Appeal of Solo Adventures
Solo adventures offer freedom and personal growth. Travelling alone allows you to set your own pace, make spontaneous decisions, and fully immerse yourself in the destination without compromise. It provides the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, challenge yourself, and gain new perspectives. Solo travel often fosters self-reliance and confidence, as you're responsible for navigating, decision-making, and problem-solving on your own. It also opens the door to meaningful connections with locals and fellow travellers, as you're more likely to engage with your surroundings when you're not preoccupied with companions. Ultimately, single walking holidays provide a transformative experience, offering the space to explore both the world and yourself.
Benefits of Walking Holidays
Walking holidays offer a range of benefits that make them a rewarding way to explore new destinations. Physically, walking is a low-impact exercise that improves cardiovascular health, boosts stamina, and helps maintain a healthy weight. Mentally, the combination of exercise and exploration contributes to a positive, happy mindset, reducing stress and increasing overall well-being. Walking through a new place allows you to immerse yourself in the surroundings, taking in some of the most incredible landscapes in the world, offering a more intimate connection to the culture, nature, and history of the area. It also gives a sense of achievement as you complete each day’s journey, making the experience both fulfilling and memorable.
Connecting with Fellow Walkers
Whether on a group holiday or a self-guided journey, meeting like-minded people is part of the joy of solo walking trips. Joining walking tours, staying in shared accommodations, and participating in local activities offer excellent opportunities to connect with fellow walkers. Many solo travellers find that walking holidays create a perfect environment for forging new friendships and sharing adventures.
Top Destinations for Single Walkers
Whether you prefer your own company, are seeking solitude, have different interests to your nearest and dearest or want to get away without the hassle of fitting around your friend/family/partners calendar, we offer a range of walking holidays that are perfect for single travellers!
If you want to travel with people who have similar interests and benefit from the expertise of a tour leader, our group holidays are ideal. Alternatively, we also offer self-guided holidays, where you have the flexibility to navigate the trails by yourself, making as many stops along the way. Then, our private-guided trips are perfect if you don't want to hike as part of a group but would still like to be joined by expert local guides. Below we share our top recommendations for both group and self-guided walking holidays around the world and in Europe if you want to stay closer to home.
Group Holidays
Balkan Peaks Border Trek
This brand-new trip focuses on the best of the peaks, taking you on an unforgettable journey through Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro with our Balkan Peaks Border Trek. This adventure follows the renowned Peaks of the Balkans trail, offering mountain passes, pristine landscapes, and vibrant local culture. Explore Albania’s Valbona Valley, trek Kosovo’s Lumbardhi Ridge, and discover Montenegro’s Taljanka and Popadija peaks.
Experience steep ascents, thrilling descents, and panoramic views while staying in charming villages. Designed for those with a good fitness level, this moderately challenging trek combines physical achievement with stunning scenery, creating lifelong memories and friendships. It's perfect for single people looking for a good trip to meet new, interesting people and fellow walkers. Private-guided can also be arranged.
Exotic Trails Worldwide
India: Spice Trails of Kerala
This varied trek and tour, a favourite of Walks Worldwide holidays, begins in Kochi, where you can explore the cultural influences of ‘The Queen of the Arabian Seas’. Moving to the Western Ghats, the cool mountain air is infused with the scents of spices, coffee, and tea. Wander through lush forests, tranquil plantation trails, and former British hill stations. The highlight of the trek is reaching Meesapulimala via the Silent Valley plateau, before heading to the historic temple city of Madurai. A visit to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to elephants and tigers, is followed by a relaxing trip through the lush Kerala Backwaters on a traditional houseboat. This journey is perfect for single travellers with similar interests, offering a mix of adventure, culture, and nature. Private-guided can also be arranged.
Sri Lanka Pekoe Trail Hike: Hills, Rapids & Rail
Embark on a guided trek through Sri Lanka, starting at Negombo’s golden beaches and journeying through the central highlands. Explore the famous Pekoe Trail, historic tea estates, and lush eucalyptus forests while discovering the island’s tea heritage. From thrilling white-water rafting in Kithulgala to a scenic train ride between Ella and Kandy, this adventure immerses you in Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and history. Enjoy cultural highlights, leisure time in towns, and a scenic finale in Kandy, known for its temples and gardens. This action-packed holiday is perfect for making friends, as you’ll share fun activities, learn about new cultures, and create lasting memories together. Private-guided can also be arranged.
South Africa: Kruger, Zulus & Drakensberg
Available almost all-year-round, embrace all that South Africa has to offer on this walking-focussed safari. Varying from leisurely to challenging walking difficulty, this active holiday showcases both scenic and cultural destinations; marvel at the waterfalls in Mpumalanga and immense scale of the Drakensberg Mountains, visit one of the world’s greatest wildlife reserves, and learn about Zulu culture, all in one trip.
The best part about these holidays? As a single traveller, you won’t be alone experiencing these wonderful countries! Once you reach the destinations, you join your group of other walking enthusiasts and embark on your trip with an experienced guide. They're not only perfect for single walkers, it's also a great way to meet likeminded travellers.
Self-Guided & European Escapades
Slovenia Lakes & Mountains
Enjoy the natural wonders of Slovenia on this twin-centre holiday. This itinerary was almost made for singles walking holidays, as you have the freedom of selecting from several walks. Starting in Bohinj, you can choose from walks to Savica waterfall, Mostnica Valley, or challenge yourself and reach the peak of Vogel at 1,990 metres. You then transfer to your second base for the week, Kranjska Gora, with an unmissable stop in Lake Bled. You then have a range of walks in Karavanke or the Julian Alps, including Jasna, Martuljak Waterfalls, Zelenci springs, the deep valleys of Tamar and Velika Pisnica, summiting 'Sleme' or relaxing with a cable-car ride up to the peak of Vitranc.
The Corfu Trail 10 days
The Corfu Trail is a 10-day adventure perfect for single travellers, offering a blend of stunning landscapes, rich history, and cultural heritage. The trail takes you through diverse terrains, from lush forests and cobbled paths to rugged mountains, with breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea and Corfu’s rugged peaks, including the summit of Agii Deka (576m) and Mount Pantokrator (915m). Along the way, you explore historic monasteries, charming manor houses, and seaside tavernas, with plenty of opportunities for refreshing swims in the crystal-clear Mediterranean. Highlights include panoramic vistas, the opportunity to visit the fresco-covered Taxiarchis Chapel, and the serene beauty of Agios Spyridon beach. This journey perfectly combines adventure, culture, and relaxation, making it an unforgettable experience for those seeking to explore Corfu’s natural beauty and fascinating history.
Via Francigena: Montefiascone to Rome
Embark on a transformative Solo Pilgrimage along the final 130 kilometres of the Via Francigena, starting in Montefiascone and making your way towards Rome. This scenic route takes you through Italy’s charming countryside, passing picturesque towns such as Viterbo, Vetralla, and Sutri, which remain largely undiscovered by tourists. As you approach Rome, you have the option to either walk into the city on day seven or take public transport to skip the urban section. Along the way, you explore medieval villages steeped in history and tied to ancient Rome. Included in your journey is the pilgrim's passport, which can be stamped at various locations, including accommodations, restaurants, and notable landmarks. Completing this section of the Via Francigena also grants you the opportunity to earn a Certificate of Pilgrimage—a lasting memento of your spiritual and cultural journey.
Germany: Trails of Old Saxony
Enjoy this self-guided hiking adventure through the breathtaking Elbe Sandstone Mountains, located along the German-Czech border in Saxon Switzerland. Renowned for its dramatic cliffs, lush forests, winding gorges, and rich history, this region has inspired artists and adventurers for centuries. Ideal for nature and hiking enthusiasts, the area is dotted with scenic villages, panoramic viewpoints, and towering fortresses. Traverse hidden gems like the mystical Kirnitzsch Gorge and the striking Schrammsteine peaks, and marvel at the iconic Bastei Bridge, offering sweeping vistas over the Elbe River. This journey promises a diverse and unforgettable walking experience, blending natural beauty with cultural heritage.
Walking on Gran Canaria
If you're seeking a destination that offers both scenic trails and a warm climate, Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands is an excellent choice for single travellers. Known for its rugged mountains and beautiful beaches, the island offers various hiking paths with breathtaking views. It’s perfect for those who enjoy challenging walks with rewarding vistas, as well as the opportunity to meet other single travellers in a relaxed, scenic setting.
Through the Pays Basque: GR10 Section 1
This section of the GR10 in the Pyrenees is great for single walkers who enjoy beautiful mountain landscapes and a mix of easy to challenging hikes. The trail is dotted with traditional villages and stunning views, making it an excellent choice for independent travellers looking to experience the great outdoors.
Planning Your Single Walking Holiday
Choosing the Right Trail
When selecting a solo walking holiday, it’s important to consider your fitness level, interests, and the type of experience you want. Whether you’re interested in private guided walking tours, self-guided holidays, or group trips, there are plenty of options to cater to all preferences. For beginners, choose a trail with easy access and moderate difficulty, while experienced single travellers may prefer more challenging walks that involve rugged landscapes and spectacular scenery.
Packing Essentials for Singles
Packing for a singlewalking trip requires a balance of practicality and comfort. Essentials include sturdy hiking boots, a comfortable daypack, water bottle, map or guidebook, weather-appropriate clothing, and personal safety items. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and a camera to capture stunning views. Also, remember to pack light—luggage transfers are often included in guided and self-guided holidays, allowing you to focus on the hike.
Safety Tips for Single Travellers
When travelling solo, safety is paramount. Always let someone know your itinerary and expected arrival times. Stick to well-marked trails, carry a fully charged phone, and be aware of your surroundings. Single walking holidays are a great way to meet others, but it's always wise to remain cautious and trust your instincts. If you're travelling on a self-guided holiday, you'll be provided with route maps and in some cases a GPS tracker to help you navigate the trails.
When booking your holiday through Walks Worldwide, your departure documents include an emergency contact number with 24/7 assistance should you require.
Single Rooms & Single Supplements
One of the best things about booking with Walks Worldwide is that our expert team are just a call away for all your needs, this includes finding out more about the sleeping arrangements at hotels! We have several options depending on your preferences, and we can discuss these with you before you book, and make recommendations as a result.
Some hotels offer dedicated single rooms, or if you're happy to pay a single supplement for the luxury of your own room we're happy to discuss the options with you. On our group walking holidays, you may even be able to avoid those pesky single room supplements by sharing a twin room with someone of the same sex.
Find out more about our solo holidays that are perfect for hiking, or contact our team to start planning today!
