Solo Holidays
Just You and the World
The Ultimate Guide to Solo Holidays
Let’s get one thing straight: waiting for someone else to be ready for an adventure is officially out of fashion. A solo holiday isn't the backup plan; it's the main event. It’s a bold, brilliant decision to invest in yourself and explore the world on your own terms. It’s about swapping compromise for freedom, schedules for spontaneity, and discovering not just a new destination, but also a new, more confident version of yourself.
Imagine an entire holiday where every single decision is yours. Where do you want to eat? What do you want to see? Do you want to wake up at sunrise for a hike or spend all day in a café reading a book? The choice is entirely yours. This is the ultimate luxury of solo travel. It’s a chance to reconnect with yourself, challenge yourself, and create a journey that is 100% authentically you. So, let’s get you ready for your ticket to freedom.
Why You Should Go It Alone
The Unrivalled Freedom of Choice
This is the superpower of the solo traveller. Your itinerary is your masterpiece, and you are the only artist. There are no debates, no negotiations, and zero compromises. Feel like spending five hours in an art gallery? Do it. Want to eat pastries for lunch? Go for it. This complete control over your time and activities is liberating in a way you have to experience to believe. It’s your holiday, your rules.
The Ultimate Confidence Booster
Navigating a new city, ordering food in a different language, and figuring out public transport all on your own is incredibly empowering. Every small challenge you overcome builds your self-reliance and proves just how capable you are. You’ll return home not just with a tan and souvenirs, but with a newfound sense of confidence that will spill over into every aspect of your life.
You're More Open to New Connections
When you’re travelling with a partner or a group, you exist in a comfortable bubble. When you’re solo, that bubble disappears. You’re more likely to strike up a conversation with the person next to you at a bar, a local shopkeeper, or other travellers. You’re more approachable and more aware of the world around you, leading to spontaneous, genuine connections that can become cherished memories of your trip.
Four Fantastic Ways to Travel Solo
The Organised Group Tour (for Solo Travellers)
Want the freedom of solo travel without being alone all the time? A small group tour is the perfect solution. Companies like Intrepid Travel or dedicated solo specialists bring together individual travellers for a shared adventure. With a guide to handle the logistics and a ready-made group of like-minded people to share the experience with, it’s the best of both worlds. It’s a fantastic and safe way to explore far-flung destinations like Vietnam or Costa Rica.
The Welcoming City Break
A city break is the perfect gateway into the world of solo travel. Choose a city known for being safe, walkable, and having excellent public transport. Destinations like Lisbon, Dublin, Copenhagen, and Stockholm are fantastic choices. You can fill your days with sightseeing at your own pace, it’s easy to blend into the bustle, and there are endless cafés, bars, and restaurants where you’ll feel perfectly comfortable dining alone.
The All-Inclusive Resort Stay
If your solo travel dream is more about total relaxation than fast-paced exploring, an all-inclusive resort is an excellent and safe choice. Head to a sunny spot like the Canary Islands or a Greek island and check into a resort where everything is taken care of. There’s no stress about finding restaurants for one in the evening; you can simply relax by the pool, join in with activities if you wish, and let all your worries melt away in a secure and easy environment.
The Wellness or Activity Retreat
A brilliant way to travel solo is to centre your trip around a passion. Book a yoga retreat in Spain, a surf camp in Portugal, a cookery course in Italy, or a hiking holiday in the Lake District. You'll instantly be surrounded by people who share your interests, which makes for easy conversation and instant camaraderie. The days are structured, so you don’t have to worry about planning, leaving you free to enjoy your hobby and make new friends.
Top Tips for a Triumphant Solo Trip
Safety First, Always
Being safe is about being prepared. Before you go, share your full itinerary with a friend or family member at home. Arrange a local SIM or eSIM for your phone as soon as you arrive so you’re always connected. Be aware of your surroundings, just as you would in any city, and trust your gut instinct – if a situation feels off, leave. Finally, always pre-book your accommodation for at least the first night and have a clear plan for how you’ll get there from the airport.
Pack Light, You're the Only One Carrying It!
Remember, you are your own porter! This is the time to be ruthless with your packing. A light, easy-to-manage suitcase or a comfortable backpack is essential. You need to be able to lift it onto trains and up flights of stairs with ease. Also, pack a portable power bank (a lifesaver!), a good book for quiet moments, and headphones to create your own personal soundtrack.
Embrace the Art of Dining Alone
This is a common fear, but it can be one of the great joys of solo travel. To make it easier, take a book, a journal, or simply enjoy people-watching. Sitting at the bar or counter is often more casual and can lead to chats with the bartender or your neighbours. Or, have your main meal at lunchtime, when restaurants are often busier and feel less formal. You’ll soon realise that nobody is paying as much attention to you as you think!
Start Small to Build Your Confidence
Your first solo trip doesn’t have to be a six-week backpacking odyssey across Asia. Dip your toe in the water to see how it feels. Why not take a train to a UK city you've never visited for a weekend? Try exploring Bath, York, or Edinburgh on your own. A successful short trip will give you a massive confidence boost and leave you excited to book your next, bigger solo adventure.
The World is Waiting. Go Meet It.
A solo holiday is one of the most empowering, enriching, and exciting gifts you can give yourself. It's a journey of discovery where the main destination is a stronger, more independent, and more interesting you. It teaches you to rely on yourself, to enjoy your own company, and to see the world through fresh, unfiltered eyes.
Forget waiting for the perfect travel partner or the perfect time. The perfect time is now, and the perfect travel partner is you. So go on, pick a spot on the map that makes your heart beat a little faster. Your adventure, on your rules, is about to begin.
