AARP Smart Guide to Solo Travel

7. Try an uncommon adventure

Storytelling has entered the chat as a strong motivator for solo travel. Uncommon adventures, such as snorkeling with salmon and astro-cruising, which involves chasing eclipses, the auroras and other heavenly phenomena, draw increasing numbers of visitors. Unexpected accommodations reign, too, like tree houses, historic spaces and luxury rail trips.

8. Schedule buffer days

According to the 2026 Global Travel Trends Report from American Express Travel, two-thirds of travelers plan to celebrate a loved one’s milestone away from home this year. The fresh twist? Many now tack on a few solo days before or afterward, exploring their interests in that destination or one that’s nearby. The same goes for work trips. Some digital nomads schedule proper, above-board “workcations,” but other remote employees decamp without a word to their bosses. These covert “hush trips” rely on solid Wi-Fi (see below), blurred video-call backgrounds and a strict adherence to deadlines, even when it’s happy hour in their current time zone.

9. Use the opportunity to grieve 

The road also rises up to meet those dealing with grief, Gordon notes. “We’ve had a number of guests getting over the loss of their partners, whom they always traveled with before,” she says. “Often, it’s the first trip they organized on their own, or in decades. It can be a very healing process.” The crew and guides frequently don’t know the stakes until later. “Then the guests write, saying how the trips gave them confidence to continue traveling that way and how much it rejuvenated their spirits.”

PLANNING YOUR TRIP

10. Search out special options — or ask

Traditionally, cruises and tours based their rates on double occupancy and added surcharges, known as single supplements, for private accommodations: anywhere from 10 percent to 100 percent of the usual rate. But roughly a decade ago, as demand for solo travel started to rise, some companies started reducing or even waiving those fees.

 Other companies began securing more single rooms and increasing options for unaccompanied guests, notes Sarah Reid, lead author of Lonely Planet’s Solo Travel Handbook. She recommends Intrepid, G Adventures and Exodus Adventure Travels. Other standouts include Travel Divas, Avalon Waterways and Overseas Adventure Travel, the nation’s first travel company for people 50 and over. Brands also sometimes offer seasonal or last-minute deals that scrap the single supplements. Can’t find the right package for your budget? Ask the operator about options, or see if a travel agent can negotiate.

11. Discover solo trips and deals

Tourism operators are creating more bespoke options. Notably, travelers without companions have the run of entire ships on some Riviera River Cruises. As the company’s site says, “You can book that Diamond Deck Suite you’ve always imagined, without the roommate and the single price tag.” Singles Cruises and Tours also caters to folks who want to vacation solo but not alone. Don’t be fooled by the name: These expeditions aren’t like speed-dating with suitcases. Instead, they connect people to the discounts and conveniences of group travel without a forced single supplement. 

12. Look for small-group tours

Scott Cundy, co-owner of Wildland Trekking, a backpack and hiking tour outfitter in Flagstaff, Arizona, recommends naturalist-led small-group tours, which increasingly attract companionless adventurers. “With a higher level of safety and a professional guide leading the tour, solo travelers are able to relax more and focus on enjoyment,” he says. And, of course, Cundy notes the social component: “Traveling with others is simply more fun,” he says.

13. Get answers from AI

Generative AI has become a powerful tool for some travelers. But bear in mind that AI can overlook basic needs, such as ensuring you have enough time to catch your connecting flight and being aware of seasonal closures. AI platforms rely on historical data but still struggle to make on-the-fly adjustments, which are common in travel. So fact-check, fact-check, fact-check — and be prepared to trust your instincts over an itinerary developed by a computer that has never urgently needed a street snack or mastered a squat toilet.

14. Match up with like-minded travel companions

Accommodations can be limited in remote areas, so tour operators often turn to the buddy system, pairing same-gender solo travelers to share digs. Recreate this hack for independent trips via networking apps like Meetup, Workaway or Bumble BFF. Or create a free profile on CabinMate to see fellow cruise connoisseurs with high compatibility scores who are hoping to save cash by sharing staterooms. Message each other anonymously until you settle on the perfect sailing experience.

Alternatively, tag along on a like-minded traveler’s journey via JoinMyTrip. Leaders post opportunities, ranging from a week on the French Riviera to road trips across South Africa. “TripMates” apply to join these small groups, which reduce planning agita and offer safety in numbers, as well as potentially sharing costs for rooms, car rentals and private guides. But don’t worry: You won’t be joined at the hip with strangers all day, every day. Most itineraries offer free time daily for participants to play, work remotely or just recharge.

15. Track yourself and your belongings

Location-sharing services like Flightrader24 reassure your friends and family when you arrive or are roaming alone in an unfamiliar destination. Google and Apple Maps have built this functionality in, as have the rideshare companies Lyft and Uber. The safety service Life360 offers the same for its free accounts, which share two days of location history and can send SOS alerts. Paid memberships also include crash detection, 24/7 roadside aid and medical assistance.

Meanwhile, Glympse helps soloists easily reconnect with their new travel pals across different mobile platforms. Users can encourage spontaneous hangouts by customizing who they reveal their movements to, and for how long. And itinerary apps help friends, both old and new, know where to contact or find you in case of emergency. TripIt automatically builds a schedule from forwarded confirmation emails and stores a copy in the cloud (extra handy if you lose your phone, tablet or laptop). 

Use Apple AirTags, Tile Trackers or Samsung Galaxy SmartTags to track precious gear such as assistive devices and photography equipment, advises Sarah Donaldson, a former travel insurance analyst. “If your luggage gets misplaced, one of these products might prove a lifesaver for your solo adventure,” she says.

16. Lean on the expertise of professionals

Welcome to the consulting renaissance, as vacationers increasingly return to travel agents and other experts for help. Professional planners offer more than just convenience — they often have relationships that can provide perks for solo travelers, such as rooms in well-lit areas. Terika L. Haynes, CEO and founder of Dynamite Travel, says they can also serve as vital contacts: “They will have knowledge of the entire itinerary in case of an emergency.”

17. Find the right travel insurance

A safety net can reassure solo travelers who may face extra expenses if they get ill, such as delivery costs for food, water and medications. Top travel insurers include Allianz, IMG and World Nomads. Adventurous types should consider the Divers Alert Network (DAN), a nonprofit organization for divers, or Global Rescue, which specializes in evacuations and field rescues. These services offer peace of mind for those venturing to the Arctic, Antarctica, the Galápagos Islands and other places beyond the range of the built-in travel insurance offered by credit cards. Insurance can also soften the impact of life’s curveballs, as Solo Traveler publisher Janice Waugh learned. Her mother, who had dementia, suffered a health crisis right before Waugh was to depart for Peru. “The relief of staying and having travel insurance refund my $1,100 flight was enormous,” she says. Look for policies with “cancel for any reason” clauses for similar protection.

18. Try telecommuting

Many jobs are now untethered from brick-and-mortar workplaces, encouraging solo “techpats” to relocate abroad and slow-travel through multiple destinations for a few months at a time. Many countries now offer digital nomad visas to ease the transitions. Ready to become a global citizen or retire to another country? Look to services like Nomad Stays, We Work Remotely and the AARP job board, which lists remote roles at companies that have pledged to support older workers. 

19. Work for room and board

Stretch your budget by moonlighting while you’re away from home. For example, WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms) invites guests to experience sustainable agriculture with activities such as crafting cheese in Mexico, growing mushrooms in France and tending Hawaiian orchards. Workaway also offers opportunities for travelers to labor around 25 hours a week in exchange for grub and a place to sleep. 

Services like this even exist on the high seas: Check out Crewseekers, which pairs amateur crew members with yacht owners. Not a joiner? Look to pet- and house-sitting sites to support a solo groove. Fan favorites include MindMyHouse, Rover and Trusted Housesitters. Before signing up for any service, check the visa and immigration policies for your destination, since some limit sitter duties for people on tourist visas. 

20. Stretch your accommodation budget

Hostels aren’t just for hard-partying young backpackers willing to share bathrooms and dormlike sleeping quarters. The website for America’s largest network, the nonprofit Hostelling International USA, reports that while most of its guests are between 18 and 30, all ages are welcome. More mature visitors often opt for private en suite rooms while still enjoying amenities like rental bikes, discounted outings and communal kitchens. Hostelworld and Hostelz are great sources for exploring such options.

21. Find more intimate spaces

Solo travelers often gravitate to smaller properties that offer more connection with communities, according to a study by JourneyWoman, a solo travel website for women over 50. “At a big hotel, you can be somewhat faceless and nameless,” says Carolyn Ray, JourneyWoman’s C​EO and editor. Hence, the appeal of B&Bs, small boutique hotels and homestays organized through sites such as Airbnb, Booking, Couchsurfing and VRBO. Travelers have traded digs for decades, but this option has become increasingly popular among people with health concerns. 

Look to sites like HomeLink and Home Exchange. The latter allows members to accrue points by switching places or hosting visitors and then “spending” those points by staying elsewhere at their convenience.

22. Pack wisely and well

Make sure you can carry your bags and still maneuver in a pinch, Ray suggests. “For safety’s sake, I want to always have one hand free and be able to move quickly and easily,” she says. This also helps with boarding trains and climbing stairs in buildings without elevators. “Pack light and use items for multiple purposes like scarves, sarongs and layers,” Ray says. Fast-drying clothes can also lighten your load if you’re up for handwashing en route, and products such as laundry detergent strips can save even more weight. Additionally, devices such as Heroclip solve the age-old dilemma of how to handle restroom stops while traveling solo. These sturdy carabiner hooks, which can support 40 to 100 pounds, will keep your luggage off germy bathroom-stall floors. Securing your luggage this way while using the restroom could also keep it from being stolen. 

23. Lighten your load

Tired of playing pack mule or struggling with luggage? Send-ahead services will help you travel light. Companies such as LugLess, Send My Bag, Luggage Forward and LuggageToShip all deliver to many destinations. These services are often more affordable than checking bags with airlines, especially bulky items like sports or musical equipment. Savvy travelers also evade luggage restrictions — especially on budget carriers — with specially designed multipocket clothing from companies like AyeGear and Scottevest.

AWAY FROM HOME

24. Stay connected

Cellphone carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile offer fuss-free plans that work, without setup, in over 200 countries. But apps such as Rebtel, Viber, Visible and WhatsApp let travelers avoid roaming charges and the hassle of buying local SIM cards. Lightweight power banks can also come in handy when you need to revive a flagging phone, tablet or laptop. Consider the AquaVault ChargeCard and options from Anker, Belkin, Clutch, Nimble and OtterBox. 

25. Be thoughtful about smartphone use

Speaking of technology, be careful where you use your phone. In some places, thieves could be emboldened to snatch it out of your hands. Sometimes it’s safer to jot down key phrases, addresses and directions in a paper notebook than rely solely on phone-based mapping and translation apps. Conscientious travelers also share itineraries with friends and store them in cloud storage services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, Proton Drive and Microsoft OneDrive. Experts suggest stashing scans of key documents (passport, health insurance card, prescription details) and a list of good clinics and hospitals in case you need emergency care. 

26. Consider accessibility

Solo travel with an impairment or a disability can add complications — and possibly some additional luggage weight for assistive devices like wheelchairs. If traveling within the U.S., look for lodging and services that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Request items ahead of time, such as grab bars, bed shakers, roll-in showers, visual fire alarms, and steps or stools for extra-tall beds. And it never hurts to confirm availability before you arrive, ideally in writing, in case you need to relocate and make a travel insurance claim. The booking tool AccessibleGo offers advice and deals. Wheel the World is another standout, providing comprehensive guides and a catalog of tours with guaranteed accessibility. Agencies such as Sage Traveling also specialize in booking trips like this, while others, such as WanderRock, focus on people with autism and other neurodivergents.

27. Lock in your transportation

Arrange transport from the station or airport in advance so you’re not scrambling to figure out which taxis are legit while bleary-eyed from the journey. Your hotel or resort may even offer complimentary transfers — it never hurts to ask. “Think with the safety mindset,” JourneyWoman’s Ray says. “Not just ‘Where are you going?’ but ‘How are you getting there?’ and ‘Where are you going to stay?’ ” 

28. Stay safe

Ray says she always carries a doorstop, which adds a cheap, compact layer of in-room security. She also packs a headlamp, even in urban settings, since power outages and natural disasters can happen anywhere. Additionally, whistles, hidden pouches and pickpocket-safe luggage provide reassurance when you don’t have a pal to watch your back. But keep your walking-around money and credit cards in two places on your person, so you’ll still have resources if a thief strikes. (Stash the rest in your room’s safe, along with your valuables and a copy of your itinerary, including reservation numbers.) Finally, the app bSafe offers a “social safety network,” letting friends see your location and receive alerts if you haven’t checked in at the agreed-upon time. Other app options include Noonlight, which sends an alert to local U.S. authorities at the press of a button, and GeoSure, which helps users evaluate risks. The latter includes information specific to women as well as LGBTQ+ communities and people of color.

29. Eat intelligently

While dining or imbibing, situational awareness will help you keep your possessions and faculties intact. Take your valuables with you when you go to the restroom, and ask the waitstaff to keep an eye on your table. For protection against knockout drugs that can be slipped into beverages, look for products such as bracelets, coasters and test strips that can discreetly detect these dangerous substances. Always seek medical attention if you think you’ve been drugged.

30. Guard against online identity theft

While on a trip, be sure to use a virtual private network (VPN) when connected to public Wi-Fi. This encrypts your web traffic, making it less risky to conduct digital banking or pay with credit cards online. A VPN may also provide access to streaming sites and social media apps that are censored in some locations. Popular options include Mullvad, IVPN, Proton VPN and TunnelBear, but you may already have one installed via antivirus software such as Bitdefender.

31. Discover yourself

“Traveling solo, you’re not lonely. You’re alone by choice,” says Ray. “It’s really powerful.” You decide when to connect with people and design your own experience. That said, all sorts of emotions may surface, especially on a trip that pushes you out of your comfort zone. It’s natural to long for familiar comforts and faraway support networks, but try to stay in the moment. Put down your devices. Leave your room. Even if you don’t paint the town red, your mood may improve by simply reading a book in a convivial café or people-watching on a leisurely stroll.

32. Savor a table for one

For the uninitiated, dining without companions often feels fraught. But food and travel writer Naomi Tomky loves the opportunities it provides to see locals going about their everyday lives. “Even in places where dining alone isn’t really part of the culture — or maybe especially there — servers are always willing to talk,” she says. “So you get more of a chance to interact with the world around you than when you’re dining with the people you’re traveling with.”

Still feeling awkward? Try journaling, reading, activity planning, texting family and friends or sitting at the bar. And consider asking for the bill while you’re still eating, so you can make a quick getaway. 

Alternatively, pack a picnic and soak up the ambiance at a park, piazza or beach. Or join a food tour and sample regional specialties, accompanied by a local guide and fellow travelers.

33. Connect with other travelers

Social media can supply a wealth of advice and opportunities to meet other visitors in an area. Savvy researchers look beyond Facebook and Instagram, though. Experiment with platforms like Meetup, Tripr, SoloTraveller and Unsettled, a network for global professionals.

Hungry to get off-screen and let serendipity strike in the real world? Try volunteering, taking a class or going on a walking tour. Even offering to take a photo can ignite a conversation with fellow tourists, which may lead to insights and even a little company, if that’s welcome.

35. Enjoy the opportunity for romance

Singles tours can be a good way to strike up a spark — or avoid feeling like an extra wheel among couples and families. A OnePoll study found that almost a quarter of Americans met their spouses while traveling, and a third enjoyed romantic flings while away from home. Exodus Adventure Travels has a wide range of solo-only trips, as do brands like Encounter Travel and Cox & Kings, not to mention the similarly named, but distinct, Solo Female Travelers and The Solo Female Traveler Network. The Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered staterooms and lounge areas specifically for singles open to mingling.

36. Commune with the locals

Reluctant to strike up conversations at a café counter or farmers’ market? You can still meet people through programs like Eatwith and BonAppetour, which pair travelers and home chefs. Meanwhile, the nonprofit International Greeter Association hosts free walks for individuals and groups of up to six people in over 150 destinations, including Algeria, Ghana, Japan and the United Kingdom. “I absolutely love free walking tours,” says Scott Lieberman, founder of Touchdown Money, which helps people find side hustles and remote work opportunities. He’s traveled to 26 countries, mostly using miles and points. “They’re a fantastic way to explore with a trusted guide, learn history and culture, and meet new people.” He often suggests that the group grab a bite after the tour concludes.

Dynamite Travel’s​ Haynes’ top tip for travelers of color: “See if there are any BIPOC expat groups, as [members] can serve as great contacts and guides.”

37. Take breathers

Solo travel can be challenging at times. Be gentle with yourself and leave space to recharge your batteries as needed. “When you’re solo and you’re always planning a step ahead, you get tired after a while,”​ Javins says. “I always build in downtime, whether it’s on a week’s trip or a year’​s trip.” This allows her to relax and wander a bit, opening the door to unexpected adventures. “I’ve stumbled onto many priceless moments this way” fortune tellers in the park, shrines of ceramic zebras, comics stores featuring quirky performances, craftspeople hard at work in a public plaza, new café​s not even online yet.”

38. Downshift into self-care

Not every journey needs to be a whirlwind. Solo travel opens doors to the restorative time many people crave. Small wonder that 84 percent of travelers plan to spend more money to unwind away from home, according to American Express. Wellness offerings are trending, from spas to digital detoxes to animal-assisted therapeutic retreats and even “sleep tourism,” ​which supplies amenities and concierges to encourage sweet dreams while traveling. 

Scallon has shifted more toward this introspective approach after a youth full of “jumping onstage during hostel game nights or closing down the bar with strangers I’d never see again.” Now she prefers low-pressure group activities, such as walking tours and theater. “I tend to book solo trips without expecting a ton of interaction, though I am always thrilled if it happens naturally,” she says. 

39. Rest and recharge

​Finally, don’t give in to peer pressure, Scallon advises. “The travel industry’s messaging around ‘must-sees’ and whirlwind itineraries, urging people to squeeze in as many sights and activities as possible, can make traveling feel like more of an obligation than the immense privilege it is,” she says. The “slowmaxxing” trend on TikTok epitomizes this instinct for doing less and prioritizing being present. Hailed as the antidote to hustle culture, the movement sends safety signals to your nervous system, increasing retention, attention and creativity. “Are there things I’ll miss out on while embracing a more laid-back approach?” Scallon asks. “Sure, but in a world with so much pressure on constant productivity and consumption, bringing leisure and rest back into travel can be a powerful reminder of how valuable they actually are.”