Solo travel groups: What to know and how to find one

Vacationing solo can be freeing, enlightening and even empowering. But you don’t have to do everything alone. Solo travel groups are an option for independent travelers who want both the flexibility of traveling on their terms and the chance to meet people along the way. 

Learn how to find, join and make the most of solo travel groups.

What you’ll learn:

• Solo travel groups can enhance your journey with companionship and support.

• You can join different types of travel communities depending on your interests and travel style.

• Capital One travel credit cards can elevate solo travel with flexible rewards, smart tools and travel benefits for every step of your journey.

It’s possible to connect with fellow solo travelers whether you’re still in the planning stages or actually on your trip. Here are a few ways how.

Curated one-off experiences can offer an elevated way for solo travelers to meet new people and dive deeper into a destination. Think guided food tours, cultural workshops, wine tastings or hikes led by local experts.

Themed travel groups let solo travelers connect over shared passions like wellness, cuisine or culture. Examples include immersive food-focused adventures, like a culinary tour led by a renowned chef, and culturally rich itineraries that blend art, music and community engagement.

Online travel communities can be a rich resource for putting together your dream trip. You can exchange itineraries, ask destination-specific questions or connect with others ahead of your journey. Whether you’re joining a retreat or planning a bespoke solo adventure, these communities can help you build a network before your trip even begins.

Solo travelers who prefer to leave the planning to others can join a group vacation organized by a tour company. Group tours offer a professionally planned, structured itinerary and the chance to bond with other travelers.

Joining a group can enrich your solo travel experiences by offering benefits including:

• Companionship: Instant travel buddies for museums, hikes, food tours or wandering the local markets.

• Reassurance: Whether you’re exploring a crowded night market or hiking a remote trail, having others around can help you feel more secure.

• Deeper cultural immersion: Joining a cooking class, community event or walking tour can open doors to local experiences that solo travelers might otherwise miss.

• Mental health benefits: Having a support network on the road can ease feelings of loneliness and boost confidence, especially for those new to solo travel.

• Skill sharing: Group members may bring different strengths. You may know how to find the best views, for example, while someone else can speak the language.

If you’re interested in joining with fellow solo travelers for part of your trip, you can try these tips:

• Check in to a local resort: Luxury resorts, boutique hotels and wellness retreats often host curated group experiences, like guided nature walks, chef-led cooking classes and wine tastings.

• Book a day tour or group excursion: Premium day trips offer ways to meet others while exploring unique destinations. Think ethical elephant sanctuary walks in Bali, guided group safaris in Zambia and cultural festivals like Mongolia’s Naadam.

• Visit the digital nomad hubs: Some global locations have earned a reputation as hubs for digital nomads, people who combine travel with remote working.

When choosing a solo travel group, thinking about these factors could help you find a good fit:

• Group size and atmosphere: Smaller groups of four to eight travelers may create a more personal and flexible atmosphere, while larger groups may offer a wider mix of backgrounds and energy.

• Itinerary and pace: Some group tours are scheduled from morning to night, while others leave room for flexibility. Think about how much downtime or spontaneity vs. structure you want.

• Safety and trust: Before joining a group, look for signs that it prioritizes safety, like a stated code of conduct. Groups with clear expectations may foster a safer, more positive environment.

And once you’ve found your group, you can use these strategies to help you connect and build community with your fellow travelers:

• Start a conversation. You could ask fellow travelers where they’re from, where they’ve been or what they’re most excited to see. You might also share experiences from your journey and show genuine interest in others’ stories.

• Prioritize safe, inclusive spaces. When meeting up, choose public locations like cafes, museums or group tours organized through trusted platforms.

• Respect differences. People have different travel styles, communication habits and boundaries. Navigating these respectfully can lead to better group experiences and stronger connections.

• Use apps wisely. Travel apps can help you meet others. It’s a good idea to arrange first meetings in public and tell someone your plans.

If you’re planning solo travel or any trip, you might want to consider taking a travel rewards credit card. Capital One travel rewards cardholders enjoy smart tools and unlimited rewards like:

• Travel benefits: Among other benefits, Venture X and Venture cardholders can receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® when they pay the application fee with their card. And eligible Venture X cardholders can get access to 1,300-plus airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ membership.

• Elevated rewards for booking through Capital One Travel: Venture X cardholders enjoy premium benefits and earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel. Venture cardholders earn unlimited 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

• Extraordinary stays: Venture X and Venture cardholders have access to the exceptional hotels and vacation rentals of the Premier Collection (Venture X only) and Lifestyle Collection. Each stay comes with a suite of premium benefits, including an experience credit to use during your trip. 

• No foreign transaction fees: Some credit card issuers charge foreign transaction fees when you use a credit card to make purchases in a foreign country. Capital One doesn’t charge these fees with any of its U.S.-issued credit cards. View important rates and disclosures.

• Flexible options for redeeming rewards: Eligible cardholders can redeem miles for flights, hotels, vacation rentals, rental cars, gift cards, statement credits and more.

• Travel protections: Eligible Capital One cardholders have access to travel insurance through their credit card, including trip cancellation insurance and lost luggage insurance. You can review your guide to benefits for more information.

• Security features: You’ll also have access to security features like fraud alerts, card lock, virtual card numbers and $0 liability for unauthorized charges.

Solo travel groups offer the freedom to explore independently and the opportunity to build new relationships along the way. From joining a small-group culinary class to booking a cultural guided tour, there are countless ways to enrich your journey through shared experiences.

Capital One offers travel rewards credit cards with exclusive benefits and elevated rewards that can help make your travel experience even more enjoyable. 

• Explore travel rewards cards and earn unlimited miles you can actually use. 

• Earn a one-time 75,000-mile bonus and receive an additional 10,000 bonus miles every year, starting on your first anniversary, with the Venture X card.

• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day, and earn a one-time 75,000-mile bonus with the Venture card. 

• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day, with the VentureOne card.