Flying Solo: Memorable Solo Trips For The Individual

By Richard Jones

Whether it’s seeking freedom and independence, gaining confidence and challenging yourself, or just to avoid waiting around for other people, more and more holidaymakers are choosing to travel alone.

Solos was founded in 1982 and offers a wide range of trips, from Costa Rica to Canada, Africa to America, India to Iceland, Croatia to the Caribbean and Uzbekistan to the UK.

Here are five of their spring holidays for globetrotting people, regardless of age, ability, circumstance, background or gender. All you need is a zest for life and a desire to travel.

Those boots were made for walking in Sicily

Follow a variety of fascinating trails, combining the lava fields of Mount Etna with the crystal-clear waters of the Alcantara River. Staying at the three-star Hotel Palazzo Durante, located in the central piazza of Letojanni in the Sicilian Province of Messina, guests can enjoy the sweeping boulevard, pebble beach, shops, restaurants and gelaterias. Highlights include strolling through Piazza Alcalá and the stunning streets of Catania; taking in the rolling countryside around Forza d’Agrò, a medieval town north of Taormina made famous by The Godfather movie; and visiting the magnificent Alcantara Gorge bordered by 50-metre high walls. Two days of leisure are also included in the programme, meaning guests can completely switch off or explore nearby towns.

A week’s half-board Sicily Walking trip, departing 10 April 2024, costs from £1,549 pp (no solo supplement) and includes return flights, twin room for sole use at Hotel Palazzo Durante, welcome drink and information meeting, guided walks, and accompanying Solos Tour Leader.

Discover the Uzbekistan Silk Road

Known for its mosques, mausoleums and the legendary Silk Road, explore the captivating Central Asian nation of Uzbekistan on an enthralling 10-night tour. The Silk Road is neither an actual road, nor a single route – instead, it refers to a network of trails linking China to Europe used by traders for more than 1,500 years. Admire the architecture and markets of Tashkent; marvel at the bright, preserved town of Khiva that was central Asia’s first UNESCO world Heritage City; journey into the vast desert to visit Chilpyk-Kala, an ancient Zoroastrian Tower of Silence; look around the 2,000-year-old medieval city of Bukhara; and stop in Samarkand, which was founded around seventh century BC.

The 10-night half-board Uzbekistan Silk Road trip, departing 9 April 2024, costs from £3,099 pp and includes return flights and transfers, rooms at hotels for sole use, and various tours and workshops.

Experience Venice and Verona’s Carnivals

Combine masks, costumes, colours, cities, music, food and Shakespeare on a vibrant four-night break in Italy. Staying at the modern four-star Smart Hotel Holiday in Mestre, just 10 minutes from Venice (and 90 minutes from Verona), you can make the most of these two captivating destinations. Join a local for a guided city tour of Venice, looking out for the Piazza San Marco, the Rialto Bridge, St Mark’s Basilica and other beautiful sights. In the afternoon, board a Venetian Vaporetto (boat) and float down the waterways and prestigious grand canal. The following day, travel by coach to Verona, home to stunning Piazzas and the renowned Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s Balcony). While there, join in with the mesmerising Bacanal del Gnoco carnival and street parade complete with masks, floats, music and food.

The four-night half-board Venice and Verona Carnival trip, departing 7 February 2024, costs from £1,299 pp and includes return flights, water-taxi transfers, twin room for sole use at Smart Hotel Holiday, two guided tours, and Venetian Vaporetto ticket.

Soak up the summer sun on a Greek Island Hopper holiday

This laid-back seven-night island hopping tour of the charming Aegean Islands begins with a three-night stay on Mykonos, an island known for its beauty and magic. Guests will then transfer to the traditional island of Paros for two nights, before finishing on the iconic blue and white island of Santorini. Highlights include exploring the flower-filled lanes, boutique shops and cafés, and the windmills of Little Venice in Mykonos; admiring the ancient monuments, monasteries and sandy beaches of Paros; and living it up on Santorini – famous for its breathtaking views, countless infinity pools, various clifftop wineries and top hiking routes. Throughout this trip, stay at centrally located three-and-four star hotels and dine on fresh, delicious cuisine. When in Santorini, don’t miss the volcano tour or traditional Kaiki (fishing boat) trip.

A seven-night half-board Greek Island Hopper trip, departing 22 May 2024, costs from £2,549 pp and includes return flights and transfers, twin/double room for sole use, two ferry island transfers, and three town orientation walks.

Escape the crowds at Lake Orta in Italy

In the foothills of the Alps, near the Swiss border, and nestled among the dark-green forest and rocky mountains, Lake Orta is famous for its beautiful, clean waters and peaceful atmosphere. Staying at four-star lakeside Hotel Giardinetto, which has been owned by the Primatesta family since 1930, guests can completely switch off. Float in the swimming pool, read a book on the sun terrace, or potter along the promenade. While there, board the local boat and also explore the pretty commune of Pettenasco and the ancient town of Orta San Giulio. Other places to visit include Lake Maggiore Stresa with its charming islands, Novara and Vercelli hill wineries and vineyards, Val d’Ossola with its sparkling 143m-tall waterfall (Toce Falls) and day trips to Zermatt and Milan.

A seven-night half-board Lake Orta trip, departing 21 April 2024, costs from £1,499 pp (no single supplement) and includes return flights and transfers, double/twin room at Hotel Giardinetto, and accompanying Solos Tour Leader.

For more information on solo trips with Solos, or to request a free copy of their new brochure, please visit solosholidays.co.uk