Many travel opportunities and vacation destinations are promoted with families or couples in mind. With about one-third of Americans identifying as “single,” though, there is a good-sized market for those who wish to travel alone. Even those who are part of a couple or a family might sometimes desire to get away from it all, including those they live with! If you’re contemplating solo travel, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Don’t be afraid to dispute the “single supplement.” Hotels usually book by the room and not by the person, so you’ll pay the same fee whether you’re staying by yourself or bringing a friend or partner along. While you can’t really do anything about that, be aware that sometimes, hotel managers might reduce the “hidden” fees for things like complimentary breakfast or use of the gym, because you’re only one person taking advantage of these options. It never hurts to ask!
- Remember safety first. If you are a woman, let someone know your plans. Avoid areas with a poor safety reputation. Check the State Department’s travel warnings before departing. Women-only travel groups can also help — there is safety in numbers.
- Consider a volunteering vacation. Help others while traveling solo. You could build homes in Central America or assist with medical care in Africa. These trips are often tax deductible and low-cost beyond airfare. G Adventures offers several volunteer options.
- Try a singles-geared vacation. Tours and cruises specifically for solo travelers let you meet others while exploring the world. Ask the right questions to understand exactly what the experience involves before booking.
- Try hosteling, couchsurfing, or camping. Without a family in tow, you’re free to stay in hostels or with locals. Sites like CouchSurfing.org connect you with hosts who offer a place to stay and local tips. These options also help you meet fellow solo travelers.
Why Traveling Solo Is Worth It
Traveling solo can be an amazing way to see the world and to do exactly what you want to do! You won’t have to compromise with a partner over where to eat, what activities to skip and what time to wake up or go to bed, so this type of vacation can be all about you. Have you traveled solo? Do you have any tips to share?
Whether you’re traveling solo on a cruise, a group tour, or an independent adventure, there are plenty of options to explore. Check out our articles on the best places to travel in February, Paris travel tips, and how to save money on travel for more inspiration.
Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back from the Adventure You Actually Want
Solo travel comes in many forms — and for some travelers, the real barrier isn’t logistics or loneliness. It’s fear. Fear of going somewhere unfamiliar, fear of not speaking the language, fear of the unknown that comes with truly stepping outside your comfort zone. It’s worth examining honestly.
Almost every experienced traveler has felt it — the hesitation before booking a trip that feels genuinely challenging. A safari in Tanzania. A hiking expedition in Patagonia. A river journey through Southeast Asia. An Antarctica cruise to one of the most remote places on earth. These adventures require a step beyond the usual, and that step can feel enormous before you take it.
But here’s what seasoned solo travelers consistently report: the bigger the stretch, the greater the reward. Watching the Great Migration from a hot air balloon over the Serengeti. Standing at the edge of Waimea Canyon in Kauai. Arriving by ship to a glacier-carved fjord with no one else in sight. These experiences have one thing in common — they’re available to anyone willing to book them. The adventure doesn’t require superhuman fitness or fearlessness. It requires a decision.
Adventure travel operators like Abercrombie & Kent specialize in exactly this kind of experience — high-impact, expert-guided adventures to places most people only imagine. The guides, equipment, and support they provide are specifically designed to make the extraordinary accessible. You don’t need to go it alone in the wilderness; you just need to get there.
So if you’re traveling solo and wondering whether to play it safe or push further — push further. The stories you’ll bring home from a genuine adventure are the ones you’ll still be telling years from now. Browse our adventure and solo travel options and find the trip that makes your pulse quicken a little.
Be prepared for any travel disruption with our advisors’ flight delay and cancellation guide — essential knowledge for every traveler.
