How To Choose The Right Solo Holiday

Solo travel has changed. It is no longer just for backpackers, gap years or people who “couldn’t find anyone to go with”. More travellers are choosing to holiday alone because they want freedom, flexibility and the chance to enjoy a trip on their own terms.

ABTA has reported a year-on-year rise in solo travellers, with 16% of travellers saying they had taken a holiday by themselves in the 12 months to August 2023, compared with 11% the previous year.

The real question is not whether solo travel is a good idea. It is what kind of solo holiday is right for you.

Start With The Style Of Solo Travel You Want

A common mistake is thinking of solo travel as one single type of holiday. In reality, there are several very different ways to travel alone.

You might want complete independence, where every day is your own. You might prefer a small group tour, where you have your own room but share experiences with like-minded travellers. Or you may want a cruise, where the structure, dining, entertainment and excursions are already built in.

The right choice depends on how confident you feel travelling independently, how sociable you want the experience to be, and how much planning you want to handle yourself.

For a first solo holiday, I often recommend choosing something with a little structure. That might be an escorted tour, a cruise with solo-friendly facilities, or a resort where everything is easy once you arrive.

Think About How Social You Want To Be

Solo does not have to mean lonely.

Some travellers love the idea of complete quiet: reading by the pool, exploring at their own pace and enjoying meals without compromise. Others want the freedom of travelling alone but still like the option to meet people.

This is where the holiday type matters.

A large resort may offer comfort and facilities, but it can feel isolating if most guests are couples or families. A boutique hotel, group tour, wellness retreat or cruise with solo gatherings may feel more natural if you would like conversation without being forced into constant group activity.

The key is choosing an environment where being solo feels normal, not like an afterthought.

Be Realistic About Your Confidence Level

There is no prize for choosing the most adventurous option first.

If this is your first solo holiday, a familiar destination, direct flights, private transfers and a well-located hotel can make a huge difference. You can still have independence without creating unnecessary stress.

For example, a city break in Lisbon, a wellness escape in Greece, a solo cruise from Southampton or an escorted tour through Italy may feel far more reassuring than a multi-stop itinerary with complicated transport connections.

Confidence often grows with experience. A well-planned first solo holiday can open the door to more adventurous trips later.

Choose The Right Destination

Not every destination suits every solo traveller.

When choosing where to go, think beyond the headline appeal. Consider how easy it is to get around, whether English is widely spoken, how safe the destination feels, what the evening atmosphere is like, and whether the style of holiday suits someone travelling alone.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office recommends checking destination-specific travel advice before travelling, including safety, entry requirements and local laws. The FCDO also has dedicated guidance for solo and independent travellers, covering planning, staying safe and preparing before departure.

This is not about being fearful. It is about making informed choices so you can relax and enjoy the experience.

Understand Single Supplements

One of the biggest frustrations for solo travellers is the single supplement.

Many hotel rooms and cruise cabins are priced based on two people sharing. When one person occupies the room alone, the price per person can increase because the supplier is still charging for the space.

That does not mean solo travel has to be poor value. Some cruise lines offer dedicated solo cabins. Some escorted tours have limited no-single-supplement places. Some hotels price more fairly for single occupancy, especially outside peak dates.

This is where expert advice can save a lot of time. The best-value solo option is not always the cheapest headline price. It may be the holiday that gives you the right location, comfort, transfers, support and overall experience without unnecessary hidden compromises.

Consider A Cruise For Your First Solo Holiday

Cruising can work extremely well for solo travellers, particularly if you like the idea of seeing several places without repeatedly packing, unpacking or navigating transport alone.

A cruise gives you a clear base, organised dining, entertainment, excursions and plenty of chances to be sociable if you want to be. Some ships also offer solo cabins, solo meet-ups or shared tables at dinner.

That said, not every cruise line is equally suited to solo travellers. Some ships feel more traditional, some more relaxed, some more adult-focused, and some more activity-led.

The right cruise should match your personality, not just your budget.

Escorted Tours Can Offer The Best Of Both Worlds

Escorted touring is a strong option if you want to travel independently but still enjoy shared experiences.

You have the freedom of going without a companion, but you are not responsible for every transfer, route, entrance ticket or local arrangement. This can be especially useful for destinations where logistics are more complex.

For example, a solo traveller may feel comfortable doing a simple European city break independently but prefer an escorted tour for Japan, India, South Africa or a multi-centre adventure.

Good touring is not about being herded around. The better options give structure, insight and company while still allowing space to enjoy the destination properly.

Think Carefully About Dining

Dining is one of the areas solo travellers often worry about most.

Some people love eating alone. Others feel self-conscious, especially in very couple-focused restaurants or resorts. This should influence the type of holiday you choose.

Cruises, small group tours, adult-focused hotels, wellness retreats and city breaks with casual dining scenes can all make meals feel easier. Room service, beach clubs, food markets and hotel restaurants can also help when you want relaxed options.

A good solo holiday should make everyday moments feel comfortable, not awkward.

Build In Support Without Losing Independence

One misconception about solo travel is that asking for support somehow makes it less independent.

In reality, having flights, transfers, accommodation and practical arrangements handled properly gives you more freedom once you are there. You can still explore, relax and make your own decisions, but with the reassurance that the foundations are in place.

For solo travellers, details matter. Flight times, arrival transfers, hotel location, room type, resort atmosphere and local support can all make or break the experience.

RC Travel can help by narrowing down the options, matching the holiday to your confidence level and travel style, and making sure the practical details are thought through before you go.

My Advice

For a first solo holiday, do not start by asking, “Where is cheapest?”

Start by asking, “Where will I feel comfortable, confident and excited?”

A successful solo holiday should give you freedom without making you feel exposed, and independence without unnecessary hassle. For many travellers, the best first choice is a destination with easy logistics, a sociable but relaxed setting, and enough structure to feel supported.

That might be a cruise, a small group tour, a wellness retreat, a city break or a carefully chosen resort. The right answer is personal, but it should always feel reassuring as well as inspiring.

One conversation with RC Travel can help turn a broad idea into a holiday that feels properly suited to you — from destination choice and room type to transfers, travel protection and the small details that make travelling alone feel easier.

Final Takeaway

Solo holidays can be incredibly rewarding, but the best ones are rarely chosen by chance.

When the destination, holiday style, accommodation and support are properly matched to you, solo travel can feel liberating rather than daunting. The goal is not simply to go away alone. It is to come home feeling that the holiday worked beautifully for you.