Why Travelling Solo Is The Ultimate Gift to Yourself

There’s something magical about packing a bag and setting off on a trip alone, whatever your relationship status. No compromises, no agendas, just you and the open road (once you’ve left the island, of course!).

Solo travel is now more popular, more accessible and more empowering than ever. Whether you're craving a soulful reset, an epic bucket list trip, or a taste of quiet luxury, there’s a solo travel experience for you.

We spoke to three people in the know - a seasoned Travel Counsellor, an intuitive soulful traveller and a luxury hotel expert - to hear their takes on why going solo can be one of the most liberating and enriching things you’ll ever do. And to bring you their recommendations to help you plan your solo trip.

 

 

So, Are You Ready to Go Solo? 

We start with Fiona Sarre, a Travel Counsellor who took her first solo trip in her early twenties, and hasn’t looked back since. She shares how that first bold leap shaped her, and why she’s now helping others take theirs.

“I set off on my travels when I was 23, alone, and I ended up being away for just under 2 years. Was I scared? Yes, terrified! But it was either that, or I didn’t go. And I really wanted to go! It worked out for me and I made friends everywhere that I went, that I perhaps might not have met if I’d gone with a friend. Because going solo opened me up to meeting new people. I am still friends with  some of them to this day, and it was over 20 years ago that I went travelling.

When it comes to holidays, it’s no different. More companies now specialise in solo travel and it’s a trend that will continue to grow. As a Travel Counsellor, I work with different suppliers to create bespoke travel plans for solo travellers. My favourite is Just You. They’ve been bringing like-minded people together for over 25 years, and they provide great itineraries, including some women only tours so you can be confident that you will feel safe on your travels. This coming Christmas Just You has 24 festive breaks to choose from which include mainland European adventures to stunning Croatia and atmospheric Hungary, and a couple of trips closer to home in Bath and Stratford-upon-Avon. 

Cruise companies are also getting onboard with the growing solo travel trend. Norwegian Cruise Line now offers solo cabins priced for one, and there are certain river cruise itineraries that are purely for solo travellers. If  you’re feeling really adventurous, you can even go on a solo expedition to Antarctica with no single supplement! So my advice is, book the trip and don’t be afraid of going alone.”

 

 

Find Yourself With Soulful Travel.

Of course, solo travel isn’t just about the destination. It can also be a deeply personal journey. Luisa Scilironi, founder of The Wild Soul, explains how travelling alone became her way of coming home to herself.

“For me, solo travel translates as soulful travel. It feels like a journey of self-discovery, pushing you out of your comfort zone, which is when real growth happens. The freedom of waking up in the morning and asking yourself what you need is something that doesn’t always happen in daily life. You can’t beat the feeling of empowerment that comes from navigating your way around a new city alone, or hiking up a sacred mountain, but for me the best bit is the connections you make with other travellers. It can be life changing.

My first solo travel trip was to Rome, which is the perfect city to explore on your own. Italian culture is so welcoming and friendly and the mix of immersing yourself in a heart-lead culture combined with the comfort of familiar landmarks makes it easy to navigate your way around. I spent my days exploring the city and watching the world go by, sitting with locals at outside cafes enjoying a strong cappuccino! 

If the idea of landing solo in a new city feels daunting, there are now beautiful in-between options that blend independence and connection. Travel companies like Not In The Guidebooks offer small-group or locally guided experiences, from wellness retreats to bucket list trips, that take you off the beaten path without throwing you completely into the unknown. Or if you are feeling the nudge to jump completely out of your comfort zone, then consider a journey to a sacred place like Sedona. It’s a magical place where people go on a journey of self-discovery. They say no one comes back from Sedona the same, and I can personally vouch for that.”

 

 

Enjoy A Little Luxury, Just for You.

If your idea of self-discovery includes plush pillows and impeccable service, solo travel can also be a deeply indulgent experience. Anthony Turk tells us how the Red Carnation Hotel Collection (which includes The OGH here in Guernsey) can curate solo experiences that feel safe, restorative, and quietly transformative.

“Solo travel offers the rare gift of true disconnection in remote luxury. In an age of constant noise, it allows for an intentional and liberating reset. Across the Red Carnation Hotels collection, our unique properties provide a sense of intimacy and security through unmatched personal attention and a reassuring sense of belonging. With fewer rooms and a focus on genuine hospitality, guests receive one-to-one care that’s warm, intuitive, and never overbearing.

The experience of travelling solo offers guests the space for creativity, reflection, and calm. Undoubtedly, nature becomes a profound source of inspiration and we see this first hand at one of our most historic properties, Ashford Castle, Ireland’s first and only Forbes five-star hotel. From the serene waters of Lake Corrib, guests can embark on meditative walks through ancient woodlands. In more remote locations including our hotels in South Africa and Botswana, guests are immersed in nature, offering a chance to reconnect with themselves beneath star-filled skies or while watching wildlife roam freely.

If it's a luxury city break you are looking for, a stay at 100 Princes Street in Edinburgh allows guests to be immersed in history, culture, and the vibrant energy the city has to offer. This boutique hotel has just 30 bedrooms and it is reserved for residents only, making a stay feel like a safe, private retreat with the city right on your doorstep. 

But, perhaps most importantly, travelling alone often leads to unexpected moments of growth and self-discovery. Whether it’s striking up a conversation with a bartender at The Milestone’s Stables Bar in Kensington or joining a curator-led talk at the Egerton House Hotel in Knightsbridge in partnership with the V&A, solo guests are invited into environments where they feel safe to explore, learn, and connect, both with the world and with themselves.”

 

 

Where Will Your Solo Trip Take You?

Whether it’s sitting in a café in Rome, watching wildlife in Africa, or joining a festive solo group tour, one thing’s clear: solo travel is anything but lonely. It’s a chance to reconnect. With the world, with new people, and most importantly, with yourself.

So, if you’ve been waiting for a sign to book that solo trip, this might just be it.