Types of solo travel. Your complete guide to going on a trip alone, including defining the types of voyages that work for your personally.
As you will see throughout this guide, best solo travel destinations aren’t one-size-fits-all. We are all different.
Some people thrive on complete independence, plotting every detail themselves, while others like the comfort of joining groups or hiring guides to smooth out the bumps.
Then there are the food lovers who build trips entirely around their taste buds, and the adrenaline junkies who think dangling off cliffs sounds like fun.
And honestly, there’s a whole menu of other ways to go it alone — from wellness retreats to slow living abroad.
The point is, solo travel can look wildly different depending on your vibe, your budget, and how brave (or hungry) you’re feeling.
Think of it as trying on different travel “outfits” until you find the one that fits.
SO, if you’re planning to go on a trip alone, keep reading.
Types of Solo Travel
Solo travel is simply going somewhere on your own. No buddies, no safety net, just you steering the adventure.
For example, a USA solo travel allows you to go through the United States on your own.
It’s freedom, sometimes chaos, but always a story worth telling.
Or at least awesome, uninterrupted views in your camera roll.
Why are there so many types? Because people crave different things! Some want food, others adrenaline, and some just peace.
In other words, solo travel adapts to personalities, budgets, and moods.
Know your vibe: do you crave structure or spontaneity, quiet or connection, adventure or rest?
Your comfort level with risk, budget, and social energy will point you toward the right fit.
Meanwhile, there are a few things to consider. First of all, make sure you have a travel insurance.
No, really, you need one!
After all, you are out there traveling alone, and the last thing you need is to be stuck with being injured and no way to pay for it.
After that, make sure you’re always legal, where you happen to find yourself. Do not allow your visas to expire, arrive the country without enough pages in your passport, or simply doing things you aren’t allowed to do.
Of course, I’m not saying mistakes don’t happen, but I’m saying you’re responsible for your solo travel.
Now, let’s dig deeper into these types.
Independent Solo Travel
You decided to solo travel to New York City, and now grinning in Times Square all by yourself. Yes, independent solo travel is the classic “me, myself, and I” trip.
It’s the kind of trip where you set the rules, choose the playlist, and decide whether lunch is a sit-down feast or a gas station sandwich.
I remember one of my first fully independent solo trip. It was in France, and I spent three hours figuring out a bus system in a language I didn’t speak, only to realize I was going in circles.
At the time, it felt like a life crisis. Later, it became a funny story I bragged about at dinner parties.
The beauty of independent solo travel is freedom. Want to sleep in until noon? Do it.
Want to wake up at sunrise and hike to a waterfall? Nobody’s rolling their eyes.
The flip side, though, is that you are the planner, the navigator, the safety officer, and sometimes even your own therapist.
It can feel overwhelming if you’re not prepared.
Meanwhile, there are some practical tips. For example, always download offline maps (your data will abandon you when you need it most).
Of course, you should book your first night’s accommodation in advance. Arriving tired and wandering aimlessly with luggage is a horror show I’ve lived through once and never again.
And, definitely, think about your budget. Independent travel tends to be cheap if you embrace hostels, street food, and free walking tours.
You’ll make mistakes, but honestly, those slip-ups become the best stories. This is why it’s one of my favorite types of solo travel.
Group Solo Travel
Here’s the funny thing about solo travel groups. It totally sounds contradictory, but it’s not.
You’re still traveling alone, but you join a group of other “lonelies” for a specific tour, trip, or activity.
My first taste was a group trek in Peru. I signed up on a whim and, within two days, found myself swapping trail mix with strangers who felt like lifelong friends.
Group solo travel is perfect if you like the idea of independence but don’t want to feel like a lost puppy in a new place.
It’s especially useful for destinations where logistics are a nightmare. For instance, think of safaris or multi-day hikes.
Plus, safety in numbers is real. This is by far why it’s one of my top types of solo travel.
If one person gets food poisoning (hello, dodgy empanadas), there’s usually someone else with medicine or at least sympathy.
Challenges? You might not vibe with everyone. I mean, bring three people together, and there is bound to be an odd one.
I once ended up next to a guy who explained cryptocurrency for eight hours straight on a bus ride. Of course, headphones are worth their weight in gold.
Meanwhile, if you find yourself attracted to this, I would say consider a few things. First of all, book for small-group tours (under 12 people), since big ones can feel like field trips.
And, please, keep in mind that group travel is pricier than fully independent travel. However, the convenience of shared rides, group discounts, and ready-made company can balance it out.
Basically, it’s the best of both worlds. You’re alone, but never lonely.
Guided Solo Travel
Planning some solo city tours? Guided solo travel is like having training wheels, but in the best way possible.
You sign up for a guided experience, whether it’s a week-long cultural tour or a few days with a professional guide.
When I went to Morocco, I thought I could just “wing it.” How hard could it be, right?
Spoiler alert: I could not. After three failed bargaining attempts at the market and nearly getting lost in the medina of Marrakesh, I caved and hired a local guide.
Best decision ever.
Honestly, that’s why tours are some of my favorite types of solo travel.
The perk is that guides handle the tough stuff. For example, they are awesome at navigating chaos, explaining cultural nuances, and making sure you don’t commit social crimes (like trying to high-five a monk).
It’s also a crash course in history and local life that you wouldn’t get from a search engine.
But let’s be honest, guided travel can feel a bit… structured. Sometimes, you want to wander aimlessly, but instead, you’re being ushered to the next stop.
My workaround? Book a mix. For instance, a guided day or two to ground yourself, then some unstructured time to explore solo.
Meanwhile, there are some tour-related advice I would like to share. For example, vetted guides are worth the cost.
Ask for recommendations, or use reputable platforms. Locals love to give business to good people.
Safety-wise, a good guide can be your best ally, especially if you’re new to solo travel.
Think of it as having a local friend who won’t let you get scammed (or at least keeps the scams at the “tourist price” level).
So, definitely yes to guide solo travel.
Foodie Solo Trips
If you’ve ever wanted to justify eating five meals a day, a foodie solo trip is your golden ticket. Why not, it’s delicious!
I once went to Mexico City with nothing planned except a list of street food stalls. And yes, my stomach was both delighted and mildly betrayed by day three.
Foodie trips are some of the best types of solo travel. It’s indulgent, joyful, and a delicious way to connect with culture.
The best part? Eating alone is less awkward when you’re on a foodie mission. Instead of worrying about stares, you’re busy analyzing the crunch of tempura or photographing the swirl on your cappuccino.
Pro tip: sit at the counter or bar. For instance, you’ll often get the best view of the action and strike up conversations with locals.
Challenges? Overordering. I once tried to sample “a little of everything” at a night market and had to waddle back to my hotel in shame.
Of course, the solution is to simply pace yourself. Sharing plates with other travelers you meet helps, too.
Meanwhile, some of my favorite practical tips include to splurge on at least one high-end meal. Of course, balance it with budget-friendly eats.
Food tours are another fantastic entry point. For example, you’ll get local knowledge and probably make a few foodie friends along the way.
Also, always carry stomach medicine. Adventure is fun; food poisoning is not.
But, yeah, always up for a good foodie solo trip!
Adventure Trip for One
Adventure solo travel is not for the faint of heart. Yet, it’s ridiculously rewarding. And that’s why it makes to the list of types of solo travel we love.
Think hiking volcanoes, scuba diving, bungee jumping, or kayaking through waters that may or may not contain creatures that consider you lunch.
My first attempt at adventure solo travel was a solo hike in Iceland. I thought I was prepared.
Spoiler: I was not.
Halfway through, I realized I packed snacks but forgot water.
Rookie mistake. Or as one local put it, “barnaskapur” (basically, “childish mistake” lol).
Luckily, glacial streams are as fresh as they look.
Adventure solo travel pushes you out of your comfort zone in a big way. The independence feels exhilarating, but safety is a real concern.
I would say that you should always tell someone where you’re going. And definitely invest in good gear, and don’t rely on your phone’s battery to last forever (portable chargers are your best friend).
Budget-wise, adrenaline comes at a price. Guided adventure activities tend to be expensive, but they’re worth it for safety and expertise.
For solo hikes or climbs, national parks tend to have affordable entry fees and detailed trail maps. Plus, they have help in case of an emergency.
Here’s my biggest tip. You should definitely know your limits. It’s tempting to play Indiana Jones, but you don’t want to end up in a “traveler rescued by helicopter” headline.
Adventure is best when it’s memorable, not life-threatening.
Other Types of Solo Travel
Of course, solo travel isn’t just about independence, food, or adrenaline. There are niche styles that cater to every personality.
For example, wellness solo travel is a big one. Yoga retreats, meditation camps, or spa getaways where your biggest stress is whether to nap before or after a massage.
I once joined a meditation retreat where we weren’t allowed to speak for three days. By day two, I was mentally composing conversations with trees.
Surprisingly, it was refreshing.
Cultural solo travel is another favorite. For instance, you might design your trip around museums, festivals, or language-learning.
There’s something special about nerding out over art or history at your own pace, without dragging along a bored companion.
There’s also slow solo travel. For example, where you rent an apartment for a month and settle in like a local.
It’s less “Instagram highlight reel” and more “grocery shopping, learning bus routes, and accidentally buying mystery meat.”
The slower pace lets you really absorb daily life.
And let’s not forget digital nomad-style travel. For instance, mixing work with exploration.
It’s less vacation, more lifestyle, but still a form of solo adventure.
Moral of the story is that solo travel comes in many flavors. Pick one, mix a few, or invent your own.
The world is wide, and your trip doesn’t have to fit into just one box.
Enjoy your solo trip!
AJ Paris is a travel photographer based in New York. He is the editor of Caravanzers.
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