If you’ve been dreaming about travelling solo but feel a little nervous about taking that first step, you are absolutely not alone. Almost every first-time solo traveller has the same thoughts: Will I feel lonely? Is it safe? What if I don’t enjoy it?
I completely understand those feelings because I’ve been there myself.
I’m Phoebe from Travel For Phoebe, and as one of the top travel vloggers in Australia, I’ve spent years travelling the world on my own and documenting my experiences. Through my blog and YouTube channel, I’ve met so many people who want to travel solo but just need a gentle, reassuring way to start.
And here’s my honest advice: your first solo trip doesn’t have to mean doing everything alone.
Choosing small group tours for first-time solo travellers is one of the best ways to explore the world with confidence. You get independence, new friendships, organised experiences and the comfort of knowing you’re not completely on your own. It’s the perfect way to build confidence while still enjoying meaningful travel experiences.
So, if you’re ready to start your solo travel journey, let me take you through five incredible destinations where small group tours make everything easier, safer and far more fun.
Why Small-Group Tours Are Perfect for First-Time Solo Travellers
Before we jump into destinations, let me reassure you of one thing: it’s completely normal to feel nervous about travelling alone for the first time.
Small group tours remove so much of that stress. You don’t have to worry about planning every detail, figuring out transport or feeling isolated in a new place. Instead, you’ll have a supportive group, knowledgeable guides and a structured itinerary, while still enjoying your own independence.
You’ll meet like-minded travellers, share experiences and still have free time to explore on your own. It’s honestly one of the most comfortable and confidence-boosting ways to begin solo travel.
Italy: Culture, Food and Beautiful Shared Experiences
Italy is one of the most magical places to begin your solo travel journey, especially with a small group. There’s something about Italy that naturally brings people together, whether it’s food, history or simply soaking in the atmosphere.
Rome
Small group walking tours in Rome are a wonderful way to explore iconic sights like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Vatican City without feeling overwhelmed. Instead of navigating busy streets alone, you’ll be discovering these places alongside fellow travellers who are just as excited as you are.
Florence
Florence is perfect for creative and cultural experiences. One of my favourite small group activities here is joining a pasta-making class. You learn from local chefs, laugh over flour-covered counters and then sit down together to enjoy a meal you’ve created. It’s social, fun and incredibly memorable.
Tuscany
In Tuscany, small group wine tasting tours through rolling vineyards offer a slower, more relaxed pace. You’ll visit charming wineries, taste regional wines and enjoy scenic countryside views, all while chatting with your group and making new travel friends. Venice also becomes far more enjoyable with guided walking tours through hidden alleyways and shared gondola rides along the canals.
Italy is vibrant, welcoming and filled with experiences that are even more enjoyable when shared with a small group.
Japan: Safe, Fascinating and Perfectly Organised
Japan is a dream destination for many solo travellers, and it’s one of the safest and most efficient countries to explore. Still, for a first solo trip, having a small group around you can make the experience feel far more comfortable.
Tokyo
Tokyo offers endless things to see and do, and small group tours in Tokyo help you navigate the city with ease. You might find yourself exploring bustling street markets, tasting incredible local dishes on a guided food tour or wandering through colourful neighbourhoods filled with unique shops and cafes. Having a guide and group means you can relax and enjoy the experience rather than worrying about getting lost.
Kyoto
Kyoto brings a completely different atmosphere, with its peaceful temples, traditional streets and cultural experiences. Joining a small group tea ceremony or temple tour allows you to fully appreciate the traditions without feeling unsure about customs or etiquette. Walking through bamboo forests or visiting serene shrines with a small group creates a calm, shared experience that feels very special.
Mount Fuji
Many small group tours for first-time solo travellers also include scenic train journeys and day trips to Mount Fuji, where you can enjoy stunning views and take photos together. Japan is incredibly solo-friendly, but exploring it with a small group adds reassurance and connection that first-time solo travellers often appreciate.
Sri Lanka: Warm, Welcoming and Full of Variety
Sri Lanka holds a special place in my heart and is one of my favourite destinations to recommend on Travel For Phoebe. It’s friendly, beautiful and incredibly diverse, offering everything from beaches and wildlife to culture and scenic landscapes.
Hill Country
For solo travellers, small group tours make exploring Sri Lanka feel effortless and enjoyable. One of the most unforgettable experiences is the famous train journey from Kandy to Ella. Travelling through lush green mountains and tea plantations is breathtaking, and sharing that journey with a group makes it even more memorable.
Yala National Park
Wildlife safaris in Yala National Park are another highlight. Setting off early in the morning with your group to spot elephants, leopards and exotic birds is both exciting and comforting when you’re travelling with experienced guides.
Southern Coast
Along the southern coast, places like Mirissa and Unawatuna offer relaxed beach days, whale-watching tours and sunset moments that are perfect for connecting with fellow travellers. Small group cooking classes with local families are also incredibly special. You’ll learn how to prepare traditional Sri Lankan dishes and then enjoy a home-cooked meal together, sharing stories and laughter around the table.
Sri Lanka is warm and welcoming, and exploring it with a small group makes the entire experience feel safe, social and deeply enriching.
Portugal: Relaxed, Scenic and Solo-Friendly
Portugal is one of Europe’s most charming and easy-going destinations, making it perfect for first-time solo travellers. The atmosphere is relaxed, the scenery is beautiful and the experiences are wonderfully social.
Lisbon
In Lisbon, small group walking tours and tuk-tuk tours are the perfect introduction to the city. You’ll wander through colourful streets, discover scenic viewpoints and learn about local culture while getting to know your fellow travellers. Food tours here are especially enjoyable, giving you the chance to try traditional pastries, seafood and local wines without the awkwardness of dining alone.
Porto
Porto offers a slower pace and a romantic riverside setting. Small group wine tasting tours in the Douro Valley or historic wine cellars create relaxed, friendly environments where conversations flow easily. Boat cruises along the river provide stunning views and shared moments that quickly turn strangers into friends.
Sintra
Many small group tours also include day trips to Sintra, where fairytale-like castles and lush gardens create unforgettable experiences. Exploring these magical locations with a group adds a sense of fun and companionship that makes solo travel feel effortless.
Thailand: Vibrant, Social and Perfect for Beginners
Thailand has long been a favourite for first-time solo travellers, and joining a small group tour makes it even more enjoyable. The country is vibrant, affordable and incredibly welcoming.
Bangkok
Bangkok offers an exciting introduction, with guided tours through bustling markets, temples and street food spots. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the city’s energy, you’ll experience it in a structured and supportive way. Trying local street food with a group is not only delicious but also a great way to connect with others.
Chiang Mai
In Chiang Mai, small group experiences often include visits to ethical elephant sanctuaries, where you can learn about conservation and interact with these gentle animals responsibly. Thai cooking classes are another highlight, allowing you to prepare traditional dishes and share a meal with your group.
Thailand’s islands
Thailand’s islands provide the perfect setting for relaxation and adventure. Snorkelling trips, island hopping tours and sunset beach evenings naturally bring people together. It’s very easy to make friends and feel comfortable here, especially when travelling with a small group.
Your First Solo Trip Can Be Life-Changing
One of the most beautiful things about small group tours for first-time solo travellers is how quickly strangers become friends. When you’re sharing new experiences, exploring unfamiliar places and stepping outside your comfort zone together, connections form naturally.
You’ll likely arrive feeling slightly nervous but leave feeling confident, inspired and proud of yourself. Solo travel has a way of showing you just how capable and adventurous you really are. And starting with a small group tour makes that journey feel safe, exciting and genuinely enjoyable.
I hope this guide has inspired you to start planning your first solo adventure. If you’d like more honest travel advice, destination guides and real experiences from around the world, make sure to follow my website, Travel For Phoebe for regular updates.
And don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel, where I share travel vlogs, tips and detailed guides to help you travel smarter and more confidently. I’d love for you to be part of this amazing travel community and join me on this journey around the world.
Your first solo trip might feel like a big step, but it could also be the beginning of something truly life-changing.