SOLO TRAVEL
Go solo. See what happens.
No fixed plans, no compromises. Just you, a world of possibilities and the freedom to make every day your own.
Featured trips for solo travellers
Handpicked experiences worth checking out
Travel solo – your way
There's something pretty special about travelling on your own. You have the freedom to decide where to go, what to do and when to change your plans. But a solo trip is about more than freedom – it's also a chance to challenge yourself, become more independent and discover new sides of yourself. Are you ready to see what happens when you leave your routine behind and step outside your comfort zone?
Whether you dream of backpacking around Asia, road-tripping through Australia, trekking across South America or going on safari in Africa, solo travel will challenge you, inspire you and help you grow. And you can always combine independent travel with organised activities, group trips or local experiences where you'll meet other curious travellers and enjoy some company along the way.
If the thought of organising everything feels a little overwhelming, that's where we come in. We can help you plan a solo adventure that suits your interests, budget and travel style, so you can focus on looking forward to the journey.
Explore Fushimi Inari Shrine in Japan
Trek to Everest Base Camp
Everest Base Camp
Go on a group safari in South Africa
Relax in a hammock in Cambodia
Meet people at activities like river rafting
See the dead trees in Deadvlei, Namibia
Join a group trekking trip in Indonesia
Spot elephants - and Kilimanjaro - in Tanzania
Climb Kilimanjaro
Meet other travellers when diving
Discover the underwater world alone - but together
Best destinations for solo travellers
Some of our favourite destinations for solo travellers
Need help planning your solo trip?
Our travel experts can help you refine your ideas, pick the right destinations and plan your trip from start to finish.
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Why travel solo?
One of the biggest perks of travelling alone is that you're completely in charge. Fancy sleeping in? Do it. Want to spend three days surfing instead of visiting another temple? Go for it. Changed your mind about where to go next? No problem. You don't have to compromise or wait for someone else to be ready.
But the freedom is only part of it. Travelling solo also pushes you outside your comfort zone. You'll navigate unfamiliar places, make decisions for yourself and figure out what to do when things don't quite go according to plan. Those small wins can give you a serious confidence boost, and you'll come home knowing yourself a little better than when you left.
A common misconception is that solo travel means being lonely. In reality, travelling alone often makes it easier to meet people. When you're not travelling as part of a group, you're more likely to strike up conversations with other travellers, join an activity or grab some street food with someone you've just met. Maybe it'll just be a friendly chat by the pool or a few hours spent over a meal – or maybe you'll end up becoming friends and travelling together for a while.
You'll also have more space to be present. Without anyone else's schedule to follow, you can slow down, take a spontaneous detour or simply sit back and watch the world go by.
Hike in Guatemala
Explore Patagonia
See Machu Picchu
Join a yoga class in Thailand
Island hop in Fiji
Chill by a bonfire in Fiji
Marvel at the Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica
Spot sloths in Costa Rica
Visit Iguazú Falls in Brazil
Trek to the "Lost City" in Colombia
Go on a desert adventure in Morocco
Go kayaking in Canada
What should I be aware of when travelling solo?
Travelling solo can be incredibly rewarding, but it also means you're responsible for yourself and the decisions you make along the way.
When it comes to safety, a little preparation goes a long way. Research your destination before you go, check local customs and the latest travel advice, make sure you have appropriate travel insurance and share your itinerary with someone at home. It's also a good idea to have the first part of your trip planned before you leave, so you don't have to figure everything out as soon as you arrive.
When travelling alone, it's especially important to trust your instincts. If a situation feels uncomfortable, don't stay just to be polite. Keep an eye on your belongings, drink responsibly and think about how you'll get back to your accommodation, especially after dark.
If you're a woman travelling solo, it's worth doing some extra research into the places you plan to visit and thinking about what will help you feel comfortable and confident. That might mean choosing well-reviewed accommodation in a central area, using trusted transport options at night or dressing in a way that respects local customs. You may also decide it's worth spending a little extra on accommodation or transport – for example, by booking a private room instead of a dorm. If it gives you greater peace of mind, it's money well spent.
If you're unsure whether your dream destination is a good choice for solo travel, get in touch with our travel experts. We can guide you and help you plan a trip you'll feel confident about.
Another thing to keep in mind is that, when you're travelling alone, every decision is yours to make. That's part of what makes solo travel so special, but it can also lead to decision fatigue from time to time. The good news is that you don't have to do everything on your own. We can help you plan your route and book flights, accommodation and activities, and we're always happy to share our own solo travel experiences and best tips.
You can also join organised trips and activities along the way, whether it's for a single day from time to time - or a couple of weeks. It's a great way to take a break from planning, meet other travellers and enjoy some company without having to make all the connections yourself.
Visit glacier lakes in Peru
Go diving in the Philippines
Explore temples in Guatemala
Visit Zhangjiajie in China
Stay on a liveaboard in the Philippines
Pet a llama in Peru
Where should you go on a solo trip?
You can travel solo in many parts of the world, but some destinations are particularly well suited, especially if it's your first solo adventure. Places that are easy to get around, have a well-established backpacker scene and offer plenty of opportunities to meet other travellers are often a great place to start.
Southeast Asia is a classic choice. Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Malaysia all have well-established backpacker routes, plenty of hostels and countless opportunities to meet other travellers. Spend your days island hopping, learning to dive, hiking through jungles or exploring vibrant cities – all while travelling on a relatively modest budget.
Australia is another favourite, especially if you like the idea of combining freedom with a sociable backpacking scene. Surf lessons, hostels and organised experiences make it easy to meet people, while there's also plenty of freedom to explore at your own pace.
New Zealand is perfect if you're dreaming of nature and adventure. Hike through dramatic landscapes, learn to surf, hit the road in a campervan or join activities with other travellers.
South Africa offers a fantastic mix of wildlife, mountains, coastline, vibrant cities and adventure. English is widely spoken, making it easy to get around and connect with locals and other travellers.
The USA is a great choice if you've always dreamed of an epic road trip. You can explore at your own pace, while hostels, day tours and organised activities make it easy to meet other travellers along the way.
Of course, these are just a few ideas. The best destination depends on what you want from your trip, how much solo travel experience you have and how far outside your comfort zone you're ready to step. If you'd like some inspiration or help planning your adventure, get in touch with our travel experts. We'll help you find the destination that's right for you.
Go skydiving in Australia
Live your best life in South Africa
Sample amazing food in Thailand
Visit the local markets and shops in Sri Lanka
Learn to surf in Sri Lanka
Go trekking in New Zealand
Travel solo, but not alone - join a group trip
Not quite ready to spend your entire trip completely on your own? You don't have to choose between travelling with friends and travelling solo. A group trip gives you the best of both worlds.
With a KILROY group trip, you can turn up on your own and meet other travellers from day one. Our Tripmates trips are designed for young travellers and combine shared adventures with free time to explore independently. Groups are small, with a maximum of 12 travellers, and many people join solo, making it easy to get to know each other.
Our Tripmates trips vary in length and can, of course, be your entire adventure, but they can also be the start of a bigger journey. They're a great way to ease into independent travel before continuing on your own.
You could also consider volunteering or going on a working holiday in Australia, New Zealand or Canada. That way, you'll have a solid base for your trip while still enjoying the freedom to explore independently, meet new people and shape the rest of your journey as you go.
Tripmates in Indonesia
Tripmates in Georgia
Tripmates in Maldives
Tripmates in Nepal
Tripmates in Indonesia
Tripmates in Borneo
Tripmates in Sri Lanka
Tripmates in South Africa
Tripmates in Namibia
Tripmates in Eswatini
Tripmates in Malaysia
Tripmates in Bali
Tripmates in Albania
Frequently asked questions
In many places, yes. However, some countries and regions are better suited to solo travel than others. Research your destination before you go, check the latest travel advice and use common sense while you're there. It's also a good idea to share your itinerary with someone at home and make sure you have a way to stay in touch.
If you're unsure about where to go or how to plan your route, we're here to help. We can recommend destinations that are generally well suited to solo travellers, help you plan your route and book flights, accommodation and activities. And because many of our travel experts have travelled solo themselves, they're always happy to share their own experiences and best tips.
There's no single best destination, it all depends on what you're looking for. Southeast Asia is a popular choice thanks to its well-established backpacker scene and the many opportunities to meet other travellers. Australia and New Zealand are also great options if you're looking for a mix of independence, nature and a sociable travel scene. Japan is ideal if you enjoy culture, vibrant cities and getting around with ease, while South Africa combines unforgettable safaris, outdoor adventures, beaches and surfing.
It can be at times, but travelling alone doesn't mean you have to spend all your time by yourself. Staying in hostels, joining tours, taking classes and getting involved in local activities are all great ways to meet people. In fact, travelling solo often makes it easier to start conversations with other travellers because you're more approachable.
If you'd like the freedom of solo travel but also enjoy some company along the way, you can join one of our group trips and share your adventures with other curious travellers.
Stay somewhere social, such as a well-reviewed hostel, and look for activities that naturally bring people together. Walking tours, surf lessons, cooking classes, diving courses and group excursions are all great ways to meet other travellers.
You can also join a group trip, whether it's for your entire trip or just one part of a longer journey before continuing your adventure independently.
In many places, yes, but it's worth doing a little extra preparation. Research local customs and the areas you plan to visit, choose your accommodation carefully and think about how you'll get around, particularly after dark. Trust your instincts and don't be afraid to change your plans if something doesn't feel right.
If you're feeling nervous about travelling alone as a woman, feel free to reach out to our travel experts. They can help you choose a destination that's well suited to solo travel and plan a trip you can enjoy with confidence and peace of mind.
First of all, choose your destination (or destinations), decide roughly how long you want to travel and think about what you want to see and do. Maybe there's a specific country you've always wanted to visit, or perhaps you'd like to build your trip around an interest such as diving, surfing or hiking.
Once you've got the backbone of your journey in place, it's time to look at flights, accommodation, transport and activities. You don't need to plan every minute in advance, but it's a good idea to have at least the first part of your trip organised before you leave.
If it all feels like a lot to arrange on your own, we can help you put together an itinerary and route that suit your travel style.
You don't have to go from zero to becoming a completely independent backpacker overnight. Start by getting comfortable spending time by yourself: go out for a meal, visit a museum, explore another city or take a weekend trip solo.
You can also consider joining a group trip. On a group trip, you'll travel with a small group of like-minded adventurers, combining organised activities with free time to explore independently. It's a great way to ease into solo travel, build confidence and get used to travelling by yourself.
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You should go on a solo trip if you...
...want the freedom to do things your way
No compromises, no waiting around. Choose where to go, what to do and how to spend your time – every single day.
...want to challenge yourself and grow
Step outside your comfort zone, become more independent and get a serious confidence boost by navigating the world on your own.
...want to meet people from around the world
Travelling solo makes you more open to new connections. From hostel chats to spontaneous adventures, you’ll meet new people from all over the world.
