Travelling solo doesn’t mean travelling alone.
Whether you’re taking your first independent trip or you’re a seasoned explorer looking for a new kind of adventure, solo holidays are all about freedom, connection, and unforgettable experiences. Here’s everything you need to know about what life is really like on a solo holiday.
Planning your solo holiday
From the moment you leave your front door, we’re here for you. We can arrange door-to-door transfers to take the stress out of getting to the airport, and once you arrive at the departure airport, we do a meet and greet to help get you settled. A Riviera team member will welcome you at the airport or Eurostar station and assist with check-in. Once you land, you won't have to navigate alone, as a Riviera team member will be waiting for you on the other side. It’s all about making sure you feel supported and connected from the very beginning of your journey, which is especially reassuring if you’re nervous about heading off on your own.
What makes a solo holiday different?
Going solo on a standard holiday is one thing, but joining a holiday designed specifically for solo travellers is something else entirely. These trips are built with you in mind. From the moment you arrive, everything is designed to make you feel welcome, relaxed, and part of something. That’s why we provide a welcome dinner and drink to get to know your fellow travellers – it's a great way to break the ice, enjoy conversations with like-minded people and create lasting friendships on your first day! The group dynamic is different, too—everyone’s in the same boat, so it’s easy to strike up conversations and make connections.
What kind of people go on solo holidays?
The short answer? All sorts of people. Some are widowed or divorced. Others have partners who can’t or don’t want to travel. Some are simply curious about trying something new and independent. The beauty of solo holidays is that they attract a wonderfully varied mix of like-minded people. You don’t need to be a certain age or have a particular background—just a sense of adventure and an open mind.
The Riviera solo experience: what makes it special?
Whether you're a seasoned solo traveller or setting off on your first independent adventure, Riviera’s solo holidays are designed to make you feel welcome, supported, and inspired from the very start. With a perfect balance of independence and connection, every detail is thoughtfully curated to help you enjoy the best of solo travel, without ever feeling alone.
Travel solo, yet never alone
The Riviera holiday begins from your departure point
The Tour Manager will meet you at the airport (or Eurostar station), check in and travel there with you. Where this isn’t possible, a Riviera team member will greet you at the airport, help you check in and introduce you to other members in the group.
Less is more with small group sizes
The maximum group size of our solo tours is just 25 people. This gives a more intimate and personalised experience. For ocean and river cruising, it depends on your ship size. Our yacht cruises having a maximum of just 19 cabins, so just 19 guests!
Expert Tour Manager looking after you throughout
Our Riviera Tour Managers specialise in solo travel. They’ll ensure you feel safe and welcome, making your trip one to remember (you should learn lots from them too)!
Break the ice at the welcome dinner
To get to know your fellow travellers, you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and drink at the beginning of your holiday. It’s the perfect start to the holiday. Your wonderful Tour Manager will ensure you never dine alone (unless you choose to).
Unbeatable solo pricing
Our solo pricing has no costly surprises – enjoy unbeatable value which includes everything you’d expect. But you’ll also benefit from our solo-only perks...
Busting the myths about solo travel
One of the most common concerns we hear is whether solo holidays are secretly dating holidays. They’re not. This isn't Blind Date, and we use the word “solo” very deliberately—it’s about travelling independently. That said, many people do make lasting friendships on these trips, and that’s something we’re proud of. Another common misconception about solo travel is that it’s only for people who want to be alone. But that couldn’t be further from the truth! What we’ve found is that most of our solo travellers are looking to make friends, share experiences, and have a great time with others. The word “solo” can be a little misleading—it’s not about isolating yourself, it’s about joining a group of like-minded people who are all up for an adventure.
The real idea behind a solo holiday isn’t to be solo and maybe socialise—it’s to socialise and perhaps enjoy a few peaceful moments to yourself along the way. So if you’re worried that everyone else will want to be left alone and you’ll end up feeling lonely, we’re happy to bust that myth. These trips are incredibly sociable, full of laughter, shared meals, and new friendships. And yes, there’s always space for a bit of quiet time if you want it.
Read our Myth-busting Solo Holidays blog
What is a welcome dinner?
The welcome dinner and drink are more than just a meal—they’re your first chance to meet the group, break the ice, and start forming those all-important connections. It’s a relaxed and friendly setting where everyone is eager to get to know one another. You’ll quickly realise you’re not the only one who was a little nervous beforehand!
And it’s not just your fellow travellers you’ll meet—your Tour Manager or Cruise Director will be there too. It’s a great opportunity to sit down with them in a casual setting, ask any questions you might have, and get to know the person who’ll be guiding your journey. These early conversations can help set the tone for the trip and make you feel more at ease from the very start.
Not only do our solo river cruises have a welcome dinner and drink, but all meals are included too! Meaning you can fully relax and indulge, knowing everything is taken care of— so you can focus on enjoying the journey and connecting with like-minded travellers.
What do Tour Managers do?
Tour Managers and Cruise Directors are the glue that holds the experience together. They’re there to make sure everything runs smoothly, but they also play a big part in helping the group bond. They’ll often take photos (with permission!) to capture the moments that matter, and they’re always on hand if you need anything, from local tips to a bit of encouragement. While there’s no official difference between a regular Tour Manager and one leading a solo holiday—the ones who guide our solo trips bring something extra special. They’re specially trained to be brilliant at group dynamics and social connection, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere where independent travellers feel instantly at home. From day one, they make sure everyone feels part of the adventure.
Making friends and feeling included
One of the best things about solo holidays is how naturally friendships form. Whether it’s over breakfast, during an excursion, or while exploring a new city, there are endless opportunities to connect. You’re never just a face in the crowd.
The welcome dinner and meet and greet are perfect icebreakers—relaxed, friendly moments where everyone’s keen to get to know each other. And with the Tour Manager - or Cruise Director - at the welcome dinner, it’s a great chance to ask questions and feel more at ease from the very start.
We’ve also found that group-style excursions, such as cooking classes and wine tastings, work wonders for bringing people together. They give you something to focus on and talk about—ideal if you’re a bit shy or unsure how to start a conversation. It’s those shared experiences that often spark the best chats and lasting friendships.
Our solo highlights
Here are some standout experiences we think you'll love from a selection of our solo holidays.
Valencia and the Orange Grove Coast for solo travellers
On this exclusive solo-only itinerary, enjoy a final dinner at a nearby masia—a traditional farm villa once featured in paintings by Spanish artist Ignacio Pinazo. Learn how to make authentic paella before feasting on our creations together in this beautiful setting, surrounded by fragrant gardens and orange groves.
South Africa for solo travellers
An early morning venture into Kruger National Park promises an unforgettable safari experience. With expert rangers at the wheel of specially adapted 4x4s, it’s off to the best spots for a chance to spot some of the incredible wildlife that call this vast landscape home—think elephants, cheetahs, leopards, warthogs, zebras, and so many more.
Douro, Porto and Salamanca River Cruise for solo travellers
In Porto, learn about the fascinating history of Port and its strong British connections. This fortified wine is made from grapes still traditionally pressed by foot, then carefully aged—sometimes for decades—before revealing its subtle, complex flavours. Naturally, the visit ends with a tasting of various port styles.
Meet Linda! Our expert in solo travel
With nearly 20 years of experience in the travel industry, Linda brought her passion and expertise to Riviera Travel in 2024. She kicked things off by expanding our long-haul adventures—introducing exciting new destinations like South Korea. These days, she’s the driving force behind our fast-growing range of solo tours and cruises, helping solo travellers explore the world with confidence and connection.
Linda's picks
Linda’s favourites are in—check out the tours she’s chosen to spotlight for their unforgettable moments.
Deep South USA Plus Texas for solo travellers
“A standout experience for me on this tour was our visit to RCA Studio B in Nashville, where Elvis recorded many of his greatest hits, as well as many other superstars like Dolly Parton and Roy Orbison. We had a guided tour around the studio and the guide was outstanding. She talked us through its history and played us clips of some of the studio’s greatest hits which had lots of the group joining in singing along and some dancing too. It was a really fun experience and as it was near the start of the tour it was a great ice breaking and bonding moment."
Amsterdam, Kinderdijk and the Dutch Bulbfields River Cruise for solo travellers
"My favourite part of this cruise was meeting so many lovely people. Even though it’s only a short cruise at 5 days, there were so many socialising opportunities as all meals were included plus there was high tea some days, drinks receptions, nightly entertainment and all the excursions. I loved seeing so many of the guests make new friends. There was a nice mix of people who had travelled with Riviera before as well as first timers."
Real stories from our solo travellers
I have tried other solo holiday companies and Riviera are by far the best.
It was my first solo holiday and I was a little anxious, but I needn't have been and I can't wait for my next solo trip with Riviera.
Lovely fellow guests from all walks of life. Lots of laughs.
Dining together or alone - the choice is yours
Meals are a big part of the experience, and you’ll never be left wondering where to sit. Dining is typically a shared affair, offering plenty of chances to join others and chat about the day’s adventures. Even when meals aren’t included, many travellers naturally group up and head out together—it’s all part of the fun.
Your Tour Manager or Cruise Director is always on hand to provide suggestions of where to dine in the local area - they can at least point you in the right direction. And because everyone’s free to choose, it’s easy to chat with others and decide where to go together.
That said, not everyone wants to venture out every evening—and that’s perfectly okay. Some travellers prefer the ease of dining in the hotel, especially if it’s been a long day or the weather’s not great. Hotel restaurants are often spacious and relaxed, making them a convenient option for those who’d rather not navigate unfamiliar streets after dark. You’ll often find a good number of people choosing to stay in, especially if they’re already gathered in the bar.
And of course, if you’re craving a bit of quiet time, that’s fine too. There’s no pressure to dine in a group, and it’s perfectly okay to say no—everyone understands that sometimes a little solo time is just what you need.
On our river cruises, all meals are included – a delightful perk! Each evening, gather in the dining room for a delicious meal prepared by our superb chef. Enjoy the sounds of laughter, clinking glasses, and shared stories of the day's adventures with your fellow travellers. We also have a free drinks package on all European river cruises - so have a drink on us on your next river cruise, as you savour the views along the riverbank.
Read more on our Free Drinks Package
What to pack
Packing for a solo holiday is much like any other trip—think comfortable clothes, weather-appropriate layers, and the usual essentials. But when you’re travelling alone, it’s worth double-checking a few extras, like airport transfers and travel insurance, just to keep things running smoothly.
It’s also a good idea to pack a book for those quieter moments or downtime between activities. And you can’t go wrong with a pack of cards—they’re a great way to break the ice and have a laugh with fellow travellers.
Most importantly, don’t forget your curiosity and sense of adventure—they’ll come in handy more often than you think.
Read our South African Safari Travel Tips: What to Wear and Pack blog
Popular Solo FAQs
The location where you first meet your Tour Manager or Cruise Director can vary depending on your specific travel arrangements:
- UK departures: For some tours, you may meet your Tour Manager or Cruise Director at the airport or Eurostar terminal in the UK. In these cases, they will travel with you to your destination.
- Overseas arrivals: On other occasions, you may meet your Tour Manager or Cruise Director upon arrival in your destination country—either at the airport, train station or accommodation.
- Cruise holidays: It is common for the Cruise Director to remain on board the ship during cruises. In such cases, a Riviera Team Member will meet you at the airport and accompany you to the port. You will then meet your Cruise Director upon arrival at the ship.
Due to the variety of regional departure points and cruise logistics, the exact meeting point may differ. Full details will be provided in your final travel documents.
- The choice to dine alone or with your fellow solo travellers is yours - your Tour Manager will make sure that you never dine alone, unless that’s what you prefer.
- We include a welcome dinner with all our tours to help guests settle in and get to know each other.
- We find that even when meals aren’t included, people will still dine together, giving you the perfect opportunity to share your experiences.
- We believe age is just a number, and so do the people who travel with us!
- Age composition on our holidays varies, and your holiday may be shared with travellers in their 30s right up to those in their 80s, or even beyond.
- What unites all our guests is their adventurous spirit, insatiable curiosity and desire to not just see, but explore the world with like-minded travellers.
Our Solo holidays
