Why now is the best time to travel solo
Traveling alone might sound intimidating at first, but just take it from us (and these intrepid solo travelers) and see why now is the best time to travel solo.
If you’ve been keeping an eye on top travel trends, you’ve probably noticed that solo travel is surging. What started as a niche shift among intrepid travelers is now a bona fide movement that’s reshaping the way we see the world. Plus, there are so many dedicated tours for solo travelers these days, so there’s never been a better time to embrace the moment. Your first time traveling alone might be intimidating, but just take it from us (and these enthusiastic solo travelers) and see why the best time to travel solo is now.
On solo travel tours, there’s freedom and flexibility
One of the benefits of solo travel is having a balance of guided time and free time; while there’s a Solo Tour itinerary filled with activities, you can always plan your own free time on tour. Want to sign up for that cooking class or spend your free afternoon sipping spritzes poolside? It’s totally up to you. Prefer to hang back at the hotel for a late start? Go for it! One of the best parts about going on solo travel tours is that you have the freedom to follow your interests—no negotiations necessary.
“This was my first group tour ever and it was perfect,” said traveler Marisa about her Go Ahead tour of Scandinavia. “I loved the balance between organized activities and free time. If you select this tour, eat ALL the seafood in Bergen—and Tivoli Gardens [in Copenhagen] at night is a must!”
Solo travel leads to personal growth and gained confidence
Getting out of your ordinary routine and surroundings can be scary—but once you’re standing in front of the Eiffel Tower or gathered around a table in a local’s home in Hanoi, you’re going to be glad you did. After you set your worries aside and see how amazing solo travel can be, you’ll feel like you can do anything.
Just ask traveler Shonitra, who took the leap and traveled solo to Barcelona. “This was an absolutely fabulous trip,” she said. “I felt empowered to venture out and experience the city on my own or sign up for the escorted excursions. The city is so beautiful. Thank you, Go Ahead Tours, for helping me get out of my comfort zone!”
Or how about traveler Sarah’s experience? “I was nervous about taking my first solo trip, but I’m so grateful I went,” she said about our Portugal for Solo Travelers tour. “It turned out to be an unforgettable experience. I had an amazing time and met some truly wonderful people along the way.”
You’re traveling solo, but you’re not alone
More people than ever before are choosing to travel alone, and to share their adventures on group tours for solo travelers. Sometimes, the fun—and conversation—begins before you even book a trip. Join our own Solo Travelers Facebook group to meet other solo travelers who share your same curiosity for the world, swap advice and stories, and dig into inspiration. The solo travel community is bigger than you think, and hearing about other people’s experiences can make preparing for your own group tour for solo travelers even more exciting.
Plus, when you go solo with a group, you’ll be able to share meals and make memories with other travelers. “I went [to Ireland] in November and traveled solo,” said traveler Jamie. “The tour group was the most amazing group of people. Everyone was so friendly and such fun. I felt like they had all been my friends for years.”
Traveler Alissa had a similar takeaway after returning from our Thailand for Solo Travelers: Bangkok, Phuket & the Islands tour. “I miss all my new friends!” she said. “We hope to meet up on an adventure again.”
We’ll take care of the logistics, from solo travel safety to ground support
In addition to connecting with a community of travelers while you’re out exploring the world, our experts are here to help you travel with confidence. We know that feeling comfortable, safe, and secure is a major consideration for any trip, solo or not. That’s why our global team is on the ground around the world 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, just in case you need support during your travels.
“It’s normal to be nervous,” said traveler Elise. “I was nervous too when I signed up for my first group trip, but as soon as I returned home I was already searching for the next trip that I was going to sign up for. If you worry before going on a trip for any reason, the Go Ahead customer service representatives will be there to talk to you about it. They will assist you and ease your mind if you have concerns. My advice would be to stop overthinking it and just sign up for the trip! You won’t regret it.”
Plus, on our Solo Tours, you’ll be traveling with a team that always prioritizes your safety and comfort as well as your enjoyment. “Our guide Patricia was so knowledgeable and was able to answer so many questions we all had about various topics, from the wildlife to culture to the most random questions,” traveler Claudia said after our Costa Rica for Solo Travelers: Volcanoes, Jungles & Beaches tour. “Our driver Michael was also knowledgeable and man, could he drive the bus, [even] in places I never knew buses could travel. Both were wonderful! I can’t say enough about how helpful and knowledgeable they are.”
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The best tours for solo travelers will take you anywhere
Whether you’re sharing a pint with the famously chatty locals in Ireland or admiring the scenery of Patagonia, there are so many places where it’s easy—and fun—to travel alone. Worries about safety abroad keep a lot of would-be solo travelers at home. That’s just another reason why going with a group is so great. “As a solo traveler I was worried about going to Thailand by myself," said traveler Cathie. “I couldn’t have been more wrong! I felt totally included and one of the group right away. And I felt very safe.”
Because of this surging interest in solo travel, our Solo Tours are expanding—our experts bring you to the best places to travel around the world, from Budapest to Tokyo. You can even visit classic European destinations like Italy on our popular Venice, Florence & Rome for Solo Travelers tour. Our growing list of solo itineraries also includes a 10-day Bali for Solo Travelers: Beaches, Temples & Culture tour—a true bucket list trip—and our dreamy France for Solo Travelers: Paris, Provence & the Riviera tour.
Take it from traveler Bert, who just returned from France. “This was my first EF tour and first time in France, and it was outstanding,” he said. “I traveled alone and felt warmly received by everyone, especially the tour guide, who made sure I was included.”
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