To be perfectly honest, it took me a really long time before I booked my first solo travel trip. Growing up as one of four kids, our family holidays were always loud, frantic chaos, and since then, I’ve prioritised girls’ trips and romantic escapes. But in the past few years, I’ve found myself craving time alone – space to sit with my own thoughts, reflect, and look inward. For some reason, though, it was a real struggle to push myself to actually book a holiday. So, in the spirit of self-betterment, I turned to the experts.
Working at Condé Nast Traveller means that whatever the travel dilemma, you’re likely to find at least one person with reliable insight. When it comes to solo travel, the Traveller team know what they’re talking about. The conversations below showed me that solo travel is not something to be shied away from – it’s a real opportunity to travel exactly how you desire. You can be totally free in your decisions, with no one else to consider or defer to when choosing where to eat, what to see or do, or which activity to start with.
Interest in solo travel has been steadily rising, and in 2026 it has become even more common. According to data published in the Great British Take-Off report in February, 24 per cent of UK adults say they prefer or prioritise travelling solo, and feel more confident planning trips alone. For those under 25, this figure rises to 40%.
Alongside this shift is a need for deeper, slower, more connective travel. For many, solo travel is the perfect way to achieve this – it provides an opportunity to trust your instinct, go with your gut and get lost in the experience. You rely on yourself rather than on others’ whims or desires.
Of course, if you’re not a seasoned solo traveller, it can be a daunting prospect. In an age of constant connectivity, the idea of being alone for an extended period of time can be overwhelming. But if I’ve learnt anything from my conversations with solo travel experts, it’s that this is an opportunity to savour, not fear.
Below, I give you all the wisdom I’ve gleaned, from tips on how to research and plan, the best ways to meet people, safety precautions and more. These are the golden rules of solo travel.
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