solo travel tours reddit

25 Fantastic Singles Travel Groups You’ll Love

By: Author Amanda OBrien

Posted on Last updated: 04/04/2024

A few years ago there were hardly any single travel groups that offered options for holidays for one – let alone companies who entirely focused on solo departures and looked at things like no single supplements etc and solo travel groups.

Thank goodness for the growth in singles travelling as now there is a good economic reason for companies to look at developing great offers for those looking for holidays for one.

There are now singles travel groups over 30s, single travel for over 50, singles travel getaways, luxury solo travel tours and singles travel getaways galore.

I will let you know which of these tour companies I have traveled with and which I haven’t – if you then go and do a tour on one of the ones I haven’t been on please do let me know what they are like – and I would love you to write a guest post if you’re up for it.

There are so many options for solo traveling today – here are some great trips for single travelers.

BEST SOLO TOUR OPERATOR: Short on time? You can’t go wrong with Explore which has a section dedicated to solo travel on their website.

30 Singles Travel Groups

Top 3 companies for organised solo travel vacations.

#1 TOP PICK

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Explore ✔️ Dedicated Solo Tours ✔️ Small Group Tours ✔️ No single supplement

G Adventures ✔️ No single supplement ✔️ Free time in itineraries ✔️ Evening Group Meals

Encounters Travel ✔️ Private & Small Group Focus ✔️ 20 Years Experience ✔️ Range of Tours

1. Group Tours for Solo Travellers

Explore is perhaps one of the best singles travel groups. It is also the company I have been a traveling single with the most so the best place to start! Explore has been running since 1981 so they have loads of experience with running tours.

Explore covers over 100 countries and has a maximum group size of 11 and there is no single supplement if you take a shared room. There is an option to have your own room but that does cost extra. They prioritize working with locals and do a great job finding expert guides.

Around 60% of people who go on Explore trips are traveling on their own and they break down solo vacations into age groups on their website which is really helpful.

My second recommendation for solo travel vacations is G Adventures . They have a wide range of small-group trips designed for the solo traveler. There is no single supplement as long as you are willing to share a room with someone of the same sex. G Adventures also offers single rooms at reasonable prices if that is your preference.

The itineraries for G Adventures trips tend to have more free time than some of the other tour companies in this article. This is great if you are someone that likes to have some time to yourself to relax or explore further but want the support and structure of an organised group trip.

One of the most difficult parts of solo travel can be dinner. Eating on your own can feel lonely and isolating. The tour leader organizes group meals most nights, so if you want company you will almost be able to find it.

If you are traveling alone one of the best ways not to feel like it is to join a group doing some challenge – when I summited Kilimanjaro on an organized solo tour. we were a team from almost the word go. More than half of the trip was traveling solo – some were single, some had partners who didn’t want to go, some like me had someone pull out last minute etc.

It didn’t matter who you had arrived with – what mattered was everyone wanted someone to talk to about whether or not to take Diamox, tips on altitude, share lollies, etc etc.

Check G Adventures Tours and Prices

Check Explore Tours and Prices

I have done two travel solo tours with friends – North India and cycling Southern Iceland . Again an activity-based trip can be a great travel for singles option – particularly as you tend to be exhausted every night and eat and sleep.

⇒ Don’t miss my Complete Guides to Singles Holidays over 40s – and Vacations for over 50 singles – these thorough guides have all of the most commonly asked questions about Solo Travel – and everything I have learned.

Want to join me on a small group female trip to Africa? I am heading to Kenya in October on an 8 night safari with Walking Wild Africa and would love you to join me. It’s a unique mix of game drives, walking safari and some chill time. Make sure you tell Kim that you want to go on the tour with The Boutique Adventurer so she gets the right one!

⇒ Still not sure about group travel for singles? Check out this great post on The Benefits of Solo Trave l .

2. Solo Female Travelers Club

Solo Female Travelers Club is a community of more than 90,000, run by the fantastic travel bloggers Meg and Mar. The heart of the community is their Facebook group, which has some great information and is the perfect way to meet other females interested in traveling solo.

Meg and Mar also run female-only small group tours that range from luxury retreats to adventurous expeditions in some awesome locations.

3. Luxury Single Traveller Vacations

One company I have been particularly keen to try but it just hasn’t worked out on timings and destinations is Flash Pack . I love the tone and feel of their website – it is very much about boutique adventures.

They focus on people in their 30s and 40s and seem to have some great travel groups for solo travelers.

Australian based Travelling Divas also promises boutique hotels and customized trips. I have also been very keen to try Cox and Kings solo holidays .

Cox and Kings have a great reputation as a high-end travel specialist so I am highly confident that the thread count on their sheets will be up to my standards based on how fantastic their hotels look.

These trips though will, of course, be at a premium to some of the other options I have mentioned. But their group travel singles options look terrific.

⇒ Looking for some travel inspiration? Check out this post on The Best Adventure and Travel Quotes .

⇒ Spas and skiing are terrific options for solo travelers. Check out my posts on the best Singles Ski Holiday options and on 30 Fabulous Solo Spa Breaks.

4. Solo Travel Companies that are specifically for traveling alone

I would highly recommend that you think beyond the country you live in when it comes to solo travel groups. For example, quite a few travel companies based in Australia now run specific holidays for solo travel groups.

Encounter Travels is all about solo travel but not traveling alone as they say.

They also age match so if you are a 35-year-old solo traveler you won’t be in a group of people in their 70s. They do have quite a few trips to various parts of Australia but also a few trips to other places around the world.

Another solo travel company based in Australia is Twos a Crowd . Some UK based companies that specialize in solo travel groups are:

⇒ www.solosholidays.co.uk

⇒ www.justyou.co.uk

⇒ www.friendshiptravel.co.uk

5. Companies that specialise in Adventure

For a more adventurous bent check out    8th-day adventures . They are a London based club that has lots of sporting events and other fun things that are a mix of social and activity.

They also run some group holidays which could be good for the more adventurous solo traveler eg Everest base camp

An interesting-sounding organization is Archaeo Adventures. This female-focused travel company looks at adventures in countries like Morocco and Jordan in small groups. They are about boutique hotels, working with locals, and off-the-beaten-track experiences.

Female-focused hosted adventure trips are also the focus of Living Big which is US-based. Another company specializing in solo travel groups USA is Overseas Adventure Travel , which offers some fantastic-sounding trips for adventurous solo travelers.

Heading to Australia there are Adventurous Women and Another World Adventures.  Another World Adventures curates adventures from different providers. It is a very comprehensive site with loads of options that sound great.

6. Cruises for Solo Travelers

Even cruise ships have gotten on board with the growth in solo travel. Norwegian Cruise Line is the brand most commonly mentioned for having actually built single cabins and apparently there is a dedicated area for solo travelers.

They have several cruise brands – Norwegian Epic, Breakaway, Getaway, and Escape. But ensure you look closely as these can be more family-focused at certain times of the year – check out my top tip 2 below.

Encounter Travel also has loads of information on solo cruise options. They even have a “cabin mates wanted” section where you can potentially find another same-sex solo traveler with whom you can share a cabin.

7. Charity Based Solo Travel Companies

There are a few organisations that run group tours that have some activity/challenge that supports a charity. These can be a great way to find others to travel with and the shared sense of purpose can surely add to the group bond.

Have a look at Global Adventure Challenges and Charity Challenge.

8. Passion-based Solo Travel Tours

An organized trip around an activity you love that is also about solo travel is a fantastic formula to follow. Even if you don’t really bond with anyone on the trip if you have learned more about Italian cooking or photographing sea life it is a well-spent holiday.

Quite a few organizations I have listed above offer planned trips around passions and hobbies. Here are a few others I’ve found:

Frui has some fantastic looking passion-based trips – from photography (a great one for solo travel) to painting to food in some lovely locations. I did a day class with them once in London in photography and they were great.

The Red Sea in Egypt appears to be a very popular solo travel spot – most likely driven by the amount of activity that can be done in the water. There are also numerous diving and/or underwater photography courses in the area.

Skyros is a very famous spot in Greece for activity/passion-based trips. They used to have a bit of a self-help bent but now they are very focused on passions like painting, singing, yoga, and learning.

They have two locations in Greece and one on the Isle of Wight for taster weekends. According to their site, 70% of their travelers are between 40 and 60, and most travel solo. This is a great option if you’re looking for singles travel groups over 40.

9. Something Different for Single Travel Groups

In August 2017, I spent a month living life Unsettled in Medellin Colombia, and loved it. Unsettled is a fantastic concept. Essentially it aims to give people the experience of living in a city for a month rather than being a tourist.

It does this because it has about 25-30 people sign up, organizes apartments and coworking space and sets up activities that you can participate in as much or as little as you like.

The other people on the trip are your community, the hosts act as your connection to local life and having an apartment and workspace means it feels more like living.

They choose brilliant locations from Buenos Aires to Cape Town to Barcelona . I highly recommend checking them out.

If you decide to live life Unsettled then use the code “FRIENDSOFUNSETTLED”  and tell them that the Boutique Adventurer sent you for a discount of USD$150 .

Solo Travel Tips

1. mix up your plans.

A great way to travel solo is to mix things up. If you were heading to say Australia you could go and stay in a spa for a few days (a great way to meet people), head to say Sydney on your own and stay at a boutique hotel and use Tinder or join a meetup group.

You could then join an organized tour with someone like Explore, travel with them for a while, and then have some time solo again. Committing to a lengthy organized tour can be a bit much – plus it is hard to find one that covers everything that you want.

I find a mix is optimal – if you feel lonely it is only a few days till you have company, if you’re dying to be on your own again it’s only a few days till that happens. And you may very well meet others traveling alone on your organized section who are keen to have further adventures after the tour.

I have many friends I have met when traveling solo who become travel buddies and loads of other friends of mine are the same.

2. Avoid School Holidays

September is a great time to travel solo. Be careful of all organized tours/cruises etc during any school holiday time, particularly over the summer, as you may end up surrounded by families.

However, school has returned in September, and there are often many deals for solo travelers.

3. Fill Up your Kindle

There is nothing like a good book to keep you company when traveling solo! I keep adding to my list – please email me with more suggestions! [email protected] .

I keep them all in my Amazon shop. And I have just launched a range of e-books aimed at solo travelers! I have an ebook on Solo Travel, my trip to Colombia with Unsettled and Everest Base Camp .

Frequently Asked Questions about Solo Travel

Are there travel companies just for single people.

Yes! There are several travel companies just for single people as well as companies like G Adventures that offer trips designed for single travelers.

What is the best holiday destination for singles?

In my opinion, rather than focusing on a particular destination singles should look at holidays with a focus or goal like a cycling trip or a trek. This is most likely to bring together like-minded people and provide a common purpose.

Is solo travel lonely?

It can be. The best way to avoid feeling lonely when traveling solo is to join an organised tour. Or if you are on your own look at staying in high-end hostels for some comfort and the chance to meet others. And a good book can transport you from any difficult situation! And don’t forget to check out things like the safest cities in the US to make sure you can relax during your trip.

How do I meet other female solo travelers?

There are several facebook groups for female solo travelers such as Solo Female Travelers (who also organise group trips for solo female travelers). I have also found that going to a spa/yoga retreat can be a good way to meet other female solo travelers.

Who Paid for What with this Singles Travel Groups Post

I paid for everything associated with this post. This was completely me travelling and not working with any tourism boards or hotels or tour groups. Much of what is in this post is stuff I learned before I started my blog – and probably a lot of what led me to start a travel blog.

However, this singles travel groups post does contain affiliate links. That means that if you click through on them and make a purchase I may well receive a small commission. I just wanted to make sure that you knew.

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Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.

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Pratik Sharma

Thursday 6th of August 2020

Amazing article. Thank you for sharing this blog for single travel groups.

Christian Alcantara

Thursday 7th of May 2020

I've never done solo travel before, but if ever that I plan to do so I will definitely get back at this post.

Sarena Wilson

Friday 11th of August 2017

Wow! Incredible beautiful site with great informative content. thanks for sharing this............post........... Everest trekking

Monday 15th of May 2017

Great ideas. I have done a lot of solo tour travel as I like the security of a tour when I am on my own. Some other companies:

Contiki is great for the 18-35s, especially when you haven't travelled much before.

My favourite company is G Adventures, no single supplement, but you can pay for your own room and a huge range of tours world wide. They are Canadian based. All ages, very budget and affordable.

Another one very similar to G Adventures but Australian based is Intrepid tours. World wide, budget, no single supplement but also has own room option if you don't want to share.

I have made life long friends on these tours when I was travelling solo. Now we meet up all over the world and do tours together!

Jocelyn Soltren

Friday 12th of May 2017

Awesome article thank you for sharing.

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Groups & Tours For Solo Travelers: An Overview

• Post author By Nick
• Post date 4:39 pm
• 3 Comments on Groups & Tours For Solo Travelers: An Overview

Should you travel as part of a group trip (Contiki Tours, Gap Adventures, etc.)?

Well, it depends. Our goal is to help you make an educated decision on the matter. In this post, we’re going to cover:

• The pros & cons of traveling by yourself vs. in a group tour
• A detailed comparison of all the popular group tour providers , including approximate costs and what kind of traveler each is best suited for. We’ve also included some reviews from Reddit for each provider.

Let’s get started!

Pros & Cons of Group Tours For Solo Travelers

Here’s a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of traveling as part of a group tour.

Pros of Group Tours (The Good):

• It’s never a dull moment when you’re traveling in a group. Whatever happens, there will be a conversation going on about it. And with enough people, the chances of something unexpected happening are very high. If you’re the kind of person who finds it difficult to travel alone, a group tour is a way to get all the social benefits without the need to rally your friends back home to join you.
• You’ll make some new friends. Group tours attract lots of solo travelers, so everyone’s starting out “by themselves”–striking up a conversation and making a new friend is pretty easy. And the more stuff you do together, the more at ease you’ll feel with one another. Not to mention that you all (independently) signed up for the exact same tour–so you probably have far more in common with a group member than with another traveler taken at random.
• Safety in numbers: if you’re traveling in a group, everyone is looking out for one another. There’s less chance of someone attempting a mugging (unless one of you strays from the herd). This point is especially amplified at night–it helps to have a buddy or two when you’re drinking and partying in a foreign land.
• Local wisdom can make any trip more interesting. Group tours benefit from having access to knowledgeable guides that can explain the significance of important locations, attractions, dishes, etc. You’ll save a lot of time flipping through guidebooks and translating everything back to English.
• Ease of travel : forget planning out your accommodation, meals, and day-to-day itineraries. The tours generally have everything prepared already–it’s truly travel on easy mode!
• Exotic destinations can become a possibility with a group tour. It’s much harder to justify a solo trip to Antarctica, for example, when there’s a possibility of splitting costs 15-20 ways via a tour group. Even if the tour is expensive, you may still come out ahead than if you attempted to pull it off by yourself. Naturally, this varies by operator and destination.
• The possibility of sexy times.  What do you think happens when you put a bunch of singles on the same trip–and fill up their day with activities that encourage social bonding? Romantic relationships and quick flings are not unheard of, especially when the nights are spent partying and dancing.

Cons of Group Tours (The Bad):

• It’s never a dull moment. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, group tours may not be the best solution. At the end of the day, these packages are about having a great time  together  — and this often takes precedence over immersing yourself in the local culture or attractions. Extroverted people will naturally be comfortable in a group setting when traveling, while introverts may feel a nagging claustrophobia.
• Being the odd one out  isn’t very fun. If it happens that you don’t get along with anyone else on the trip, you’re still stuck with them until it’s over. Maybe you’re very introverted, and they’re not. Or vice versa. Or maybe you don’t fit the demographic profile (this is why operators often have references or even limits as to the age of the participants).
• Too much alcohol . Not to generalize too much about tour providers (there are a lot to choose from, all with their own approach), but many of the companies that target 18-35 year olds put a heavy emphasis on partying and going out. This leads to a lot of alcohol-fueled nights, and a lot of time spent in bars/clubs. It can be a lot of fun, but it certainly isn’t for everyone. Make sure you read reviews before you commit to a particular operator! (If possible, talk to someone who has gone on a similar trip with them).
• Missing out on the actual destination.  This may sound a bit silly, but a group tour *may* limit your interaction with the local attractions. If the focus is on doing everything “together” and bonding, then there’s naturally less time for solitary activities such as going on a photo walk, exploring a museum, or getting lost in the side streets of a foreign place.
• Less chance of interacting with locals.  It applies in almost any situation (regardless of whether you’re on a trip): when you’re in a group, strangers are less likely to strike up a conversation with you. A group acts as a social “shield”–both protecting its members and organically “repelling” anyone else. Contrast this with the typical experience of a true solo traveler–everyone’s naturally curious about someone traveling alone and many will ask questions and try to get to know you.
• You’re stuck with the itinerary.  Group tours take away a lot of the freedom that attracts people to solo trips in the first place. The start and end dates are fixed. Most of the day-to-day activities are predetermined, and are not going to change. Even the meals may be pre-booked in restaurants of the tour operator’s choosing. And if you want to spend less or more time in a particular place, it will have to happen on a future trip.
• Being told what to do . As a naturally independent person, this is something I’ve always struggled with. I have trouble taking orders from people, especially when I’m on a vacation that I paid for. Sure, I’ll wake up at 8 AM to get on the damn boat–but I won’t like it. And the idea of having someone else determine how much “free time” I have in a given day? It’s a tough pill to swallow.
• Cost : group tours can be very expensive. Before you commit to spending thousands on an 8 day / 7 night itinerary, check to see how much the trip would cost you if you were to book everything by yourself.

Comparison of The Most Popular Group Tour Providers

All the companies below are reputable group tour operators–they have been doing this for decades. And while you’re unlikely to go wrong with any of them, there are some differences between how they operate, where they travel, target demographic, and general approach to travel.

In alphabetical order:

“Travel with no regrets”

Full name: Contiki Travel Tours Founded : 1962 (New Zealand) Description : “Contiki is the travel company exclusively for 18-35 year olds. Our purpose is to connect young travellers to the time of their lives.” Where they go : “350 trips across 6 continents” (everywhere except Antarctica) Target demographic : 18-35 year olds Price range : $230 – $9,800 USD Trip length : from 3 to 55 days Trip photos : Contiki Instagram feed

Word on the street (anonymous Reddit reviews):

“If I had to redo the choice of either going myself on a DIY trip and going through Contiki for my first Euro trip, I would 1000% do Contiki again. The people I met were amazing, and it was essentially like a road trip through Europe. It was a great gateway for someone like me who had never been to Europe and was nervous about planning everything and getting between places. I’m heading back to Europe for two weeks this fall and revisiting some of the countries that I loved. If you are a solo traveler, it is a great way to meet people. ” – kb32492

“ I did Contiki (Europe) when I was in my early 20s and I generally had fun. It was my first time travelling and went with a few friends and had a good time. Lots of drinking and such. It was expensive, but easy to organise. The ‘extras’ tagged on were sometimes a bit so-so. Also, a lot depends on the person/drivers hosting you. My guy was incredibly annoying and seemed to use the contiki tour as his own personal pick up joint. The hotels we stayed at were reasonable, but not awesome.” – loggerheader

“Did a Contiki last year in England and Scotland, absolutely loved it. Was my first time overseas and I wanted to do it on my own as I didn’t really have any friends to go with, sounds cliched but absolutely no regrets. My tour was only ten days unfortunately, and it only left me wanting more. The trip managers are pretty cool, the coach is comfortable enough. We had a good enough mix of people: those wanting to party and those just wanting to see sights and experiences. I definitely had a good mix of both.” – swanny246

“I am from California. And I have traveled 3 times with Contiki. Highly support it. Great for people in their mid 20s. Fast paced, get to see a lot. Tour guides are generally super knowledgeable. I think they do Europe the best. I liked my Europe Spain Contiki better than my Asia Contiki.” – s0ysauce09

“Help make our world a little bit better, one adventure at a time”

Full name: G Adventures Founded : 1990 (Toronto, Canada) Description : “G Adventures is an adventure travel pioneer offering the planet’s most awe-inspiring selection of affordable small-group tours, safaris and expeditions.” Where they go : Over 700 different tours across 100+ countries (all continents) Target demographic : minimum 18 years old. No upper age limit on most tours, but their 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours are limited to 18-to-39-year-olds Price range : $240 – $16,000 USD Trip length : from 2 to 65 days Trip photos : G Adventures Instagram feed

“I’ve done 5 trips with them in the past and have another one booked… I’ve picked tours where I felt the logistics would have been a bit more difficult to do on my own…. they generally are relatively fast paced tours, and you’ll often want a holiday at the end. Overall I’ve found the itineraries of the trips I’ve done to be structured very well – most places I would have loved more time in (as is the nature of travel) but was very happy with what I did/saw and didn’t feel like I’d missed out. There’s also been a good mix of “organised time” and “free time.” – cupp95

“I’ve travelled with them ten times on five continents. They have 3 styles of travel: 18-30something (basic, hostels, public transport), classic (standard hotels, private transport) and comfort (upgraded hotels, a/c busses, etc.) I’ve travelled on both 18-30something and classic. Age group in the former is mostly 18-25, and classic is mostly 25-40+

You usually share a room with 1 person (or more if hostel accommodation), but always same gender, and never with strangers. It’s massive fun, and you get to make a lot of new friends as part of the trip. You always have people to hang out with if you want (no force).

I wouldn’t use G in Europe because it’s easy to do on your own, except maybe for their sailing trips around the med. I used them in Australia & NZ, which maybe wasn’t necessary, but I had a great time. SEA wasn’t as amazing, so I wouldn’t recommend them there either. But their tours in all of Latin America is great, they’re epic in Central Asia, and have fantastic trips in Africa.

Finally, their trips can be really good value. Look at their website for tours on offer. ” – windcape

“Responsible travel, small groups and very (very) big adventures”

Full name: Intrepid Travel Founded : 1989 (Melbourne, Australia) Description : “The world’s largest small-group adventure tour company, carrying over 100,000 travellers across the globe each year” Where they go : “more than 1,000 adventures in over 100 countries” (all continents) Target demographic : all ages (18+). Some tours are limited to 18-29 year olds. Price range : $515 – $18,000 USD Trip length : from 4 to 58 days Trip photos : Intrepid Instagram feed

“I did my first Intrepid tour last year! I went to Egypt and Jordan and I did one of the all ages trips. I LOVED it. I went as a solo traveller 28 years old. For my Egypt group the range was 24-71. I’d say half of those people were mid to late 20s, the other half were older. I was one of 3 solo travelers. You spend a lot of time together socially. You travel together to and tour each location together so there’s a lot of socializing. Typically after you tour the location with your guide you get like an hour or two to walk around on your own and typically you stick with a couple of members from the group so you have a buddy to explore with. Our tour leader was also great at arranging large group dinners with the whole squad, but that was optional.” – lhs0726

“I’ve traveled a lot with Intrepid and it’s usually a huge variety of age ranges. A lot of younger people who want a party atmosphere will do the trips specifically for younger people. If you want that, go for it. If not, stick with the mixed crowd.” – huddle1031

“I’ve been on 2 intrepid tours and one of the guides told me the key is in the price. Intrepid has tiers, and the cheapest tier is (almost) always full of young people, where as the expensive tier is (almost) always full of older people. You will have a good time regardless though!” – furiousfire

“I did a 15-day trip to India with Intrepid Travel last June and had an amazing time. There were 11 of us including the guide. I was solo, as was a few others. There was a mother/daughter from the US, a couple from New Zealand, and a couple from Australia.” – kilroyishere89

“Here at Topdeck, it’s your trip, your way”

Full name: Topdeck Travel Founded : 1973 (United Kingdom) Description : “We offer variety, comfort and value for money, and promise a hassle-free holiday, loaded with authentic local experiences.” Where they go : “330 different tours in 65 countries” (all continents except South America and Antarctica) Target demographic : “18 to 30-somethings” Price range : $180 – $7,700 USD Trip length : from 4 to 58 days Trip photos : Topdeck Instagram feed

“I went on a Topdeck tour many years ago to Europe. I wasn’t alone but many people were. I have mixed feelings about these organised trips. I had a great time ,made some really good connections and definitely saw A LOT! almost too much. this was my biggest beef, we were constantly on the move. we were in 9 countries in 3 weeks. I really didn’t get to fully enjoy or experience any one place because we were in and out so fast. One great advantage is that everything is planned for you, you can sit back and enjoy the ride.” – travelboy

“I have done 2 tours with Topdeck before and both were brilliant. The first one was a 4 day ANZAC day tour to Gallipoli and Istanbul in Turkey, the second was a 9 day tour of Egypt. They were professional and the guides were fantastic. But the best part (from your point of view) is that it was really easy to make friends, especially because it was a pretty small group (10 -12 people). All it takes is one night at the pub and you’ll never want to forget them” – lukemarlin

“I decided to do a Topdeck tour because I had 0 experience overseas and had friends who had done Topdeck trips and loved it. 

• It’s a fantastic balance of scheduled activities and free time
• Got to meet a group of fantastic people
• Everything was booked. Didn’t have to worry about finding transport and accommodation
• Knowledgable guides who could answer any questions I had. Give good recommendations on what to do on free time
• always had somebody to do activities with but could also just do your own thing on free days
• a lot of meals are included (65% on estimate)
• my group was very sociable. Always went out on a night, met new people from other tours. However there was no stigma if you decided to have an early night – definitely made friends for life
• not as cheap if you booked it all by yourself
• the final couple of days I was starting to get sick of a few people. just stayed away from them; was fine-
• if somebody gets sick, most likely you will as well 
• having to get up at 8am for travel days is hard (just sleep on bus)
• only a couple of days in each city. If you like a place it’s not enough time. However if you don’t like it your out of there quickly
• you’re hanging out predominately with Aussies, kiwis and Canadians.” – Uleh11

TL;DR : all the tour companies are great, and of course your experience will greatly depend on who you get in your group. Contiki and Topdeck seem to attract more of a “party” crowd, while G Adventures and Intrepid are a bit more toned down. Also, any tours to Europe typically involve much more partying than trips to other destinations.

If you’re looking for a smaller tour operator (that comes highly recommended by other solo travelers), check out Free and Easy Traveler .

Pro tip : if you have any questions, call the operator beforehand! Don’t be shy about asking for specific details about the typical age makeup of the tour(s) you’re considering. Also, ask if the tour generally gets more couples, more solo travelers, or an even split. Get all the details before you spend all your savings!

We hope this guide was helpful. If you feel that we’ve missed anything, please leave a comment below. Safe travels!

PS. Looking for solo travel destination ideas? Check out our article featuring great trip ideas for new solo travelers .

Or: check out one of our 180 free destination guides (organized by country)!

• Tags solo group tours , solo travel , tour groups

3 replies on “Groups & Tours For Solo Travelers: An Overview”

Hey, amazing article. I totally agree with your views. I personally would like to travel with a group because I find it to be more relaxed, plus I get to meet and interact with new people!

Thanks for reading, Vish!

Very well written! Each point is precise and apt. Completely agreed with it.

Thanks for sharing!

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Solo Vacations: The 29 Best Places to Travel Alone in the U.S.

These destinations make traveling solo easy — and extra fun.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

Stephanie Granada is a writer and editor focusing on travel, beauty, home, and health. Her bylines have appeared in Sunset , Outside , Southern Living , Woman's Day , Brit + Co. , National Geographic Traveler , and others.

Traveling alone is all about freedom and independence — freedom to go where you want, when you want, and independence in your ability to visit new places and meet new people without the crutch of a travel companion. It's not for everyone, but those willing to venture off on their own are rewarded with a compromise-free vacation and unforgettable experiences. Exciting things just seem to happen when you're traveling solo.

But where to go? If you're just testing the waters of solo travel, you might want to stay close to home, which is where these U.S. destinations come in handy. Whether you dream of a spa vacation with plenty of time to relax and reset, a trip packed with activities, or a soul-searching expedition, these U.S. destinations cater to the solo traveler, thanks to their ease of transportation and large selection of things to do.

Ready to book your next solo trip? Read on for the best places to travel alone in the U.S.

Naples, Florida

If you have your heart set on a beach vacation, consider Naples, a relatively small community in southwest Florida. There are plenty of ways a solo beach traveler can occupy themselves in Naples. You can check out the beach at Naples Pier, go kayaking in the mangroves , or hit the links at one of the area's 90+ golf courses. If you're looking for an activity that will leave a big grin on your face, book a dolphin watching cruise from Marco Island , just 30 minutes south of Naples. Plus, the city was ranked number one in a recent list of safest places to live the U.S. , thanks to its low crime rates.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston may be a big city, but it can often feel like a small town. Thanks to its walkability, you'll be able to explore the city's historic center on foot and can take the T, the local subway system, across the Charles River to Cambridge. In Boston, you'll find a wellspring of history and culture in museums like the fun Boston Tea Party Museum and the impressive Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum , the site of one of the world's most famous art heists.

Boulder, Colorado

Those looking for quiet solo travel in the U.S. can spend their days exploring the mountains and hills surrounding Boulder. Eldorado Canyon State Park is just 20 minutes south of downtown, the approximately two-mile trail up Flagstaff Mountain is just 15 minutes to the west, and the iconic Flatirons (red sandstone formations) are less than 10 minutes away by car. And If you're feeling social, head to Pearl Street Mall , a bustling pedestrian-only street with some of the city's best restaurants, shops, and bars.

Portland, Oregon

Not everyone feels comfortable eating out at a restaurant alone, especially when traveling solo, but Portland makes mealtime a nonissue, thanks to its bustling food cart scene. There are many food cart parks scattered about the city where you can go and peruse a diverse offering of cuisine, from pizza to Senegalese, and enjoy your meal in a atmospheric and fun shared space. Food aside, Portland's reliable transportation, great parks, and community vibe make this city an easy choice for people traveling alone. Between the good meals, you can also enjoy the tranquility of the Japanese Garden or browse the shelves at the famous Powell's Books .

Asheville, North Carolina

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If your perfect vacation includes hiking and biking during the day and gulping down beers with new friends at night, there's arguably no better place than Asheville, a city situated in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. Bikers will want to tackle the Blue Ridge Parkway , while hikers can head to the Craggy Pinnacle Trail (an approximately one-mile hike with serious views) or climb Mount Pisgah (2.6 miles round-trip). After a day in the mountains, reward yourself with a beer on the pup-friendly patio at Wicked Weed Brewing .

Sedona, Arizona

Traveling solo may be the only time you're able to truly check out from the grind and relax. That's why spa destinations like Sedona are so perfect for solo travelers. In addition to beautiful scenery, Sedona is packed with spas and wellness offerings. For a full resort experience, book a stay at the Amara Resort and Spa , or test out a few of the city's plentiful day spas: A Spa for You and Sedona's New Day Spa are long-standing favorites.

Charleston, South Carolina

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Art lovers will find themselves in their element in this colorful coastal city in South Carolina. The small city of Charleston is home to over 35 fine art galleries and hosts an Art Walk on the first Friday of every month. If you're hoping to make some art yourself, the French Quarter is sure to inspire, while the city's warm southern hospitality will make you feel right at home. If the temperature is right, you can even take a trip out to Isle of Palms to enjoy some quality time on the beach.

Nashville, Tennessee

If your idea of a dream solo trip is getting out and meeting new people, book a ticket to Nashville and let the city of music connect you to others. The Basement​​ , a live music venue known for its cozy vibes and spacious patio, is a must, as is 3rd and Lindsley . Just don't leave the city without trying the spicy fried chicken at Hattie B's . A trip to Nashville is also a chance to try out one of its best hotels like the classic Hermitage Hotel.

Portland, Maine

This may be the second Portland on the list, but this one has a coastal advantage. From the seaside city you can hop on a ferry or boat charter, or eat your way through the city's best lobster rolls at Luke's Lobster . When you're not out enjoying the water or stuffing your face with deliciously fresh seafood, you can meander in and out of the shops and boutiques at the historic Old Port.

San Francisco, California

When you're traveling solo, public transportation is key (no one wants to foot the bill for a weekend full of Uber rides). That's where cities like San Francisco shine. Between Muni buses, trains, streetcars, and cable cars, you can get to every corner of the city without hopping in a cab. Surrounded by beautiful bay views and offering easy access to experience a Redwood forest in Muir Woods , there are plenty of things to do in and around San Francisco.

Bayfield, Wisconsin

Located on the shores of Lake Superior, and home to quaint B&Bs and beautiful Victorian homes, Bayfield is a warm and welcoming coastal destination and one of the loveliest small towns in the U.S. Solo travelers can roam the intimate downtown or head to the nearby Apostle Islands National Lakeshore , best known for its series of caves that freeze during the winter months.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Just off California's iconic Highway 1 is Carmel-by-the-Sea, a small beach city on the Monterey Peninsula that will capture your heart the moment you see it. Traveling solo is no problem here, as the city offers plenty to do — surfing, sea animals, and a village-style center that feels like it belongs in a storybook. However, solo travelers may feel most at ease exploring the many art galleries like the Carmel Art Association and Bennett Sculpture .

Boise, Idaho

Boise is a paradise for lovers of the outdoors. Solo travelers will find riverside walking and biking trails that run right through town, skiing (in the winter) and hiking (in the summer) at the city's Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area , and easy access to mountain towns like McCall and ski areas like the rapidly growing Tamarack Resort .

Savannah, Georgia

 Marje/ Getty Images

Savannah's welcoming nature makes solo travel a breeze. If you're feeling social, join a haunted pub crawl through town or book an architectural tour . And if you're looking for a quiet escape, rent a bike and explore the history-rich city on two wheels. The best time to visit Savannah is in the fall and winter, when the temperatures are cooler and you can embrace the spooky spirit during Halloween when the city goes all out with on-theme activities .

Hot Springs, Arkansas

As you might guess, Hot Springs, Arkansas, is known for its natural hot springs, which have drawn visitors since the early 1900s. For solo travelers, there's nothing like a serene soak in the natural thermal waters found on the historic Bathhouse Row, followed by a refreshing drink of spring water and a lazy hike through the dense woods at Hot Springs National Park . In addition to the gorgeous scenery of the park, you can also discover it's unique history as a wellness destination .

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole may be home to a world-renowned ski area , mouthwatering cuisine, and high-end galleries, but you'll still find Old West-style bars where cowboys throw back PBRs (check out the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar ). It's the perfect place to throw on a Stetson and dress the part for a night or two. The town itself offers plenty to do when you're not drinking or skiing, like rodeo nights at the Jackson Hole Rodeo and incredible pastries at the James Beard-recognized Persephone Bakery .

Seattle, Washington

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

If you want access to nature without sacrificing big-city amenities, Seattle offers an ideal balance. Spend a couple of days checking out Pike Place Market (don't miss a cup of mac n' cheese from Beecher's ), going to the top of the Space Needle , and visiting the Museum of Pop Culture before hopping aboard a ferry and getting away from it all. From the heart of Seattle, you can take a boat across Elliott Bay to Bainbridge Island and onto Olympic National Park , home to both glacier-capped mountains and 70 miles of wild coastline.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

It's been said that one can hardly be called an architect if they haven't designed something in Minneapolis — the city showcases work from Jean Nouvel, Herzog & de Meuron, César Pelli, and Frank Gehry, among others. The city's love of design is also noticeable in the hotel scene, where sophistication meets Midwestern hospitality. So, while it's perfectly acceptable to wander through the city looking up, you don't want to miss a cruise on one of the famous bike paths, which wind past lakes that are perfect for a dip in the summertime.

Salt Lake City, Utah

It may be Utah's largest city, but Salt Lake City doesn't feel like a giant metropolis. Maybe it's the fact that it's surrounded by mountains or the open expanse of the Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island State Park to the west. Either way, this friendly city has everything a solo traveler could want — great food (check out Feldman's Deli ), plenty of sun-drenched days, and easy access to both the mountains and water. Among the many things to do in town, you will also have your pick of exciting day trips to nearby state parks, or you can use the city as a launchpad to explore Utah's stunning geology at national parks like Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon .

Fort Collins, Colorado

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If you're a beer lover, head to Fort Collins, a Colorado town with plenty of heart and really good beer. Start your tour of the city in the taproom of New Belgium Brewing (the company behind Fat Tire) and follow it with a pint at a few lesser-known breweries — we recommend Zwei Brewing Co. , Maxline Brewing , and Black Bottle Brewery . By the end of the day, you'll have your own beer-loving posse to explore the city with. Solo travelers will love the atmosphere of the downtown area, which is so charming it was the inspiration for Walt Disney when designing Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland.

Austin, Texas

The quickest way to bond with a stranger? Shared musical taste. Austin has plenty of opportunities to bump into fellow music lovers. Stay on or near South Congress Avenue, where trendy properties like the Hotel Magdalena provide the ideal base for visiting the street's iconic venues. Other ‘hoods you can easily get to include East Austin, booming with hipster bars and food trucks; South Lamar with its great shops; and Rainey Street, beloved among college students. Visit March through November to see the bats flying under the Ann W. Richards bridge — it's one of the best things to do in Austin , as is indulging in the city's incredible food.

Islamorada, Florida

Of all the towns in the Florida Keys , Islamorada has the homiest feel. Locals are happy to regale you with tales of family squabbles and fishing exploits at any of the seaside watering holes. For an elevated dining experience, snag a barstool at Chef Michael’s and order the whole lionfish. It's a big but manageable dish, made from an invasive species that Floridians pride themselves on removing from local waters and serving as a tasty dinner instead. When you're done, rest your head at one of the cozy cottages at Moorings Village.

Louisville, Kentucky

Kentucky is known for its hospitality and Louisville for its bourbon , meaning solo travelers can find good friends and good drinks while exploring this Southern city. NuLu is the most happening neighborhood, but Old Louisville is the place to hunker down if you’re a sucker for history and architecture. Downtown offers new hotels and inventive restaurants, while Butchertown and Germantown pair up-and-coming bars and businesses with impressive vintage architecture.

Marfa, Texas

Artists in search of a solitary life have been drawn to Marfa for decades. Today, the population hovers just under 2,000, but there’s enough art, food, and quirk for a city many times that size. El Cosmico offers outstanding glamping and communal spaces, while art houses like the Chinati Foundation keep visitors entertained. Though it's more than three hours from the closest airport, this flatland village offers progressive galleries, mystifying desert skies, and a sparse beauty that makes it one of the best small towns in Texas .

New York, New York

New York City might be full of crowds, but it’s also a welcoming hub for parties of one. There are sleek hotels with bars that draw worldly travelers and locals, some of the best art and shopping in the world, and more food and drink options than you can fit into a month-long trip. If you need help deciding what to do on your visit, take a look at our three-day weekend guide .

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

New Hampshire is one of the safest states in the country — and solo travelers wanting to enjoy that security will find a great home base in Portsmouth. This waterfront town is one of the state's most pedestrian-friendly communities, and with a colonial heritage that dates back to the 1600s, it's fantastic for history buffs. Portsmouth knows its food, as is perhaps best showcased in the dozen oyster farms active offshore in the Great Bay. Sample their best bivalves at The Franklin, an upscale seafood joint run by James Beard-nominated chef Matt Louis.

San Diego, California

San Diego combines the laid-back vibes of SoCal with the multicultural energy of a city located right on the Mexican border. From mild weather and great surfing to vibrant West Coast sunsets, it has lots to offer, making it a great place to spend a few days. Opportunities for hiking and watersports abound, while coastal areas like La Jolla and Del Mar offer a bevy of chic hotels where a solo traveler can catch some oceanside R&R.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Solo travelers in search of spiritual healing should look no further than Santa Fe . Book a night at Ten Thousand Waves, an upscale lodge inspired by Japanese hot spring resorts and decked out with secluded soaking tubs. Downtown, you’ll find historical landmarks, handmade tchotchkes, and restaurants serving delectable Southwestern food. Beyond the adobe architecture and unique attractions, the best thing you can do in Santa Fe is meet its colorful characters.

Washington, D.C.

Museums are best explored alone, and in Washington, D.C. , you have more than 20 to choose from—many of which are free. The District also has a hot food scene, and as a solo diner, you'll have the best shot at getting into the most highly coveted spots. To get far away from D.C.’s political crowds, head to a hip residential neighborhood like Shaw, where you can imbibe at Maxwell Park Wine Bar or catch a show at the Howard Theatre.

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What I Wish I Knew Before Taking a Solo Trip to Japan

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Japan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Most people dream of going to Japan, but there are a few important things you need to know before planning a solo trip to Japan.

Compared to lots of other Asian countries, Japan is super easy to travel in and great for people who are new to travelling alone .

Don’t get too confident yet though because there are tons and tons and tons of mistakes I made when I was in Japan solo, and I’ve been travelling alone since 2015.

Japan is unique. Things that typically hold true for travel in other parts of the world don’t always hold true in Japan. Even things that work in Japan’s neighbour South Korea don’t necessarily work in Japan.

So, I’m going to share everything I learned on my solo trip to Japan with you to hopefully save you some mistakes.

Actually, at this point, I’ve been to Japan three times and feel like I definitely know what mistakes not to make. I’ve made nearly every mistake you can.

Let’s get into the nitty gritty of solo travel in Japan! Hopefully by the end of this article you’ll feel confident and prepared and be able to travel in Japan solo like a pro.

Table of Contents

Stay Near the Main Train Station

The biggest mistake I made on my first solo trip to Japan was not staying near a major train station.

I know when you travel to most countries around the world, you don’t really have to stay near a major train station. As long as you’re near some sort of public transportation, you’re good to go.

That isn’t the case in Japan.

If there is only one thing you take away from this post, it is that you need to stay near a major train station. Ideally, about a ten minute walk away. That way you’ll be super close to the train station but far enough away that it’s quiet.

Most Japanese cities have one major train station. It’ll typically be the name of the city followed by the word station. Like Osaka Station or Kyoto Station of Fukushima Station. You get the point.

Tokyo is a huge city. Huge doesn’t even describe it. Since it’s so large, there are many major train stations.

The two I recommend staying near are either Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station . They’re pretty central and have access to lots of different metro and JR lines.

Why is it Important to Stay Near a Major Train Station?

There are two main reasons it’s important to stay near a major train station:

• Access to lots of different metro and JR lines so getting around is quick and easy
• Lugging luggage around on Japanese metros is a hassle. Even if you only have a carryon bag, the trains are often crowded and have lots of stairs. Staying near a major train station means you can just leave the train station and easily walk to your hotel or Aibnb and avoid having to transfer to the metro, JR, or bus to get to your hotel.

Trust me. It’s 100% worth it to stay near a major train station even if it means you have to pay a little bit more for your accommodation.

It is the one tip I give everybody when they’re planning a trip to Japan. Whether it’s a solo trip to Japan or a group trip to Japan.

My Favourite Hotels Near Train Stations

• Tokyo Station: Via Inn Prime Nihonbashi Ningyocho
• Shinjuku Station : Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku
• Kyoto Station : Hotel Kanra Kyoto (definitely a splurge but worth it!)
• Osaka Station : Hotel Monterey Le Frere Osaka
• Kanazawa Station : Hotel Resol Trinity Kanazawa

Get Outside Tokyo and Kyoto

On my first solo trip to Japan, I only went to Tokyo , and that was a big mistake. Tokyo is nothing like anywhere else in Japan. It’s extremely busy, hectic, and overwhelming.

Kyoto is the next most popular city in Japan for tourists, and I honestly found it a big overrated. Please don’t crucify me for that!

I think that one of the best things you can do when in Japan solo is get outside these two major tourists hubs and see a little bit more of what Japan has to offer.

Osaka is super close to Kyoto, and it has a totally different vibe to Tokyo and Kyoto. It is way more relaxed and laid back and has a lot of interesting tourist attractions. Including Universal Studios Japan !

The food in Osaka is also top notch, and it’s known as the foodie capital of Japan.

If you visiting Kyoto is your dream because it looks beautiful and full of ancient temples and things to do, I recommend visiting Kanazawa.

It’s everything I thought Kyoto would be and more. Kanazawa is my favourite city in Japan and one I wish more tourists visited. Plus it’s way more affordable than Kyoto, which is a huge plus for solo travellers on a budget.

I don’t really care where you go, but I do highly encourage you to get outside of Tokyo and Kyoto and see a little bit more of Japan.

You won’t regret it. There are so many interesting things to do in Japan that most tourists don’t know about because most people only go to Tokyo.

And trust me when I say that I don’t know a single traveller who says Tokyo is their favourite city in Japan.

Install an Esim on Your Phone

Having access to the internet with data on your phone is an essential part of your solo trip to Japan. It’ll make your life so much easier.

To easily travel around Japan, you need access to the internet. To get around, to figure out what train to take, find tourist attractions, and make sure you pick the perfect place to eat.

Luckily, there is an easy solution on how you can have data on your phone everywhere in Japan.

That’s by installing an esim on your phone. An esim allows you to purchase local data for whatever country you’re visiting. In this case, Japan. You buy an esim, and you can use your phone’s data just like you do at home but without any high roaming fees.

All you have to do is purchase an esim either online or through the app , install it on your phone, and make your esim your main source of data. The entire process takes less than five minutes and is very intuitive and easy. You can even install an esim on your phone before you arrive in Japan, and it’ll automatically activate when you turn on your data in Japan, and you phone connects to a Japanese network.

I like to purchase my esim online because it gives you a QR code. You just scan the QR code on your phone, and your esim is set up in a few easy clicks.

Esims allow you easy access to phone data without having to rent a wifi egg , purchase a local sim card, or incur high roaming fees with your local carrier.

I recommend esims to all my friends and family when they travel, and they all love it as much as I do.

Install an esim on your phone to make getting around Japan easier and stress free.

My Favourite Esim

Since esims are a relatively new technology, there aren’t a lot of reliable companies offering them yet. And you do not want to purchase an esim from an unreliable company and be stuck stranded without phone data.

I love Airalo . It’s my go-to esim provider, and I purchase all my esims through them.

They have the most esims available for the most countries compared to competitors. They also offer incredibly good prices and always have reliable data. You purchase a certain amount of data up front. If you’re close to running out of data, you can purchase more data to be added to your esim with one quick click in the app.

Another option you can look into is Drimsim . Unlike Airalo, Drimsim charges you per MB used rather than charging you for a certain amount of data up front.

If you don’t plan on using much data, Drimsim may be the better option. I highly recommend if you choose Drimsim to turn off your data whenever you’re not using it. This will prevent data accidentally being used in the background and running up your bill.

I tend to use a fair amount of data when I travel between Google Maps, texting, and scrolling social media while eating alone, so Airalo is my esim of choice.

I’m normally in a country for three to four weeks at a time and purchase the 5GB plan. I’ve never gone over before, but there have been a few times when I’ve been close. If you’re only in Japan for a week or two, you should be fine purchasing a 1GB or 3GB plan.

The 3GB plan is probably your best choice. It’s only a dollar or two more than the 1GB plan and gives you the peace of mind that you won’t accidentally run out of data while out and about exploring one day.

Plus it’s likely more expensive to purchase a 1GB top up if you run out of your pre-purchased 1GB data than it is to purchase a 3GB plan.

Anyways, whatever amount of data you choose to purchase is up to you. The important thing is that you install an esim on your phone, so you can easily access the internet when out exploring. This is especially important as a solo traveller !

Google Maps is Your Best Friend

You’re probably already acquainted with Google Maps, but it’s going to become your best friend when you’re travelling Japan solo.

Google Maps in Japan has some of the most comprehensive information of any country I’ve visited.

Especially when it comes to public transportation, which some people find overwhelming and confusing the first time they come to Japan.

Here is some of the information Google Maps tells you when riding the metro in Japan:

• What entrance to take to get to the metro
• What exit to take when leaving the metro. This is very important information. Please don’t ignore it!
• The exact train car number you should get on for the quickest transfer or exit
• What platform your train is departing from. This is very helpful in major train stations where there can be over 20 platforms
• How busy the train is, is the train has AC or not, and whether or not there are delays on the route

Google Maps can also navigate indoors in Japan. This is super useful when trying to find a store in a massive shopping mall. It’ll guide you to the nearest escalator to the store you’re looking for and take you right to the entrance.

It’s fabulous. Google Maps may be your most used app while on your solo trip to Japan!

Major Train Stations are Difficult to Manage

Major train stations are extremely difficult to manage. You 100% need to use Google Maps if you’re trying to find what exit to use or something inside a train station.

Before you start thinking I’m dramatic and how hard could a train station possibly be, Shinjuku Station has 200 different exits.

So, yeah, complicated. You can easily get lost and spend an hour or two wandering around trying to find what you’re looking for.

Trust me. I once spent half an hour looking for a tempura restaurant in Tokyo Station and ended up giving up and leaving.

Whenever you have to exit a major train station, be sure you know what exit you want and watch the signs carefully.

Some major train stations like Kyoto Station and Kanazawa Station are easier to manage. Some like Tokyo Station and Osaka Station are more complicated.

Be prepared. Be patient. And if all else fails, find your way to an information booth, and someone will be happy to help you find what you’re looking for.

Be Prepared to Queue

I hate waiting in lines and avoid waiting in them at all costs. The Japanese don’t seem to have the same aversion to lines that I do. There are lines everywhere, and people don’t mind waiting for them.

There are lines for food (these are often the longest lines at popular restaurants). Lines for tourist attractions. Lines for no apparent reason.

It’s just something that comes with a solo trip to Japan.

Hopefully you don’t have to wait in too many lines but bring your patience just in case. If you know you’ll be waiting in a line on a particular day, consider bringing a book (or audiobook) or something to entertain yourself with.

Avoid Golden Week at All Costs

Golden Week is a national holiday in Japan where people get an entire week off of work. Japanese people use this as an opportunity to travel, and a lot of people travel within Japan rather than going abroad.

This means three things:

• The most popular cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto are very, very, very busy
• If you’re visiting a less popular tourist destination, things like restaurants may be closed
• It will be difficult to find an affordable hotel even if you’re booking months in advance. I wanted to go be in Sendai durning Golden Week and couldn’t find an affordable hotel even though I was looking 5 months in advance.

I was in Japan during Golden Week in 2023 and experienced both those things. I spent the majority of Golden Week in Fukushima. Not the most popular tourist destination. A lot and I mean a lot of the restaurants were closed. Some were open until 2pm, but many were closed all day. Not great.

Then I was in Tokyo for the last two days of Golden Week. It was madness. I’ve never seen a city so busy in my entire life. I cannot imagine how busy it was during the height of Golden Week because I assume some people already went home to get ready for work in a couple of days.

Moral of the story is to avoid Japan during Golden Week at all costs. Don’t think to yourself that it won’t be too bad because it will be. Trust me.

On the flip side, going to Japan right after Golden Week is probably the best time of the entire year to be in Japan. I was at Tokyo Disney Resort the four days following the end of Golden Week, and I’ve never seen it so quiet before. It was magical.

Golden Week changes dates every year and is sometime in either April or May. Just do a quick Google search before planning your solo trip to Japan and make sure you aren’t planning it during Golden Week.

Avoid Golden Week at all costs. Ideally visit Japan right after Golden Week for the lowest crowds.

The JR Pass Probably Isn’t Worth it

You’ve probably heard a lot about the JR Pass and how it is essential when travelling in Japan. How you’ll save so much money with the JR Pass.

But, honestly, that isn’t the case for most people.

If you’re only travelling between Tokyo and Kyoto, you likely won’t get your money’s worth out of the JR Pass.

If you’re in Japan for two or three weeks and spending more than a day or two in each city, you probably won’t get much value out of the JR Pass.

You need to be using the JR a lot in a short period of time to get value out of the JR Pass. Especially now that the price is increasing by about double!

I spent 3 weeks in Japan in 2023 and took the JR or Shinkansen between each city I visited. I used JR trains to travel within each city. Even though I would have used the JR Pass a lot, it still didn’t make financial sense for me to get one.

That’s because I wasn’t using the JR enough or on expensive enough lines that purchasing a JR Pass made sense.

Be sure to do the math and use a JR fare calculator before purchasing a JR Pass to make sure you’re getting enough bang for your buck by buying the pass.

The benefit of the JR Pass is that you can pre-reserve seats on the train, which is a huge plus if you have luggage and have to reserve luggage space.

Although, when I was in Japan, I never had to reserve luggage because you only have to reserve it on the most popular and busiest routes like Tokyo to Kyoto or Tokyo to Osaka.

You don’t have to reserve luggage space on most Shinkansen trains.

And if you’re going from Osaka to Kyoto without a JR Pass, just get on the slower JR train rather than the Shinkansen. It’s a third of the price and only takes 10 or so minutes longer if you get on a super rapid train.

JR Fare Calculator (see if the JR Pass saves you money)

Be Internet Safe

Even if you get an esim for your phone, you’ll still be relying on public wifi during your solo trip to Japan. Even if it’s only while at your hotel.

Please don’t waste your esim data and use it at the hotel rather than the complimentary hotel wifi!

And since you’re going to be using public wifi at least part of your trip, I’m going to lecture you about the importance of using public wifi safely.

Public wifi networks are just that. Public. That means anybody with the code can access the wifi. From my experience, a lot of hotels in Japan don’t have a password on their wifi. Anybody can access the wifi even if they aren’t staying at the hotel.

This means that there are countless people using the same unprotected wifi network as you. That puts you personal online information (like you’re banking information) at risk of being stolen.

All it takes is one person with bad intentions, and you’re dealing with the headache of cancelling bank cards while abroad. Trust me when I say that’s no fun.

The only way to protect yourself when using public wifi networks is by installing a VPN on your devices. A VPN essentially puts an invisible forcefield around your devices that makes it impossible for prying eyes to access your personal online information.

A VPN makes using public wifi networks just as safe as using your home wifi where you’re the only person who knows the password.

One of the most important things you should so when preparing for your Japan solo trip is install a VPN. It’s the simplest safety precaution you can take.

The cost per month for a VPN subscription on a two-year plan costs less than a latte and cake pop at Starbucks. You have no excuse not to protect your online information.

I always say that if you can afford to travel, you can afford to protect your online information with a VPN.

My Favourite VPN

I’ve used a lot of VPNs over my many years of travel. Most of them, frankly, suck. VPNs are notorious for slowing your devices down, and you really feel the different in internet speed when using a VPN.

That’s not the case for NordVPN . It’s consistently ranked the fasted VPN on the market and the only VPN I’ve ever consistently used. You don’t feel like your internet speed is slowed down at all when using NordVPN.

You can install a single NordVPN subscription on up to six devices. That makes it super easy to protect all your devices for one low price.

One of my favourite feature of VPNs is being able to cloak my location. That allows me to watch Netflix from different countries and watch Canadian sporting events while abroad.

There are really no downsides to installing a VPN on your devices. It’s an extremely small price to pay for the peace of mind you get by knowing your private information is safe and sound while you’re abroad.

Get the fastest and most reliable VPN on the market for an extremely low price.

One of the first things you’ll notice on your solo trip to Japan is how quiet it is. In terms of volume. Not in terms of people. There are always tons of people in Japan.

It’s a widely known rule that people are quiet and respectful while out in public. This means no talking on the metro and no loud conversations at restaurants.

And please, please never answer a phone call while on public transit. It’s considered quite rude to speak on the phone in nearly every indoor public setting in Japan. But if you talk on the phone on the metro, you will definitely be getting dirty looks.

Just be sure to be quiet, reserved, and respectful while in public in Japan. I know you’re on a solo trip to Japan, but I also know a lot of you like to make friends while travelling alone. So, if you go out with a group (or while you’re alone), please be quiet.

There is a time and place for loud conversations, and in public is not it.

Oh, and small talk isn’t really a thing in Japan. I know my American friends love starting small talk with strangers, but you’ll be getting weird looks if you try that in Japan.

Taxis are Extremely Expensive

Taxis are never the most affordable way to get around, but in a lot of places they’ve not super expensive. They’re affordable enough that you can justify taking a taxi if it’s going to be super convenient or save you a lot of time.

Japan is not one of those places.

Japan has the most expensive taxis I’ve ever seen in my life.

There is no circumstance I could ever see justifying me using a taxi instead of the metro other than being physically injured and needing to get to a hostpial.

And even in that circumstance, I may still take the metro because the taxi fees are so high.

If you normally take taxis when you travel, you’ll need to get used to the idea of using public transportation or walking.

See point one about staying near a train station if you need a refresher. 😉

The good news is that Japan has one of the best public transportation systems in the world. It’s so easy to get around. You won’t even miss taking a taxi.

Most major cities have large metro systems. Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto all have metros where you can easily get around. Smaller cities in Kanazawa rely on buses. But they’re smaller cities, so it’s easy to walk everywhere if you’re staying in a central location.

Just be prepared to use public transportation and walk a lot while in Japan. Taxis are a luxury not a normal thing to use.

Purchase Popular Tickets Online in Advance

As we’ve talked about in this article, Japan is busy, and there are often queues. To cut down on your time waiting in line, there are two things you can/should do:

• Get to attractions earlier in the day to avoid crowds
• Purchase tickets online in advance if you can

These two things will save you heaps of time on your solo trip to Japan. You’ve got a lot to see and do while in Japan alone, and you don’t want to be stuck waiting in a line if you don’t have to.

There are also some things you need to pre-purchase tickets for. As in you can’t get them at the door or they’re likely to be sold out. Those two main things are Universal Studios Japan in Osaka and Tokyo Disney Resort .

This is especially true for Tokyo Disney. You have to purchase your tickets in advance. You can’t buy them at the gate. Universal recently reintroduced buying tickets at the gate, but it’s a super small park and sold out in advance more days than not.

Other Tickets You Should Consider Buying in Advance

• Tokyo Skytree

Shibuya Sky

• Tokyo Tower Observation Deck
• TeamLab Planets (hugely popular and likely to sell out)
• Sanrio Puroland 
• HARUKAS 300 Observatory
• T eamLab Botanical Garden (Osaka’s version of TeamLab Planets)
• Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

Narita is Very Far Away from Central Tokyo

Narita is very, very far away from central Tokyo. Haneda is closer to central Tokyo, but the majority of international flights fly in and out of Narita.

This means you need to have a solid plan on how you’re getting from the airport to your hotel. Sometimes it can take up to two hours depending on where you’re staying.

You can either take the metro or a limousine bus. I prefer the bus. You’re guaranteed to get a seat, probably drops you off closer to your hotel, there is no need to transfer, and you don’t have to deal with your luggage. It just sits nicely under the bus.

Taxis aren’t an option unless you’re rich because they’re so expensive. A taxi from Narita to central Tokyo will cost you a few hundred dollars!

And the last thing you want to do on a solo trip to Japan is break the bank taking a taxi just because you didn’t plan properly!

The fact that Narita is so far away from central Tokyo also means that you need to be strategic about when you book your flight.

If you land late in the evening or depart early in the morning, you might have an issue. Maybe the buses aren’t running early or late enough or maybe you don’t want to drag your butt out of bed super early or be trying to find your hotel in the dark.

If you’re arriving late or departing early, I highly recommend staying at a hotel near the airport for a night. It’s so much more convenient. I’ve done it before for a flight departing at 11am and would do it again in a heartbeat.

Plus the hotels near Narita are surprisingly affordable. I loved my stay at the Hilton Narita . It was super nice and seemed like it should have costed more than it did.

Most airport hotels offer a bus to and from the hotel, which is super convenient. The hotels say it takes about half an hour to get to the airport. From my experience, it takes about 15, but it’s better to be early than late!

Go to Tokyo Disney on a Tuesday or Wednesday

Tokyo Disney is a must do for any theme park or Disney fan. Heck the theme parks are so well done that even people who hate Disney enjoy them.

Tokyo Disney Resort has two theme parks: Disneyland and DisneySea. DisneySea is the more unique one of the two, but they both have rides you don’t want to miss.

TDR is hugely popular. Not only with tourists but also with Japanese people. This means that it’s always busy. The most popular rides often have wait times between 90 and 180 minutes.

That’s just on a normal day. Not even during the busiest times of year.

So, you definitely need a strategy when going to Tokyo Disney. It may be your only trip, and you want to get the most out of it.

There are way too many tips and tricks about Tokyo Disney to put into this short(ish) blog post. You’ll have to do a deep dive on that on your own. TDR Explorer is a great place to start!

One important tip I will give you is to visit Tokyo Disney on either a Tuesday or Wednesday.

This is when the parks will be the least busy. You’ll be able to get a lot more done on a Tuesday or Wednesday than on the weekend.

Mondays and Thursdays are normally medium busy. I’ve noticed that a lot of the times school groups are filling up the parks on Thursdays leading up to the weekend, and they’re a lot busier than Wednesdays.

Mondays have carryover from people visiting over the weekend. They’re not as busy as a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday but are still quite busy.

So, if you have flexibility in your schedule, try to arrange your trip to Tokyo Disney for the middle of the week. This will give you the best chance at having lower crowds.

Make Sure You Have Health Insurance

Health insurance is an essential part of travel, and you need to make sure you have health insurance that covers your solo trip to Japan.

You may have travel coverage through your work plan. If you do, you just need to make sure it covers the entire duration of your trip. Most policies only cover the first 21 or 30 days of your trip.

If you’re like me and don’t have insurance through your employer, you have two options.

First Option

The first option is perfect for people who are only going abroad for a shorter period of time. This is buying travel insurance from a major company in your home country.

You can normally get insurance through a bank, company that sells house or life insurance, your local healthcare insurer (like Blue Cross), or through a company like AAA or AMA or CAA.

All these places will let you purchase a travel health insurance policy to cover the duration of your trip.

These are normally reasonably affordable. Especially if you’re only gone for a week or two. They offer decent coverage, but they often make it a headache to make a claim.

You can also get a multi-trip policy that covers you for every trip you take abroad in a year as long as the trip is under a certain amount of days. You get to choose the amount of days when you purchase the policy, and they range anywhere from 7 to 60 days.

This is what my retired parents use, what I used when I was a student, and what most casual travellers use.

Second Option

The second option is for long-term travellers and digital nomads. That’s purchasing health insurance through a specialized company that solely provides insurance to travellers.

There are a couple of companies you can get this type of insurance through. I personally use Safety Wing and think they’re the best option you there.

They’re very affordable, have a low deductible, make it easy to make a claim, and even provide you coverage in your home country for 30 days as long as you’ve been abroad for 90 days.

I love the flexibility of Safety Wing and being able to cancel anytime I want. If I’m going to be in Canada for a few months, I can cancel my policy and then reinstate it when I start travelling again. They even let you purchase your insurance while you’re abroad and already on your trip, which is quite rare.

Again, this option is best for people travelling for a long period of time. It’s much cheaper in the long run than the first option and provides better coverage.

Bonus: Try the Melon Fanta (Trust Me)

This may sound like a weird thing to throw into this article but hear me out. The Melon Fanta in Japan is the best soda I’ve ever had. And I’m a soda girlie.

I know. I know. It isn’t healthy, but it just tastes so good!

Melon Fanta is incredible . It’s a bit hard to find in convenience stores, so you may have to order it at a restaurant, but it’s so worth it.

I tell all my friends who go to Japan to try it, and they all love it.

I know it sounds like an odd flavour of soda, but please trust me and try it!

My Favourite Things to do in Japan Alone

Tokyo Disney Resort

Shinjuku Gyoen

Todaiji Temple

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Kiyomizu Temple

Museum of Housing and Living

Universal Studios Japan

Osaka Castle

This article ended up being way longer than I thought it would! I guess I just have a lot to say about taking a solo trip to Japan and being in Japan solo.

Japan is a super unique country and requires a bit more planning and understanding than a lot of other countries. It’s so easy to accidentally offend someone because you don’t know the social norms.

But I hope this article helps you better understand what a solo trip to Japan will be like and how to best prepare for being in Japan solo.

It’s an amazing country, and I have no doubt you’ll love it. Basically everybody does. That’s why it’s so popular!

Related Posts

• 9 Key Things to Know Before Your Solo Trip to Ireland
• 9 Tips to Know Before Taking a Solo Trip to Copenhagen

Solo Traveler

Solo travel tips, destinations, stories... the source for those who travel alone.

The Ultimate Solo Travel Guide: Travel Alone & Love It

January 4, 2024 by Janice Waugh

What is solo travel? After 15 years of traveling solo, I've concluded that it is two things. Solo travel can be done independently or on a group tour. Essentially, solo travel is when you leave behind everyone you know and embark on a trip. Independent solo travel is when you plan and navigate the travel yourself. Group solo travel is when you join a tour or cruise alone. Both provide the unique experience of exploring the world without family and friends who have expectations of you. It's about discovering who you are when no one (that you know) is looking.

Traveling alone delivers access to the world in ways that other forms of travel don't. It is an essential mode of travel, at least some of the time.

However, not everyone takes to it naturally. Some worry about traveling solo. There are concerns around loneliness, safety, and more.

While we have hundreds of articles on the site that get into the details of how to travel solo, here, in one place, is the ultimate guide for those who want to travel alone. The tips in this post will help you have the best experience possible. They will help you travel alone and love it.

If you are traveling independently, read on.

If you plan to go on an organized tour, don't miss our page of tours with no or low single supplement . It's updated at least once a month and if you'd like to receive it via email you can sign up here .

Table of Contents

Why You Will Love Solo Travel

When you travel alone, you travel on your terms. You get to do what you want, when you want. You can connect with people if you wish or avoid them completely. Those are the obvious benefits for going solo as a traveler.

But there are many benefits of solo travel that affect your whole life. The experience encourages you to stretch and grow as a person. You gain confidence and get better at problem solving. You understand yourself better, become more independent, and become a more interesting person.

For more, read Why Travel Solo? 15 Reasons Going Alone Makes Travel Better . Now, let's get on to the ultimate solo travel guide.

Your Guide for Planning to Travel Alone

Planning a solo trip takes a bit of time and thought. To cover everything, this would be an extremely long article. Instead, I'm pointing you to some of the basic planning posts on Solo Traveler. There over 600 posts on Solo Traveler. This just takes you to the ones that cover the fundamentals.

• Solo Travel Planning Guide with Trends, a Checklist, and Insider Tips
• Solo Travel Safety: 50+ Proven Tips to Keep You Safe
• Carry-On Packing List That Makes Sense: Traveler Tested
• Best Accommodation for Solo Travelers
• A Complete Guide to Travel Insurance for Solo Travelers
• Eating Alone Is Easy When You Know How

Ultimate Tips to Travel Alone and Love It!

Let's get into the experience of traveling alone.

For some people, enjoying a solo trip comes naturally. Others have to work at how to travel alone. Most who do, fall in love with it. Here are a few things you can do to ensure a great solo adventure.

1. Visualize the trip you want. It's all about you.

Start thinking about the opportunities that are present when you travel alone long before you leave. Is it down time you really want? Build that into the plan. Are you after a creative travel experience ? Research the opportunities before you go and then dream on them until you get there.

2. Gather firsthand knowledge before you go. Personal stories tell you more.

Talk to people who have already traveled to your destination. Doing this was so incredibly helpful when planning my trip to Patagonia. At the time, no amount of research helped me plan the logistics. Talking to people who had made a similar trip gave me insight into the travel options and tips on how to avoid the mistakes they had made. Use your social network to find people. Join online meetup groups based in your destination. Find expat groups at your destination. By talking to people you will learn more about things to do as well as things that are not really for you.

3. Learn to chat with strangers.

Starting conversations with strangers can be a challenge, especially when you're an introvert like I am. However, these conversations can be trip-changing, if not life-changing. There are many skills that can be developed for this and one is never too old to learn them. In fact, it was only when traveling alone after my husband passed away that I learned how much I had grown and taken on the techniques of an extrovert. I learned that I could talk to strangers easily.

4. Tap the experience of the people you meet. Get current information.

As a solo traveler, you'll meet more travelers and locals than those who travel with a partner. Ask a traveler about the best thing they've done so far or a local for the best hidden gem restaurant in the area. The people you meet and the advice they offer will greatly enrich your trip.

5. Be flexible with your plans. Opportunities arise!

When suggestions or opportunities arise from these chance encounters, be flexible enough to act on them. There are times when flexibility must reign and the schedule should be thrown away. I do this most often on road or rail trips.

6. Don't over-plan. You will absolutely need relaxing time.

Managing your travels yourself takes more energy than if you are with someone else. It is important to have extra time in your itinerary to wander a market leisurely, linger over a coffee at an outdoor café, or take that trip into the mountains you hadn't considered.

7. Be patient. Take time to settle in and learn how the city works.

It can be difficult arriving in a new city alone. Take your time. Take a day to relax, watch the city function, and settle in. Read Solo Travel Confidence: How to Be Strong, Capable, and Safe .

8. Explore your destination at different levels. Gain different perspectives.

In London, it's natural to take the Tube. However, riding on the top of a double-decker bus gives you another perspective on the city. But you still wouldn't want to miss the Tube as it's an experience unto itself. My point is, explore the city in as many ways as possible: on foot, by bicycle, via public transit. Take a taxi and talk to the driver. Rent a car and learn what it's like to park or drive on the opposite side of the road. Every mode of movement offers new perspectives.

9. Take in local events. Get to know the daily life of a culture.

Whether it's a street festival or a sporting event, these are opportunities to rub shoulders with locals, offering insight into the culture and, potentially, fun conversations. Events made for tourism will not be as successful for this as events created by and for locals.

10. Be proactive if you’re unsure of yourself.

Ask for help. Standing around looking dazed will not get you where you want to go and it may get you noticed by the wrong people. Go ahead, smile, and ask for help. It's one of the fundamentals of staying safe as you travel solo .

11. Eat locally! Discover the culture through food.

There is nothing like exploring the local cuisine. It gives you a new path into your destination's culture, history, and geography. There is always a reason, historical or geographic, for a specific cuisine that can be explored through your tastebuds and your mind.

12. Shop where the locals shop.

Are you into home renovations? Then a hardware store in another country could be quite interesting. Are you a foodie? Go to the grocery store or the street where all the specialty vendors are located. Are you into fashion or interior decorating? Again, explore (you don't have to buy) where the locals shop.

13. Know which way is up. An old-school map is your friend.

Study a map of your destination. Get to know it. Get a sense of direction using major landmarks like Central Park in New York City or the CN Tower in Toronto. This will help you explore cities happily, with greater confidence. Read How to Navigate a New City Solo .

13. Find people who share your passion.

Whether it's chess or poetry or badminton or books, there will be hubs or groups that share your passion at your destination. Many destinations have an English bookstore which is typically a great resource for events you will want to attend. Google search or find them on meetup.com. What a great way to combine your love of travel with your love of other things.

14. Take day tours and classes.

There are many benefits to punctuating your independent trip with local tours such as cooking classes . You have new ways to better experience your destination, enjoy some social time (after all, solo travelers are not necessarily loners), and you get to take a break and let the tour company run the logistics and planning of the experience.

15. Have great evenings out.

Just because you're traveling solo doesn't mean you have to stay in at night with a book. There are many options for things to do in the evening. If you're in a country where you don't speak the language, music is a good bet. Read What to Do at Night When Traveling Alone and How to Enjoy Going to a Bar Alone When You Travel .

What If You Don't Love Solo Travel?

Let's face it, not everyone likes the same thing. Some people will travel alone and, for one reason or another, not enjoy it.

The first thing I suggest is that you be patient. You're not going to find your solo travel groove on the first day of your first trip. You need to give yourself some time to settle into your destination and apply some of the many travel alone tips above.

If, then, you're still not loving it, read  What If You Travel and You Don’t Love It ? and the advice of other solo travelers in Feeling Overwhelmed? How to Conquer First-Day Solo Travel Anxiety .

Round Out Your Guide to Solo Travel with These Resources

Here are a few posts to explore to help you plan your best solo trip.

• How to Save Money for Travel
• How to Plan Your Travel Budget: Luxury or Frugal
• Best Solo Travel Destinations: Real Solo Travelers Love These
• Feeling the Pinch? Solo Travelers Save Money at The Airport
• How to Get Through an Airport by Yourself with Ease
• Carry On Packing List That Makes Sense: Traveler Tested
• Checked Baggage: Top Planning and Packing Tips.
• Best VPN for Travel: What, Why, How & New Recommendations
• Road Trip Alone with Confidence: 10 Tips for a Great Trip

Sharing is caring!

Publisher Janice: info @ solotravelerworld.com

Editor Tracey: tracey @ solotravelerworld.com

Sales Simon: simon @ solotravelerworld.com

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The content of Solo Traveler and any resources published by Solo Traveler are meant for entertainment and inspiration only. Please note that while we have advertising clients promoting destinations, products, services, trips and tours on Solo Traveler and that we endeavour to only work with companies in which we have confidence, we are not responsible for the delivery or quality of their products or services. Every person and every travel situation is different. Your safety, satisfaction and fun traveling solo are your responsibility alone and not that of Solo Traveler, its publisher, editor and/or writers.

PRIVACY POLICY & DISCLOSURE: In accordance with FTC guidelines, I disclose that I may be compensated if consumers choose to utilize links located throughout the content on this site. Additionally, some posts might be sponsored to support this site. Please do the appropriate research before participating in any third party offers. All opinions are my own. Please read our full Privacy Policy here.

Europe Tours for Solo Travelers

• Choose from 9,500+ Europe tours
• 87,700+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
• 24/7 customer support

10 best Europe solo travel packages

Compiled by

Nadine Europe travel expert at TourRadar

Grand Journey of Italy - 11 Days

Europe escape, athens, santorini & mykonos with 3 guided tours | semiprivate | 10 days, anatolian civilizations | 10 days (small group), 10-day ultimate ireland small group tour, european delight, european horizon (start london, end london, 11 days), european highlights escape - 12 days, 10 days treasures of turkey tour, europe jewel.

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year
• Explore Rome's historic Jewish Ghetto at sunset
• Tour the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
• Visit the enchanting island of Capri

“We enjoyed all the guided tours of different cities. We especially appreciated the trip.”

• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing
• Enjoy free days in Rome, Paris, and the Swiss Alps
• Cruise the canals of Amsterdam and the Rhine River in Germany
• Taste local German wine and say prost in a traditional beer hall

“An incredible level of detail in every story Luke shares with the group. Luke's charisma and energy are really contagious.”

• Island Hopping
• See the Little Venice in Mykonos
• Experience the Sunset in Santorini
• Explore the city of Athens during your free days

“Tourradar made planning our Greece trip simple and a great experience. Hotels were in excellent locations.”

• Whirling Dervishes Ceremony in Cappadocia Cave Lodge
• Small group
• Most comprehensive itinerary of Central and Western Anatolia

“The hotel in Capadocia did not meet the standards offered by the excursion.”

• Learn about the history of the Troubles in Derry and Belfast
• Enjoy Bohemian Galway and venture to the ancient Aran Islands
• Giants Causeway, Dingle Peninsula, Killarney national Park

“The fantastic quality of the hotels surprised me. I would definitely do this 10-day trip again.”

• Visit Saint Mark's Basilica and the Murano glass factory
• Discover the ancient Rome and tour the historic Florence
• Savour Hungarian cuisine and enjoy a Danube boat tour

“Excellent tour that covered pretty much all the hotspots along the way. Most of the coaches did not have usb charging points.”

• Wine tasting
• Enjoy a canal cruise with an onboard bar in Amsterdam
• Walk along the breathtaking River Rhine and spot castles
• See the famous Lorelei Rock in Rhine Valley

“The overall organisation of the adventure was incredible if you're looking to travel everywhere and make friends while you do it.”

• Amsterdam, Bruges, Paris, Zurich, Venice, Florence & Rome
• Adventure by flights & trains
• 5 European Countries

“We enjoyed the lively city of Athens and beautiful Santorini. Everything was organised perfect by Dot Travel Greece.”

• Relax in Pamukkale's thermal pools
• Explore Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque
• Visit the Mevlana Museum in Konya

“The groups were small which was very helpful. Overall a good experience and I would consider this company again.”

• See the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa
• Cruise Amsterdam’s canals and sail along the Rhine River in Germany
• Discover Venice and Budapest

“Lovely trip! I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience.”

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Just 31 Genuinely Helpful Tips For Anyone Who Travels Alone

Don't let the fear of being on your own hold you back. You got this!

BuzzFeed Staff

Traveling solo can be intimidating — so we asked travel bloggers, Reddit users, BuzzFeed writers, and members of the BuzzFeed Community to share their best tips for traveling alone. Hopefully their advice will help you navigate — or even inspire — your next solo adventure .

1. mark your phone map with where you're staying so you'll never get lost..

"Pin your own accommodation. This way you always know your current location relative to, and have directions back to it, no matter where you are in town." — u/Judazzz

2. Carry a pen with you to speed up your travels.

"Bring a pen or two for your forms you may need for immigration. Fill them out on the plane." — u/Jayhcee

3. If you get lonely, mingle with the locals.

Pub crawls and walking tours are other easy ways to meet people in a new city besides hostels. — u/liatron

4. Keep an emergency stash of cash, just in case.

Keep an emergency fund of cash on you (~100 USD/Euro in local currency) and a good reserve of money in your bank account. This will especially prove useful when having an medical emergency and you have to see a doctor. You'll have to pay upfront, and will get reimbursed later by your travel/medical insurance. — u/rek-me-reksai

5. Practice doing smaller activities alone before embarking on a big solo trip.

Go out to eat on your own and take some solo day/weekend trips. I found this helped me get comfortable with doing things alone, so that by the time I started traveling abroad by myself, I wasn't worried. — brittnir

6. Don't book accomodations without checking reviews.

Your accommodation will be your temporary home, so read reviews and book with caution. Is the neighborhood sketchy? Are there video cameras or security features? You need to know these things! — Ciara Johnson

7. Travel with insurance.

In an ideal world, traveling solo would be a walk in the park. In reality, anything could go wrong, so it’s best to be prepared with travel insurance that could cover those not-so-pretty travel moments. —Ciara Johnson

8. Know your limits.

"Drinking until you can’t stand or going until you can’t go anymore is totally not the best idea. It's especially important to know your limits when you're the only person looking out for yourself." —Ciara Johnson

9. Keep your real-time location private, even while sharing your travels online.

I never post in the moment. If I'm posting a location, it's because I've already left. All of my posts are delayed by several days, or I don't even post until I've come back from the trip. With my [Instagram] stories, I try to delay [them], even when I'm home, at minimum one to two hours. I never share Airbnb, hotel information, or my itinerary during my trips, but I'm more than happy to share them when I get home. — Alexa Renee , travel blogger

10. Just get a selfie stick — you won't regret it.

Listen, when other people aren't around or you're too shy to ask them to take a photo, the selfie stick will help. A Bluetooth one is great because you can take it from afar! — Arielle Calderon

11. Or, if you have a smart watch, use it as a self-timer remote for perfect selfies.

Place your phone on a bench or something facing towards you. Hit three seconds on the watch and smile! — c4fe982507

12. Do some research about each destination you're going to and organize the basics, like where you're staying and how to get there, before you arrive.

View this photo on Instagram

Make sure you know how to get from where your transportation is (airport, train station etc.) to where you’re staying. Winging it can be fun in some circumstances, but when you just got off a train and you’re tired, you wanna know where you’re going! — igivemyselfthecreeps

13. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Don't wear headphones, and avoid staring down at your phone while you walk. The more alert you are, the safer. —Arielle Calderon

14. Don't — or at least TRY not to — overpack. Remember you have to carry it all on your own!

My first time traveling alone, I took way too much stuff but didn’t realize until I was struggling to move all my luggage by myself. Bring essentials only! Plan different outfits using the same pieces to save space, and don’t bring your whole shoe closet! — elizabethb4d752b39e

15. Take a mini first-aid kit.

I always travel with: Band-aids, pain relievers, Pepto, Benadryl, allergy meds, antibacterial cream, bug spray, anti-itch spray, and more. Each of these things has been a life-saver and they don't take up much space if you do it right. It sucks to get sick in a foreign country when you're on your own, so try to be prepared.

— tessav46e52414b

16. Invest in a hidden wallet so you can keep your valuables close at all times.

Buy a tiny crossbody travel wallet that you can put under your shirt to hold your ID, passport, money, etc. separate from your purse or backpack. If someone steals your purse, you'll at least still have money and a way to get home. — barnesrenee7

17. Spend time curating a special playlist for your trip and download it to your phone.

Make a playlist of new songs and artists specifically for your trip. Whenever you hear those songs again after your return, it’ll always remind you of your adventure. — cperryrun

18. Give a copy of your important travel details (flight numbers, hostel names, etc.) to someone reliable back home.

Make an itinerary to give to a worried mom or friend so someone knows where you’re at in case of emergencies. I always do this for my mom and it really eases her mind about me traveling solo. — ccc12345

Leave your family with a copy of your passport. Should it get lost or stolen they will be able to email it to you. — rachelk4418b3566

19. But remember that just because you make plans, it doesn't mean you have to stick to them. Allow yourself to be spontaneous!

I can't tell you how many times I ended up chucking out my original plans and doing something completely different (and better) based on meeting new people, both fellow travelers and locals. — russjosephs

20. If you're headed overseas, buy a local SIM card so you don't have to rely on finding Wi-Fi.

Get a phone card as soon as you arrive in a new country. In case of emergency, it will be easier to call for help. — annarosa

21. Or at the least, use Wi-Fi to download offline Google Maps of the places you're visiting.

Download maps of the cities you’re going to so you can access GPS without data. I also shared my Google Maps location, which tracks you without data, so if anything were to happen my family and friends could possibly know where I was. — patriciarosswog

22. If you're daunted by the idea of dining out alone, sit at the bar or bring a book to keep you occupied.

If you sit at the bar, you’re able to chat with the bartender who can usually recommend off-the-beaten-path eats or non-touristy activities. Plus, nine times out of ten there are other single diners there, so you’re likely to make a new friend! — nicoleb48c50a074

Bring a book to read or a journal to write in. Much less awkward than sitting there doing nothing or being on your phone. — barnesrenee7

23. Be friendly, approachable, and open to meeting new people.

Talk to people! I’m incredibly introverted normally but I find I put myself out there more when I travel. Try things you wouldn’t normally do. It’s a chance for growth!

— jaclyne4c835eaa9

24. Even if you can afford a hotel, consider staying in a (highly rated) hostel. Most have options for private rooms as well as dorms.

Finding a good hostel is the best because if you feel like you need to socialize you easily can, but if you want some alone time, you’re totally in control! I try to find places with a bar or good common area. I've met so many amazing people who I still keep in touch with. — julias4abab2a7a

25. And if you're arriving into a new city late at night, it can be a good idea to book accommodation close to the station or airport, even if it's a bit more expensive.

The last thing you want is to be lugging your stuff around an unfamiliar place in the dark while you're tired, trying to work out where to get a taxi or bus. This way you can get settled straight away, and in the morning it will be much easier to try and get where you need to go. — jamtoasty

26. Take advantage of free walking tours.

Free walking tours are a great way to meet fellow travelers and learn the city. I always came back from a tour with new travel friends and an idea of what else I wanted to see. — rachels4674e6161

27. If you're a woman and want to avoid being hit on, it can sometimes help to wear a fake wedding ring.

If you’re a woman traveling alone and don’t want to get hit on or hassled on the street, buy a cheap ring and wear it like a wedding ring. As ridiculous as it sounds, it will discourage unwanted advances. — laurens4faa6b76c

Honestly, it sucks that this is something women have to deal with. But if you're worried about unwanted attention, it can be a useful thing to do.

28. Try to act confident in public, even when you're not totally sure what you're doing.

Traveling can be confusing and distracting at times, and pickpockets might notice and target travelers who experience this. — Chefdenson

29. But also remember it's OK to ask for help if you need it.

Whether it’s in the airport or an unfamiliar town, it can save a lot of time to ask a friendly face for assistance rather than trying to figure out a problem yourself or scrolling through pages of Google results. — nathanvh

30. Try not to worry about what other people are thinking. Honestly, they're probably not paying as much attention to you as you think they are.

I worried about people judging me for being alone, but really no one is paying attention. In fact, most people are probably jealous. — courtiepaigee

31. And perhaps the most important of all: Just go!

You’ll be waiting forever if you’re waiting on someone else to join you. Plus there is something freeing about being able to travel on your own agenda instead of trying to appease everyone else. — katief4af1e7ff1

Note: Submissions have been edited for length and clarity.

Do you have another solo travel tip? Tell us in the comments!

This post contains content from Louise Khong, Ciara Johnson, Liz Richardson, and Arielle Calderon. It was compiled by Laura Frustaci. 

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The Pros and Cons of Solo Travel

Solo travel is something everyone should try at some point in their life. There's no better way to get to know who you are as a person than by spending time with yourself away from the distractions of life.

Solo travel, couple travel, and travel with friends all have their pros and cons and it can be tough to know which will suit you best. This article outlines the advantages and disadvantages of hitting the road on your own for the first time .

Personal Growth and Setting Your Own Schedule

One benefit of solo travel is that it forces you to become independent, make decisions, and step out of your comfort zone on a regular basis—something you wouldn't necessarily do if you weren't traveling alone.

When you travel solo, you have nobody to rely on but yourself, and that pushes you to learn how to function in the world. It's sink-or-swim time! If something goes wrong , it's down to you to figure out how to get out of the situation.

Another great benefit to solo travel is not having to compromise on your travels. You can wake up whenever you want, eat whatever you want, decide to have a lazy day, or choose to go on a 12-hour hike. When you're traveling solo, you can be selfish and change your mind every few days and not have to consult anybody else.

Meeting People and Building Confidence

One of the biggest benefits of solo travel is how easy it is to meet people on the road . All you need to do is wander into a hostel common room and within minutes, someone will strike up a conversation with you—it really is that easy!

You'll also find that when traveling solo, you're much more approachable than when you're in a couple or a group. A lot of travelers will assume that if you're already in a group, you don't want to be disturbed, and will turn to the solo traveler almost every time.

Solo travel can be helpful for your mental state, too. Solo travel builds confidence as you navigate an unfamiliar city, converse with strangers and figure out how to get from one place to another. Your social skills will also improve as you meet more and more people and get used to introducing yourself and making conversation.

Freedom and Time for Reflection

Another item in the "pro" column for solo travel is that is can be a time for reflection and solitude and can help bring peace to your mind. You'll get to know yourself better than you ever have before, learn what truly makes you happy and what you need to work on to improve as a person. It can often be challenging to face these truths but learning to overcome them is all part of the process of growing.

You can spend time working on a hobby, reading books in coffee shops around town, hiking every day, or simply sitting and meditating. When you're on your own, you can do whatever you want without having to worry about anyone else. That freedom is incredibly liberating. 

Avoiding Loneliness

One downside of traveling alone for long periods of time with no constant in your life is that it can be draining, and you may struggle with issues of loneliness. Not having someone to share all those amazing experiences with can be disheartening and lead to depression. Homesickness is something every long-term traveler deals with, and the effects can be amplified when you're alone.

Higher Costs

For budget-minded travelers, another downside is that traveling alone nearly always works out to be much more expensive than traveling as a couple. As a couple, you can share meals, stay in private rooms and split many of your expenses. You'll also often find that for private tours you'll be charged a lot more if you plan on taking it alone. There's no doubt about it: solo travel supplements suck. 

As a solo traveler, you'll have to pay a single room supplement if you're going to be in private rooms, you have to stay in Airbnb apartments without having someone to split the costs. In some parts of the world, like South Korea, meals are served family-style so you'll even have to pay more to eat alone in a restaurant or rely on fast food. It makes sense that businesses would charge more money for one person, but it certainly does punish solo travelers for something they can't control. Time to start making friends and sharing rooms so you can split the cost!

Safety Considerations

While solo travel isn't unsafe , it's definitely less safe than traveling with other people, making the safety issue a "con" of traveling alone. You're more vulnerable when you're on your own because you only have you looking after you. When you're in a group, you'll have other people to look out for scams, to steer you away from danger, and make you less likely to get lost. 

So while this shouldn't make you avoid solo travel, you should take extra precautions in order to keep yourself safe. Things, like being cautious when out alone after dark, researching unsafe neighborhoods before you arrive, and not getting too drunk when out with hostel friends, are all things that will improve your safety levels on the road. 

Missing the Human Connection

When you travel all the way to Sydney and stand in front of the Sydney Opera House , sometimes it's a little underwhelming. You don't have somebody to turn to and discuss how incredible it looks and how amazing it feels to be living your travel dream. Instead, you snap a few photos, you sit and look at it in awe and silence, and then you leave. Solo travel is one of the best things you can do for yourself, but it sometimes it's a little underwhelming when you don't have someone you love to share it with. 

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The Best Solo Travel Destinations in the United States for an Unforgettable Adventure

Whether you're looking for activity or relaxation, your dream trip awaits.

Whether you're planning your first adventure on your own or are a solo travel veteran, choosing a destination can be overwhelming, especially if you still have a lot of places to check off your bucket list . The good news is, you don't have to go far for the adventure or relaxation you crave, because there are plenty of options across the U.S.

Weighing variables such as walkability, safety, self care opportunities, number of historic sites and museums and access to nature, we've come up with a list of the best places in the U.S. for solo travelers — ranging from mountain and beach destinations to small towns and large cities. Time to book your ticket for one, plan your itinerary (or don't, remember, it's your trip!) and answer to no one except yourself for a few days.

Saratoga Springs, New York

This beautiful upstate New York town is a short Amtrak ride from the city, so it's ideal for NYC residents looking for a quick solo escape. Watch a horse race at the historic Saratoga Race Track, jam out at a concert at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center and enjoy the mineral spring baths (where the city gets its name!) at the Saratoga Spa State Park. Oh and don't miss the fabulous dining and shopping up and down Broadway.

Waco, Texas

Ideal for the Fixer Upper fan looking for a low-key getaway, the heart of Chip and Joanna Gaines's Magnolia empire is a fun Texas town that's a short drive from both Austin and Dallas. Stop at Magnolia Market for tasty treats and farmhouse chic shopping. Beyond Magnolia, there's boutique shopping, wine and beer tastings and an impressive nightlife downtown. For more fun, tour the Dr. Pepper Museum, check out the Mammoth National Monument or visit the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

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Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

You'll feel like the main character in a storybook in Carmel-by-the-Sea — but in addition to marveling at the fairytale-like village, there's plenty to do. You'll find the famous Pebble Beach golf course, the Carmel Mission Basilica Museum, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and the white-sand Carmel Beach all nearby. Pro tip: Carmel Bakery and The Cottage of Sweets are great treat-yourself stops.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe is a prime destination for art lovers, as it's home to both the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum and the original Meow Wolf (an experimental, immersive art exhibit that doubles as something of a psychedelic escape room). Art galleries, antique stores and craft shops line picturesque downtown Santa Fe, which is also a great place to try New Mexico's famous red and green chiles. Don't forget to book a spa day at the Inn & Spa at Loretto .

Burlington, Vermont

If relaxation is what you crave, Burlington is a bucolic little town with a laid-back atmosphere. Saunter through the lovely Church Street Marketplace, tour the Ben & Jerry's factory, grab a cold drink at a craft brewery or take a cooking class at Essex Resort & Spa (just a short 20-minute drive away). When the weather's warm, partake in all of Lake Champlain's fun — from boating and sunbathing at the beach to hiking along the shore. Or visit during the fall, when the foliage is nothing short of superb.

Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff has as many activities as a big city, but with a small town vibe. It's close to natural and historical wonders, like the Grand Canyon, Walnut Canyon and the Wupatki National Monument, but you won't need a car to see them — plenty of tour operators are located in Flagstaff. If you're into space, the famous Lowell Observatory — a.k.a. where astronomers first discovered the ex-planet Pluto — is just outside of town. The city's downtown is a destination in its own right, with restaurants and bars to fill your time between adventures in the desert.

Portland, Maine

Ranked one of the 25 safest places to live by U.S. News , Portland is a pristine New England seaside city with beautiful lighthouses, an art museum and opulent Victorian mansions. Stop by any of the waterfront restaurants for the fresh catch of the day, or pop into a local brewpub for a pint.

New York City, New York

Big city energy seekers, this one's for you! Solo travelers will never run out things to do in the city that never sleeps. Visit some of the world's best museums, catch a Broadway show or join the hunt for the "best" slice of pizza or bagel in the city — both matters of some dispute. You'll need the extra carbs to explore the vast city by subway, from Central Park and Battery Park to the hipster enclaves of Brooklyn and the multi-cultural offerings of Queens.

The Poconos, Pennsylvania

The Poconos, a mountainous region in northeastern Pennsylvania filled with ski slopes and charming small towns, is a great option for adventure and relaxation seekers alike. You'll need a car to get around, but driving through the scenery — especially in the fall — is one of the area's highlights. Hit hiking trails, like the one to Bushkill Falls, and stop at local gems, like Callie's Candy Kitchen. If you're seeking relaxation (and a spa) more than action, stay at one of the many resorts in the Poconos, like Skytop Lodge.

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is best known for its historic district, filled with beautiful architecture, museums, art galleries and lush green squares — all ideal for solo exploration. Plus, the "Hostess City of the South" is a foodie paradise, with a diverse range of restaurants and cafes serving all sorts of delicious cuisine. But don't forget to make time for Southern food while you're there!

Boise, Idaho

Another one of the U.S.'s 25 safest places to live , Boise is surrounded by mountains, making it a scenic location and hiker's paradise. The city itself has quite a few green spaces, including the Idaho Botanical Garden and Camel's Back Park. On Saturdays from mid-April to mid-December, it hosts the Capital City Public Market, filled with local food and craft vendors. If you happen to visit in late summer, don't miss the magical annual Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic held in Ann Morrison Park.

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Ann Arbor is an under-the-radar town perfect for museum lovers, thanks to the University of Michigan. Worth a visit are the institution's Museum of Art, Museum of Natural History and Museum of Archaeology. We also suggest strolling through the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and catching a show at the Hill Auditorium. Off campus, visit the Nickels Arcade for shopping and eats.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

To put it simply, Oklahoma City is an underrated destination. Between its boisterous Bricktown neighborhood, unique Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, beautiful Myriad Botanical Gardens and whitewater rafting and kayaking facility, you might be surprised by how much there is to do. For food and accommodations, check out the newly-opened National Hotel, housed in a former bank (psst, there's a cocktail bar in the old vault).

Reno, Nevada

Sure, Las Vegas might get most of the attention in Nevada, but Reno is a more approachable destination for a solo trip. Yes, there are casinos here, but you'll also find impressive art and automobile museums, a lovely rose garden and the Nevada Historical Society. In the winter, skiing is nearby, and in the early fall, Reno hosts the world's largest free hot air balloon event. "The Biggest Little City in the World" certainly lives up to its moniker.

Tampa, Florida

Most travelers are familiar with South Florida's hotspots, but Tampa to the west (also considered one of the safest cities to live in the U.S. ) is rightfully drawing attention. Its most famous attraction is Busch Gardens, but the city has more to offer than roller coasters. Head to the Tampa Riverwalk for waterfront dining, or visit Ybor City for lively nightlife, classic cigar lounges and the original 118-year-old Columbia Restaurant — home to one of the tastiest house salads you'll ever eat and a must-see flamenco show.

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville has an impressive range of offerings for all types of interests. Are you a fan of history? There's the Biltmore Estate.Shopper? Head for the Grove Arcade. Hiker? The Blue Ridge Mountains are yours to explore. Art Lover? Stroll through the River Arts District. Oh, and did we mention the local breweries and exceptional Southern comfort food?

Boulder, Colorado

Before you hit the ski slopes or hiking trails (depending on the season), check out the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, filled with quirky shops and tasty eats. You might not expect it, but Boulder is also home to a landmark tea spot called the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse (a solo afternoon tea sounds divine to us), a contemporary art museum and the Shelby American Collection of classic cars.

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago may be a big city, but it's easy to navigate on foot — or on the "L" train system. There's no shortage of activities, whether you're interested in taking an architectural history boat tour, visiting the Art Institute of Chicago or Field Museum or taking a selfie with the famous "Bean." This should go without saying, but make sure to take yourself on a deep-dish pizza tour, because you deserve it (and you'll have the whole pie to yourself).

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

If you're interested in hiking part of the Appalachian Trail, hit the region around Harpers Ferry. The visitor center is considered the "psychological midpoint" of the trail, and there are a number of scenic day hikes in the area. The town itself — which boasts small-town charm — is part of the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and has an antique shop (called The Gilded Flea) and a historic candy shop.

South Bend, Indiana

College towns make for perfect weekend getaways for solo travelers, with lively downtowns and impressive museums — and South Bend is no exception. There's a three-story automotive museum, two art museums, a gorgeous neo-Gothic church, the Morris Performing Arts Center and a scenic riverfront park to fill your itinerary. It also has several chocolate shops, the Indiana Whiskey Company for tastings and restaurants serving cuisine from all around the world.

Stefanie Waldek is a Brooklyn-based writer covering architecture, design, and travel. She's worked on staff at Architectural Digest, ARTnews, and Oyster.com, a TripAdvisor company, and has contributed to Condé Nast Traveler, The Washington Post, Design Milk, and Hunker, among others. When she's not dreaming about midcentury chairs, you can find her re-watching The X-Files,  likely in an airport lounge or on a plane.

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Protect Your Trip »

Solo vacations: the 36 best places to travel alone in 2024.

These fun destinations make traveling on your own simple and spectacular.

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From beach retreats to artsy escapes, take your next solo trip to somewhere spectacular.

Perth, Australia

Beaver Creek, Colorado

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Asheville, North Carolina

Tuscany, Italy

Santa Barbara, California

New York City

Seville, Spain

Naples, Florida

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Portland, Oregon

New Zealand

Galápagos Islands

Charleston, South Carolina

Athens, Greece

New Orleans

Austin, Texas

San Francisco

Munich, Germany

Florianópolis, Brazil

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As the leader in small group travel for 30 years, we know how to do it right: flexible itineraries, freedom to roam, safety, peace of mind, and locally based guides.

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Together with our non-profit partner, Planeterra, we ensure local communities touched by our tours benefit from our visits in as many ways possible.

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So you’re thinking of adventuring around the world? Good call. Sure, there’s no right way to do it. But there is “your way.” Want days filled with culture, followed by nights of just going with the flow? Do it. Want to go where the entire planet hasn’t already been, with free time to explore how you want? Make it happen. Want to travel far and wide with new friends from far-off places? You do you. Because in your life, you call the shots. Make sure you travel that way, too.

Five reasons to travel with us

Travel with an, international.

Going on our tours means travelling with people (22 or less, if you want to get precise) from all over the world. So on top of learning about the local culture, you'll also learn from your international crew.

The numbers speak for themselves: group travel is a safer way to see our world. Plus, our expert CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) have local knowledge you can count on as they lead you on your adventures.

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Not required.

Seeing the world shouldn’t require spending all your savings. With us, you’ll get the travel experience of a lifetime, plus good bang for your buck.

do your thing

We built our tour itineraries to feature a lot of free time, giving you the freedom to explore on your own, with your new crew, or whatever way suits your style.

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A bit of that.

Like balance in your life? We can help. Our tours give you a healthy dose of culture during the day, before letting you get a taste for local bars and restaurants as the sun goes down.

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They went. they saw. they captured.    follow us on instagram, so where you headed, central america, middle east, you’re making us blush.

Sure, we’ve won some awards over the years. But what really makes us giddy is what they mean: that you, our travellers, have loved what we’ve been doing.

Things you’ll get to experience.

Sweet rides.

Travel in style and in comfort on our private rides. Our Landos in Africa have oversized windows for easy picture-taking, and USB ports at every seat. Sit back, relax, and soak in the experience.

So many ways to stay.

Hostels, hotels, homestays, camping — on our tours, you’ll stay in a number of accommodation styles specifically chosen to give you that oh-so-authentic travel experience.

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On the First Night Out, we’ll take you to local hot spots where you’ll have the chance to get to know the crew you’ll be travelling with, plus the destination itself.

Big Night Out

Towards the end of your trip, you and your new BFFs will hit the town to celebrate all the crazily-unbelievably-inspiring moments you’ve had together so far. Oh, and your first drink is on us.

Solo Tours, Travel & Holidays

Got the urge for adventure, but no one to do it with? Over 50% of travelers on our trips are travelling solo.

This is why travelling as part of our small group tours has its perks. We’ve got expert local leaders who can't wait to show you around, ready-made friends who are itching to explore (just like you), and optional single supplements if you want a room all to yourself. All you have to do is turn up with a smile and a passport: we’ll handle the rest.

All our group trips are perfectly suited to those of you traveling solo, but here are a few favorites as rated by our previous solo travelers.

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

When you’re all by yourself, it’s easy to fall into the typical tourist traps. You wander within a few blocks of your hotel, see a few of the big sights and that’s about it. But solo travel on a group tour isn’t like that. Each of our trips has an expert local leader who knows every backstreet bar, cool tapas joint and hidden gallery. They’ll give you tips for your free time exploring, and introduce you to locals.

Go solo, but not alone. That’s our motto. The average Intrepid Travel trip has about ten people on it – people of all ages and backgrounds from all over the world. It’s like a hostel dorm room that travels with you (minus the smell and the weird naked guy). You’ve got ready-made friends for a karaoke session in Vietnam, a canoeing adventure in New Zealand or a chat over chai at the breakfast table. For a solo traveler, it’s a nice perk to have.

We’ve spent the better part of 30 years honing our itineraries, getting rid of the dodgy hotels and keeping the good ones, picking the best restaurants to visit, and organizing public transport and all the other logistics of travel so you don’t have to worry. Traveling alone can often be a) confusing and b) complicated. But with us, all you need is a good attitude – we’ll take care of the rest.

Our leaders know the areas of town to avoid after dark. They know how to haggle at markets, avoid pickpockets and scammers and generally have a good time without anything going wrong. And don’t forget, when you're a single traveler on a group tour, you’re in a group! You’ll have a bunch of new friends to watch your back (and your stuff). It’s all the flexibility and freedom of independent travel, but without the risks.

Will I have my own room?

It’s completely up to you. On our trips, rooming is organized on a twin-share basis, and we pair up solo travelers with another traveler of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. But if you'd like your own room, an individual room is available on the majority of our trips (it’s just a small extra charge). Just mention this to our  customer service team  when booking your trip and they'll arrange it for you.

As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please  contact us  so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

On a small selection of itineraries some accommodations are booked on an open gender, multi-share basis (for example on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances it will clearly be stated in our Essential Trip Information prior to booking and traveling.

How does group time work?

Whether you’re traveling solo or with a partner, our trips have a set itinerary. But within that there’s time set aside for your own exploration (if you want to – no pressure). The amount of free time depends on the  travel style  - you can ask your guide for a few tips then head out alone, or hang out with the group and see where the day takes you.

Do I have to pay for an individual room?

Not if you don’t want to. If you’re happy to bunk with a traveler of the same gender – paired up as per the gender marker on each of their passports – there’s nothing extra to pay on the vast majority of our trips. If you want your own room, just mention it to our customer service team when booking and they can organise an individual room for a small charge.

As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please  contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

I'm new to group travel, what will my group be like?

Intrepid travelers  are connected more by attitude than age. They’re a friendly, open-minded and curious bunch, and a lot of them elect to travel alone (so no third-wheeling, we promise). Our trips attract a mix of genders and ages generally range from 25 to 65. It’s hard to know exactly who you’ll meet, but you can be assured you'll be a part of the fun.

Is it cheaper to travel in a group?

On average, solo travel on a  group tour  is way more cost-effective than heading out on your own as you're splitting the cost (we can also guarantee a lot more inclusions and extras than you’d usually get for your money).

Can I tailor the trip to me?

We have a range of trip styles –  Basix, Original and Comfort  – that offer different levels of flexibility and free time. While there’s always a set itinerary for the group, our Basix trips tend to have less included activities and more time to do your own thing, Original trips have a 50/50 balance, and our Comfort trips have more included activities. Lots of our travelers choose to travel on their own, so it’s common for people to want different things from their experience. Be sure to chat to your  leader ; they can recommend places to explore during free time or things to try after the trip has finished. 

It pays to learn a little bit of the local language wherever you go and you should always consider the country’s dress code when picking out what to wear. In many places, you maybe be expected to dress modestly and cover up exposed skin so consider packing a sarong or light scarf to cover exposed shoulders, along with a long skirt or trousers. Whether you agree with it or not, it’s respectful (and smart) to follow the local style.

When you’re out and about being all adventure-y, just keep an eye on the sunset. Try to avoid catching public transport after dark when you’re on your own, especially if you’re carrying your suitcase/backpack/fancy camera/map (it kind of screams ‘tourist’). Traveling with a group is a smart move for any traveler; it’s always good to have people around who’ve got your back.

Social media may be the doom of mankind and rational thought as we know it, but it can be useful, even as a safety tool. Your friends and family are now privy to a minute-by-minute update of your whereabouts, regardless of where you are in the world. Before you leave home, give your friends/family a social media heads-up: ‘If I don’t post a sunset selfie for five days straight, get in touch and see if I’m okay.’

Share your itinerary

Good advice for us all, but particularly for people traveling solo. Make copies of your itinerary, contact details, passport and travel insurance, then email them to yourself and to one or two friends/family at home. Check-in on social media when you can so people can keep track of where you are. 

Remember the little things

If you’re arriving late in a city by yourself, book a hotel with a front desk or concierge service (many hotels also offer private transfers that don’t cost the earth from the airport or train station). If you're traveling with us, we can help you organize an  arrival transfer.  Read your maps before you head out for a walk (you can use a map app on your smartphone – or take screenshots of where you’re going if you don’t want to use up your precious data). If you need to check your map when you’re out and about, duck into a shop or café to do it. Leave the blingy jewelery, wedding rings and designer clothes at home, and aim to dress like the locals do – hit up the local markets if you haven’t packed the right outfits. Aim to keep track of travel times, so you’re not caught out after dark.

Roam if you want to

Most mobile/cell providers now offer travel passes to help manage your international roaming costs (which, let’s face it, are expensive!). For a few dollars a day, you’ll have access to data, which means you can log into your apps (like Skype, email and WhatsApp) when you’re out of WiFi zones and quickly get in touch with someone – a friend at home, someone in your group, or the police – if you need to. It might also be worth checking out the local cell/mobile providers as these can be quite cost effective.

Fare's fair

Solo travelers are way more likely to be ‘taken for a ride’ at the airport by unscrupulous taxi drivers, so do your research before you arrive. Make sure you get a cab from the airport/station taxi rank – if you’re not sure where to go, just head to the information desk for help. Touts tend to hang out in the arrivals area and promise cheaper rates, but can often be dodgy. When you get to the cab rank, ask the driver to use the meter or request a cost estimate before you hop in the car – if it’s way higher than it should be, pick another vehicle. A lot of airports have train stations attached as well, so consider public transport if you want to save a dollar or two.

Stick together

It’s one of the advantages of traveling solo on a group tour: safety in numbers. The big, 50-person bus groups stand out on the road, but a small  Intrepid group  of eight or nine people, with a local leader showing the way – including areas to avoid and getting around safely – won’t draw much attention. Plus, it’s a great way to see parts of the world you may feel uncomfortable exploring on your own. If you want to do things on your own, consider a day tour to familiarise yourself with a city and get to know the local way of life. 

Trust your instincts

Solo travel is all about confidence. If you’re relaxed and self-assured on the street, you’re more likely to blend in. When you meet new people, don’t assume they’re all out to get you, but be sensible too and trust your gut. If it feels wrong, it probably is. Remember: the popular tourist areas are often the most well-lit and secure, but they’re often a juicier target for pickpockets and scammers. Just use your common sense; half of travel safety is simply being aware of your surroundings.

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The Grand Canyon Makes For The Perfect Solo Trip, And Here Are Some Reddit-Approved Tips

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Solo trips are one of the most enriching forms of travel out ther e. When it comes to destinations that are tailor-made for solo trips, the Grand Canyon is one that provides travelers with plenty of options. From hiking trails to group tours that give travelers a great chance to socialize, there's something for everyone at this World Wonder.

Additionally, travel options in and around the Grand Canyon lend themselves well to those traveling alone. Budget-friendly accommodations such as camping are a great way to immerse oneself in nature, while also give travelers the chance to explore on their own. Here are some tips from Reddit on how to turn a solo Grand Canyon trip into one of the most memorable vacations.

Related: Under Canvas Grand Canyon: Why This Arizona Glampsite Is The Best During The Fall

What To See Solo At The Grand Canyon

There's no denying that there's plenty to see at the Grand Canyon , and it can be overwhelming. The benefit of traveling solo is that one will already know the pace at which they can explore without first having to check with additional travelers, which will help plan an itinerary. For the solo traveler, it's worth it to get an early start and see some crucial aspects of the canyon as well as consider some tours. To start, Reddit recommends beginning the scenic trip with the drive.

Petrified Forest

Despite its name, the Petrified Forest is much more than petrified trees, and it's one of the most fascinating landscapes in the country. There's plenty of ecological history to be found here, and it's an easy stop to add on the way to the Grand Canyon for those driving on old Route 66.

• Hours: Daily, 8 AM - 5 PM
• Fees: $25 for one vehicle (good for a week), $15 for one hiker, $20 for motorcycles

Painted Desert

Yet another geological wonder that resides in Arizona's backyard is the Painted Desert, which encompasses a total of 93,500 acres of badlands. One of the most notable features of this landscape - as its name implies - is the brilliant hues of orange, pink, and red that appear in the canyons during different times of the day.

• Hours: Daily from sunrise to sunset

Meteor Crater

The Meteor Crater is an attraction found at the Barringer Space Museum , and it's also the museum's main attraction. The crater is estimated to be more than 50,000 years old and measures 150 wide in diameter with a depth of 550 feet. It's an incredible sight to see and not one that many people realize is so close to the Grand Canyon (two hours).

• Hours: Daily 8 AM - 5 P
• Admission: Adults (13+) $22, Juniors (ages 6 - 12) $13, Seniors (60+) $20

Arriving At The Grand Canyon

It's the big day - the first day of the big Grand Canyon tour! From this point, there are many options by which to actually explore this massive landscape. For those who have never been there, choosing from the sheer number of tours can feel daunting. Additionally, the number of hiking trails available can also be confusing - here's what Reddit suggests.

Grand Canyon Jeep Tours

Jeep tours have been ongoing at the Grand Canyon since 1993, and this is a great way to explore it without having to worry about driving around the entire canyon rim. As one Reddit user said, it's also a great way to see views of the Grand Canyon that the typical visitor wouldn't even know to exist. There are three main tours to choose from:

• Grand Sunset Tour
• Indian Paintings Tour
• Grand Canyon Safari & Rim Tour (a combined walking and 4x4 tour)

Depending on how much time one has to spend, any one of these tours would be worth it - plus, it gives a solo traveler the advantage of getting to know an intimate tour group.

Hiking At The Grand Canyon

For those who want a bit more adventure and might plan on camping during their solo trip, the most suggested hiking trail is Bright Angel (and campground).

The benefit of this trail and its campground is that it's rarely deserted which means there's always someone around, which might be a comfort to those who are new to solo travel. The views along this trail are excellent, and the entire thing can be split into two days of hiking.

Another alternative ( which also requires a permit ) is the Clear Creek trail, which excludes some of the crowds. In total, the trip should last anywhere from three to four days. The benefit of camping is that visitors will have the chance to see the Grand Canyon multiple times of the day, and have the chance to explore the surrounding areas (not limited to tours).

Next: Road Trip Arizona: The Ultimate Drive From One End Of The State To The Other, And What To See On The Way

• Grand Canyon