5 Common Mistakes Solo Travellers Make

Considering group tours as a solo traveller? Smart move!

But a few common mistakes stop people from booking – or leave them unprepared for the experience. Here are five pitfalls to avoid and how we’ll help you sidestep them!

Mistake #1:
Not Booking Because of the Single Supplement

The single supplement stops many solo travellers from booking – but it doesn’t have to.

Yes, supplements exist (typically $1,500–$2,000 depending on the destination) to cover the cost of having a room to yourself.

Many solo travellers see that price tag and don’t book at all, thinking group tours just aren’t affordable for them. That’s the real pitfall: missing out on incredible experiences because of this cost. There is a solution! The Roommate Pairing Program.

How it works: Fill out a 3-minute form. We introduce you to another traveller (same gender, same tour) by email. Connect over call, Zoom, or coffee. Click? Book together and split the cost! Don’t click? No pressure – we can introduce you to another potential roommate where available.

The real benefit? It’s not just about affordability. It’s having someone to laugh with about the camel that tried to eat your hat in Egypt. A companion for dinner when you’re too tired to navigate restaurant menus alone. Someone who gets the inside jokes that only make sense if you were there.

On tour, strangers often leave as friends – and often they even plan the next trip together!

Don’t let the supplement be the reason you miss out on a great experience.

Mistake #2:
Waiting for Someone to Travel With

Your bucket-list destinations aren’t getting any closer while you wait for friends to commit!

You’ve been talking about Portugal for two years. Your sister keeps saying, “maybe next year.” Your friends from book club are interested but never actually… book. Sound familiar?

Here’s the truth: if you wait for the perfect travel companion, you might never go. Life gets in the way. Schedules don’t align. People lose interest.

But here’s what happens when you book solo: Group travel is designed for this. It provides a ready-made social structure, shared experiences, and natural opportunities to connect with fellow adventurers.

With the help of Group Gurus, travellers often form lasting friendships with others in their tour group. You bond over watching the sunrise at Angkor Wat, swap stories during a wine tasting in the Douro Valley, and discover you have more in common than just wanderlust.

You’re not a face in a massive crowd – you’ll actually get to know people. You become part of a travel family.

You won’t be the only one – 20% of Approach travellers join solo!

Mistake #3:
Worrying You’ll Get Stuck with People You Don’t Like

You all chose the same adventure for the same reason – that creates natural chemistry from day one.

One of the biggest fears? Being stuck with incompatible people for two weeks. Worried about being the odd one out among couples. Anxious about forced socializing with strangers who have nothing in common with you.

In reality, you’re travelling with curious, adventurous people. You all wanted to explore Morocco’s medinas, hike through New Zealand’s wilderness, or cruise the Mekong. That shared sense of wonder creates instant common ground.

Plus, you’re not actually stuck: Every Approach tour includes built-in free time. Want to wander a market on your own? Sit quietly with a book? Take a different path? You can! There’s no forced participation, no mandatory togetherness during your downtime.

The reality: Natural bonds form through shared experiences. Almost everyone’s Canadian, so you share cultural references and a similar sense of humour. Connections happen organically over meals, on coach rides, and during those “can you believe we just saw that?” moments.

You’re not performing constant extroversion – you’re just… travelling. With space to be yourself when needed.

Group travel doesn’t mean losing yourself. It means finding your people!

Mistake #4:
Ruling Out Group Tours Because You’re an Introvert

Introverts can thrive on group tours – you just need the right balance.

If you’re more comfortable with a good book than a loud party, you might assume group travel isn’t for you.

But here’s the thing: group travel actually works brilliantly for introverts. Here’s why:

You’re not “on” all day. A typical day includes guided activities (where the expert does the talking), free time for solo exploration or rest, and group dinners (where conversation flows naturally without you having to carry it). You control your energy.

The social framework is already there. No need to work up courage to approach strangers in hostels or strike up conversations in restaurants. The structure exists – you just show up and participate at your comfort level.

Smaller groups feel manageable. Groups max out at 30 travellers so you can have one-on-one conversations, claim your preferred seat on the coach, and slip away during downtime as you wish.

Navigation stress disappears. For introverts, the mental load of constantly figuring out foreign transport, deciphering maps, and asking strangers for directions can be draining. Someone else handles all of that. You can save your energy for actually experiencing the destination.

You’re never alone in unfamiliar places. There’s comfort in having support nearby without needing to be constantly social. It’s the best of both worlds.

You don’t need to be outgoing to love group travel. Quiet types can enjoy it just as much!

Mistake #5:
Not Tapping Into Your Group Guru

You have a dedicated Group Guru on tour whose job is to make your trip better – use them!

Many solo travellers worry about handling everything on their own – but that’s not how it works. Your Group Guru is there specifically to support you, answer questions, and make sure you’re having the best possible experience.

Solo travellers especially benefit from this. While couples have each other to problem-solve with, you have your Group Guru in your corner!

What your Group Guru can help with:

The best part? You don’t have to wait until there’s a problem. Use your Group Guru proactively. Ask questions before the trip. Check in during the tour. They’re there to enhance your experience every step of the way.

Travelling solo doesn’t mean going it alone – you have dedicated support the entire journey.