Confidently Embarking On A Solo Trip

Giant Champions League trophy in Kyiv when the final was held there in 2018

The idea of traveling solo often sparks strong reactions. Some people think it’s only something you do if you have to, not because you want to.

But I see it differently. Solo travel is one of the most powerful ways to experience the world. It teaches you about yourself, connects you to new people, and gives you the freedom to do what you want, when you want. No compromise, no long debates about where to eat next—just you and the open road.

Of course, it’s not always smooth sailing. Navigating new places on your own can be overwhelming. Loneliness creeps in. Sometimes it’s easier to hide out in your hotel room rather than push yourself to explore.

So what if there were a way to have the freedom of solo travel without the stress of going it completely alone?

That’s where guided tours come in.

Safety & Confidence Without the Stress

Guided tours offer all the independence of traveling solo, with the reassurance of structure and support. And let’s be real—safety is top of mind, especially for women traveling alone. It’s ingrained in us to be more cautious, but the truth is, anyone can fall victim to scams or theft when traveling independently.

Here’s how guided tours shift the equation:

  • A trusted local guide knows where you are and when you’re expected.
  • Transportation is handled—no confused wandering through train stations.
  • You’ve got a support line in case of emergencies.
  • And perhaps best of all? You’re not truly alone. There’s safety in numbers.

Instead of being on high alert the whole time, you can relax and actually immerse yourself in the culture around you.

The Freedom to Focus on YOU

Not to be overlooked is the personal growth factor. Part of the appeal in solo travel is that you can choose to spend that time intentionally and introspectively. Rather than concentrating on directions (which can lead to growing pains on their own!), you can examine nuances of the destination you’re in and what they mean to you. Take the opportunity to be self-aware, noticing what emotions you’re feeling and what thoughts are going through your mind. 

Having the security of a guide or small group, you can afford to settle back into an experience. When the pre-planned activities are through, you have a trusted source to go to for other ways to fill your cup. You get to stay present, and don’t have to spend nearly as much time finding what to do next while you’re in-destination.

Companionship (If You Want It)

Speaking of how you spend your time, you can choose to spend it all privately, with various guides getting you from place to place and providing context to your experiences. Or, you can spend it with a small group of similarly minded people.

Maybe you want quiet dinners on your own, just you and your journal. Or maybe you’d love the camaraderie of other solo travelers. Many companies now even offer women-only departures, where the group dynamic often feels like instant friendship.

You don’t have to spend every moment together—but you can choose connection when it feels right. And who knows? Some of those bonds can turn into lifelong friendships (and future travel buddies).

Elevated Experiences for One

When you travel with a guided tour, be it private or group, you get the extra leg up of an established brand with cultivated relationships wherever you’re heading. With many of these, if you have an idea for a special experience and it’s not on the itinerary, we can work together to have something created for you. Everything starts somewhere! These organizations are filled with people who are passionate about travel, so we would all love to bring to reality additional components that can enhance your trip.

Maybe you see an itinerary that’s just perfect, but not solo-traveler specific. Some companies are choosing to cater to solo travelers specifically by having special single-traveler cabins built on their river cruise ships, or will run promos that waive the single supplement (the additional fee that’s charged to solo travelers on arrangements that are structured for two people). 

Sample Itinerary Spotlight

Women-only guided tours are on the rise, and one standout is the Moroccan Women’s Expedition—a journey designed to empower and connect.

  • Day 1–2: Start in Marrakech before heading to Bou Tharar, where local women host you with music and meals in a traditional guesthouse.
  • Day 3–6: Spend four days hiking from village to village with one of the region’s first female guides. Learn to cook couscous, try your hand at weaving, bake traditional bread, and even attend a mock Amazigh wedding celebration.
  • Day 7: Return to Marrakech, visiting the ancient ksar of Ait Benhaddou en route. End with dinner in a local woman’s home and a live performance by The Houariyates, an all-female music group.
  • Day 8: Enjoy one final breakfast together before parting ways—or extend your stay with a hot air balloon ride or traditional hammam spa.

This itinerary is both adventurous and deeply cultural, giving solo travelers a chance to connect—with Morocco, with women shaping their communities, and with themselves.

Travel for One, Enriched by Many

That is one ambitious journey! And they don’t all look like that. There is a great variety of travel options for you to choose from when you’re going solo, and they don’t mean you have to be alone. 

Whether you’d like to engage more with yourself and the culture around you, or bond with new friends while taking part in empowering activities, there is a world of opportunity out there!

And while you’re traveling as an individual, there’s no need to travel alone. You take the leap, and let the rest of us handle the logistics.

Headshot of Joy

🥾 Let’s get your solo adventure in the works!

Find me on Travel Leaders Network!

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