Solo travel continues to grow in popularity as more and more travellers venture out alone, drawn by the freedom to chart their own path and the promise of self-discovery and personal development along the way.
For many, being alone is a luxury. You get to choose how you spend your time, wake up when you want, meet new people, and explore how, where and when you please.
Whether you’re craving a wellness escape, a cultural deep dive, or just a chance to explore at your own pace, solo travel gives you the freedom to craft a trip that’s entirely about you. And with a little expert guidance, it’s easier (and far safer) than you might think.
“The beauty of solo travel lies in designing an itinerary around your pace and priorities,” says Antoinette Turner, General Manager at Flight Centre South Africa. “Picking the right destination is the first step, whether that’s a buzzing city break, a wellness retreat, or a wide-open road trip. Our Travel Experts help solo travellers choose places that feel effortless, safe, and full of possibility.”
Choosing the Right Destination
Your destination can make or break a solo adventure. The sweet spot? Walkable neighbourhoods, good public transport, and an easy “hello” culture.
For first-timers, Europe and the Far East dominate the 2025 hot lists with safe, seamless cities like Zurich, Lisbon, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hoi An. Prefer big energy with soft landings? Barcelona, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Vienna and London deliver museums by day and buzzing markets by night. Craving nature? Iceland and Norway are famously solo-friendly.
Closer to home, South Africans are loving Zanzibar for relaxed beach escapes and Namibia for wellness retreats. Both are easy to plan and ideal for a first solo trip.
Turner notes that “the real luxury of going solo is choosing places that feel effortless for you. Our Travel Experts match travellers to destinations with the right vibe and logistics, flag single-supplement quirks early, and recommend small-group tours where community comes built in.”
Navigating Safety with Confidence
One of the biggest myths about solo travel is that it’s risky. In reality, a little preparation goes a long way. Choose accommodation in well-connected areas, share your itinerary with someone you trust, and book reputable transfers, especially for arrivals.
Travel insurance is essential. A solid policy means you’re covered for the unexpected, from flight delays to midnight pharmacy runs. Flight Centre’s Travel Experts can build this into your booking so you can focus on the fun, not the “what ifs.”
Solo doesn’t mean alone. Day tours, cooking classes or walking excursions are easy ways to meet people while adding a layer of structure and safety.
“Travellers are often surprised by how confident they feel once the basics are handled,” says Turner. “When transfers, accommodation and insurance are sorted, the focus shifts to actually enjoying the adventure.”
Solo Supplements
A solo (or single) supplement is the extra charge hotels, cruises or tour operators add when you occupy a room alone, usually 10–100% of the second person’s rate. Whether one person or two stay in a room or cabin, the space costs the same to provide. When priced for two people sharing, that cost is split between them. A solo traveller gets the space to themselves (a lovely perk!), but the provider misses out on the second guest’s spend on meals, drinks, and extras – which often forms a key part of their business model. Put simply, the supplement helps bridge that gap.
The good news? More travel companies are now reducing or waiving solo supplements (especially in shoulder season) or offering dedicated single cabins – because solo travel is booming, and everyone deserves to explore the world on their own terms!
Book early to catch waived or discounted deals and always chat to your travel advisor about single supplements so you’re not caught by surprise.
“Solo supplements can catch first-timers off guard, but they don’t have to derail your plans,” says Turner. “We work with trusted partners to flag these costs upfront and find solo-friendly specials that stretch your budget further.”
Flight Centre’s Travel Experts often recommend small-group tours with brands like Topdeck, G Adventures, Globus and On The Go, many of which run no-solo-supplement promotions during the year. It’s a smart way to keep costs down while still travelling independently.
Meeting Like-Minded People
One of the best parts of travelling solo is how naturally new connections happen. Joining walking tours, cooking classes or local experiences is an easy way to meet fellow travellers without the pressure of a group trip. Small-group tours are also perfect if you want built-in company while still enjoying independence. Flight Centre’s Travel Experts can recommend tours and activities where community comes naturally.
The Greatest Luxury of All
Travelling alone isn’t about isolation. It’s about giving yourself permission to design a trip entirely on your terms. Whether that means a lantern-lit night in Hoi An or a weekend wandering in Lisbon, solo travel is proof that the greatest luxury isn’t always five-star accommodation. Sometimes, it’s complete freedom.