We’d love to have you join the Encounter Travel community. 

Join our subscriber email list for the latest updates and subscriber specials.

Follow us on Facebook so you’ll always get the latest news and information about upcoming tours. 

The Encounter Travel Tribe Facebook  group, exclusively for our past and current travellers, is a great place to start conversations, post photos and stay in touch before and after you’ve all travelled together.

Encounter Travel is an Australian-owned and operated online business based in Sydney, Australia.

We're an online travel company, offering the same level of service that you would find in any traditional travel agency. Our travellers like to communicate with us by phone, email, post. From time to time, we have solo traveller events in Sydney and Melbourne, then also in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast but less frequently. Our events are a great chance to 'dip your toe in the water', and meet with other solo travellers.

If you would like to ask any questions about our holidays, we're available Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 5pm (Sydney time).

We Pay For Your Call
The benefit of our 1300 653 692 number is that you only pay your carrier's connection fee (and we pay any timed costs of your call*). If you send us an email at holidays@encountertravel.com.au we'll get back to you usually the same day or, at busier times, by the next working day.

* there are some exceptions on some mobile phone provider plans where they also charge the caller to connect with 1300 numbers - please check with your provider for their terms.

We are accredited with the Australian industry organisation AFTA, Australian Federation of Travel Agents with ATAS accreditation. 

We are also a member of CATO, Council of Australian Tour Operators. Find out more.

Encounter Travel was founded on a simple idea: that solo travellers could join small group tours made just for them. No more being the odd one out in couples’ groups. Since 2006, we’ve been crafting journeys for solo travellers who want a better way to see the world.

We’re 100% Australian owned and operated. Based in Sydney, our team is led by our founder Justine Waddington, who has travelled to 69 countries and counting. From our travel consultants to our groups team and tour hosts, we’re all passionate about creating amazing experiences for our travellers.

We’ve helped thousands of solo travellers connect with the world—and each other. We witness friendships blossom, confidence grow, and bucket lists come to life. Whether it’s your first solo trip or your tenth, we’re here to help you feel right at home as a solo traveller.

No, you don’t. Most of our travellers are single, but some have partners who don't travel. We welcome anyone travelling solo for their own reasons. However, if you are single and have a friend who'd like to come along too, feel free to book together. Whether you book alone or with a friend, you'll feel you're a part of the group as everyone explores new places and destinations together.

If you are a couple (dating or married) looking to join us, then unfortunately our solos' groups aren't for you, but thanks for stopping by and admiring our trips - we'd love you to tell your solo traveller friends about us.

These are travel groups, not dating events. While friendships (and sometimes romances) form, our holidays aren’t designed for matchmaking.

Not always. More women travel solo than men, especially on our leisure tours. Resort trips and cruises tend to have a more balanced mix. There’s no clear pattern; even the same tour can be a different ratio of women to men from one the next.

Yes - If you're a good sleeper and don’t snore or use sleep aids like CPAP, we can try to match you with a same-sex roommate. Most travellers book their own room though. There are some tours where sharing is not an option. We can’t offer a personal reference for your match or make guarantees of a personality match. We suggest that if you have not shared or not for a long time it’s probably not the right time to find out if you’re going to like sharing.

If the destination excites you and you’re within the trip’s age range, you’re in the right place. We start with a welcome meetup so you can settle in and meet your group.

We keep our groups small for a more personal and boutique travel experience. It means less waiting, more local access, and stronger connections.

Our experiences offered aren't always possible for the large coach tours that are restricted with options because of their large group size.

Here’s what to expect:

• Discovery Tours (Australia): 8–22 travellers (on average 12–16)
• Discovery Tours (International): 8–22 travellers (on average 14–18)
  
  Europe & North America: up to a maximum 22 (maximum size varies)
  South America, Asia & developing nations: 8 –16 (mostly)

• Get Going (active): 4–14 travellers as a guide
• On The Water (cruises): ocean cruises, ‘the more the merrier’ and river cruises or expeditions usually 12 or under.
• Relax (resort style): 18–35 holiday makers, sometimes more 

Our international tours include a group leader. Most tours are escorted from start to finish from the destination of your tour, hosted by a local. Tours either are led by a local host that works with local guides throughout the tour or otherwise a local guide that hosts the duration of the tour. On occasion a tour host from Encounter Travel may join.

Our resort trips are hosted by an Encounter Travel group coordinator. Active tours are led by experienced outdoor walking guides..

Our Discovery tours include built-in downtime and optional activities, so you can enjoy your own space. Active tours are more group-focused during the day, with evenings to unwind.

Mostly we have more 4-star hotels across our tours. The range of hotel standards is from 3 to 5 stars. We have an accommodation section on our website for each tour that provides more details

Sometimes a 3-star hotel offers the best character and location or otherwise a destination may not have a standard any higher than a 3 star hotel. All rooms are requested as non-smoking, although ultimately this is subject to hotel availability.

Hotel Rooms
Expect a private ensuite bathroom with a shower, toilet, and daily room service in almost all cases.

We contract the same room type whether for solo use or twin-share, avoiding the small ‘single’ rooms typical in Europe.

• Double bed is requested but cannot be guaranteed
• Safety deposit boxes vary – sometimes only at reception
• Mini-fridges and hair dryers vary by hotel
• Tea/coffee facilities are not standard worldwide
• Complimentary bottled water depends on region and hotel grade

Wi-Fi is common but not guaranteed in remote areas or may be a paid service

Our 'Get Going' trips are our walking and adventure trips and accommodation varies. For each trip, we detail what to expect and provide the information on our website. It may be a private home or homes, local lodgings or inns, permanent tented camp sites, camping with permanent bathroom facilities, or even bushing camping. On some trips it may only be shared bathroom facilities. Some or even all of these places of stay may not use hotel star ratings.

Ocean or river cruises are mostly 4 stars or above, unless otherwise stated. Inclusions are generally similar to hotels of the same rating. Check individual cruise details for specifics.

Group Dining
It’s regular that trips include welcome dinners and farewell dinners for our groups. In addition, there are some other group dining experiences to ensure that everyone can enjoy the benefit of travelling and dining as a group.  There’s nothing better than to share a meal with new friends and discuss the day’s adventures.

We include group dinners and/or lunches as part of the experience, especially where local cuisine, entertainment or a standout venue is involved. Most tour itineraries include some nights left free for your own exploration or quiet time.

Dining When Meals Aren’t Included
It’s easy to find a travel buddy for meals when they’re not included – that’s the joy of joining a solo group. Or you might prefer a quiet night in. Your tour leader is always a great resource for dining tips.

Varies by destination and hotel type:

Australia & New Zealand: Most hotels we use offer a full buffet
Asia: Hot and cold buffet with Western and Asian options
Europe & UK: varies and may be Continental, American, a cold buffet, or a full buffet. Some hotels may offer a set menu or à la carte breakfast. Some hotels may have a set breakfast served a la carte or set menu.
North America: American breakfast or buffet (some hotels offer no breakfast)

Meals On The Go
Sometimes, a boxed meal may be arranged for early departures or long travel days.

We always recommend travelling with cash (but not too much at any one time) and credit or debit cards. You should carry at least two forms of money on a card such as a credit, debit or a travel money card.

ATM's are common place in major cities.

Travellers Cheques are for all intents and a purpose, are a travel money option of the past, and we don't recommend this as convenient.

Some Foreign Currency Purchase Options for Australian Travellers:
Travelex | NAB | CommBank | ANZ | Westpac

Check with your bank, some banks offer their customers reduced or no transactions fees on foreign currency purchase. Some banks and bureaus offer online order services

TIP#1: Separate to where you carry your travel money cards; have your bank's emergency contact for reporting lost and stolen cards.

TIP#2: If you are in more remote locations or just want to be sure, advise your tour guide well in advance of when you need to access an ATM. They can factor this into the next day's plans or let you know the best time and place to get to an ATM by your own arrangement.

TIP#3: Be prepared for higher credit card surcharge fees in developing nations, where they often impose service charges well in access of what we're used to in Australia.

TIP#4: Check your travel insurance policy for how much they cover you for in the event your wallet is lost or stolen. Most policies set limits on how much will be reimbursed e.g up to $200. Plus, for a claim you must have a completed police report of the incident.

Every destination varies, country to country.

Are you looking to shop or buy gifts? Do you like to splurge and treat yourself on lots of extras, and so you plan to on drinking alcoholic beverages?

Your personal budget could be very different to another's.  However, for our international discovery tours we make some basic recommendations based on what you need for extra meals, drinks and snacks. You'll find this information on our website for each tour.

As a broad guide, setting a budget for most European countries is not too dissimilar to Australia (Eastern Europe being generally less, or parts of Western Europe often a bit more). for Scandinavian countries mostly expect to be paying more than Australia. Asian countries, often less than Australia, and in North America similar to Australia.

The exchange rate of the day influences these costs. When the Australian dollar is strong against the currency of your destination you are visiting then you'll get more for your money.

For our international tours either the tipping is

• included as part of your package
• it’s required as a local payment at the start of your tour, or
• it’s not compulsory and a personal choice.

Tipping is commonplace in many destinations around the world and is different to Australia where tipping is not customary. 

For some destinations, it makes up a part of the tour personnel wage or supplements a very low wage. We respect the tipping culture of each our destinations and set our tipping practice based on each destination’s standard.

When tipping is included as part of the package, we list this with the holiday inclusions – this means you’ve paid for it upfront. We pay this to our ground operator for your tour, who in turn pays the staff locally.

In some cases a local tipping payment is required. It’s paid to your tour guide at the start of the tour and they manage the tipping of tour personnel throughout the tour.

There’s no option to remove pre paid or locally paid tips from your package.

The Australian Government, and many other governments provide a travel advisory service. The Australian site to visit is www.smartraveller.gov.au

A great starting point is Australian site, The Travel Doctor. It will give you a good idea and set your expectations.

You'll need to visit your doctor or a travel doctor specialist before you depart. Some destinations may recommend or require a series of vaccinations before you travel. Setting your appointment about eight weeks before you travel is a guide.

Also, we suggest asking your doctor about preparing a traveller's medical kit for your trip. Or your pharmacist can assist with a traveller medical kit for unprescribed items.

If you get sick or have an accident that may effect your ability to join the tour, visit your doctor without delay for the best advice for your suitability for travelling. If your doctor deems you unfit to travel, your travel insurance should cover the monies you've paid for your trip if you have to forgo your travels - at least then, when you recover you can still take the trip, but just at a different time.

There's peace of mind when travelling with a group that there's help close by. When it's just a sniffle or if you are a little unwell, you can check with your local guide about visiting a pharmacy. Or, if you need to see a doctor you can ask your guide or your hotel for help.

Also, if you believe you have an infectious condition, please alert your tour guide, and subject to availability they will try to get you a seat on your own on the tour vehicle.

TIP: When you visit your doctor pre departure, ask them about a traveller medical kit and what to pack.

We have a minimum standard to cater for vegetarians, gluten free, lactose intolerant and diabetic diets. However, from trip to trip it varies so you can find out more on our Before You Book – What To Know page.

Please note, that although we cater for vegetarians, gluten free, lactose intolerant and diabetic diets, and on occasion other diets, it can mean your choices are restricted. Some destination may not be suitable, depending on your requirements, so please ask us about this before you book.