A long period during which we were unable to travel made us all realise that there’s no time to wait to make those big trips we all dream about when none of our family or friends are available to travel with us - that we have to seize the day. Solo travel is a marvellous thing, perhaps taking us out of our comfort zones and also giving us the chance to meet new people and live experiences we wouldn’t if we had to take a travelling companion into account. We’ve shared some of our favourite destinations for solo travellers.
Repeatedly named the safest country by the Global Peace Index, this Nordic name is one of our favourites for in-your-face nature. Blessed with dramatic landscapes of glaciers, hot springs, geysers, volcanoes and lava fields, it begs to be explored under your own steam or the many excursions we can arrange from the capital - tailor-made to you but including the Golden Circle of the country’s most popular natural attractions: Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir and Thingvellir National Park. Geothermal-run Reykjavik itself is fantastic for a city break, with sights including the National and Saga museums with their Viking history displays.
With huge numbers of solo travellers exploring its cities, beaches, rainforest and other attractions, the Pacific coast of Australia is a brilliant place to go it alone, with plenty of scope to socialise with others when the mood strikes. It’s hard to narrow down our top spots, but Sydney is a must-see, as is the Cairns and Port Douglas area - gateway to the Great Barrier Reef for out-of-the-world snorkelling and swimming, and to the world’s oldest rainforest, Daintree, where you can live authentic aboriginal experiences and see cassowaries and crocodiles.
Who needs travelling companions when you’re surrounded by nature like this? This volcanic archipelago is one of the world’s best destinations for wildlife-viewing, but it’s hugely protected for good reason. We’ll book you onto an intimate boat cruise with an eco-friendly operator whose expert crew will help you make the most of your observation of the plant and animal species that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution– many found nowhere else on Earth, including marine iguana and fur seals.
Forbes named Portugal the friendliest country in the world, and its capital Lisbon is one of our top city-break recommendations in all Europe. Both timeless and modern, laidback and exciting, and sun-drenched to boot, it offers up simple pleasures – sampling Pastéis de Belém’s famed custard tarts, feasting on grilled sardines in the Alfama district, and riding the tram or funicular to discover charming neighbourhoods. You’re also a short hop from Atlantic surfing beaches and beauty spots such as Azenhas do Mar ('Watermills of the Sea').
Within easy reach of the UK and with locals who all speak great English, the Netherlands’ capital is one of our favourite city-break destinations, tailor-made for canal-boat rides and exploring by bike. Art-lovers are in heaven here, too, with world-class works on display at many venues including the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk and the Van Gogh Museum. There’s wonderful architecture to discover as well, including canalside buildings with iconic gabled facades.
A wonderful South-east Asian destination that we always recommend to our customers looking for something further-flung, Vietnam has well-trodden routes for touring – and we are able to offer an array of tailor-made options taking into account your interests. These might be foodie-focused, history-based, remote sorties in search of hill tribes from whom you might learn about traditional ways of life, or even beach breaks - or a combination of some or all of these.
To book your solo holiday with full financial protection, call your Travel Counsellor today
Vancouver is more than just a starting or ending point for your cruise; it’s a destination in its own right. Housed between the Pacific Ocean and stunning mountain ranges, this cosmopolitan city offers an array of experiences that are perfect for pre-or post-cruise stays. Whether you’ve got a day to spare or a few extra nights, make the most of your time by exploring Vancouver’s unique blend of urban energy and natural wonders.
Malta, a jewel of the Mediterranean, is a small island with a big sound. Known for its stunning beaches, historic charm, and glorious sunshine, Malta transforms during summer into a hub of musical energy, drawing festival-goers from all over the world. With international headliners, a buzzing atmosphere, and the promise of amazing memories, Malta’s music festivals are not to be missed. Whether you're a fan of dance anthems under the stars or chilled beats by the sea, Malta has something for every taste. Read on for our guide to the best summer festivals on the island.
Fancy waking up to the Mediterranean sun streaming through your window, stepping out onto a private terrace with a hot coffee in hand, and looking out over lush pine-covered hills or sparkling turquoise seas? This isn’t just any holiday moment; it’s a glimpse of your next family getaway with SPL Villas in Ibiza. For 2026, SPL Villas is bringing their trusted expertise and dedication to family holidays to this beloved Balearic hotspot.
