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Selene Nelson February 24, 2025

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Cox & KingsIf you’ve never travelled solo before, the idea can seem daunting – but exploring the world is one of life’s greatest, and most rewarding, adventures. And travelling solo doesn’t necessarily mean travelling alone. People of all ages and backgrounds have discovered the joys of solo group tours, often finding that the experience changes them, for the better, in ways they’d never imagined.

To shine a light on the benefits of solo group tours, we’ve partnered with Cox & Kings*. As the world’s longest-established travel company, they know exactly what makes an epic solo group tour, and their knowledge and passion can provide you with the perfect holiday. Should you wish to explore more of your destination independently, they can arrange a private pre- or post-tour extension, too.

If you’re keen to discover more, you can download a brochure* or make an enquiry – and in the meantime, we’re here to inspire. Here are some incredible benefits of solo group tours.

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1. More freedom when booking your trip

When the decision over where to travel is down to you only, the opportunities for adventure are endless. Rather than having to compromise on a destination with friends or family, you can travel anywhere you like. Explore Sri Lanka’s Golden Triangle, travel through the Peruvian Andes, discover the beauty of Central America, or even head into the Antarctic on an expedition cruise.

Plus, when you travel with Cox & Kings, flights from London are included in the price, and connections from regional airports can be arranged for a small supplement. Tours are also available as a land-only package, giving you the flexibility to arrive from any destination. As a solo traveller, the world really is your oyster.

Whether you decide to book onto a dedicated solo traveller tour or join a small-group tour, the feeling of freedom you get is unique. If there’s always been a destination you’ve dreamed of exploring, but your loved ones haven’t felt the same way, now’s the time to make those travel dreams a reality.

More freedom when booking your trip

2. Experiencing different cultures

One of the best things about travel is how it can change and expand your worldview. As you visit other countries, you can experience different cultures, try new cuisines, and get acquainted with local customs. While solo travel can be a great way to push yourself out of your comfort zone, it can also be a culture shock – and if you’re not used to travelling without loved ones, that can be overwhelming.

But when you join a solo traveller tour, or travel as part of a group, you can rely on the comfort and reassurance of expertly curated experiences, friendly and knowledgeable guides, and the camaraderie of your fellow travellers. Often, sharing these magical new experiences with other people makes them feel that much more meaningful.

3. Meeting new people

It’s easy to stay in your bubble when travelling with friends or family…but when you set out by yourself, you generally become more open to interactions with other people. If you’d like to meet new people, there are many opportunities to do this on a solo travel tour – and there’s a good chance you’ll form new, lifelong friendships along the way.

During solo group tours, there are many chances to mix and connect with like-minded people – from welcome dinners that break the ice to fun excursions. Plus, Cox & Kings’ group sizes are much smaller than most travel operators, with an average of 14 to 18 guests. This means more interaction with guides and guests, more intimate, personalised excursions, and access to smaller, more characterful hotels.

Meeting new people

4. Balancing privacy with socialisation

While you can make many friends travelling as part of a solo group, there are also chances to enjoy some solitude, if you wish. Travelling can offer a welcome change of pace; it can be an opportunity to enjoy peace and quiet, and set the reset button. If you’ve been stressed at work, or gone through a painful personal experience, being away from it all in a beautiful new place can be the tonic you need.

There’s plenty of leisure time on solo group tours, so you can still enjoy exploring or relaxing in your own company, if you wish. This is a great way to embrace your interests and discover new ones. Visiting galleries can inspire an interest in art or painting. Nature lovers can visit national parks and go hiking. Foodies can discover new dishes and ingredients, and watch cooking demos to develop their skills.

Sometimes being alone, even for a few hours, gives us the opportunity to get to know ourselves in brand new ways.

Balancing privacy with socialisation

Where to go for incredible solo group tour adventures

Now we know why solo group tours can be so rewarding, where are some of the best destinations? Cox & Kings’ Solo Travellers tours* take you to some of the most beautiful, intriguing, and diverse places imaginable. So, whether you’re looking for a holiday focused on nature or wildlife, or an action-packed adventure that takes you to historic and archaeological wonders, here are four incredible solo traveller tours.

India

India

Colourful, chaotic, and utterly intoxicating, India is one of the best destinations for people looking to be culture-shocked. But its size and transport can be difficult to navigate if you don’t speak the language, which is why it’s one of the best places to join a group tour. Cox & King’s 14-day tour* covers the ‘Golden Triangle’ of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, taking you on a voyage to India’s most beautiful and intriguing sights.

Take a rickshaw tour of the characterful capital Delhi, see the Taj Mahal at sunrise, and enjoy a dinner overlooking Lake Fateh Sagar. Marvel at Rajasthan’s grand forts and palaces, ride on Deogarh’s famous metre-gauge train, and stay in a traditional townhouse in Jaipur. Nature lovers will love searching for Bengal tigers in Ranthambore, while foodies can learn about the famously delicious local cuisine.

Peru

Peru

If you’re looking for adventure, few countries compare to Peru. This is a land of soaring, snow-capped mountains, cosmopolitan-yet-colonial cities, and mysterious Incan ruins that rise above the clouds. Cox & Kings’ 11-day Peru tour* takes you to the country’s most celebrated sights, from the bustling capital, Lima, to the wondrous Machu Picchu, perhaps the most impressive archaeological site in the world.

Tour Lima’s historic and modern highlights, like the pre-Columbian Huaca Huallamarca and San Francisco monastery. Travel to the Sacred Valley, the gateway to the Incan heartland, where you’ll stay in colonial Cusco, visit colourful markets, and spend a night at Machu Picchu. Lake Titicaca is your final base; here, you’ll dine with a local family, tour the floating islands, and delve into the captivating traditional culture.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka

Home to blissful beaches, emerald rice fields, and mist-wrapped mountains, Sri Lanka is as diverse as it is dazzling, and, on Cox & Kings’ 14-day tour*, you’ll see the very best of its sights. Your journey takes you to the famous Cultural Triangle, a region packed with ancient cities and historic temples. There are also gorgeous national parks here, where you can take safaris in search of wild elephants and leopards.

The UNESCO-listed rock fortress of Sigiriya is also on the agenda, and another highlight is a train journey through hill country, where the views may literally take your breath away. In culture-rich Kandy, you can witness traditional dance performances, while foodies will enjoy learning about local cuisine in cooking demos. There’s plenty of downtime, too, including a relaxing stay on a pristine, palm-fringed beach.

Panama and Costa Rica

Panama and Costa Rica

Central America is one of the world’s most alluring destinations – and on Cox & Kings’ 14-day Panama & Costa Rica tour*, you’ll visit two of its most intriguing countries. Begin in Panama City, touring the historic colonial district and cruising through the iconic canal – one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Then, in Costa Rica, you’ll discover the many treasures of the world’s most biodiverse country.

Tour a coffee plantation on the slopes of Poas Volcano, and drift along the lazy backwaters of Tortuguero, spotting all kinds of wildlife. Explore the Tirimbina Reserve in Arenal, as well as the iconic, eponymous volcano, and search for the elusive quetzal in Monteverde’s cloud forest. In Carara National Park, you can spot crocs and macaws, while, in Manuel Antonio, after a rainforest walk, beautiful beaches beckon.

Final thoughts…

Solo group travel is a wonderful way to discover new countries and cultures – but it can also be a rewarding and deeply spiritual journey. From balancing privacy with socialisation to embracing opportunities and making friends, there are many ways solo group travel can enrich us.

If you’re interested in travelling solo but don’t want to be alone, a solo traveller tour is the perfect middle-ground. You can choose to enjoy free leisure time alone or with like-minded travellers, and having expert guides and fellow travellers around you can ensure you feel safe and relaxed at all times. Or why not book onto a small-group tour*, where you can benefit from low single supplements?

Plus, travelling with Cox & Kings*, the world’s longest-established travel company, can help give you total peace of mind. Their global network provides 24/7 emergency support, so you can tour the world without any worries or concerns. Plus, 90% of their small group tours have at least one guaranteed departure, which means your adventure will go ahead no matter how few people are on it.

One of the most trusted names in travel, Cox & Kings is known for authentic breaks, responsible tourism, and promoting the value of shared experiences within a structured itinerary. By booking a small group tour to some of the world’s most compelling destinations, you’ll soon see that travelling solo doesn’t have to mean travelling alone – and you may return home having made meaningful new friendships.

To find out more, you can download a brochure* or make an enquiry and request a free callback.

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Selene Nelson

Selene Nelson is an author, freelance journalist, and lifestyle writer for Rest Less. After graduating from the University of Sussex with a degree in English Literature, Selene began contributing to many major newspapers and websites, and has written for the BBC, The Sunday Times, The Independent, Town & Country, and HuffPost. Her specialist subjects include food, travel, and health, though she enjoys writing about a wide range of topics (e.g. her two books are about veganism and psychopathy, respectively!). She enjoys cooking (particularly pasta and Asian noodle soups), reading, travelling, hiking, attempting to keep fit, and watching animal videos on YouTube.

* Links with an * by them are affiliate links which help Rest Less stay free to use as they can result in a payment or benefit to us. You can read more on how we make money here.

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