Going solo: Navigating solo travel

The words ‘no solo supplement’ are music to the ears of anyone wanting their own space when they travel. 

Companies are starting to cater more for people who choose to travel solo—so, if you fancy going it alone, here are a few of our favourite destinations. 

For something closer to home (but still overseas), how about New Zealand? Designed with solo travellers in mind, this 16-day tour by Grand Pacific Tours journeys across both the North and South Islands. 

During the journey, you’ll get to cruise around the magnificent Milford Sound, traverse Arthur’s Pass onboard the TranzAlpine train, ride the gondola above the geothermal vistas of Rotorua, and sail on a catamaran around the Bay of Islands.

Every nature lover’s dream comes true on this 10-day expedition cruise with Hurtigruten. 

Regulated under UNESCO to protect the fragile ecosystems of the 19 islands that form the Galapagos, ‘leave the smallest footprint’ is at the core of this eco-friendly tour. With a capacity of only 90 guests, life on board the sleek Santa Cruz II revolves around exploring different sites each morning and afternoon. 

Surrounded by an abundance of wildlife including land and marine iguanas, giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, frigate birds (there are even Galapagos penguins), you’ll have the chance to see them up close through activities such as kayaking, snorkelling, hiking, and glass bottom boat cruising.

Short breaks are those punctuation marks we all need between holidays. 

On this National Seniors’ exclusive, you’ll stay in Adelaide for two nights and take a coach and ferry ride across to Australia’s third largest island for a full day (lunch included) immersion in the rugged landscapes and abundance of wildlife Kangaroo Island is famous for.

There’s no country quite like India, and the best way to experience this remarkable country as a solo traveller is on a fully guided 14-day tour Inspiring India tour. 

Stand in awe and watch the sun rise over the Taj Mahal, wander through Pushkar’s lively market place, catch a glimpse of a Bengal tiger at Ranthambore National Park, and meander the laneways of ‘pink city’ Jaipur. 

Along with visiting iconic sites, you’ll have the chance to delve into everyday life of local towns and villages, giving you a truly balanced experience.

Share your plans

Send a copy of your itinerary (including reservations, tours, and flight details) with a trusted friend or family member before you go.

Make an emergency plan
Know your local hospitals, police stations, and emergency numbers. If you’re travelling to a country that speaks another language, learn some basic emergency phrases.

Get a check-up
Pay a visit to your GP well in advance of your trip to ensure you’re appropriately vaccinated, have relevant prescriptions, and a plan for managing any conditions.

Secure your valuables
When exploring, only take what you need with you in a secure bag. Keep this in sight at all times and be aware of your surroundings.

Get travel insurance
Things can go wrong when you travel, from cancelled flights to illness and injury. Travel insurance can give you important peace of mind.

This article is featured in the Summer 2022 issue of National Seniors Australia’s quarterly member magazine, Our Generation. 

Become a member today and receive four free hard copy issues of Our Generation (valued at $39.80) a year as part of your membership, along with exclusive discounts, competitions, branch membership and more! 

Your membership directly funds our advocacy and research work that benefits older Australians including fixing pension poverty, tackling health care costs, and improving aged care.