FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to the questions we get most. Don’t see yours? Contact us and we’ll get back to you.

SoFe Meetup Tour in Mongolia (12)
cooking class at village Turkey
Oaxaca-2026-136
South Africa Female Tour

The Trips

Because traveling solo shouldn’t mean traveling alone. Our small group trips are built for women who travel solo, so you’ll never be the odd one out. We handle the planning, pick boutique stays, partner with local women-led businesses wherever we can, and build in experiences you can’t book on your own: home-cooked meals with local families, private access, and places most visitors never see. Most women arrive not knowing anyone. Most leave with friends they keep for years.

Almost everything. Each trip page has the full breakdown, but in general your price covers:

 

  • All accommodation, hand-picked for comfort, character, and location
  • In-country transport, including private vehicles and any internal flights on the itinerary
  • Your arrival airport transfer on Day 1
  • An expert local guide for the whole trip
  • All activities and entrance fees on the itinerary
  • All breakfasts and many lunches and dinners
  • Nearly all tips, including hotel porters, included meals, and day guides

 

Not included: international flights, a few meals left open so you can explore, the tip for your main tour guide, travel insurance (required), visa fees, and your departure transfer.

Compare what’s actually included and the gap closes. We stay in boutique hotels, riads, and lodges instead of big chains, include experiences that would be hard or impossible to arrange alone, keep groups small, and cover nearly every tip. You won’t spend your trip pulling out your wallet.

Absolutely. You booked it, you showed up, and you’re doing something most people only talk about. Almost every itinerary includes Solo Time so you can wander, journal, shop, or just breathe. Company when you want it, space when you need it.

Every trip includes some free time, but how much depends on the destination. Some itineraries have free afternoons in town; others are fuller because of remote locations or long travel days. If free time matters a lot to you, ask us and we’ll point you to the right trip.

Yes. Nothing is mandatory. Your guide can help you plan something quieter or just rest. The only exceptions are moments where transport or a remote location makes it impractical to split from the group.

Itineraries are set, so aside from skipping planned activities when possible and including any optional add-ons, we don’t customize itineraries. You can use your free time however you like, and your guide will share local recommendations along the way.

You should be comfortable walking for a while, including on uneven or cobblestone streets. Some trips add light hiking, biking, or water activities. Every trip page lists its activity level, and you can always sit out anything you’re not comfortable with.

We can usually accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other common needs. We share your requirements with our local partners and your guide before the trip. Options vary by destination, so we can’t guarantee every meal will be a perfect match. If you have a severe allergy, bring your medication and tell your guide on Day 1. Bringing a few favorite snacks from home never hurts.

Completely. Some trips include a wine tasting or brewery visit, but joining in is always optional. Tell us after booking and we’ll arrange a non-alcoholic alternative.

The Groups

Women who get it. Curious, open-minded, and ready to say yes. Most come from the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, with travelers from Europe, Asia, and beyond on many trips. Ages range from 20s to 70s. What they share is that they chose to show up solo.

Usually 12 to 14 women, never more than 14. Big enough to find your people, small enough that no one gets lost in the crowd.

No. Every trip welcomes women of all ages.

Trips are priced for a shared twin room, and it’s one of the fastest ways to make a friend. You’ll take our Roommate Matchmaker Quiz, built with a psychologist and a professional matchmaker, which pairs you on things like sleep habits and social energy. Even nervous sharers often say their roommate was a trip highlight.

Yes, on most trips, for an added cost. Private rooms are limited, so book early if you want one. A few special stays (like an overnight felucca in Egypt or a desert camp) can’t offer private rooms, and we’ll note that clearly on the trip page.

Yes. Let us know when you book. You’ll room together as long as you both request each other. We limit the number of pairs on each trip to keep the group balanced.

Yes. Groups of eight or more women can book a private SoFe departure on dates that work for you. Contact us to start planning.

Booking & Payments

Go to the trip page, click Dates & Prices, and pick your departure. You can pay your deposit online right away. Prefer to talk first? Email us or book a quick call.

For trips more than 90 days away, a deposit holds your spot (the amount is listed on each trip page). After that, pay any amount whenever you like, as long as the balance is paid 90 days before departure. Trips within 90 days require full payment at booking. You can pay in installments of 3 or 6 months, just ask us. Deposits are non-refundable, and we can’t hold spots without one. You get one free transfer of your deposit to any other trip or departure as long as you give us 90 days notice. Full details are in our Terms and Conditions.

You can transfer to a different date or destination once, for free, with at least 90 days’ notice before your trip. See our Terms and Conditions for cancellations.

Yes. Join it on the trip page. If a spot opens, we contact people in the order they signed up.

Throughout the year, with many next-season trips going live mid-year. Email subscribers hear about new dates first. Don’t see dates that work? Join the waitlist for that destination or ask us what’s coming.

Yes. We work with you directly, no automated systems. Learn more about partnering with us.

Before You Go

International flights aren’t included, since our travelers fly in from all over the world. Any internal flights on the itinerary are included and booked for you. Each trip page lists the arrival and departure airports (they’re sometimes different). Wait until your trip is guaranteed before booking flights.

Your arrival transfer is included if you land on Day 1 or book a pre-night at our starting hotel, and send us your flight details at least 30 days before departure. Transfers are private to SoFe but may be shared with other travelers landing around the same time. Departure transfers aren’t included, but your guide can help you arrange one. Want a fully private transfer? We can set one up for an added cost.

Yes. We can book extra nights at the same hotel where your trip starts or ends, based on availability. Book them inside your traveler account after booking or send us a email.

Yes, it’s required. Your policy must cover medical expenses including emergency evacuation, personal accident, cancellation and curtailment, delays and missed connections, lost or stolen baggage, and every activity on your itinerary. We also recommend personal liability and pre-existing condition coverage. You’ll need to show proof of insurance, including the 24-hour emergency number, before the trip starts. Travelers without valid insurance can’t join the tour. Our insurance guide can help you choose.

Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return date, with a few blank pages. Visa rules depend on your nationality and destination, so check the official government site for your trip. We don’t process visas, but we’ll send any documents you need for your application (hotel details, a booking confirmation) once your trip is guaranteed.

Talk to your doctor or a travel health clinic well before you go, and check the CDC or WHO for current guidance. Each trip page includes general health info to get you started.

Once your trip is guaranteed, you’ll get our Traveler Information Guide with packing lists, entry details, money and safety tips, and more. Your final itinerary with confirmed hotels arrives about 10 days before departure. The hotels on each trip page are examples of where we stay. Occasionally we substitute one of similar style and quality, and small itinerary changes can happen due to weather or availability.

About 7-10 days before departure, you’ll be added to your group’s WhatsApp chat, with your guide. It’s the place to say hi, compare flights, and ask last-minute questions. You’ll meet the whole group in person day Day 1 welcome dinner. 

We vet every destination, choose accommodation with security in mind, use trusted local guides, and arrange private transport from the moment you land. If you get sick or injured, your guide will get you to good care and help with your insurance. Our team is reachable 24/7 while you’re on tour.

We strongly recommend being there from Day 1. It’s when the group bonds, and most trips move to a new place by Day 2, so joining late means arranging your own transport to catch up. If you leave before the trip is over, it’s up to you to arrange your own way. There are no refunds or discounts for days missed.