Bucket List Travel: Party of One

Credit: Contiki

Thinking about taking a solo vacation? You’re not “alone.” Roughly half of United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) tour operator members have reported growth in solo travelers last year and many have created new opportunities for those going it alone to visit their dream destinations. With waived or discounted single supplement fees, new itineraries tailored to single travelers, and new ways to connect guests before and during the trip, off the beaten path experiences no longer only come in pairs.

The following are just a few of ways USTOA members are encouraging solo travelers to see the world.

Credit: Intrepid Travel

Specifically designed for solo travelers, Intrepid Travel’s “Best Morocco – For Solo Travelers” itinerary brings together an intimate group of 16 guests and a local Moroccan guide. The group will explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis and find the cultural heart of Morocco in Fes. Other trip highlights include riding a camel towards a desert sunset, hiking through lush palm groves in Todra Valley, discovering popular filming locations in World Heritage-listed Ait Benhaddou, unwinding in seaside Essaouria and more.  www.intrepidtravel.com

Alexander+Roberts offers Enchanting Colombia. On this private journey with no more than 16 guests, travelers are lead through the vibrant country to spend time with flower farmers outside Medellin and join Bogotá residents in some of their traditional pastime. The trip also features a guided walk to discover Medellin’s vibrant street art, and a full day to explore UNESCO World Heritage Site Cartagena. www.alexanderroberts.com

Credit:: Contiki 

Make friends with your fellow passengers as you travel through 10 European countries during Contiki’s 12-day “European Discovery” itinerary. Solo guests can share a bottle of champagne under the Eiffel Tower or bike through Munich with other guests helping to form lifelong bonds. Guests also will discover the canals of Amsterdam and Venice; visit Vatican City and explore the ancient streets of Rome; and enjoy two days in the city of lights, among other exciting activities and destinations.  www.contiki.com

Credit: Contiki 

Black sand beaches, snorkeling with Galápagos penguins, and an experienced expedition team create an unforgettable and educational experience for solo travelers on Lindblad Expeditions’ itineraries to the Galápagos. New ships also feature an increased number of solo cabins. www.expeditions.com

Tabletop Mountain, the Cape of Good Hope, and more must-experience adventures bring solo travelers to the southern tip of Africa for Abercrombie & Kent’s “South Africa & Victoria Falls” itinerary. The nine-day trip also features a visit to the thundering Victoria Falls and an on-safari Chef’s Table experience where travelers will cook traditional fare side-by-side with a chef.  www.abercrombiekent.com

Credit: Trafalgar

Trafalgar allows solo travelers to explore Athens, Olympia, Delphi, and Meteora with its “Best of Greece” itinerary. Guests will traverse the mountains of Arcadia to ancient Olympia, dine with a local Greek family, enjoy a night of traditional food and dancing with local residents, and more during this eight-day trip. Solo travelers also will visit iconic sites like the Temple of Apollo, the Acropolis and Parthenon with a local specialist.. www.trafalgar.com

Tauck is offering single travelers special savings on select river cruises and reduced fees on other departures worldwide. Waived single supplement fees on all Category 1 European riverboat cabins makes it easier than ever for solo travelers to enjoy an upscale European cruise. Solo Travelers also enjoy Savings of $1000 per cabin in select categories on select river cruises  For more information visit www.tauck.com

Credit: SITA

SITA World Tours’ “Masai Footsteps” itinerary brings groups and solo travelers on a game drive through the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. The exciting seven-day trip includes a visit to Lake Nakuru to see its flamingo-lined shores and a drive to see Mount Kilimanjaro from Amboseli National Park. Guests also may encounter elephants, lions, buffalo, cheetahs, giraffes, etc.  www.sitatours.com

Credit: SITA

Credit: SITA

CIE Tours International encourages solo travelers on “The Irish Pub Tour” itinerary to explore the cozy pubs and meet the local people throughout Ireland. The trip includes boozy stops at the Guinness Storehouse, Teeling Distillery, and South Pole Inn for a real Irish coffee. Guests on this eight-day tour also will enjoy dinner and music at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, story-telling at Dublin’s oldest pub, and stays in the towns of Kilkenny, Killarney and Westport. . www.cietours.com

Whether you’re going it alone, or traveling with friends and family, click here to search member itineraries to destinations around the world.

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