Freedom, Friendship, & Flexibility: Solo Travel with Odysseys Unlimited

There has never been a better time to be a solo traveler. In recent years, record numbers of globetrotters have packed their bags and set off alone on adventures across the world, intent on exploring both the can’t-miss sights and the endless hidden gems. It’s an appealing vision: stepping off the plane into an unexplored destination, free from the need to coordinate (and cooperate) with a partner, armed only with a passport and a wish list.

Of course, travel can bring challenges, and going solo can certainly exacerbate these issues. Even as many single travelers plan and execute their dream trips, many more remain at home, held back by logistical headaches, itinerary questions, travel document hangups, and concerns over isolation.

We welcome single travelers on all of our small group tours – indeed, they make up roughly 25% of our guests, and our decades of experience have led us to create itineraries that cater equally to all travelers, not simply couples traveling together. With comprehensive touring, ample free time, congenial companions, an expert tour director, and a dedicated customer service team to handle any issues that arise, our tours provide a seamless beginning-to-end experience for solo travelers.

Continue reading for a full breakdown of the advantages that single travelers enjoy on an Odysseys Unlimited small group tour.

Meeting local Maasai tribespeople on our Tanzania Adventure tour.

Respect for guests’ freedom and individuality

We recognize that travel is an individual pursuit. That’s why every Odysseys tour offers the best of both worlds – scheduled touring and excursions with a small group (including all entrance fees to parks, museums, performances, etc.) along with ample time for solo exploration and meals on your own. On every Odysseys tour, guests enjoy:

• Highlights and hidden gems: Expertly planned itineraries offering tours of iconic landmarks and world-famous attractions, along with authentic cultural encounters not possible in larger groups (cooking classes, home-hosted meals, artist demonstrations, etc.)
• Itineraries designed for all: When building our tours, we prioritize genuine cultural experiences and unique looks at famous sites. Every touring experience is designed to be enjoyed by every guest – not simply couples or groups of two.
• Comfortable single accommodations: All single travelers receive single rooms, allowing time to relax and recharge at the end of each day.
• Complete freedom during leisure time: Guests can plan and spend their free time the way they want, with a tour director on hand to provide recommendations if needed.

Take it from Mary Nesbitt, one of our longtime travelers, who reports: “Odysseys has the perfect model for small group touring. The blend of touring and free time was outstanding.”

Travelers on our Sicily in Depth tour enjoy a cruise off the coast of Syracuse

Built-in camaraderie

Traveling solo can certainly be an exercise in self-discovery. But when abroad with no traveling companions, things can start to feel a tad lonely. Single travelers fit naturally into the makeup of every Odysseys tour:

• A genial mix of like-minded guests: Single travelers make up approximately 25% of our total guests, and our tours feature a combination of couples, friends traveling together, and solo travelers.
• Caring and conscientious tour directors: Every Odysseys tour director is well-versed in the dynamics of group travel, and helps to seamlessly integrate solo travelers into every aspect of the tour.
• Authentic relationship building: Memorable touring moments and family-style dinners encourage genuine connections among guests.
• Friendships that last long after returning home: Many guests report joining our tours as solo travelers, leaving with a new group of friends, and planning future Odysseys tours together.

For more on the social benefits inherent in joining an Odysseys tour as a solo traveler, hear from multi-time guest Kathy Young, who has penned several blog posts detailing her many adventures with us. Read Kathy’s dispatches here.

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director Tuyến Hữu Vũ sharing a laugh with guests while on tour in his native Vietnam

Stress-free planning and personal care

There’s no doubt that planning a solo trip brings a sense of liberty. But along with that endless freedom can come doubts and insecurities. On an Odysseys tour, single travelers retain their sense of individuality while enjoying a professionally planned itinerary and access to award-winning customer service. Solo travel with Odysseys means:

• No-hassle planning and preparation: Not only is the itinerary planned, but all hotels, transit, entry tickets, and airport transfers are taken care of. Best of all, our customer service team can help guests untangle visa or entry requirement questions that arise before the trip.
• Safety and security: Our expert tour directors are on hand 24/7. These professionals provide guidance and knowledge, but also immediate assistance should any be needed on tour.
• Award-winning customer service: Reserving a tour with us means gaining access to our experienced customer service team. These professionals can provide guidance before, during, and after your tour, and are just as adept at offering suggestions based on interests as they are at solving any problems that may arise.

Traveling solo can be incredibly rewarding – and with Odysseys, it’s incredibly simple, as well. For further questions about our solo travel options and policies, feel free to peruse our Frequently Asked Questions page here. And if you’re curious what other guests have written about their adventures with us, explore our ‘Through a Guest’s Eyes’ blog category here.

So if you’re ready to explore the world solo, but not alone, give us a call at (888) 370-6765, or explore our full list of small group tours here. We would be delighted to help you fulfill your travel dreams in 2027.