Share this
Explore the World On Your Own, Without Doing It Alone
Ok, so you're getting the hang of the whole solo travel thing. You're free, independent, going where you want when you want. But after a few trips, the quiet hotel rooms and constant small talk with strangers can start to feel a little… repetitive. Making new friends as an adult isn’t always easy, and sometimes you just want a group of people who get you and are as passionate about travel as you are.
Trust us, we get it. And after planning 2,300+ group trips, we've witnessed the power of travel communities and how transformative shared experiences are.
With adventurers like you in mind, we've rounded up our top 5 destinations to escape to in 2026, specifically for solo travelers seeking community and connection.
Let's get into it:
1. Costa Rica
Best for: Active adventurers, wildlife lovers, and pura vida energy
Best time to visit: December–April
Things to do in Costa Rica:
- Hike at Arenal Volcano
- La Fortuna Waterfall Visit
- Natural Hot Springs Resort
- Sea Kayaking
- Organic Farm Visits
If your ideal trip includes sweat, sunshine, and spotting a sloth before lunch, Costa Rica delivers. It’s welcoming, easy to love, and packed with adventure and biodiversity. There are endless things to do in Costa Rica, but planning them on your own can be complicated. Transportation is limited (yes, Uber is illegal!) and coordinating activities takes time and energy.
On a group trip, everything is handled. You move through the country seamlessly, experience each activity together, and actually relax instead of managing logistics. All you have to do is show up ready for adventure and enjoy it with people who are just as excited as you are.
Check out our latest trip to Costa Rica—built for solo travelers →
2. Portugal
Best for: Culture lovers who want beauty, wine, and walkable cities
Best time to visit: April–June or September–October
Things to do in Portugal:
- Exploring historic neighborhoods
- Surfing
- Sunset cruises
- Wine tasting
- Coastal hikes
Portugal is effortlessly charming and surprisingly perfect for solo travelers seeking community. Wander Lisbon’s tiled alleyways, stop for pastel de nata and espresso with new friends, then kayak through the Algarve’s sea caves before gathering for a long, family-style dinner with local wine. The cities are walkable, the culture is warm, and the laid-back pace makes it easy to slow down and connect.
Planning it solo can mean juggling trains, winery reservations, and coastal excursions—but on a group trip, the logistics disappear. Instead, you’re fully present for golden-hour cliff views, first surf lessons, and conversations that stretch late into the night. It’s the kind of place where arriving alone feels brave and leaving with lifelong friends feels inevitable.
3. Iceland
Best for: Curious explorers who want dramatic scenery without extreme exertion
Best time to visit Iceland: June–August (summer) or September–March (northern lights visible)
Things to do in Iceland:
- Multiple jaw-dropping Waterfalls
- Fjadrargljufur Canyon
- Thermal baths
- The Great Geysir
- Jokulsarlon Iceberg Boat Ride
- Breidamerkurjokull Glacier Hike
Iceland feels like another planet in the best way. Traveling solo here can be expensive and complicated due to distances between sites. When you join a group, you cover more ground comfortably and share every jaw-dropping moment with people who are just as excited as you are. It’s one of the best places to go if you want awe-inspiring nature and easy camaraderie.
4. Bali
Best for: Wellness seekers and eat-pray-love energy
Best time to visit: May–October
Things to do in Bali:
- Yoga and meditation
- Temple visits
- Cooking classes
- Beach days
- Rice terrace walks
Bali has a way of softening your shoulders within 24 hours. It’s lush, spiritual, and filled with experiences that feel both grounding and fun—from sunrise yoga and temple visits to wandering emerald rice terraces and lingering over smoothie bowls with new friends.
On a group trip, you get built-in community for the meaningful moments (like sunset dinners and shared reflections) plus the freedom to explore on your own when you want to browse markets or book a massage. It’s the perfect balance of connection and personal space, making it easy to arrive solo and leave feeling restored with a group chat that lives on long after the flight home.
5. Patagonia
Best for: Hikers and big-view chasers craving a meaningful challenge
Best time to visit: November–March
Things to do in Patagonia:
- Trekking iconic trails
- Glacier views
- National parks
- Wildlife spotting
- Cozy lodge evenings
Patagonia is the kind of place that makes you feel small in the best way. Towering peaks, crisp air, and trails that remind you what you’re capable of. Traveling here with a group is a game-changer. Logistics are complex and the terrain is remote, so having expert guidance and a supportive crew lets you focus on the experience instead of the planning. You’ll push yourself, take in unreal views, and share every accomplishment along the way.
Check out our upcoming all-women's trip to Patagonia →
Solo Travel Doesn't Always Mean Being Alone
Joining a group trip means you get freedom, built-in community, and someone to take your photo when the view is too good not to document. If you're a solo traveler who's been looking to find some community abroad, this is your sign to join a trip with Trova. ❤️