Wondering how to find a travel companion online? Even if your family and friends' schedules don't match yours, your vacation doesn't have to be ruined because of it. GAFFL can help you to find the perfect travel companion for your next adventure.

The best way to find a travel buddy on GAFFL is to search for your desired destination and browse through thousands of user-generated trips created by solo travelers around the world.

A good travel companion is someone who has a similar itinerary to you. It's also someone you think you'll get along with.

Every user on GAFFL has a profile where they list their interests. If you and your potential trip mate share some common interests, it’ll make your trip go a lot smoother.

It's also important to have a similar budget in mind. If your travel companion wants to do more activities and eat at expensive restaurants but you can’t afford it, it can lead to an unpleasant trip for the both of you.

When browsing trips on GAFFL, make sure to read through the trip details to learn more about the trip and determine if the activities are something you want to do and can afford.

If you like a trip on GAFFL, simply click 'Connect,' and you'll be able to chat with your travel buddy right away. If you have your own travel plans, you can start your own trip and others can request to connect with you!

Finding the right travel companion online can be difficult for solo travelers. GAFFL, on the other hand, makes it very simple. Use our world-class real-time messaging system to get to know your potential travel partner. Chat with them to see if they'd be a good travel companion for you, and then plan together, meet up with your travel buddy, and start exploring together.

GAFFL is the best website/app for solo travelers looking for travel companions online because we prioritize our travelers' trust and safety. Our multi-step verification process includes social media, phone number, and a valid government ID, so you can be confident in your potential travel companion. With adventurers from over 190 countries, you can connect, chat, and find the perfect travel buddy to meet up with on GAFFL.

One of the things that hold people back is that they don’t have a partner or a best friend to travel with and they feel scared and uncertain to travel alone, especially long-term. GAFFL helps with that!

Another thing that holds people back is the perceived cost of travel. While travel doesn’t have to be expensive, it’s always more affordable when you can share the cost of accommodation and groceries with someone else. Again, GAFFL provides a solution for that!

I think this is a fabulous idea because the things that can get expensive while solo traveling can usually also be easily split between people. If you aren’t a hostel fan, it would be awesome to have people to split hotels and Airbnb with.

If car rental is the cheapest way to get around a destination, it would be ideal to have others to split the costs with. But most importantly it always makes the experience that much more memorable when you have new friends to share it with.

Solo travel is great. But there are some times that I do not recommend someone travel solo and where I personally try my hardest not to travel solo. Some examples of this relate to safety, like hiking a trail that doesn’t have many people walking it each day, or being in certain destinations where I’ve heard from others that it’s difficult as a solo female.

Other examples relate to expenses, like taking a road trip and renting a car. Situations like these are where I think something like GAFFL is a great idea. With GAFFL, you can find a group to go on that hike with or split that car rental with!

We truly believe that the best memories and experiences are the ones that are shared with others. It doesn’t matter if you’ve known someone for an hour or your whole life, when you do something badass together it’s sure to be a time you won’t forget.

Making connections and becoming friends with people all over the world is such a powerful tool to have when traveling. One day maybe you’ll visit your new friend in their homeland. Some of the best trips happen when you have a friend playing tour guide in their country.

GAFFL is a really cool opportunity to enrich your travels with like-minded people who will push you to get out of your comfort zone. No matter what type of personality you have, making new friends on the road is easier than ever.

I think GAFFL plays a role by allowing solo travelers to find travel buddies when needed. Though solo travel is a great way to travel, there are some experiences that are better enjoyed with more people (some don’t even allow for solo).

Friends and families are not always available to travel with, and sometimes the interests do not align for travel. Or sometimes you just want to socialize while still being solo most of the time. I think GAFFL helps solve these problems.