Travel without compromises - experiences uniquely you.
When you consider the myriad of amazing travel destinations, sensory experiences and adventures to be enjoyed - awakening the mind, rejuvenating the soul _ what makes travel so rewarding is that it is truly an individual experience. When we travel with a partner or plan a trip with a friend, there are compromises to be made - you tag along to the umpteenth war museum, you succumb to western cuisine although the aromas of the bustling local markets entice you more. A sojourn to Tuscany where you learn the art of Italian cooking would rate as one of your ultimate experiences, yet you can't convince your partner, family or friends to come with you, and so alas, it remains in the ‘some day' ether.
Welcome to Solo Travel. In a nutshell, it's travel without compromises. We've assembled an impressive selection of travel experiences that cater for people who, for whatever reason, travel on their own, but prefer not to be completely alone. However, Solo Travel and our partners are not ‘dating agencies'. Our journeys, from the unexplored to the luxury, are about travellers enjoying their holidays. And what makes these experiences so exciting is that there's an incredibly strong common interest with those you travel with _ shared passions with like-minded people experiencing destinations that truly captivate! Experiences you want to enjoy. From the bazaars of Morocco, cultural encounters in Tuscany, the allure of Egypt, mystical Bhutan, and more. Our experiences are set to inspire the young (and inquisitive) at heart.
Our style of travel - it's all about the experience.
What makes Solo Travel so exciting is that we've hand-picked the tours and experiences from quality operators spanning the four corners of the globe. They all cater for the solo traveller, but they're not all run-of-the-mill holidays typical of the larger tour companies. And they're definitely not for ‘singles' looking to become ‘couples'. We also have a number of journeys that are exclusively for women, as there's a level of kinship unique to these adventures. They're less competitive, more relaxing, and it's easier to make friends.
We understand the difference between ordinary and extraordinary is often just a little extra, and that is what we aim to deliver - that "wow" experience. This could be an action-packed adventure holiday for the more physically active traveller, or tours that cater to a wide range of interests such as arts and culture, fine dining and wines, shopping, and even spiritual journeys. There are soft adventure options, too.
What our selection of journeys have in common is an emphasis on quality - think Greek-island-hopping by luxury yacht or exploring the Costa Rican jungle while staying in upmarket lodges - and more aimed at the mature traveller, from a mature 30-something through to a young-at-heart solo traveller who has retired. Yet keep in mind that if you select a journey to a remote corner of the world, naturally you'll need to pack a healthy respect for limited standards. From engaging expeditions in pristine environments to easy going discovery travel, from enlightening self-discovery to self-indulgent hedonistic heights - come and explore itineraries to spark the imagination.
Nature at its finest - mother nature beckons.
Mother Nature has a lot to account for. Her innumerable creations of breathtaking beauty around the globe tantalise the curious, virtually demand to be witnessed firsthand, and firmly position themselves as ‘must sees in a lifetime'. Add to this biospheres packed with enchanting creatures large and small, and rich flora - from ancient evergreens to dense tropical jungles to carpets of wildflowers. It's little wonder that nature calls.
For solo travellers, nature's remote and mysterious realms have, to a degree, been inaccessible due to logistics, safety and sheer cost. With this in mind, we have assembled an impressive selection of nature tours that enable you to explore nature in its full glory. Meet mountain gorillas in the remarkable Virunga Volcanoes, witness the great migratory herds across the vast plains of Africa, stare in awe at the cascades of Iguazú Falls, sunbathe with fur seals in nature's playground at the Galapagos, or explore the untamed wilderness of Alaska. We've sought out sights and experiences throughout the seven continents.
As our portfolio continues to grow, we empower our solo travellers with intimate passage into the most hidden corners of the world. We offer a range of travelling styles, from the truly intrepid to the luxurious, so you can select your comfort zone. And whilst some of these journeys are solo travel opportunities within a tour composition that may include couples, that's largely due to the appeal of the journey itself. Imagine the ‘impossible dream' and let us make it a reality for you.
Indulge in culture - the heart & soul of travel.
Travel brochures abound with opportunities for ‘cultural' experiences - a few hours of interaction with locals, a visit to a local vineyard, tickets to an opera in Vienna. At Solo Travel, we define cultural travel as an immersion in the destination you visit - to bring alive the beauty of the countryside, flavours of the cuisine, and unique customs; to immerse yourself deep into the heart and soul of the region; to experience what's genuinely authentic, alive and memorable.
Our cultural journeys include themes such as history, archaeology, architecture, art, tradition, and more. Our popular culinary cultural journeys are ideal for the food-lover, and include cooking instructions, plus visits to markets, vineyards, bakers, cheese makers and the like. Alternatively you can walk, paint, photograph or sing in the footsteps and landscapes of some of the world's great poets, writers and artists, while sharing hillsides frequented perhaps only by goatherds and their flocks.
Learn the secrets of Tuscan cuisine from a Florentine chef in Italy; enjoy performances by renowned musicians in some of the world's most picturesque locations, such as Ravello or the Cloister of St. Francis in Sorrento. Or immerse yourself in a Moroccan experience, where you discover cultural heritage, archaeology and architectural splendours, as well as traverse local Berber villages. Yet while many of our cultural journeys are along the roads less travelled, an undeniable quality prevails. And one thing is certain - our cultural programs epitomise what it is to really travel.
A world of adventure - choose your ‘comfort' zone.
For many, the word ‘adventure' conjures up visions of trekking mountain peaks, touting backpacks and ‘roughing it'. If that's what you're after, we can arrange this as well, however, our typical adventures are active and adventurous, yet put a firm emphasis on creature comforts, and are more likely very comfortable.
Picture a 4WD wildlife safari, tracking the ‘big 4' in the depths of Africa, and then returning to a five-course banquet under the stars. Think... a heli-hiking experience in the Canadian Rockies, where by day you explore pristine alpine meadows blanketed by wildflowers and cobalt lakes, while at night you soak in a rooftop spa at your lodge, gazing at the great spires and the glaciers that swirl at their feet. Even the Greek isles beckon with extraordinary yachting adventures that appeal to the young at heart, especially those eager to venture off the beaten path.
Whether you're keen to ride on horseback through the Montana wilderness or walk the mountain trails of the Himalaya, we have a very healthy selection of unique journeys that cater for the solo traveller.
From outdoor travel experiences that are not especially physically demanding through to those requiring a large dose of physical stamina, we span the world with unique and inspiring journeys. As well, many provide local ‘insider access' experiences that connect you to the people and cultures of your destination, and virtually all are best defined as small group adventures. We even have adventures exclusive to solo female travellers, where women can be athletic and try out new activities in a non-competitive atmosphere. All in all, remarkable.
Special interests - let your passion take you places.
Special interest tours are in a category of their own - leisurely paced, dream fulfilling journeys about a passion which you share with other kindred souls. From glorious gardens, flower shows, bird watching, national parks, wildlife, photography, walking and yoga, through to art, craft, painting, architecture, writing, cooking, genealogy, antiques, gourmet food and wine - and lots, lots more.
From palace hotels in India to luxurious spa resorts in Japan, art tours in Russia to botanical expeditions in China, and garden tours in the UK and Europe, our selection of journeys are for the inquisitive traveller who yearns to experience creative itineraries and expert guides with intimate local knowledge. Our extensive contacts around the world enable us to provide you with travel and touring options for special activities. Gain access to private gardens, meet artists in their studios, look for antiques in Japanese flea markets, explore Greek archaeological excavations and attend local festivals that are not included in a standard mass produced tour. Enjoy gourmet banquets in a Japanese Ryokan, cooking demonstrations in India or home cooked meals in Russia.
On these journeys you could be staying at first-class hotels, picturesque village inns, converted palaces and castles, or farmhouses - all chosen for their convenient location, cultural charm and quality of facilities.
Whether you find yourself exploring the historic waterways of Russia or the rainforests of Costa Rica you'll be accompanied by experienced, specialist guides delivering passion, insight and fun.
