The first time I traveled by myself, something changed.
Until then, I had always traveled with friends or family. Planning a trip meant compromising on where to eat, what to see, and how to spend the day. My first solo trip introduced me to an entirely different way of experiencing the world-one where every decision was mine to make.
There was something incredibly freeing about waking up each morning knowing I could create the entire day's itinerary. If I wanted to spend hours wandering through a neighborhood, linger in a museum longer than expected, or settle into a café for the afternoon, there was no schedule to follow except my own. That sense of independence gave me a confidence I had never experienced before, and it's one of the reasons I still love solo travel today.
Professional photos I took during my first solo trip to Paris!
Over the years, though, I've realized something else.
While I genuinely enjoy traveling on my own, there are moments when I miss having someone to share the experience with. Not every day and not every destination, but every now and then it's nice to have someone to chat with over dinner, split a bottle of wine after a day of exploring, or laugh with about the unexpected moments that always seem to happen while traveling.
I've also discovered that some destinations feel more approachable with a little support. Visiting countries where I don't speak the language or where the culture is very different from my own can be exciting, but it can also feel intimidating. In those situations, having a local guide or a small group often makes the experience more enjoyable because I can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time appreciating where I am.
I'm also someone who loves learning while I travel. Seeing a historic site is one thing, but understanding the stories behind it brings the experience to life. That's why I almost always book guided tours, even when I'm traveling independently. I enjoy hearing the history, asking questions, and gaining a deeper appreciation for the places I visit.
Small-group travel to Morocco made the experience much more relaxing
Eventually, I started wondering why travel always seemed to be presented as an either-or choice.
You either travel completely on your own, or you join a traditional group tour.
You either have total independence, or you follow a fixed itinerary with people you've never met.
For me, neither option felt quite right.
I wanted the freedom that comes with solo travel while also having opportunities to connect with other people when it felt natural.
That's where the idea of Solo-ish was born.
What Does It Mean to Be Solo-ish?
To me, Solo-ish means embracing the best parts of solo travel without giving up the chance to share meaningful experiences with others.
You book the trip on your own and arrive independently, but you'll be traveling alongside other people who are there during the same dates. There are optional activities, shared experiences, and opportunities to get to know one another, while still leaving plenty of room for personal time.
If you'd rather spend a day exploring a city on your own, that's encouraged. If you'd like to join a group excursion or meet others for dinner in the evening, those opportunities are there too.
The goal isn't to fill every moment with group activities, but to create space for both independence and connection.
Many of us don't fit neatly into the categories of "solo traveler" or "group traveler." We enjoy the flexibility to explore at our own pace, but we also appreciate having people to share parts of the journey with.
If you've ever searched for things like group trips for solo travelers, small group tours for solo travelers, travel groups for singles, or how to meet people while traveling, you already know this feeling. You're not necessarily looking for someone to plan every minute of your trip, you simply want the option to connect with others while still maintaining the freedom that makes solo travel so rewarding.
That's exactly what inspired Solo-ish.
Ready to Travel Solo-ish?
If you've been looking for a way to enjoy the freedom of traveling independently while having built-in opportunities to meet like-minded travelers, I'd love to invite you to join our community.
Sign up for our email list to be the first to hear about upcoming Solo-ish trips, destination announcements, and travel inspiration designed for travelers who believe you don't have to choose between independence and connection.
