People who have never travelled alone describe their first solo vacation as nearly spiritual. It can be liberating to experience new places without the prejudices, tastes, or preferences of a travelling buddy. Solo travel allows you to fully immerse yourself in your surroundings. At its finest, solo travel is gloriously self-indulgent: eat whatever and whenever you want, spend as much or as little time in a destination as you want, bypass the tourist traps, and sign up for the truly cheesy. It's a period when you only have to make sacrifices with yourself.
Traveling alone, on the other hand, has its drawbacks, like safety issues, loneliness, and the dreaded single supplement. However, a little planning and common sense will help you save money and get through the tough times. One way to do this is by signing up for solo travel tours and utilizing one of the many solo traveler apps.
Here’s our round up of the best solo travel tours and solo traveller apps that will help solo travellers have a good time and then some!
1Headout
The Good: Headout is a mobile marketplace that allows travellers to find and book the best tours, activities, events, and local experiences on the go. With an easy to use app, Headout is designed to make travel more enjoyable for all kinds of travelers, but especially solo travelers. The idea is to help them rediscover the pleasure of travel by offering the best tours, events, and attractions in a location of their choice with just 3 taps.
The Not-So-Good: Headout is currently present only in 60 odd cities around the world.
Best For: Last minute tours, local experiences lead and hosted by locals
Tour start from: $13.5
2Contiki
The Good: Contiki organises unforgettable travel adventures for 18-35-year-olds from all over the world. Contiki passengers get to visit incredible places with a group of like-minded young adventurers who share a love of travel. They are the world's leading provider of travel for young adults, with over 270 trips in more than 50 destinations.
The Not-So-Good: While the tours are in general great, you don’t get to enjoy a lot of flexibility in terms of the places you would like to visit. There’s a pre-decided itinerary that you need to abide by, leaving no time to explore places on your own.
You also need to be aware of the add-on expenses including transfers, certain landmark access, and more.
Best For: Tours for 18-35 year olds, guided tour experiences, like-minded solo travelers
Tour start from: $175
3Exodus
The Good: Exodus was built on the love for adventure, and the company remains true to its roots. Explore this magnificent world we all live on by learning about countries, civilizations, habitats, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, beaches, and jungles. Exodus tours let you discover local customs, cultures, cuisine, and lifestyles – anything that adds to the country's distinct personality. To minimise the environmental impact and ensure that every trip is a positive experience for everyone involved, trips are organized in smaller groups.
The Not-So-Good: Most of the tours listed on the Exodus website are upwards of 8 days. If you’re looking for a shorter trip, you’ll have to look elsewhere. Also, the tour rates are slightly on the higher side.
Best For: Local tours, adventure travel
Tours start from: $1089
4Intrepid
The Good: Intrepid has developed a sustainable travel style that is rich in experiences and gives back to the people and places it visits. The world's largest adventure trip operator, Intrepid boasts three tour operator brands, 23 destination management firms, and a non-profit foundation. Intrepid is a wonderful choice because of its ultimate itineraries, precisely sized groups, legendary local guides, and travel that makes a positive difference.
The Not-So-Good: Given the sustainable nature of tours organized, the cost isn’t very affordable. Also, for solo travelers just looking for simple travels, Intrepid tours might have too many options to choose from.
Best For: Unique travel experiences, Sustainable tours
Tour start from: $87
5G Adventures
The Good: For nearly 30 years, G Adventures has been the industry leader in small group adventure travel. They achieved this position by listening to travellers and providing them with what they want: flexible itineraries, liberty to explore, smaller groups, security and peace of mind, and local, knowledgeable guides who show you your destination in ways you wouldn't see otherwise.
The Not So Good: Since there’s a lot to cover in most destinations, the itineraries are often rushed. Hotels are typically of low quality considering the fact that you're paying a premium for someone to take care of the logistics for you.
Best For: Affordable tours, Small group tours
Tour start from: $18
6Flash Pack
The Good: Flash Pack provides boutique travel experiences to those in their 30s and 40s who might otherwise have had to settle for less. The tour company can assist you in exploring new places if you're nervous about solo travel. Once you've decided which vacation is right for you, the team at Flash Pack will take care of the rest. All you have to do now is show up at the airport and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.
The Not So Good: While Flash Pack is tailor-made for solo travellers, the comfort and convenience on offer comes with a hefty price tag. Also, given the numerous tour options available, it can be a tad difficult to find the right option if you’re not sure of the kind of experience you wish to have.
Best For: Luxury solo travel tours, boutique travel experiences
Tour start from: $1499
7Wild Woman Expeditions
The Good: Wild Women Expeditions takes women-only tourists to more countries than any other firm that specialises on women-only travel. The tours' primary goal is baptism by wilderness experience rather than cultural absorption.
The Not So Good: The tours offered are a tad bit expensive for solo travellers.
Best For: Solo women travellers, Adventure tours
Tour start from: $1045
Bonus: Download these 7 apps if you’re traveling solo
1SoloTraveller
Free
Paid Version
SoloTraveller is a social travel app that links you with other travellers in your area. This fantastic social platform is great for finding nearby hiking spots and travelling companions in real time. Whether it's to meet people, go sightseeing, attend professional meetings, or simply share a taxi, you can do a lot with SoloTraveller. Not only is SoloTraveller wonderful for backpackers and solitary travel, but it also has a large travel community that may help motivate people hesitant to travel alone
2Headout
Free
Paid Version
Headout curates a new list of things to do in the world's most popular destinations. The app has a variety of handpicked experiences that are suited for you, whether you're visiting a new town to immerse yourself in its culture and flavours or simply searching for something unique to do in your own city. Step out now and discover our globe like never before.
3Backpackr
Free
Paid Version
Backpackr is a terrific way to meet other travellers in your area, whether you're travelling alone or in a group. Look through a variety of profiles and send messages to the folks you'd like to meet. It's up to you whether you want to grab a beer or take in the sights of the city. The possibilities are limitless.
4EatWith
Free
Paid Version
Eatwith is the world's largest community for true gastronomic encounters with locals, with over 130 countries represented. People looking for unique and immersive experiences can use the app to connect with hand-picked local hosts in private residences and exclusive locales. EatWith hosts range from amateur cooks and foodies to MasterChef contestants and Michelin-starred chefs, but they all have one thing in common: a love for connecting people together through food.
5Meetup
Free
Paid Version
Meetup is an app that helps people find and form local groups. The app-based platform allows people to connect with new people, learn new skills, find support, push themselves out of their comfort zones, and pursue their passions in a group setting. Visit a museum, try a new restaurant, go trekking, take a brewery tour, or simply meet new people. There's a world of possibilities awaiting you!: Meetup is an app that helps people find and form local groups. The app-based platform allows people to connect with new people, learn new skills, find support, push themselves out of their comfort zones, and pursue their passions in a group setting. Visit a museum, try a new restaurant, go trekking, take a brewery tour, or simply meet new people. There's a world of possibilities awaiting you!
6Travello
Free
Paid Version
Travello is dedicated to assisting you in planning amazing travel experiences at a reasonable cost. The platform is geared to helping you discover unique excursions from all over the world. You can expect outstanding customer service, live availability, and quick confirmation when you book with Travello.
