IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TRAVEL DEPARTMENT
Get ready for a stellar solo adventure. Explore the top five destinations for solo travellers this year with packages available from Travel Department that include flights, transfers and accommodation …
Over the last few years, more and more people have chosen to travel alone, with the search term “solo travel” increasing year on year. Research has shown solo travellers opt for a mix of seeing the top sights but also having unusual experiences wherever they holiday. Of course, the reasons will vary from person to person, but the trend is clear – solo travel has multiple benefits.
The feeling of freedom and independence often drives the decision to travel alone. Solo trips also open up the possibility of interactions with new people and cultures, often creating the right circumstances to make new friends, whether it’s locals or other tourists. Getting to know yourself better and gaining confidence are other advantages.
However, it’s important to clear up a misconception: “solo” doesn’t always mean alone. Lots of solo travellers join group tours. Companies such as the Irish-owned and operated Travel Department cater specifically for solo travellers, offering solo-only or solo-friendly trips. As part of its solo travel tours, participants holiday with like-minded people, sharing incredible experiences and memories that will last forever. And for independent female travellers, for whom safety is a priority, peace of mind is guaranteed. Travel Department takes care of all of the details – flights, transfers, accommodation and excursions in the company of an expert local guide, who is always on hand to help. That means there is more time spent enjoying the destination, and perhaps making new friends en route.
So where to go, if planning a solo trip? Here are the top five short haul and long haul destinations and tours which include flights, transfers, and accommodation on a half-board basis. Having a local guide by your side throughout your holiday adds a personal touch and really helps to enhance the overall travel experience, making it more authentic.
India
Taking in some of India’s most iconic sights including the Taj Mahal and the magical city of Udaipur, known as the “Venice of the East” are part of this 11-night solo holiday. The trip starts in Delhi, with a guided visit to the Old Town and an excursion to Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest minaret. On the first evening, there’s a chance to get to know fellow travellers over dinner and drinks. The holiday continues by exploring ancient palaces and monuments, proud fortresses, mosques and bustling cities. Unmissable experiences: watching the sun rise over the Taj Mahal, enjoying a boat cruise around Udaipur’s Lake Pichola, and exploring the Amber Fort in the “pink city” of Jaipur. The bonus: there is also plenty of leisure time to discover India at your own pace too!
Costa Brava, Spain
If good weather, good food and some of the most impressive gothic architecture in Europe is on your travel wish list, then this tour is for you! On your first night in Spain there is a welcome reception to get to know your fellow travellers. The group will stay near the beaches of Costa Brava, a short distance from the Catalan capital, Barcelona, where they will enjoy two days exploring the city, beginning at Montjuïc Viewing Point for some Instagrammable panoramas. Then there’s a chance to marvel at Gaudi’s celebrated architecture, explore Las Ramblas and the winding, narrow streets of the buzzy Gothic Quarter. A further day is spent discovering the town of Girona, visiting the Dali museum in Figueres, where the Surrealist artist was born. There’s also a visit Montserrat, home to a Benedictine Abbey, followed by a fun Cava tasting at a celebrated winery. If you want to work on your tan, don’t worry, there’s plenty of leisure time to soak up the Spanish sun at the seaside resort.
South Africa
This is the chance to explore the rainbow nation with its breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures and iconic natural wonders on a ten-day adventure which takes in Cape Town, the Garden Route and Winelands. Participants will ascend the Table Mountain via cable car for panoramic views, and delve into the history of Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of course, no South African odyssey is complete without a safari, and in Aquila Private Game Reserve, there’s a chance to spot the “Big 5”. The route also takes in the Garden Route, the Outeniqua Mountain Pass and the wildlife wonders of Featherbed Nature Reserve. A grand finale awaits in Stellenbosch, where the group can indulge in the art of wine tasting and celebrate a memorable trip.
Tuscany, Italy
This is one of several solo holiday options for exploring Italy – others include tours of Lake Garda, Venice and Verona as well as discovering Sicily. During the Tuscany tour there’s a chance to visit several UNESCO World Heritage Sites as well as explore the Renaissance masterpieces and monuments of Florence, the medieval tower houses of San Gimignano, and Siena’s sloping square, Piazza del Campo, where the high adrenalin Palio horse race is held each year. For many, a highlight is the trip to Pisa, which is home not only to the leaning tower, but also to magnificent cathedrals and baroque buildings. There’s also plenty of leisure time to explore on your own, whether that is taking in the the stunning surroundings of Montecatini or enjoying some authentic cafe culture! This Italian adventure promises an intoxicating mix of culture, relaxation and history.
China
This bucket list adventure of Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai is a chance for participants to immerse themselves in ancient traditions, a fascinating culture and centuries of history. But before it begins, there is a welcome reception to get to know your fellow travellers. The first five days are spent in Beijing with day trips to the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, now one of the new 7 Wonders of the World. You can stand where General Mao rallied his troops, stroll along the impressive Sacred Way, and visit the burial place of Ming Dynasty emperors. Then it’s on to Xi’an for three days with a full day spent on an excursion to see the famous Terracotta Warriors and the Wild Goose Pagoda. The trip’s finale is spent in Shanghai, where “east meets west” in spectacular style. No doubt this trip will provide plenty of anecdotes to dine out on for the rest of the year!
For information on these tours and to explore others, visit www.traveldepartment.com or telephone 01 637 1636.