
Quick cycling break to take in gorgeous Fougeres-sur-Bievre in France | Renee de Lery
Guide to Solo Travel in Europe
The pleasures of travelling solo cannot be underestimated. The ability to explore at your own pace, have time to reflect, and - we hate to be cheesy, but it's true - to find oneself.
In this article, you'll find ways to be a sociable single traveller, tour pricing information, popular solo traveller trips, and tales from solo travellers to inspire you to do the same.
From walking the Camino to exploring the
Great Glen Way, there are plenty of solo travel experiences to discover.
How to travel solo (but not be alone)
Just because you're travelling by yourself doesn't mean you won't be able to make friends along the way. We've identified two ways to tour Europe as a solo traveller but you're guaranteed to meet people.
- Join a guided group tour
These small group tours attract like-minded souls who share a common goal - to explore the European destination. Also on hand is your local guide, who helps the trip run smoothly and provides cultural insights better than any guidebook could.
- Choose a popular trail to walk or cycle
On certain routes, an essential aspect of the journey is the camaraderie shared by travellers. The
Camino de Santiago is a popular track for solo travellers because there's a constant flow of pilgrims walking towards Santiago de Compostela and a strong sense of community forms. Other sociable routes include the
Tour du Mont Blanc,
Coast to Coast, and the
Danube Cycle Path.
Tour costs for Solo Travellers explained
There are generally additional charges to our trips for solo travellers as they're initially priced for twin share. The below information aims to shine a light on these surcharges.
The Single Supplement relates to when multiple travellers are on a trip together and they want individual rooms.
E.g. Tom, Mary and Jane are walking in the Cotswolds (lovely!). Tom and Mary are sharing a room, and Jane needs her own room. Jane will need to pay a Single Supplement.
The Solo Traveller Supplement applies for solo travellers. This is because our self-guided trips are priced based on twin-share accommodation.
E.g. Tom is walking in the Cotswolds by himself (still lovely!). Tom needs his own room and luggage transfers. Tom will need to pay a Solo Traveller Supplement.
The Solo Traveller Supplement is more than the Single Supplement because other costs, such as luggage transfers, can not be shared. If you are travelling solo, the Solo Traveller Supplement is the one that applies for you – you do not pay both.
Solo Traveller FAQ
- Why can't I travel on any trip as a solo traveller?
The main reason is due to safety concerns. Some of UTracks' active travel trips venture into remote locations and in the unlikely event an incident does occur, it's always safest to travel in pairs.
- Is it worth it to travel solo in Europe?
There are many benefits to exploring Europe by yourself. You can enjoy total freedom in making decisions and doing the experiences that interest you. It also gets you completely immersed in the region as you need to rely on yourself for directions and communications. Talk about a boost to your confidence and self-esteem once you work out how to use the local public transport!
In this day and age, there's also a wealth of information online to help you travel and most of the people you'll encounter in Europe speak some level of English.
- How can I take photos as a solo traveller?
Selfies! Or ask a local to take a photo (also a great opportunity to start a conversation). Or invest in a small tripod, they aren't as expensive as one might think. Just please - reconsider a selfie stick.
3 Popular self-guided cycling holidays for solo travellers
Provence Backroads
Cycle through the stunning Provence region, past olive groves and vineyards, exploring the great towns of Arles, St Remy and Tarascon, and see the landscapes made famous by Van Gogh.
Blue Danube Cycle
Follow the winding route of the Danube and discover the lively history of one of Europe's most important rivers. Cycle past Austrian castles, Benedictine monasteries and ancestral vineyards en route to Vienna.
Camino de Santiago by Bike: Leon to Santiago
Set off from the cathedral city of Leon to the ultimate destination for most modern day pilgrims on the Camino, Santiago de Compostela, on this exciting cycling trip.
3 Popular self-guided walking holidays for solo travellers
Camino de Santiago: Sarria to Santiago
Walk the last 115km of the Camino to the tomb of St James in Santiago and qualify for the Pilgrim's Certificate.
Great Glen Way
This long distance walking trail travels right through the very heart of Scotland, visiting iconic sites such as Ben Nevis, Loch Ness, and plenty of magnificent Scottish castles.
Mont Blanc Classic

Experience the exhilaration of trekking through three countries in the European Alps while sampling culinary specialties such as raclette, with mountain refuges and hotels provide a relaxing respite at the end of your day's trek.
Read inspiring stories from Solo Travellers
Do you have any more questions about solo travel in Europe?
Reach out to our friendly team who are more than happy to help you with firsthand knowledge.
Share your solo travel advice in the comment section below.