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Want to plan group trips? Learn about Lindsay Mukaddam's journey to becoming a Travel Host
Blog written by Lindsay Mukaddam (she/her) from @onegirlwandering
Hello, everyone! I’m Lindsay, the Creator behind One Girl Wandering. You might know me as the solo traveler who shares tips and inspiration online, but today, I want to take you behind the scenes of my journey into hosting group trips.
The beginning of a new adventure
In 2021, I launched my first group trip to Costa Rica, which ran in May 2022. Since then, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to host over 200 travelers across 17 trips in eleven different destinations on four continents.
Now, I know it might sound a bit cheesy, but hosting these trips has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The connections I’ve made with my online community and the joy of sharing these adventures with others have truly changed the way I view travel.
Overcoming doubts and fears
To be honest, I almost didn’t step into this role. When TrovaTrip first reached out to me, I dismissed a few of their emails. I made assumptions about my community and whether anyone would actually want to travel with me. As a solo traveler, I believed that my audience was only interested in exploring the world on their own.
I also grappled with social anxiety—how could I lead a group when I often felt uncomfortable in social situations? The thought of hosting felt overwhelming. However, after taking the leap and finally speaking with TrovaTrip, I decided to send out a survey to my audience to gauge their interest.
Listening to my community
For those unfamiliar with TrovaTrip, they provide a fantastic platform for Creators to host group trips. They even provide an audience survey tool free to all Hosts so you can about their travel preferences, budget, and activities they’re interested in all to plan the perfect trip.
When I sent out my survey, I was shocked by the enthusiastic response. I learned that I needed to assume nothing about my audience and instead ask them directly what they wanted. After analyzing the results, I had three top destinations and went back to my audience with estimated costs to help them make an informed decision.
The overwhelming support and engagement from my community taught me the importance of continually seeking feedback. It’s crucial to remember that you’re crafting an experience for them, so their input is invaluable.
Launching my first trip
Once I had settled on Costa Rica as the destination—thanks to the feedback from my survey—I launched my first group trip. To my surprise, it was confirmed in less than an hour and sold out within weeks!
Here’s what I believe contributed to the success of my launch:
- Timing: I had recently visited Costa Rica and had fresh, engaging content to share with my audience. They were excited to see my stories and experiences from that trip, which created a buzz around the upcoming group trip
- Frequent Communication: I wasn’t afraid to talk about the trip constantly. Remember, not everyone is on social media as much as Creators are, and the algorithms ensure that not everyone sees your posts. Consistent engagement is key—people need to encounter your message multiple times before deciding to join.
- Personal Touch: I reached out to potential travelers personally, engaging in conversations through DMs and sending voice messages. Building that rapport and trust with my audience was crucial, as many were considering traveling with a stranger for the first time.
- Reframing Group Travel: I focused on how group trips could be a fantastic option for solo travelers—offering them a chance to explore with like-minded people while still having the freedom to venture off on their own during downtime.
Building trust and community
By this point, I had a loyal audience, and I often get asked about my numbers. Here’s the truth: you don’t need a massive following to launch a successful group trip.
When I started, I had about 11,000 followers on Instagram and over 100,000 on TikTok, but I focused my efforts on the platform where my community was most engaged and that was Instagram.
TrovaTrip’s model requires just eight to ten travelers (depending on which itinerary you choose) to run a trip. If you have a small, dedicated audience, you likely have your ride-or-dies who would love to join you on an adventure!
The magic of group travel
Now you might be wondering why you should host a group trip in the first place. As someone who once dealt with social anxiety, putting myself in a situation where I could be rated by travelers was daunting. But the rewards have far outweighed the fears.
Hosting group trips allows you to meet your online community in real life. It’s an amazing feeling to connect with individuals you’ve only interacted with online, and to witness their journeys unfold in person. I've helped countless travelers get their first passport stamp, and the honor and gratitude that comes with being chosen as their host is immeasurable.
The friendships that form during these trips are beautiful. I’ve seen travelers reconnect and embark on new adventures together, attend each other’s weddings, and create bonds that last long after the trip ends.
Additional income stream
Hosting trips has also provided me with an additional income stream, one that feels more aligned with my mission than any brand partnership. It’s fulfilling to create experiences that genuinely resonate with my audience.
Getting started with group trips
If you’re excited about the prospect of hosting group trips, here are three options to consider:
- Done-For-You Solutions (like TrovaTrip): They handle everything from surveys to sales pages, making it easy to get started without upfront costs. However, this comes with less control over trip details and itineraries to allow them to operate at scale.
- Partnering with Local Operators: This route offers more flexibility for creating a customized experience but requires thorough research to find reliable operators. You’ll also need to negotiate rates and manage communications.
- DIY Approach: This is the most hands-on method, where you take on all the planning, logistics, and liability. While it allows for complete control, it’s a massive undertaking that requires significant time and effort.
Final thoughts
Ultimately, the right option for you will depend on your personal preferences, the level of control you desire, and the resources you’re willing to invest. Ask yourself questions like: How much control do I want? How much work am I prepared to take on? What is my desired startup cost?
As I prepare for my upcoming trips, I can’t help but feel grateful for the path I’ve taken. Hosting group trips has not only enriched my life but has also created lasting connections and unforgettable experiences for many travelers.
If you’re considering stepping into this exciting world of group travel, remember: the journey is just as rewarding as the destination. Let your passion for travel shine through, and you might just find yourself leading your very own group adventure!
Learn more about Lindsay's experience hosting group trips through Trova in her TrovaTrip Review article!
About the author
Lindsay Mukaddam is travel blogger based in Austin, Texas who specializes in solo travel for women who are looking to maximize their budget and PTO.
As a woman who used to have a full time job in event management, Lindsay understands the desire to balance life and the need to take a fulfilling vacation. She gets excited about unique lodging, great meals, adventurous activities, fun travel gear, and totally nerd out planning my trips. I’m passionate about encouraging women to step outside their comfort zone and explore the world on their terms one amazing trip at a time!
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