I Want to Travel But Not Alone – Try This!
If you’re one of those people who want to travel but not go it alone, don’t worry! There are plenty of other options.
We understand that the idea of traveling the world solo, especially for the first time, can be a bit daunting. The good news is that you don’t have to!
From group trips to meeting people in hostels, there are plenty of ways to see the world without going solo.
Keep reading to learn more about 5 different ways to travel the world without going solo.
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5 Ways to Travel the World Without Going Solo
From signing up for group trips to meeting people in hostels, here are five ways to travel the world without going solo:
1. Group Trips
If you’re thinking about taking a trip abroad but don’t want to travel solo, consider signing up for a group tour.
There are tons of different companies that offer group tours of all different types, so you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for you.
Whether you’re interested in a food-focused tour of Italy or a hiking trip through Patagonia, there’s a group tour out there for you.
What Are the Benefits of Going on a Group Tour?
One of the best things about going on a group tour is that you don’t have to worry about planning everything yourself.
Traveling can be stressful, and it’s nice to have someone else take care of the logistics for you. When you’re on a group tour, all you have to do is show up and enjoy yourself!
Another great thing about group tours is that they’re a great way to meet new people.
If you’re the type of person who loves meeting new people and making friends while traveling, then a group tour is definitely for you. You’ll get to bond with your fellow travelers over shared experiences, and you might even make some friends for life.
What Are Some Things to Keep in Mind Before Booking a Group Tour?
Of course, there are some things to keep in mind before booking any trip, let alone a group tour.
First of all, be realistic about your expectations.
It’s important to research the company you’re thinking of booking with and read reviews from past travelers. That way, you’ll know what type of experience you can expect.
It’s also important to be aware of the different styles of group tours before booking one.
Some tours are very structured and include activities like guided sightseeing tours and scheduled meals, while others are more relaxed and give travelers more free time to explore on their own.
Choose the style of tour that best suits your needs and interests.
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Are Group Trips Cheaper Than Solo Travel?
Group travel is often more affordable than traveling solo.
When you book a group tour, you can often get discounts on accommodation, transportation, and activities.
Plus, because everything is already planned out for you, so there’s no need to spend money on things like guidebooks or tickets to attractions.
There are usually some meals included too, so that will save you a little bit on spending money as you go.
Our Recommended Group Trip Tour Companies
There are a whole range of tour companies that cater to different age groups and needs.
If you’re 18 – 39 years old, here are my favorite group trip tour companies:
2. Meeting People in Hostels
If you’re not interested in a group trip but still want to meet other travelers, staying in hostels is an easy way to meet people.
Hostels are designed for backpackers and travelers, so they’re full of like-minded people who are looking to meet new friends from all over the world.
Why Are Hostels Great for Meeting People?
Hostels are designed for backpackers and travelers, so they’re full of like-minded people who are looking to meet new friends from all over the world.
Whether you’re staying in a dorm or a private room, the culture of hostels is for people to hang out and meet each other.
Most of the time there will also be events organized such as pub crawls, restaurant visits, and local experiences. This is a great way to bond with some of the people you’ll be staying with.
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And, if you’re ever feeling lonely, you can just head down to the common room and start chatting with other guests. Don’t worry – people are friendly!
You’ll often even find that the people you meet in hostels will be friends for life, and you’ll continue to do future trips together too.
How to Find a Hostel
There are plenty of hostels all over the world, so you’re sure to find one in whatever destination you’re visiting.
To find a hostel, you can use sites like:
Just make sure to read the reviews before booking so you know what to expect.
3. Work Exchange Programs
If you’re looking for a more immersive travel experience, working exchange programs might be right up your alley. With work exchange programs, you work in exchange for room and board at your destination.
This is a great option if you really want to get to know a place and its culture by living and working alongside locals.
Work exchange programs are offered in all sorts of industries, from hospitality to farming, so there’s sure to be something that interests you.
One of the best parts about work exchange programs is that they provide a great opportunity to meet new people!
What Are Work Exchange Programs?
With work exchange programs, you trade your time and skills for lodging and sometimes meals.
There are many different types of work exchange opportunities available all over the world.
Most work exchanges last for about 2 weeks to 3 months, although some may be shorter or longer.
Some common examples of work exchanges include:
- WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms)
- Helping out at a hostel or guesthouse
- Au pairing
- Working on a ranch or farm
- Teaching English abroad
Of course, there are many other types of work exchange opportunities available in a wide variety of industries.
Why Travel Solo With a Work Exchange Program?
Work exchange programs provide travelers with an opportunity to really immerse themselves in the local culture.
When you live and work alongside locals, you quickly learn about the day-to-day realities of life in that place. It’s an eye-opening experience that simply isn’t possible when traveling as a tourist.
In addition, working exchange programs offer solo travelers a great opportunity to meet new people. You’ll be spending a lot of time with your co-workers, so it’s only natural that you’ll form strong bonds with them over the course of your stay.
These relationships can be invaluable when traveling solo as they provide both companionship and local insight.
How to Find Work Exchange Programs
The best way to find work exchange programs is through popular work exchange sites, such as:
Another way is to do the research yourself, with an internet search using keywords like “work exchange,” “work trade,” “volunteer abroad,” etc.
Once you’ve found a few programs that interest you, reach out to the hosts directly and inquire about availability.
Another great way to find work exchange opportunities is through word-of-mouth recommendations from friends or family who have participated in similar programs in the past.
If someone you know has had a good experience with a particular program, they’ll be more than happy to tell you all about it!
Types of Work Exchange Programs
There are all sorts of different work exchange programs available to travelers these days.
You can find programs that focus on everything from sustainable farming to hospitality and beyond. Some work exchange programs even offer the opportunity to turn your travel into a full-time job.
Benefits of Work Exchange Programs
In addition to providing an opportunity to meet new people and learn about different cultures, work exchange programs also offer lots of other benefits.
For instance, many work exchange programs provide participants with free or discounted accommodation and meals. This means that you’ll be able to save money while you travel, which is always a bonus.
Plus, many employers will also provide their workers with free training in the specific skills required for the job.
So not only will you have the opportunity to learn more about the place you’re visiting, but you’ll also come away with some new skills that you can use in your future travels.
4. Online Communities
Online communities can be a great way to connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about travel, even if you’re not ready (or able) to take the plunge and travel solo just yet.
Here are just a few of the many online communities that can help you connect with other travelers.
Facebook Groups
One of the best ways to meet people while traveling is by joining Facebook groups. There are tons of different groups for solo travelers, and they’re a great way to connect with people who have similar interests.
Once you join a group, you can start chatting with other members and planning group trips. This is also a great way to get tips on where to go and what to do in your destination.
There are also countless specific Facebook groups for solo female travelers, including Girl Gone International, Solo Travel Destination Guides, and Solo Female Travelers.
These groups are great for finding travel buddies, getting recommendations from other women who have been where you’re going, and connecting with women from all over the world.
Nomadlist
Nomadlist is an online community for digital nomads – people who make a living working online from anywhere in the world.
The site has forums where users can ask questions, share stories, and connect with other nomads.
Even if you’re not ready to take the plunge into full-time remote work, Nomadlist can be a great resource for finding out more about the digital nomad lifestyle and connecting with other travelers.
Bumble BFF / Tinder Social
You might think of Bumble and Tinder as dating apps, but they can also be used to make friends – especially if you’re traveling solo.
Bumble BFF allows users to swipe right on potential friends instead of romantic partners.
Tinder Social does something similar; it lets users create groups so they can swipe right on other groups that interest them.
This is a great way to connect with other solo travelers (or just make some new friends) before heading off on your next adventure.
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5. Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing is a great way to meet new people and see the world, without having to go it alone.
Keep reading to learn more about how you can use Couchsurfing to travel the world and make some new friends along the way.
What is Couchsurfing?
Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with locals who are willing to offer up their couch (or sometimes just an extra bed) for the night.
In exchange for a place to stay, couchsurfers often help out around the house, cook their hosts dinner, pitch in for groceries, etc. It’s not always expected, but it’s a nice touch if you offer it.
Couchsurfing is a great way to meet new people, learn about different cultures, and see the world on a tight budget.
How Does it Work?
If you’re interested in becoming a couchsurfer, the first thing you need to do is sign up for an account on the Couchsurfing website.
Once you’ve created your profile, you can start reaching out to potential hosts in the places you’d like to visit.
Be sure to read each host’s profile carefully before sending a request – you want to make sure that you’ll be a good fit for each other.
Once you’ve found a few hosts that you think would be a good match, send them a message and let them know when you’ll be in town and what kind of activities you’re interested in doing.
If everything works out, you’ll have a place to stay and some new friends in no time!
What Are the Benefits of Couchsurfing?
In addition to being a great way to meet new people, Couchsurfing also has some other great benefits.
For one, it’s an affordable way to travel – after all, there’s no need to pay for a hotel room when you can crash on someone’s couch for free!
Couchsurfing also gives you a more authentic experience that you just can’t get from staying in a hotel.
When you stay with a local, they’ll be able to show you all the best hidden gems that only the locals know about.
And last but not least, Couchsurfing is eco-friendly—it cuts down on carbon emissions by lowering the demand for hotel rooms.
How Do I Join Couchsurfing?
Joining Couchsurfing is easy! Just create a profile on the website or app and start searching for hosts in the city you’re interested in visiting.
When you find a host that looks like a good fit, send them a message introducing yourself and asking if they’d be open to hosting you.
Before You Go
It’s also important to exchange messages with your host before your trip so that you can get to know each other better and make sure that everything is still on track.
And finally, don’t forget to bring a small gift for your host! A bottle of wine or their favorite candy is always appreciated.
How to Travel Without Going Solo
These are only a few of the endless possibilities for traveling the world without going solo.
So, if the thought of going it alone on your next trip gives you the jitters, don’t worry. There are plenty of other ways to travel and see the world.
Whether you want to join a group tour or meet people in hostels, do a work exchange or try out Couchsurfing, there are options for everyone.
All it takes is a little bit of research and planning and you’ll be on your way to seeing the world in no time – with new friends too!
Did this article help give you some ideas about how to travel without going solo? Let us know in the comments below!
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