5 Solo Journeys That’ll Let You Travel The World Without Feeling Isolated

For a truly goosebump-inducing getaway, snag yourself a spot on this nine-day Egyptian adventure that will take you from Cairo to Luxor. The itinerary is stacked with epic adventures—a cruise along the Nile on a traditional felucca, tours of the Pyramids of Giza and Valley of the Kings, a visit to the famous bazaar Khan el-Khalili and an overnight train ride to Aswan. 

But what makes this trip extra special is the immersive experiences in local culture, like a student-led bike ride tour in Luxor, and a visit to a cultural farming project that boasts a female-led community kitchen. You’ll watch a bread-making demo before having a family-style meal with the women, learning how their work is preserving their traditions, culture and ways of life. The itinerary also includes loads of free time, so you can explore further, connect with your new travel besties, or just slow down and unwind in your breathtaking surroundings. 

If, like us, Japan has been on your travel hit list for a while now, consider this 11-day getaway from Tokyo to Osaka your sign to finally book it in. With a maximum of 16 travellers, this itinerary offers the perfect mix of solo time and group activities. You’ll kick off your vacay in Tokyo, bonding with your new travel BFFs the best way possible—over food, of course. You’ll cook together before feasting on traditional eats like gyoza, fried dumplings and onigiri. The rest of the trip unfurls with visits to iconic hoods like Shinjuku, Harajuku, Shibuya and Asakusa, before jumping on a bullet train (an experience in itself) to Nagano, where you’ll slumber in a temple for the night. 

You’ll step back in time wandering through Matsumoto Castle (built in the 1500s), stay in a traditional Japanese Inn, where you'll sleep on tatami mats and zen out in the onsen. Plus, you’ll visit the famous Gion district of Kyoto, strolling through the streets that Geishas walk daily. Finally, you’ll visit Hiroshima and its Peace Memorial Park, a moving tribute to the city’s past and its message of peace. Your local expert guide has everything sorted—from accommodation to eats—so you can focus on soaking up the sights and making some new lifelong friendships. 

There are pinch-me moments aplenty on this ripping nine-day adventure from Lima to Cusco. Your journey kicks off with a stroll across one of Peru’s most iconic landmarks, the Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs). Legend says if you hold your breath and make a wish as you cross, it just might come true. From that dreamy first step, the magic of this trip only builds. You’ll immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and taste of Peru with a wander through a bustling food market, before enjoying an intimate cooking class where you’ll master ceviche and causa. 

Next, you’ll fly with your fab crew of like-minded travel buds to Cusco, to discover the otherworldly beauty of the Sacred Valley. There you'll stop off at Cuyo Chico, a local pottery-making community in a rural village, that's keeping this ancient art form alive. And of course, you can’t visit Peru without seeing Machu Picchu in all its glory. You’ll set off with a local guide to explore and appreciate this UNESCO World Heritage wonder. Unlike most group trips, it’s not go, go, go all the time, with the inclusion of a ‘me day’ where you can unwind with a soak in natural hot springs or uncover more sacred temples of the Inca empire with your new travel friends. 

Planning a safari solo can feel a tad daunting. Where to stay? What tour to book? Which is why we’re pretty obsessed with this 10-day exploration from Cape Town to Johannesburg. Just you, (up to) 16 of your new travel besties, and a female tour guide will traverse this incredible country, brimming with once-in-a-lifetime experiences. 

You’ll kick things off in the vibrant neighbourhood of Bo-Kaap and its candy-hued streets before ticking off Cape Town icons like Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, Signal Hill and Devil’s Peak. You’ll even enjoy a farm-to-table experience in a community garden before feasting on a delicious, locally sourced meal. Another highlight of the itinerary? Kayaking alongside penguins at Boulders Beach. 

The adventure continues at Kruger National Park, where your safari begins. Slumber in a tent, go on bush walks, zipline, enjoy sunrise yoga and keep your eyes peeled for the big five while out on safari drives. This is the kind of holiday you’ll remember forever. 

Experience the magic of Vietnam on this incredible 11-day journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, that seamlessly blends culture, history and adventure. Touch down in Hanoi, and you’ll tour the city with a female-led motorbike team, clocking Tran Quoc Pagoda and Hoa Lo Prison, before sharing a home-cooked meal with a local family—a special experience you won’t soon forget. 

Then it’s onto World Heritage wonder Halong Bay. Experience it like a local with a night aboard a junk boat, spending your arvo swimming and kayaking in the aqua water. Wake with a tai chi session, explore a local fishing village and then jump aboard an overnight train to Hue with your new travel buddies. The southernmost coastal city is brimming with ancient wonders, like the Imperial Citadel, the Royal Tomb and the Tien Mu Pagoda. You’ll round out your trip with a visit to Hoi An, driving the famous Hai Van Pass, finishing up in Ho Chi Minh City, where tours of underground secret passageways, cocktails at rooftop bars, river cruises and live music are all on the agenda.