A simple Google search will tell you there is no shortage of inspirational quotes about the joys of travelling solo. Lots of stuff about getting lost and finding yourself, being fearless and independent, and seizing the day.

This is all well and good, but the truth is, sometimes we travel alone out of necessity. Sometimes we can’t find anyone who’s available to go with us. Sometimes we don’t know any travellers with a shared interest in our destination of choice. And that’s okay. Because if you want to go somewhere, you should go and nothing should hold you back. If your loved ones, partners, friends, children don’t want to go with you… you can still go. And you should.

On a guided vacation, there’s a group of people who also wanted to discover that slice of the world. So, you’re already in great company, before even that first, “hello.”

Whatever your reasons are for going alone, with think Collette guided tours are the perfect way to experience a solo trip. We know Collette has years of experience in the business to substantiate this claim.

Colette also recently chatted with some of their travellers who’ve opted to go it alone on a guided vacation, here are their top tips (and reasons) to try it.

Tips for Travelling Solo (Or Reasons to Try Going Solo):

• Meet new people. Off the bat, you have things in common (travel, this destination you chose, local experiences) – so you may just meet a great friend on your adventure. Many travellers say they’re more likely to make new friends when travelling solo since they’re more likely to strike up conversations with strangers.

• Practice self-care and make this trip your own: Do what you want, how you want. This is a great time to focus on yourself. With no one else’s expectations to consider, you can make this trip exactly what you want from the moment it starts until the moment it ends.

• Collette will handle the details! On a Collette guided vacation, you can truly focus on creating connections or relishing your independence, because we will take care of getting you to the must sees. You can feel secure in your independence knowing you are fully supported on tour.

• Solo, but not alone! : Enjoy the Group. You may be alone, but you’re not alone. There’s comfort in travelling with a group who can join in on so many of the adventures you’ll have. From people to dine with to just those moments when you want to recount your day with someone, you’re in perfect company. When you join a tour as a solo traveller, you get the best of both worlds: a great group dynamic and flexibility to enjoy your free time how YOU want!

So, where to? If solitude is what you’re after or if you have one of these destinations on your bucket list, why not journey to the “land of fire and ice” and spend a week searching for the magical northern lights in Iceland? Perhaps you’ve always wanted to see the Big 5 and the wildlife of southern Africa—you can do that on Collette tour Exploring South Africa, Victoria Falls & Botswana. 

Or maybe you’re ready to experience la Dolce Vita in Sicily, an island paradise nestled amongst the deep blue waves of the Mediterranean. Sample specialties in Palermo’s colorful food market and taste some award-winning olive oil.

Collette knows often a barrier to solo travel is the solo supplements, therefore many of their guided holidays offer reduced supplements for solo travellers to help get you on your way.