Years ago, a friend made a comment which I have always found depressing. “What’s the point in going somewhere alone?” she said. “If there’s no one to share the experience, then it doesn’t really count.”
The idea that life happens only when other people are around is a bit like the falling tree philosophical thought experiment. Admittedly, having a buddy by your side does enrich experiences, but I have enough self-worth to know cool things can occur when I am alone.
An increasing number of travellers share my opinion. Earlier this year, travel industry body Abta reported 16 per cent of travellers had plans to holiday alone. Another survey by tour operator association Aito showed 28 per cent of Britons interviewed enjoyed solo trips. Travel company Flash Pack, which organises group adventures, has seen the average age of its solo travellers – which make up 98 per cent of its customers – rise from 36 to 39 in the past four years.
My first taste of independent travel came at the age of 18. During a trip to see my molly-coddling family in Naples, I broke free and took a train to Rome. For a glorious few hours I wandered, awed by the history and time-frozen neighbourhoods where washing hung like bunting on narrow streets.
Since then, I have travelled by train across Sweden, bused through Patagonia and, most recently, explored independently in the Congo, where domestic plane tickets could be purchased only at the airport, in cash.
Learning to enjoy my own company has been one of life’s greatest lessons. But over the past 28 years, I have also picked up a few practical tips: be sensible but never sacred; seize opportunities; watch your guard but never underestimate human kindness.
There is a mistaken belief that solo holidays can be lonely. In my experience, it’s the opposite. Couples invite me to join them for dinner, local families bring me under their wing, and fellow solo travellers exchange experiences.
Friendships have been sparked in some of the strangest places: on a jogging trail in the Colombian rainforest; watching red squirrels in one of Helsinki’s many parks.
Besides, solo travel doesn’t always mean going alone: escorted tours are the perfect compromise for anyone who wants to travel as a group, with itineraries aimed at a wide range of ages and tastes.
Some of my best globetrotting encounters have been in the company of one. If something incredible occurs and there’s no one to see or hear it – trust me, it more than counts. Here’s how to plan an adventure of your own…
The culture seeker, Japan
Going solo has become a cultural movement called ohitorisama in the Land of the Rising Sun, spawning a rise in single-seat counter-style dining and solitary phone booth-size karaoke bars. And navigating the efficient public transport system is also much easier thanks to numbered stations and colour-coded train lines.
Reporting a 40 per cent rise in solo bookings this year, InsideJapan offers a self-guided Japan Solo trip, balancing time to explore alone with group activities including a street food tour of Osaka, exploring Kyoto’s Gion geisha district and a cookery class in Tokyo.
An 11-night tour with mixed-board accommodation from £2,750pp, excluding flights, insidejapantours.com
The soul searcher, Spain
Although often associated with religion, modern pilgrimages have become personal journeys of growth and reflection. Started in the ninth century as a quest to cross the Iberian Peninsula and venerate the relics of St James in Santiago de Compostela, the Camino attracted a record high of half a million people last year. More than 40 per cent were aged between 46 and 65, a mix of empty nesters, burnt-out workers or lost souls seeking answers. Although the trip can be done independently, meeting fellow walkers and sharing stories along the way is a big part of the experience.
A seven-day Camino de Santiago expedition with all-female community Outdoor Adventure Girls costs from £1,399pp including mixed board accommodation, luggage transfers and host guides. Departs 25 May, outdooradventuregirls.com
The silver explorer, India
Colourful, creative and lively, India arouses every sense. Proof that it is more than a destination for hostel-surfing backpackers, a generation of retirees has followed in the footsteps of Judy Dench’s character in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Whether seeking out extravagant festivals, opulent architecture or markets overflowing with cashmere and silks, everyone can find their own nirvana. Embracing the subcontinent alone can be daunting – especially for first-timers – making a group tour a reassuring but no less adventurous option. Marvel at Jaipur’s pink palaces, navigate Delhi’s boisterous markets and gaze through dawn’s honeyed curtains at the Taj Mahal – all at a calm pace.
A nine-night golden triangle tour with Jules Verne from £1,995pp, including mixed-board accommodation and flights. Dedicated solo departure 6 Sept, vjv.com
The millennial influencer, Paris
According to research by 18-35s specialists Contiki, 67 per cent of young adults have been inspired to visit a destination by a film, TV show or song – and Netflix’s Emily in Paris has attracted a new generation of fashionistas, influencers and glam-seekers to the French capital.
Dipping into Lily Collins’s fantasy universe, a new Inspired by Emily tour visits key filming locations and the glitzy mirror-clad palace of Versailles – a venue made for narcissistic selfies. Learn about the art of perfume-making, taste fine champagne and indulge in the feathers, sequins and frivolity of a cabaret and can-can show.
A seven-day France in a Week trip from £1,052pp, including mixed-board accommodation. Flights or train to Paris extra. Departs 20 July, contiki.com.
The seafarer, Caribbean
For centuries, sailors have harnessed the power of the wind to navigate the oceans. But the success of any voyage is determined by a team effort.
Learn the ropes by joining a trip with Star Clippers, on board the world’s largest tall ship, visiting ports across the Grenadines.
The combination of calm waters, choice of water sports and a variety of inviting beaches means that there are plenty of opportunities to bond with new friends or sneak off into a corner and spend some contemplative time alone.
Single-person supplements have been waived on a Christmas voyage, well-timed to swap grey skies for blissful Caribbean weather and festivities, which can be challenging for those who are alone.
A seven-night full-board sailing on Royal Clipper from £1,934pp. Flights extra. Departs 21 Dec 2025, starclippers.com
The semi-independent traveller, South Africa
Escorted tours are popular with those who want to offload responsibility for planning complicated logistics and keep costs down by moving as a group.
They also deliver a ready-made set of new friends. But not every lone adventurer wants to be spoon-fed for the entirety of their trip. G Adventures’ new range of Solo-ish trips provides a solution, combining group “we days” with free-to-please “me days”. Aimed at a more mature demographic they are hosted exclusively by women.
The South Africa trip mixes safari drives in the Kruger National Park and a group hike to Table Mountain with time to explore Cape Town alone.
A 10-day trip from £2,240pp, including mixed-board accommodation. Flights extra. Departs 22 May, gadventures.com
Intrepid types, Polar
When it comes to realising lifelong dreams, there is no room for compromise. Big bucket-list far-flung experiences can often be lengthy and time-consuming, making it tricky to find a travel buddy. But that should never be a reason to ditch the idea.
Fifty per cent of bookings with Antarctica Cruises are from single travellers, according to the tour operator’s founder, Jeremy Clubb.
In response to demand, AE Expeditions now offers 10 dedicated solo cabins on its Arctic 2025 voyages with no single supplement.
Witnessing the scenery and wildlife of the polar regions is a bonding experience and the camaraderie on board expedition cruise ships makes voyages extremely sociable. Besides, with thousands of penguins or puffins for company, it is impossible to feel lonely.
A 13-day full-board Jewels of the Arctic tour from £13,340.75pp. Flights extra. Departs 4 July 2025, aexpeditions.co.uk
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