One of the most exciting travel trends in recent years is the increase in solo travel. People are becoming more adventurous and independent in exploring this thrilling world we live in. And we, for one, couldn’t be more delighted by this. There are many reasons why you shouldn’t let the lack of a partner stop you from seizing your travel plans. We’re sure we don’t need to persuade you on that. Though you might be a bit unsure of the best places to go when you want to travel solo but not alone. We’ve pulled together our selection of the top destinations for solo travellers to visit on a group tour. These are the destinations we think are best experienced as part of a group rather than completely on your own.
Africa
An overland safari across Africa is a fantastic way to see loads of destinations on one exceptional trip. It’s also perfect for those starting out on their own. Overland safaris attract a diverse group of people including couples, groups of friends and solo travellers. It’s unlikely you’ll be the only one flying solo. And as you’ll be thrown straight into the group activities, whether you’re the only single traveller or not will make no difference to your enjoyment of the trip.
Travelling on trucks that seat 20 to 30 people, you’ll be fully immersed in the group activities, which include buying food and cooking the meals together with the assistance of the safari cook. Friendships will be formed over a shared sense of adventure, journeying across the incredible landscapes and setting up camp underneath a sky that will become dense with stars.
There are many wonderful experiences to enjoy on an Africa overland safari. Ticking off the Big Five in Kruger National Park, marvelling at the thundering power of Victoria Falls and spotting a cheetah with her cubs in the iconic Masai Mara. Sharing these moments with your fellow like-minded travellers, you’ll quickly bond and leave as friends.
Central America
You might not be looking to spend the entirety of your trip on a group tour, but rather want to use it as an introduction to a place. Starting your holiday with a tour is a great way to get your foot in the door of a destination, the culture and customs, what to do and what not to do.
Or, if you’ve been travelling for a while you might want to join a tour to enjoy feeling part of a group with the comfort of some guaranteed company. Central America is one of the top destinations for solo travellers and the perfect region to enjoy this flexibility. On a group tour, you’ll experience the combination of both introductory talks and guided sightseeing with free time to explore and discover a destination as you wish.
With the recommendations of the tour leader, you’ll be able to easily set off to discover a place on your own. And perhaps with the new friends you’ve made in your group. Combine this travel flexibility with Central America’s diversity of towering volcanoes, lush rainforests, tropical coastline and colonial cities, and you have yourself a winning holiday.
China
China is fascinating, intoxicating and picturesque. A vast country, it has its own set of intriguing customs, food and cultures. Less than 10% of the population speak English and this language barrier is especially experienced outside of big cities. China also has some extreme cultural differences.
Learning about and experiencing this different culture is one of the most rewarding parts of travelling around China. However, it can also be one of the most trying, testing the patience of even the most seasoned solo traveller. But there are many reasons to visit China and you shouldn’t let any of this hold you back.
While China is certainly safe enough to travel on your own, doing it as part of a group with a local tour guide leading the way just makes it that much easier. They’ll help you adjust quickly to the cultural differences. And they’ll save you from feeling out of your depth or completely alienated. They also have the best knowledge when it comes to which street vendor to eat from, what to try and what not to try. Some things you just can’t learn from a guidebook.
Morocco
It’s hard not to fall in love with Morocco. The hectic and exciting atmosphere of Marrakech, the stunning and vast Sahara desert, the enchanting coast of Essaouira. A journey through this part of Africa, experiencing the exotic delights, is sure to be an adventure.
However, plans can change, transport can get delayed and you can, unfortunately, find yourself in a new place with no hotel for the night. You don’t want to end up in this situation at the best of times. Let alone when you are travelling between A and B on your own. On a group tour, you’ll have peace of mind that your transport for the day and accommodation for the night is arranged.
This leaves you free to fully enjoy your day in a new place rather than spending it searching for your next hotel in the right area, for the right price, with the right reviews. And with many of our Morocco group tours no longer including a compulsory single supplement, you get this peace of mind for a great price.
Egypt
It’s our most popular destination, and one of the top destinations for solo travellers. Home to one of the world’s first civilisations, the history of Egypt is absolutely mind-boggling. Stretching all the way back to 3100 BC, there’s a lot to learn. There are many incredible artefacts of ancient Egypt still standing including the Pyramids of Giza, Abu Simbel and Karnak Temple. To mention just a few.
So vast is Egypt’s history, we doubt you’d be able to make the most of it on your own with just a guidebook to hand. That’s where our fully qualified Egyptologist guides come in. Having studied Egyptology at university, they’re a fountain of knowledge. Taking you from ancient wonder to ancient wonder, they’ll share this information and passion with you.
Visiting these sights on your own, you just wouldn’t get the same insights into Egypt’s fascinating history. With the same tour guide the entire time, they’ll impart their knowledge and help bring out your archaeological explorer. And on your own, you also wouldn’t have your fellow group members to share the memory of visiting the world’s sole remaining ancient wonder.
India
India is one of the top destinations for solo travellers, but it can be a bit daunting, which is why a group tour is such a great solution. Being a solo traveller shouldn’t stop you from experiencing any of India’s treasures. Meeting and interacting with locals is an important and charming part of a holiday to India.
But it can be tricky knowing the best way to approach locals without feeling awkward or unintentionally causing offence. It’s understandable to feel shy doing this on your own. But, with the help of your tour guide, there is no reason not to get an interaction started, resulting with you leaving with some fantastic photos and memories.
One of the reasons many people travel on their own is for the luxury of freedom. But ease and convenience shouldn’t be overlooked in a country that can provide a slight culture shock. Sometimes it’s best to leave the planning to the experts for a route that visits all the places you want. Especially when your holiday is a couple of weeks of your precious annual leave and you want to make the absolute most of it.
