National Plan a Solo Vacation Day

Solo travel has increased steadily in recent years, and many travelers are looking for ways to connect not just with their destinations but with fellow travelers. Many USTOA tour operators cater to solo travelers with special offers, waived solo supplements and creative programming. In celebration of National Plan a Solo Vacation Day on March 1, I’m sharing a few itineraries perfect for your clients who prefer to travel alone.

G Adventures’ Solo-ish Adventures have reimagined solo group travel by placing community at the core with front-loaded itineraries to encourage quick connection. On their Solo-ish Cambodia tour, travelers will trek through the lush jungles of the Cardamom Mountains, dive into the turquoise waters of Koh Rong and indulge in delicious local cuisine. All of G Adventures’ Solo-ish Adventures are led by female guides and include a “Me Day” for independent exploration.

For clients looking to save money and beat the crowds, Globus offers an off-season line of Escapes tours where they often waive the single supplement. Their Brazil & Argentina Escape begins with sightseeing and Brazilian barbecue in Rio de Janeiro. Then, travelers will flee the city for Iguassau Falls and a train ride through Brazil’s famed rainforests. The trip ends with four days of Argentine adventures in Buenos Aires.

Goway recently launched a line of itineraries designed specifically for women traveling solo. Their Secrets of India: A Women’s Journey traces northern India’s heritage from Delhi to Agra. Travelers are immersed in Indian culture with enriching museum and temple visits, a majestic boat ride in Lake Pichola where white marble palaces frame the shore and a one-of-a-kind dining experience at Molecule Air Bar where gastronomy meets theater.

Solo travelers will love African Travel Inc.’s Tanzania Explorer tour, and not just because the single supplement is waived on most departures. This locally hosted small group journey takes travelers on a safari of a lifetime through vast plains dotted with ancient baobabs, glowing sunsets and unforgettable wildlife encounters including flamingos, elephants and tree-climbing lions. This legendary safari trip is designed for comfort with accommodations that clients will love.

EF Go Ahead Tours offers curated trips for solo travelers that include a private room at no added cost. Their Ireland for Solo Travelers tour is a whirlwind cultural immersion with visits to Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle and, of course, plenty of stops at pubs for pints of Guinness. Each activity is designed to maximize bonding between travelers.