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Travelling alone

Last Updated: Mar. 16, 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 (123)

  1. 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 20 days ago Flag as Inappropriate
  2. Hey…i’m looking to do the European Horizon in June 2010…travelling alone just wanted to met some people that maybe doing it

  3. Fantastic Olga! Until then take care and I will see you over there!
    -Mandy xo

  4. 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

  5. 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?

  6. I have actually changed the itinerary a bit, I am going on the London & Paris + Amsterdam on May 7th, 2010. The Rome one conflicts with my flight schedule sadly…but oh well Amsterdam would be awesome as well especially during the Tulip Festival :) OH and can’t forget the Red Light Distrikt :)

  7. Hey all, I’m Olga, I’m 25 and from Toronto, Canada. I am going to be doing London & Paris + Rome tour on April 9th, 2010. Anybody booked that one as well? I cannot wait, this is my frist time travelling overseas solo on a tour other than Canada. Hope to meet new people before I embark on the trip of a lifetime :)

  8. I went last July solo to New Zealand and heading this July on Great Britain and Ireland…I made the best of friends anyone could ask for…I wouldnt have done it any other way…it was MY trip but I got to share it with some amazing people. After a few hours u dont even remember u came alone!!!

  9. Hey I’m Brent, 22 year old from Canada. Travelling alone Great Britain and Ireland tour starting May 5, 2010, anyone else going to be there?

    parkerparker posted on Feb. 06, 2010 Flag as Inappropriate
  10. i like to meet people who travelling alone

    jordanianjewels@yahoo.com

    jordanianjewelsjordanianjewels posted on Jan. 30, 2010 Flag as Inappropriate
  11. Travelling alone is the only way to go. I did my first overseas trip 2 years ago, I did a Contiki for 2 weeks and went solo. Best fun ever. You don’t have to wait around for your mates to get ready and you can explore where you want to in your freetime.

    Default_avatarAmber hearts Sweden posted on Jan. 14, 2010 Flag as Inappropriate
  12. Hi, I’m Lizelle; 21 yrs.old. Cheers from Sydney, Australia.! I’m doing the European Discovery tour (27 December 2009 to 7 January 2010). I will be travelling solo. Is anyone else doing this tour???? Email: lizellethegazelle@yahoo.com.au

    Default_avatarExplorer1161261 posted on Dec. 19, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
  13. Hey I’m Chantal.
    I’m thinking about doing either Mediterranean Highlights or European Impression in May 2010 (can’t quite decide).....traveling solo. Anyone else going on either of these tours?

    Default_avatarExplorer1161068 posted on Dec. 17, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
  14. hey everyone, im doing the European contrasts leaving april 5th! and so far no one seems to be doing it…im going solo but i hope its not completly solo :(

    MaeghanUMaeghanU posted on Dec. 09, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
  15. Heyy everyone!
    im a 18yr sydney girl and im kinda freakd out about going solo by myself lol. im going on the the Grand Explorer New Zealand Babyy! if anyone is going id love to hear from you thnkyouu :)

    Default_avatarExplorer1159478 posted on Dec. 04, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
  16. hey my name is carrie, im doing the european whirl next april by myself, anyone else doing this?

    Default_avatarExplorer241985 posted on Nov. 01, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
  17. I’m thinking of doing either the teh 10 day Great Britain or Southern Ireland trip this Dec, anyone else going? I’ve never traveled alone before and I’m a bit nervous. Hopefully someone else is going…

    rainiraini posted on Oct. 06, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
  18. hey i’m from Adelaide, Australia travelling alone, anyone doing European Inspiration Jan 18th 2010?

    bridgetaistonbridgetaiston posted on Oct. 04, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
  19. hi, i’m a 20 year old girl from Tas, Australia. Wanting to do a camping tour round europe anywhere after april 2010..Would be really interested in hearing from anyone who’s thinking of doing one, as i’m going solo! caitywaityx@hotmail.com or add me on facebook, Caitlyn Dick

    Default_avatarcaitlynx posted on Sep. 26, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
  20. G’day!! I’m Tom Collins, 18, from Australia.. Leaving London for the European Inspiration tour on the 20th Sept 09.. Anyone else travelling alone for that trip?? Cheers..

    Tommy CollinsTommy Collins posted on Sep. 14, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
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