Solo travel

Solo travel can offer you a unique opportunity to challenge yourself, gain independence, and have an adventure. Plus, going on a guided tour as a solo traveler comes with great perks—including, private rooms in handpicked hotels, local experts and a Tour Director to handle all the details, and the company of equally curious travelers to share your journey. Here are a few other compelling reasons to go solo:

• Take the guesswork out of exploring someplace new. Need tickets to the Spanish Riding School in Vienna? Want to dine like a true Italian at a local’s home in Rome? Wondering how to hire a boat to float down the Nile River? Our experts will help you securely and easily navigate a destination you’ve only dreamed about exploring.
• No need to find a travel partner. Perhaps the biggest reason people travel solo is not having someone with matching travel interests. Traveling solo opens up a whole new world of possibilities. You get to go where you want, when you want, chasing your dreams without waiting for someone to come along for the ride.
• Enjoy adventures beyond your comfort zone. Traveling solo isn’t just exhilarating, but easy on one of our small-group adventure trips. You’ll find yourself learning and trying new things, from what you do (hands-on activities) to where you’ll go (roads less traveled) to how you'll get around (think outside the bus). All you need to get started is an open mind, a good pair of walking shoes, and a passion for taking the side streets.

Discover more reasons why people choose solo travel →

Thanks to its mix of culture, history, natural landscapes, and centuries-old culinary traditions, Europe is an ideal destination for travelers who book solo vacation packages. Individual countries and regions of Europe also make great choices when you go solo. For the best solo travel experiences, we recommend the following:

• Greece. Explore the best of the Greek Islands alongside fellow solo travelers as you hop from Athens to Crete and over to Santorini.
• Portugal. Sampling Portugal’s signature pastel de nata, a flaky and flavorful custard tart, is much more fun when you have new friends to share in the excitement of taking that first bite.
• Peru. Make your way from cosmopolitan Lima to historic Cuzco to the sweeping Sacred Valley—and mystical Machu Picchu—alongside fellow solo travelers.
• Central Europe. Whether you’re excited to see Bavarian castles or sample Swiss chocolate, there’s no better way to tour Switzerland, Germany, and Austria than with like-minded travelers.
• Egypt. With fellow solo travelers by your side, you’ll decipher hieroglyphics at towering temples, stand in the shadows of the Pyramids of Giza, and take to the Nile by boat.
• Ireland. Green landscapes and frothy Guinness await solo travelers on the Emerald Isle, where making new friends comes naturally.
• Thailand. Visit an elephant sanctuary and hop between Thailand’s temples, markets, and islands with fellow solo travelers.
• United States. You don’t need to go international to go solo. America’s majestic national parks are a great choice for solo travel tours.
• Japan. Be dazzled by Japan’s natural beauty, rich history, and distinctive cuisine—and bond with your fellow solo travelers over hands-on activities, such as cooking classes.
• Kenya. Majestic wildlife, vibrant culture, and warm locals make for the ultimate mix when you join fellow solo travelers on an epic journey across Kenya.
• Spain. Spain charms from Catalonia to the Costa del Sol with its mix of cosmopolitan, coastal, and cultural treasures on solo travel tours.
• Italy. Travel solo (but never alone!) as you eat your way through Italy with fellow foodies, while taking in the classic sights and delicious cuisine.

For more inspiration, check out eight of the best places to travel solo →

Consider your interests, budget, and comfort level in a foreign environment. Depending on factors such as language barriers and cultural differences, some destinations may be better suited for solo travel than others. Research your options and read reviews from other solo travelers. 

For more inspiration, check out eight of the best places to travel solo →

Embrace new experiences, be open to meeting new people, and step outside your comfort zone. Take time to reflect on your journey and enjoy the freedom that comes with traveling solo. Remember to take plenty of photos and keep a journal to capture your memories. And take advantage of the Tour Director and local guides who’ll accompany you during your travels. They can recommend places to eat, sights to not miss, and things to do in your free time on tour.

Explore our favorite free-time activities for solo travelers →

Yes, if you’re looking to get out of your comfort zone. There’s free time to explore on your own, so you can be as social as you want. Traveling solo within a group can be a great way to break out of your personal space and meet others who share your passion for exploration. And there’s no easier way to find a new friend than on tour!

Tips for breaking the ice with fellow travelers on a solo tour →

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and connect with fellow travelers; they’re going solo, just like you! Here are a few tips and tools to help you feel confident when you travel solo:

• Check out our Go Ahead Difference page. You’ll discover all the perks of traveling with us, including unrivaled safety and support. Learn more about our Go Ahead Difference.
• Involve your friends back home. Let all your friends know about your travel plans and get their tips and tricks. Have them follow you along on your journey.
• Download our free mobile app. It puts everything you might need for your trip on your phone on one easy-to-navigate platform. Our app has not only the itinerary but also the addresses and contact details you need for your trip. Plus, we even include a list of your fellow travelers there. That way, you can connect with them before you leave for the tour and start building friendships you’ll strengthen when you’re finally on the road.
• Join our Facebook page. You’ll find lots of helpful info on our private Solo Travelers Facebook page, including answers to frequently asked questions.

Eight reasons to go guided as a female solo traveler →

The first thing to know is that even though you’ll be traveling solo, you won’t be traveling alone. You’re about to go on a trip with 14–20 people who will be solo, just like you. Plus, you’ll have your expert Tour Director to guide you along the journey. Solo travel is one of the most exciting ways to see the world. When you travel on one of our solo trips, you may not be with a friend you already know, but you’ll join equally curious travel lovers on the adventure of a lifetime. More important things to know before you go:

• Your Tour Director will meet you at the airport when you arrive in your destination
• We curate these tours with solo travel in mind
• Experiences are made for solo travelers to come together as a group
• You’ll make friends whom you could travel with in the future

We specially design our Solo Tours for solo travelers. When you join one of our solo travel groups, you’ll get your own included, private hotel room. Each day, you’ll be able to explore your destination alongside your tourmates, who are solo travelers, too. And you’ll have free time to explore your own interests at your own pace.

You’ll never be alone when you book one of our solo travel packages, even though you’re traveling solo. Our worldwide presence gives solo travelers the safety and security to discover the world with confidence. Here are just a few reasons to travel on our solo guided tours:

• Security of the EF global network
• Assistance from our On-Tour Support Team (they’re on-call 24/7)
• Getting the local’s perspective from your Tour Director and other guides
• Meeting equally curious travelers
• Enjoying the perfect balance of sightseeing tours and time to explore each locale at your leisure