Travel Solo, Not Alone: Group Tours for Solo Travellers

By Ziggy Dukes

4 minute read

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In recent years, solo travel has become a rapidly growing trend as more individuals seek out unique and personalised adventures. However, navigating a new destination alone can pose many challenges - planning your own itinerary, booking all of your accommodation and activities and even concern for your own safety just to name a few. In this post, we'll explore the growing popularity of solo travel, the difficulties a solo travel adventure can bring, and why solo group tours have become the go-to solution for those seeking a balance between independence and community.

Why Solo Travel is Growing in Popularity 

Solo travel has witnessed a remarkable surge in popularity in recent years and though we can’t say for sure exactly why this is there are some emerging trends. Firstly, our modern lifestyle often lead to overly hectic schedules, making it challenging to synchronise travel plans with others. You don’t want to miss out on an opportunity to have an adventure, but with restrictive leave policies and busy modern lives sometimes the only option is to go it alone. 

2. Guest at Hooker Valley 2

Solo travel gives you the freedom to explore some of the world's most beautiful places.

Secondly, personal growth and self-discovery practices have seen a huge upswing in popularity over the last decade. These can be strong motivational factors for the solo traveller who is seeking to step out of their comfort zone, seek out new experiences and gain a sense of empowerment and self-confidence. Here at New Zealand Trails, over 1/3 of our guests are solo travellers and though many of them admit at least a small amount of trepidation before setting out on their solo journey they all tell us that it’s one of the best decisions they have ever made! 

Difficulties of Travelling Solo

While solo travel offers unparalleled freedom, it of course comes with its own set of challenges. One of the primary difficulties solo travellers face is the overwhelming task of planning an itinerary. Not knowing where to go, what to see, and how to make the most of their time can be a daunting prospect. The lack of companionship can also lead to feelings of loneliness, especially when discovering a new culture or navigating unfamiliar terrain, which is why small group tours have become such a popular way for solo travellers to see the world.

4 mount john small group tours2

Joining a group tour can bring the perfect balance of independence and companionship.

Why so many Solo Travellers Choose Small Group Tours 

Solo group tours have emerged as a popular solution to the challenges posed by solo travel. A well-crafted small group tour can cater specifically to solo travellers' unique hurdles and provide a perfect blend of independence and social interaction that’s hard to replicate any other way. This is exactly what we strive to do here at New Zealand Trails, it’s small group travel designed for the independent traveller. Here are some of our favourite benefits of small group solo travel: 

Expert Guidance:  Solo travellers often struggle with crafting a comprehensive itinerary. Solo group tours eliminate this concern by offering curated travel experiences with expert guides who know the destination inside out. This ensures that travellers make the most of their time, discovering hidden gems and cultural highlights. 

Built-in Companionship:  The camaraderie of fellow solo travellers on group tours addresses the issue of loneliness. Participants form bonds with like-minded individuals, creating a supportive community that enhances the overall travel experience. Shared moments and shared stories make the journey more memorable.

Stress-Free Planning:  Planning a solo trip can be overwhelming, but group tours alleviate the stress associated with organising every detail. Accommodations, transportation, and activities are pre-arranged, allowing solo travellers to focus on enjoying the experience rather than managing logistics.

Safety in Numbers:  Safety is a paramount concern for solo travellers. Group tours provide a safety net, ensuring that participants explore new destinations with the security of a group. This is particularly comforting in unfamiliar or remote areas and in cultures you aren't accustomed to. 

Group Tours for Solo Travellers

Travelling solo, while rewarding, is not without its challenges. The surge in popularity of solo group tours reflects the growing demand for a balance between independence and companionship, not to mention the peace of mind you gain knowing you’re in the capable hands of local experts. 

Solo group tours New Zealand

Our solo guests all tell us it's the best decision they have ever made!

Here at New Zealand Trails, we’ve carefully crafted each of our itineraries with the independent traveller in mind. Our group sizes are small and personal, our expert local guides are 100% New Zealanders (many of them are solo travellers themselves) and our team of New Zealand Travel experts are here to help you at every stage of your journey, from helping put together your perfect adventure to booking pre and post trip accommodation for you and even recommending the best places to grab a coffee or a bite to eat.

So, if you're considering solo travel, remember: solo doesn’t have to mean alone. If you’d like to find out more about our New Zealand hiking and adventure tours you can grab a copy of our brochure here or get in touch with the team today – we’d love to chat!

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