Travelling You don’t have to be alone. And there’s a unique freedom about jetting off somewhere on your own and then being open about whom you might meet along the way. Make your own decisions, set the timetable, linger at your leisure — even when opting for an escorted tour there’s the choice of being with others or keeping your own counsel.
You can also take all of the responsibility for organisation off your shoulders by organizing a tour. Thankfully, there are a growing number of companies specialising in solo travel — with no financial penalties. ‘The man who goes alone can start today; but he who travels with another must wait till that other is ready,’ said the American naturalist Henry David Thoreau. Here’s our guide to some of the best solo adventures…
SAIL AWAY
Solos Holidays is offering a week aboard the sleek 18-cabin M/S Invictus taking in Brac Island (pictured), Korcula, the Mljet National Park and finishing in Dubrovnik
Croatia’s Adriatic coast has become popular for very good reason — brilliant blue waters, dramatic rocky landscapes, pristine marine national parks and reliable weather make this one of Europe’s premier destinations.
The M/S Invictus is an 18-cabin yacht that offers a relaxing week onboard. It stops at Brac Island and Korcula before arriving in Dubrovnik.
Solos Holidays specializes in many types of travel, including cruises and long-haul. ClubSolos holiday packages are available that emphasize socializing with fellow travellers.
DON’T MISS:Enjoy a walk around the historic town of Korcula.
DETAILS: Seven nights’ B&B from £1,169 pp including some other meals, excursions and flights. Book for May, July or September 2022 (solosholidays.co.uk).
SRI LANKA’S RETAIL
The capital city of Colombo is the stop on One Traveller’s 15-night Sri Lanka tour. The vibrant Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque is featured in the picture.
Sri Lanka, which is a great destination for long-haul traveling is back in the spotlight. The trip includes the capital Colombo and scenic train rides. There are also spice markets, hill country colonial charm, game drives, and the Royal Botanical Gardens.
One Traveller is an online tour operator that caters to mature tourists. It offers trips to all over the globe.
DON’T MISS: The Elephant Transit Home, a sanctuary operated by the Born Free Foundation.
DETAILS: A 15-night small group tour, full-board including excursions and flights, is from £4,550 pp. Bookings for November 4 or February 25 at onetraveller.co.uk
ANCIENT CYPRUS
Jules Verne’s cultural tour took in Cyprus’ earliest sites including Salamis, (pictured).
A fascinating history has been written about Cyprus, which was ruled over by many different rulers: the Romans were there, as well as Crusaders, Crusaders, Venetians, and Persians. This cultural tour takes in the ancient sites, including the port of Salamis, the Vouni Palace and the Abbey of Bellapais — all while based in the city of Kyrenia. It’s a full exploration from the island’s south to north and a great way to experience Cyprus.
DON’T MISS: Cypriot delights include Kofte (a dish made from lamb) and Kleftiko [a dessert].
DETAILS: Seven nights’ half-board from £1,195 pp including flights with departures on September 5 and November 7. For groups of six to 25, visit vjv.com
INTO THE VALEY
Cruise along the Douro River (pictured) on Saga’s seven-night escorted tour of Portugal’s Douro Valley
The Saga itinerary features a guided tour of the baroque sanctuary Nossa Senhora dos Remedios, pictured, in Lamego
Aside from the wonderful scenery, Portugal’s Douro Valley is famed for its vineyard-covered hills and wine industry. The tour starts in Porto, a dramatic city with many bridges. It includes both a train journey across Portugal and a cruise on the Douro River.
A day is available in Castro Daire’s highlands, including a trip into Lamego and a guided tour to Nossa Senhora dos Remedios.
DON’T MISS: Quinta da Padrela offers wine tasting for the whole day.
DETAILS: Seven-night escorted tours half-board from £929 pp including excursions and flights. These trips are available from May to October (saga.co.uk).
HISTORIC BREAK
Just You’s half-board tour of Jordan takes in attractions such as the valley of Wadi Rum (pictured) and the Citadel of Amman and Jerash
Historic: Don’t forget the Petra Lost City (pictured), which is the country’s most dramatic attraction.
Tour operator Just You claims to be the UK’s best singles holiday firm (it was voted to be so by the British public) and has an airport private chauffeur service.
Jordan has a lot of ancient and Biblical history. This eight-day tour includes many attractions, such as Wadi Rum and Shobak Castle.
A traditional cooking lesson, a mosaic-making class, and visit to a Bedouin community are all included. You can also spend a day floating in the Dead Sea.
DON’T MISS: The lost city of Petra, Jordan’s most spectacular attraction.
DETAILS: Eight days’ half-board, including activities and flights, from £2,799 pp. Book for departures March-October 2022, maximum group size 30 (justyou.co.uk).
THE EMERALD ISLE
Abercrombie’s and Kent start their tour through the Emerald Isle at the Dromoland Castle in County Clare.
Pictured here is Dromoland Castle’s Brian Boru Suite. For those hoping to visit the fortress, Abercrombie and Kent’s five-night tour of Ireland costs from £3,189pp
It is not uncommon for UK holidaymakers to overlook Ireland, opting instead for exotic hotspots or Mediterranean beaches.
But the Emerald Isle has plenty to offer from rich, riveting history, great food, plush hotels and world-class golf courses (if that’s your thing).
And this trip — for those who want to splash out — combines all the best of these elements.
You can customize it. It starts at Dromoland Castle, County Clare, and ends in Dublin on Day 5.
DON’T MISS: A tour of Kilbeggan Distillery, the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery.
DETAILS: Five nights from £3,189pp for dates year round. This solo trip can be altered as desired (abercrombiekent.co.uk).
SEA AND SAFARI
Tsavo National Park can be seen in this picture. There are good chances of seeing rhinos, lions or leopards. The park features on Friendship Travel’s eight-night tour of Kenya
There is no more reliable safari destination than Kenya — it’s also one of the most straightforward African countries to reach.
There are also stunning beaches and resorts.
You can bounce between Tsavo National Park and Kenyan coast, and you will be able to see the Big Five: lions, leopards and elephants.
The Safari camps are located overlooking the Sante River, while the resort’s surroundings include baobab trees and colobus monkey-filled baobab trees. Friendship Travel has 20 years’ experience and offers reasonably priced trips for smaller groups.
DON’T MISS:Your room at Ngutuni Lodge is a great place to watch animals in action, as they drink from the watering hole.
DETAILS: Eight nights with some meals, flights and most activities included from £1,825pp. Trips depart in February and April (friendshiptravel.com). The group sizes vary depending on the demand, but they are generally smaller.
HAULT
Walking tours are the best way to see Tenerife’s stunning scenery. The volcanic island of Tenerife is home to Anaga’s leafy forests and Las Canadas del Teide, which are petrified lava forms.
Boat rides, wine tastings and relaxation are all available.
DON’T MISS: Exploring the village of Masca in Tenerife’s Teno mountains.
DETAILS: Five nights’ B&B costs from £713 pp including some meals and all excursions, flights excluded. Bookings for May departures, small groups (gadventures.com)
MEXICAN WAVE
See the ancient settlement of Chichen Itza, pictured, as you ‘explore the heart of Mexico’ with Intrepid
Intrepid, an adventure travel company claims more than 50% of its clients are single. So you will be with like minds on one of the company’s trips.
Explore the heart of Mexico’s Aztec, Maya and Spanish cultures on this holiday.
You will see the Yucatan Peninsula’s relaxed beaches and the old settlement of Chichen Itza. The tour also allows for time to swim, hike and snorkel.
DON’T MISS: Spending time with the local guide — present on all Intrepid trips.
DETAILS: 15 days from £1,140 pp, flights must be booked separately. BA (ba.com) London to Cancun from £632 return. At intrepidtravel.com, trips are available throughout the year. Maximum group size is 16.
HEART OF ITALY
Sample Puglia’s signature pasta – orecchiette (meaning little ears) – in Ostuni (pictured) with Riviera Travel
Puglia is perhaps slightly underappreciated — but this southern region, in the ‘heel’ of Italy’s ‘boot’, has plenty to offer.
The usual suspects are all there — great food, wine, fascinating ancient sites, spectacular baroque churches and a proud culture. Add to this Matera’s ancient caves, the Adriatic Coast and whitewashed towns such as Alberobello and you’ve got a great trip.
DON’T MISS: Sampling orecchiette (meaning little ears) — Puglia’s signature pasta — in Ostuni.
DETAILS: Eight days’ half-board, including flights, from £1,174 pp. Book from May, small groups (rivieratravel.co.uk).