You want to take a holiday. You know you might not want to go entirely alone, but you still have some niggling concerns. Is small group travel actually for me? Will I be safe and fit in? Am I going to slow the group down, or will it be too slow for me? Will I get quiet space when I need it? Do I really want to share a room? Will the age gaps matter? If these questions are holding you back, you're in the right place.
2026-09-05
At Once Were Wild Travel , we built our touring company with the solo female traveller at the forefront of our minds. We understand that travelling as a single woman can come with unspoken anxieties, especially as we age. Here is how we break down those barriers to give you the perfect balance of adventure, safety, and freedom. Friends Before You Arrive The anxiety of turning up on day one to a room full of strangers can be daunting. That is why we host group chats before every single tour. Long before your luggage is packed, you will have the chance to join in, share the excitement, and get to know the other ladies. By the time you land, you are not meeting strangers. You are reuniting with friends. No "Single Supplement" Penalty We know how frustrating it is to feel financially penalized just because you are travelling solo. To fix this, we thoughtfully match up ladies who are happy to share a room. You might even partner up naturally after getting to know each other in our pre-tour chats. This keeps your dream trip accessible and instantly communal. It's perfectly fine to switch room arrangements if you develop a deeper connection with another traveller during the trip. Of course, if you prefer your own private space to retreat to, paying the single supplement for a private room is always an option. Creature Comforts and Wholesome Food Wherever possible, we stay in beautiful, large houses where we can all unpack, settle in, and truly feel at home. For us, great food, excellent wine, and real sisterhood are the top priorities. Let’s talk about the importance of food. We are both married to chefs, so we have learned a thing or two about incredible meals over the years. We love preparing delectably wholesome food for our guests. There is nothing more honest and nurturing than standing around a kitchen together, prepping a beautiful meal with a glass of wine close by, laughing, and reflecting on the day's adventures. Space to Just "Be" Group travel should never mean forced sensory overload. We completely understand the fear of "forced extroversion" and the deep need for quiet time. On our tours, downtime is built into the schedule. Our shared cooking experiences provide the perfect, low-pressure setting to connect. Some women might want to relax in the lounge with a book, while others want to chat at the kitchen bench or help with the prep. There is absolutel