“Many solo travellers often enjoy a mix of travel styles within their holiday experience - mixing independent and group travel, a gate-to-gate escorted tour, your own room on a group trip, or sometimes sharing a room to save. There is no one way, it’s what is right for you.”
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Solo travel styles: four ways to travel on your own
Four ways to travel on your own, from independent days to escorted tours
You don't have to choose between travelling alone and travelling with others. There are four common solo travel styles, from independent adventures with the option to join a group to fully escorted tours where the logistics are taken care of. New to going solo? See why solo travel is trending first.
Wendy Harrison from House of Travel The Crossing helps travellers find solo holidays that suit their personalities, preferences and budgets. Here’s how to work out which solo travel style might suit you, what to consider when booking and what to ask your travel consultant.
Social Explorer: independent days with a group option
You like a balance. You enjoy some me-time but also like meeting people. Combining independent travel with group tours or cruises gives you freedom when you want it and friendly company when you don't. This suits people who want to plan some days themselves but not eat every dinner alone.
Find Your Tribe: a gate-to-gate escorted tour
You join a small escorted or hosted tour from the departure lounge and travel with the same group the whole way. It's hassle-free and sociable, and you're never alone. This suits first-time solo travellers and anyone who'd rather not organise the logistics.
Your own room: pay the single supplement, keep your privacy
A single supplement is the extra charge for using a room priced for two. Pay it and you join the group by day and have your own space at night. We can book a single room on most tours and cruises, and some trips and cruise lines don't charge the supplement at all.
Happy to share: skip the supplement with a room buddy
On select tours you can share with a same-gender traveller and avoid the single supplement. It's a good way to save, and you might meet your travel twin along the way.
Style | Best for | Room | How social |
|---|---|---|---|
Social Explorer | Mixing independent and group days | Depends on the trip | Flexible |
Find Your Tribe | First-time solo travellers and those wanting less planning | Own room or share, subject to availability | High |
Your Own Room | Privacy and recovery time | Private room; a single supplement may apply | Group activities by day, privacy at night |
Happy to Share | Travellers wanting to reduce costs | Shared room with same-gender traveller, subject to operator rules | High |
How to choose your style
Think about the end of the day. If you want to switch off alone, choose a single room. If you'd rather have company, share.
Think about planning. If you enjoy it, mix independent and group days. If you don't, choose an escorted tour.
Think about budget. Room sharing and no-supplement trips cost less.
Before you book, talk to your travel consultant
Whether you want your own room or are happy to share
How much of the trip you want planned for you
Whether you'd like a female tour leader or a women-only departure
Ready to find your solo travel style?
Whether you’re planning your first solo adventure, looking to join a small group tour or looking to keep costs down, the right advice can make all the difference.
Find a solo holiday that suits you. Connect with our local House of Travel consultant to explore your options, compare trips and find the right balance of independence, company and comfort for your next adventure.
Ready to Roam? Book Your Escape 30
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Explore Auckland to the Solomon Islands
Auckland to the Solomon Islands
Cruise from Auckland through Norfolk Island, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands on this South Pacific voyage with Swan Hellenic. Discover remote shores, vibrant cultures and spectacular tropical scenery, before arriving in Honiara, gateway to Guadalcanal and a region rich in wartime history.
Aboard Swan Hellenic’s boutique expedition ship, enjoy elegant surroundings, attentive service and enriching insights from an expert expedition team. Onboard lectures, destination briefings and photography guidance add extra depth to the journey.
15 Night Fly, Stay, Cruise Package
from
$
26,569
per person share twin
Balcony Stateroom
Solo from $33,139
Balcony Stateroom
Solo from $33,139
Cruising with
Swan Hellenic
Departs 20 Mar 2027
Explore 2027 Ampol State of Origin Auckland
Auckland
2027 Ampol State of Origin Auckland
2 Nights
Breakfast
Gold admission ticket
from
$
1479
per person twin share. Flights are additional
WOMEN ONLY
Explore Colours of Provence - Woman Only Wine Cruise
Colours of Provence - Woman Only Wine Cruise
Celebrate the joy of travel on AmaWaterways’ exclusive Women’s-Only Wine River Cruise, journeying through the heart of France. From the vibrant streets of Barcelona to the charming riverside towns of Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhône, Vienne, Lyon, and the timeless elegance of Paris, this unforgettable journey blends culture, cuisine, and camaraderie.
Designed exclusively for women, it's the perfect opportunity to explore iconic destinations, indulge in regional flavours, and create lasting memories with like-minded travellers.
7 night River Cruise
from
$
11,525
per person share twin French Balcony
Flights Additional
Flights Additional
Cruising with
AmaWaterways
Departs 19 Aug 2027
Explore Vietnam, Cambodia & The Mighty Mekong
Vietnam, Cambodia & The Mighty Mekong
From Vietnam's buzzing cityscapes and lush valleys to Cambodia's ancient temples and tranquil countryside — and the majestic Mekong River that flows in between — embark on an authentic journey through this captivating region with Travelmarvel. Glimpse life in villages along the Mekong, and witness the sun rising over the World Heritage-listed Angkor Wat. With must-visit destinations, most meals and enriching encounters included on Travelmarvel’s premium tours, your holiday in Vietnam and Cambodia will be easy, effortless and carefree.
11 Night River Cruisetour
from
$
5895
per person share twin
Deluxe Twin Balcony Suite
Solo from $9695
Deluxe Twin Balcony Suite
Solo from $9695
Cruising with
Travelmarvel
Departs 8 Aug 2027
SOLO OPTIONS
FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Explore 2027 Solo Traveller Savings
Splendours of Egypt & The Nile
11 nights Round-trip from Cairo
06 Mar 27 - 17 Mar 27
From $18,099 Grand Suite A
Receive $2,000* Air Credit off your cruise fare.
Paris & Normandy
7 nights Round-trip from Paris
28 Mar 27 - 04 Apr 27
From $8599 Classic Stateroom
Receive $2,000* Air Credit off your cruise fare.
Brilliant Bordeaux
7 nights Round-trip from Bordeaux
04 Apr 27 - 11 Apr 27
From $6899 Classic Stateroom
Receive $2,000* Air Credit off your cruise fare.
Castles Along the Rhine
7 nights Arnhem to Basel
11 Apr 27 - 18 Apr 27
From $7699 Classic Stateroom
Receive $2,000* Air Credit off your cruise fare.
Douro River Valley
7 nights Round-trip from Porto
04 Apr 27 - 11 Apr 27
From $11,299 Classic Stateroom
Receive $2,000* Air Credit off your cruise fare.
2027 Solo Traveller Savings
Cruise and Air Credit Offer
Any stateroom, on every cruise—bonus $2,000* Air Credit off your cruise fare.
Travel your way on a luxury river cruise designed with solo travellers in mind. With gourmet dining, premium drinks, expertly guided excursions, and gratuities included, every detail is taken care of. Explore fascinating destinations, unwind aboard beautifully appointed ships, and enjoy the freedom to discover the world at your own pace while connecting with like-minded travellers.
Book now to enjoy exceptional savings with Waived Single Supplements on select 2027 departures and stateroom categories:
Any stateroom, on every cruise—bonus $2,000* Air Credit off your cruise fare.
Travel your way on a luxury river cruise designed with solo travellers in mind. With gourmet dining, premium drinks, expertly guided excursions, and gratuities included, every detail is taken care of. Explore fascinating destinations, unwind aboard beautifully appointed ships, and enjoy the freedom to discover the world at your own pace while connecting with like-minded travellers.
Book now to enjoy exceptional savings with Waived Single Supplements on select 2027 departures and stateroom categories:
Splendours of Egypt & The Nile
11 nights Round-trip from Cairo
06 Mar 27 - 17 Mar 27
From $18,099 Grand Suite A
Receive $2,000* Air Credit off your cruise fare.
Paris & Normandy
7 nights Round-trip from Paris
28 Mar 27 - 04 Apr 27
From $8599 Classic Stateroom
Receive $2,000* Air Credit off your cruise fare.
Brilliant Bordeaux
7 nights Round-trip from Bordeaux
04 Apr 27 - 11 Apr 27
From $6899 Classic Stateroom
Receive $2,000* Air Credit off your cruise fare.
Castles Along the Rhine
7 nights Arnhem to Basel
11 Apr 27 - 18 Apr 27
From $7699 Classic Stateroom
Receive $2,000* Air Credit off your cruise fare.
Douro River Valley
7 nights Round-trip from Porto
04 Apr 27 - 11 Apr 27
From $11,299 Classic Stateroom
Receive $2,000* Air Credit off your cruise fare.
from
$
6899
solo occupancy
Classic Stateroom
Classic Stateroom
Cruising with
Uniworld
Departs 6 Mar 2027
Explore Explora Journeys Zero Supplement
Explora Journeys Zero Supplement
Discover the freedom of solo travel with Explora Journeys, with zero or reduced solo supplements on select journeys. Enjoy luxurious suites, exceptional dining and welcoming social experiences, balanced with the freedom to relax, explore and enjoy every moment at your own pace.
Explore Our Selection of Journeys with Zero Supplement:
22 April 2027 EXPLORA Ill
A Journey of Mayan Discovery & Mexican Exploration
AMADOR (PANAMA CITY) • Acajulta • Puerto Quetzal • Puerto Chiapas • Huatulco Puerto Vallarta • LOS ANGELES
Click here to explore the full itinerary and check availability and pricing.
10 June 2027 EXPLORA IV
A Journey of Breathtaking Arctic Wilderness & Mystical Norwegian Scenery
SOUTHAMPTON· Trondheim·Br0nn0ysund • Leknes (Lofoten Islands) · Troms0 Honningsvag (Nordkapp) ·Harstad· Alesund • Leirvik (Stord) • SOUTHAMPTON
Click here to explore the full itinerary and check availability and pricing.
3 February 2028 EXPLORA I
A Journey through Golden Shores, Rainforests & Tango
RIO DE JANEIRO • Paraty • llhabela • Porto Belo • Punta del Este • BUENOS AIRES
Click here to explore the full itinerary and check availability and pricing.
9 February 2028 EXPLORA Ill
A Journey of Urban Beauty, Golden Beaches & Cultural Treasures
KEELUNG (TAIPEI)· Kaohsiung· Hong Kong «: • Da Nang· Nha Trang Phu My (Ho Chi Minh City) «: ·SINGAPORE
Click here to explore the full itinerary and check availability and pricing.
27 February 2028 EXPLORA V
A Journey of Andalusian Legends & Historic North African Crossroads
MALAGA· Cadiz • Gibraltar· Motril • Melilla • Cartagena ·Algiers· Alicante • Valencia Palma de Mallorca • BARCELONA
Click here to explore the full itinerary and check availability and pricing.
3 June 2028 EXPLORA I
A Journey from Golden Greek Islands to Turkish Treasures
PIRAEUS (ATHENS) • Skiathos • Thessaloniki • Istanbul «:· Mytilene (Lesbos) • Santorini PIRAEUS (ATHENS)
Click here to explore the full itinerary and check availability and pricing.
Contact your consultant or visit in-store for details on additional departure dates, sailings, and pricing
2027 and 2028 Sailings
Explore Solo, Enjoy More
Flights are Additional
Cruising with
Explora Journeys
Departs 22 Apr 2027
EARLYBIRD DEAL
Explore Vines, Wines & Castles
Vines, Wines & Castles
Cruise through the Rhine Gorge and the Moselle Valley, where medieval towns, vineyard-covered hillsides and centuries of history line the riverbanks. Discover castles, wine villages and Roman heritage while enjoying Riverside's all-suite luxury, personalised service and exceptional dining.
7 Night Luxury River Cruise
from
$
8599
per person share twin
Melody Suite
Flights are additional
Melody Suite
Flights are additional
Cruising with
Riverside Luxury Cruises
Departs 11 Jul 2027
Explore Australian Open 2027 - 3 NIGHT SERVE & VOLLEY FINALS PACKAGE
Melbourne
Australian Open 2027 - 3 NIGHT SERVE & VOLLEY FINALS PACKAGE
3 Nights
Australian Open Tennis Tickets
from
$
4789
per person share twin. Flights are additional
Explore Australian Open 2027 - 3 NIGHT SERVE & VOLLEY SEMI-FINALS PACKAGE
Melbourne
Australian Open 2027 - 3 NIGHT SERVE & VOLLEY SEMI-FINALS PACKAGE
3 Nights
Australian Open Tennis Tickets
from
$
4639
per person share twin. Flights are additional
Explore Australian Open 2027 - 3 NIGHT SERVE & VOLLEY QUARTER-FINALS PACKAGE
Melbourne
Australian Open 2027 - 3 NIGHT SERVE & VOLLEY QUARTER-FINALS PACKAGE
3 Nights
Australian Open Tennis Tickets
from
$
3649
per person share twin. Flights are additional
Explore Australian Open 2027 - 4 Night TIE BREAK PACKAGES
Melbourne
Australian Open 2027 - 4 Night TIE BREAK PACKAGES
4 Nights
Australian Open Tennis Tickets
from
$
2079
per person share twin. Flights are additional
Explore Australian Open 2027 - 3 Night SERVE & VOLLEY PACKAGES (ROUNDS 1-4)
Melbourne
Australian Open 2027 - 3 Night SERVE & VOLLEY PACKAGES (ROUNDS 1-4)
3 Nights
Australian Open Tennis Tickets
from
$
1399
per person share twin. Flights are additional
Explore Australian Open 2027 - 5 Night ULTIMATE SEMI-FINAL & FINALS PACKAGE
Melbourne
Australian Open 2027 - 5 Night ULTIMATE SEMI-FINAL & FINALS PACKAGE
5 Nights
Australian Open Tennis Tickets
from
$
9149
per person share twin. Flights are additional
Explore Australian Open 2027 - 5 Night GAME SET MATCH PACKAGE
Melbourne
Australian Open 2027 - 5 Night GAME SET MATCH PACKAGE
5 Nights
Australian Open Tennis Tickets
from
$
3999
per person share twin. Flights are additional
Explore Ross Sea Odyssey
Ross Sea Odyssey
Cruise from the vibrant waterfront of Hobart to the wildlife-rich shores of Macquarie Island, then venture deep into Antarctica along the remote Victoria Land Coast and the icy wilderness of the Ross Sea. Explore the rugged beauty of New Zealand Subantarctic Islands before concluding in the charming southern city of Dunedin — an extraordinary expedition through some of the world’s most untouched landscapes.
25 Night Expedition Cruise
from
$
70,375
per person share twin Balcony Stateroom
Flights Additional
Flights Additional
Cruising with
Aurora Expeditions
Departs 14 Dec 2026
CREDIT ONBOARD
Explore Ultimate Antarctica Adventure - Buenos Aires to Dunedin
Ultimate Antarctica Adventure - Buenos Aires to Dunedin
Sail from Ushuaia to Dunedin on an extraordinary expedition across Antarctica, venturing far beyond the traditional Antarctic Peninsula to some of the most remote regions of the White Continent, including the Ross Sea and Balleny Islands.
Cross the Antarctic Circle, navigate through seas dotted with immense icebergs and encounter remarkable wildlife, from vast penguin colonies and seals to whales in their natural habitat. Along the way, explore rarely visited islands and polar landscapes that few travellers ever have the opportunity to experience.
Aboard Swan Hellenic's boutique ice-class expedition ship, enjoy elegant surroundings, attentive service and enriching insights from an expert expedition team. Onboard lectures, wildlife briefings and photography guidance add depth to this once-in-a-lifetime Antarctic adventure.
33 Night Polar Expedition Package
from
$
57,459
per person share twin
Balcony Stateroom
Flights from NZ are additional
Balcony Stateroom
Flights from NZ are additional
Cruising with
Swan Hellenic
Departs 2 Feb 2027
SAVE UP TO 25%
Explore Spitsbergen: Realm of Ice & Wildlife
Spitsbergen: Realm of Ice & Wildlife
Aurora Expeditions invites you to experience the Arctic like never before, where vast ice sheets, unique wildlife, and dramatic landscapes create a journey of a lifetime. With expert guides and a focus on sustainable exploration, each expedition offers unparalleled access to the region's pristine beauty. From navigating glacial fjords to observing polar wildlife in their natural habitat, this adventure promises memories that will last long after you return.
7 nights Expedition Cruise
from
$
20,505
per person share twin Aurora Stateroom Twin Share
Flights Additional
Flights Additional
Cruising with
Aurora Expeditions
Departs 17 Aug 2027
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