Embracing Independence & Traveling Solo, Our Guide to Solo Travel in 2025

Solo travel is more than just a social trend; it can be a totally transformative experience that empowers you to discover the world and yourself on your own terms. This year, embrace the complete freedom and flexibility of solo travel.

Traveling solo allows you to embrace your independence and confidence in a completely new and unfamiliar setting. You set the pace, follow your own interests, and embrace the spontaneity, it's a chance to step outside your comfort zone, navigate new challenges, and gain a newfound sense of confidence and self- reliance. Solo travel also provides valuable time for some introspection, allowing you to connect with yourself on a deeper level while enjoying moments of solitude and reflection. And while you'll have plenty of time to yourself, solo travel doesn't have to be solitary. It's also an opportunity to engage with locals, meet fellow travelers, and create meaningful connections along the way.

While solo travel can be intimidating, there are so many different ways to approach a solo trip to ensure that it’s comfortable, safe, and most importantly fun! Our advisors have collected their best tips and recommendations on how to make the most of your next solo adventure:

Try Cruising

Taking a cruise offers a fantastic option for solo travelers who are seeking a healthy mix of adventure, relaxation, and social connection. With a cruise, you’ll unpack once and wake up to a new destination every day, eliminating the hassle of constant travel arrangements on your own. Onboard, you'll find a wealth of activities and entertainment options, from swimming pools and spas to live music and Broadway-style shows. Most cruise events also account for solo travelers, so you’ll likely see a ‘solo meet-up’ on the schedule! Cruises also offer organized shore excursions, providing opportunities to explore new places with fellow travelers. “I have several solo travelers on cruises - I think that's a great way to go - also just had a solo woman traveler on Tauck and loved it” says our advisor, Jan Barash. With the combination of convenience, different activities, and opportunities to meet other travelers, cruising provides a supportive and engaging environment for solo adventurers. 


Take a Group Tour on Day 1

Landing in a new and unfamiliar city can be daunting for solo travelers, which is why joining a group tour on your first day in a new destination can be an excellent way to get your bearings and make new connections with other travelers. Group tours provide an immediate opportunity to meet fellow travelers with shared interests, potentially forming bonds that last beyond the tour itself. “We always ensure that Lia (my client) has a group tour with an overview of the city to kick it off. Sometimes we'll double down with a culinary tour in the evening. Many tour operators (like WithLocals or Secret Food Tours) offer progressive culinary tours in cities that double as meals and great opportunities to socialize. My solo client has met friends on tours that she continues to connect with throughout her stay and beyond.” says our advisor, Kelly Luf, whose client has visited over 78 countries solo!

A guided tour also offers valuable insights into the local culture, history, and must- see attractions, helping you orient yourself and discover hidden gems you might otherwise miss. It also eliminates the initial stress of navigating unfamiliar surroundings and figuring out transportation, allowing you to relax and enjoy the experience from the start. Plus, the knowledge gained on a group tour can inform the rest of your solo explorations, giving you confidence and direction as you continue your adventure. 


Explore Affinity Groups for Your Hobbies

For solo travelers with a particular passion or interest, booking with an affinity group can elevate a trip from great to extraordinary. These specialized tours cater to specific interests, whether it's photography, hiking, culinary exploration, or history. Joining a group of like-minded individuals fosters immediate camaraderie and provides a built-in network of potential travel companions.

“I've traveled several times with Single Divers, which lets scuba divers go all around the world with other singles. My biggest adventure was wreck diving off of North Carolina; I was able to dive with extremely experienced technical divers in challenging conditions with another solo traveler on my level and lots of people watching over us. I learned how to spearfish dangling on a line over a sunken German U-boat surrounded by sand tiger sharks - awesome!” says our advisor, Allison Rudary.

Expert guides offer in-depth knowledge and curated experiences that cater to the group's shared passion, leading to a more enriching and fulfilling journey. Furthermore, affinity travel often unlocks exclusive access to places or activities that might be difficult to arrange independently, adding an extra layer of excitement and discovery to your solo adventure. 


Be Prepared & Stay Aware

While solo travel offers incredible freedom and opportunities for self-discovery, it's essential to prioritize safety throughout your journey. Following general safety tips and advice can help ease your mind and enhance your travel experience, but what about the lesser thought of tips to enhance your safety during your trip?

1. Sign up for STEP: The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is a free service that allows U.S. citizens traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You can find more information about STEP here.
2. Use a Location Sharing App: When traveling alone, it’s always a good idea to set up a location-sharing app with your friends and family. Additionally, share a copy of your itinerary with friends and family prior to leaving for your trip. In addition to safety, it can be fun for your friends and family to follow along with your journey!
   
3. Work with a Travel Advisor: Working with a travel advisor can aid in many of the safety aspects of your solo journey. With the knowledge that you are traveling solo, your travel advisor can pre-introduce you to hotel management and staff, or ensure that you are not on the ground floor. A travel advisor can also ensure that hotels have proper safety measures such as 24-hour reception, and keycard access for elevators. Your travel advisor is also available throughout your trip, allowing you to completely enjoy the journey without the stress of planning.
   

Solo travel offers a unique opportunity to connect with yourself, explore the world on your own terms, and create memories that will last a lifetime. By embracing the tips and advice shared in this guide, you can embark on your solo journey with confidence and excitement. Whether you choose to cruise, join a group tour, explore with an affinity group, or venture out independently, remember to prioritize safety, stay open to new experiences, and savor every moment of your adventure.

Ready to take the leap? I'm here to help you plan and book your perfect solo escape, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience. Request a meeting here.