Solo Travel inspiration: Build a trip around a major sporting event such as US Open and World Cup.
Twelve years ago, I started Valise with the solo traveler in mind. At that time, all of our curated trips were small group trips, but not necessarily groups of people who knew each other. My goal was to connect solo travelers to each other and to explore the world together.
Since that time, interest in solo travel, both with small groups and completely independent solo journeys, has grown. Hotels and tour companies around the world have noticed and are now offering special rates and itineraries geared to solo travelers. Many tour providers have dropped or discounted the price for ‘Single Supplements’, making solo travel more affordable.
There are many reasons for the growth in popularity of solo travel. Technology is one. Traveling alone is safer than ever thanks to online destination and transportation information, widespread cellphone coverage, and location-sharing tools. It’s also much easier to find social activities online or on apps — such as group food tours, group sailing experiences and group museum visits. Travel apps such as Viatour offer safe and interesting group options worldwide, allowing a solo traveler to join others, if desired.
The pandemic years taught us the importance of physical and emotional self-care. As a result, many solo travelers are making health and well being a travel priority. Bookings are up at solo traveler friendly wellbeing destinations such as Body Holiday, St. Lucia and The Retreat, Costa Rica. During the holidays, many solo travelers are now opting to swap pressure-filled family holiday gatherings for a solo escape.
Read on to discover destinations and experiences designed specifically for the independent solo traveler.
New Zealand: The Ultimate Solo Adventure
As a solo traveler in New Zealand, you’ll experience the perfect balance of adventure, luxury, and seamless exploration in one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations—New Zealand. Whether you’re craving thrilling outdoor pursuits, moments of solitude in nature, or immersive cultural experiences, we curate journeys that cater to your pace and preferences.
From hiking in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park to stargazing in world-class Dark Sky Sanctuaries, our guided experiences ensure you discover the best of New Zealand with expert hosts by your side. And when the day’s adventures wind down, you’ll retreat to handpicked luxury lodges, where elegant comfort, fine dining, and stunning landscapes create the perfect sanctuary. Imagine soaking in a private outdoor hot tub beneath a canopy of stars, waking up to panoramic views of glacial lakes, or unwinding in an oceanfront retreat with a world-class meal prepared just for you.
A curated Solo Journey in New Zealand is effortless and enriching—offering the freedom to explore, the safety of expert guidance, and the indulgence of New Zealand’s finest experiences. Whether you seek connection, solitude, thrill, or tranquility, we craft journeys that make every moment extraordinary.
Want to explore New Zealand with a small group of like minded travelers? Join Valise in October 2025 for a 10-day luxury star gazing experience.
Namibia: A Solo Traveler’s Paradise
The Weinberg, Windhoek
The Weinberg Windhoek perfectly blends city life with serene African charm, making it an ideal spot for solo travelers. This elegant 43-room hotel pairs old-world style with modern luxury and boasts five restaurants, the Life Day Spa, and a beautiful courtyard. After a day of exploring Windhoek’s cultural highlights, unwind at the Sky Lounge, where panoramic views and a glass of fine wine set the stage for a perfect evening.
The Strand, Swakopmund
In the coastal town of Swakopmund, The Strand Hotel offers solo travelers a mix of adventure and relaxation. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on three sides, this oceanfront retreat features sea-facing rooms, three distinct dining venues, and terraces perfect for taking in stunning coastal views. Stroll along the beach, savor fresh seafood at Ocean Cellar, and enjoy the breathtaking Atlantic scenery.
Etosha Mountain Lodge
For solo travelers craving peace and wildlife encounters, Etosha Mountain Lodge is an unforgettable retreat. Situated in a private reserve near Etosha National Park, the lodge offers panoramic landscapes, day and night game drives, and guided rhino tracking. With only nine chalets, this intimate lodge allows you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty and unique wildlife of Namibia.
Sailin’ Solo With Aqua Expeditions
If you are looking for a solo adventure in some of the world’s most remote and exotic destinations, you are in luck.
Aqua Expeditions is hoping some solo travelers will come aboard by offering a Solo Traveler Special, where single supplement fees are waived or discounted on select departures for Aqua Nera, Aqua Blu, Aqua Mekong, and Aria Amazon in 2025.
Since launching in 2007, unprecedented acclaim has followed the ships’ trailblazing style and bespoke guest experience, featuring an exclusive one-to-one level of service and world-class cuisine by renowned chefs. Now is the time to take that sailing adventure you’ve been dreaming of.
Departures with Solo Traveler Specials
- Aqua Nera and Aria Amazon: Experience the Amazon’s lush beauty with September departures in 2025.
- Aqua Blu: Discover the Indonesian Archipelago with 7-night sailings in October and November 2025.
- Aqua Mekong: Cruise through the cultural tapestry of the Mekong with April, August, and September departures in 2025.
Rejuvenate and Refresh: Wellness Retreat in St. Lucia
Sometimes, the perfect vacation is all about pampering. At BodyHoliday in St. Lucia, your stay is designed to revitalize and restore, combining breathtaking natural surroundings with luxurious wellness experiences.
BodyHoliday in St. Lucia is an idyllic destination for solo travelers seeking a rejuvenating getaway, balancing wellness, adventure, and social connection. Nestled on a pristine Caribbean beachfront, the resort offers a uniquely designed experience that encourages personal renewal and growth within a warm, welcoming environment.
Tailored Activities and Connections
Each day at BodyHoliday brings a diverse array of classes and activities, perfect for meeting fellow travelers or enjoying time solo. With over 40 daily activities—from beachfront yoga and Pilates to scuba diving and paddleboarding—solo guests can craft their own wellness journey or join group sessions that foster a sense of community. For the more adventurous, activities like windsurfing, sailing, and mountain biking are offered, allowing guests to dive into exciting new experiences.
Personalized Wellness and Pampering
The resort’s award-winning Wellness Center is a haven for relaxation, featuring bespoke spa treatments, soothing massages, and personalized wellness plans to address individual needs. Therapists are highly skilled in a wide range of holistic therapies, from Ayurvedic practices to hydrotherapy, allowing solo travelers to enjoy quiet, revitalizing moments in an inspiring setting.
StolenTime Program
The StolenTime program, designed with solo travelers in mind, provides unique wellness workshops and social events tailored to help guests connect with themselves and others. From solo traveler cocktail mixers to workshops on mindfulness and self-care, BodyHoliday creates opportunities for meaningful experiences and connections, making it a prime destination for solo travelers seeking both personal and shared moments of joy.
Solo Adventure in East Africa’s Spice Islands and the Seychelles
Solo travelers looking to discover the allure of East Africa’s islands and the breathtaking Seychelles will find a remarkable experience aboard A&K’s Luxury Expedition Cruise. Set sail on an immersive journey that begins in the enchanting island of Zanzibar, Tanzania, and continues through some of the Indian Ocean’s most idyllic destinations. With excursions tailored for intimate exploration, guests can explore the UNESCO-listed ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani, the vibrant marine life of the Seychelles, and the spectacular biodiversity of the legendary Aldabra Atoll.
Designed for solo adventurers, this all-inclusive voyage accommodates a maximum of 148 guests, ensuring a personalized, community-oriented experience on a luxurious, all-balcony vessel. The journey is guided by A&K’s renowned Expedition Team, who bring each destination to life with expert insights and exciting, carefully curated excursions. Embrace a voyage that combines cultural richness, natural wonders, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded travelers, creating an unforgettable solo adventure filled with elegance and discovery.
Are you a solo traveler but don’t want to be completely by yourself on your trip? Contact Valise to find out about new Small Group Journeys for 2025. Join as a solo, but experience the world with like-minded travelers. Group size is typically kept to 8 or less, so space is limited.