10 Best Adventures for Solo Travellers

“From wild camping in the Sahara and the Lakes to culinary adventures and tours of Europe, these holidays are also a fun way to meet new people.” This statement filled us with immense joy (and pride) when we were recently featured in The Guardian’s “10 Best Group Trips for Solo Travellers”.

So much so that we’ve taken the time to create our own top 10 list. According to Skyscanner, over 50% of travellers are choosing to book trips alone in 2023 if their travel interests don’t align with those of their friends – and why compromise? Whether you want to pick up a new skill, immerse yourself in a new culture, take the scenic route or travel with like-minded people, these are our best solo travel destinations for 2023 (in no particular order as we love them all).

 

1. Costa Rica – Coast to Coast

Best for: Responsible travel

Sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Caribbean on the other, Costa Rica is a small country that packs a lot in. Impressively around 25% of Costa Rica’s landmass has been set aside as protected reserves, the largest percentage of protected area anywhere in the world. Costa Rica is known for its sustainable methods and peaceful attitude.

A diverse and awe-inspiring fusion of high mountains & volcanoes, vast virgin rainforests, stunning coastlines, roaring rivers and home to half a million animal species. Costa Rica certainly positions itself for the ultimate epic adventure in the heart of Central America. Now’s your chance to embark on this exciting self-powered adventure as you bike, hike and paddle 250km across this diverse country from the Pacific to the Caribbean.

Departures: November 2023 & 2024
Length of trip: 12 days
Cost: £2595 per person
For more info: Costa Rica Coast to Coast Adventure

 
 

2. Sweden – Arctic Circle Snowshoe

Best for: Learning new skills and back to basics exploring

In the extreme north of Sweden, 180kms inside the Arctic Circle, hides the last remote wilderness of Lapland. Arriving here you will experience the unique home of the Sámi people and the Kings Trail. 

This is an amazing opportunity to feel like an Arctic explorer with carrying your own kit of around 12 – 14kgs, chopping wood, lighting fire stoves for warmth in the mountain huts, cooking food and fetching water from remote ice wells. It’s an incredible week in such pristine frozen wilderness and chasing the Northern Lights. No previous snowshoeing experience is required as training and practice sessions are all provided.

Departures: March 2023 & 2024
Length of trip: 7 days
Cost: £2150 per person
For more info: Kings Trail Arctic Snowshoe Expedition

 

3. Colombia – Explore The Lost City and more

Best for: Culture and commendable comeback country chronicle 

Although stereotyped with drug cartels and violence, Colombia’s reputation is changing to one of entrepreneurship, transformation, sustainable travel and hope. Colombia has come a long way in the last decade and is now a place of magical realism with rich culture, beautiful Caribbean coastline, mountain landscapes and of course the very well-preserved ancient Lost City where where some of the indigenous Kogi people still live today.

Trek to the hidden archaeological ruins of Ciudad Perdida (The Lost City), marvel at the buzz of hummingbirds in the lush rainforests of Minca, explore the old colourful streets of Cartagena, walk along the untouched sandy beaches of the Caribbean coast and ignite all your senses in the diverse city of Bogotá. This carefully curated adventure has it all.  

Departures: March & November/December 2023 & 2024
Length of trip: 11 days
Cost: £1995 per person
For more info: Explore Colombia & The Lost City Trek

 

4. Argentina – Trek Patagonia

Best for: iconic awe-inspiring landscapes

If you’ve ever wanted to be in awe of the sheer granite towers of Mt Fitzroy changing colours as the sun rises, walk amid the windswept plains, witness chunks of ice shearing off the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier or eat an Argentine steak, head to Patagonia.

Patagonia is the ultimate destination in the pursuit of pure wilderness and awe-inspiring landscapes! On South America’s southern frontier, nature grows wild and the scenes are raw and dramatic. Spaces are vast, as are the silences that fill them. This backdrop sets the greatest stage for one heck of an adventure. Following years of guiding in South America, our carefully crafted itinerary ensures you will experience the pure ruggedness of Patagonia and more.

Departures: March & November 2023 & 2024
Length of trip: 11 days
Cost: £2485 per person
For more info: Patagonia Glacier & Ice Cap Trek

 

5. Georgia – Trek the Caucasus Mountains

Best for: A drop of wine with your ancient mountain adventure

Nothing beats visiting emerging destinations and one of these growing in popularity is Georgia. Hike amongst remote alpine meadows, snow-covered peaks, deep canyons and medieval villages & fortresses. Plus enjoy a splash of home-grown wine to toast your epic adventure. Modern archaeological evidence suggests that Georgia is the oldest winemaking country in the world, with some wine samples dating back 8,000 years.

Our Georgia Trek promises fascinating culture, insights into the local way of life in remote mountain villages, stepping amid the historic fortified villages of Shatili and Mutso and exploring the old and modern Town of Tbilisi. This country is definitely one for the intrepid explorer.

Departures: August 2023 & 2024
Length of trip: 8 days
Cost: £1995 per person
For more info: Trek Georgia and the Caucasus Mountains

 

6. Spain – Hike the Camino de Santiago

Best for: Trekking one of the oldest pilgrimage routes in the world

Spain has so many areas to visit from vibrant cities with a Spanish flair to traditional Spanish villages. Known for their siestas and fiestas, but the country is most famously known for the Camino de Santiago.

The Camino de Santiago de Compostela is one of the world’s oldest pilgrim routes; travellers have made their way across northern Spain to Santiago on ‘The Way of St James’ for over 1,000 years. This is your chance to follow in the footsteps of countless pilgrims, walking the final 130kms from Samos to Santiago de Compostela.

Departures: April, May or October 2023 & 2024
Length of trip: 8 days
Cost: £1245 per person
For more info: Camino de Santiago Trek – The Way of St James

 

7. Vietnam & Cambodia – Cycling Adventure

Best for: An easy-going and cultural cycling journey

Are you ready to experience the laid-back and tropical vibes of South East Asia with a splash of culture, off the beaten track cycling and the chance to experience the epicentre of Khmer civilisation, Angkor Wat, at sunrise?

Pedal to the rhythms of the mighty Mekong as you journey on two wheels from Vietnam to Cambodia. With taking the roads less travelled along the delta’s relatively flat terrain, you’ll experience the local way of life and the warmth and friendliness of the country’s rural hospitality. This is one of our all time favourite cycling journeys.

Departures: February, March, October & November 2023 & 2024
Length of trip: 11 days
Cost: £1965 per person
For more info: Vietnam to Cambodia Cycling Adventure

 

8. Tanzania – Trek Mt Kilimanjaro

Best for: A mighty mountain trek with even mightier local people

Have you always dreamt of climbing the world’s highest freestanding mountain the heart of Africa? At 5895m Mt Kilimanjaro is one of the continent’s most magnificent sights. Rising from cultivated farmlands on the lower slopes, through lush rainforest to alpine meadows, and finally across a lunar landscape to the twin summits of Kibo and Mawenzi.

Not only does our 8-day trek of this mighty mountain allow you plenty of opportunity to acclimatise and appreciate the spectacular landscapes of the Lemosho route, the sheer energy and incredible support of our local Leaders and crew will make this adventure one that you will cherish forever. It’s almost impossible to put in to words just how special the local crew make climbing to the Roof of Africa such remarkable and heart-warming journey.

Departures: January, February, September, October & December 2023 & 2024
Length of trip: 12 days
Cost: £2795 per person
For more info: Mt Kilimanjaro Trek

 

9. Slovakia – Adventure Hiking

Best for: Exploring the trend of adventure hiking

Have you heard of ‘adventure hiking’? This is your chance to venture off the beaten track and discover the picturesque Malá Fatra Mountains in the heart of Europe with a twist. Not only will you ascend the rocky centrepiece of Velky Krivan at 1709m, Malá Fatra’s highest peak, but you’ll explore the world of pristine green mountains by climbing ladders past waterfalls, jumping over streams and making your way through dramatic limestone gorges via metal platforms.

This action-packed adventure will immerse you in the majestic scenery of the Malá Fatra Mountains and you may even catch a glimpse of some local wildlife – golden eagles, red deers, lynx or even bears.

Departures: May, June, July, August & September 2023 & 2024
Length of trip: 4 days
Cost: £590 per person
For more info: Adventure Hike Mala Fatra Mountains Slovakia

 

10. Morocco – Trek Mt Toubkal

Best for: Climbing and culture coming together

From the bustling Marrakech, venture into the heart of the High Atlas via traditional Berber communities which line the route to the ‘Roof of North Africa’.

You’ll learn their customs and enjoy hearty home-cooked meals. The views enroute are spectacular, but nothing compares to what you’ll see (and feel) at the summit of Toubkal (4167m) with 360-degree views across the Atlas ranges to the Sahara Desert. This is our home away from home and we’re proud to have worked with our local crew for over 15 years now.

Departures: All year round 2023 & 2024
Length of trip: 5 days
Cost: From £595 per person
For more info: Mt Toubkal Treks

And we just had to sneak another trip in this list as we’re beyond excited to have carefully curated our brand new adventure to…….

Greenland – Wilderness Adventure

Best for: A once in a lifetime adventure

The fjord systems of Southern Greenland are blessed with some of the most dramatic views the country has to offer – white mountains and green valleys, towering icebergs and landscapes in full bloom. Towns cling to its rocky coastline and vast glaciers slowly carve their way through the mountains. This is the place for a breath-taking adventure.

Explore the depths of these fabulous fjords on a 5-day expedition that takes you through the second largest fiord system in the world by boat before hiking to a truly special place – Kangersuneq / the ice fiord! Here the Greenland ice cap meets the bottom of Nuuk fiord and fills it with thousands of years old ice. Hiking these vast landscapes and mountains, wild camping amid the raw ecological beauty whilst listening to the ice carving from the glaciers with a warm cup of coffee and a freshly cooked meal with herbs foraged from local surrounds, sets the scene for one heck of a journey.

We hope these trips have inspired you to take your first step to join us on an incredible adventure.

Solo travelling doesn’t have to mean travelling alone. Here at Adventurous Ewe, we specialise in small group travel and all our trips are solo traveller-friendly. You’ll meet a bunch of like-minded people and experience the personalised, professional and down to earth service of the Adventurous Ewe team. We’re ready to welcome you and share a journey that’s meaningful, safe and fun.

Jim, Sue & Moshi-dog