If you like the idea of travelling solo, you’ll love these suggestions for the best solo travel destinations.
Solo travel is rising in popularity, and it has nothing to do with whether or not you’re in a relationship.
There has been a big rise in the number of internet searches for terms like ‘solo travel’. This is partly because people aren’t being held back by not having someone to travel with. And also, more people are actively choosing to travel on their own.
So it’s no surprise that the travel industry is cottoning onto this rising trend. More companies are offering solo travel packages, or making it easier and cheaper for solo travellers to join group tours.
I’ve pulled together some of the best solo travel destinations, with something to suit every kind of solo traveller.
Luxury small group safari in Africa
Are you looking for a way to experience safari in Africa but also like boutique travel? Then you definitely need to take a look at Take Me To Africa.They run small group safaris in southern Africa, including trips to South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
You’ll travel in groups of 8-12, and stay in gorgeous 4*-5* boutique hotels and lodges. If you do stay in a tented safari camp, that will be at the luxury end of the market.
Some of the days will feature organised group activities. But there will also be plenty of free time to relax or take part in activities that you plan yourself. Your tour guide can help you with the planning if you wish.
And they even provide an app which allows you to get to know the other people on your safari before you go, as well as staying in touch after your trip
Wellbeing courses in Spain
Cortijo Romero is perfect if you want to get away from it all, while also learning a skill.
They run creative, wellbeing and transformational courses in a beautiful converted farmhouse in the Alpujarra region of Andalusia, southern Spain.
The rooms are simply but comfortably furnished in local style. And you’ll enjoy delicious local vegetarian food during your stay.
Plus of course the weather in Andalusia is fabulous!
The range of courses includes everything from arts and dancing, to tai chi and guided walks. Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill, explore ways to relax, or spend time working on relationships in your life, this looks like a perfect location to do it.
Foodie Walking Tours in Italy
Italy is renowned all around the world for its fabulous food. So why not combine a foodie break with walking tours for an ideal way to see the country.
Hedonistic Hiking do exactly what the name suggests. They offer a range of all inclusive gourmet walking holidays, with a range of difficulties from easy to more challenging.
The company has been offering tours for over 10 years. It is run by an Anglo-Australian husband and wife team, who design and lead the tours themselves. Groups are kept to no more than 16 people, and you’ll be staying in boutique hotels serving fabulous food and drink.
Hedonistic Hiking tours are run across Italy, or you could go further afield for tours in Australia. And I love the fact that they have great environmental credentials as well.
Luxury hotel barge holidays in Europe
I’ve been longing to go on a water-based holiday for a long time now. And the luxury barge hotel holidays offered by European Waterways look very tempting.
You can visit destinations across Europe, including France, Italy and Holland, or stay closer to home in the UK. You’ll stay in a luxurious air-conditioned stateroom or suite, with full en-suite facilities. This is a peaceful, relaxing and luxurious way to travel.
Excursions are provided as part of your holiday. And as your barge glides slowly down the waterway, you can walk on the towpath or borrow a bike to explore further afield.
Then when the barge moors for the night, you can enjoy delicious meals and cocktails, or relax in the spa pool.
These tempting holidays are ideal for solo traveller, and European Waterways frequently have ‘no single supplement’ deals.
Small group tours in Japan
A visit to Japan has been on my bucket list for a long time. And a small group tour to Japan with Inside Japan Tours sounds like a fantastic way to visit this fascinating country.
They are specialists in travel to Japan, and help you to really gain an understanding of the people and culture, rather than just ticking destinations off a list.
Whether you’re visiting Japan for the first time or returning to explore in more detail, you’ll find a variety of tours to suit all tastes.
These range from the Essential tours with more basic features to the luxurious Deluxe tours. These feature high end accommodation, private tours and world class dining.
Their tours range from 7 to 14 days, and you can add on extensions to create your ideal tour.
And the Essential tours have no single supplement, with a single room guaranteed at no extra cost in Western-style hotels.
Festive Holidays in Europe
For many people, Christmas is a time for celebration with friends and family. But it’s also the perfect time to get away and enjoy a solo adventure.
Just You are specialists in solo travel, and have a fantastic range of festive holidays. They’re ideal if you want to get away over the festive period, and indulge your adventurous streak.
The range includes everything from a European city break, to sunshine in Marrakech, or even head further afield and see in the New Year in India.
And every Just You holiday includes access to a dedicated Tour Manager, as well as excellent accommodation, food and excursions.
Challenge Yourself and Climb Kilimanjaro
Climbing Kilimanjaro is on many people’s bucket lists (including mine!) for very good reason. It’s a great way to challenge yourself, or to raise money for a good cause.
If you’re feeling up to the challenge, then Oasis Overland offer 6-8 day tours following two different routes. It’s just one of the many destinations they feature.
And with over 20 years experience in providing adventure tours, you’ll be in good hands.
There’s no single supplement, and as a solo traveller you’ll be paired up with another traveller of the same sex for overnight accommodation.
It’s not an easy journey to the peak of Kilimanjaro, but you’ll feel supported by the rest of your group.
There’s no climbing involved so even inexperienced hikers can take on this adventure with a reasonable level of fitness. You’ll need to take your own personal equipment, but all food and drinking water, lodging and internal transfers are included.
And just imagine the sense of accomplishment when you reach the summit!
Expert Guided Tours of Houses and Gardens
If like me, you love beautiful architecture and stunning horticulture, a tour of stately homes and gardens could be the perfect solo holiday for you.
Martin Randall Travel are specialists in cultural travel. They have over 30 years experience in this area, making them an excellent choice for your holiday. And they strive to keep the cost of single travel supplements as low as possible, making no profit on top of what the hotel itself charges.
Many of the houses and gardens featured in their range of tours are only accessible by private arrangement.
They include everything from country houses in the UK, to villas in the Italian Lakes. You could even take a tour of some of the exquisite gardens in Japan
See the Northern Lights
And my final pick is a group tour to Iceland, with a chance to see the awe-inspiring Northern Lights.
Regent Holidays will take you to Iceland, where you’ll visit the capital Reykjavik, see the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and bathe in the beautiful Blue Lagoon.
But for the best view of the Aurora Borealis, you need to be away from the artificial lights of the city. So they’ll take you deep into the countryside, to the ridges of the Helka volcano and the black beaches of the south coast.
Regent Holidays are specialists in small group and private tours, with over 40 years experience in the field. They are experts in quirky, off-the-beaten-track destinations.
They can’t guarantee that you’ll see the Northern Lights, but they’ll give you the very best chance