There's no denying that some places work better for solo travel than others. Good infrastructure helps, but the biggest difference is usually made by the little things, like the option to join small groups, take part in shared adventures, or simply feel safe enough to relax. With the right destination and a bit of backup, solo travel feels less like a challenge and more like the best kind of freedom.
With more people choosing to travel solo these days, we thought we would share a few of our favourite places to do it. From polar cruises and jungle treks to wildlife safaris and long, beautiful hikes—these are trips where you can share the experience without giving up your independence.
Thinking of planning your first solo travel experience?
These are fantastic places to start.
Drift through the serene waters of Lake Titicaca, Peru, on colorful boats that tell stories of tradition.
Peru
Peru is easily one of the best places for solo travel in South America. It is welcoming, full of culture, and surprisingly easy to get around, especially if it's your first time in the region. As the most visited country on the continent, it is also a place where you'll never really feel like you are on your own. Stick to the well-worn paths, like hiking to Machu Picchu, wandering the Sacred Valley, or soaking up Cusco's buzzing centre, and you will find yourself in good company.
One of the best things about Peru is how open and social the travel scene feels. Whether you are joining a small group tour or chatting with someone on the train to Ollantaytambo, it is easy to meet people. The guides are passionate and bursting with local insight, and they have a great way of bringing groups together without ever making it feel forced.
It also helps that Peru is gentle on the budget. Accommodation, food, and day-to-day costs go a long way here, especially when travelling solo, so you can up your luxury level with ease. Peru offers that enviable ideal balance of enough structure to feel supported but plenty of room to carve your own path.
Peru is a brilliant choice if you are after a place that feels vibrant, easygoing, and full of heart.
> Discover Viva’s Best Peru Tours for Solo Travel
Viva’s Tip — Tara
"If you are heading to Peru solo, I recommend giving yourself time to adjust in the Sacred Valley before doing anything too active. There is so much to explore just by walking around the city, and it helps you ease into the altitude and the rhythm of travel here."
Galapagos Island
The Galápagos is one of those places that sticks with you. Being on a small ship here feels like joining a little floating community—just a handful of wildlife lovers, a big sense of wonder, and something unforgettable waiting every day.
You might spend the morning snorkelling with sea lions, hike across a lava-strewn island after lunch, and finish the day watching blue-footed boobies do their curious courtship dance. Every outing is led by expert naturalist guides and done in a small group, so solo travellers settle in quickly.
Some cruises offer cabins set aside for solo use or let a limited number of solo travellers book twin cabins without the extra cost that often comes with having your own space. It is a rare chance to explore a world-famous destination without paying double or compromising on comfort.
If you are after wildlife, connection, and a little magic on the water, the Galápagos might be just what you are looking for.
Here’s Viva’s Rachel Williams on her Galapagos “trip of a lifetime.”
> See all our Galápagos Tours & Cruises
Viva’s Tip — Rachel
“Galápagos cruises are naturally social, but bring your curiosity and ask questions. The guides are incredible and love sharing their knowledge. This is the kind of place where you bond over sea lion sightings and come home with lifelong memories and maybe new friends,too."
Antarctica
Antarctica might not seem like the obvious choice for a solo trip, but that is part of the magic. It feels like stepping right off the map. For many solo travellers, that is exactly the appeal. You leave behind the noise, the rush, and the routines, and suddenly, you are surrounded by icebergs, wildlife, and people who are just as wide-eyed as you are.
Most cruises are small and tightly knit, with shared meals, daily outings, and a kind of camaraderie that just happens naturally. You will be travelling alongside other solo guests, wildlife lovers, and the odd Antarctic dreamer who booked on a whim. There is plenty of time to be alone with your thoughts, but also no shortage of good company when you want it.
Some ships offer shared cabins, which is great if you are happy to bunk with someone but would rather not be responsible for their holiday mood. On certain departures, the single supplement is waived altogether, making this dream trip even more doable for solo travellers.
We often say that on polar trips, the strongest friendships are made somewhere between the icebergs and the dessert buffet.
Viva’s Tip — Pia
"There is something about Antarctica that brings people together. Everyone is a little in awe, and you end up forming these really genuine connections. Don't worry about travelling solo here … you won't feel like it for long." Read more about Pia’s extraordinary solo trip to Antarctica, right here.
> Explore solo travel to Antarctica
Arctic
There is something about the Arctic that just gets under your skin. Maybe it is the midnight sun, or the silence of the ice, or spotting your first polar bear in the wild. It is remote and raw but also strangely grounding. You are a long way from everything, yet it feels like exactly where you are meant to be.
Like Antarctica, most trips here fall under the category of small ship cruising, with daily landings, expert guides, and a shared sense of having to pinch yourself at every turn. You don't need to worry about going it alone either—some departures include cabin-sharing options or single cabins with no extra cost, so solo travellers are well looked after.
And while the landscapes might be vast, the experience often feels very personal. These kinds of journeys tend to bring people together without even trying. That old line about strangers becoming friends by the end of the trip? It holds up. When you are standing on deck with someone you have only just met, watching the ice drift by, small talk tends to fade. Bigger conversations take its place.
If you want to discover a remote destination that will blow you away, then the Arctic is where you’ll want to head to.
> Explore all our Arctic Tours
Viva’s Tip
Not sure which polar region is right for you? It might simply come down to timing. The Arctic is a northern summer destination, with sailings between May and September. Antarctica runs in the opposite season (the southern summer) from late October to March. Both regions offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so choosing often comes down to when you are ready to travel. Just make sure to go for a small ship cruising experience; it's infinitely more intimate and enjoyable when travelling solo and, by far, the very best way to explore the polar regions.
Zambia
Zambia is one of those places that surprises you in the best way. It is not just about the wildlife, though the safaris here are some of the best in Africa. It is also about the people, the atmosphere, and the way solo travellers just ease into a beautiful daily rhythm.
Many of the lodges are small and personal, often with just a few rooms and shared dining tables. You might be chatting over breakfast with fellow guests one moment and heading out on a game drive with them the next. It feels natural and easy.
Viva's own Travel Specialist, Tanya, recently explored Zambia on her own and loved the experience. Her itinerary closely followed our Authentic Zambia tour and she found the communal lodge life and friendly local guides made it one of the most personal and rewarding solo trips she has ever done.
Zambia is perfect for solo travellers who dream of a wild African safari experience.
> Discover more Zambia Tours
Viva’s Tip — Tanya
"What really stood out to me was how natural it felt to connect with others. The lodges are small and personal, and I never once felt like a third wheel. It is such a relaxed and friendly place for solo travel. Never would have guessed it!"
Solo Travel, Your Way
At Viva, we know there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to solo travel. That is why we offer a mix of styles to suit different kinds of solo travellers.
Some prefer full independence with the peace of mind that key logistics are taken care of. Our FIT trips are perfect for that—private itineraries with accommodation, transport, and curated experiences arranged by our experts, so you can travel solo without the stress of planning. (Our Signature Peru itinerary is a great example.)
Others love being part of a group. We offer dedicated small group departures just for solo travellers, including some incredible women-only tours, like our Namibian Muse and Beyond the Abaya journeys to Saudi Arabia.
Prefer to travel with a mixed bunch? Many of our regular small group tours are solo-friendly too, welcoming individuals alongside couples and groups of friends. (Tours like Classic Kenya and Tanzania Adventure or Stewart Island Dark Sky Delights are great examples.)
And then there is small ship expedition cruising. These journeys are a natural fit for solo travellers, with built-in social experiences, shared landings, and a like-minded onboard community. Many cruises offer solo cabins or cabin-matching, which makes them even more accessible.
Whatever your travel style, we are here to help you find what feels right.
Polar cruises are one-of-a-kind experiences. “If you dream it, then just do it!” – Pia.
Viva’s Tip — Laura
I was desperate to do an African safari, but my friends were more into beach breaks and shopping trips. I'm SO glad I went anyway. There is no point trying to drag someone along if it is not their thing. Solo travel lets you choose the kind of experience you really want and enjoy it without compromise.
Practical Tips for Solo Travellers
Accommodation
Many of our trips include the option to share a room with another solo traveller of the same gender. Others offer reduced or waived single supplements on selected departures. If you prefer your own space, private rooms are available too.
Safety and Support
Travelling solo does not mean going without support. If you choose one of our fully guided tours, you’ll have an experienced leader taking care of the details. Prefer a bit more freedom? You can travel independently but still have trusted local contacts in the loop. However you travel, we are always close by if needed—just a call away.
The Group Experience
Good company often comes naturally on the road. When everyone is there for the same reason (to see something new or try something different), it is easy to connect. This is true across all of our small group tours and expedition cruises.
Packing and Planning
Start simple! Choose one region or experience that excites you and go from there. Our team can help with practical advice, route planning, and making sure you feel prepared from day one.
Why Travel Solo with Viva
At Viva, we welcome solo travellers with open arms. You’ll be sharing the journey with curious, like-minded people, while still having the freedom to do your own thing. Whether you are crossing the Drake Passage or hiking in Patagonia, we take care of the details so you can focus on the moments that matter. With expert planning, personal support, and trusted local guides, you will feel safe, inspired, and fully at ease wherever your journey takes you.
Ready to Go Solo?
Warning: solo travel is insanely addictive! It is not just about where you go but how it feels to follow your own path and discover something new along the way. Planning your first trip or your next one? We are here to help you find the experience that fits just right.
Want help choosing the solo travel style that suits you? Our Destination Specialists are here to help.
Laura Pattara
Laura Pattara has guided overland trips across Africa and now focuses her writing on the continent for Viva Expeditions. She once camped beneath a marula tree that an elephant tore apart during the night, yet somehow she still sleeps best in a tent. But make it glam! From sunrise balloon rides over the Serengeti to following the rhythms of wildlife migrations, Laura brings the wild heart of Africa to life with warmth, depth, and the occasional muddy boot.
|
