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Solo travel is no longer seen as a niche pursuit. With 32% of Exodus travellers being solo travellers in 2019 alone, there’s never been a better time to book that independent trip for truly authentic and immersive travel experiences with a group of like-minded people.
But don’t just take our word for it – we’ve collected a couple of our favourite quotes and top tips from fellow solo travellers, that will make you want to start planning one of your own.
Thinking of Solo Holidays?
“Being a solo traveller doesn’t stop me from having amazing adventures. It’s actually liberating not having to worry about anyone else – I’m able to choose any weird and wonderful destinations I want to go to, and know I’ll meet up with a group of other people who want to be there too.
I’d rather make friends along the way than dragging along someone who doesn’t really want to be there – or, worse, staying at home and missing out on something I care about. I’m not waiting for anyone else.”
“I made a decision a long time ago that I shouldn’t let travelling on my own hold me back, and I’ve never regretted it.”
Solo traveller enjoying a cultural holiday
A huge percentage of our travellers go solo – and not all of them are single, some travellers simply leave their partners at home.
But you’re unlikely to ever be the only solo traveller on an Exodus adventure. Whatever trip you decide upon, there’s always an inclusive atmosphere with all the included activities taking place as a group. Even when meals aren’t included, often people choose to eat together too – your leader will recommend you a restaurant or cafe.
“I’d never been on a holiday solo before. I was nervous about meeting new people but after being with them for just 20 minutes on the transfer, all of those worries went away.” Says Jack Gamble, who went on his first solo adventure last year.
“The group were all solo travellers like me, which surprised me. It was a bonus because it meant that everyone just wanted to speak to each other!”
All our adventures welcome solo travellers. Exodus never charges a compulsory single supplement, either, so you’re not punished for travelling alone.
We match you up in a twin room with someone of the same gender if you’re happy to share, or if you choose to have your own space that’s no problem, you can pay a single supplement to ensure your own room.
Backpacking at the Grand Canyon
Whilst the stereotypical image of the solo traveller is a young backpacker, you can go solo at any age.
Often travellers make lifelong friends on our trips, returning to us to arrange more trips together time and time again. In fact, going solo is the best way to make new friends. It’s also a great way to meet people from all walks of life, who you would never normally get a chance to socialise with, but knowing you’ve all got the same spirit of adventure in common.
Top Tips For First Time Solo Travellers
Be Bold
Venturing out can feel daunting, especially if you’ve never done it before. Negative thoughts about what might potentially go wrong can turn the build-up to a solo adventure more nail-biting than exciting.
But the most important thing is to be bold, and take the plunge. It’s such a cliché, but the likelihood is everyone on the trip will be feeling exactly the same. They’re going to the same location, so you must at least have one thing in common!
Bring a conversation starter – and use it!
Whether its packet of sweets for the bus journey that you can offer the person next to you or a pack of cards to rally a group game, bringing something that encourages you to speak to others is a great way to strike up a conversation with a stranger. And you’ll seem like the friendliest person on the trip!
Remember, it really is all about you
As a solo traveller, you’re in control. Don’t fancy trudging around another temple or forcing a laugh at dinner? No problem. The best thing about a solo adventure is that you can do whatever you want.
You can pick the itinerary that suits you, and your free time is your own – visit a museum, go to the beach, stick with the group or go your own way. However you feel, you are free to indulge your own interests.
View more of our trips for solo travellers below and take the plunge.
