Need a Break? Great Options for a Solo Holiday

Sometimes, the research and planning is one of the most exciting parts of a solo trip. Sometimes, it feels like a slog and we really wish someone would wave a magic want and transport us to a fascinating locale. That's when it's time for a solo holiday.

Hours and hours of research to find the perfectly-located accommodation, the most reasonably-priced but also conveniently-timed flights, the most interesting day tours, the off-the-beaten-track restaurants and sights, the best transportation options between destinations: all this can be a big part of the adventure.

But sometimes, we want someone else to take care of the details. We just want to show up and enjoy ourselves, see the sights without having the responsibility of taking care of every little thing from reservations to hotel bookings to incomprehensible train schedules.

Sometimes, we just need a break.

For those times when what you want is relaxation and recovery more than exploration and discovery, there is a solution, one that requires very little work on your part. A group tour may be just what the doctor ordered.

I know what you’re thinking: you’re sick of paying the single supplement, tired of effectively being penalized for traveling alone.

I have good news for you!

Every month, we produce a list of tours, cruises, and other travel products with either no single supplement at all, or a very low one. Our supplement threshold for any company that wants to get their featured trip on the list is 20 percent. When you consider the fact that many tours and cruises charge up to 100% extra to travel alone, the travel companies on our list clearly demonstrate their commitment to solo travelers.

And that's not all. We recently introduced an additional service for solo travelers. Tracey's List is a curated shortlist of tours and cruises covering a range of destinations and price ranges with a focus on intriguing destinations, exciting itineraries, and value for your dollar. It also considers all those things that are important to independent travelers, like having your own room and free time to explore on your own.

We've got you.

A Solo Holiday on a Group Tour May Not Be What You Think

Sometimes, when we hear the term “group tour” we picture large groups of tourists gathering around major attractions, traveling by bus, following around a guide. Of course, these exist, and are the perfect choice for some people, at some times. But there are so many other options!

Solo holidays can take many forms. Here are some that you can regularly find on Solo Traveler.

1. Self-guided walking tours, where your accommodations are booked for you, you are given a map, directions and tips before setting off in the morning, and your luggage is waiting for you at your next hotel at the end of the day. Find out more in this post: Travel Solo on a Self-Guided Walking Tour: Seeing France Slowly.
2. Private tours with customized itineraries. The sky (or rather, your budget) is the limit in terms of what is possible. However, this option isn't exclusively for the uber-wealthy. In some destinations, a private guide is a surprisingly reasonable option. By joining a destination-focused Facebook group or our own Solo Travel Society, you can get recommendations for professional guides from fellow travelers.
3. Small group escorted tours, generally with 16 or fewer travelers, affording a more intimate experience. There are lots of these now.
4. Semi-escorted tours, which feature less organized touring and more free time to wander about at your own pace, according to your personal interests. Read Solo Traveler On a Group Tour: It’s Not What You Think for an example of this type of solo holiday.
5. Traditional escorted group tours for when you just want to show up and enjoy the sights while someone else takes care of the details.
6. Day tours that you can add on to your own trip to provide something extra to your itinerary and spend a few hours exploring with other travelers. I particularly love food walking tours, like this one I took while Solo in Amsterdam: A City that Left Me Wanting More.
7. Safaris can take many forms, from gorilla treks to game viewing drives to photo safaris to birding and more.
8. River cruises, some of which are solo-only, making every cabin a private single room with no roommates and no single supplements. Read River Cruises for Solo Travelers: A Great Option to Consider.
9. Luxury cruises on fancy ships with spacious suites, special amenities, and 5-star service.
10. Interest-specific trips for solo travelers, such as those centered around spirituality, writing, painting, yoga, food and wine, architecture, and more.
11. Solo-only tours where you never have to worry about being the “third wheel”. Every traveler gets a private room and there are no single supplements. Check out Solo Traveler on a Solos-Only Tour.

We have four ways for you to find the best solo holiday for you with a zero to 20% maximum single supplement.

Would you like to

• browse all the available trips? Go to our Tours for Solo Travelers page where you can scroll through the complete list.
• hone in on a specific destination or trip type? Check out our Searchable Trips page where you can get straight to what you want.
• have the deals to come to you? Sign up here and join the more than 60,000 travelers who receive them by email as soon as the new list is published each month.
• receive my vetted list of the best tours and cruises for solo travelers? The trips on this curated shortlist frequently have no single supplement at all. Subscribe here.

There's never been a better time to be a solo traveler, as tour companies, cruise lines, and hotels are really taking notice. Now is the time to take advantage of more solo-friendly options and pricing and enjoy a solo holiday your way.