Travel pals are great but going it alone is fun too
Sarah Marshall has tips and suggestions for intrepid women planning to take themselves on holiday
All too often, people miss out on the holiday of their dreams because they can’t find a travel partner. But in the past few years, women in particular are refusing to wait around any longer.
“We’re seeing a strong rise in the appetite for female solo travel with searches for single rooms up significantly and Google searches for the same topic quadrupling between 2020 and now,” says Tim Hentschel, co-founder and CEO of Hotelplanner.
Safety is a primary concern for most women venturing out alone – especially first-timers. Hentschel recommends researching destinations thoroughly beforehand.
“Ensure you are well informed on local customs, laws, cultural norms and safety record. It goes without saying that it’s not advisable to visit a destination which has a record for violence against female travellers.”
Staying connected with friends and family is also important. “Regularly check in during your trip and have a reliable means of communication, such as a fully charged phone or portable wifi device,” he says. Share an itinerary and any contact details for hotels and tour guides.
In terms of enjoyment, one of the best ways to explore a new destination “alone” is on an escorted tour. “Travelling solo for the first time can be a daunting experience,” says Colum Mclornan, managing director of Friendship Travel. “Our recommendation would be to join an organised group trip where you will be accompanied by other solo travellers, both new to solo travel and well accustomed to it.”
If you’re considering a solo adventure, take a look at these trips.
Cultural immersion in Morocco
Holiday company Intrepid offers a series of small group tours for women only, led by female tour guides, including the eight-day Morocco: Women’s Expedition. Dine with Amazigh families in remote homes, see how an artist co-op is empowering female rug-weavers in small villages, and hike through the M’goun Valley over four days with the region’s first local female guide. From £787pp, including transport, accommodation and activities. Visit intrepid.com
Embark on a pilgrimage
Walking the famous Camino de Santiago in Spain is as much about the people you meet as the places you visit. Hike the last 100km of the Camino Frances from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela, passing through rural Galicia and ending at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. This well way-marked route attracts many other pilgrims, making it an ideal option for a solo independent traveller. A six-night break costs from £645pp, including B&B accommodation and daily baggage transfer. Flights extra. Visit macsadventure.com
Take a river cruise
If the idea of a big cruise liner sounds intimidating, river cruising is ideal for solo sailors. Uniworld, who carry an average 120 guests on their vessels, have waived solo supplements on
17 of their itineraries for 2024. Their Brilliant Bordeaux seven-night all-inclusive trip includes a visit to Château Malromé to explore the life of Henri de Toulouse-lautrec, Médoc oyster tasting, a bike ride amongst the prestigious Médoc vineyards, a walk and wine-tasting at the hilltop town of Saint-émilion, a farmers’ market tour in Libourne and an evening visit to Bordeaux’s Bassins des Lumières, a disused submarine station transformed into an immersive art experience. From £2,899pp, including transfers and flights. Visit uniworld.com