Holidays for solo travellers?

[Pythian]

I'm thinking about holidaying alone next year and I was wondering if anyone had been on one of those package tour type things for solo travellers? I have been away by myself before and sorted my own flights, accommodation, outings etc, but I just fancy going somewhere a bit different and not having to worry about all the arrangements it involves making. Plus, safety in numbers - when I've been abroad alone in the past, I feel like I've missed out on nightlife because of not wanting to go to bars or clubs as a single woman. Hopefully if I was in a group with other people in a similar situation, I could find someone to go with.

If you've done this, would you recommend it? Which tour company did you use and where did you go?

Tia!

Sounds like my sort of thing! Might see you there...

I've been on trips with Exodus and Explore about 5 times. They've all been great trips - I like a mix of nature and cities and choose the more sedate options i.e. some long walks included maybe of a few miles, but not full-on day hikes or biking.

I always ring up first though to get a gauge for ages and singles/couples mix before I book. I was about to book Sri Lanka once and was told it was all couples, all in their 70s. As a 45 year old single person I gave that one a swerve. The more sedate trips do tend to have a high average age though.

For anyone who's interested in an update, I've booked a 7 night tour of Sri Lanka, staying in a village resort and going on various day trips to temples, caves, wildlife parks etc. It's actually not with any of the mentioned companies, but I found one called Jules Verne Tours which has a number of tours for solo travellers and ordinary tours with no single supplement. They appealed because the flights are included in the cost so you really don't have to sort out much for yourself. I was told that two other singles are booked on the tour so far so I'm hopeful that I may have some bar companions for the evenings!

That sounds excellent!

I would pick a cruise, I just got back from one and made friends with a solo traveller. She had a great time, she enjoyed reading on the day at sea and sightseeing at our port of call. One afternoon we watched a show together.

I just read your update, that sounds amazing.

Oh wow, that sounds amazing OP. Although I have a partner he doesn't do holidays so I usually go with girl friends but that's becoming more tricky due to their availability. I wa s diagnosed with cancer recently and this is something I want to do when I'm through treatment. I'd love to do the Maldives or similar but I know it will have to be a solo trip.

Very excited for you x

Hope you will come back and let us know how it goes @Pythian . I think Jules Verne is a subsidiary of Kuoni. I went to Sri Lanka with them (as a single parent) quite a long time ago now. The guided part of the tour was very well organised. I took advantage of the no single supplement they offered so I had my own room. We also had 8 or 10 days at a beach resort (can’t remember which as it was so long ago) it is a beautiful country.