Traveling solo is a beautiful, empowering experience, but let’s be real—sometimes, it’s nice to roll with a squad, even if it’s just for a bit. That’s where group tours come in! They’re perfect for solo female travelers who want to explore new places with like-minded folks, and they take a lot of the stress out of planning. But not all group tours are created equal—especially if you’re looking for options tailored to women of color, plus-sized travelers, LGBTQ travelers, or travelers with disabilities.
In this post, we’ll help you navigate the world of group tours by giving you some killer options for different communities, tips for choosing the best tours, and resources for finding the perfect group travel experience as a solo female traveler. We’ve been covering a lot about saving for travel and budgeting for it – Group Travel is an economic (and AMAZING option)!
Ready? Let’s go!
Why Consider a Group Tour as a Solo Female Traveler?
Group tours are a great way to meet people while exploring new destinations. You’ll get the safety and security of traveling with others, all while still enjoying your independence as a solo traveler. Plus, having everything planned out by someone else? A dream come true for those of us who love to travel but hate the logistics. And if you’re worried about being the only solo traveler in a sea of couples—fear not. Many group tours are specifically designed for solo travelers, so you’ll fit right in.
Choosing the Right Group Tour: Tips for Doing Your Research
Before booking any tour, you want to make sure it’s the right fit for you. Here are some key things to consider when researching:
- Read Reviews from Fellow Solo Travelers: Reviews are your best friend. Look for feedback from solo travelers, especially women, to get a real sense of what to expect. Websites like TourRadar and Stridetravel have comprehensive review sections that’ll give you the 411 on whether a tour is a good fit.
- Check Group Size and Demographics: Some tours have 40 people; others are more intimate with 10-12 travelers. Depending on your vibe, you might prefer a smaller group where you can connect with people more easily. Also, don’t be afraid to ask the company about the typical makeup of their groups (age, background, solo travelers, etc.)!
- Accessibility and Inclusivity: If you’re part of a specific community (whether you’re LGBTQ+, a woman of color, plus-sized, or have a disability), make sure the tour company is inclusive and can accommodate your needs. Read up on their policies and offerings or ask directly before booking.
- Check for Solo-Friendly Policies: Some tours don’t charge solo travelers an extra fee if you’re willing to share a room with another traveler (hallelujah!). Others have specific solo traveler options with no single supplement at all. Be on the lookout for these perks!
- Balance of Structure and Free Time: You don’t want a tour that has you scheduled from dawn until dusk with no time to explore on your own (unless that’s your jam!). Make sure there’s a good mix of guided activities and free time so you can have some solo moments.
Now that you know what to look for, let’s dive into some tour companies that cater to solo female travelers from diverse backgrounds.
Tour Companies Tailored to Specific Needs
1. For Women of Color:
- WanderWoman Tours
Website: wanderwoman.com
WanderWoman specializes in empowering female travelers of color, offering trips around the globe. Their itineraries blend culture, adventure, and community-building. Reviews rave about the warm, inclusive atmosphere and the chance to connect with other travelers of color. - Black Girl Travel
Website: blackgirltravel.com
A tour company specifically designed for Black women, Black Girl Travel organizes chic, fabulous group trips to destinations around the world. From “Bella Italia” to “Cuba Cool,” this company offers immersive travel experiences that celebrate Black culture. - Nomadness Travel Tribe
Website: nomadnesstv.com
A collective of over 25,000 travelers of color, Nomadness runs group trips all around the world, fostering a sense of community and representation for underrepresented travelers. Their trips are diverse, with a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences.
2. For Plus-Sized Travelers:
- Fat Girls Traveling: Fat Camp Retreats
Website: fatgirlstraveling.com
Fat Girls Traveling organizes group tours and retreats for plus-sized travelers looking to explore the world in a body-positive, judgment-free environment. Their “Fat Camp” retreats are a chance to bond with fellow plus-sized travelers while traveling to dreamy destinations like Mexico and Hawaii. - Curvy Ventures
Website: curvyventures.com
This company offers tours specifically for plus-sized travelers, where comfort and inclusivity are at the forefront. Expect thoughtfully planned activities, accommodations that cater to curvy bodies, and a welcoming community of like-minded travelers.
3. For LGBTQ Travelers:
- Out Adventures
Website: outadventures.com
Out Adventures is a boutique LGBTQ tour operator with an emphasis on safety, inclusivity, and unforgettable experiences. They offer small-group tours to a variety of destinations, including Peru, Thailand, and Antarctica. Their itineraries are a mix of adventure and relaxation, with an inclusive atmosphere that welcomes solo LGBTQ travelers. - HE Travel
Website: hetravel.com
Offering trips for LGBTQ+ travelers since 1973, HE Travel’s group tours span the globe. Whether you’re into cycling, cultural exploration, or even luxury river cruises, they have a trip for you. Solo travelers are warmly welcomed, and the company helps match roommates to avoid single supplements. - Trafalgar Tours – LGBTQ+ Friendly Options
Website: trafalgar.com
While not exclusively LGBTQ+, Trafalgar is well-known for its inclusive group tours and LGBTQ-friendly policies. They offer tours across Europe, the Americas, and beyond, with LGBTQ+ travelers consistently leaving positive reviews.
4. For Travelers with Disabilities:
- Travel for All
Website: travelforall.com
Travel for All specializes in accessible group tours for travelers with disabilities. They create custom itineraries based on your needs, making sure you can see the world without worrying about accessibility barriers. Whether it’s Europe, Asia, or Africa, they’ve got your back. - Wheel the World
Website: wheeltheworld.com
Wheel the World offers accessible travel experiences for people with disabilities, including tailored group tours that provide support and ensure all activities are fully accessible. From Machu Picchu to the Grand Canyon, they cover all the bases for a memorable and stress-free trip.
Resources for Finding Group Tours for Solo Female Travelers
If none of the companies above tickle your travel fancy, here are a few resources that will help you find even more solo female-friendly group tours:
- TourRadar: tourradar.com
TourRadar is one of the biggest platforms for booking group tours, with thousands of options to choose from. They have tours specifically for solo travelers, women-only groups, and specialized interests like adventure or cultural exploration. - Intrepid Travel: intrepidtravel.com
Intrepid Travel is a leading adventure travel company that offers small-group tours, many of which are solo-traveler-friendly. They even have dedicated women-only expeditions, perfect for those looking to bond with other female travelers in a safe and empowering environment. - G Adventures: gadventures.com
G Adventures is a great option for budget-conscious solo travelers. Their small-group tours span the globe, and they offer “No Single Supplement” trips where you can share a room with another solo traveler to avoid extra fees. - Wanderful Trips: sheswanderful.com
Wanderful is a travel community for women that offers group trips, including retreats and international adventures, designed to connect like-minded women travelers. Their tours are perfect for solo female travelers who want to bond with others while exploring new places.
Final Thoughts: Finding Your Travel Tribe
Whether you’re looking for a women-of-color-friendly adventure, a body-positive retreat, or a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ travelers, there’s a group tour out there for you. Group tours are an incredible way to meet new people, explore new cultures, and still have some built-in safety and structure while traveling solo.
So go ahead, find your tribe, and get ready to explore the world—no matter your background, size, ability, or identity. The world is waiting, and your next adventure might just be one group tour away! 🌍 ✈️ 💃
Happy traveling!
Curves and a Carry On 
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