Practical tips to ease your worries about joining a group tour or retreat, improve your experience, and make lifelong travel friends along the way.

Starting to travel “solo” can be daunting, especially if it’s to a country you’re not familiar with. This is where joining a small group tour or a retreat can be a great idea; you get the freedom of traveling solo but with the support of a guide/host and hopefully newfound travel buddies.

But there are some things that may be of concern or for you to consider. These can arise more in midlife travel or if you are a first-time solo female traveller:

• Worry of not “fitting in”.
• Concerns about not having enough “free time” or your own space.
• Worry of not getting on with others.
• Feelings of thinking you’re too old, or that you might not keep up.
• Having to share a room with another solo traveller.

So let’s go over some mindful etiquette when joining a group tour or retreat as a solo female traveller, to ease these concerns;

Firstly, choosing the right experience for you AND the length of the travel experience (how many days) is extremely important…see the next section for tips on this.

Secondly, you can never guess what your fellow travel companions will be like, but you can control how you behave in a group environment.

Some things to consider and implement:

• If you are feeling more anxious than others are, articulate this to your host or guide so they are aware of how you are feeling. If there is a pre-tour or retreat meeting, maybe articulate that you are new to this to the group; you might find others with the same concerns as you, and that’s totally ok in a new environment.
• Be patient with your guide/host; remember they have other guests they need to spend their attention and time on.
• Give space, not just for yourself, but maybe some others in your group need a little “alone” time.
• Be respectful, not only to your fellow travellers, but to those associated with your travel experience…drivers, local guides, etc.; this goes a long way in having a more pleasant journey for all.
• There can be a lot of information to take in, and this can be overwhelming! If you are in doubt about something or feel you missed out on hearing something, let your guide/host know; this saves you from missing out on important information or getting it second-hand, which may not be correct.
• You can’t control everything: things aren’t always going to go to plan. You may find that weather impacts things, or local events. Roll with it. Even the best-laid itineraries can experience hiccups (within reason, of course), but most providers will do their best to find alternatives. Just let go of your expectations; don’t feel like everything has to run like clockwork, and you’ll have a better adventure.
• Be attentive: when you need to hear directions or instructions, make yourself available… don’t be one of those who say “I was never told that” because you were too busy chatting at the back of the bus… yep, you 😉 
• Kindness goes a long way; be kind to your fellow travelers, hosts, guides, drivers, etc. It seriously will go a long way; it’s a universal language. In the same sense, don’t take shit. If someone is being constantly rude or obnoxious, draw attention to this with your host/guide. Don’t enter a conflict, but do not take it either-avoid the person as best you can, and be clear on your boundaries.
• Sharing a twin room with another solo traveler? This can be a great experience to really connect with a possible new travel friend, but again, boundaries need to be articulated from the outset. Let each other know if you are morning people or not, any concerns you may have about sharing a room, and work out a plan together to make this the most enjoyable experience. 
• The fear of not fitting in; it’s real, and I have been there. This is where finding the right trip is so important- finding “your people” can help you feel more involved. Alternatively, remember, one thing we have in common as travelers is wanting to see the world; this can bring together people of different backgrounds and cultures and join you together to share one amazing experience. Be open to it.
• I am too old! I hear this so often; travel is not just for young people. I have been on group trips where the ages range from early 20s to 70s, and we all have something to learn from each other… you’re never too old. Mixing with different ages is one way to expand our growth and connections. But if you are not comfortable with that, find trips that cater to your age bracket.
• Physical Level. This is important if your level of fitness does not match the travel experience. If you feel like your level does not match that of the itinerary, either choose an alternative or ask the company or host what levels are expected and what happens if you can not be involved. This often has nothing to do with age either; I know some 70-year-olds fitter than 30-year-olds!

Choosing the right travel experience is just as important, and don’t neglect how you want to feel on this trip;

• Make sure it’s the right “niche”; your vibe attracts your tribe, so look for groups that share the same interests, mindset, and ethos.
• Size matters! Choose a smaller group size, max 16 people. This allows for better connections both with your fellow travellers and with your host or guide and can allow for a more intimate travel experience and more spontaneity.
• So does the length: How long do you think you can hang out 24/7 with strangers? Start maybe with a shorter journey, say 7 nights; this will give you a good taste of traveling with a group without it going beyond your limits of patience.
• Do ethics count for you? Do sustainable, ethical practices matter to you when choosing a trip? This can make for a totally different journey and balance your impact as a traveler.
• How do you want this trip to make you feel? Are you looking to recharge and rest, spiritual connection, adrenaline and adventure, or quiet reflection? Choosing first how you want to feel will then lead you to choosing the right small group trip for you.

Some of my best travel experiences have been on small group tours I have joined as a solo female traveller, and I have been very fortunate with the other travelers I have met on these trips, where I have also formed long-term friendships.

It has always been a great introduction to a new country, and I tend to add on “free time” post-tour once I have found my feet. It has also built my solo travel confidence, so I feel more empowered to travel to those destinations again, this time without the support of a group environment

So if you have been sitting on the fence about joining a group tour or retreat, just take some time to research communities that feel aligned. Reach out to others who may have had the same experience or join online groups to get recommendations. 

Small group travel is a great option for you to start your solo travel journey, so why not try it? You never know the amazing connections you may make.

Want to join us on an adventure OR build your own adventure?

At Wanderlust Solo Women Tours & Wanderlust Travel Coaching, I celebrate the spirit of exploration and support among women travelers.

Whether you’re seeking a room-sharing adventure or a solo escape, my tours and retreats are designed to cater to the diverse needs of all women. Or maybe you just need help in guiding you to plan your next journey? Let’s map out an exciting, purposeful adventure for you!

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