Travel Solo - Explore Together

What is solo travel?

Solo travel simply means you are not travelling with a partner, family member or friend. It does not have to mean being on your own all the time or backpacking around the world alone.

Many solo travellers choose:

• Escorted group tours for solo travellers
• Small‑group solo holidays with a dedicated Tour Manager
• Hosted trips for single travellers where everyone has their own room

You keep your independence and privacy, but travel within a sociable, supported group.

I also join hosted escorted tours as a solo guest myself. Two examples:

• India: I hosted and travelled on an escorted tour from Delhi to Jaipur, which shows exactly how supported and sociable solo travel can be:
  Delhi to Jaipur Hosted Trip
• Bali: I also joined a Bali small‑group adventure, travelling solo within a like‑minded group, with my own space and plenty of shared experiences:
  Bali Small Group Adventure

These are great real‑life examples of how solo travellers can explore the world in comfort and company.

Solo travel FAQs: your top questions answered

Is solo travel the same as a singles holiday or dating holiday?

No. This is one of the biggest myths about solo travel.

Solo holidays are not a singles club and not a dating site. They are simply holidays designed for people travelling without a companion.

People travel solo for many reasons:

• Their partner does not enjoy flying or travelling
• Friends and family have different interests or budgets
• Work or caring commitments make it hard to match dates
• They are widowed, divorced or simply used to doing things independently

On a genuine solo holiday, the focus is on seeing the world, enjoying new experiences and meeting like‑minded people, not on dating.

Will I be the only solo traveller?

On a dedicated solo travel group tour, everyone is travelling alone. That is the whole point.

You are not the odd one out at dinner, and you are not tagging along with couples. Instead you are surrounded by other solo travellers, which instantly makes it easier to relax and start conversations.

What is the typical age range for solo holidays?

There is no single “right age” for solo travel. You will usually find a mix of:

• 30‑ and 40‑somethings who do not want to wait for friends
• 50s and 60s whose circumstances have changed
• Confident 70‑somethings who still love exploring

Different itineraries attract slightly different age profiles, but the best solo group tours are welcoming, inclusive and very mixed.

What does a typical day on a solo travel group tour look like?

Every itinerary is unique, but a typical day on a group tour for solo travellers might be:

• Morning: Breakfast, then a guided tour or included excursion with your Tour Manager.
• Afternoon: Time to explore on your own, join an optional activity or just relax.
• Evening: Hosted group dinner for those who want it, or a quiet evening to yourself.

You are never left to figure everything out alone, yet you still have the flexibility to dip in and out of group time as you feel comfortable.

Is solo travel safe?

“Is solo travel safe?” is one of the most searched solo travel questions.

No holiday is 100% risk‑free, but a well‑planned solo group tour can actually feel safer than travelling completely alone:

• A professional Tour Manager or host travels with the group
• Airport transfers and main logistics are pre‑arranged
• You have a clear point of contact in destination
• You are part of a group rather than completely by yourself

You still need to follow sensible travel safety advice, but you are not left to fend for yourself in an unfamiliar place.

Do I have to share a room on a solo holiday?

Most specialist solo holidays include your own room as standard.

That means:

• Privacy and space to unwind
• No negotiating bedtimes, TV volume or air‑conditioning
• No worrying about sharing with a stranger unless you actively choose to

Sometimes there is a “single supplement” to cover the cost of sole use of a double room. A good solo‑travel specialist works hard to keep this as low as possible.

Equally some companies will offer to pair you up with a member of the same sex and reduce the cost accordingly. It can be a great way to meet new people and make friends. 

Advantages of solo travel

When people search “why travel solo” or “benefits of solo travel”, these are the key advantages they are usually looking for.

1. Freedom to choose your own holiday

On a solo holiday you do not have to compromise:

• Choose the destination that genuinely excites you
• Pick dates that fit your life, not everyone else’s
• Decide whether you want a cultural tour, walking holiday, river cruise or beach break

You design a trip around your interests and energy levels, with expert help if you want it.

2. Company when you want it

Travelling solo does not have to mean eating alone every night or sightseeing by yourself.

On a group tour for solo travellers you have:

• Ready‑made company for meals and excursions
• People to swap stories with on the coach or at the bar
• The chance to make new friends who love travel as much as you do

You can still take time out for yourself whenever you need it.

3. Support and structure

One of the biggest advantages of solo travel in a group is the built‑in support:

• Itineraries are carefully planned for solo guests
• Many key experiences and meals are already included
• There is always someone on hand if you have a question or concern

You do not have to worry about navigating complex public transport or finding a safe taxi late at night. The framework is already in place.

4. Confidence and personal growth

The first time you travel alone can feel like a big step. Many people report that solo travel boosts confidence:

• You prove to yourself that you can handle new situations
• You learn to trust your own judgement
• You discover new interests and strengths

People often come home feeling proud, energised and keen to plan their next solo trip.

5. Time and space for yourself

In everyday life, our time is often pulled in many directions. On a solo holiday you are free to:

• Spend a lazy morning with a book and a coffee
• Wander slowly through a museum or market at your own pace
• Choose an early night or a late drink without having to negotiate

That space can be incredibly restorative.

Disadvantages of solo travel

For balanced advice, it is important to talk honestly about the disadvantages of solo travel as well.

1. Cost and single supplements

Having your own room usually costs more than sharing. Even with a solo specialist working to reduce single supplements, you may still find:

• Higher per‑person room costs compared to couples
• Some itineraries that do not offer “no single supplement” deals

The trade‑off is privacy, comfort and a holiday that is truly yours, but budget is an important factor to consider.

2. First‑time nerves and anxiety

Many people feel nervous about travelling alone for the first time:

• Worries about arriving somewhere new by yourself
• Concerns about not fitting into the group
• Anxiety about travel logistics

A supportive solo‑travel company and a good Travel Counsellor will help by:

• Explaining exactly how everything works
• Sharing sample daily schedules
• Answering all your solo‑travel questions in advance

3. Group dynamics

On any group trip, personalities vary:

• You may not click with absolutely everyone
• Some people will be chattier, others more reserved
• Pace and interests can differ

The positive side is that you meet a range of people, often from different backgrounds and age groups. Most travellers find at least a few people they naturally gravitate towards.

4. Less complete freedom than fully independent travel

If you are used to totally independent trips, you may find that:

• Group tours have set departure dates and itineraries
• Some days are more structured than your usual style

However, many solo travellers choose a group solo holiday precisely to avoid constant decision‑making and planning. There is still free time built in for your own adventures.

Who is solo travel for?

People often ask, “Is solo travel right for me?” or “Who are solo holidays aimed at?” In reality, solo travel can work for a wide range of people, including:

1. People whose partners do not travel

Perhaps your partner:

• Dislikes flying
• Cannot take time off work
• Prefers a completely different style of holiday

A solo holiday lets you keep exploring the world without dragging anyone along unwillingly.

2. Those with clashing diaries or priorities

Maybe:

• Your friends are tied to school holidays
• Your family prefers staycations
• You have more (or less) budget than your usual travel companions

Travelling solo means you are not waiting for everyone else’s calendar or wallet to line up.

3. Widowed, divorced or separated travellers

If your life has changed, the idea of travelling alone after loss or separation can feel emotional.

A thoughtful, hosted solo group tour offers:

• Gentle structure and routine
• Company when you want it
• Understanding guides used to supporting people at all stages of life

Many travellers in this situation say their first solo holiday was a turning point in rebuilding confidence.

4. Independent spirits

You are simply someone who:

• Enjoys your own space
• Likes to follow your own rhythm
• Still appreciates the security of a group framework

For you, a solo holiday with a group can offer the best of both worlds.

5. Experienced travellers who want an easier option

If you have done backpacking or DIY trips before, you might now prefer:

• The ease of having logistics organised for you
• The reassurance of a dedicated host or Tour Manager
• The comfort of knowing someone else has checked all the details

Solo group touring can remove the admin while keeping the adventure.

Who might solo group travel not suit?

A solo group tour might not be ideal if:

• You strongly dislike being around new people
• You want total spontaneity with no schedule at all
• You are specifically looking for a dating or “singles” holiday

In those cases, a different travel style or a more bespoke, private trip may suit you better.

Why use a solo travel specialist and a personal travel expert?

Booking your solo holiday through a solo‑travel specialist and a trusted Travel Counsellor brings important benefits:

• Holidays designed specifically for solo and single travellers
• Itineraries that understand the needs of guests travelling alone
• Help choosing the right destination, duration and level of activity
• Ongoing, personal support before, during and after your trip

Instead of navigating it all on your own, you have someone in your corner from the moment you start thinking about travelling solo.

Ready to explore solo travel?

If you are curious about solo travel, but still have questions or worries, that is completely normal.

The best next steps are to:

• Talk through your concerns with a travel expert who understands solo holidays
• Look at a couple of real examples of group tours for solo travellers
• Start with a destination and duration that feels comfortable for a first solo trip

Solo travel is not about being brave for the sake of it. It is about giving yourself permission to see the world in a way that suits you, at this stage of your life.

If you would like to explore ideas for your own solo holiday, or find out more about how solo group tours work in practice, I would be very happy to talk everything through and suggest trips tailored personally to you.

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