Taking a Solo Tour is one of the easiest and most empowering ways to see the world. Not only is there more fun (and peace of mind!) in numbers, but each trip includes activities designed with solo travelers in mind. We’re talking everything from wine tastings and boat rides to market visits and trail hikes, so you can get closer to culture—and your group. Join us as we count down the top 10 Solo Tours to take so you can easily visit the world’s best solo travel destinations.
Like our solo traveler’s guide to Ireland says: The welcoming, chatty nature of Irish people makes it easy to strike up a conversation with locals. “This trip is a great introduction to the beauty of Ireland’s landscape, the friendliness of its people, and its historical significance,” said solo traveler Lesley after our Ireland for Solo Travelers tour. “An EF tour makes you feel as if you’re traveling with a group of friends!”
Not having a language barrier to grapple with is why Ireland cracks the top 10 list of the best places to travel alone. Plus, while you’re busy making new friends from Dublin to Galway, we’ll work on getting you there. Having someone else handle all the headache-inducing transportation logistics is just one of the reasons people choose to travel solo on a guided tour.
Another country with warm hospitality and even warmer weather is Portugal. Our solo traveler’s guide to Portugal goes in-depth on why solo trips to this sun-soaked country are trending, but we’ll give you a sneak peek. Not only is it one of the more affordable European countries to visit, but you can also hit the city, dig in at foodie havens, and relax at the beach without having to crisscross the continent.
“My first trip since COVID restrictions was to Portugal with a wonderful group of kindred spirits,” said solo traveler Maryann after our Portugal for Solo Travelers tour. “We became friends quickly and traveled together well. We learned about beautiful Portugal as we ate, drank, and even sang together. I enjoyed having my own space to retire to and rest well for more fun the next day. Solo Tours are great ways to see the world.”
Did you really think we would make a list of the best places to travel solo and not include a trip to this iconic trio of cities? Not only do these solo travel destinations offer a little something for everyone, but when you go guided, we handle all the included entrance fees. That means you can spend more time enjoying the sites and the food and less time waiting in line. Plus, our solo community has tons of tips and tricks for visiting Italy.
We could go on and on about why we love Italy, but we’ll let traveler Jacenta take the mic. “This was my first trip with EF Go Ahead Tours,” she said. “As a solo traveler, I was a bit nervous but the tour was so full of activities you get lost in the adventure. It was wonderful.”
With a nickname like the Land of Smiles, we can see why Thailand has long been a go-to destination for solo female travelers. The Thai spirit shines from Bangkok to Phuket Island. Even though this dreamy destination offers so much, it won’t bust your travel budget.
Still, it can feel intimidating to fly across the globe to a place where English may not be as widely spoken as it is in some European countries. That’s where going guided comes in. You’ll have a Tour Director and local guides with you to lend a hand, whether you need some help buying a souvenir at the market or deciding how to spend your free time as a solo traveler. So, if you’re looking for an inspiring female trip to Thailand that gives you a sense of group comradery and confidence to see the world, look no further.
Crossing off more than one country in a single trip gives you a lot of bang for your vacation buck. And, like our Central Europe guide for solo travelers points out, going guided relieves the pressure of figuring out essential details like how to enter three countries in a week. Getting all the benefits of going on one of the best solo trips without having to plan it yourself? It’s no wonder our solo traveler community likes to book this Multi-Country Tour.
“This tour is a great educational opportunity along with a wonderful visual trip and introduction to the countries visited,” said solo traveler Karen after our Central Europe for Solo Travelers tour. “Our tour guide was a huge source of history. The group turned out to be a fun, friendly group, and there are opportunities to get to know folks if you are interested.”
This island off the coast of mainland Italy has a lot to discover. If you don’t have your own motorcoach dropping you on the doorstep of some of Sicily’s most fascinating sites, it’s easy to miss them. Lucky for you, your Solo Tour always includes private transportation to everything you’ve always wanted to see, and the hidden gems that’ll become your new favorite places.
“This tour exceeded my expectations,” said traveler Laura after our Sicily for Solo Travelers tour. “Our Tour Director and driver made this trip unforgettable. Lodging, food, and sights were top-notch. The group of solo travelers made the experience extra fun!” You can get even more insider info about this destination in our solo traveler’s guide to Sicily.
Island hopping across the Mediterranean? Dreamy. Figuring out ferry schedules when you don’t speak Greek or even use the same alphabet? Not so dreamy. So, ditch the logistics and go guided. We’ll let you know when you need to be where, so you can spend your mental energy figuring out which solo travel bucket list items you want to cross off.
“This was my 1st Solo Tour with EF, and from the moment my flight landed I was taken care of,” said solo traveler Marlyn. “Our tour guide Alexandra S. greeted me with open arms, was very attentive, and was absolutely amazing!” Check out our solo traveler’s guide to Greece for more reasons to book a trip to this traveler-favorite destination.
One of the biggest perks of taking a guided Solo Tour of Peru is that your entry to top sites like Machu Picchu is guaranteed. Sure, you could try to snag a ticket to this new world wonder on your own, but you might strikeout. Tickets must be purchased for a specific entry time, and the Peruvian government caps the number of entry tickets they can sell each day. Who wants to make it all the way to South America and not be able to cross Machu Picchu off their bucket list?
Plus, there’s something powerful about taking that iconic photo in front of the ruins with Huayna Picchu peeking out of the background. Experiencing memorable moments like that is just one of the motivating reasons to go guided as a female solo traveler. “As a female, there’s no greater feeling than learning what I’m capable of by accomplishing my personal goals to see the world without anything or anyone standing in my way,” said solo traveler Jessica.
Now, you might be wondering: Why does a nearby region of the world rank so high on this list of solo travel destinations? While the language and currency may feel familiar, driving through the expansive landscapes out West isn’t for the faint of heart. With little cell service available, navigating the roadways can be difficult for those who are traveling on their own and don’t have years of experience.
That’s where your dedicated bus driver comes in. They’ll get you here, there, and everywhere without breaking a sweat. Then, once you make it to the national parks, you’ll have an expert Tour Director with you to lead you on scenic hikes. Talk about having the best travel duo to lead you every step of the way.
Drumroll, please! The destination that caps off our countdown of the best places to travel solo is none other than Egypt. You’ll have an expert Egyptologist by your side throughout the entire trip when you go guided, and they’ll help you navigate the country securely and easily. “Having a Tour Director who was also an expert Egyptologist is more than someone could ask for,” said solo traveler Katie. “You knew you were receiving the best information, and it was great to be able to ask him so many questions and pick his brain.”
Having everything planned and an expert with you to make it all happen comes with major perks. You can pop over to the Grand Egyptian Museum (a brand-new 2022 travel attraction) after seeing the Pyramids, set sail down the Nile, and fly back up north just in time to explore the capital city in just a week’s time. Need more reasons to take a Solo Tour of this historic country? Our article about why all solo travelers should take a guided trip to Egypt covers all the highlights and then some.