Many solo travelers who inquire with us about our small group tours express concerns about feeling like the odd one out or being left behind on a group trip. While we understand these concerns, the feedback we’ve received from solo travelers on our tours actually gives us an opposing perspective. Because of our micro-sized groups (6-12 on each trip), the types of experiences we participate in, and the 24/7 host with you at all times, solo travelers say they feel comfortable and connected with their new friends when they travel with TTLT. At the end of the trip, they shared that joining our small group tour was perfect for giving them the trip they were seeking.

Here we will break down the reasons why small group trips are an ideal fit for solo travelers, from offering a travel experience that fosters connection to off-the-beaten-path experiences.

1. Enhanced Social Interaction

Just because you’re a solo traveler doesn't necessarily mean you have to travel alone. Our small group tours bring together like-minded individuals who share a passion for culture, food, and local connection. By joining a small group trip with TTLT, solo travelers gain an instant travel community that encourages them to form new friendships and connect with fellow adventurers from around the world. At the same time, some free time is included in the itinerary so you can still explore on your own if that is something you enjoy.

2. Safety in Numbers

Our small group trips offer a reassuring solution by providing a safety net of fellow travelers and a knowledgeable 24/7 host. Traveling in a small group minimizes risks, as your host and local guides will look out to make sure no one gets lost, and provide a sense of security while sharing their local knowledge.

One of our solo travelers, April, was new to traveling and had dreamed about traveling to Italy but didn’t want to go by herself. She had never traveled internationally, was nervous about transportation options, not speaking the local language, and wanted a little more guidance and reassurance for her first trip. She joined our Heart of Italy group trip and gained confidence in her traveling abilities. By the time she left us, she was ready to hop on the train on her own, and navigate travel as a pro! Since our trip together, she’s confidently traveled to other global destinations.

3. Expertly Planned Itineraries

Planning a trip can be overwhelming and time-consuming. Our small group tours take away the hassle of organizing every detail, as our team of travel experts designs comprehensive itineraries that encompass the best sights, and comfortable accommodations, and most importantly - truly local experiences. This allows solo travelers to immerse themselves in the destination rather than fretting over logistics.

Audrey joined our Taste of Peru tour because she wanted to see Machu Picchu and explore the Sacred Valley, Lima, and Cusco but didn’t want to handle the logistics of finding a local guide or transportation between each of these locations on her own. Our trip allowed her to soak up every minute of her trip and be present during each unique experience because she didn’t have to keep track of where she was going next, or how to get there. She previously traveled with us to Italy and knew that joining our group trip as a solo traveler meant she would be freed from planning logistics so she could maximize every moment in Peru.

4. Access to Unique Experiences

Our small group trips offer exclusive access to extraordinary experiences that are not possible to arrange independently. We have established relationships with local friends and businesses, who grant us access to hidden gems, dinner parties in their homes, and private factory and farm tours. These immersive experiences provide solo travelers with the opportunity to delve deeper into the local culture, forge meaningful connections, and create lasting memories that are beyond the average tourist’s itinerary. From culinary adventures to off-the-beaten-path excursions, our small group trips open doors to experiences that would otherwise remain undiscovered.

Roberta is a seasoned traveler and has been to many different countries on a variety of trips. She had even traveled to Italy a handful of times before she joined our Heart of Italy trip. What drew her to our group trips was the undiscovered, extraordinary experiences that she would not be able to arrange on her own and doors that were opened through personal friends and relationships that allowed her to be a part of local culture and not just observe it. She got to experience a side of Italy she had not seen before.

5. Shared Cost Benefits

By joining our small group trips, solo travelers can take advantage of shared costs, including meals, transportation, and group activities. Additionally, our small group trips are all-inclusive which means we even cover tips and gratuity for guides and drivers, and all transportation within the trip. We make travel easy and seamless so you can focus on being present.

If you’re a solo traveler seeking a balance between independence and social interaction, our small group trips offer the ideal solution. These journeys provide an enriching travel experience that combines the freedom of solo travel with the camaraderie of a travel community, enhanced by shared experiences with new friends you can reflect on for years to come.

Inquire about joining one of our small group trips in 2023 or 2024!

If you’re a solo traveler that’s interested in traveling with us, let’s chat! Whether you’re interested in traveling to Peru, Italy, Japan, or Malaysia, we’re happy to jump on a call and talk about our small group trips. Contact us!

If you’re traveling on your own and don’t know where to start or want to tap into our travel expertise to make the most of your trip, check out our customized travel coaching and optional booking service.

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No matter where you travel, we always recommend purchasing travel protection to safeguard against sudden changes or cancellations. If you don’t already have a preferred vendor, you can check out ours - Travel Insured - which offers a “Cancel for Any Reason” policy.

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