Solo travel has changed a lot.
A few years ago, it was all about turning up somewhere with a backpack, booking a hostel on the fly, and just seeing what happened. And yeah, that still exists.
But in 2026, more people are looking for something slightly different.
They still want the freedom of solo travel…
just without the awkward first few days, the constant planning, and the uncertainty of whether they’ll actually meet people.
That’s where group travel has stepped in and honestly, it’s blown up for a reason.
But after looking into it (and being in this space), it’s pretty clear not every company is offering the same thing. Some feel overly structured, some are way overpriced, and some just completely miss the actual social side of travel that people crave these days (not just partying!).
So if you’re trying to figure out which one to go with, these are three that stand out in 2026 for very different reasons.
1. Onda Adventures – The One That Feels the Most Natural
There’s a reason smaller, community-led travel brands are starting to take over.
After years of travel becoming more commercial, more rushed, and in some places… completely disconnected from the culture, a lot of people are starting to want something different again.
That’s exactly where Onda Adventures comes in.
It was built after four years of real backpacking experience. Not from a boardroom, and not by reselling generic itineraries. Every trip is created from the ground up, based on places that genuinely left an impact.
The focus isn’t just on where you go – it’s on how you experience it, and more importantly, who you experience it with.
Because the reality is, one of the biggest worries people have before booking a solo trip is simple:
“What if I don’t click with anyone?”
That’s far less of a concern here.
The kind of people these trips attract are usually on the same wavelength, open-minded, up for meeting new people, and actually interested in more than just ticking destinations off a list.
It creates a completely different dynamic from the start.
You’re not being rushed around trying to squeeze everything in. There’s structure when you need it, but also space for the moments that end up being the most memorable – whether that’s watching a sunset together, finding a local spot that wasn’t planned, or just a night that turns into something you didn’t expect.
At the same time, there’s a strong focus on travelling properly.
That means:
- immersing yourself in local culture
- supporting local businesses
- and giving back where possible, including working with charities and community projects
It’s not about passing through places – it’s about experiencing them in a way that actually benefits the destination too.
And for a lot of travellers now, that matters.
What makes Onda stand out most though is how personal it feels.
It doesn’t feel like you’ve joined a tour group. It feels like you’ve found your people, just in a different part of the world.
If you like the idea of solo travel but don’t want to do it alone, and you want a trip that’s as much about the people as it is the places, this is easily one of the strongest options going into 2026.
You can check out the current trips available with Onda Adventures.
This is the kind of trip you book for the destination… but remember for the people.
2. Hardest Adventures – If You Want Something More Intense and completely adventurous
Some people don’t want chilled.
They want something that actually pushes them – physically, mentally, or just completely outside their comfort zone.
That’s where Hardest Adventures sits.
These trips are a lot more focused on doing something memorable in the “challenge” sense. Think Mount Everest, Kilimanjaro, or other high-energy days.
For the right person, that’s exactly what makes it good.
You come back feeling like you’ve done something, not just seen places.
But it does come with trade-offs.
It’s not as relaxed, and it’s not as socially driven in the same way. The bonding tends to come from the experience itself rather than just naturally hanging out.
So it really depends what you want your trip to feel like.
If you’re the type of person who gets bored sitting still and wants something that feels like an actual adventure – Hardest Adventures is a solid option.
Flash Pack – The Premium Group Travel Option
Then you’ve got Flash Pack, which has been around a bit longer and has a very clear lane.
This is more for people who like the idea of group travel but are willing to pay for a more luxury experience.
Everything is a bit more polished – nicer hotels, a more relaxed atmosphere, and less unpredictability.
And for a lot of people, especially older travellers, that’s ideal.
You don’t have to think much. You don’t have to plan. You just turn up.
The trade-off is that it can feel a bit more structured, and naturally, it comes at a higher price point.
It’s also not really aimed at that early-20s backpacker crowd. The vibe is a bit older, a bit calmer.
So if you’re looking for something that feels easy and comfortable rather than spontaneous and social, this is probably more your pace. See what Flashpack has on offer.
So… Which One Is Actually Best?
It depends less on the company – and more on what you want your trip to feel like.
If you want something social, flexible, and actually fun in the moment,
Onda Adventures stands out because it gets that balance right.
If you want something that pushes you and feels more like a challenge,
Hardest Adventures makes more sense.
And if you just want something smooth, comfortable, and organised,
Flash Pack does exactly that.
Final Thought
The biggest shift with travel right now isn’t where people are going.
It’s how they want to experience it.
People care more about:
- who they meet
- how the trip feels day-to-day
- and whether it actually lives up to what they imagined
That’s why group travel is growing so quickly and also why choosing the right one actually matters.
Should You Backpack Alone or Join a Group Trip?
Solo travel is empowering – but it can also be overwhelming.
Joining a group trip offers:
- Built-in travel community
- Local guides and cultural insight
- Safer logistics
- Hassle-free transport and accommodation
- Support navigating India confidently
If you want independence without isolation, structure without stress, and adventure without overwhelm – group travel is the perfect balance.
