Solo travel is empowering and all, but sometimes, you just want to experience the world with people who get it. People who also booked a one-way ticket off vibes and Pinterest boards. People who understand wanting to capture the perfect sunset shot and stay up late talking about freedom, business, and that next passport stamp.
What if I told you that booking group trips could be your shortcut to meeting incredible people and having life-changing adventures? If you’re anything like me, you live for the vibe of group trips, those epic adventures where you get to explore the world, make new memories, and of course, meet other like-minded travelers.
Use Travel Communities to Your Advantage
Booking a group adventure starts with finding the right platform. Whether you’re looking to meet new people or go on a trip with your besties, there are tons of options out there.
Think of platforms like Intrepid Travel and Contiki, where they curate group tours for different travel styles. These companies offer everything from wellness retreats to adventure-packed excursions. They handle the logistics, which means you can focus on making memories and connecting with your fellow travelers.
Join Black-Owned or Women-Led Travel Groups
There are so many travel companies and collectives built specifically with us in mind.
A Few to Check Out:
- Travel Noire – Luxury and culture-rich group trips for Black travelers
- Black Girls Travel Too – Safe, empowering, curated trips for Black women
- Wanderist Life – Combines solo freedom with group bonding
- Girls Love Travel – Global Facebook group with over 1M members
Organizers like Black Travel Movement or The Nomadness Travel Tribe specialize in group trips for people of color, which means you’re more likely to find a squad that understands your culture, vibe, and interests. Some even include professional photo shoots, brand deal coaching, or creator meetups as part of the package.
Reach out to organizers to ask about group dynamics and what kinds of people typically book these trips. Knowing what kind of travelers are drawn to specific groups helps set the tone for what you can expect during your trip.
Now, if you want to meet travelers before booking a trip, Meetup.com is your best friend. This platform allows you to connect with local and global travel groups. You can find groups that meet regularly for trips, or simply network with people who are already planning travel adventures. From weekend getaways to international explorations, Meetup gives you the chance to dive into different types of experiences with people who share your travel goals.
Whether you’re looking for a group trip to Bali or a weekend escape to Miami, you’ll find people planning the same adventures. Look for hashtags like #GroupTravel, #TravelSquad, or #TravelBuddy to help you find communities that align with your travel goals.
Consider the Group Size and Dynamic
A group trip can only be as fun as the people in it. You want a crew that’s friendly, open to meeting new people, and down for spontaneous plans.
Big groups can be fun, but they can also be overwhelming. If you’re new to group travel, start with something more intimate (think 5-10 people). This allows for easier connections and personalized experiences. But if you thrive in larger crowds, don’t hesitate to sign up for a bigger group!
Use These Apps & Platforms to Link Up
These apps are your digital passport to community.
Must-Have Apps:
- Tinder Passport or Bumble BFF – Yes, for platonic friendships and creative connections
- Couchsurfing Hangouts – Connect in real time with travelers nearby
- Hostelworld’s Hostel Chat – Even if you’re not staying in one, you can meet other explorers
- Tourlina (Women Only) – Find a female travel buddy for safety and synergy
Be Social, Be Open, Be You
You’ve booked your group adventure, now it’s time to mingle and meet fellow travelers. Don’t be shy! You’re going on this journey to connect with new people, so put yourself out there!
- Group Activities Are Key: Most group tours will have scheduled group activities like dinners, excursions, and even downtime hangouts.
- Share Stories, Not Just Instagram Posts: Yeah, we all love snapping pics, but take the time to share real stories and experiences. What’s the highlight of your trip so far? Is there something funny that happened? A crazy adventure?
- Keep an Open Heart: Group travel means you’re gonna meet people from all walks of life. You might vibe with some more than others, but always keep an open heart and be willing to learn from the people around you. Who knows? That quiet traveler in the corner might turn out to be your new best friend!
The beauty of group travel is the spontaneity that comes with it. Whether it’s an impromptu night out or a surprise excursion, be prepared for anything. Let go of any rigid expectations and embrace the adventure. You’ll meet people from all over the world who are bringing their own unique flavor to the trip – and that’s what makes the experience so special.
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