Solo Travel, Redefined: Why Luxury Travelers Are Choosing to Go Alone
For years, solo travel was treated like a curiosity, especially when the traveler was a woman. The raised eyebrows, the whispered “is that safe?”, or the ever-popular “what does your husband think?” were almost part of the boarding process.
But here’s the truth: traveling solo doesn’t mean unsafe, and it certainly doesn’t mean lonely. It’s not a red flag for relationships or a sign that something’s missing. It’s an act of independence, curiosity, and deep self-trust. It’s one of the most rewarding ways to see the world!
My Own Solo Travel Story
Exploring Split, Croatia on my own!
I’ve been traveling solo since I was in college. My first big adventure was a six-month stay in Honduras, where I volunteered in a rural clinic and lived with a local family who welcomed me as one of their own. After that, I spent two months in Guatemala, working with a lovely Guatemalan couple who did public health outreach in remote villages. Those experiences changed me forever.
I learned that when you travel alone, you notice the world differently. You listen more closely. You connect more deeply. You rely on yourself, and that brings a kind of confidence and calm that follows you home.
Ever since those early days, I’ve continued to explore Latin America and Europe on my own, and I can honestly say that I LOVE solo travel. There’s a special kind of freedom in setting my own schedule and having no one else to worry about. I also enjoy traveling with friends, but there’s a quiet rejuvenation in spending time with myself and doing things that feed my soul.
The Rise of the Independent Traveler
Solo River Cruise with AmaWaterways on the Danube River.
Today, more people than ever are discovering that same joy. According to recent surveys, more than 70% of women have either taken or are planning a solo trip, and many are already repeat solo travelers. This isn’t a fringe movement anymore; it’s a defining shift in how we experience the world.
From the riverbanks of the Danube to the cobblestone alleys of Dubrovnik, solo travelers are embracing experiences on their own terms. They’re waking up when they want to, lingering over breakfast, and saying “yes” to whatever the day brings, without compromise.
And increasingly, they’re doing it in style.
Luxury Doesn’t Require a Plus-One
High-end travel today is built around personalization, something solo travelers appreciate even more. A private driver who knows your favorite coffee order, a hotel that remembers your pillow preference, a river cruise where you’re greeted by name every evening, these are the details that turn a trip into a luxurious solo escape.
For many, it’s not about being alone. It’s about freedom. The freedom to go at your own pace, to explore what inspires you, and to truly connect; with yourself, with locals, and with the world around you.
Safety, Comfort, and Connection
Luxury solo travelers want adventure without anxiety. That’s why thoughtfully curated itineraries make all the difference. Imagine private transfers, boutique accommodations in walkable areas, guided city tours that introduce you to new friends, and even hosted small-group experiences where independence meets community.
From wellness retreats in the South of France to small-ship cruises through Croatia, there are countless ways to travel solo while still feeling supported, connected, and inspired.
Breaking the Stigma
We need to retire the idea that solo travel is something you do because no one else could come along. In reality, it’s something you do because you’re ready to breathe, to reflect, and to live fully without waiting for the “perfect time” or the “right companion.”
As a travel advisor, I see this shift happening every day. Many of my clients, especially women, are carving out time for themselves, seeking moments of quiet luxury and connection. And I love helping them do it safely, beautifully, and without compromise.
Your Next Adventure Awaits
Whether it’s a river cruise where you unpack once and let Europe glide by, a wellness retreat in the Mediterranean, or a custom itinerary through Africa, solo travel can be deeply enriching. The world is waiting, and it’s more accessible, safe, and inspiring than ever.
If you’ve been dreaming of traveling solo but don’t know where to start, I’d love to help you create the perfect experience, one designed around you.
✨ Let’s plan your solo escape.
Schedule a complimentary consultation and we’ll design a journey that matches your rhythm, your curiosity, and your sense of adventure.