There’s no buddy system to fall back on if you find yourself regretting your travel choices halfway through your solo travel trip.
Figuring out your solo travel style is a bit like dating; when it’s a match, you’ll be absolutely delighted. When it’s not, well… there’s no one else to blame but you.
If you’re considering solo travel for your first time, or it’s been a while since your solo traveller steps, here’s a guide to help you identify your solo travel style – whether you’re looking to connect, stay solo but social, or just wander blissfully on your own.
1 The Social Soloist
Are you the type who, while setting off from home alone, you don’t really want to be alone? Do you feel a magnetic pull toward group dinners, laughing over a shared meal and sharing travel experiences throughout your day?
Welcome to the Social Soloist tribe! You’re the friendly, laid-back solo traveller who’s looking to meet like-minded people.
Social soloists can enjoy the pluses of having a structured itinerary with the planning taken care of for them and the instant travel buddy connections you gain from a group tour…and better still a group tour just for solo travellers. They can feel a part of something but still enjoy having time and space for themselves.
Top Tip for Social Soloists: Look for group tours and trips with a structured itinerary but leave free time for solo wandering, or quiet reflection.
That way, you’ll have the best of both worlds – claiming your independence and solo spirit but the safety net of new travel buddies that offer instant connections.
2 The Selective Soloist
The Selective Soloist knows what they want. They’re not afraid to admit they love some company – on their terms.
Selective Soloists thrive on curated group activities but may need their “me-time” to recharge. This means you’ll find them joining for wine tastings and city tours but it’s just part of their travel mix as they seek out independent solo travels for the most part of their itinerary.
For the Selective Soloist, joining day excursions takes the edge of planning the entire trip on their own and guarantees some connections along the way.
Top Tip for Selective Soloists: Sprinkle pre-planned day trips with organised groups throughout your travel itinerary. It delivers some structure to your trip while also plenty of opportunity for spontaneous plans.
3 The Solo Maverick
If you’re reading this and thinking, “I don’t really want anyone around… but a friend at the bar every now and then could be nice,” you might just be a Solo Maverick. You’re independent, you cherish alone time and you’re here to do things your way.
The Maverick isn’t entirely anti-social – they’re just “selectively social” in a whole different way. They’re explorers, the type to head off alone during the day and swap stories with other travellers in the evening.
The Maverick craves the freedom to wander but appreciates the comfort of returning to a familiar base at the end of the day. And if they’re feeling adventurous, they might even sign up for the occasional day excursion – a small commitment with low social investment.
Imagine a small, casual group on a guided day tour, where you can meet fellow travellers for just a few hours before heading back to your solo exploration. It’s just enough connection to keep things interesting without cramping your Maverick style.
Top Tip for Solo Mavericks: Have some backup plans for joining group excursions such as day tours or activities like a wine tasting or a cooking class. This way, you can dip your toes into group activities should your mood take you there.
4 The Pure Soloist
And then, of course, there’s the Pure Soloist. You’re out here for you – no structured itinerary, no social schedule, no dinner reservations with strangers.
Your idea of travel bliss is wandering, exploring and fully immersing yourself, exactly as you please. There’s not an ounce of planned group travel and their interactions come from spontaneous connections along their travel path.
Top Tip for Pure Soloists: Enjoy the spontaneous interactions of connecting through places of stay such as hostels or small guest houses that promote shared dining or common kitchens for prepping your own meal.
So, What’s Your Solo Travel Style?
Knowing your solo travel style is your ticket to a trip that’s as refreshing as it is fulfilling. When you travel with family or friends, there’s often that built-in fallback.
Solo travel, however, requires a little more introspection to connect with your travel style that will help choose the right trip for you.
Take some time to ask yourself what you really want out of your travels. Remember, solo travel isn’t about being alone; it’s about having the freedom to choose your path, make meaningful connections (or not), and dive into the world in your own unique way.
