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On nearly all of our trips, you can choose to be matched with a same sex traveler and only pay the twin share price.

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Capitals of Scandinavia

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10 Day Scandinavian Tour of Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland

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Scenic Scandinavia and its Fjords

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14 Day Scandinavian Tour of Denmark, Norway and Sweden

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Highlights of Turkey

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10 Day Turkey Tour of Istanbul, Pamukkale and Cappadocia

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Best of Portugal

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11 Day Portugal Tour to Lisbon, Algarve and Porto

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Solo travel inspiration

Take on the world with our solo travel adventures

Some of life's greatest lessons are learned through travel, so what are you waiting for? From meeting new friends to having eye-opening experiences every day, our solo trips will enrich you in ways you could never imagine.

Be inspired

Embark on your own personal journey with our solo travel tours. Wherever you go, you’ll travel with new friends by your side, and our Travel Directors will always ensure your comfort and look out for you every step of the way. From the wonders of Italy and Spain , to the treasures of Switzerland and Scandinavia , your solo trip may be the best thing you ever do for yourself.

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We take you to the best solo travel destinations, where you’ll be met with the warmest of welcomes. Learn how to cook like an Italian nonna in the Tuscan hills , enjoy an evening of storytelling on a goat farm in Norway , meet the liberated women of Demircidere in Turkey , or the talented single female artisans of Iraq Al Amir in Jordan . Wherever you choose to travel to, you’ll join local families to share traditional meals and hear their stories.

Solo traveler options

Choose a solo room share or upgrade to a solo room for more space. Access discounted single supplements on select departures of our award-winning handcrafted itineraries. Experience the best of every destination, and enjoy the freedom of solo travel.

All you need to know about Solo Travel

Where can i go on vacation alone.

You can travel solo all over the world. Each year, millions of people travel alone, enjoying the independence of forging their own travel path or using it as an opportunity to connect with other travelers. If you want to travel solo, we recommend our specially-crafted tours, so you can meet like-minded solo travelers from all over the world.

Where is the best place to travel alone?

We love traveling solo in places like Europe, Canada, Australia, Singapore and Japan, but there are dozens of great places to travel solo around the world. If you want to make new friends and experience new things, you'll love our handcrafted group tours, where you’ll see and experience the best of each destination, while learning new skills like cooking with local chefs and enjoying dinner and storytelling with local families.

Why is solo travel important?

Traveling alone is one of the most enriching experiences you can have. It’s empowering and liberating and will challenge your limits. It helps you get out of your comfort zone, gain confidence, and see the world in a unique way. Solo travel also gives you the opportunity to learn about new cultures, gain new skills, and meet like-minded people who might just become lifelong friends.

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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.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

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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25 Fantastic Singles Travel Groups You’ll Love

By: Author Amanda OBrien

Posted on Last updated: 04/04/2024

A few years ago there were hardly any single travel groups that offered options for holidays for one – let alone companies who entirely focused on solo departures and looked at things like no single supplements etc and solo travel groups.

Thank goodness for the growth in singles travelling as now there is a good economic reason for companies to look at developing great offers for those looking for holidays for one.

There are now singles travel groups over 30s, single travel for over 50, singles travel getaways, luxury solo travel tours and singles travel getaways galore.

I will let you know which of these tour companies I have traveled with and which I haven’t – if you then go and do a tour on one of the ones I haven’t been on please do let me know what they are like – and I would love you to write a guest post if you’re up for it.

There are so many options for solo traveling today – here are some great trips for single travelers.

BEST SOLO TOUR OPERATOR: Short on time? You can’t go wrong with Explore which has a section dedicated to solo travel on their website.

30 Singles Travel Groups

Top 3 companies for organised solo travel vacations.

#1 TOP PICK

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Explore ✔️ Dedicated Solo Tours ✔️ Small Group Tours ✔️ No single supplement

G Adventures ✔️ No single supplement ✔️ Free time in itineraries ✔️ Evening Group Meals

Encounters Travel ✔️ Private & Small Group Focus ✔️ 20 Years Experience ✔️ Range of Tours

1. Group Tours for Solo Travellers

Explore is perhaps one of the best singles travel groups. It is also the company I have been a traveling single with the most so the best place to start! Explore has been running since 1981 so they have loads of experience with running tours.

Explore covers over 100 countries and has a maximum group size of 11 and there is no single supplement if you take a shared room. There is an option to have your own room but that does cost extra. They prioritize working with locals and do a great job finding expert guides.

Around 60% of people who go on Explore trips are traveling on their own and they break down solo vacations into age groups on their website which is really helpful.

My second recommendation for solo travel vacations is G Adventures . They have a wide range of small-group trips designed for the solo traveler. There is no single supplement as long as you are willing to share a room with someone of the same sex. G Adventures also offers single rooms at reasonable prices if that is your preference.

The itineraries for G Adventures trips tend to have more free time than some of the other tour companies in this article. This is great if you are someone that likes to have some time to yourself to relax or explore further but want the support and structure of an organised group trip.

One of the most difficult parts of solo travel can be dinner. Eating on your own can feel lonely and isolating. The tour leader organizes group meals most nights, so if you want company you will almost be able to find it.

If you are traveling alone one of the best ways not to feel like it is to join a group doing some challenge – when I summited Kilimanjaro on an organized solo tour. we were a team from almost the word go. More than half of the trip was traveling solo – some were single, some had partners who didn’t want to go, some like me had someone pull out last minute etc.

It didn’t matter who you had arrived with – what mattered was everyone wanted someone to talk to about whether or not to take Diamox, tips on altitude, share lollies, etc etc.

Check G Adventures Tours and Prices

Check Explore Tours and Prices

I have done two travel solo tours with friends – North India and cycling Southern Iceland . Again an activity-based trip can be a great travel for singles option – particularly as you tend to be exhausted every night and eat and sleep.

⇒ Don’t miss my Complete Guides to Singles Holidays over 40s – and Vacations for over 50 singles – these thorough guides have all of the most commonly asked questions about Solo Travel – and everything I have learned.

Want to join me on a small group female trip to Africa? I am heading to Kenya in October on an 8 night safari with Walking Wild Africa and would love you to join me. It’s a unique mix of game drives, walking safari and some chill time. Make sure you tell Kim that you want to go on the tour with The Boutique Adventurer so she gets the right one!

⇒ Still not sure about group travel for singles? Check out this great post on The Benefits of Solo Trave l .

2. Solo Female Travelers Club

Solo Female Travelers Club is a community of more than 90,000, run by the fantastic travel bloggers Meg and Mar. The heart of the community is their Facebook group, which has some great information and is the perfect way to meet other females interested in traveling solo.

Meg and Mar also run female-only small group tours that range from luxury retreats to adventurous expeditions in some awesome locations.

3. Luxury Single Traveller Vacations

One company I have been particularly keen to try but it just hasn’t worked out on timings and destinations is Flash Pack . I love the tone and feel of their website – it is very much about boutique adventures.

They focus on people in their 30s and 40s and seem to have some great travel groups for solo travelers.

Australian based Travelling Divas also promises boutique hotels and customized trips. I have also been very keen to try Cox and Kings solo holidays .

Cox and Kings have a great reputation as a high-end travel specialist so I am highly confident that the thread count on their sheets will be up to my standards based on how fantastic their hotels look.

These trips though will, of course, be at a premium to some of the other options I have mentioned. But their group travel singles options look terrific.

⇒ Looking for some travel inspiration? Check out this post on The Best Adventure and Travel Quotes .

⇒ Spas and skiing are terrific options for solo travelers. Check out my posts on the best Singles Ski Holiday options and on 30 Fabulous Solo Spa Breaks.

4. Solo Travel Companies that are specifically for traveling alone

I would highly recommend that you think beyond the country you live in when it comes to solo travel groups. For example, quite a few travel companies based in Australia now run specific holidays for solo travel groups.

Encounter Travels is all about solo travel but not traveling alone as they say.

They also age match so if you are a 35-year-old solo traveler you won’t be in a group of people in their 70s. They do have quite a few trips to various parts of Australia but also a few trips to other places around the world.

Another solo travel company based in Australia is Twos a Crowd . Some UK based companies that specialize in solo travel groups are:

⇒ www.solosholidays.co.uk

⇒ www.justyou.co.uk

⇒ www.friendshiptravel.co.uk

5. Companies that specialise in Adventure

For a more adventurous bent check out    8th-day adventures . They are a London based club that has lots of sporting events and other fun things that are a mix of social and activity.

They also run some group holidays which could be good for the more adventurous solo traveler eg Everest base camp

An interesting-sounding organization is Archaeo Adventures. This female-focused travel company looks at adventures in countries like Morocco and Jordan in small groups. They are about boutique hotels, working with locals, and off-the-beaten-track experiences.

Female-focused hosted adventure trips are also the focus of Living Big which is US-based. Another company specializing in solo travel groups USA is Overseas Adventure Travel , which offers some fantastic-sounding trips for adventurous solo travelers.

Heading to Australia there are Adventurous Women and Another World Adventures.  Another World Adventures curates adventures from different providers. It is a very comprehensive site with loads of options that sound great.

6. Cruises for Solo Travelers

Even cruise ships have gotten on board with the growth in solo travel. Norwegian Cruise Line is the brand most commonly mentioned for having actually built single cabins and apparently there is a dedicated area for solo travelers.

They have several cruise brands – Norwegian Epic, Breakaway, Getaway, and Escape. But ensure you look closely as these can be more family-focused at certain times of the year – check out my top tip 2 below.

Encounter Travel also has loads of information on solo cruise options. They even have a “cabin mates wanted” section where you can potentially find another same-sex solo traveler with whom you can share a cabin.

7. Charity Based Solo Travel Companies

There are a few organisations that run group tours that have some activity/challenge that supports a charity. These can be a great way to find others to travel with and the shared sense of purpose can surely add to the group bond.

Have a look at Global Adventure Challenges and Charity Challenge.

8. Passion-based Solo Travel Tours

An organized trip around an activity you love that is also about solo travel is a fantastic formula to follow. Even if you don’t really bond with anyone on the trip if you have learned more about Italian cooking or photographing sea life it is a well-spent holiday.

Quite a few organizations I have listed above offer planned trips around passions and hobbies. Here are a few others I’ve found:

Frui has some fantastic looking passion-based trips – from photography (a great one for solo travel) to painting to food in some lovely locations. I did a day class with them once in London in photography and they were great.

The Red Sea in Egypt appears to be a very popular solo travel spot – most likely driven by the amount of activity that can be done in the water. There are also numerous diving and/or underwater photography courses in the area.

Skyros is a very famous spot in Greece for activity/passion-based trips. They used to have a bit of a self-help bent but now they are very focused on passions like painting, singing, yoga, and learning.

They have two locations in Greece and one on the Isle of Wight for taster weekends. According to their site, 70% of their travelers are between 40 and 60, and most travel solo. This is a great option if you’re looking for singles travel groups over 40.

9. Something Different for Single Travel Groups

In August 2017, I spent a month living life Unsettled in Medellin Colombia, and loved it. Unsettled is a fantastic concept. Essentially it aims to give people the experience of living in a city for a month rather than being a tourist.

It does this because it has about 25-30 people sign up, organizes apartments and coworking space and sets up activities that you can participate in as much or as little as you like.

The other people on the trip are your community, the hosts act as your connection to local life and having an apartment and workspace means it feels more like living.

They choose brilliant locations from Buenos Aires to Cape Town to Barcelona . I highly recommend checking them out.

If you decide to live life Unsettled then use the code “FRIENDSOFUNSETTLED”  and tell them that the Boutique Adventurer sent you for a discount of USD$150 .

Solo Travel Tips

1. mix up your plans.

A great way to travel solo is to mix things up. If you were heading to say Australia you could go and stay in a spa for a few days (a great way to meet people), head to say Sydney on your own and stay at a boutique hotel and use Tinder or join a meetup group.

You could then join an organized tour with someone like Explore, travel with them for a while, and then have some time solo again. Committing to a lengthy organized tour can be a bit much – plus it is hard to find one that covers everything that you want.

I find a mix is optimal – if you feel lonely it is only a few days till you have company, if you’re dying to be on your own again it’s only a few days till that happens. And you may very well meet others traveling alone on your organized section who are keen to have further adventures after the tour.

I have many friends I have met when traveling solo who become travel buddies and loads of other friends of mine are the same.

2. Avoid School Holidays

September is a great time to travel solo. Be careful of all organized tours/cruises etc during any school holiday time, particularly over the summer, as you may end up surrounded by families.

However, school has returned in September, and there are often many deals for solo travelers.

3. Fill Up your Kindle

There is nothing like a good book to keep you company when traveling solo! I keep adding to my list – please email me with more suggestions! [email protected] .

I keep them all in my Amazon shop. And I have just launched a range of e-books aimed at solo travelers! I have an ebook on Solo Travel, my trip to Colombia with Unsettled and Everest Base Camp .

Frequently Asked Questions about Solo Travel

Are there travel companies just for single people.

Yes! There are several travel companies just for single people as well as companies like G Adventures that offer trips designed for single travelers.

What is the best holiday destination for singles?

In my opinion, rather than focusing on a particular destination singles should look at holidays with a focus or goal like a cycling trip or a trek. This is most likely to bring together like-minded people and provide a common purpose.

Is solo travel lonely?

It can be. The best way to avoid feeling lonely when traveling solo is to join an organised tour. Or if you are on your own look at staying in high-end hostels for some comfort and the chance to meet others. And a good book can transport you from any difficult situation! And don’t forget to check out things like the safest cities in the US to make sure you can relax during your trip.

How do I meet other female solo travelers?

There are several facebook groups for female solo travelers such as Solo Female Travelers (who also organise group trips for solo female travelers). I have also found that going to a spa/yoga retreat can be a good way to meet other female solo travelers.

Who Paid for What with this Singles Travel Groups Post

I paid for everything associated with this post. This was completely me travelling and not working with any tourism boards or hotels or tour groups. Much of what is in this post is stuff I learned before I started my blog – and probably a lot of what led me to start a travel blog.

However, this singles travel groups post does contain affiliate links. That means that if you click through on them and make a purchase I may well receive a small commission. I just wanted to make sure that you knew.

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Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.

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Pratik Sharma

Thursday 6th of August 2020

Amazing article. Thank you for sharing this blog for single travel groups.

Christian Alcantara

Thursday 7th of May 2020

I've never done solo travel before, but if ever that I plan to do so I will definitely get back at this post.

Sarena Wilson

Friday 11th of August 2017

Wow! Incredible beautiful site with great informative content. thanks for sharing this............post........... Everest trekking

Monday 15th of May 2017

Great ideas. I have done a lot of solo tour travel as I like the security of a tour when I am on my own. Some other companies:

Contiki is great for the 18-35s, especially when you haven't travelled much before.

My favourite company is G Adventures, no single supplement, but you can pay for your own room and a huge range of tours world wide. They are Canadian based. All ages, very budget and affordable.

Another one very similar to G Adventures but Australian based is Intrepid tours. World wide, budget, no single supplement but also has own room option if you don't want to share.

I have made life long friends on these tours when I was travelling solo. Now we meet up all over the world and do tours together!

Jocelyn Soltren

Friday 12th of May 2017

Awesome article thank you for sharing.

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Amalfi Coast Walking - Agriturismo

Simply Japan

Turkey in Depth

Highlights of Costa Rica

Cycle Portugal - Lisbon to Algarve

FAQs for solo travelers

First time traveling alone on a group holiday? We've answered the top questions about traveling alone on an Explore tour:

No, there is no extra cost for traveling by yourself on our tours if you’re happy to share with another traveler. If you prefer a room of your own, there’ll be a single room supplement to pay. How much this is depends on the trip.

Yes, we build free time into our itineraries on the majority of our trips. Check the itinerary on the trip page where we detail the plan for each day, including available free time.

Our typical small group is 11 people, plus an Explore leader. Big enough to meet likeminded people, but small enough to get close to the destination you’re visiting. The exact size varies according to the type of trip, the transport and accommodation used and activities included. We rarely have groups that are smaller than five or six people or larger than 16. Usually around half of the travelers in each group are traveling solo.

Included in our trip price is a bed in a twin room, which you would share with another person in your group of the same sex. If you prefer a room of your own, you can choose to pay for our single room option (single supplement). This is available on most of our trips but may not apply to all nights - check the trip itinerary, where we state which nights have single room options. The single supplement cost varies according to the trip – see the trip pages for pricing.

Typically, we leave the evenings free on our tours, so you can enjoy free time to do whatever you choose. Your tour leader will be on hand to recommend local restaurants and things to do, and can organise bookings for you. It's up to you whether you eat with your whole group, in smaller groups or on your own. Some trips have evening activities, for example a meal with locals in a home stay or a sunset boat ride, but often these are optional. Check the trip page for a day-to-day breakdown of included meals and activities.

Of course! People travel alone with us for all sorts of reasons, not just because they're single. So if you're partner isn't able to join you on your trip, or isn't up for traveling, you'll still be in great company.

Yes, our customers' safety is our number one priority, so you'll be safe traveling with us. Being with a group is a sure way to stay safe, and our tour leader will also be with you to watch out for the whole group. As a local, your tour leader will be able to advise you on local customs and etiquette, common phrases and what to look out for. And in the unlikely event that something unexpected should happen before or during your trip, we pride ourselves on our swift and efficient response, so you can be assured that you’ll be well looked-after. Read more in our solo travel guide for women

Want to know more? Check out our solo travel guide . 

What to expect as a solo traveler with Explore

Unforgettable experiences

From big wows to hidden gems, our tours leave you feeling that you've really explored.

Expert tour leaders

Chosen for their great knowledge of your destination and a passion to make your trip extraordinary.

Small groups

Average groups of 11; solos, couples and friends, united by a desire for authentic experiences.

Responsible at heart

How we operate sets us apart; our flexible booking policy, our loyalty scheme & sustainable approach.

Reviews from solo travelers

Average customer rating:

Independent service rating based on

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Read more about solo travel on our tours

Top 10 trips for solo travelers

10 unusual places to visit as a solo traveller

First solo trip with Explore? Top 7 questions answered

Best solo tours in the UK

Travel Guide for Single Parent Family Holidays

Where to go? Our recommendations by month

Solo Travel Guide: Travelling alone in Europe

Best solo tours in North America

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"Group adventure traveling done right!!! Amazing trip, amazing people, and with an amazing group leader!!! Our Iceland Adventure trip was extremely well organized."

"If you are looking for non-stop fun and an adventurous trip this is it. I didn’t even expect this many exciting activities all thrown in in one day."

"An amazing adventure in Dubai with a superior trip leader. I’ve traveled extensively with other groups, but this was an exceptional value for the money."

"It was my first time ever doing a solo trip. All I had to do was show up. The scenes in Egypt were breathtaking and I saw places that I never thought I’d see."

"You have absolutely nothing to worry about.. logistics, campsite booking, tickets, planning is all done by them. We had a great guide with us throughout the trip"

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Best Tours & Travel Groups for Singles

Travel groups bring together individuals with similar interests from all around the world! Many single travelers decide to join a group tour as it’s an ideal setting to share the experience amongst like-minded travelers.  

There are many solo travel groups available, as well as plenty of reasons why single travelers might opt to join one. Perhaps there’s a destination you’ve always wanted to visit, but would feel more comfortable traveling with an organized group.  

Maybe you’re no stranger to traveling alone, and are primarily interested in meeting new people in a group setting. Or, you might just appreciate the convenience of having the itinerary and logistics planned for you. 

There’s a multitude of options that cater to a wide variety of demographics, such as travel groups for singles over 40, tours for seniors traveling alone, and travel tours for singles in their 20s.

What are Group Tours?

Group tours are operated by companies that organize specific itineraries and arrange a wide variety of trips that cater to various demographics and interests. Travelers are transported through the exciting journey, within a small group setting. 

When traveling with a tour group, there’s no need to worry about small details or logistics. The tour company conveniently puts together a seamless itinerary, and handles your transportation and accommodations at each stop.

The best tours and travel groups for singles  offer a bit of everything! Various types of tours exist, including enchanting wildlife safaris, scenic walking tours, tasty culinary ventures, thrilling outdoor adventures, and many more!  

Take a deep dive into a destination you’ve always wanted to visit, as many tour companies offer sightseeing itineraries to a vast selection of countries! Read on below for tour operators that offer a wide array of exciting group tours to choose from, many of which are ideal for singles.  

Intrepid is a leading adventure tour company that organizes small group tours, offering over 1,000 trips to 100 countries! Pick your favorite worldwide destination to discover, or choose from a variety of tour themes, such as a walking tour through Italy’s Amalfi Coast, or an outdoor adventure in Peru.

G Adventures

G Adventures is a travel company that arranges small group tours, safaris, and expeditions, primarily focused on young people. Choose from a variety of interesting travel styles such as a wellness tour or an active tour. If you have a desired region in mind, select from one of many itineraries featuring that destination. Try an active tour to the Inca trail in Peru, or a sightseeing expedition in Morocco.  

Trafalgar is a tour operator that arranges trips to over 72 countries. Choose from a wide selection of creative itineraries that include your favorite destination, or select from a plethora of exciting travel themes!    Join a sightseeing tour and see the highlights of Ireland & Scotland, or explore European culture and history on a journey to Spain and Portugal.  

Exodus is a tour company that organizes trips to over 100 different countries! Exodus focuses on adventure, and features hundreds of interesting itineraries to select from. Try an active cycling tour, a sightseeing walking tour, or a thrilling wildlife experience. Exodus also offers a selection of group tours designed for solo travelers.

Discovering Group Tours for Solo Travelers

If you plan to travel alone, there are factors to consider when searching for a group tour. There’s an abundance of tours and travel groups for singles. Ask yourself the below questions to help narrow down your options and determine a tour that’s best suited for you.

When do you intend to travel?

When looking at a specific group tour, you might come across a list of intended departure dates and an itinerary of the destinations you will visit. Tour companies generally have pre-set departure dates for when a tour will take place. These can be far ahead, or closer to the current date. As the tour dates and itinerary are typically pre-arranged, this is something to be mindful of when planning your vacation, so that you can choose a date that works best for your schedule.

How long would you like to travel for?

Many tours range from 8 to 14 days long, as they account for travel time between cities, and allow you to experience the highlights of the cities visited. While it depends on the tour, many itineraries will typically visit 3 to 5 different destinations within that time frame. For certain experiences, you can also find tours as short as 5 days, tours as long as 24 days, and everything else in-between.

What type of activities interest you?

Tour companies typically offer various types of tours. Perhaps you would like to spend your days hiking in the forest, explore the food and culture of a country, or uncover historic landmarks in a city. A common theme offered is sightseeing-based tours. These tours transport you to a brand-new city or country and allow you to visit the notable attractions and top highlights. They are broad and generally appeal to most people.

There are also more specific tour themes for certain interests. For example, there are adventure tours that take you outdoors, culinary trips, and sailing or cruise expeditions. While you’ll often find single travelers in most groups, there’s also tours that specifically offer group trips for solo travelers.

Where do you want to go?

Is there a specific destination that you already have in mind? If not, flip through a travel magazine for ideas, or see our Solo Trip Guide  for inspiration. Tour companies will generally plan an itinerary that gives you the opportunity to visit various top cities within the same country or region. For those interested in group travel for singles, there’s a wide array of destinations to contemplate.

Try browsing through tour listings to see what piques your interest. Often, you’ll be able to see a group tour’s itinerary on the tour listing page, which displays the scheduled cities and the activities planned for each day.   

See More for Solo Travelers:

There’s a multitude of cities, adventures, and group tours for singles to consider. The best group trips for singles showcase the highlights of a destination and give you the opportunity to experience a new city alongside others.

However, if you’re looking for other travel styles where a creative itinerary is planned for you, or an engaging atmosphere where you have the opportunity to meet new people, you might be interested in a voyage on a cruise! Read the Best Cruises for Solo Travelers for more options!

If you prefer the excitement of planning your own trip and the flexibility of traveling at your own pace, there are plenty of amazing destinations and vacation experiences for single travelers featured on our website.

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The Epic Med cruise was fantastic. It was my first trip to Europe and was a nice taste of Spain, Italy and France. The day I saw there was a cruise without a single supplement was when I signed up. Nice group and made lots of new friends. Thanks STI!

I just came back from a fantastic Mediterranean vacation aboard the Norwegian Epic. STI was fantastic from the office staff to our cruise hostesses June and Georgia. I look forward to traveling with STI again in the future!

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Boutique group adventures for solo travelers aged 30-49

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Why Flash Pack?

Don’t take our word for it. Here’s what Flashpackers have to say.

Likeminded people

We’re only for solo travellers in their 30s and 40s and we obsess over the group dynamic. All to ensure you make fast friends.

Trips you can’t replicate

Our adventures are made up of ‘can’t-do-by-yourself’ experiences and handpicked hotels.

Hassle-free

We’ll sort the incredible people, the experiences, the hotels and the guides. You just have to turn up.

What to expect

• 98% travel solo
• Everyone aged 30-50
• 80% make friends
• Small groups of 16 max
• Hard to do by yourself experiences
• Hand-picked hotels

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Your summer – sorted.

Planning to get away this summer but haven’t got your plans sorted? There are just one or two spots left on our most popular summer adventures below. Need help choosing? Book a call today and we’ll do the rest.

5 Days in Albania

Albanian Riviera

8 Days in Africa

8 Days in Turkey

Classical Turkey

8 Days in Portugal

This is Portugal

8 Days in Greece

Greece: Athens & the Islands

10 Days in Asia

Thailand: Phuket & the Andaman Coast

11 Days in Spain

Cities of Spain: Wine, Gaudí & Flamenco

7 Days in Belize

Belize: Jungles, Mayans & Manatees

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What our customers say

We started the trip off as friendly strangers. But by the time the adventure was over, we felt like a family.

My perception of group travel before wasn't great – you have stereotypes. But Flash Pack changed it. It’s unique.

There was something so special about travelling with a group of people with the same mindset and willingness to adventure.

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SAVE $325 OFF JAPAN

Get ready for a show of glorious colors this Fall. Book Japan Revealed adventure and save $325pp on our Oct 20, 2024 departure. Other dates/discounts available.

LAST-MINUTE TRIPS

Check out our latest round of solo tours departing in the next few months, including a selection of our European bestsellers, and epic Worldwide adventures too.

EUROPE 2024 SAVINGS

If you're itching for more adventure in 2024, save up to $200 on our European tours. Don't miss out - secure your spot today! Where will you head to next?

Explore the world with a group of like-minded people looking for their next adventure who share your love of Travel.

2024 Solos Adventures

Istanbul, Troy & Ephesus

World-famous monuments, delicious cuisine and intriguing history combine to make Turkey a traveller's dream come true. We'll discover the top highlights and immerse in culture on this fascinating tour.

• 7 nights in 4-star hotels and 14 meals
• Many amazing experiences

St Lucia: Island in the Sun

Get away from it all and relax on St Lucia's golden beaches. You'll also enjoy a tour of the island and a thrilling rainforest safari.

• 7 nights in a 3-star hotel and 10 meals

Natural Wonders of Ecuador and the Galapagos

This holiday of a lifetime is a must for lovers of nature. Explore Ecuador's incredible cloud forest, before discovering remarkable landscapes and unique wildlife when you stay on three of the UNESCO-listed Galapagos Islands.

• 12 nights in 3 & 4-star hotels and 30 meals

SINGLES ESCORTED VACATIONS

Solo vacation tours.

If you have a passion for seeing the world and love the idea of sharing new experiences and making memories that will last forever, then a solos escorted tour with Just You would be ideal...Our holiday assurance guarantee also gives you peace of mind that you’ll enjoy an incredible solo adventure with Just You and our partners in line with the World Travel and Tourism Councils Safe Travels protocols.

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All the best hotels booked

Breakfasts included in all Tours

Escorted tour guide included in every trip

Here to support you every step of the way

Featured 2024 Italian Solos Vacations

Walking the Amalfi Coast

Admire remote picturesque villages and stunning views as you get out and about in the great outdoors and explore the beautiful Amalfi Coast on foot.

• 7 nights in a 3-star hotel and 15 meals

Discover Sicily

Imposing ruins, ancient history, vibrant towns and the brooding Mount Etna - discover all of this and more as you explore Italy's largest island.

• 7 nights in 4-star hotels and 15 meals

Pompeii, Sorrento & the Bay of Naples

Discover the ruins of Pompeii and marvel at Mount Vesuvius from the comfort of your 4-star hotel in the beautiful Bay of Naples.

• 7 nights in a 4-star hotel and 12 meals

Solos escorted tours

Exclusively for solo travelers.

There are so many reasons why people choose to travel independently, and at Just You, we’ve been crafting solo escorted tours for over 20 years. The great thing about all our singles tours is that you’ll be with like-minded people who share your passion for travel and sense of adventure. Don’t worry – on our vacations, you’ll always be able to enjoy new experiences with other single travellers, as well as your own free time to explore independently. No matter your age or interests, we’re sure to have trip that you’ll love.

Escorted tours departing soon

• Return flights
• 12 nights in 3 & 4-star hotels, 2 nights in flight
• 30 included meals: 12 breakfasts. 11 lunches, 7 dinners

French & Italian Riviera Splendour

Soak up the elegance and glamour of both the French and Italian Rivieras as you discover medieval villages and laze on golden beaches.

• 7 nights in a 4-star hotel
• 15 included meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners

Croatia & the Makarska Riviera

Soak up the beauty of Croatia’s coast, explore the ancient walled cities of Zadar and Dubrovnik and discover the idyllic islands of Hvar and Brac.

America's Western Wonders

This epic tour is full of incredible highlights as you visit iconic cities, explore the awesome Grand Canyon and drive along Route 66.

• 12 nights in great quality hotels, 1 night in flight
• 14 included meals: 12 breakfasts and 2 dinners

Edinburgh Short Break

Explore Edinburgh on a short break. Visit iconic sites such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and learn more about the history of this fascinating city.

• 3 nights in a 4-star hotel
• All highlights included

Highlights of Tuscany

Explore Tuscany's rolling countryside, dotted with olive groves, vineyards and medieval hilltop towns. You'll also visit Pisa, home of the Leaning Tower, and Florence, Italy's 'Art City'.

• 7 nights in 4-star hotels and 11 meals
• 12 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners

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Safe Travels

We’re delighted to have received the World Travel and Tourism Councils (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp, which recognises those who have adopted a new set of global protocols to support the return of 'Safe Travel' around the world.

What's included?

There's so much included in a Just You tour, we take care of so much, so you don't need to worry about a thing!

Customer Quotes

Some of our travellers share their thoughts and experiences.

It was my first tour with Just you and I most certainly recommend them. From start to finish I felt I was well looked after and the itinerary was excellent. Anne

Just You Cares

Changing people's lives through travel

Working with non-profit organisation Planeterra we are supporting a variety of projects around the world through our Just You Cares initiatives.

Solo travel

Celebrate a milestone—or celebrate yourself—with a Solo Tour. Experience the thrill and independence of traveling on your own (think: a private room and time to yourself) alongside a Tour Director and with 24/7 support. Plus, curated activities for bonding with your new friends.

4.6 out of 5 stars

Solo doesn’t have to mean alone

Been waiting for the perfect travel companion to come along? That’s us—and the friendly, up-for-anything solo travelers you’ll meet on tour. While you can join any of our tours solo, we designed our Solo Tours specifically for solo travelers, with plenty of time to explore on your own and other one-of-a-kind perks. Here’s why guided solo travel is the secret we can’t wait to spill.

Everyone on your tour will be solo, too. Explore alongside other travelers who share your curiosity about the world and your craving for meaningful connections. YOU’LL BOND OVER EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES Get to know your fellow solo travelers on a sunset cruise, in a cooking class, or through a restorative yoga class. Unique, exhilarating, and mouthwatering group activities are included with your trip.

At the end of each day, you’ll wind down, stretch out, and rest up in your own private room. (It’s included in the cost of your tour.)

We’ll plan hotels, meals, activities, and transportation . You? Focus on new sights, sounds, and flavors—and the friendships taking shape.

On your trip, you’ll be guided by an energetic expert, also known as your Tour Director. Plus, our global staff will be here to support you 24/7.

New Solo Tours

The beauty of traveling solo? Taking off whenever you want to wherever you want. We offer Solo Tours around the world, all year long. So, whenever you’re ready to go, a just-right tour will be, too. Check out our latest dreamy lineup of solo escapes—with welcome mixers and group activities built right in, of course—so you can get to know your tourmates.

Basket weaving, yoga, and a Balinese cooking class are just some of the ways you’ll light up your heart, hands, and soul on this action-packed solo trip.

Paris & the Riviera

Bite into a crusty, chewy baguette, swirl a jammy Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the very cellar where it was aged, and succumb fully to France’s je-ne-sais-quoi.

Eastern Europe

If uncovering hidden gems is your vibe, we’ve assembled the perfect lineup of architectural and cultural jewels from Budapest to Prague.

East meets West on this sojourn through Turkey’s Byzantine, Ottoman, Roman, and Greek incarnations—and its otherworldly natural landscapes.

One ticket, endless adventure

History buff? Outdoor enthusiast? Architecture admirer? We’ve designed tours for solo travel groups in more than 17 countries, from Costa Rica to Turkey—and more to come. What are our top solo travel destinations?

After our wonderful Solo National Parks tour in October, we planned a reunion in Sedona in February. Such a great group, and can’t wait for our next trip!

—Traveler BJ, U.S. National Parks for Solo Travelers: The Grand Canyon to Zion

I had a wonderful time on the Ireland solo tour. Everything went smoothly from start to finish. Had the pleasure of traveling with a wonderful group of 24 people from all walks of life that quickly bonded and made the vacation one to remember.

—Traveler Laura, Ireland for Solo Travelers

Signature experiences for your memory vault. Why don’t you...

Find your flow with yoga on Bali

Glide through guided asanas before surrendering to a blissful sound bath meditation on our Bali for Solo Travelers tour .

Feast on feta in a Greek cooking class

Dish (and devour!) your own version of the fresh, bright, and briny flavors of Greece on our Greek Islands for Solo Travelers tour .

Zip over a rainforest in Costa Rica

Don your harness, helmet, and bravest face and zip across a thick jungle canopy on our Costa Rica for Solo Travelers tour .

Cruise the Douro and sip Port in Portugal

Drift by hillside villas and under ancient bridges, ending with a guided tasting tour of a Port wine cellar on our Portugal for Solo Travelers tour .

Experiential travel made easy

You dream it. We’ll take care of every last detail.

We offer 200+ immersive, guided tours around the world. Wherever you choose to go, you’ll enjoy lots of advantages that make traveling with us different.

That’s all it takes to secure a spot on one of our group tours when you sign up for AutoPay . Plus, you can pay in interest- free, monthly installments.

While you’re deciding what to take, we’ll be busy arranging your hotels, meals, tickets, and more tour essentials. That’s what going guided is all about .

Take off on your big adventure— but why stop there? Every trip you book with us earns rewards that you can use to keep expanding your horizons.

What travelers are saying about their Solo Tours

Even more tours to choose from.

In addition to our solo trips, you can join any of our 200-plus group tours as a solo traveler. Check out some of our most popular destinations.

4.7 out of 5 stars

FAQs and benefits of traveling solo with a group

Solo travel can offer you a unique opportunity to challenge yourself, gain independence, and have an adventure. Plus, going on a guided tour as a solo traveler comes with great perks—including, private rooms in handpicked hotels, local experts and a Tour Director to handle all the details, and the company of equally curious travelers to share your journey. Here are a few other compelling reasons to go solo:

• Take the guesswork out of exploring someplace new. Need tickets to the Spanish Riding School in Vienna? Want to dine like a true Italian at a local’s home in Rome? Wondering how to hire a boat to float down the Nile River? Our experts will help you securely and easily navigate a destination you’ve only dreamed about exploring.
• No need to find a travel partner. Perhaps the biggest reason people  travel solo  is not having someone with matching travel interests. Traveling solo with single travel groups opens up a whole new world of possibilities. You get to go where you want, when you want, chasing your dreams without waiting for someone to come along for the ride.
• Enjoy adventures beyond your comfort zone. Traveling solo isn’t just exhilarating, but easy on one of our small-group adventure trips . You’ll find yourself learning and trying new things, from what you do (hands-on activities) to where you’ll go (roads less traveled) to how you'll get around (think outside the bus). All you need to get started is an open mind, a good pair of walking shoes, and a passion for taking the side streets.

Discover more reasons why people choose solo travel  →

Thanks to its mix of culture, history, natural landscapes, and centuries-old culinary traditions, Europe is an ideal destination for travelers who book solo vacation packages. Individual countries and regions of Europe also make great choices when you go solo. For the best solo travel experiences, we recommend the following:

• Greece .  Explore the best of the Greek Islands alongside fellow solo travelers as you hop from Athens to Crete and over to Santorini.
• Portugal .  Sampling Portugal’s signature pastel de nata, a flaky and flavorful custard tart, is much more fun when you have new friends to share in the excitement of taking that first bite.
• Peru .  Make your way from cosmopolitan Lima to historic Cuzco to the sweeping Sacred Valley—and mystical Machu Picchu—alongside fellow solo travelers.
• Central Europe .  Whether you’re excited to see Bavarian castles or sample Swiss chocolate, there’s no better way to tour Switzerland, Germany, and Austria than with like-minded travelers.
• Egypt .  With fellow solo travelers by your side, you’ll decipher hieroglyphics at towering temples, stand in the shadows of the Pyramids of Giza, and take to the Nile by boat.
• Ireland .  Green landscapes and frothy Guinness await solo travelers on the Emerald Isle, where making new friends comes naturally.
• Thailand .  Visit an elephant sanctuary and hop between Thailand’s temples, markets, and islands with fellow solo travelers.
• United States .  You don’t need to go international to go solo. America’s majestic  national parks are a great choice for solo travel tours.
• Japan .  Be dazzled by Japan’s natural beauty, rich history, and distinctive cuisine—and bond with your fellow solo travelers over hands-on activities, such as cooking classes.
• Kenya .  Majestic wildlife, vibrant culture, and warm locals make for the ultimate mix when you join fellow solo travelers on an epic journey across Kenya.
• Spain .  Spain charms from Catalonia to the Costa del Sol with its mix of cosmopolitan, coastal, and cultural treasures on solo travel tours.
• Italy .  Travel solo (but never alone!) as you eat your way through Italy with fellow foodies, while taking in the classic sights and delicious cuisine.

For more inspiration, check out  eight of the best places to travel solo →

Consider your interests, budget, and comfort level in a foreign environment. Depending on factors such as language barriers and cultural differences, some destinations may be better suited for solo trip packages than others. Research your options and read reviews from other solo travelers.

For more inspiration, check out  eight of the best places to travel solo  →

Embrace new experiences, be open to meeting new people, and step outside your comfort zone. Take time to reflect on your journey and enjoy the freedom that comes with traveling solo. Remember to take plenty of photos and keep a journal to capture your memories. And take advantage of the Tour Director and local guides who’ll accompany you during your travels. They can recommend places to eat, sights to not miss, and things to do in your free time on tour.

Explore our favorite free-time activities for solo travelers →

Yes, if you’re looking to get out of your comfort zone. There’s free time to explore on your own, so you can be as social as you want. Traveling solo within a group can be a great way to break out of your personal space and meet others who share your passion for exploration. And there’s no easier way to find a new friend than on tour!

Tips for breaking the ice with fellow travelers on a solo tour →

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and connect with fellow travelers; they’re going solo, just like you! Here are a few tips and tools to help you feel confident when you travel solo:

• Check out our Go Ahead Difference page. You’ll discover all the perks of traveling with us, including unrivaled safety and support. Learn more about our Go Ahead Difference .
• Involve your friends back home. Let all your friends know about your travel plans and get their tips and tricks. Have them follow you along on your journey.
• Download our free mobile app . It puts everything you might need for your trip on your phone on one easy-to-navigate platform. Our app has not only the itinerary but also the addresses and contact details you need for your trip. Plus, we even include a list of your  fellow travelers  there. That way, you can connect with them before you leave for the tour and start building friendships you’ll strengthen when you’re finally on the road.
• Join our Facebook page. You’ll find lots of helpful info on our private Solo Travelers Facebook page , including answers to frequently asked questions.

Eight reasons to go guided as a female solo traveler →

The first thing to know is that even though you’ll be traveling solo, you won’t be traveling alone. You’re about to go on a trip with 14–20 people who will be solo, just like you. Plus, you’ll have your expert Tour Director to guide you along the journey. Solo travel is one of the most exciting ways to see the world. When you travel with one of our single travel groups, you may not be with a friend you already know, but you’ll join equally curious travel lovers on the adventure of a lifetime. More important things to know before you go:

• Your Tour Director will meet you at the airport when you arrive in your destination
• We curate these tours with solo travel in mind
• Experiences are made for solo travelers to come together as a group
• You’ll make friends whom you could travel with in the future

We specially design our Solo Tours for solo travelers. When you join one of our solo travel groups, you’ll get your own included, private hotel room. Each day, you’ll be able to explore your destination alongside your tourmates, who are solo travelers, too. And you’ll have free time to explore your own interests at your own pace.

You’ll never be alone when you book one of our solo travel packages, even though you’re traveling solo. Our worldwide presence gives solo travelers the safety and security to discover the world with confidence. Here are just a few reasons to travel on our solo guided tours:

• Security of the EF global network
• Assistance from our On-Tour Support Team (they’re on-call 24/7)
• Getting the local’s perspective from your Tour Director and other guides
• Meeting equally curious travelers
• Enjoying the perfect balance of sightseeing tours and time to explore each locale at your leisure

Vacations for singles over 50s & 60s

Traveling single? Small group travel could be just the ticket

Is a  Japanese  onsen calling you? Or maybe a flavor-packed taco in the streets of  Mexico City  has your name on it? Whether you’re traveling solo, single or simply can’t be labeled, our small group tours are the perfect way to explore a destination and meet like-minded people. While our trips aren’t exclusively for single travelers in their  50s or 60s , you'll be part of a small group of intergenerational, adventure-hungry individuals who are just as keen to explore as you are. From swapping anecdotes over Aperols on the  Amalfi Coast  to late-night chats under the desert skies of Wadi Rum, it’s often those moments of connection – big and small – that are most memorable. 

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

Our trips can be great for singles over 50 and 60 as we take care of safety, logistics and transport so you can focus your time on the joy of travel. We don’t offer the classic ‘singles-only’ tours, but we do provide the perfect base for people looking to get to know others, usually a varied mix of ages, nationalities, cultures and more. Since our trips are so diverse, this could mean you’re with couples in their 40s, singles in their 20s, family groups or people traveling on their own in their fifties and beyond. Our trips aren’t specifically designed for making perfect matches, but hey, if it happens, it  happens .

The best part of traveling in a small group is the friends you can make in the most unlikely of places – we’re talking while hiking the  Inca Trail  or cooking dhal in  Sri Lanka . It also means a bunch of new faces to share the world’s most epic experiences with and a few people around to watch your back (especially when walking through a traffic crossing in  Vietnam ). No matter who you’re sharing your trip with, you’ll be docking at unbelievable sites, meeting local people and getting a one-of-a-kind journey - single or not, we think that's pretty epic.

Traveling solo at any age can feel like a big deal, especially when venturing to far-off places. That’s why small group trips are the perfect fit, no matter if you’re traveling alone at 25 or 65. We’ll do the planning, manage the itinerary, handle the transport and keep  safety  in mind - all so you can immerse yourself to the max. Not to mention, your guide will be able to support you with potential language barriers, give recommendations, show you the best spots for photos and so much more. Don’t just take our word for it; find out for yourself.

Maybe you’ve already seen the big sites and now looking for a different experience or new perspective. That’s where we come in. Our trips are led by our Local Leaders, all of whom are experts in their corner of the world and are out there showing it to others right now. Their knowledge of their country’s attractions, delicacies, cultures and communities is something you probably won’t get to experience elsewhere. Find yourself ducking into unknown hotspots and learning more than just the basics when you’re on one of our trips.

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Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to join an Intrepid trip?

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Who are Intrepid travelers?

Intrepid adventures are for travelers with a yearning to get off the beaten track. Whether you're traveling solo, with a group of friends, or are aged 18 or 70, there is an Intrepid adventure to suit your interests and comfort level. Each Intrepid adventure has a physical rating and cultural grading to help you decide if the trip is right for you. No special skills are required for most adventures, just a sense of adventure and a curiosity about the world. Even on our camping adventures, no previous experience is required; our tents are easy to set up, even for first-time campers.

Are there age restrictions on your trips?

For the majority of our trips, the minimum age is 15. An adult must accompany all children under the age of 18. Our Overland Adventures have a minimum age of 18. Younger children can join us on our Family trips and Short Break Adventures , but check each trip for its minimum age, which is located on the trip’s overview page on the website. Most of our trips don’t have a maximum age limit, but a Self-Assessment Form is required for all travelers 70 years and over.

How many people will be on my trip?

Good things come in small packages, which is why we keep our group sizes down. This means we’re small enough to remain flexible as we thread our way through communities without intimidating the locals. On most of our trips you’ll be part of an intimate group of 12-16 people, though our group sizes are on average 10 people. Our Overland trips are in purpose-built vehicles that can carry up to 24 travelers. Group sizes are displayed on each trip’s overview page on our website.

I’m traveling alone – is that OK?

This is the beauty of the Intrepid style of travel: many of our travelers join because they are traveling solo and want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people. 

I have a disability – can I join an Intrepid trip?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. We ask that you carefully consider whether you are physically and mentally able to complete the itinerary you have chosen, recognizing that on many trips you will be required to carry your own bags and use public transport.

Where we can we will make reasonable adjustments to the operation of our trips to facilitate the requirements of disabled travelers – such as booking ground floor accommodation, or having our leaders communicate important directions in writing as well as verbally. Many travelers with disabilities have been able to enjoy our trips by traveling with a friend or companion who can assist with specific needs. If joining a group trip is not practical, we may be able to provide you with a private departure. Please contact our sales team for further information on any of our itineraries.

Do I need to buy travel insurance?

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips if you’re traveling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation, but minimum coverage may differ from trip to trip, so make sure you check the Travel Insurance section in your Essential Trip Information. You will not be permitted to join the group until your leader has sighted your insurance policy number and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number – it’s really important there are no barriers to getting emergency assistance for you.

For travelers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or the USA, the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However, the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travelers from these regions who decline travel insurance when traveling outside their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.

Will I have my own room?

It’s completely up to you. On our trips, rooming is organized on a twin-share basis, and we pair up solo travelers with another traveler 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 traveling.

How does group time work?

Whether you’re traveling 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.

What makes a small group tour better than a coach tour?

The main difference between a small group tour and a coach tour is the size of the group; our tours have 10 travelers each (on average), while coaches can hold up to 60 people. This means that you'll never have to vie for your leader's attention on a small group tour because you'll automatically have it.

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Travelling without my kids showed me the pain of leaving and the joy of going

Small group travel vs coach tours: which is better?

7 of the best destinations for solo travellers over 50

8 types of traveller you’ll meet on a group trip 

6 perfect destinations in South East Asia for solo female travel

Tips and advice for first-time travellers to Morocco

Why to consider solo travel in Vietnam (and what to expect)

Get the Hottest Deals First!

Going guided with a group is a great choice for solo travelers. Everything you need is taken care of, so you don’t have to worry about your itinerary, hotel check-ins and transportation. All you have to do is pack a bag and bring your sense of adventure; we’ll handle the rest.

Make New Friends

When you go guided, the people on your tour are all excited to see and explore, just like you. You’ve got a ready-made bunch of new friends, and you already know you have lot in common— you all picked the same trip!

Feel Safe with Us

Your tour has been carefully planned by an expert Tour Designer who has traveled the local area, spoken to its residents, and hand-picked every location and experience you’ll have. You can feel safe with us no matter where we go together.

Enjoy Peace of Mind

Whether it’s helping you choose the right trip for you, taking you to the airport and back home again in a private sedan, offering the security of our unsurpassed Travel Protection plan or 24-7 support, we are with you every step of the way.

Relax. The Details Are Covered

One of the biggest benefits of going guided is that you get to enjoy many experiences that would be difficult to do on your own. We’ve handled all the details so that all you have to do is relax and go with the flow. There are many wonderful new experiences waiting for you.

Expert Tour Managers by Your Side

Tour Managers are more than just guides. They’re part friend and part travel concierge! They’re there to make sure you’re taken care of and safe all along the way, but they’re also equipped with tips on where to eat and what to explore during your free time.

Call us anytime for more information about traveling solo and single supplements 800.340.5158

Don’t let traveling solo stop you from seeing the places you’ve always dreamed about! We will take you there, show you everything you’ve been longing to see, and even mix in some delightful surprises along the way.

If you’ve never traveled alone or been a part of a group before, you probably have some questions. Check out some of our most frequently asked questions or give us a call anytime at 800.340.5158.

A single supplement is an additional fee paid by guests who are traveling alone and want to enjoy the luxury of not having to share a room. The cost of a single supplement varies by trip.

On some nights, you will be dining with your group. On nights when you have free time, your Tour Manager will suggest restaurants and activities nearby. You can choose to stick with your group or explore on your own.

You have the choice to either stick with your group or explore on your own. Your Tour Manager will be able to make several suggestions on what to do during your free time.

“ Collette takes care of all the details, so all you have to do is enjoy and soak in the magnificent place of your tour. Their tour managers take care of you, so there is nothing, nothing to interfere with your trip. I just completed my 6th tour with them. ”

— Collette Traveler on Plains of Africa

“ As a mainly solo traveler, I was a bit hesitant to commit to a set schedule and a group setting. I’d always discovered things on my own but wanted to try it out to see if a guided vacation would be a fit. Guess what: It. Was. Amazing. ”

— Collette Traveler on Maritimes Coastal Wonders

“ Collette did a wonderful job of organizing our trip. Everything was taken care of. All we had to do each day was board the bus and away we went. No worries, just fun. ”

— Collette Traveler on Magical Christmas Markets of Austria and Germany

Are you new to guided travel?

Check out these blog posts written by two of our guests to learn more about the benefits of going guided for solo travelers.

A Guided Travel First-Timers Tale

Come With Me on My First Tour in Japan

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Sisterhood Travels - Travel Groups for women

If not now, then when, solo trips for women with the sisterhood is your opportunity to travel the world with like-minded females..

Need a Roommate?

We can match you with one of your new Sisters!

Need Help with Airfare?

We can do that for you. We’re happy to help!

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Here’s all the information you need to get started!

Who are our Sisters?

Well, we’re you! We value old friendships but love making new ones. We’re intellectually curious and love a unique adventure to parts unknown. We might be single, divorced, widowed, or simply have a partner who doesn’t want to travel. Most of all, we’re kind, compassionate women who look forward to cultural immersion, exclusive adventures, lots of laughs , and the magic of Sisterhood.

We at Sisterhood Travels would LOVE to have you join us on any of our incredible, hand-curated tours specifically designed for solo female travel. No ho-hum cookie-cutter trips for our Sisters! With Sisterhood Travels, you’re part of exclusive women-only travel groups, ensuring you’re never alone…unless you prefer little independence from time to time. 85% of our Sisters travel solo in our exclusive groups, many of whom ask us to match them to a roommate!

Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list so that we can keep you posted on what women’s tours we have coming up.

If you’d like to get to know our Sisters, join our Sisterhood Travels private group on Facebook ! You’ll find lots of great information and camaraderie about our group travel for women!

We’re absolutely thrilled to share some fantastic news. Thanks to your incredible support, Sisterhood Travels has been named to Newsweek’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards in the Best Women’s Travel Club category! This victory is a big shoutout to each of you who have trusted us with your journey and believe in our mission.

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Our Promise

At Sisterhood Travels, our promise is to be more than a travel company – we are a community committed to enriching every woman’s journey. We embrace diversity with open arms, fostering an inclusive environment where our stories are celebrated. Our dedication to quality, professionalism, and meeting you where you are ensures an unforgettable experience that goes beyond travel. Together, we aim to empower our SIsters by forging lifelong bonds and friendships and embracing their journey with confidence, resilience, and a true sense of Sisterhood.

Benefits of traveling with us

Exclusive experiences, safety and security.

Be the First!!!!

Join our email list and know which women-only trips are coming up next.

Welcome to sisterhood travels.

Sisterhood Travels offers the best solo trips for women. Join our one of our travel groups for women, made up of independent women over 45 year old and have the desire to travel the world with other like-minded women traveling together. We’re an inclusive, diverse bunch, and we hope you’ll join our travel group and see what we’re all about! Feel free to email us at [email protected] or call us at 910-742-5324.

How it All Began

Discover how Stacey Ray, inspired by her late husband Mike, transformed their shared passion for travel into an empowering platform for women across the globe. Having journeyed together through over 80 countries, Stacey & Mike shared an insatiable wanderlust, which continues to inspire the essence of Sisterhood Travel.

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Group Travel For People In Their 30’s and 40’s

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TRAVEL WITH ONE WORLD ADVENTURES

From the moment you book our trips, every single member of our team takes ownership of your holidays, endeavouring to create an experience that is personal and stress free.

THE ACTIVITIES

Whether it’s swaying to the beats at an impromptu street carnival or finding that elusive hole-in-the-wall tea vendor that only people in the neighbourhood are privy to, our activities are brushed with our own distinctive style; driven by a desire to veer away from the ordinary and pave a path along untrodden ground.

Given that we deal exclusively with travellers in their 30s to 40s, group travel with us becomes a fun and cohesive experience, fuelled by compatible individuals who are switched onto the same frequency.

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Planning Your First Solo Trip: A Guide for 30-Somethings

Planning Your First Solo Trip: A Comprehensive Guide for 30-Somethings Traveling solo can be a life-changing experience, especially in your 30s when you have more independence and resources. We will provide essential tips and advice for planning your first solo trip as a thirty-something.

Exploring the Hidden Gems of Vietnam: A Guide for Travellers in Their 30s

Discovering the Best of Vietnam: A Guide for 30-Something Travelers Vietnam is a country rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. It has become an increasingly popular destination for travelers in their thirties looking to explore new places and immerse themselves in unique experiences.

How Helpful the travel tours for over 30s Sri Lanka Is!

Sri Lanka offers a variety of travel tours for adults over 30, making it an ideal destination for those looking to explore and experience new cultures. From adventurous hikes through lush forests to serene beach getaways, there is something for everyone in this beautiful country.

Boutique Hotels and Intimate Retreats: Ideal Accommodations for Solo Explorers

Boutique hotels and intimate retreats are becoming increasingly popular choices for solo travelers. These accommodations offer a unique and personalized experience that is perfect for those looking to explore the world on their own.

Navigating Friendships on the Road: A Guide to Making Lifelong Connections

Traveling is not just about exploring new places, it's also an opportunity to make meaningful connections with people from all over the world. In this guide, we will share tips and advice on how to build friendships while traveling - whether you're embarking on a solo adventure or joining group activities.

Empowerment Unveiled: Top 10 Destinations for Solo Female Travelers in Their 30s and 40s

Are you a solo female traveler in your 30s or 40s looking for the perfect destination? We have curated a list of the top 10 destinations that offer an ideal mix of safety, culture, and adventure. Get ready to embark on an empowering journey with our recommendations.

Exploring the World in Your 30s: A Guide to Balancing Career and Wanderlust

Navigating the Decade: A Comprehensive Guide to Balancing Career Advancement and Global Exploration in Your 30s As you enter your 30s, it can be a time of great change and growth.

Embracing Wanderlust and Singlehood in Your 30s: A Journey to Self-Love through Solo Travel

Embark on a liberating journey of solo travel in your 30s, embracing the beauty of self-love and singlehood. Our guide delves into the transformative power of wanderlust, providing insights for personal growth and finding joy in navigating the world independently.

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The 10 Best Group Travel Tour Companies for 2024

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Executive Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Caroline has a passion for adventure travel and has hiked to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the bottom of the Grand Canyon in pursuit of a good story. Follow her around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline .

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For those truly epic, once-in-a-lifetime destinations, you want to leave your itinerary to the experts. Whether your dream is to see the Big Five on an African Safari, trek tall mountains, explore European cities, or something even wilder, a group tour is the easiest way to do it.

However, picking the wrong group tour company is the quickest way to ruin your trip. Make sure you choose a tour company that aligns with your goals and travel styles. Do you want an intimate group tour or do you prefer to make lots of new friends in a big group? Does the price line up with what you like (luxury vs. budget)? Is the itinerary going to all the places you want to see? 

We’ve done the research and found the very best group travel tour companies for 2024 for every type of traveler.

Best Overall Group Travel: Exodus Adventure Travels

With trips on every continent, Exodus Adventure Travels covers anywhere on this planet that you could possibly want to go, from popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast to well off-the-beaten-path adventures like Tajikistan. This award-winning group travel company boasts thousands of repeat customers who sign up for trips year after year (97% of past participants would recommend Exodus Adventure Travels to a friend). 

These small group tours operate with only around 8-16 people and always feature experienced local leaders who can give you a unique insight into your destination. Exodus Adventure Travels caters to any type of travel style, including trips broken down by type of activity (think walking, cycling, multi-adventure, winter, or cultural) as well as type of traveler (family, age group, etc.). There are curated collections (coastal, “away from it all”, European wilderness, and trips of a lifetime) to inspire you, as well as self-guided options for when you want all the benefits of a group tour planner without the actual group. Looking for that special safari? Exodus Aventure Travels just partners with the African Wildlife Foundation to create carefully curated luxury adventures that go above and beyond the standard safari. 

Exodus Adventure Travels tours work for almost any budget, with options that range from affordable to premium. 

Top Trip: Explore under-the-radar Europe by foot on Exodus Adventure Travels’ Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia walking tour .

A Taste of the Sweet Life in Slovenia

Best Adventure Group Travel: World Expeditions

World Expeditions has been taking adventurous travelers to remote locations all over the world ever since its first group trek through Nepal in 1975. Today, World Expeditions offers active itineraries on every continent. Intrepid travelers can opt for trips themed around mountaineering, rafting, cycling, hiking, and more. 

World Expeditions aims to leave communities and places where they operate tours better than they found them. Trips are created using the company’s Thoughtful Travel Charter as a guideline, which emphasizes respect for the environment, sustainability, having a positive impact on local communities, protecting wildlife, and more. 

World Expeditions’ trips are capped at just 16 people to provide a good experience for participants, and there are no single supplements for solo travelers willing to share a room with someone of the same gender. 

Top Trip: Summit Africa’s tallest mountain on a fully-supported trek up Kilimanjaro on World Expeditions’ eight day trip up the beautiful Lemosho Route . 

Best Budget Group Travel: G Adventures 

For travelers on a budget, G Adventures offers cheap group tours that make dream destinations accessible to nearly anyone. (Think: sailing the Galapagos for just $1,014 , criss-crossing India’s Golden Triangle for $799 , or spending 8 days in Bali for less than $749.)

G Adventures is one of the best tour companies for solo travelers as well, as most trips don’t have a single-supplement. You can choose to share a room with another G Adventures solo traveler, or pay extra to have your own space.

G Adventures keeps costs down by opting for cheaper hotels and local meals, and making certain activities optional (for an additional cost). Pick your travel style—options range from “basic” to more luxe tours run in partnership with National Geographic. Family tours, local living tours (featuring homestays), and wellness-focused tours are also available. 

Top Trip: G Adventures’ China Express trip is a great way to see the highlights of China if you’re short on both time and budget. 

8 Trending Destinations to Visit in 2023

Best Educational Group Tours: EF Go Ahead Tours

When you really want to learn about a destination, consider a group trip with EF Go Ahead Tours . EF is the world’s largest private education company, and the Go Ahead Tours arm capitalizes on the company’s relationships with local educators, historians, and tour guides to create group trips that take you deep into a destination. 

These small group tours generally cap at 38 travelers, and feature unique educational experiences. For a bucket list trip, EF Go Ahead Tour’s special event tours are particularly enticing, as they offer behind-the-scenes access to tough-to-plan trips like Oktoberfest in Munich or Cherry Blossom season in Japan. 

Intimidated by solo travel? EF Go Ahead Tours is a great option for solo travelers, since it offers designated trips for solo travelers , where everyone is traveling alone, making it less intimidating.  

Top Trip: Bring the tastes of Italy home with you on EF Go Ahead Tours’ Food & Wine: Piedmont & Tuscany tour (operated in partnership with America’s Test Kitchen), where you’ll learn how to make local dishes. 

Best Responsible Group Travel: Intrepid Travel

Looking for a responsible group travel operator that focuses on bettering the communities and destinations they visit? Intrepid Travel is the world’s largest travel B Corporation, a certification for companies doing good. 

Intrepid Travel’s tours focus on sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and sustaining communities. The company has its own charity, The Intrepid Foundation , which has donated over 10 million dollars to over 160 community organizations. 

Intrepid Travel’s small group tours attract a wide range of travelers, but they are especially great for younger travelers, as they have a large number of trips designed for people aged 18-35 . (Other trips, including family-focused trips, are geared toward any age.)

Top Trip: Experience foodie trip of a lifetime Intrepid Travel’s South Korea Real Food Adventure , which includes time in three cities and an overnight temple stay.

The 10 Best Sites to Book a Cruise

Best Private Group Travel: Kensington Tours

Whether your group consists of just two people or involves taking the entire extended family, Kensington Tours will take all the hassle of planning out of the equation. This private group operator creates personalized trips and itineraries tailored to your preferences, while their experts handle all the logistics and bookings. 

Plans are entirely flexible, and can even be changed while on the trip on a whim. Need some inspiration? Browse Kensington Tours’ travel ideas , to get some ideas for your next adventure. 

Top Trip: Sail around the stunning shores of Croatia and the Dalmation Islands on a private luxury catamaran on Kensington Tours’ fully customizable tour . 

Best Polar Group Travel: Chimu Adventures

Whether you’re headed north to the Artic or south to Antarctica, Chimu Adventures has the perfect polar group trip for you. Chimu Adventures has some of the most variety for polar trips, with options to fly, cruise, or a combination of both to get to your destination. For an ultra-unique Antarctica trip, Chimu Adventures offers cruises departing from Australia or New Zealand (most Antarctica trips depart from Argentina).

Chimu Adventures is one of the cheapest group trips to Antarctica, with rates starting under $6,000.

Top Trip: If you’re pressed for time (or simply don’t have the stomach for the Drake Passage), Chimu Adventures’ Antarctica Fly Cruise will get you to the ends of the earth quickly and smoothly.

Program These Numbers Into Your Phones Before Traveling Internationally

Best Group Tours for Solo Travelers: For the Love of Travel

Group tours can be a great way to meet new people, but they can sometimes skew on the older age range. If you’re between 25-39 and a solo traveler looking to meet new people, you’ll love For the Love of Travel . All participants on the trips are between 25-39, and according to the company, 80 percent are solo travelers—so you’ll make friends fast. Hoping to meet someone who will be more than just a friend on your next trip? Trips include a balanced number of “gal and guy spots” to ensure an even balance of genders within groups (and of course, non-binary genders are always welcome). 

For the Love of Travel offers weeklong (or longer) international trips as well as shorter weekender trips to closer destinations like Mexico or Costa Rica—perfect for people without a lot of vacation time.

Top Trip: Sleep in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights, go sledding with huskies, and warm up in traditional saunas on For the Love of Travel’s Lapland tour , already booking dates for 2024.

Best Biking Tours Group Travel: DuVine Cycling

Biking through the rolling hills of Italy or across the mountain roads of Chile sounds like a dream, but the logistics seem daunting (especially if you don’t want to haul all your own stuff from point-to-point). Enter: DuVine Cycling , a luxury small group tour company that specializes in bike trips. 

With trips across Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the United States, DuVine Cycling is a cyclist’s dream. Choose from all-biking trips or mix things up with a cycle and sail bike tour or a multi-sport adventure —no matter what, everything is included, from luxury boutique accommodations to top-quality name brand bikes. 

Top Trip: DuVine’s Holland Bike Tour promises “tulips, windmills, beer, and cheese”—what more could you need?

Best Luxury Group Travel: Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent has been delighting discerning travelers since 1962. Today, they take travelers on unforgettable adventures across over 100 different countries and all seven continents. Although Abercrombie & Kent’s trips are pricey, they encompass once-in-a-lifetime experiences like private jet tours around the world or luxury chartered cruises .

There are trips designed for solo travelers and families , and the small group journeys max out at around 14-18 guests.

Top Trip: Swim with whale sharks in the Philippines, feed proboscis monkeys in Malaysia, and photograph wild tigers in India on Abercrombie & Kent’s Wildlife & Nature: Around the World by Private Jet trip , already booking dates into 2024.

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North America Tours for Single / Solo Tours

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10 best North America solo travel packages

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7 day Southwest National Parks Grand Canyon Tour

Canadian rockies: national parks eastbound, 7-day rockies 5 national parks special tour, mighty 5 from salt lake city, scenic parks explorer (15 days), magnificent west – 8 days, heart of the canadian rockies, mighty 5 from las vegas, magnificent west - 7 days, la to the bay (11 days).

• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing

“The perfect way for our family to experience the dramatic sites and cultural experiences of the southwest National Parks!”

• Mountain Hikes
• Hiking & Trekking
• Enjoy a stunning drive to Whistler
• Visit Wells Gray Park
• Watch the sunset in Tofino

“We were able to see a lot of a foreign country in a very short time.”

“Hotels were excellent, coaches were conformable. Overall an Excellent experience.”

• Christmas & New Year

“The tour was meticulously planned, ensuring we maximized our time in each park and Rachel's friendly and outgoing demeanor and enthusiasm was informative and very enjoyable.”

• Experience the depths of the Grand Canyon
• Explore Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
• Hike the mountains and cross the Continental Divide

“Every hotel was listed except for the final one; Change this!”

“Overall I enjoyed the tour, especially the stop in Santa Barbara.”

“Well organised, full of beautiful sights. We felt in safe hands.”

“Excellent tour of the Mighty 5 in Utah. Just enough time was allocated for hiking the trails.”

“Excellent tour stops and well worth the views. Plentiful bathroom and snack breaks, but the bus ride is long.”

• Relax on San Diego beaches & then enjoy a Margarita
• Be stunned by the scenery of Grand Canyon & Yosemite
• Drive along the Route 66 & stroll the streets of Phoenix

“A great trip that I'll always remember! Emily had lots of advice, knowledge and history to give on each place.”

Travel Styles

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Travel for Singles

• An experienced TripLeader - they host the trip, show the way, and ensure only exciting travel experiences along the way
• Flexible itineraries - enjoy fun activities while having a good amount of free time
• Accommodation - shared or private rooms, your TripLeader chooses what fits your preferences and budget
• Transportation during the trip
• Attractions and activities
• Meet like-minded travel buddies and build a lasting friendship even after the trip. You will get to know them before the trip by connecting in a group chat.
• Sit back and relax as we handle the hefty stuff and planning for you. We ensure a personalized and exciting experience for everyone on board.
• There is safety in number. Sticking with your group allows you to travel safely and comfortably.
• Share costs and save your wallet. Get luscious and fun experiences while paying less
• We conduct thorough background checks on our TripLeaders and verify all TripMates
• Also, if any problems arise during your trip, our 24/7 support is available remotely to assist you with any questions or concerns.
• Our free JoinMyTrip Travel Insurance , powered by Allianz, will cover you (applicable only for the residents of Austria and Germany) in case of any unforeseen situations. So you can travel with peace of mind and enjoy your adventure.

Passing Thru Travel

Mastering Group Travel – 14 Tips for Conquering Your 2024 Adventures Together

Posted: March 3, 2024 | Last updated: March 3, 2024

Group travel, with its unique dynamics and challenges, requires careful planning and management to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience for all involved. This guide provides essential strategies and tips for organizing group trips, whether they’re for leisure, educational purposes, or corporate retreats. From selecting destinations to managing logistics and ensuring group harmony, we cover key aspects to help you navigate the complexities of group travel.

1. Choosing the Right Destination

Selecting an appropriate destination is pivotal in group travel planning. It requires balancing varied interests and preferences to ensure everyone’s satisfaction. Consider destinations that offer a broad spectrum of activities, catering to different tastes and energy levels. For example, a city like Barcelona is ideal, offering historical tours for culture enthusiasts, beaches for relaxation seekers, and a vibrant nightlife for the more adventurous.

When choosing a destination, factor in accessibility, climate, and potential events happening during your stay. Research thoroughly to find a place that aligns with the group’s interests and provides options for everyone to enjoy their time.

Insider’s Tip: Always check for local festivals or events that might coincide with your trip. These can offer unique cultural experiences but also impact crowds and availability.

2. Accommodation Options

Accommodation plays a significant role in group travel. It’s not just about finding a place to stay; it’s about choosing a space that fosters group interaction and bonding. Look for accommodations that offer group rates and communal spaces for gatherings. Options like vacation rentals, hostels with group facilities, or hotels with adjoining rooms are ideal.

The location of your accommodation is crucial – consider its proximity to most of your planned activities and ease of access to public transportation. Direct communication with accommodation providers often yields better rates or arrangements than online bookings, so don’t hesitate to negotiate.

Insider’s Tip: Contact accommodations directly to negotiate group rates or special requests. Often, better deals are available than what’s seen online.

3. Transportation Logistics

Efficient transportation is vital to a successful group trip. If traveling by air, explore group discounts offered by airlines. For navigating within your destination, consider the size of your group and the nature of your activities when choosing between renting a bus, multiple cars, or relying on public transport.

Clear communication about travel schedules and meeting points is essential to ensure smooth logistics. Appointing a transportation coordinator within the group can streamline this process, keeping everyone informed and on schedule.

Insider’s Tip: Appoint a transportation coordinator in the group to handle schedules and ensure everyone knows where they must be and when.

4. Budgeting and Expenses

A well-planned budget is crucial for group travel. It should encompass all potential expenses, including accommodation, transport, meals, and activities. Transparent communication about the budget and how expenses will be shared is vital to avoid misunderstandings.

Utilize group travel apps for tracking and splitting costs efficiently. Setting up a communal fund for shared incidental expenses can simplify financial management and avoid constant small transactions.

Insider’s Tip: Set up a communal fund for shared expenses like taxis or tips. This avoids constant small transactions and simplifies budget management.

5. Group Activities and Itineraries

Balancing structured group activities with ample free time is essential. While planning group activities, include attractions and experiences unique to your destination. However, remember that not everyone may want to participate in every activity.

Leave room in your itinerary for individuals to explore independently or relax. A shared digital itinerary, accessible to all members, can keep everyone updated on the plan and any changes in real-time.

Insider’s Tip: Use a shared digital itinerary accessible to all group members, where everyone can see the plan and any updates in real-time.

6. Dining and Meals

Meals are integral to the travel experience, especially in a group setting. They provide opportunities for the group to come together and share experiences. Organizing group meals requires considering various dietary preferences and restrictions. Make reservations in advance for larger groups and explore accommodations with kitchen facilities for shared cooking experiences.

Having a list of pre-identified restaurants that cater to your group’s dietary needs can save time and ensure enjoyable dining experiences for everyone.

Insider’s Tip: Identify a few restaurants in different areas that can accommodate your group size and dietary needs so you always have options ready.

7. Communication and Decision-Making

Effective communication is the backbone of successful group travel. Establish a group chat for quick updates and a democratic decision-making process. For smooth decision-making, consider appointing a leader for different aspects of the trip or setting up a voting system for significant choices.

Daily brief meetings can be beneficial for discussing the day’s plans, making necessary adjustments, and addressing any concerns or feedback from group members.

Insider’s Tip: Have a daily brief meeting with the group to discuss the day’s plan, any changes, and gather feedback.

8. Handling Group Dynamics

Understanding and managing group dynamics is crucial for a harmonious travel experience. Be mindful of different personalities and interests within the group and strive to cater to various preferences. Address any conflicts promptly and diplomatically to maintain group harmony. Incorporating activities that foster teamwork and bonding can enhance the group experience and strengthen relationships among members.

Insider’s Tip: Plan activities encouraging teamwork and bonding, such as group hikes or team-building exercises.

9. Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Prioritize the group’s safety by sharing a list of emergency contacts, including local emergency services. Discuss and plan for emergencies, such as what to do if someone gets lost or in case of a health issue. Encourage group members to carry essential information, such as the address and contact number of your accommodation, at all times.

Insider’s Tip: Encourage everyone to carry a small card with your accommodation’s address and contact number.

10. Health Considerations

Address health considerations by ensuring all necessary vaccinations and medications are taken care of before the trip. Discuss health risks at the destination and how to mitigate them.

Ensure that everyone has appropriate travel insurance and compile a list of nearby clinics or hospitals, particularly if traveling with individuals with known health issues.

Insider’s Tip: Compile a list of nearby clinics or hospitals, especially if traveling with individuals with known health issues.

11. Cultural Sensitivity and Local Customs

Educate the group on local customs and cultural sensitivities to ensure respectful and enriching interactions during your travels. This enhances the travel experience and promotes positive interactions with local communities. Learning basic phrases in the local language as a group activity can be fun and helpful in connecting with locals.

Insider’s Tip: Learn a few basic phrases in the local language as a group. It’s a fun activity and helps in connecting with locals.

12. Sustainable and Responsible Travel

Encourage sustainable and responsible travel practices within the group. This includes respecting local environments, wildlife, and communities. Choose eco-friendly activities and accommodations and discuss ways to minimize your group’s environmental impact.

Insider’s Tip: Choose eco-friendly activities and accommodations, and discuss ways to minimize your group’s environmental impact.

13. Documenting the Trip

Encourage group members to document the trip through various means, such as photos, videos, or journals. This not only creates lasting memories but also helps in sharing the experience with others post-trip. Setting up a shared digital album where everyone can contribute their photos and videos can be a great way to compile memories.

Insider’s Tip: Create a shared digital album where everyone can upload their photos and videos.

14. Feedback and Post-Trip Reflection

After the trip, gather feedback to understand what aspects were successful and what could be improved for future group travels. This feedback is invaluable for refining your group travel planning and management approach. Organizing a post-trip get-together can be a great way to share stories, photos, and discuss the overall experience.

Insider’s Tip: Organize a post-trip get-together to share stories, photos, and discuss the overall experience.

The Bottom Line

Organizing a group trip can be a complex but rewarding experience. It requires careful planning, clear communication, and flexibility. Remember, the goal is to create a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Always have a contingency plan for unexpected changes or challenges. Flexibility and a positive attitude are key to a successful group travel experience. With these tips and insights, you can successfully manage your group travel.

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The post Mastering Group Travel – 14 Tips for Conquering Your 2024 Adventures Together republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / G-Stock Studio.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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7 Best Senior Travel Groups

Senior travel groups, designed exclusively for curious older globetrotters, offer an unparalleled opportunity to venture on unforgettable travels, forge new friendships, and unlock the magic of exploration.

• Road Scholar  – Road Scholar is a non-profit organization that offers educational travel adventures for seniors. They provide a wide range of trips, including cultural explorations, outdoor adventures, and learning experiences worldwide.
• ElderTreks – ElderTreks specializes in adventure travel exclusively for people over 50. They offer small group tours to exotic and off-the-beaten-path destinations with a focus on cultural immersion and wildlife experiences.
• Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) – OAT is a travel company that caters to older travelers seeking immersive and active adventures. They offer small group tours to destinations globally.
• Saga Holidays – Saga is a British travel company that focuses on holidays for people over 50. They offer a variety of trips, including cruises, cultural tours, and beach vacations.
• Walking the World – Walking the World is a senior travel group that specializes in guided walking tours, offering enriching adventures for mature travelers seeking to explore the world’s natural wonders on foot.
• Women Traveling Together – Specializes in group travel for women, including many options specifically designed for women over 50, providing a supportive and fun travel environment.
• Globus Journeys – This company focuses on delivering memorable travel experiences with a variety of travel styles and destinations.

All these travel groups are tailored to cater to the diverse interests and desires of mature travelers.

What to Look for in a Senior Travel Group

When searching for a senior travel group, consider the following key factors to ensure an enjoyable and fulfilling travel experience.

Itinerary and Destinations

Look for a travel group that offers diverse and well-planned itineraries to destinations that align with your interests and preferences, whether it’s cultural exploration, nature-focused trips, or a mix of both.

Check the group size to ensure it is comfortable for you. Smaller groups often allow for more personalized experiences and flexibility during the trip.

Travel Pace and Physical Requirements

Assess the travel pace and physical demands of the trips offered to ensure they match your fitness level and mobility needs.

Tour Guides and Expertise

Review the credentials and experience of the tour guides leading the trips, as knowledgeable guides can greatly enhance your travel experience.

Accommodations

Check the quality and suitability of accommodations provided during the trip to ensure they meet your comfort standards.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Check the package details to understand what’s included (e.g., meals, activities, entrance fees) and what additional expenses you might need to budget for.

Group Dynamics and Social Activities

Consider the social aspect of the travel group, as meeting like-minded individuals can greatly enhance your journey, so look for groups that offer ample opportunities for group interactions and social activities.

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Read reviews and testimonials from previous travelers to gauge their satisfaction and overall experience with the travel group.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a senior travel group that aligns with your interests, preferences, and requirements, making your journey a memorable and enjoyable one.

Best Senior Travel Groups

Whether you’re a culture enthusiast yearning to dive into the past, a nature lover seeking the embrace of untouched landscapes, or a curious soul eager to discover the world’s hidden gems, these groups promise interesting and purposeful travel experiences.

Road Scholar

Road Scholar is a non-profit educational travel organization catering to seniors and their families (grandchildren). They offer educative and immersive adventures in diverse destinations worldwide with programs in nearly 80 countries and 50 states, on land and by ship. Participants engage in small-group learning experiences, exploring cultures, history, nature, and more. Expert-led programs provide unique access to renowned sites, while fostering camaraderie among like-minded travelers.

Tailored for mature adults, Road Scholar journeys accommodate various activity levels and interests, allowing participants to discover new horizons, build lasting friendships, and embrace a lifelong love of learning through curated educational travel experiences.

Read WHAT IS SKIP-GEN TRAVEL AND WHY IS IT TRENDING?

ElderTreks is an adventure travel company dedicated to offering extraordinary and specialized trips for people over 50. As a pioneer in senior adventure travel, ElderTreks focuses on providing small group tours to off-the-beaten-path and exotic destinations worldwide.

Their itineraries are designed to offer unique cultural encounters, wildlife experiences, and active adventures tailored to the interests and physical abilities of older adults. With a strong emphasis on cultural immersion and sustainable travel, ElderTreks provides an enriching and safe environment for mature travelers to explore the world, form lasting connections, and create treasured memories.

Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT)

Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) is a travel company specializing in small-group adventures for seasoned travelers seeking immersive and active experiences.

With a focus on exploring lesser-known destinations worldwide, OAT offers journeys designed to connect participants with local cultures, traditions, and people. Their itineraries often include off-the-beaten-path destinations and unique activities, allowing travelers to engage deeply with the places they visit.

OAT emphasizes sustainable and responsible travel, striving to benefit local communities and the environment. Their experienced trip leaders and small group settings foster camaraderie among travelers, creating a sense of community and a shared passion for discovery and cultural understanding.

Saga Holidays

Saga Holidays is a British travel company that specializes in providing vacations and tours exclusively for people aged 50 and over. With over 65 years of experience, Saga Holidays offers a wide range of holiday options, including escorted tours, ocean and river cruises, stays at handpicked hotels, and more.

Their itineraries cover various destinations, catering to different interests and preferences, from cultural explorations to leisurely beach vacations.

Saga Holidays aims to provide exceptional service and unforgettable experiences tailored to the needs and desires of mature travelers, ensuring they can explore the world with like-minded peers in a comfortable and enjoyable environment.

Walking the World

Walking the World, a close-knit team of avid explorers traverses the globe in search of life-enriching adventures, and their delight lies in crafting remarkable walking journeys.

Their tailored experiences intertwine active travel, cultural immersion, and savoring delectable global cuisines. Throughout these expeditions, trekkers encounter untold beauty, foster newfound friendships, rekindle the primal joy and wonder within, and rejuvenate muscles eager for the challenge.

Women Traveling Together

Women Traveling Together (WTT) Specializes in group travel for women, with many options designed for women over 50. WTT offers diverse itineraries worldwide, including cultural tours, adventure trips, and wellness retreats. 

Their small group sizes foster a supportive and fun environment, ideal for solo travelers seeking companionship and new experiences. The experienced guides ensure enjoyable and educational trips, making WTT a great choice for mature female travelers.

Globus Journeys

Globus Journeys offers award-winning guided tours across virtually every continent, including local favorites and off-the-beaten-path experiences. Their tours are designed for value-minded travelers, featuring hand-selected inclusions and world-class experiences. 

Globus also provides river cruises through Avalon Waterways, enhancing the cruise experience with fewer passengers and more personalized options. The company focuses on delivering memorable travel experiences with a variety of travel styles and destinations.

Read 10 SAFEST CITIES TO TRAVEL AS A WOMAN OVER 50 .

Also read 5 SURPRISING PLACES TO TRAVEL IN 2023 FOR SOLO WOMEN OVER 60 .

Remember to research each travel group carefully, read reviews, and consider your specific travel preferences and needs before choosing the best one for you.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you used senior travel groups in the past? Will you be booking your next travel adventure with a travel group? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Thanks for the reviews. Saga looks like the best fit for me then. Anyone have an experience of this company to share please. I will be travelling solo from NZ and want to visit Europe and would love to travel with similar age/likeminded people.

OAT will not work with your travel agent. You have to make all your own bookings and if there is a problem, you most likely will call and get a different person every time.

I would NOT recommend G Adventures. They cater to a younger crowd, often times the accommodations are like hostels and may be uncomfortable for older people. Also, if one has limited mobility, lots of walking and vehicles driving long distances are not adequate for older people.

Tags Travel Tips and Plans

Sandra Roussy

Sandra is the middle-aged woman you hear about who sheds everything she owns and sets out into the world to rediscover and redefine herself. After more than twenty years spent in the fashion industry designing collections for brands such as La Senza, Victoria’s Secret, and JACOB Lingerie, she shifted her path and pursued her longtime passion for writing, traveling, and photography. Sandra was published in the NY Times best selling book Eat Pray Love Made Me Do It. A deeply personal essay hand-picked by Elizabeth Gilbert about loss, facing fears, and going after dreams. Visit her website: www.sandraroussy.com

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6-Day Outer Hebrides and Isle of Skye Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

TICKET PRICES STARTING FROM

Taxes and fees will be calculated at checkout

Explore Scotland’s Outer Hebrides and the Isle of Skye on a 6-day tour from Edinburgh and discover the islands’ enchanting scenery, history and people! Windswept and rugged, the region comprises a string of beautiful islands, the largest being the isles of Lewis and Harris, both of which are visited on the tour. See historical sites including the *Callanish Stones and Dun Carloway Broch; incredible scenery at the Butt of Lewis and Bhaltos; and sites such as Dunvegan Castle and Glendale Castle on the Isle of Skye. Arnol Blackhouse entry included in the tour price. The experience includes your choice of guesthouse or hotel accommodation in Ullapool, Stornaway in the Outer Hebrides and Portree on the Isle of Skye. Discover Scotland's most beautiful landscapes on this tour to the Outer Hebrides and Skye.

Ticket Options

2 Options Available

B&B Twin Room: $1189.46

Stay in twin room (2 x single beds) guesthouse accommodation. If you require multiple rooms, please add these to the basket separately.

B&B Single Occupancy Room: $1517.13

Stay in single room (1 x single bed) guesthouse accommodation.

Ticket Information

• Mobile or paper ticket accepted
• One per booking

What's Included

• Entrance Fee: Arnol Blackhouse
• Transport by top of the range 16-seat Mercedes minicoach
• Driver/guide
• 5 nights en-suite accommodation with breakfast
• Round-trip ferry transport to the Outer Hebrides and Isle of Skye

What's not Included

• Meals and refreshments: Unless specified
• Admission fees: Unless specified

Cancellation Policy

• If you cancel at least 21 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 21 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

Additional Info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Tour timings are for reference only and may change (subject to group's interests).
• Minimum age for travel on this tour is 5 years
• Booking three or more people? We can accommodate up to 8 guests in a group, please add each required room to your basket separately
• When booking three or more people, efforts will be made to book a combination of suitable rooms (double/twin/family). Preferences should be noted upon booking in the Special Requirements section
• Passengers are allowed to carry 20kg of luggage (44lbs); one medium sized suitcase/bag similar to airline standard carry-on luggage (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus a small bag for onboard personal items.
• Arnol Blackhouse – We reserve tickets for you. Included in the tour price.
• Eilean Donan Castle - We reserve tickets for you. If you want to visit this attraction, please purchase your ticket whilst on tour.
• *Please note the Calanais Standing stone site will be closed between 1st September 2024 and 31st March 2025 and we will be unable to visit the site during these dates. We apologise for any inconvenience.

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The Spirits Business

Glenturret reveals 2024 core range.

Lalique Group-owned The Glenturret Distillery has unveiled its 2024 core collection of eight single malts.

Created by The Glenturret’s whisky maker, Bob Dalgarno, the 2024 collection ’embodies the distillery’s core values of provenance, prowess and passion’.

“This year has been momentous for us at The Glenturret, marked by the opening of Aberturret Estate House and the launch of Aberturret Gin this spring. A major highlight, however, is the unveiling of our new 2024 release,” said Jennie Baernreuther, managing director at The Glenturret.

“Bob and the team have crafted eight outstanding whiskies, with an exciting new distillery-only exclusive 14 Years Old.”

The 2024 Releases include eight single malts from the Highland distillery, ranging from non-age statement Triple Wood and seven- to 30-year-old whiskies.

The Glenturret Triple Wood has been aged in a combination of Bourbon, American oak and Sherry-seasoned European oak casks. The expression is offered at 44% ABV and retails for £62 (US$81).

For 2024, The Glenturret is offering two Peat Smoked expressions: a seven-year-old, bottled at 46% ABV and retailing for £62 (US$81), and a 10-year-old, bottled at 48.4% ABV with an RRP of £67 (US$87).

The 12-year-old single malt is aged in American and European oak casks with an oloroso and Pedro Ximénez Sherry influence. Bottled at 46.4% ABV, the expression retails for £70 (US$91).

Only available at the distillery, the 14-year-old Peat Smoked is limited to 1,800 bottles and offered at 48% ABV for £150 (US$195).

To finish the core range, the 15-year-old is bottled at 50.8% and has an RRP of £165 (US$215).

As part of ‘The Extremely Scarce’ premium range, The Glenturret has released a 25-year-old single malt, limited to 210 bottles and offered at 41% ABV and £1,400 (US$1,320), and a 30-year-old expression limited to 300 bottles, presented at 40.6% ABV and retailing for £2,100 (US$2,735).

The 2024 Releases are now available on the distillery’s website and at selected global retailers.

Established in 1763, The Glenturret is Scotland’s oldest operational whisky distillery.

In 2019, Silvio Denz, owner of Lalique Group, and Hansjorg Wyss acquired the distillery . They sought to establish The Glenturret as a renowned single malt producer instead of making whisky mainly for blends.

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1. Understanding your finances

2. effective budgeting strategies, 3. reducing everyday expenses, 4. smart financial habits, 5. making extra money, 6. utilizing savings tools, how to save money effectively: 6 smart savings strategies.

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• To save money, evaluate your expenses and see if there are areas where you can limit spending.
• Consider whether your money is in the right place and review interest-earning bank account options.
• If you're saving for a specific purpose, set practical guidelines for goals.

Whether you're beginning to put away money for an emergency fund or ready to save for a down payment on a house , reviewing your savings habits can be integral to reaching your financial goals. 

There are several key steps and strategies to use when saving. You need to understand your finances, create a budgeting plan, start reducing spending, build an emergency fund , and practice other smart financial habits. You should also understand what tools are available to you, from investing, budgeting, and banking tools to side hustles and other ways of making additional money.

Here are six steps and strategies to saving money.

Assessing your income and expenses

To start saving money, you first have to look at where your money is going. 

"Oftentimes, people find it difficult to save because they try to do that after they take care of a lot of spending — after they pay their mortgage , rent, car payment, their groceries, etc. They find that they may have nothing left. I always suggest tracking your spending because that helps you identify money that can be saved," says Patrina Dixon, CFEI and founder of It'$ My Money .

Evaluate your spending to see if there are any specific categories where you can make some monthly adjustments.

Setting realistic financial goals

Maybe you want to save for particular savings goals , like a vacation or new car.

To help make your goal more tangible, Scott Stanley, CFP and founder of Pharos Wealth , says you can estimate expenses for your goal and set a timeframe. Then, you can review your budget and see how much you can save each month to make the goal more tangible. 

If you realize it's becoming challenging to save for your goal, consider resetting your expectations by extending your timeline or selecting something with a more practical cost.

The role of budgeting in saving money

Budgeting can help you identify how much money you have to spend, as well as what expenses you should spend that money on. Some expenses will be necessary to cover every month, like rent or utility bills; these are considered essential expenses .

Nonessential expenses are things you don't necessarily need to pay every month and are dependent on your wants, like entertainment and eating out. Your budget will help you determine what nonessential expenses you can afford, and which ones you need to cut back on or get rid of entirely.

Creating a monthly budget

There are a few common budgeting tips you can use to structure your spending when you're learning how to budget .

One example is the 50/30/20 budget rule . In this budgeting strategy, you spend 50% of your income on your necessities, like housing, transportation, and utilities, 30% on nonessentials, and 20% on savings, investments, and debt repayments. This is a flexible rule you can tweak to fit your situation, but it might not work for every circumstance, especially if you live in an area with high cost of living.

Another common budgeting strategy is the 70/20/10 budget rule . With this strategy, you'll spend 70% of your income on essential and nonessential expenses, 20% on savings and investments, and 10% on debt payments or donations. Like the 50/30/20 rule, this is a flexible rule that doesn't require you to keep careful track of every expense. If you want to focus on debt repayment, or if donating part of your income each paycheck is important to you, this might be a good strategy for you.

If you've kept up with a consistent budget, check in on your progress. If something doesn't go to plan, you can always modify it. You'll also want to make adjustments if you recently received a raise or bonus. 

Identifying areas to cut costs

Once you've decided on a budgeting strategy, you can identify places you might be overspending.

Reducing non-essential expenses doesn't necessarily mean you have to eliminate things that bring you joy. Instead, Dixon recommends reducing how frequently you're making that particular purchase.

For example, let's say you are a gourmet coffee aficionado. If you buy gourmet coffee from a cafe every day, you could alternatively go once or twice a week and contribute more to your savings.

Budgeting tools and apps

There are lots of budgeting tools, such as money saving apps and personal finance software programs , that can help you build your budget. If you don't want to use online apps or software, you can always use a notebook to track your expenses.

Using a budgeting app can help you keep track of your expenses without having to do it all manually. Budgeting apps can also help show you areas where you might be overspending. Depending on what app you use, you might also have access to other features, like monthly bill reminders, savings goals planning, and more.

If you would like to track your progress toward a specific financial goal, you might like a savings account with budgeting tools . Some high-yield savings accounts let you label and track progress for goals. Another option is to open a secondary savings account to track your progress.

Saving on groceries

If you're looking for ways to curb your spending on groceries, Dixon suggests planning out shopping trips beforehand to make you get everything you need all at once. This could also be helpful with saving gas if you would normally make frequent grocery trips or don't live near grocery stores.

Cutting utility costs

There are several ways to cut utility costs, although some of them require upfront expenses. 

One way to cut utility costs is to bump your heat down a few degrees in the winter, or raise your thermostat by a few degrees in the summer. You can also consider turning your heater or air conditioner off or down at night, if the temperatures in your area permit it. 

If you're interested in saving money long-term and don't mind spending some money, consider investing in energy-efficient appliances or solar panels.

Lowering transportation expenses

If your area offers public transit, using that might be less expensive than paying for the gas you would use to get somewhere — especially if your city's public transit system is robust enough to get rid of your car entirely. If your city is bikeable, replacing your car with a bike might provide similar savings.

While this option definitely isn't possible for everyone, being able to avoid car payments, expensive maintenance fees, and gas costs can save you a lot over time. Using public transit or biking might also help you avoid using ridesharing apps, which can get very expensive over time. 

The benefits of an emergency fund

Having an emergency fund is vital for financial security. If you lose your job or have a surprise medical bill , an emergency fund can keep you from going into debt or having to dip into money you were saving for something else. It can also help ease money-related stress, since you know you have funds to fall back on.

You should keep roughly three to six months' worth of expenses in your emergency fund. You might want to keep more than that saved to budget for healthcare costs or other emergencies if you're more likely to run into them.

Putting your emergency fund in a high-yield savings account can also help you earn extra money off of your emergency fund.

Prioritizing high-interest debt repayment

Debt, especially debt with a high interest rate like credit card debt, can build up over time. If you're not paying off your debt fast ,  you could end up just paying the debt's interest without touching the principal, or the original money you borrowed. If this happens, you won't make any progress towards being debt-free. Make sure to budget enough money for debt repayment to avoid this, and try to pay off debts as fast as you can to avoid paying too much in interest.

If you have several debts, consider prioritizing repaying the ones with the highest interest first. This is a debt repayment strategy called the "avalanche method," and it can help you save money in the long run. You could also use the "snowball method," where you pay off your smallest debts first. Analyze your debts to decide whether the avalanche method or the snowball method is the better choice for you.

Investing in your future

It's important to start saving for retirement as soon as possible, and investing can be a great way to do that. Contributing regularly to something like a Roth IRA can ensure that you have money to depend on later in life. Not only will you have the money you put into the Roth IRA, but you'll also have whatever money you made off of investing, too.

You can also use investing to pay for long-term financial goals, like buying a house. Just be aware that investing comes with risk, and it's possible that you'll lose money.

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Side hustles

Finding ways to make money outside of your job can help make sure you always have some money coming in. There are several ways to find fast cash , including money-making apps, freelancing, or using gig economy apps.

While you're unlikely to earn lots of money from them, money-making apps can help you earn some money, and the tasks they offer don't usually require much from you except for time.

Freelancing is more likely to provide a strong extra income stream, but can be inconsistent and might require more investment from you. There are several online freelancing platforms you can use to get started, like Fivver and Upwork. Similarly, gig economy apps like Uber or TaskRabbit could provide an extra income stream, but also frequently require you to provide your own equipment.

Selling unused items

You can use apps like Depop, Poshmark, or Facebook Marketplace to sell things you already have but don't need. Keep in mind that apps like this sometimes charge a fee to use them.

If selling your stuff online doesn't appeal to you, you could throw a garage sale to get rid of things you don't need anymore.

High-yield savings accounts

High-yield savings accounts are similar to regular savings accounts that you'd find at brick-and-mortar banks, but they offer more competitive interest rates. Putting your money in a high-yield savings account is a great way to make money off of your savings without risk.

The best savings account option for you will likely depend on when you'll need to access your money. Savings accounts typically have a cap on how many times you can withdraw your cash per month, although some don't. While it can be inconvenient to not have access to your money at any time, this can also be a perk if you don't want to be tempted to dip into your savings.

For money you need access to more regularly, a checking account is a better choice. You probably won't get as good an interest rate — most checking accounts don't earn interest at all — but you'll have much easier access to your money.

"The majority of your direct deposits may go into there so that you can pay your car payment, rent, mortgage, whatever the various bills that you need to pay," explains Dixon. 

• Certificates of deposit

Like high-yield savings accounts, CDs are all interest-earning bank accounts that can help grow your money.

CDs are different from high-yield savings accounts in two key ways. First, you generally can't withdraw money from your CD after you put it in. CDs last for a specific length of time, referred to as its "term length," and you generally only get access to your money again at the end of that term length. Second, while savings accounts have a variable interest rate that can change at any time, CD rates are generally fixed, and will stay the same for however long your term length is.

Certificates of deposit are great for saving for specific long-term goals, especially if you know how long you want to save for. They're also good for ensuring you keep a good interest rate for a long time. However, if interest rates rise after you open a CD, you might be stuck with a worse interest rate than you would have with a savings account.

Automated savings plans

Automating your savings can be a great way to ensure you're always making progress on your savings goals. Stanley recommends setting up an automatic transfer from your checking account to a high-yield savings account after each paycheck. That way, you won't forget and accidentally overspend money you were planning on saving.

By assessing your income and expenses, making and sticking to budget, and making use of different financial tools, you'll be able to save money and start building towards your financial goals. If you follow these tips, you can start saving for the future, even if you don't think you have much money to set aside.

Saving money tips FAQs

The amount you should save will vary based on your income, expenses, and financial goals. One common budgeting strategy is the 50/30/20 rule, where 20% of your income goes to savings and debt repayment. This number can be adjusted to fit your needs; the goal is to start with a manageable amount and increase it when you can.

Start by reviewing your expenses and identifying any nonessential items that can be reduced or eliminated, as even small cuts can add up over time. If you can, consider treating savings as a non-negotiable expense by automating a small money transfer to a savings account each payday.

Look for an account with a high interest rate, low fees, and good customer service. Online banks often offer higher interest rates than brick-and-mortar banks. Also consider whether you want your money to be easily accessible, or whether you want it to be a little harder to get access to.

Yes, investing can be a form of saving, especially concerning retirement plans or other long-term financial goals. Investing often earns you a higher return than a savings account, but comes with a higher risk. 

Making clear, specific financial goals can help you stay motivated to save money. Examples of clear goals are saving to buy a house, go on vacation, or build an emergency fund. Make sure to track your progress and celebrate milestones along the way.

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Chaos and Confusion: Tech Outage Causes Disruptions Worldwide

Airlines, hospitals and people’s computers were affected after CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity company, sent out a flawed software update.

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By Adam Satariano ,  Paul Mozur ,  Kate Conger and Sheera Frenkel

• July 19, 2024

Airlines grounded flights. Operators of 911 lines could not respond to emergencies. Hospitals canceled surgeries. Retailers closed for the day. And the actions all traced back to a batch of bad computer code.

A flawed software update sent out by a little-known cybersecurity company caused chaos and disruption around the world on Friday. The company, CrowdStrike , based in Austin, Texas, makes software used by multinational corporations, government agencies and scores of other organizations to protect against hackers and online intruders.

But when CrowdStrike sent its update on Thursday to its customers that run Microsoft Windows software, computers began to crash.

The fallout, which was immediate and inescapable, highlighted the brittleness of global technology infrastructure. The world has become reliant on Microsoft and a handful of cybersecurity firms like CrowdStrike. So when a single flawed piece of software is released over the internet, it can almost instantly damage countless companies and organizations that depend on the technology as part of everyday business.

“This is a very, very uncomfortable illustration of the fragility of the world’s core internet infrastructure,” said Ciaran Martin, the former chief executive of Britain’s National Cyber Security Center and a professor at the Blavatnik School of Government at Oxford University.

A cyberattack did not cause the widespread outage, but the effects on Friday showed how devastating the damage can be when a main artery of the global technology system is disrupted. It raised broader questions about CrowdStrike’s testing processes and what repercussions such software firms should face when flaws in their code cause major disruptions.

How a Software Update Crashed Computers Around the World

Here’s a visual explanation for how a faulty software update crippled machines.

While outages are common, often caused by technical errors or cyberattacks, the scale of what unfolded on Friday was unparalleled.

“This is historic,” said Mikko Hypponen, the chief research officer at WithSecure, a cybersecurity company. “We haven’t had an incident like this.”

George Kurtz, CrowdStrike’s chief executive, said that the company took responsibility for the mistake and that a software fix had been released. He warned that it could be some time before tech systems returned to normal.

“We’re deeply sorry for the impact that we’ve caused to customers, to travelers, to anyone affected by this,” he said in an interview on Friday on NBC’s “Today” show.

Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s chief executive, blamed CrowdStrike and said the company was working to help customers “bring their systems back online.” Apple and Linux machines were not affected by the CrowdStrike software update.

A White House official said the administration was in “regular contact” with CrowdStrike and had convened agencies to assess the impact of the outage on the federal government’s operations.

CrowdStrike, founded in 2011 by Mr. Kurtz and others, has built a reputation over the years as a firm that could solve even the toughest security problems. It was tapped to investigate a 2014 hack of Sony Pictures and the 2016 hack of the Democratic National Committee, which exposed Hillary Clinton’s emails.

But problems stemming from CrowdStrike’s products have surfaced before. In April, the company pushed a software update to customers running the Linux system that crashed computers, according to an internal CrowdStrike report sent to customers about the incident, which was obtained by The New York Times.

The bug, which did not appear to be related to Friday’s outage, took CrowdStrike nearly five days to fix, the report said. CrowdStrike promised to improve its testing process going forward, according to the report.

On Thursday, the tech issues began when Microsoft dealt with an outage on its cloud service system, Azure, which affected some airlines .

Then CrowdStrike sent an update for its software called Falcon Sensor , which scans a computer for intrusions and signs of hacking. If everything had gone according to plan, CrowdStrike’s software would have received minor improvements and customers would have hardly noticed.

Instead, when CrowdStrike’s faulty update reached computers running Microsoft Windows, it caused the machines to shut down and then endlessly reboot. Workers around the world were greeted with what is known as the “blue screen of death” on their computers. Insufficient testing at CrowdStrike was a likely source of the problem, experts said.

As computers restarted themselves over and over, known as the “doom loop,” there was little CrowdStrike could do to fix the problem. Tech staff at affected companies were faced with a choice: walk around to each machine and remove the bit of flawed code, or wait and hope for a solution from CrowdStrike.

The problems cascaded instantly. At Sydney Airport in Australia, travelers encountered delays and cancellations, as did those in Hong Kong, India, Dubai, Berlin and Amsterdam. At least five U.S. airlines — Allegiant Air, American, Delta, Spirit and United — grounded all flights for a time, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

How the airline cancellations rippled around the world (and across time zones)

Share of canceled flights at 25 airports on Friday

50% of flights

Ai r po r t

Bengalu r u K empeg o wda

Dhaka Shahjalal

Minneapolis-Saint P aul

Stuttga r t

Melbou r ne

Be r lin B r anden b urg

London City

Amsterdam Schiphol

Chicago O'Hare

Raleigh−Durham

B r adl e y

Cha r lotte

Reagan National

Philadelphia

1:20 a.m. ET

Health care systems were crippled, forcing hospitals to cancel noncritical surgeries. In the United States, 911 lines went down in multiple states, though many of those problems were being resolved later on Friday. Britain’s National Health Service also reported issues.

“We knew we had a catastrophe on our hands,” said B.J. Moore, the chief information officer for Providence Health, which has 52 hospitals in seven states. He said 15,000 servers were down and 40,000 out of Providence’s 150,000 computers were affected, adding that it was “worse than a cyberattack."

The United Parcel Service and FedEx said they were affected. Customers with TD Bank, one of the biggest banks in the United States, reported issues accessing their online accounts. Several state and municipal court systems closed for the day because of the outage.

At CrowdStrike, engineers described an atmosphere of confusion as the company struggled to contain the damage.

Executives urged employees not to speculate on why the mistake happened and directed them to focus on a fix for the computers that were affected, said two engineers who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Computers not connected to the cloud required a physical fix to the error introduced by CrowdStrike, they said, which could take weeks.

Within several hours of the faulty software going out, CrowdStrike sent out a software patch as a fix that would stop computers from endlessly rebooting.

Lukasz Olejnik, an independent cybersecurity researcher and consultant, said the outage would still take time to resolve because a suggested solution for some organizations involved rebooting each computer manually into safe mode, deleting a specific file and then restarting the computer.

While that is a relatively straightforward process, security experts said, it may not be easy to do at scale. Those with organized and well-staffed information technology teams could potentially fix the issues more quickly, Mr. Olejnik said.

Unlike the iPhone software updates that Apple sends to customers, the incident highlighted information technology systems that operate in the background. The CrowdStrike issues were compounded because the software being updated performed critical cybersecurity tasks, giving it access to scan a computer to look for viruses and other malicious attacks.

Cybersecurity tools operate quietly in the background to defend computers against attacks. The software is frequently updated with new defenses as hackers develop fresh methods of attack, but constant updates mean there are many opportunities for mistakes to happen.

“One of the tricky parts of security software is it needs to have absolute privileges over your entire computer in order to do its job,” said Thomas Parenty, a cybersecurity consultant and a former U.S. National Security Agency analyst. “So if there’s something wrong with it, the consequences are vastly greater than if your spreadsheet doesn’t work.”

On Friday, the stock price of CrowdStrike, which reported $3 billion in annual revenue last year, closed down 11 percent.

CrowdStrike’s stock price so far this year

The company faces questions about what liabilities it and other software makers face for major disruptions and cybersecurity incidents. The consequences for significant outages can be so minimal that companies are not motivated to make more fundamental changes, experts said. While a car manufacturer would face stiff penalties for faulty brakes, a software provider can often issue another update and move on.

“Until software companies have to pay a price for faulty products, we will be no safer tomorrow than we are today,” Mr. Parenty said.

Meaghan Tobin , Aaron Krolik and Jill Cowan contributed reporting.

Adam Satariano is a technology correspondent for The Times, based in London. More about Adam Satariano

Paul Mozur is the global technology correspondent for The Times, based in Taipei. Previously he wrote about technology and politics in Asia from Hong Kong, Shanghai and Seoul. More about Paul Mozur

Kate Conger is a technology reporter based in San Francisco. She can be reached at [email protected]. More about Kate Conger

Sheera Frenkel is a reporter based in the San Francisco Bay Area, covering the ways technology impacts everyday lives with a focus on social media companies, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, Telegram and WhatsApp. More about Sheera Frenkel