Travel Tips for Solo Travelers

There’s nothing like the freedom of traveling on your own—setting out solo and returning home after your journey with a special sense of independence and accomplishment. But just because you’re going solo doesn’t mean you have to be alone. Brushing up on your solo travel tips can help ensure your next adventure goes to plan.

As solo travel trends continue to grow, many who have never traveled solo have their reservations. Will it be lonely? Costly? We’ve put together this special resource page for solo travelers to help you navigate the world of solo travel, answer questions, address concerns, and offer fun, interesting and helpful tips and inspiration to get the most out of your solo travels! Keep reading below to learn more about how to travel alone and recommendations for planning a solo trip.

 

 

Seven Tips for Solo Travelers

Road Scholars Who Go Solo

Meet Anne

“This was my first Road Scholar trip, and the experience exceeded my expectations! As a solo traveler, it was wonderful to be a part of the group and learn from others, as well as the experts who spoke to us. On my own I probably wouldn't have visited some of the stops that were on the program, but everything is interesting when your group is treated as educational travelers and given exclusive access.”

“It was wonderful to be a part of the group and learn from others!”

Meet Dennis

“I’d wanted to go to India for a while, so I decided to give Road Scholar a try. It was the first time I ever did any kind of organized travel program. Considering the quality of the food, the places we stayed and the price I paid, I really don’t think I could have done something similar on my own. I learned a lot and had unique experiences—like an Indian cooking lesson and meals with families in their homes.”

“It was the first time I ever did any kind of organized travel program.”

Meet Rose

“This was my first Road Scholar trip, and I was very impressed with the organization of everything. The speakers and leaders were all excellent, and the participants were warm and friendly. Being single was not a problem! I am planning my next trip next month.”

“Being single was not a problem!”

Meet Brenda

“Just returned from the ‘Rim to Shore’ trip to Costa Rica. This was my first time solo traveling, and it couldn't have been more delightful. I felt included from the beginning and enjoyed sharing the educational adventures with a great group of people. The blend of lectures, field trips and active adventures was the perfect recipe for a memorable trip.”

“I felt included from the beginning.”

 

Rooming Options for Single Travelers

5 Reasons to Travel with Road Scholar

Top Destinations For Solo Travelers

Take a deeper look at some of our most popular travel destinations for singles and solos.

1. Italy

Explore medieval villages, discover Renaissance architecture, visit ancient marble quarries and savor renowned wine and cuisine as you learn the timeless stories of Italy. Explore Italy Programs

2. Hawaii

The Big Island was home to Kamehameha the Great, Maui is iconic for its lush island landscapes and Oahu is a history buff’s mecca. Learn Hawaii’s story on this adventure of a lifetime. Explore Hawaii Programs

3. Chicago

When it comes to world-class cities, Chicago is second to none. Come see why as you explore renowned art institutions, historic parks, the tallest building in North America and more! Explore Chicago Programs

4. Costa Rica

With more than 5% of the world’s biodiversity, 121 volcanic formations, 801 miles of coastline and hundreds of endemic birds, Costa Rica is a true Mecca for nature lovers to explore. Explore Costa Rica Programs

5. New Mexico

Discover the story of Northern New Mexico as you learn about its Pueblo People, historic monuments, unique architecture and Sky City — one of the oldest inhabited settlements in the US. Explore New Mexico Programs

6. Croatia

Alongside experts, learn about Roman monuments, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, National Parks and idyllic villages nestled above the waters of the Dalmatian Coast. Explore Croatia Programs

7. Ecuador

The Galápagos in Ecuador and Machu Picchu in Peru are two of Latin America’s most renowned icons. Come see for yourself as you discover the unique wildlife and preserved ruins of these two sacred places. Explore Ecuador Programs

8. Philadelphia

Revel in the artistry of Philadelphia as you visit some of the nation’s most celebrated museums, speak with a renowned sculptor and immerse yourself in the world of Rodin! Explore Philadelphia Programs

9. Cuba

Stroll the cobbled streets of Havana, discussing baroque architecture, traditional music, complex history and the importance of agriculture in this vibrant island nation. Explore Cuba Programs

FAQs for Traveling Alone

Are solo travel adventures expensive?

When traveling alone, you don’t have a partner that can split costs for transportation, lodging, and other expenses. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean traveling alone breaks the bank. 

As a solo traveler, you can set your own budget without having to abide by the budgets of other travelers. Plus, when traveling solo in an educational learning program with Road Scholar, we help organize your lodging and transportation for you to help keep costs down.

What do you do if you get lonely?

As you learn how to travel alone, you’ll probably wonder whether you’ll get lonely. While solo travel allows you to explore on your own terms at your own pace, going days or weeks without sharing your experiences with another person can be an adjustment. However, one of our top solo travel tips is to get out of your comfort zone. This means introducing yourself to locals, talking with guides, and even joining a tour group where you can discover your destination with a group of people.

“Wild” by Cheryl Strayed
In this riveting memoir, follow Cheryl on her 1,100-mile solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail and find out how the journey saved her.

“Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert
Following her divorce, Elizabeth crosses Italy, India and Indonesia. This memoir chronicles her journey around the world and her journey to self-discovery.

“Travels with Charley” by John Steinbeck
This American travelogue by author John Steinbeck documents his 1960 road trip around the United States with his poodle, Charley.

“In a Sunburned Country” by Bill Bryson
(Or really anything by Bill Bryson.) Join the hilarious Bill Bryson beyond the beaten path on his travels across the continent of Australia.

“Without Reservations: The Travels of an Independent Woman” by Alice Steinbach
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Alice Steinbach takes readers to some of Europe’s most exciting cities as she attempts to reconnect with herself.

“Coasting: A Private Voyage” by Jonathan Raban
In 1982, at the age of 40, Jonathan set out on a solo voyage that took him 4,000 miles around Britain in a restored sailboat. Join him on his adventures.

“Female Nomad and Friends: Tales of Breaking Free and Breaking Bread Around the World” by Rita Golden Gelman
This collection of travel essays and recipes documents the travels of Rita Golden Gelman, a newly divorced woman who sold everything she owned and became a full-time nomad.

“The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World” by Eric Weiner
Following Eric Weiner’s career as a foreign correspondent working in some of the most depressing places on earth, he sets out to find happiness in the world.

“A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush” by Eric Newby
English travel writer and adventurer Eric Newby published this comic masterpiece in 1958 about his adventures in the Nuristan mountains of Afghanistan.

“The Turk Who Loved Apples: And Other Tales of Losing My Way Around the World” by Matt Gross
Travel writer for the New York Times explores a new, immersive kind of travel when he allows himself to get lost and be guided by the destination.

JoAnn Bell
The New Era of the Solo Female Traveler

Women today are venturing outside of their comfort zone, seeking challenging and rewarding experiences as opportunities for learning and growth. JoAnn Bell shares stories of solo female travelers.

“Journeying solo doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be alone.”

Read the blog

Popular Adventures for Solo Travelers