Solo Travellers and Escorted Tours: What You Need to Know
“Why Escorted Holidays Are a Great Fit for Independent Travellers”
Travelling alone can be liberating, but it also comes with questions: Will I feel safe? Will I be the only solo traveller? Will I have to pay extra for my own room?
At ItsSo Travel, we help lots of solo holidaymakers, and escorted tours are one of the best ways to explore the world independently without feeling isolated. In this article, we’ll explain why escorted holidays are so well suited to solo travellers — and how to avoid pitfalls like single supplements.
👉 Want a full overview? Start with our Complete Guide to Escorted Tours.
1. Why Solo Travellers Choose Escorted Tours
Escorted tours are ideal for those travelling alone because they combine independence with structure:
- Safety & reassurance – everything from transfers to hotels is pre-arranged.
- Built-in company – meet like-minded travellers, share experiences, and form friendships.
- Guided experiences – you’re never left wondering how to find your way around.
- Stress-free logistics – no need to juggle hotel bookings, trains, or transfers by yourself.
👉 Compare this with other holiday styles in escorted tours vs independent travel.
2. The Single Supplement Question
One of the biggest worries for solo travellers is paying extra for a room on their own. This is known as the single supplement.
- Many operators charge it because hotel rooms are priced per room, not per person.
- Some operators reduce it to a smaller fee.
- Specialist companies like Just You & Riviera Travel waive it completely — so you always get your own room at no extra cost.
👉 See our guide to how much escorted tours cost for a breakdown of when supplements apply.
3. Dedicated Solo Traveller Tours
Several companies now run tours designed exclusively for solo holidaymakers:
- Just You Holidays – 100% solo traveller holidays, no supplements.
- Riviera Travel Solo Tours – small group departures with your own room.
- Saga Holidays – solo-friendly tours with reduced supplements.
These aren’t about forcing group activities — you still have free time, but with the reassurance that everyone is in the same boat.
4. Social Benefits of Escorted Tours for Solos
It’s not just about avoiding extra costs. Escorted tours give solo travellers:
- A ready-made group to explore with.
- The chance to dine with others (or alone if you prefer).
- Shared experiences that often turn into lasting friendships.
Many people return home having not only seen the world, but also expanded their social circle.
👉 This makes solo escorted tours one of the most popular ways to tackle the myths about solo travel — see our guide to escorted tour myths.
5. Flexibility and Free Time
One myth is that escorted tours are rigid. In reality, most itineraries give solo travellers:
- Free evenings to choose your own restaurants.
- Optional excursions if you’d like more activities.
- Time to explore independently within the safety net of the group
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👉 More on this in our what’s included in an escorted tour guide.
6. Luxury Options for Solo Travellers
If you want to travel solo without compromising on comfort, luxury escorted tours are a great fit. Operators like Insight Vacations or Abercrombie & Kent offer:
- Smaller groups.
- Premium accommodation.
- More inclusions (so fewer out-of-pocket extras).
👉 See how this compares in luxury escorted tours.
7. Why Book Through a Travel Agent as a Solo Traveller
Solo travellers especially benefit from expert support:
- We’ll help you find tours that waive single supplements.
- We can advise on the right group size and pace for your comfort.
- You’ll have financial protection (ABTA, ATOL, Trust Account).
- And if anything changes while you’re abroad, we’re only a phone call away.
👉 Discover more in why booking your escorted tour with a travel agent makes all the difference.
Conclusion
Escorted tours are one of the best ways to travel solo: safe, sociable, and stress-free. With options designed specifically for independent travellers, there’s never been a better time to book your own adventure — without feeling like you’re alone.
At ItsSo Travel, we’ll help you choose the right escorted holiday for your style, budget, and comfort level — whether that’s a classic European tour, a luxury journey, or a dedicated solo traveller holiday.
👉 Ready to explore? Start with our Complete Guide to Escorted Tours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solo Travellers on Escorted Tours
Q1. Are escorted tours good for solo travellers?
Yes. They provide structure, company, and reassurance, making them one of the safest and most enjoyable ways to travel independently.
Q2. Do solo travellers have to pay a single supplement?
Not always. Some operators charge one, others reduce it, and companies like Just You waive it completely.
Q3. Will I have my own room on an escorted tour?
Yes. Solo travellers always get their own room — either included in the price or with a supplement.
Q4. Are there escorted tours designed only for solo travellers?
Yes. Operators like Just You and Riviera offer tours exclusively for solo travellers, with no single supplement.
