Travelling alone

Last Updated: Sep. 01, 2010

Tags: travel and tour advice, all countries

travelling alone

Everyone has different attitudes and opinions and philosophies when it comes to travelling alone. Even amongst those who choose to go it alone there is a mix of feelings with some being a little frightened and nervous while others cannot wait to get out on their own.

In a poll conducted on the Contiki forums, almost 70% of people polled as travelling on tour alone. So even though you start the tour alone, you’re not the only one travelling alone.

The tours are very social so you will definitely meet lots of people.

A lot of people, including past travellers will tell you travelling alone is the only way to travel.

Tour Manager Opinions

“Travelling solo on Contiki is very common. At least a quarter of the coach will be solo travellers. No one is left alone, you are in a situation where you cannot help but be introduced to and meet people. After a couple of days you start to notice that everyone is becoming friends and its like a big family travelling together.”

by – Glen Jupp, Tour Manager, Europe

“Travelling solo on Contiki is probably the best way to do it – my advice is to get out there, get involved, do all the excursions and meet as many people as possible – and I guarantee you will have the time of your life.”

by – Michael Thomas, Tour Manager, Europe

“A perfect way to travel with Contiki. From the Airport to your first hotel you may be alone, however you will soon be surrounded by like minded travellers with the same interests as you. This way you have the option to take time to appreciate time spent by yourself, or make new life long friend to share you memories with. All in all the option is yours.”

by – Brek Colling, Tour Manager, Europe

“Contiki is a great way to travel solo! You just have to be a little bit adventurous at the beginning and open minded the whole time. Don’t ask for a single room, do a Concept Tour and mix up room mates to make new friends. So many people come on tours afraid that they will be alone but end up making friends for life.”

by – Kirsten Bain, Tour Manager, Europe

“An awesome way to go. Too often when travelling wıth frıends, it can become very comfortable staying close to the people you know well… which ıs great for some, but goıng it alone, you quite often see more, get to know more people, jump outside your comfort zone, and never stop smiling…. even if you think your not that type of person. 2 weeks on a Contiki coach is like knowing someone for 2 years at home.”

by – David Semmens, Tour Manager, Europe

“It’s awesome because you will be in similar company and it’s way easier to meet new people and make new friends – Just be willing to get involved.”

by – Erin Robertson, Tour Manager, Europe

Related

Average age of our Travellers | Couples on Tour | How many people are on a tour? | Male/female/couples ratio | Nationalities of people on tour | Travelling with others | What are the groups like?

Add a Comment Comments (137)

  1. Hi
    I am going on the Grand Explorer in New Zealand departs 24th Feb 15 days, Auckland to Christchurch, travelling solo, I am from Melbourne Australia, is anyone else doing this tour ??
    Cheers

  2. Hi guys, I’m a 22 year old female looking to do the new zealand grand adventurer or bays of island in dec/jan. I’m hesitant to go solo, is anyone else going solo to these?

    Default_avatarExplorer1200389 posted on Jul. 27, 2010 Flag as Inappropriate
  3. I traveled solo last year on a contiki and it was awesome. You end up meeting so many great people and also there a lot of solo travelers as well. You end up becoming a big family for the time you spend together

    Default_avatarwingwong67 posted on Jul. 22, 2010 Flag as Inappropriate
  4. Thanks for the article and the comments! I have always hesitated making the decision to do contiki because of the solo travel factor…but reading this has just convinced me to go ahead and book my trip! looking forward to the journey & friendships that will be made along the way

    Default_avatarExplorer1197072 posted on Jul. 12, 2010 Flag as Inappropriate
  5. Hi im keiran 20yrs im doing the European Encounter solo from Dec 17 till Jan 1 New years in Paris. Anyone other girls doing this one.?

    kizzakizza posted on Jul. 03, 2010 Flag as Inappropriate
  6. Hi, Im thinking of doing the mykonos and island cruising trip on my own. Anyone else going this trip end of june?

    Default_avatarExplorer1192857 posted on Jun. 25, 2010 Flag as Inappropriate
  7. anybody doing the mykonos island cruisng tour starting 26th July, Trisha

    Default_avatarExplorer1187822 posted on Jun. 11, 2010 Flag as Inappropriate
  8. Hi I’m Nicole 21 yrs old from South Africa. I’m going solo doing the 21day London to Athens tour 12 June 2nd July 2010. I will be in London 11th and joining the tour 12th
    Anyone joining the tour in London?
    Explorer1169719

    Default_avatarExplorer1169719 posted on Jun. 08, 2010 Flag as Inappropriate
  9. Hi everyone from Toronto, Canada. I’m Rosa and am going to London/Paris on Aug 27th to Sept 3rd. I will be travelling on my own and am super excited. I know it will be great. Any one else taking this trip? Let me Know!

    Default_avatarrgarcia posted on Jun. 01, 2010 Flag as Inappropriate
  10. i’m doing the amsterdam new years eve tour! i’m 18 and from australia, is anyone else going solo on this one?

    Default_avatarExplorer1154724 posted on May. 28, 2010 Flag as Inappropriate
  11. Hi Explorer1180663, I am looking at doing the European Explorer also on my own!! Im from Aussie too! Have you booked?

    Default_avatarExplorer1183240 posted on May. 19, 2010 Flag as Inappropriate
  12. Hey everyone
    Im a 19yr old girl from australia, going on the European Explorer including mykonos island tour in august 2010 (for 33 days). I am super scared of going alone and my friends cant come as it is a last minute thing that i have planned on doing(they cant save up that fast). If theres anyone who is preferably a girl and would be interested id love to hear from you. Thanks heaps

    Default_avatarExplorer1180663 posted on May. 04, 2010 Flag as Inappropriate
  13. Hey I’m Nic,
    I’m doing the european escapade june 11 2010, anyone else?

    Default_avatarExplorer1179929 posted on Apr. 29, 2010 Flag as Inappropriate
  14. Hey everyone,

    My name is Ciara and I’m from Toronto, Canada. Is anyone going on the European Impressions tour departing May 25th? It would be great to get to know my fellow travellers as I am going alone. Thanks :)

    CiaraCiara posted on Apr. 12, 2010 Flag as Inappropriate
  15. Hi, my name is Krystle. 27 from Sydney. Im looking at travelling to Canada around/after Aug 2010 for a working holiday. Id like to meet people who are interested in doing this as the idea of going solo is a bit scary!... If anyone is keen please contact me on k.lisle@ioof.com.au

    Also if you have any suggestions on travelling solo please feel free to contact me too

    Cheers!

    Default_avatarKrystle82 posted on Apr. 08, 2010 Flag as Inappropriate
  16. Hi, I’m 30 from Sydney. Looking at doing the Canada tour in May 2010 and now travelling solo. Just wondering if anyone else is going to on this tour?

    LMB080LMB080 posted on Feb. 25, 2010 Flag as Inappropriate
  17. Hey…i’m looking to do the European Horizon in June 2010…travelling alone just wanted to met some people that maybe doing it

    Default_avatarExplorer1170038 posted on Feb. 22, 2010 Flag as Inappropriate
  18. Fantastic Olga! Until then take care and I will see you over there!
    -Mandy xo

    Default_avatarExplorer_Mandula posted on Feb. 21, 2010 Flag as Inappropriate
  19. Hi Mandy, nice to meet you I’m Olga. I am also going on the May 8th London & Paris but with the Amsterdam extention for two more nights. Hope to see ya there :)

    Olga

    MissTraveler77MissTraveler77 posted on Feb. 21, 2010 Flag as Inappropriate
  20. Hello Everyone,

    My name is Mandy and I am leaving from Toronto, Canada on April 28 for the 11 Days England and Scotland tour and then staying on board for the 8 Days in London and Paris tour starting May 8th. Is there anybody else out there taking the same tours?

    Default_avatarExplorer_Mandula posted on Feb. 20, 2010 Flag as Inappropriate
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