FTLO Travel Journal

Destination guides, travel tips, packing advice, itinerary ideas, and real traveler stories.
For solo travelers and young professionals looking to meet people, plan with ease, and explore the world through curated small-group trips.

11 Questions Solo Travelers Ask Before Booking a Group Trip

Traveling solo doesn't mean going it alone. In fact, group trips for solo travelers are becoming more popular than ever. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned explorer, you probably have a few questions before booking. Below are the most common questions solo travelers ask us at FTLO Travel before booking a trip.

How to Survive a Long-Haul Flight: Do’s and Don’ts for Staying Comfortable on Long Flights

Do’s and Don’ts for Staying Comfortable on Long Flights

FTLO Alumni Spotlight: Miranda on Taking the Leap, Finding Community, and Joining the Inaugural Philippines Trip

Meet Miranda from Stamford! A healthcare professional and repeat FTLO traveler, she traded waiting for the “perfect time” for adventures across Belize, Mexico, Bali, and the Philippines.

The Ultimate Lapland Packing Guide: Tips, Tricks, and Everything You Need to Pack for an 8-Day Trip to Lapland

Wondering what to pack for Lapland? This complete packing list covers winter layers, cold-weather gear, and essentials for northern lights and Arctic adventures.

How Group Travel Can Help You Meet Your New Year’s Resolutions

If you’re looking for a little extra motivation to stick to your resolutions this year, we’ve got you! We’ve seen firsthand how travel (and especially group travel!) can help people follow through on the things they strive to work towards every year in ways that you might not think about.

From building confidence to making new friends, here’s how packing your bags might just be the best resolution hack out there.

2026 Solo Travel Trends

We recently sent out a survey to the FTLO community to better understand how solo travelers are thinking about travel in 2026. From booking timelines to destination wish lists, the results offer an early look at where (and how) people hope to travel next year.

Must-Have Travel Products Recommended by a Travel Obsessed Team

Consider this your go-to guide for upgrading your own travel kit or finding the perfect gift for a travel-loving friend.

Why Traveling Solo in Your 30s is the Key to New Friendships

Making friends in your 30s feels harder — but solo travel can change that.

Advice from Real Travelers: Joining a Group Trip as a Solo Traveler

Thinking about joining on a group trip as a solo traveler? FTLO alumni share 9 essential tips—from packing light and arriving early to making friends and embracing new experiences.