5 of the best holidays for solo travellers

But travelling alone can have its challenges. Who’ll watch your bags while you pop to the loo? What if you get lost looking for your hotel? What if you find that you hate eating alone every evening?

That’s where we come in. Escorted group tours are a great way to holiday if you’re on your own but you still want that bit of reassurance (and the ease of knowing that your itinerary has been expertly planned by people who really know the destination).

Where to travel alone on holiday?

Below you’ll find details of five of our favourite holiday ideas for solo travellers – and why we rate them. Each one has an alternative option too, just to give you an idea of how much choice there is for single travellers. Scroll further down and you’ll also find a few top tips for travelling on your own.

1. Experience India's colour & culture

India is the hottest ticket in travel right now – and this itinerary is by far our most popular. It combines the ‘big three’ of the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Jaipur and Agra – home to the Taj Mahal) with two nights in Ranthambore National Park, one of the best places in India to try and spot rare Bengal tigers.

Although travelling on your own in India is perfectly do-able, opting for an escorted tour offers that bit more comfort. Having an expert local guide also provides you with insight and expertise that you might not otherwise find – which really helps to bring each place alive.

Already ticked India off your wish list? Experience Caribbean colour and culture on Cuban Discovery.

2. Discover desert sights & Dead Sea delights in Jordan

The tiny kingdom of Jordan is a truly rewarding place to explore, but going it alone can be tough to organise if you’re not a seasoned solo traveller. On our solo tour, we’ll start with three nights in capital city Amman – our base for exploring Jerash, the ‘desert castles’ and (of course) the city itself.

We’ll then make our way south for a full day at Jordan’s star attraction, Petra, before heading into the Wadi Rum desert for a fantastic lunch surrounded by Mars-like scenery. We finish up at the Dead Sea, with free time for you to relax and soak in the mineral-rich waters.

Jordan not for you? Try a different desert on Uzbekistan - Jewel of the Silk Road.

3. Enjoy canyons & coastal drives in California

A classic west-coast USA tour, California and the Golden West takes you to the best bits of Cali, Arizona and Nevada. You’ll see the bright lights of Vegas, LA and San Francisco; explore artsy Carmel and Sedona; admire the landscapes at Yosemite and the Grand Canyon; and drive a section of the iconic Pacific Highway 1.

It’s one of America’s best-loved road trip routes, showing the highlights reel of this laid-back region. And the best part? We do all the driving, so you can sit back, relax and take in the scenery.

Looking for a different American adventure? Try Southern Sights and Sounds.

4. Uncover Georgia & Armenia's mountain monasteries & time-honoured traditions

Traditionally destinations for more adventurous independent travellers, an escorted tour is a great way to explore these off-the-tourist-trail countries.

You won’t just be seeing the sights, either. We've wrapped some really memorable experiences into the itinerary, including a choir performance in a cave monastery, tastings of Armenian brandy and Georgian wine, and a cooking class in Yerevan.

5. Travel to Italy for dreamy views & evening aperitivi

A solo holiday doesn’t need to be an action-packed, always-on-the-go type of trip. Sometimes it’s lovely to enjoy a bit of relaxation time, too. This Stay & Explore holiday is based in a charming hotel on the shores of Lake Orta, with widescreen views of the water, a lakefront pool and gardens that are perfect for sipping a chilled glass of wine or an Aperol spritz (or two).

Included excursions take you to the mountain town of Aosta and into Switzerland (travelling on some spectacularly scenic railways). On your free days, you can take it easy or join optional trips to Milan and neighbouring Lake Maggiore.

How to go travelling on your own: top tips for solo travellers

• Don’t be shy about introducing yourself to others. On group tours in particular, it’s likely they’ll be in the same boat, feeling a bit nervous or apprehensive about the trip.

• Look for holidays with no single supplement (or a low supplement if there is one). On our solo tours, the prices are designed specifically for singles – so there are no additional supplements to pay.

• Don’t be afraid of dining alone. It can be a great way to reflect on the day and the memories you’ve made (and to people-watch). That said, if you’re on one of our solo tours, your tour manager will always be around to book tables whenever meals aren’t included. So if you’d rather have a chat with fellow travellers over dinner, you can.

• Take plenty of photos to show friends and family when you get home. And if you’re worried that you won’t have that perfect snap of you in front of the Taj Mahal, just offer to take photos of other travellers for them and they’ll likely return the favour.

• Make a note of useful contact numbers, just in case. We have a 24-hour helpline, which you can call at any time while you’re away if you need assistance.

• On a group tour, if you’d love to visit a particular place but aren’t sure about going it alone, ask around. More often than not, someone else will be happy to go with you.

For more inspiration for where to travel alone, take a look at our solo tours collection.