Advice for Solo Travelers From Solo Travelers
Are you curious about being a solo traveler? Do you want to give it a shot but have some questions or concerns about going alone? We asked some expert Road Scholar solo travelers for some advice to help answer all of your questions about solo travel and to encourage you to give it a try!
Solo travel takes you to places you might not go to on your own.
“I've been on two Road Scholar trips as a solo traveler, and I loved both. They were great experiences, as the trips took me to places that I really wouldn't haven't traveled to alone.”
– Amy C. from Slaughter, Louisiana | Road Scholar Class of ‘15
“Be comfortable with traveling solo. Many of us do it, and we're more fun to be around when we're comfortable in our own skin and being alone. No need for excuses or explanations, just do it! I think about all the opportunities I would miss if I waited around for somebody to go with me. I love it, but then I'm on the introvert/loner side of the spectrum.”
– Leslie M. from Minden, Nevada | Road Scholar Class of ‘18
Traveling with Road Scholar means you can go solo without being alone
“I thought my traveling days were over when my husband of over 45 years died two years ago. Then a friend suggested I look into Road Scholar. This June, I took my first solo trip to Québec for nine days. I was nervous but was welcomed and included by couples as well as other solo travelers. Now I’m preparing for a 19-day solo trip to the United Kingdom in September. Road Scholar knows how to give travelers — solo or with someone else — wonderful, entertaining and educational experiences all around the world. My advice is to just get outside your comfort zone and do it. My husband died only seven weeks after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. We don’t know how long we’ll have our health, so make the most of your life while you can. “
– Debbie M. from Hilliard, Ohio | Road Scholar Class of ‘17
“I’ve done three solo trips (in order to do programs that didn’t interest my husband). Honestly, there are probably more advantages than disadvantages. When you’re solo, you get into more one-on-one conversations. You’re with a group all day, and you definitely aren’t going to get lonely.”
– Judy A. from Tiburon, California | Road Scholar Class of ‘08
Road Scholars are welcoming and inclusive
“I did my first solo trip last year, and I’m doing another one soon. There were plenty of single women on my trip, plus the couples were so welcoming and inclusive. Road Scholar travelers are open-minded and adventurous to begin with. If you are single, why should you give up travel just because you don't have a partner? Be brave and go for it.”
– Deborah O. from Glen Carbon, Illinois | Road Scholar Class of ‘17
“Be brave, and just go! Road Scholar has lots of solo travelers, and most travelers are great about including other participants in independent activities. You won’t feel like a third wheel, I promise. Most people love getting to know everyone in the group. I’ve always found my fellow travelers to be friendly and very interesting! Put yourself out there, introduce yourself and let others know you would love to be included in activities so they know to offer an invite. Take the initiative, think of what you want to do and ask if others want to join you. Road Scholar trips are so much fun. You’ll never regret going, solo or not.”
– Ruth G. from Boise, Idaho | Road Scholar Class of ‘12
Meeting people is easier when you travel solo
“Riverboat programs are best for solo travelers. Just about 120 people in the ship. The ports are right in downtowns. You meet people while you are on your own. I just came back from a wonderful riverboat program on the Danube River from Germany to Budapest.”
– Atefeh M. from Bethesda, Maryland | Road Scholar Class of ‘16
“I find that I meet people when I travel alone. It will really boost your confidence!”
– Libby K. from New York, New York
“Don't be shy. Talk to everybody! I've met some of the most interesting people traveling on my own.”
– Pat L. from Santa Rosa, California
Going solo means you get to do what YOU want
“Don't let being solo hold you back from seeing the world. I like going solo because I can do what I want, when I want. I don't have to compromise. I also find that it is much easier to meet and get to know locals when you are traveling solo. Spend some time doing research about no or low single supplements.”
– Kathy D. from Healdsburg, California | Road Scholar Class of ‘17
“You are free to learn at your own pace and truly enjoy the journey!”
– Janet H.
“It's easier to drain your bucket list as a solo traveler. You’re doing your thing where and when you want to, and anywhere is possible.”
– Kenn C. from Calgary, Alberta
To share a room or not to share a room?
“Why not? I often enjoy having a roommate and have met many wonderful friends that way. It's fun to have someone to talk to about the day’s adventures.”
– Paula W. from Newbury, Massachusetts | Road Scholar Class of ‘04
“I've always paid the extra to have a private room. I am an introvert/loner, and I enjoy my alone time when I go to my room at the end of the day’s activities.”
– Amy C. from Slaughter, Louisiana | Road Scholar Class of ‘15
“Look for departure dates that waive the ‘single supplement,’ but don’t miss out on an itinerary you really want because of a single supplement. The security of traveling in a group and the lovely people you will meet are worth the extra cost.”
– Cindy Y. from Fullerton, California
“You can be as sociable as you feel like at the time. If there is an option for shared accommodations, go for it at least once and see whether you enjoy the company.”
– Ellen T.
If you’re uneasy …
“Don't be deterred by feeling a little nervous before a solo trip. That's natural. I always feel that way, but once I get to my destination and actually start the trip, I can relax and enjoy.”
– Liz S. from St. Paul, Minnesota | Road Scholar Class of ‘18
“If it’s your first time traveling alone, consider taking a creative project along with you. Paint, write, crochet — whatever works for you — any time you start to feel overwhelmed.
– Nishita J.
Ready to get started?
Going solo doesn’t mean you have to be alone. Group travel can be a great option for single travelers to meet new friends with similar interests while you travel solo!