Solo travel: 13 inspiring solo travel tours to take in 2020
Looking to go it alone? These are the best solo holiday ideas right now
Britain's love for solo travel shows no sign of slowing down in 2020, with as many as one in four people opting for a singles' holiday, according to ABTA.
After the chief executive of the travel trade association, Mark Tanzer, recently assured Britons that "everything will remain the same" after 31st January when Britain leaves the EU, solo travellers can rest assured that Europe is well and truly open for holidays without any changes until at least December 2020.
With these reasons in mind, there's never been a better time to go it alone and we've rounded up the best solo travel tours you can take in 2020 and ahead, whether you're looking to explore Europe's best-loved beauty spots, discover new corners of the continent or fall back in love with Britain and enjoy a staycation inspired by your favourite hobby.
Maybe you've been travelling solo for years or have never tried it and fancy delving into the world of single traveller adventures. Well, you've come to the right place as our pick of best solo travel destinations are ideal for both seasoned and newbie singles.
What's more, some of these solo travel tours, which allow you to join a small group and make new friends, come with no single supplement - so you won't have to pay extra for going it alone.
As we're partial to visiting classic locations and venturing off the beaten track too, our selection of best places to travel solo will take you to the likes of Venice on the perfect trip, which proves the Italian city is not just for couples. You can also take a life-changing holiday to Uzbekistan and follow in Joanna Lumley's footsteps on the ultimate road trip.
Check out our best solo travel ideas for 2020.
Tuscany
With its rolling hills, terrific wines and food to die for, Tuscany is a glorious place for a learn-to-cook escape and spring is the perfect time to go when you can bypass the summer crowds and soak up the early season atmosphere.
This April, you can join GHI chef Cher Loh and local Tuscan chefs to learn the secrets of the region and cook up a storm in your lovely villa.
There will also be a visit to Florence and wine tasting so you can get a real feel for la dolce vita during your solo travel tour.
Single supplement? No
Rhone River
Love dancing? You'll want to join Strictly Come Dancing stars Anton du Beke and Erin Boag on the ultimate cruise along the Rhone River in France this year.
You don't need to arrive with a partner for these classes as you'll be teamed up with someone when Anton and Erin show you some steps during an interactive class for a solo travel experience you'll never forget.
Throughout the delightful cruise, you'll explore the cathedrals, vineyards and historic sites of the likes of Lyon, Tournon and Beaune.
Single supplement? Yes. On request
Uzbekistan
Follow in the footsteps of Joanna Lumley as you embark on a fantastic solo travel tour of Uzbekistan. Part of the Silk Road, a trip to the Central Asian country takes you to bustling bazaars, stunning mosques and intriguing desert castles.
Travelling with other Good Housekeeping readers, you'll taste the local wine, sample tasty lepyoshka flatbread and try your hand at carpet embroidery during this solo holiday.
The lesser-known country offers a life-changing adventure you'll get to share with new friends you'll make along the way and a great place to experience as a small group.
Single supplement? No, unless separate room preferred
South East England
While going abroad offers some unforgettable solo travel experiences, there's so much beauty in the UK to explore, including Kent and Sussex's outstanding gardens.
On a staycation hosted by popular garden designer Sarah Raven, you'll visit marvellous Sissinghurst Castle Garden after hours, enjoy flower arranging in Sarah's own garden and visit pretty Great Comp Garden.
There's also afternoon tea and a stay in a stylish hotel, including dinners, where you can get to know other travellers on the break.
Single supplement? Yes. £175 extra
Albania
When it comes to solo walking holidays, Albania is a great spot to discover as a single traveller. Aside from going off the beaten path and experiencing a part of Europe that's fairly overlooked by Brits, you'll meet other like-minded travellers as you get active in a new place.
Taking to the sandy beaches of the Albanian Riviera, archaeological highlights including castles and amphitheatres, and stunning villages, you'll fall in love with the country and its natural beauty.
In a group of no more than 18 people, you'll have the opportunity to make new friends and enjoy the company of fellow walkers.
Single supplement? No, unless separate room preferred
Georgia
Speaking of exploring new countries, Georgia is another excellent destination for solo holidaymakers. With its friendly people, terrific food and incredible places to visit, you'll never get bored of discovering this beauty spot.
During a 10-day solo tour of Georgia, you'll spend time in lively capital Tbilisi, make your way to the epic Caucasus Mountains, check out the picturesque churches perched high up in the mountains and sample unique wine.
Excellent for solo travellers who like to get creative, you'll also take part in a pottery class and there'll be the chance to see the traditional methods of making cheese and bread.
Single supplement? No, unless separate room preferred
Siena
The beautiful Tuscan city of Siena is packed with awe-inspiring architecture, lovely Italian culture and traditional restaurants galore! You'll also want to make the most of the surrounding countryside and there's no better way to do this than with a yoga escape.
Joining TV's Aggie MacKenzie, who is now a yoga instructor, you'll wake up to gorgeous views from your villa each morning and start the day perfecting your cat stretch and tree pose.
Giving you a relaxed solo travel experience, there'll be plenty of time to sample home-cooked Italian food, get to know Aggie and how yoga changed her life, as well as take fun day trips with other GH readers.
Single supplement? No
Madeira
Home to exotic plants and colourful gardens, the Atlantic island of Madeira is a joy for nature lovers and those who love the great outdoors.
During a solo travel tour, where you'll join Gardeners' World presenter Adam Frost in a small group, there'll be plenty of time to get to know Madeira's best gardens, including Quinta do Palheiro and Jardin do Largo.
There'll also be afternoon tea at plush hotel Reid's Palace, the chance to taste Madeiran wines and insights from Adam on how to care for your own garden. It's one of the best places to travel solo in spring!
Single supplement? Yes. On request
Venice
Traditionally one of the most romantic places in the world, Venice happens to be a treat for solo travellers if you hit the Italian city in the company of TV's Alex Polizzi this spring.
The Hotel Inspector star, who is also Italian, will join you on visits to the islands of Burano and Murano, and there will be plenty of time to get to know her and other like-minded readers during this wonderful boutique cruise.
Over five days on the solo travel tour, you'll visit the hidden corners of Venice and explore the best-known sites, tasting delicious food along the way and taking a trip to the charming fishing town of Chioggia.
Single supplement? Yes. £540 extra
Scottish Highlands
This wild part of the UK is a must-tick off your solo travel bucket list and exploring it in the company of BBC weather presenter Carol Kirkwood, who grew up here, is the only way to do it in 2020.
On a four-day trip to the Scottish Highlands, you'll ride the epic Jacobite train across the Glenfinnan Viaduct with Carol and other GH readers, and enjoy an exclusive chat with the TV star.
There'll also be a visit to Inveraray Castle, a ride on the Falkirk Wheel and a Loch Lomond cruise.
Single supplement? Yes. £120 extra
Pompeii
Italy's gorgeous Amalfi Coast and the site of Pompeii can be explored by solo travellers in search of a fascinating tour that takes in Positano, Ravello, Capri and other hotspots.
In Naples, you'll get to sample delicious pizza, while Pompeii is a historical site no-one wants to miss. It's where thousands of people perished when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD.
During this solo travel tour, there'll also be a private visit to the Roman Piscina Mirabilis and you'll get to know Italy with fellow Good Housekeeping readers.
Single supplement? No
Lot
With its dramatic gorges, quaint villages and slow rivers, it's no surprise why France's Lot region inspired author Joanne Harris' book Chocolat.
On a trip to Lot this autumn, you can join Joanne on a visit to Nerac, the place which influenced the fictional village of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes. You can ask her all about the novel and listen to her tips on creative writing.
Over seven days, the tour that's perfect for solo holidaymakers, will also take you to Toulouse, Montauban, Cahors and Lauzerte.
Single supplement? Yes. £288 extra
Jersey
If you're after an island escape fit for solo travellers, Jersey is a great location for your next holiday. Gorgeous beaches, a French feel and wonderful seafood aren't the only reasons to visit the Channel Island, either.
A solo travel tour, where you'll join a group of other travellers, allows you to see highlights like St Brelade's Bay, La Corbière Lighthouse, St Ouen's Bay and Gorey Harbour in one go.
You can then spend a couple of days, either on your own or with the new friends you make, exploring other parts of the isle at your own pace.
Single supplement? No
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