The best destinations for solo travellers

Solo travel is a marvellous thing, perhaps taking us out of our comfort zones and also giving us the chance to meet new people and live experiences we wouldn’t if we had to take a travelling companions into account. We’ve shared some of our favourite destinations for solo travellers.


Iceland

Repeatedly named the safest country by the Global Peace Index, this Nordic name is one of our favourites for in-your-face nature. Blessed with dramatic landscapes of glaciers, hot springs, geysers, volcanoes and lava fields, it begs to be explored under your own steam or the many excursions we can arrange from the capital - tailor-made to you but including the Golden Circle of the country’s most popular natural attractions: Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir and Thingvellir National Park. Geothermal-run Reykjavik itself is fantastic for a city break, with sights including the National and Saga museums with their Viking history displays.

East Coast Australia

With huge numbers of solo travellers exploring its cities, beaches, rainforest and other attractions, the Pacific coast of Australia is a brilliant place to go it alone, with plenty of scope to socialise with others when the mood strikes. It’s hard to narrow down our top spots, but Sydney is a must-see, as is the Cairns and Port Douglas area - gateway to the Great Barrier Reef for out-of-the-world snorkelling and swimming, and to the world’s oldest rainforest, Daintree, where you can live authentic aboriginal experiences and see cassowaries and crocodiles.

Galapagos

Who needs travelling companions when you’re surrounded by nature like this? This volcanic archipelago is one of the world’s best destinations for wildlife-viewing, but it’s hugely protected for good reason. We’ll book you onto an intimate boat cruise with an eco-friendly operator whose expert crew will help you make the most of your observation of the plant and animal species that inspired Charles Darwin ’s theory of evolution– many found nowhere else on Earth, including marine iguana and fur seals.

Lisbon

Forbes named Portugal the friendliest country in the world, and its capital Lisbon is one of our top city-break recommendations in all Europe. Both timeless and modern, laidback and exciting, and sun-drenched to boot, it offers up simple pleasures – sampling Pastéis de Belém’s famed custard tarts, feasting on grilled sardines in the Alfama district, and riding the tram or funicular to discover charming neighbourhoods. You’re also a short hop from Atlantic surfing beaches and beauty spots such as Azenhas do Mar ('Watermills of the Sea').

Amsterdam

Within easy reach of Ireland and with locals who all speak great English, the Netherlands’ capital is one of our favourite city-break destinations, tailor-made for canal-boat rides and exploring by bike. Art-lovers are in heaven here, too, with world-class works on display at many venues including the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk and the Van Gogh Museum. There’s wonderful architecture to discover as well, including canalside buildings with iconic gabled facades.

Vietnam

A wonderful South-east Asian destination that we always recommend to our customers looking for something further-flung, Vietnam has well-trodden routes for touring – and we are able to offer an array of tailor-made options taking into account your interests. These might be foodie-focused, history-based, remote sorties in search of hill tribes from whom you might learn about traditional ways of life, or even beach breaks - or a combination of some or all of these.

To book your solo holiday, call your Travel Counsellor today

Music and Mountains of Tennessee

10 May 2025

Discover the spirit of the American South on a journey through Tennessee’s most memorable destinations — where rich history, mountain landscapes, and legendary music come together. From the heritage of Atlanta and the charm of Chattanooga to the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains and the lively music of Nashville and Memphis, this itinerary offers a perfect blend of culture, scenery, and unforgettable experiences.

Walking the Camino de Santiago with Intrepid

10 May 2025

Walk the final 100 km of Spain’s most iconic pilgrimage route, the Camino de Santiago. This journey takes you through the Galician countryside, visiting traditional towns, Roman sites, and historic landmarks along the way. With a local guide and a small group, enjoy a well-supported and enriching travel experience that’s as practical as it is memorable.

Sail through Central Europe on a classic Danube River Cruise

10 May 2025

Explore some of Europe’s most beautiful cities and towns as you cruise along the Danube River aboard the elegant MS Riviera Radiance. Over eight days, travel through Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria, visiting imperial capitals, riverside villages and UNESCO-listed landmarks. With expert-led tours, stunning scenery and a relaxed pace, this itinerary offers a well-rounded mix of culture, history and comfort.