So you've decided a group holiday could be a good idea but want to know what the advantages are and how it works. Here are the answers to what many single travellers want to know.

If I travel solo, do I have to pay a single supplement?

When travelling solo, accommodation is generally on a shared basis, in same sex twin rooms, at no additional charge. This means that you may be sharing a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex and, whenever possible, of approximately the same age.

On a few tours we have to charge a compulsory single room supplement, this is because the tours are not exclusive to Explore. Currently this only applies to the following tours: Inside the Polar Circle (tour code AWG) and Polar Bear Encounter (tour code ACH).

On many tours we also offer the option of a single room at an extra cost - look out for the Single Room Option icon on our tour pages. If you are interested in doing this, please read the specific tour details carefully, as paying for a single room option doesn't necessarily mean having a single room every night of the tour!

Is it mostly couples on holiday?

The ratio between solo travellers and couples (whether partners or friends) is generally 50/50, so don't worry, you won't be the only person travelling solo in the group.

Are other single travellers mainly women or men?

Generally the split between women and men travelling solo on our holidays is 60/40 so you won't feel outnumbered.

Are the holidays full of young or old people?

There is a great mix of people of all ages on our tours, ranging from 25 to 65+. As you'll be travelling with like-minded people, we doubt you'll notice the different ages anyway.

What happens in the evenings?

Not all meals are included in our tours allowing flexibility and the opportunity to decide on the type of food people would like to eat. Our groups do tend to bond quickly and often tend to eat as a group so there's no worry of you fending for yourself in the evening.

What are the main benefits of travelling solo in a group rather than just me?

You can safely travel and wander around places where being on your own may not be advisable.

You will feel less conspicuous.

Our group holidays are small enough to be flexible but large enough to make new friends.

You'll meet likeminded solos - many of our travellers have made life-long friendships on our holidays.

Our tour leaders are a mine of information - from local dos & don'ts to getting around safely during any free time you have.

With hundreds of adventure holidays to choose from you may have difficulty deciding which one to try. For any of you who are new to Explore or it's your first time as a single traveller here are our three most popular adventure holidays with singles.

1. Nile Felucca Sailtrek - culture vultures can spend time admiring the ancient treasures around Cairo and Aswan before sailing down the Nile on a traditional felucca.

2. Levada Trails of Madeira - if walking's your thing, explore Madeira on foot going high into the mountains, along cliff paths and through ancient woodland. Of course you'll have to "have some Madeira, m'dear".

3. Inside the Hidden Kingdoms - journey into the magical Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan where Guru Rinpoche, who founded the Drukpa Sect and brought Buddhism to Bhutan, flew on the back of a tiger to the cliffs around Paro to start the first monastery.

Other adventure holidays popular with solo travellers are:

Moghul Highlights
Tramuntana Traverse
Kasbah Trail
Walking in Cyprus
Ecuatoriana & the Galapagos
Adventures in Patagonia
High Atlas Trek