Why I Started Group Trips — And Why You’ll Love Them Too (Especially If You’re 35+
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For the longest time, I was someone who waited.
Waited for friends to coordinate their annual leave. Waited for people to save up. Waited for that elusive “perfect time” to go on the trips we always talked about—but never actually booked. And like most of us know by now, life keeps happening… and those trips? They often don’t.
So one day, I stopped waiting.
I packed my bag and booked a ticket. Just me.
Discovering the Magic of Solo Travel
There’s something exhilarating about stepping into a place where you don’t know the language, the currency, or even what the street signs mean. You’re forced to be present. You rely on instinct, curiosity, and the kindness of strangers. And somewhere between getting lost and finding your way again—you find a braver version of yourself.
In my 20s, solo travel was everything. It was spontaneous, exciting, and beautifully unpredictable. Being based in Malaysia made it easy—I could wake up on a Friday, decide I needed a weekend escape, pack a bag before work, book a flight during lunch, and head straight to the airport after. No plan, just vibes.
I didn’t care much about where I stayed, as long as there was adventure waiting. Though hostels were never my thing, I was happy with budget hotels if it meant chasing new experiences, discovering beach bars, and wandering local markets with no set agenda. It was messy, fun, and full of stories.
But as I got older, something changed.
Craving More Than Just Movement
The rush of a jam-packed itinerary started to lose its charm. I began craving slow mornings, meaningful conversations, and the kind of travel that didn’t leave me exhausted. I swapped out bargain hotels for boutique stays and 5-star comforts—loyal to names like JW Marriott and Accor Group.
I wanted more connection—with the place, with the people I was with, and with myself.
And while luxury travel gave me calm and comfort, I found myself missing one thing: company. Even in the most stunning hotels, travel could feel lonely.
How the Pandemic Shifted Everything
When COVID hit, I was still living in Malaysia. With borders closed, my family all in Australia, and the world paused, I spent two years in isolation. But it wasn’t all bad—during that time, I met Sami. We started dating, and as life slowly restarted, we made the decision to move to Dubai.
Professionally, the move to Dubai made sense. My career in the emerging tech space was thriving. But personally, I felt the distance. My people—my family and close friends—were scattered across Australia, Malaysia, and the UK.
That’s when the travel requests started.
People began asking me to plan trips. Small groups, weekend escapes, family holidays—just something to look forward to again. And because I knew the industry inside and out, I always knew who to call, what to book, and how to bring those experiences together smoothly.
Realizing My Strength in Planning Travel
One trip to Bali with 12 friends stands out. We had everything sorted… except the transport to a day club in Uluwatu. Twas the night before, and panic set in. Someone suggested taxis, but splitting up didn’t make sense for the group. So I reached out to an old contact in Bali. By morning, a van was waiting outside our villa, ready to go. It felt like a small win—but the kind that made everyone say, “You’re really good at this.”
Another time, my friends booked a Kruger safari in South Africa. I joined at the last minute, but the tour was full. Instead of missing out, I recreated their itinerary, booked the same hotels independently, and even arrived at the reserve before them—at a fraction of the cost. That trip helped me face a personal fear of animals (yes, even cats and dogs make me panic, so imagine lions and giraffes!), and it reminded me how empowering it is to navigate and travel your own way.
Whereaway Trips Was Born
After moving to Dubai, Sami and I continued exploring. Some trips were romantic getaways. Others were group adventures or solo work escapes. But through it all, the magic of traveling with people—especially people who “get you”—kept standing out.
I stopped obsessing over photos and started focusing on presence. The memory of sipping chai in Delhi, the mist rolling over tea estates in Nuwara Eliya, riding a donkey up the hills of Shimla, and wandering through the markets of Marrakesh… they’re all etched in my mind not because of a camera roll, but because I was truly there for them.
And it hit me—this is what I want others to experience.
So Sami and I launched Whereaway Trips—a boutique travel service built for people like you and me. Travelers who are 35+, solo or with a partner, and want more than just a vacation. You want connection, discovery, quality experiences, and a trusted hand to guide the journey.
Why You’ll Love What We’re Building
Whereaway Trips curates soulful, fun, and immersive group trips for the 35+ traveler. Think small, like-minded groups. A mix of adventure and downtime. Stays that are comfortable but full of character. Experiences that aren’t overplanned but are thoughtfully designed.
We’re not about checking off lists. We’re about feeling every place we go. From sunset dinners in the desert to wine tastings in hidden vineyards, spa days, nature walks, culture-soaked city strolls, and spontaneous fun—we bring people together to explore in a way that feels meaningful.
We also support content creators who want to monetize their travel by helping them plan, price, and host group trips of their own (with our help behind the scenes). We’re even working on B2B partnerships for creators and coaches to run retreats and journeys for their own communities.
So… What Are You Waiting For?
If you’ve been waiting for the right time, the right group, or the right kind of travel experience—this is your sign.
Come solo. Bring your partner. Show up as you are.
Let’s stop waiting for someday.
Let’s explore the world—together.
