Solo Travel Soars in Popularity

Solo Travel Soars in Popularity

 

Solo travel soars in popularity…with a spin. Keep reading to find out what solo travelers want this year.

“I want to travel the world, and I don’t want to wait for others.”  That’s the number one reason solo travelers give as they plan their next adventure. 46% said that the feeling of freedom and independence drives their decision to travel alone.”— Regiondo

When deciding to travel solo, here are the top two questions to ask yourself:

Am I traveling to see the top sights, or am I looking for unique experiences?

Is my goal to travel alone, or would I like to travel in a small group of other solo travelers?

90% of solo travelers prefer to take tours with other travelers. They like escorted tours and especially cruises. (Solo Traveler World) And that’s the spin on solo travel. Many want to travel solo—but with other solo travelers.

Traveling Solo, In a Group

What’s the best balance between solo travel and experiencing the world with a group? The best option is to find a small group tour or cruise with many optional experiences and excursions. This type of tour allows the solo traveler to join others in the group or plan to spend the day exploring alone. Solo travelers are looking for flexibility. And they are looking for an experienced advisor to help them plan and get the most from their travel dollar.

Often, solo travel is more expensive than traveling with a partner. Join an established tour or group, and your travel dollar goes farther. You will still pay a single supplement from lodging (unless you share your accommodation with another solo traveler), but you can take advantage of group discounts on experiences and excursions.

Travel advisors can often obtain tickets and restaurant reservations for a small group where the solo traveler cannot book the experience.

An Example:  A Solo Cruise

In recent years, cruise lines have started catering to the solo traveler. Best known for solo cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line was the first to offer solo studio cabins without a solo supplement charge. Today, many cruise lines offer special solo cabins, solo rates, or promotions that waive the solo supplement. (A Tour Plan International travel advisor can help you find the perfect solo deal)

In 2023, a Tour Plan International team member booked a solo cruise cabin with a group of 20 solo cruisers. Here are a few advantages of being a solo cruiser in a group.

1. Group cruise pricing.
2. Transport from the airport to the hotel and then to the cruise embarkation terminal was booked for the group at a discounted per-person price. You can take advantage of the group pricing even as a solo cruiser.
3. Group hotel perks before the cruise in Puerto Rico. Also, in Old San Juan, sought-after tickets to a foodie tour, restaurant reservations, and much more.
4. A wide range of island excursions and transportation. Join the group or explore on your own. Many excursions came with a group discount.
5. Exclusive group concierge services on the ship, including specialty dining reservations for a table for one or a group of new friends.

Cruising solo but with a group of travelers provides you the flexibility to create your ideal vacation. Explore ports alone and meet your new friends for dinner or spend the day with a group.

Example 2:  A Tour Plan International Group Tour

Tour Plan International is known for small-group travel. Did you know you can book any of our tours as a solo cruiser? (With a solo supplement) Experience all the adventures and excursions planned by a Tour Plan advisor, but as a solo in a group.

Ask your advisor about tours that also offer optional excursions. For example, the Tour Plan International La Dolce Vita tour of Italy in 2023 offers several optional excursions. Join a group excursion or spend personal time exploring on your own. Solo travelers are looking for balance, and a curated tour may be the answer.

As a special note, be sure to review group tour itineraries to ensure that there is a balance of personal and optional or included excursions.

Example 3:  Book a Solo Adventure Without a Group

Group travel may not fit your need for solo travel. Tour Plan International also books travel for one. From flights to lodging and even private guides, we can help you craft the perfect vacation.

Visit our website and meet our Travel Advisors. Each bio lists its expertise. We know that we have an advisor that knows the inside tips on your bucket list travel destination.