Solo Tourism
TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE
“Down to Gehena or up to the Throne
He travels the fastest who travels alone”
- Rudyard Kipling-
Traveling solo is, for many, the essence of freedom. Solo travel does not necessarily mean the person traveling is single, and this type of traveler can be found in every niche of tourism. The reason to focus on this group mainly has to do with safety, especially for women. Travelers who decide to strike out on their own value independence, or may be going through a life change. Solo travel is romanticized for its ability to transform a life in films like “Under the Tuscan Sun,” “Eat, Pray, Love,” or “Into the Wild.”
Solo travel can be a huge part of a person's lifestyle, or it can also be a once-in-a-lifetime trip to commemorate a life event (divorce, retirement, a career-related event), or to pursue a personal dream (pilgrimage, climbing a mountain, seeking ancestral connection). Solo travelers frequently like to meet new people while traveling. They prefer housing with communal social spaces. It can be inconvenient to travel alone, as many vacation packages only have accommodation prices for two people, and insultingly, providers frequently charge a 'single supplement' to solo tourists ranging from 10% to 100% of the standard rate. Solo travelers may think this is unjust and prefer accommodations that make them feel welcome. With the growing popularity of solo travel, more and more providers are waiving the ‘single supplement.’
The most significant barriers are concerns about safety and loneliness. Many solo travelers value their independence, but they rarely want to be alone the whole time. Even if they prefer to do their own thing, they still want to interact with other travelers or locals at some point during their trip. While dating may be a motivator for some single travelers, most solo travel isn't geared toward romance. Although solo tourists can be of any age, the majority of them are: young men in their twenties who live in a multi-person household but travel alone, and senior citizens (50 and above). This senior demographic is dominated by women, just as the young solo traveler is more likely to be male.
Intrepid Travel is an excellent choice for any traveler, with three decades of experience and an excellent reputation. It has over 1,000 itineraries to 100 countries, ranging from Appalachian treks to Egyptian history tours and Bahamas cruises. Small groups are led by native guides, and there are three trip styles to choose from: Basix (for budget travelers who prefer a less structured itinerary), Comfort (for those who prefer a more relaxed pace and plenty of creature comforts), and Original (for those who prefer a more relaxed pace AND plenty of creature comforts). Intrepid's customers are made up of at least 50% solo travelers. There is no single supplement as long as you are willing to share with a same-gendered roommate (although you can opt to pay a small fee for a private room if you want to). The company also offers singles-only departures on several of its most popular itineraries, including Classic Peru and Best of Morocco. Before you go, read the solo travel section on their website, which includes general safety tips as well as advice for female solo travelers.
G Adventures has specialized in small group adventure tours to a variety of exciting global destinations for over 20 years. Every trip has about half of the passengers flying alone, and there is no single supplement as long as you are willing to share with a same-sex roommate. G Adventures is well-known for its environmentally conscious and responsible ethos. The company collaborates with non-profit organization Planeterra and works with small, locally owned hotels and operators to ensure that your travel dollars benefit the community you're visiting. Planeterra is committed to assisting local communities through tourism and manages 50 social enterprises on all seven continents. Some are beneficial to women, while others assist at-risk youth or indigenous communities. A visit to one of these worthwhile projects is included in many G Adventures itineraries. In addition, the company adheres to strict guidelines to ensure that all of its animal encounters are humane. Tours are led by a Chief Experience Officer and organized into categories for easy online navigation. Wellness Tours, Local Living Tours, 18-to-Thirtysomethings Tours, and more are among the ‘Travel Styles’ available.
Encounter Travel has been organizing tours and vacations exclusively for solo travelers under the motto "Travel Solo, Not Alone" since 2006. The company has won the Global Solo Travel Awards twice and has an impressive list of global destinations. There are six different types of travel to choose from: Small group, Shoestring, Overland, Family, City Break, and Private. All tours guarantee small, age-matched groups, which means you'll be traveling with new friends who share your interests and are at a similar stage in life. Originally catering to travelers aged 40 and up, the company introduced a new set of itineraries for younger travelers aged 21 to 39 in 2019. Couples are welcome to join their Solo Mix tours. Whatever trip you decide to take, you have two options for lodging. You can save money by inquiring about the company's roommate matching program, or you can choose to pay a low single supplement for a private room.
Flash Pack is a sophisticated experience for the more mature adventurer, specifically designed for solo travelers aged 30 to 49. 95% of the company's international clients travel alone. 90% are professionals, and 80% are single – though the emphasis is on friendship rather than dating. Small group sizes allow you to form meaningful connections with your fellow travelers, and over 50 itineraries cater to a wide range of interests. You could spend a long weekend in Venice visiting Prosecco vineyards, or 11 days kayaking, tubing, and hiking in Costa Rica. Whatever itinerary you choose, it will all revolve around boutique hotels and one-of-a-kind experiences. Your group will be connected via a private WhatsApp group prior to departure, allowing you to meet your fellow travelers and guide in advance. Unless you pay extra for a private room, you'll also be matched with a same-sex, like-minded roommate.
Overseas Adventure Travel is primarily aimed at Americans over the age of 50. They provide itineraries to destinations all over the world, with trips ranked by activity level and accompanied by a list of physical requirements so you know exactly what you're getting yourself into. The company won the Solo Travel Award for “Best Tour” in 2017 and 2018, thanks in large part to its policy of offering a limited number of single spaces for each itinerary. These exclusive spaces either waive the single supplement completely or offer a significant discount, allowing solo travelers to enjoy a private room without spending too much more. If these spaces are all taken, you can use the company's free Roommate Matching Program to find a like-minded, same-sex roommate. If they are unable to find you a match, your single supplement is free. All groups are led by a Trip Experience Leader, whose job it is to make solo travelers feel welcome, and small group sizes ensure that everyone can participate and enjoy social activities.
Wild Women Expeditions is the ideal solution for adventurous women who want to travel independently while still benefiting from the safety and support of a group tour. For three decades, the company has provided outdoor adventures for women from various cultural backgrounds. The majority of them are solo travelers, and because they usually stay in a shared room, cabin, or tent, there is no need to worry about a single supplement. If privacy is important to you, you can usually arrange to sleep alone for a small fee. The company visits some of the world's most exciting destinations, many of which are intimidating for women traveling alone (think Egypt, Tanzania or India). Itineraries are typically adventure-based and are organized by activity on their website, with options ranging from sailing to cycling and horseback riding. Consider sea kayaking and snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands, or scaling glaciers in Alaska. Depending on the itinerary, group sizes are kept small and social, with between six and fourteen women.
For the adventurous single person actively looking for a romantic connection, there are plenty of vacation packages and tours geared towards facilitating mixing and mingling. Below are some great options for resorts, tour companies, and cruises for singles looking to mingle. This is by no means a comprehensive list, and is more a selection of highlights from the thousands of options available to the single person who does happen to be looking for love.
The Temptation Cancun Resort is known as one of the more upscale, party-oriented adult resorts in the area. It was created with single adult vacationers in mind, and includes an all-inclusive package right on the beach, including drinks (alcohol and non-alcohol options), food, and a variety of water sports and other activities. The beach and pool area are topless-friendly, and staff-led activities, such as a booze cruise to Isla Mujeres and team water baseball on the beach, are designed to introduce single guests to each other in fun and adventurous ways. Evening live entertainment ranges from cabaret shows to a pajama and lingerie casino.
Jamaica, Hedonism II is the most "over-the-top" adults-only resort in the world, operated by the all-inclusive resort company SuperClubs. This top clothing-optional resort is located on a prime piece of Negril waterfront property. It has all-night parties, two beautiful beaches, one of which allows nude sunbathing, and all-you-can-eat deals. This is the type of place to go if you want to let loose and break down inhibitions. Every night, themed parties are held, including the legendary pajamas and pasties party.
Club Med Caicos is well-known for setting the standard for singles resorts. Club Med Turkoise is an all-inclusive resort in Turks and Caicos, whose properties can be found all over the world. It's an adults-only resort with a pristine 12-mile stretch of powdery sand beach on the edge of the dazzling Caribbean. Everything from scuba diving and sailing to flying trapeze and circus stunts and dancing under the stars is available.
Breezes Resort & Spa Bahamas in Nassau is known for its outstanding entertainment and fun themed nights. Because this all-inclusive resort does not allow tipping, singles on a tight budget may find it more affordable as well. The property is located on the fabulous white, powdery sands of Cable Beach and is ideal for singles due to its proximity to casinos, lively bars, an array of popular nightclubs, cafes, and social hotspots for mingling with other singles. There is also a seemingly endless list of on-land and offshore activities, such as beach and pool volleyball, free windsurfing lessons, kayaking, and sailing. Other exciting options for entertainment include a flying trapeze, body painting contests, beachside bashes, merengue, and a game room.
There's a cruise for everyone, whether you want a clothing-optional 'lifestyle cruise' (which, like pineapple, is a secret code for swinging) or just a regular cruise where you're likely to run into other singles on the dance floor. ‘Sexy Theme’ Cruises are one option. The majority of "sexy cruises" are actually swingers events, which are generally only available to married couples or single women. When thinking about a sexy theme cruise, keep in mind that the average age of the passengers may be over 50. Are there cruises for young, attractive singles? Definitely - Temptation Cruises provides exactly that.
A singles cruise is another option to consider. Singles cruises are organized by travel agents and include hosted events such as cocktail parties, breakfast meet-ups, games, and even water slide races. Not everyone on the ship will be on the singles cruise, but there will be a group of between 50 and 500 people who are all traveling solo. If you're looking for an exciting adults-only cruise, check out Virgin Voyages. Richard Branson's new cruise line is unlike any other, and the first ship, Scarlet Lady, is ideal for meeting and having fun with younger singles. Carnival Cruises also generally caters to a younger crowd, especially on short weekend cruises and during spring break.
Whether single or simply traveling solo, the trend isn’t going anywhere soon. The British newspaper The Telegraph, for example, recently launched a channel dedicated to solo tourists and Solus magazine is a trade publication dedicated specifically to solo tourism.
https://www.solotravel.cc/en/ focuses on negotiating solo travel deals that include little or no single supplement for traveling alone or in a group with other solo travelers. The site also recommends destinations, routes, and services that are particularly appealing, useful, and affordable for solo travelers. They make it simple to find and book your personal favorite travel deals at the best prices. You'll find tours, hotels & accommodations, cheap flights, popular things to do & day trips, and rental cars. In the solo travel forum, you can exchange information or experiences with other solo travelers, possibly finding a nice travel buddy or other solo travelers who are currently traveling.
SoloTraveller is a social travel app which instantly connects you to other travelers near you. It’s a social platform to discover nearby backpacking places and travel buddies in real time. Whether to meet locals, sightseeing or professional meetings, or even to just share a taxi, the opportunities are endless. Not only is SoloTraveller great for backpackers, but also offers a complete travelers community which is a useful aid for motivating people who normally wouldn't feel comfortable traveling alone. It allows you to filter by age, gender, and interests to find fellow travelers in your destination, share your experiences and itinerary, build a community, or even find a travel buddy. The app also includes some basic travel logistics features, such as hotel and restaurant listings, as well as suggested attractions. This social travel app is also a great platform for single female travelers to connect with other female travel companions nearby, plan meetups and have a safe & pleasant travel experience.
Backpackr is a social network for backpackers that is similar to SoloTraveler but has a younger vibe. While not exclusively for solo travelers, they will most likely benefit from the app's offers and features. Backpackr users can meet other travelers who are traveling to the same location, as well as search for and post advice and real-time reviews for cities and attractions in the app's "Common Room" forum. Backpackr will help any solo traveler have a good time with coverage in over 160 countries and partnerships with over 1,000 tour operators, hostels, and restaurants offering deals and discounts.
Singles Travel International guarantees you a roommate or pays the single supplement. it does focus on the 50+ crowd.
Solotravel.org is a comprehensive resource which offers detailed solo travel backpacker country guides for destinations all over the world, in addition to comprehensive general travel articles. There are numerous articles in the ‘Solo Directory’ about various types of solo travel, such as going on a cruise or backpacking. The ‘Travel Tips’ section contains detailed travel advice, and there is a separate category just for money and budget. Travel safety and humor are two other sections, and the site concludes with links to great solo travel books and additional resources. If you want to share your own solo travel story, you've come to the right place; as they are accepting submissions.
Transitions Abroad has been publishing stories about life abroad for over 30 years, including travel, study, work, volunteering, and any other type of educational activity. Solo travel is frequently part of educational activities abroad, and the site has an entire portal dedicated to ‘Independent Travel’, as well as another specifically to ‘Solo Woman Travel’. The site takes pride in providing first-hand reports and advice.
TripWhistle Global provides an easy way to contact the local authorities. You don’t have to struggle to find resources such emergency services like the police, fire department, and ambulance - simply select the service you need directly from the app and it will connect you. The app also displays your exact location, including latitude and longitude, a map, and your street address, making it easier to provide the information to whoever requires it.
RedZone is a safety app, and tracks incidents and high-crime zones using official government sources and geotags them in real time. RedZone suggests safe routes and the best time to travel based on this information and the user's location and destination, updating along the way if necessary. The app also sends alerts when events are reported and tracks daily news in your current location. It also supports incident reports from the community, allowing app users to play an active role in keeping fellow travelers safe.
ICE (In Case of Emergency) is an app geared towards medical emergency situations. This app allows you to store all types of health information, such as medical history, blood type, allergies, necessary medications, and contact information for your doctor and other important people. All of the information is accessible from the phone's lock screen, so if something happens to you, anyone nearby can check the details even if you're not present. ICE is only available on Android, but ICE Medical Standard is a similar app for iPhone users.
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is for American travelers to protect themselves while abroad. You'll receive safety alerts from the embassy in your destination country, and in the event of an emergency, government officials and your own loved ones will be able to contact you. To register, simply enroll online and enter your vacation plans as well as the best way to reach you.
Tourlina is a woman-only smartphone app to have a friendly face around for parts of your trip. Enter your travel dates and destination, and you'll be matched with other verified users who will be in the same location at the same time. Once you've found a profile that matches your interests, you can start a conversation and plan to meet during your trip.
The SafeUp app was created to assist women and nonbinary people in feeling less uneasy while walking alone in unfamiliar surroundings. The app is currently available in 39 countries and can connect a user who is feeling uneasy to nearby volunteers known as "guardians" via voice or video call. Each volunteer is a trained adult (at this time, only women and nonbinary people are allowed to participate) who will stay on the line as long as necessary, notify the police, and even show up in person to walk with the user if requested. The entire service is provided for free.
The Mayday Safety app is a panic button app. Choose up to ten friends or family members to alert if you are in a dangerous situation, and the app will notify them immediately and send your exact location. All you have to do is tap the apps big red button three times and make sure your phone's location-tracking capabilities aren't turned off.
Noonlight has similar—hold and release panic button to notify local law enforcement authorities of your location and that you're in trouble. If you start holding the button because you are afraid but the danger passes, you can let go and enter a four-digit PIN to avoid contacting the police. You can also sync your Tinder account to note that you're on a date or flag a creepy incident so that there's a record of your whereabouts with the app's free basic version. The paid upgrades to Noonlight include the option to sync your Uber and Lyft accounts as well, so you can use the app to automatically share your driver's information with police if you trigger the alarm while using one of those rideshare apps.
SafeCheckIn is a service that provides you with the assurance that you will return safely from any activity outside of your home. When you leave, you "check out," giving SafeCheckIn information about where you're going, what you're going to do, and when you expect to return home. The website then monitors your account until you safely log back in. If you are late, SafeCheckIn will initiate a process to notify your emergency contacts and/or local authorities in order for them to locate you. Whatever activity you choose – skiing, hiking, or simply traveling – you always have someone looking out for you. SafeCheckIn is currently $8.99 per month or $21.99 for a three-month membership. They are also offering a one-year membership for $75, which includes human monitoring around the clock and unlimited use.
