Going solo: how to travel the world on your own

Ever feel like your freedom and desire to explore the world rarely lines up with your ideal travel buddies? You are not alone. A big part of our very existence is helping solo travellers, especially women, get out there to see, do and experience every corner of our planet. Sure, you can strike out on your own but a small group gives you enough structure, guidance and safety to truly enjoy each place. But where in the world do you go first? We say anywhere as long as it’s with us, but here are a few starter destination ideas and how we help.

Zip out on your own in Costa Rica

What you’ll love: What’s not to love about this Central American gem? Peaceful. Friendly. Incredibly biodiverse. Costa Rica is big on adventure and a welcoming place to explore by yourself. Head off from the group as you please to commune with capuchin monkeys, laze on locally-known beaches and sip coffee grown on the surrounding hillsides.

How we help: Even if your Spanish skills are lacking, you’ll find that Costa Ricans light up if you even try a poquito (small bit) of their language. Your local guide can bridge gaps and set you in the right direction for free time adventuring. Having that connection in your back pocket is peace of mind as you open yourself up to the local people, places and experiences.

Our tour suggestion:
Costa Rica Quest

Make new pals in Portugal

What you’ll love: By gosh, Portugal is pretty. Sun-dappled streets. Delicious food. Comfortable living. It’s easy to fall in love here whether it’s with the people you meet or the taste of a Portugese custard tart. You can wander charming hillside towns on your own or grab a glass of port wine with a new friend.

How we help: A natural camaraderie grows through shared experience so don’t be surprised if you become best friends with fellow travellers. Maybe it’ll be the magic sounds of Fado night and a traditional Portugese meal that creates a connection. Lots of our travellers stay in touch long after wandering cobblestone streets and bustling markets together.

Our tour suggestion:
Highlights of Portugal

Let us transport you to Iceland

What you’ll love: Erupting geysers! Geothermal landscapes! Raging waterfalls! All roads in Iceland lead to sights that blow your mind. Stop in local guesthouses for regional flavours and chat before heading out to days full of bubbling mud pools, fjords and glaciers. It’s the kind of place to get lost in quiet contemplation as you soak in natural hot springs and wonder when you can do it all again.

How we help: Iceland isn’t short on natural wonders but typically involves a few long (but scenic!) drives. Leave the navigation and watching the road to local experts as you can take in passing landscapes. With transportation off your plate, all of your energy is saved for group and solo excursions along the way.

Our tour suggestion:
Best of Iceland

Take the helm in Greece

What you’ll love: We all have passions and what better place to explore them than the Greek Islands? Whether you’re into sailing, photography, food and wine, snorkelling or history — you can pursue them all as you cruise the Southern Cyclades. Explore local tavernas, ancient tombs, and cliffside towns full of whitewashed houses before regrouping back on board each night.

How we help: With your skipper’s guidance, you can try your hand at sailing as you pass islands like Naxos and Ios. Plenty of free time and a flexible itinerary means you can make time for any pursuits that float your boat. As a self-catering trip, foodies can gather local ingredients for group meals or eat out at each new spot. Outside of planned excursions, how you spend your time really is up to you.

Our tour suggestion:
Sailing Greece - Santorini to Mykonos

Explore modern and ancient Egyptian culture

What you’ll love: Just saying the word Egypt brings so many iconic landmarks to mind like the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. They are truly something to behold but there’s also a rich culture and vibrant people to discover beyond the time of Tutankhamun. Explore bustling souks and bazaars, sit down with a Nubian family to sample traditional fare, and sail the Nile overnight on a traditional felucca.

How we help: As with any place you’ve never been, it can be overwhelming to understand the ins and outs of a country or culture outside your own. Our local guides are there to advise on everything from local dress etiquette to tipping norms to personal health and safety. All of their expertise makes for a more mindful and relaxed experience.

Our tour suggestion:
Best of Egypt

If you can believe it, there’s SO MUCH MORE we could tell you about the joys of solo travel with G Adventures. Like did you know that we don’t charge a single supplement? We’ll pair you up with another same sex roomie so you pay the same as everyone else. If you’d rather go fully solo, we offer a My Own Room option at a really decent price too. Check out our solo travel primer to learn more.