I've travelled all over the world – here's why I prefer to go it alone
There is an inherent freedom in deciding to travel exactly as you wish, with no need to compromise on destination or experience. Will it be Japan in spring? Perhaps Uzbekistan in early September.
Over the years, my reasons for travelling alone have been as varied as the destinations I've visited. Sometimes I haven't had a partner, other times friends haven't been interested in the same places or have had other commitments.
But I've never once regretted the decision to strike out on my own. And every single time, I've enjoyed an unforgettable experience.
Cox & Kings, the world's oldest travel company, offers small group tours for curious travellers, whether they are travelling with a partner, friends or alone. Many guests join its extensive collection of small group tours alone, paying a small single supplement to have a double or twin room of their own. Cox & Kings has also created a collection of tours designed specifically for solo travellers with no single supplements. These tours are a great way to explore distant shores in good company, with all the details taken care of. You'll enjoy time to share experiences, immersive activities and meals with a small group of like-minded solo explorers and time to explore alone too.
Up for a solo escape? Consider these thoughtfully planned itineraries designed for those who are travelling alone or take a look at Cox & King's full collection of small group tours…
Central American splendour
Experience awe-inspiring landscapes and captivating wildlife as you make your way through rainforests and cloud forests, exploring volcanoes and both the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines.
Discover the incredible flora and fauna of Costa Rica on Cox & Kings' 12-night Central America trip
Credit : Shutterstock
On this 12-night Panama & Costa Rica Experience, you'll cruise through the Panama Canal, visit coffee plantations and spot turtles, crocodiles, monkeys and scarlet macaws. In Costa Rica, you'll get up close to one of the largest volcanic craters in the world at the Poás Volcano National Park, find rare flora and fauna in the magical surrounds of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, stay at jungle lodges and explore lush rivers and lakes.
India's Golden Triangle
Over 13 nights, Cox & Kings' Exotic India solo travel tour will introduce you to the beauty of India's Golden Triangle, spanning the cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. You'll explore historic palaces and majestic forts, while enjoying a few unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Majestic forts and historic palaces await travellers on Cox & Kings' Exotic India tour
Credit : Getty
Take a rickshaw tour of India's historic capital Delhi, weaving your way through one of the oldest and busiest markets in India. Then admire the majesty of the Taj Mahal at sunrise and search for the elusive Bengal tiger at Ranthambore National Park. The Pink City of Jaipur is a true wonder, while the heritage railway and 4x4 journeys will introduce you to the landscapes described by Rudyard Kipling, as well as the villages of the local Bishnoi tribe.
Peruvian wonders
Rich Incan history meets handsome colonial towns and the raw beauty of the Andes on Cox & Kings' nine-night Treasures of Peru itinerary, curated for solo travellers.
Soak up the culture on a visit to local markets in beautiful Cusco
Credit : Shutterstock
You'll explore the high-altitude beauty of Cuzco, a city of both the Incas and the colonies. You'll take the Vistadome train to mysterious Machu Picchu and visit the Incan sites in the Sacred Valley, as well as the colourful Pisac market. Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, and you'll also visit the floating Uros reed islands, savouring a delicious meal cooked by a local family.
Sensational Sri Lanka
A 13-night adventure through Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle and beyond, this Splendours of Sri Lanka tour combines nature and culture.
Go in search of leopards and sloths on a wildlife safari in Sri Lanka
Credit : Shutterstock
Along with your fellow travellers, you'll embark on exhilarating wildlife safaris in search of wild elephants, leopards and sloths, visit the holy Temple of the Tooth and sip tea among the rolling hills of Nuwara Eliya, a favourite spot of the British in the 18th century. You'll scale the Sigiriya rock fortress, visit cave temples and learn about Sri Lankan cuisine before relaxing on a beautiful Indian Ocean beach.
Why go solo?
Travelling solo doesn't mean travelling alone, when you choose to explore with Cox & Kings. With four- and five-star accommodation along the way, welcome and farewell group dinners to meet your fellow travellers and an experienced local tour manager to make sure everything goes smoothly, Cox & Kings' specially curated solo tours will help you get to the heart of the destinations you visit. And you don't have to worry about paying a single supplement – you'll enjoy a double or twin room for your own use.
Many meals are included, as are guided sightseeing and entrance fees. And if you'd like to stay on to explore further, you can plan trip extensions with the Cox & Kings team, as well as organising any room or flight upgrades.
Find out more and book your solo at coxandkings.co.uk or call 0333 060 3239
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