Best Solo Travel Tours For Young Adults

what are good travel tours for single 20s and 30s

There are many travel tours available that are geared towards single people in their 20s and 30s. These tours can be a great way to meet like-minded people and safely experience the world in the company of new friends. According to a recent survey, a large percentage of Millennial and Gen Z leisure travellers booked a guided tour in the past year, and most of them are likely to book another one in the next year. This trend reflects the growing demand for organised group travel among young adults, who value the social and safety aspects of travelling with a group, as well as the convenience of having all the trip details planned for them.

Characteristics Values
Target age range 18-35
Tour type Multi-day guided tours
Tour focus Adventure, socialising, local immersion, sustainability
Tour length 6-60 days
Tour locations 60+ countries on 6 continents
Transportation Private rides with USB ports and large windows
Accommodation Hostels, hotels, homestays, camping
Meals Breakfast, some dinners
Activities Hiking, sailing, sightseeing, local experiences
Payment options Instalments, flexible payment plans

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Sustainable group travel

Contiki

Contiki offers travel tours for ages 18 to 35, with 200+ itineraries in more than 60 countries across six continents. The company made all its trips carbon neutral in 2022 and is working towards net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its entire business by 2050. Their itineraries often include at least one "Make Travel Matter" experience, such as meeting rescued baby elephants in Kenya or visiting indigenous communities in Ecuador, to give back to the local communities and places visited. Contiki also offers flexibility with payment plans, allowing travellers to pay in instalments as long as the trip balance is paid in full 60 days before departure.

EF Ultimate Break

EF Ultimate Break offers trips exclusively for young adults ages 18 to 35, with more than 140 different options across six continents. The company provides frequent deals and promotions to make their tours more affordable for millennials and Gen Zers. EF Ultimate Break also prioritises sustainability, with initiatives like their "Go Green Programme", which aims to reduce waste and carbon emissions, and their partnership with Cool Effect, a company that helps offset carbon emissions.

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel has been a leader in responsible travel for 35 years and offers trips for ages 18 to 35. In 2018, they became the world's largest travel company to achieve B Corp certification, reflecting their commitment to creating positive change through immersive and impactful travel. Their trips focus on local immersion, cultural connections, and sustainability. Intrepid Travel also offers carbon offsetting and carbon emissions reduction initiatives to minimise their environmental impact.

G Adventures

G Adventures is known for its action-packed small group trips with a focus on responsible travel. The company operates more than 750 trips in over 100 countries, including a range of 18-to-Thirtysomethings Tours that are faster-paced and affordable. G Adventures takes social, environmental, and ethical factors into consideration when designing its tours to ensure a positive impact on the places visited. Each tour is given a Ripple Score to show how much money stays in the local economy. The company also has initiatives to support local communities and promote sustainability, such as their "G for Good" programme, which aims to create positive change through tourism.

FTLO Travel

FTLO Travel offers modern group travel for ages 25 to 39, with a focus on sustainability and slow travel. They work with local vendors and support the local community's economy to minimise their environmental impact. FTLO Travel takes care of all the planning and logistics, allowing travellers to focus on exploring their destinations and connecting with other group members. Their trips include boutique accommodations, many meals, in-country transportation, scheduled activities, and free time recommendations.

Under30Experiences

Under30Experiences offers sustainable group travel for young adults ages 21 to 35. The company is committed to eco-friendly sustainability practices and authentic experiences that support local communities. They have built a community of thousands of solo travellers and have been featured in prominent media outlets like Inc. Magazine, Forbes, and CNN. Under30Experiences also offers flexible payment options, allowing travellers to pay in instalments as long as the balance is paid in full 60 days before departure.

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Adventure trips

Contiki

Contiki offers travel tours for 18 to 35-year-olds, with 200+ itineraries in more than 60 countries. Their trips range from long weekends to 60-day adventures and include active and adventure trips, sailing and cruise tours, and small-group tours. Almost 60% of Contiki travellers join solo, and the itineraries are designed to encourage social connections. Their tours are also carbon-neutral, with sustainability initiatives in place. Popular tours include the eight-day Thai Island Hopper West trip, Ireland in a Week, and the eight-day Egypt and the Nile adventure.

EF Ultimate Break

EF Ultimate Break caters specifically to young adults aged 18 to 35, with over 140 trips across six continents. They offer a range of tours, including multi-country explorations, hiking trips, city-focused excursions, and theme-based journeys, with budget-friendly options available. Many of their customers are solo travellers, and the itineraries are crafted to foster connections. EF Ultimate Break provides the safety and security of group travel, along with airport transfers and a 24/7 global support network. Popular itineraries include a nine-day trip to Japan, an 11-day Greek Islands excursion, and a 10-day tour of Germany, Italy, and Switzerland.

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel is a leader in responsible travel and has offered trips for 18 to 29-year-olds, recently expanding their age range up to 35. Their 18 to 35s itineraries are designed with Millennials and Gen Zers in mind, focusing on local immersion, free time, adventure, nature, and regional food experiences. With an average group size of 10, their trips are ideal for solo travellers. Popular trips include the 15-day Real Central Europe tour, Six Days in Iceland, and the 12-day Essential Morocco adventure.

G Adventures

G Adventures specialises in action-packed small group trips with a focus on responsible travel. They offer over 750 trips in more than 100 countries, including their 18-to-Thirtysomethings Tours designed for younger travellers. These tours have a faster pace and are affordably priced. During the day, tours visit cultural sights and attractions, with evenings spent at bars and restaurants, including a "First Night Out" and a "Big Night Out." Their tours provide safety for solo travellers and opportunities to meet others. Popular choices include the seven-day Paris to Rome: Picnics & Pizza tour, the 15-day Thailand: Night Markets & Blue Waters trip, and the 15-day Southern Africa Encompassed: Bush Camps & Wildlife Spotting adventure.

FTLO

FTLO creates trips for young professionals in their mid-to-late 20s and 30s, offering around 250 itineraries worldwide, with more than 300 planned for 2025. Their tours include boutique accommodations, meals, transportation, activities, and an experienced trip leader. FTLO handles all the details so that travellers can focus on exploring and connecting with others, and many of their participants travel solo. Their new eight-day Brazil itinerary includes a samba class, a Rio food and drink walking tour, and a cigar factory experience. Other popular trips include a 10-day Bali adventure, an 11-day South Africa safari, and a nine-day tour of the Greek Islands.

REI Adventures

REI Adventures offers fully hosted small group trips in North America, including camping, hotel, or lodge stays. Their trips are ranked by intensity level, from easy active to high intensity. They have tours designed specifically for 18 to 35-year-olds, exploring places like Yosemite Valley and the Great Smoky Mountains. Solo travellers make up a significant portion of their guests, and their Women's Adventures, led by women guides, are particularly popular. New trips include a California wine country hiking trip and an Asheville-area backpacking excursion.

With so many options available, singles in their 20s and 30s can choose from a variety of adventure tours to find their perfect travel experience and create lasting memories.

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Socialising and making friends

For example, Contiki offers tours for 18- to 35-year-olds, with itineraries built to encourage socialising. Almost 60% of Contiki's U.S. travellers join tours solo, and many guests make lifelong friendships, even participating in Contiki's reunion tours after they age out.

EF Ultimate Break, catering to 18- to 35-year-olds, designs its itineraries to foster connections and bring travellers together. Similarly, Intrepid Travel's 18- to 35-year-old itineraries are one of the company's top categories booked by solo travellers, with an average group size of 10, creating a welcoming environment for those travelling alone.

Flash Pack is another company that unites solo travellers in their 30s and 40s on luxury adventures. They match guests with like-minded roommates of the same gender, creating opportunities for guests to get to know each other. According to Flash Pack, 80% of their guests stay in touch after their trips, and many form unbreakable bonds.

FTLO Travel also offers group tours for young professionals aged 25-39, with 80% of their guests signing up alone. They handle the logistics of the trip so that travellers can focus on exploring and connecting with other tourgoers.

These companies understand the importance of socialising and creating a supportive community for solo travellers in their 20s and 30s, making it easier to form new friendships and create lasting memories.

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Exotic locations

If you're looking for an exotic location to visit, look no further than the Galápagos Islands. This group of islands off the coast of Ecuador is known for its unique and diverse wildlife, which inspired Darwin's theory of evolution. You can spot giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies, among other species found nowhere else on Earth.

For an African adventure, consider a safari in the Serengeti, where you can witness the Great Migration and see lions, elephants, and giraffes in their natural habitat. Or, head to Kenya and meet rescued baby elephants, also supported by tour companies. You could even combine the two for an East African extravaganza.

If you're looking for a tropical paradise, the Maldives is a great option. This island nation in the Indian Ocean offers pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious overwater bungalows. It's the perfect place to relax and unwind, with plenty of opportunities for snorkelling and diving.

For those seeking a more active adventure, try hiking to Machu Picchu in Peru. This ancient Inca citadel is perched high in the Andes Mountains and offers breathtaking views. Alternatively, explore the lush rainforests and volcanoes of Costa Rica, home to an incredible array of wildlife, including sloths, toucans, and howler monkeys.

Finally, for a truly unique experience, consider a trip to Antarctica. This frozen continent is remote and rarely visited, but those who make the journey are rewarded with stunning landscapes and an abundance of wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales.

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Solo travel

There are many benefits to solo travel, and it's a great way to meet like-minded people and explore the world safely. Many tour companies are catering to this demand by offering trips specifically for solo travellers, often with an age limit to ensure everyone is at a similar life stage.

For those in their 20s, Contiki offers travel tours for 18 to 35-year-olds, with 60% of U.S. travellers joining tours alone. The company offers 200+ itineraries in more than 60 countries, with long weekends and trips up to 60 days long. Sustainability is a key focus, with all trips carbon neutral since 2022 and a net-zero target for 2050.

EF Ultimate Break is another option for young adults, with trips for 18 to 35-year-olds. The company offers over 140 trips across six continents, with many budget-friendly options. Solo travellers can benefit from the safety and security of a group tour, as well as airport transfers and 24/7 global support.

Intrepid Travel has trips for 18 to 35-year-olds, with an average group size of 10, led by local tour leaders. In 2024, 21 to 30-year-olds made up their highest volume of solo travellers.

For those in their 30s, Flash Pack offers group tours for single professionals in this age range. The company unites solo travellers for 'adventures of a lifetime', with luxury hotels and unique experiences. 68% of their customers have never been on a group tour before, and the company ensures everyone is at a similar life stage by strictly limiting the age range.

FTLO Travel offers trips for 25 to 39-year-olds, with 80% signing up alone. The company takes care of all the planning, so travellers can focus on discovering new places and connecting with others.

Over30Experiences offers trips for those in their 30s and 40s, with most travellers joining solo. The company was founded by the creators of Under30Experiences, which was named the Fastest Growing Travel Company by Inc. Magazine.

G Adventures offers small group trips for 18 to 30-somethings, with a focus on safety, flexible itineraries, and local immersion.

Frequently asked questions

There are several travel companies that cater to singles in their 20s, such as Contiki, EF Ultimate Break, Intrepid Travel, G Adventures, and Under30Experiences. These companies offer a range of travel styles, including active and adventure trips, sailing and cruise tours, and cultural tours. They also provide opportunities for social connection and exploration, making them ideal for solo travellers looking to meet like-minded people.

Yes, there are travel companies that cater specifically to single travellers in their 30s, such as Flash Pack, Over30Experiences, and FTLO Travel. These companies offer group travel experiences that bring together like-minded individuals in their 30s and 40s, creating opportunities for connection and exploration.

Taking a guided tour as a single traveller in your 20s or 30s offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides safety and security, especially for those travelling solo. Secondly, it simplifies trip planning by taking care of logistics such as transportation, accommodations, and activities. Additionally, guided tours offer structured itineraries that maximise adventures and experiences in a new destination. They also provide opportunities to meet and connect with other like-minded travellers, potentially leading to lifelong friendships.

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