The best holidays for singles
Whether you are looking to explore a far-flung destination, meet like-minded people with similar interests, or simply enjoy a relaxing break, the world is certainly your oyster on a solo holiday.
By Saga team
Published 3 May 2024
There is a real beauty in travelling to a destination as a solo passenger. For some, it’s a preference in order to experience an uncompromisingly indulgent holiday. For others, being without a travel companion is not a choice, but as many discover, there are many new like-minded friends to be made.
Whatever your reason for going solo, our singles holidays have been lovingly put together to welcome the independent traveller and, where possible, avoid unfair penalties like single supplements. In fact, we take care of all the holiday details, leaving you free to simply decide on one thing – where to go!
If you’re struggling to decide on a destination for your forthcoming holiday, our top picks for solo travellers should give you a good steer.
1. Go Greek Island hopping
Greece blends ancient history with the inviting Mediterranean reputation for beautiful beaches, warm waters and friendly locals, and the Greek islands are some of the most spectacularly beautiful islands in the world.
From Mykonos to Santorini, Crete to Naxos, Greece has always been a top choice amongst single travellers, and island-hopping in the Aegean offers some of the most beautiful scenery on the planet. They all boast stunning beaches, turquoise waters and ancient historical sites, yet individually they each offer something different.
Travel between each island is short, which means you can maximise your time on land, soaking up the Greek culture and meeting the locals – some of the most welcoming people on the planet.
With so much to see, it's unlikely you'll ever get bored!
2. Wine and dine on a river cruise
Spend your days sailing through some of the prettiest stretches of the Rhine, its banks cloaked in a patchwork of vineyards - all in the company of other solo travellers and a dedicated solos host. As with all Saga's solo river cruises, you can look forward to a solos cocktail party and travelling group.
If you’re looking for romance, there is hardly a better place to find it than on one of our cruise ships, where we make our evenings as inclusive as possible for singles.
3. Beach and birdwatch in Spain
Spain is known for its beautiful beaches and weather, but why not combine a relaxing beach holiday with a trip to watch colourful migrating birds at a luxury hotel in the Costa de la Luz? Your evenings can be spent strolling the plazas and narrow lanes of the old town, and if your appetite for wildlife is whetted the Donana National Park is just an hour away.
4. Ride the rails in India
Step aboard and explore northern India by train for a memorable holiday filled with incredible sights.
Discover India’s ‘Golden Triangle’ comprising three of the most vibrant cities of north-west India – Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, capital of the ancient state of Rajasthan. Head north to Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Shimla in the Himalayan foothills with its colonial British connections.
During a holiday in the company of other solo travellers you’ll marvel at the Taj Mahal, visit the famous Golden Temple, watch for tigers in Ranthambore National Park and travel by steam train on one of India’s UNESCO World Heritage Mountain Railways.
5. Explore the rainforests of Borneo
Experience one of the most diverse eco systems in the world with a trip to Borneo, where you can cruise along tropical rivers for the chance to spot characterful orang-utans and other animals. Plus, visit organic tea plantations, visit hot springs or go scuba diving in the beautifully warm seas around Manukan Island.
6. Discover South Africa
Discover the diverse landscapes and cultures of South Africa in the company of other solo travellers and the 'big five'.
We keep our groups small, so when you are out in the game reserves you can interact with our expert guides who can take you right into the heart of habitats that are home to some of the most famous big cats and other wildlife species too, including honey badgers and warthogs. Whether you're interested in seeing conservation in action or want to unwind at a spa, a South African holiday has it all.
7. Follow the Silk Road to Uzbekistan
Exotic cities full of historic sites, gleaming turquoise domes and bursting with a rich cultural legacy await on a trip to Uzbekistan, right at the heart of the Great Silk Road across central Asia. Explore Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand and Tashkent for a unique and memorable holiday experience.
8. Get a taste of history in Jordan
Jordan is steeped in history and a trip to explore ancient Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is surely one for the bucket list. Take in the desert castles, tombs and stunning landscapes, or float dreamily on the salty waters of the Dead Sea.
9. Meet new people in Croatia
Croatia is well worth a visit for its stunning natural beauty and diverse landscapes. It packs dramatic mountains, green forests, crystal clear lakes and a rugged coastline into one small country, meaning you won’t be short of things to see.
It’s still a relatively young tourist destination – affordable to visit and not yet spoilt by tourism. It makes for a perfect, serene place to visit as a single traveller.
10. Spot wildlife in Costa Rica
This peaceful nation is nestled in and around the magical cloud forests. See multi-coloured toucans, the languorous sloth, noisy mantled howler monkeys, or try to spot the elusive jaguar. Between your trips to the rainforest, you can while away the days by the beach, where warm waters welcome all sorts of beautiful underwater wildlife.
11. Go down under in Australia
It may be on the other side of the world, but Australia has long-been a popular destination for the solo traveller. From lonesome backpacking missions, to organised package tours, Australia is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that many travellers like to tick off their list.
12. Discover the culture of Japan
Japan is worthy of a visit for its unique culture, its city lights and its delicious cuisine. Outside of the cities, rural Japan is a quite the contrast, with charming villages and luscious green mountains. Many people visit Japan to see the infamous cherry-blossom, which is in bloom during the spring. They even have a cherry blossom festival in celebration.
Our Essence of Japan tour is available with a dedicated solo departure.
Our holidays for solo over 50s travellers are created to make going away easy, inexpensive and fun, whether you want to cruise the great waters of the world or stay in a luxurious island hotel for a couple of weeks.
On some trips we will even pick you up from home before dropping you off at the airport and collect you upon your return.
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