Solo traveling isn’t as lonely as it may sound. In fact, joining Road Scholar on one of our many tours will connect you with like-minded travelers who may just become lifelong friends.
Solo adventures can be intimidating, but there are some major benefits. For one, you are in charge of your travel destiny. You get to choose where you want to go and what you want to see. Step out of your comfort zone to meet new people, forge new friendships, and learn to enjoy your own company.
You may be surprised to hear that over 17 percent of baby boomers are planning an international solo trip this year, 25 percent of Road Scholars go to solo travel destinations, and a whopping 74 percent of female travelers went on a solo trip last year.
Nearly all of Road Scholar’s programs offer you the option to have a room to yourself. We even have special offers for single rooms at no extra cost.
Below you’ll find our best places to solo travel. Looking for more info? Check out our Solo Traveling Resources.
1. Italy
Italy has so much to offer the solo traveler from the Amalfi Coast, from the wine country all the way up to the Italian Riviera. Explore medieval villages, discover Renaissance architecture, and most importantly, enjoy those homemade pasta dishes Italy is known for. Bring a small group tour to the lesser-known villages of Tuscany and Umbria. Take a deep dive into the beautiful landscape of Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. Explore all of our Italy Programs to find one that suits you on your solo journey.
2. Costa Rica
Costa Rica makes the top of the list for the best places to travel solo. With more than five percent of the world’s biodiversity, 121 volcanic formations, 801 miles of coastline and hundreds of endemic birds, Costa Rica is truly a special place to explore. Gorgeous beaches, rainforests filled with unique animals, and the Monteverde Cloud Forest is enough to make any solo traveling experience one of a kind. The Road Scholar offers a 12-day Best of Costa Rica trip at no extra cost for singles. Raft, hike, kayak, and learn authentic Latin dance on the Rim to Shore Costa Rica Multi-Sport Adventure, another trip where singles go at no extra cost. There are many Costa Rica Programs to choose from at Road Scholar.
3. Hawaii
The Aloha is real on the Hawaiian Islands, where the water is warm and the beaches are some of the best in the world. There is a lot to explore on each of the six islands open to travelers. The Big Island has active volcanoes that you can hike through. Maui is iconic for its lush island landscapes, and Oahu is a history buff’s mecca and a surfer’s dream. Find out why Hawaii is one of the best destinations for solo travelers, and decide which island you would like to explore on the Road Scholar’s Hawaii Programs.
4. Chicago
Chicago is called the “Windy City” as it lies along the shores of Lake Michigan. This special city is known for its excellent shopping, vibrant arts scene, cultural attractions, and interesting 20th-century architecture and art. Frank Lloyd Wright fan? Chicago is your destination, and Road Scholar offers a special tour for the architectural buffs. Sports junkie? The city is home to the Chicago Bears, Chicago White Sox and Cubs baseball teams, and the Chicago Bulls in basketball. It’s also one of the best destinations for solo travelers, offering much in the way of arts and entertainment. Road Scholars offers many tours to explore Chicago as a solo traveler.
5. New York, New York
There are so many unique attractions to explore in New York that you could be there for three months and not see them all. New York offers attractions like Broadway theater shows, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Get an insider’s perspective on New York as you explore Ellis Island, The Met Museum, and Brooklyn. New York is well-known for its pizza shops and some of the best dining experiences in the world. One could argue that New York is an ideal solo traveler destination.
6. Key West, Florida
Florida is a great place to travel solo, especially in Key West, where the swimming and snorkeling opportunities are plentiful. Tour the former homes of famous writer Ernest Hemingway or President Harry Truman. Take a 7-day tour of Key West and its colorful history and visit the Overseas Railroad Museum, see the Custom House, or study the Keys’ vast ecology.
7. Paris, France
The City of Love is a great place to indulge in things you adore if you’re solo traveling. Meander around 50 museums and attractions at your own pace. Sit at a Parisian cafe and enjoy your coffee and croissant — Parisian cafes with small tables are perfect for a solo traveler. Witness the grand culture of Paris with Road Scholar on expert-led walks and independent excursions, where you will learn about the architecture, visit the world-class museums, and eat some of the best cuisines in the world.
Our solo guided tours at Road Scholar place you in a cohort of lifelong learners. Whether it’s your first solo adventure vacation or your 10th, you’ll gain privileged access to some of the world’s most sought-after destinations. All this is led by expert instructors who guide you throughout your tour in an entourage of solo travelers, groups, and couples.
Become a Road Scholar Today
If you’re interested in travel tours for single adults that explore Europe, use the “Destination” filter. Or, if you’re sticking to a budget, you can refine your search based on price, so you can find solo travel destinations that keep your finances in check. Road Scholar aims to provide immersive, educational and memorable adventure travel for solo traveling. Enroll in a solo educational adventure today with Road Scholar!
