My Trip to Vietnam with Gals Who Travel

Why Travelling With a Group of Strangers Was the Best Thing I Ever Did…

 

If you’d told me a year ago that I’d be hopping on a plane to Vietnam to meet fourteen complete strangers, I would’ve laughed. Vietnam has been somewhere I had always wanted to visit, but I never thought it would actually happen. From friends not being able to commit to a long-haul holiday, to the complication of the planning getting overwhelming, my Asia trip just kept getting further and further away. That was until I discovered the Gals Who Travel community. The idea of travelling around my dream destination with a group of like-minded girls sounded incredible. I booked a 13-day Vietnam group tour and started planning what I was going to get made at the tailors I'd seen all over TikTok. Of course, I was still a little scared to go solo, but looking back, I had no reason to be - it was the best thing I ever did, and I cannot wait to plan my next trip.

 

 

Before the trip, I had every excuse ready.

“What if no one likes me?”

“What if everyone already knows each other?”

“What if I hate sharing a room?”

 

But the truth is, everyone else was thinking the exact same thing. When I landed in Ho Chi Minh and met the group for the first time, I realised most of us were solo travellers doing this for the first time. Within 24 hours, helping each other with e-sims, swapping Instagrams, dodging scooters in the Old Quarter, and planning which cute cafe to visit next. The nerves pretty much disappeared because I was so caught up in the Vietnamese buzz and the group, it was like we had all known each other for years.

 

Over the next 13 days, we travelled from south to north, and the trip just kept getting better and better! My highlights were Ha Long Bay, lantern making in Hoi An and the Hi Van Pass (something I was completely unaware before we did it!)

 

It was all so cleverly planned, and we did so so much in a short amount of time, perfect for most of us who only had a couple of weeks' annual leave to use. In Hoi An, we had custom clothes made (although if you go plan what you want before, because being in the tailors is overwhelming if you are indecisive like me!) in Ho Chi Minh City, we learned about Vietnam’s history, ate our bodyweight in spring rolls and in Hue we did the most amazing local cooking class where we made SO many amazing dishes.

 

 

What I Learned From Travelling With Strangers

 

1. Solo doesn't mean alone

Before this trip, I thought travelling solo meant being alone. But travelling with a group of like-minded women taught me the exact opposite. You’re never really alone. There was always someone up for exploring, chatting, or searching for the best Vietnam bakeries!

 

2. You grow fast in a group environment

There’s something about being surrounded by people who are all up for trying new things that pushes you out of your comfort zone in the best way. I found myself saying yes to so much more than I normally would. Whether it was getting up early to watch the sunrise, jumping into the sea, or joining in on a karaoke night, I always felt supported and encouraged by the gals around me. It’s amazing how quickly you build confidence when everyone’s together.

 

3. Everyone is more similar than you think

 As I said before, the chats over dinner, on the buses and throughout each day reminded me that we all have such similar problems, and some of the life advice I got from spending time with people a few years older than me was invaluable!

 

 

 

OTHER REASONS I LOVE GROUP TRAVEL SO MUCH

 

1. You feel truly relaxed on a gals who trip

I am used to being the friend who plans everything, sorts dinner reservations, books the hotel and more. Being on a gals who travel trip meant that I didn't need to worry about the little details! They had that sorted! We told our amazing guide the vibe, and they would sort it. From taking us to cute local spots to ushering us around the train stations, everything was so so smooth on this trip. I felt more relaxed than I had ever felt before whilst travelling, it allowed me to fully switch off, enjoy every activity and make friends for life!

 

2. You gain confidence SO fast!

Travelling with others my age showed me how capable I really am. I came home with more confidence, independence, and a huge sense of “I can do anything.”

 

3. Getting to see hidden gems with a local guide

Our guides weren’t just great organisers, they also unlocked experiences I never would’ve found on my own. From a tucked-away pho stall in Hanoi to secret coffee shops, I got to see the authentic Vietnam that most tourists miss. It made the whole trip feel even more unforgettable.

 

 

 

 

Thinking About Going to Vietnam?

The 13-day Gals Who Travel Vietnam Tour covers all the highlights, from the streets of Hanoi and a dreamy overnight Ha Long Bay cruise, to lantern-lit Hoi An and vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. It’s perfect for first-time solo travellers, small-group lovers, and anyone craving a little bit of adventure with a supportive group of gals.