Solo Travel Guide: Travelling alone in Europe

Is Europe a good destination for solo travellers?
Europe is an excellent destination for solo travellers. From the fragrant rural countryside of Spain and the striking ancient architecture of Italy to the golden-sand beaches of Portugal and pearlescent lakes and seas of Croatia, there is plenty for solo travellers to explore in Europe.

Is Europe safe for solo travellers?
Yes, Europe is generally a very safe place for solo travellers to visit. However, while the risks are low, as with all trips, you should keep your wits about you and take precautions to keep you and your belongings safe. By travelling in a small group you will be better protected, and your local guide can advise you on the local customs, as well as warn you of any places that may pose a threat. Europe is also a safe place for female solo travellers - take a look at our solo travel guide for women for more information.

How big are the group sizes on your Europe trips?
Depending on the type of tour, our European small group trips can accommodate 6 to 20 people, but our average group size is about 11 people. This is the perfect group size for solo travellers who want to book a trip alone but don't want to feel lonely.

Will I need to pay a singles supplement?
The individual prices of our tours to Europe are based on shared twin rooms. So, if you're travelling alone, we will pair you up with another solo traveller of the same gender. If, however, you would prefer a room to yourself, you have the option to pay a single room supplement.

Will I have time to myself on a small group tour?
Most of our European trip itineraries provide time for you to explore the destinations on your own. This free time can be spent with other travellers in the group, or you are free to enjoy some time alone.

What types of Europe group tours does Explore offer?
We have several different group tour types available in Europe. Join a Europe Discovery tour or European rail journey, for an all-round 'classic' trip that includes cultural highlights, history, food and wildlife. Or if you're looking for something more active, take a look at our walking and trekking holidays and cycling holidays.

Save time on planning and logistics
When you travel with an organised group tour, all of the planning, travel arrangements and accommodation booking is taken care of; all you need to do is turn up and enjoy the trip! Our tour leaders are also very knowledgeable, so you'll likely see and visit places in Europe that you perhaps wouldn't have considered if you'd been travelling solo.

Make new friends
One of the most significant benefits of travelling in a group is that you have the opportunity to meet other like-minded solo travellers. Many of the solo travellers who join our trips make new life-long friends during their adventures. And some even choose to travel together on another Explore tour in the future.

Share the experience
From the moment that you reach the imposing cathedral of Santiago de Compostela on our Camino de Santiago Walking Tour to spotting the fluorescent flashes of the Northern Lights on our Iceland Northern Lights adventure, a small group tour to Europe allows you to share these unforgettable experiences with fellow travellers. Take a group selfie as you reach the highest point of Hvar on our Cycle the Dalmatian Coast Tour and make a toast to wonderful adventures with new friends as you feast on delicious Greek mezze at the end of a group walking holiday in Greece.

Uncover hidden gems
Accompanied by an expert local tour guide, a small group tour gives you a better chance of finding some of the more obscure and hard to find places and attractions in Europe. Uncover the dramatic peaks and turquoise lakes of the Carpathian Mountains on our Poland Hiking Tour or step back in time as you uncover the myths and legends of Greece's Peloponnese region.

Stay safe
Keeping you safe while travelling on one of our small group tours is our number one priority. Safety in numbers means you'll be less at risk as a solo traveller and your local group leader will keep a watchful eye over you and your fellow travellers throughout your Europe trip. Feel at ease as you delve into the busy markets of Istanbul on our Turkey in Depth tour and avoid getting lost in Italy's Alta Murgia National Park by following your knowledgeable tour guide on our Cycle Puglia tour.

More cost-effective
Travelling with a small group in Europe can often make the trip more affordable than travelling solo. You'll benefit from discounted group bookings for accommodation, transport and admissions, and you'll have the opportunity to share the cost of food and drink with your fellow travellers.