Social media is reshaping how we travel, with platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Threads creating a new wave of travel experiences. Unlike traditional travel agencies, influencers are now curating group trips for their followers, allowing strangers to band together and embark on adventures that focus on authentic experiences rather than packed itineraries.
“Some seek to cut costs, while others are drawn by the excitement of a fresh approach to travel,” says content creator Vanika Sangtani, who has 426,000 followers on Instagram and organizes trips through her community page, Pink Experiences.
Strangers Turned Travel Companions: The New Normal
One of the most exciting trends in travel is the growing popularity of Instagram-led group tours. Take Tapasya Sharma, a Delhi-based entrepreneur, for example. In June, she spotted an Instagram post inviting followers to “Travel with me to South Korea.” Within a week, Sharma had committed to a 10-day trip to Seoul with strangers who shared her passion for Kdramas. From exploring Korean landmarks to wearing traditional hanbok, Sharma’s experience is a prime example of how social media is transforming travel.
Across the globe, travelers are finding companions through Instagram influencers. In the Philippines, they’re diving with sharks, and in Spain, they’re exploring the surreal landscapes of Bardenas Reales. Influencers are now not just content creators but also tour guides, turning online connections into real-world adventures.
Why Traveling with Strangers Is Gaining Popularity
For many, traveling with strangers offers more flexibility than waiting for friends with matching schedules. Cherry Jain, a lifestyle and travel creator with 229,000 Instagram followers, has observed this shift in the travel landscape. “Many young women are eager to travel, but they often find themselves searching for a travel buddy. If friends aren’t on the same page, influencers offer the perfect solution,” says Jain, who started organizing girls-only tours to destinations like South Korea, Europe, and Turkey.
As professionals between 25 and 35 years old seek new adventures, this community-driven travel trend is gaining momentum. The desire to travel without rigid schedules or the stress of organizing everything themselves is helping influencers become the new trendsetters in the travel space.
The rise of social voyages has given influencers the opportunity to curate personalized experiences for their followers. For example, Mohnish Doultani, with 291,000 followers on Instagram, organized a trip to the Songkran festival in Thailand for nearly 20 people. “It was like Holi, but with water guns and an entire city joining in,” says Doultani. By providing a more laid-back, immersive travel experience, Doultani is offering a stark contrast to the rigid itineraries often associated with traditional agencies.
“We slow travel and dive deeper into a place rather than hopping between touristy spots,” Doultani adds. His Thailand trip also included an unforgettable visit to the Half Moon Party on Koh Phangan Island and the stunning beaches of Phuket.
Affordable and Authentic Travel Experiences
For Adnan Shaikh, a 29-year-old from Mumbai, finding travel companions post-college proved difficult. After struggling with the hectic itineraries of traditional tours, he joined a trip organized by Vanika Sangtani’s Pink Experiences. “It was a vacation that actually felt like a vacation—affordable and not over-scheduled,” says Shaikh, who traveled to Himachal Pradesh with a group of strangers for just Rs 15,000.
Even influencers with smaller followings are making a big impact in the travel space. Saakshi Jain, a 31-year-old digital marketing professional with 9,000 followers, is collaborating with Kulgana Travels to offer unique 10-day tours through Northern Spain. Her curated experiences take travelers through the semi-desert landscapes of Bardenas Reales in Navarre and the stunning Basque Country.
Women Lead the Solo Travel Revolution
According to Gayatri Sapru, founder of Folk and a cultural strategy expert, this new trend is especially significant among young women who are embracing solo travel. “Women are leading India’s solo travel movement, seeking authentic experiences that they can’t find in traditional group tours,” she explains. This trend is also fueled by rising disposable incomes and the delay in marriage for many young Indians.
The shift in how people view travel is also reflected in how they trust strangers online. With growing comfort in connecting with others virtually, many are more open to embarking on trips with individuals they’ve never met in real life.
