15 solo trips you can book to visit the world’s top solo travel destinations
Scotland, Italy, Thailand, Kenya—these dreamy destinations are chock-full of moments solo travelers love, and we’ve designed dedicated Solo Tours to take you there.
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, which let you get closer to the local culture—and your group. Join us as we count down the top 15 Solo Tours to take in 2025, and get inspired to visit the world’s best solo travel destinations.
15. Bali for Solo Travelers: Beaches, Temples & Culture
Taking a Solo Tour of this Indonesian island will let you live out your main-character moment and fulfill your “Eat, Pray, Love” dreams. Treating yourself to a trip to paradise is an act of self-love. Plus, going solo means you’ll get to steal moments to yourself (when you’re not exploring with your new friends and fellow solo travelers).
On our Bali for Solo Travelers: Beaches, Temples & Culture tour, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in spiritual practices, like a water purification ceremony at Pura Tirta Empul, the Holy Spring Temple. You’ll also bask in the beauty of stunning beaches and awe-inspiring scenery. Getting to experience the yin-and-yang balance of adventurous experiences with tranquil moments is just one of the many reasons you should book a solo trip to Bali.
When you travel solo in Bali, you’ll:
- Enjoy a private morning yoga session, followed by a full body meditation and the gentle tones of a sound bath. Can you think of a more relaxing way to start your day?
- Take in temples that seem to float atop a lake, and admire the layers of verdant rice paddies on our Rice Terraces, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple & Lunch excursion.
- Walk through the Ubud Monkey Forest and spot long-tailed macaques—one of our top seven things to do in Bali.
- Learn to craft a hand-woven basket to be used as a canang sari, or small offering, and bring it to a local temple in exchange for a blessing from a Hindu priest.
14. France for Solo Travelers: Paris, Provence & the Riviera
Our France for Solo Travelers: Paris, Provence & the Riviera tour has been designed for travelers who want to go solo, not alone, and will take you from the glimmer of metropolitan Paris to the sunny shores of the French Riviera. Spend a day wandering around palace grounds on our Versailles Palace & Gardens excursion before you’re whisked away by high-speed train to the culinary capital of France: Lyon.
Get ready for a taste of the provincial life Belle sings about in “Beauty and the Beast” as you travel through picturesque parts of Provence (and look for lavender fields in bloom). Relish each moment alongside your travel buddies as you say “Bonjour!” to iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower and the stunning sights along France’s Mediterranean shore. Want to see more of provincial France? See the prettiest places in Provence to visit on tour. →
When you travel solo in France, you’ll:
- Sip a cafe au lait and share stories and sweets, like eclairs and macarons, with fellow solo travelers at a Parisian boulangerie (or bakery).
- Feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale as you explore medieval Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, one of the most beautiful villages in all of France.
- Dive into Lyon’s stellar cuisine during a guided tasting of cheese, charcuterie, wine, and pastries.
- Create an eau de cologne of your own with the guidance of a local expert in Grasse, the fragrance capital of the world.
13. Scandinavia for Solo Travelers: Norway’s Fjords to Copenhagen
Ready to put your best foot fjord-ward on a solo trip to Scandinavia? As your Tour Director guides you seamlessly through Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, you’ll make fast friends with fellow travelers while taking in the breathtaking views. Our Scandinavia for Solo Travelers: Norway’s Fjords to Copenhagen tour begins in Bergen, which is the gateway to Norway’s fjordlands—and one of the Scandinavian Peninsula’s best-kept secrets.
Explore onward to Oslo, a city that’s equal parts Viking heritage and cosmopolitan capital, before crossing the Swedish border into Gothenburg, a sustainable city dotted with craft breweries and Michelin-starred restaurants. Finally, you’ll venture into Denmark, which is filled with storybook-like scenery—like the 16th-century Rosenborg Castle and the “Little Mermaid” statue, commemorating the Hans Christian Andersen tale.
When you travel solo in Scandinavia, you’ll:
- Traverse Norway’s majestic fjords on a scenic boat cruise and an unforgettable ride aboard the Flam Railway, one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world.
- Participate in the sweet Swedish tradition known as fika and savor a relaxing afternoon coffee and pastry break. Curious about other customs? See what to know before you go to Scandinavia. →
- Embrace the Danish way of life and dive into hygge, the concept of coziness that likely contributes to Denmark being No. 2 on the World Happiness Report.
- Taste fresh takes on regional cuisine on our Copenhagen Walking Food Tour excursion, where you’ll try typical Danish eats like meatballs and smorrebrod (open-faced sandwiches,) as well as less-expected favorites like hot dogs.
12. Scotland for Solo Travelers: Highlands, Aberdeen & Edinburgh
Scotland’s culture of warm hospitality strikes a vivid contrast between its often broody landscapes of majestic lochs and stately castles shrouded in fog. But this only adds to its enchantment. Come rain or shine, summer or fall, Scotland is a picture-perfect spot for a Solo Tour. Check out our Solo Travel Guide to Scotland for everything to know before you go.
On our Scotland for Solo Travelers: Highlands, Aberdeen & Edinburgh tour, you and your fellow solo travelers will explore many corners of this inimitable country, from historic Glasgow to the famed Scottish Highlands to the old-world charm of elegant Edinburgh. “This Solo Tour was just what I needed!” said solo traveler Gail about her trip to Scotland. “Anyone who might be nervous about going alone can rest assured. You’ll feel comfortable with one another on day one!”
When you travel solo in Scotland, you’ll:
- Peer into the vast waters of Loch Ness and see if you can spot the mythical Nessie emerging from its glass-like surface.
- Sample Scotch whisky (that’s without an ‘e’) from the source after touring the Speyside Cooperage to see how they craft their American Oak barrels.
- Reenact your royal family fantasies as you tour Balmoral Castle and walk through the ballroom and gardens featured in the hit show “The Crown.”
- Try your hand at playing the bagpipe, Scotland’s national instrument, after a lesson from a professional.
11. Venice, Florence & Rome for Solo Travelers
Whether you’re a first-time traveler, an experienced explorer, or someone who’s embracing solo travel as a retiree, Italy is a perfect destination for a guided Solo Tour. On our Venice, Florence & Rome for Solo Travelers tour, you get to enjoy the sites (and bites!) in this trio of iconic cities and leave all the logistics to our experts—that means more time enjoying pasta 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 that you get lost in the adventure. It was wonderful.”
When you travel solo in Italy, you’ll:
- Tour Venice’s famous canals by boat as a gondolier guides you under bridges and past historic buildings on our Gondola Ride: Venice Canal Cruise excursion.
- Meet locals by wandering through local markets in Florence, like the Mercato Centrale and Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio.
- Make your own pasta during a cooking class in Rome. Nothing compares to sharing fresh, handmade fettuccine with fellow solo travelers-turned-friends.
- See and learn all about the Colosseum, St. Mark’s Basilica, and the Trevi Fountain alongside expert guides. Then, cap off your sightseeing with a scoop of gelato.
10. Spain for Solo Travelers: Barcelona, Madrid & Seville
When a country’s culinary traditions are built around sharing dishes with friends, you know it’s the perfect solo travel destination. Enter our Spain for Solo Travelers: Barcelona, Madrid & Seville tour. There’s an included tapas tasting in Seville and a cooking class in Madrid—two experiences that you won’t find on any of our other Spain tours. Getting to chow down and talk up your favorite parts of the trip with fellow solo travelers? That’s a recipe for a fabulous tour.
If you want to continue to find out why Spain is one of Europe’s top solo destinations, add the extension to Granada and Malaga. The hotels are located right in the thick of downtown, so you can spend more time exploring the area on foot. (Don’t forget your comfortable walking shoes!)
When you travel solo in Spain, you’ll:
- Craft Spanish tapas under the guidance of an experienced chef during a cooking class with fellow solo travelers.
- Attend a life flamenco show—it’s one of the top experiences Spain is known for.
- Taste orange-infused olive oil drizzled on top of chocolate gelato at a family-owned olive oil farm.
- Admire the stunning stained glass inside the Sagrada Familia as it shimmers in the sunlight.
9. Thailand for Solo Travelers: Bangkok, Phuket & the Islands
With a nickname like the Land of Smiles, we can see why Thailand has long been a go-to destination for solo female travelers. In fact, it’s a destination that we visit on one of our our top seven inspiring trips for women. The Thai spirit shines from Bangkok to Phuket Island, and 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 on our Thailand for Solo Travelers: Bangkok, Phuket & the Islands tour comes in. You’ll have a Tour Director and local guides with you to lend a hand, whether you need help buying souvenirs at the market or finding the best things to see and do in Bangkok during your free time. So, if you’re looking for a tour that gives you a sense of group camaraderie and confidence to see the world, look no further than an inspiring solo trip to Thailand.
When you travel solo in Thailand, you’ll:
- Ride through the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market on a long-tail boat to try local snacks. Don’t miss out on trying these must-eat Thai dishes during your trip.
- Shop for amulets blessed by Buddhist monks at the Thai Amulets Market in Phuket.
- Go snorkeling in Phi Phi Don’s crystal-clear water—it’s the top way to see one of the world’s most abundant coral reef systems.
- Learn the history of Bangkok’s Grand Palace temple complex from a local guide as you walk the grounds together.
8. Costa Rica for Solo Travelers: Volcanoes, Jungles & Beaches
The hiking trails, national parks, and golden beaches of Costa Rica make up the perfect setting to connect with the outdoors—and other solo travelers. From the heights of Irazu Volcano to the shores of the Central Pacific Coast, each view on our Costa Rica for Solo Travelers: Volcanoes, Jungles & Beaches tour will leave you more in awe of the unspoiled natural scenery. Want to know the best time to visit? Check out our seasonal guide to Costa Rica. →
“It’s unreal how you become family with this group of people that you might never had met before,” said solo traveler Christina about her Costa Rica tour. “This was a true nature lovers’ trip. Waking up to howler monkeys, eating breakfast with iguanas running all over, the colors of all the magical birds, and the sloths—the sloths were my favorite!”
When you travel solo in Costa Rica, you’ll:
- Enjoy sweeping views and a home-cooked meal in the hills above San Jose, an experience that’s made even more memorable with live music and regional dances.
- Participate in a sustainable travel experience and help preserve Costa Rica’s natural beauty through a hands-on reforestation project in Playa Palo Seco, one of the largest mangrove ecosystems in Central America.
- Take in views of the jungle canopy as you soar through the treetops by zipline. Not an adrenaline seeker? Soak up the sights on a leisurely aerial tram ride.
- Sail (and snorkel, if you like) along the Guanacaste coast, and look for marine life like dolphins and sea turtles. Or just enjoy the beach—one of our favorite things to do in our Costa Rice Travel Guide.
7. Sicily for Solo Travelers
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, our Solo Tours always include private transportation to everything you’ve always wanted to see—and to 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.
When you travel solo in Sicily, you’ll:
- Learn how to make authentic Sicilian cuisine in a hands-on cooking class taught by a professional chef.
- Marvel at the intricate and remarkably preserved floor mosaics inside Piazza Armerina, dating back to the 4th century.
- Enjoy a scenic dinner with group members-turned-lifelong-friends on the Island of Ortygia in Syracuse.
- Snap panoramic pictures of Mount Etna from Taormina’s 2nd-century Greek theater.
6. Greek Islands for Solo Travelers: Crete & Santorini
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 on our Greek Islands for Solo Travelers: Crete & Santorini tour. 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 first 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.
When you travel solo in Greece, you’ll:
- Learn all about the unique way grapevines grow during a tour and tasting at a local winery on Santorini.
- Reimagine the stories of Greek history as you explore places like the Heraklion Archaeological Museum on Crete with a local guide.
- Explore temples and ruins atop the Acropolis in Athensand take in aerial views of the city below.
- Get to know your group while watching the sunset from the picturesque village of Oia, perched atop the cliffs of Santorini’s caldera.
5. Peru for Solo Travelers: Lima, Cuzco & Machu Picchu
One of the biggest perks of going guided on our Peru for Solo Travelers: Lima, Cuzco & Machu Picchu tour 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 strike out. 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.
When you travel solo in Peru, you’ll:
- Meet locals and pick up a colorful, handwoven textile at the open-air Chinchero Market.
- Catch the best view of Machu Picchu as you hike up to the Sun Gate with a local guide.
- Ride the PeruRail train to Aguas Calientes and soak up some of the most stunning views of the countryside.
- Gather inspiration in Lima’s artsy Barranco district and try delectable treats like alfajores, shortbread cookie sandwiches filled with dulce de leche.
4. U.S. National Parks for Solo Travelers: The Grand Canyon to Zion
Our U.S. National Parks for Solo Travelers: The Grand Canyon to Zion tour brings the iconic “Great American Road trip” to life. With plenty of stunning landscapes, quirky roadside attractions, and glimpses into its distinct historical heritage, the U.S. is a solo travelers dream. Check out the top six best trips for solo travelers in the U.S. →
But 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 traveling on their own. 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 guide you on scenic hikes. Talk about having the best travel duo to lead you every step of the way.
When you travel solo in the American Southwest, you’ll:
- Set out on a scenic hike along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. You’ll pass towering rock formations and ponderosa pines as your Tour Director illuminates the geological wonders before you.
- Go beyond what you learned in history class during a visit to the Navajo Code Talkers Museum.
- See colorful scenery and babbling rivers along Pa’rus Trail, one of Zion National Park’s newest trails, with your Tour Director leading the way.
- Take an evening stroll along the Las Vegas strip to see the bright neon lights, iconic hotels, and famous casinos for a perfect end to your trip.
3. Kenya Wildlife Safari for Solo Travelers
Psst... we’re letting you in on travel’s best-kept secret: The offseason is the best time to hit the road. Lucky for you, our new Kenya Wildlife Safari for Solo Travelers tour was designed to take solo travelers like you to the country’s premier safari destinations in April, May, and November. That means there will be fewer people out on safari, giving you a front-row seat to witness life in the bush.
As one of the only tour operators who runs a solo trip to Kenya, we made sure to fill our itinerary with moments that bring you closer to culture and your group. This includes learning about wildlife conservation from local experts, going on game drives together, and getting to visit a new country, Tanzania, when you add the Zanzibar extension. See why taking a solo safari in Kenya will be the best travel decision you ever make. →
When you travel solo in Kenya, you’ll:
- Watch elephants bathe and eat at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, which has operated an orphan elephant rescue and wildlife rehabilitation program since its founding in 1977.
- Take in the views and wildlife of Amboseli National Park, which sits against the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Pick up a one-of-a-kind bag made from repurposed safari tents during a visit to Sandstorm Kenya.
- Set out on a boat tour of Lake Naivasha, which is known for its substantial population of hippos and bird species.
2. Egypt & Nile River Cruise for Solo Travelers
Pyramids, temples, and the world’s longest river—countless wonders make Egypt one of the best places to travel solo. Wondering what it’s like traveling to Egypt alone on a Solo Tour? When you go guided with us, you’ll have an expert Egyptologist by your side throughout the entire trip, 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. On our Egypt & Nile River Cruise for Solo Travelers tour you can pop over to the Grand Egyptian Museum after seeing the Pyramids, set sail down the Nile, and fly back up north to explore the capital city—all in just one 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.
When you travel solo in Egypt, you’ll:
- See and hear fun facts about the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, and the Great Egyptian Museum from an expert Egyptologist.
- Cruise along the Nile and take in majestic temples and tombs scattered along the east and west banks of the river.
- Shop local markets for unique souvenirs to bring back from your travels, like papyrus, perfume oils, and more.
- Rise with the sun and take to the skies on a hot-air ballon ride to get a bird’s-eye view of the Nile and the Valley of Kings on our Nile River Hot-Air Balloon Ride excursion.
1. Japan for Solo Travelers: Tokyo, Mt. Fuji & Kyoto
Drumroll, please. The number one place to go solo on a guided tour is... Japan! Even for the most experienced travelers, traveling to Japan can be a bit tough. You’ll need to navigate the language barrier and book train transfers months in advance, which means Japan is one of those places where it pays to pass the planning to our experts.
Save your time and your sanity by going on our Japan for Solo Travelers: Tokyo, Mt. Fuji & Kyoto tour. Many of the top things to do in Japan are included (think: singing at a karaoke club and making traditional cuisine during a cooking class), which not only maximizes your exposure to Japanese culture, but also gives you plenty of opportunities to spend time with your group. Plus, it’s all neatly built into one week, so you’ll have PTO to spare.
When you travel solo in Japan, you’ll:
- Tie up your apron and learn to make gyudon, miso soup, or a chicken teriyaki bento box during a cooking class.
- Walk through the stunning Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where towering, 160-foot-tall bamboo stalks flank a singular pathway.
- Marvel at snowcapped peaks of Mount Fuji from a base camp halfway up the mountain.
- Visit Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion, which sits at the edge of a tranquil reflecting pond and is one of the must-see temples in Japan.
See all our Solo Tours and join us on the trip of a lifetime!
Emily loves the simple travel moments—like watching hours pass by in minutes while sharing a meal and a laugh (or many) with her friends and family. Outside the office, you'll find Emily listening to anything and everything John Mayer, attempting to cook a New York Times recipe, or dreaming up her next trip.
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