Whether they’re dreaming of climbing Kilimanjaro, walking the Camino de Santiago, exploring Thailand or cycling through Portugal, more travelers are embracing solo travel in pursuit of their passions. For many solo travelers, a guided tour offers the perfect balance of independence and the convenience, security and social connections of exploring with a group.
USTOA tour operator members are seeing a steady growth in the solo traveler market, with the market segment expected to reach $191.69 billion by 2030, according to Research and Markets. “Solo travel doesn’t have to mean traveling alone,” says Terry Dale, President and CEO of United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA). “Rather than navigating a destination entirely on their own, solo travelers can join guided tours that let them connect not only with the places they visit, but also with like-minded explorers.”
With that in mind, it’s no surprise that many USTOA tour operator members continue to create itineraries that are a perfect fit for solo travelers.
A Bird’s-Eye View
Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with the Climb Kilimanjaro: The Machame Route. During this 10-day adventure, travelers set out to summit Kilimanjaro alongside guides, certified Wilderness First Responders, and porters, with the Machame Route affording more time to acclimatize, rest and take in the sprawling lava-forged landscapes. Porters transport luggage and equipment throughout the climb and descent, leaving travelers to carry only a daypack with essentials. Along the route, guests sleep in spacious tents equipped with cots and have access to toilet and shower facilities, while dedicated chefs prepare healthy, satisfying meals to fuel the ascent. The itinerary also includes three additional days for acclimatization, a critical component in reaching the 19,341-ft. summit.
Find Your Path
If your female clients are looking to explore on their own alongside like-minded travelers, consider recommending Backroads’ A Taste of Camino de Santiago Women’s Hiking & Walking Tour. Spanning six days, the tour allows travelers to find their own pace, tracing handpicked sections of four historic routes, including Portuguese, Coastal and French Caminos. Highlights include a boat ride to the protected Islas Cies; dining on seafood and regional specialties accompanied by local wines; Port tastings; relaxing on white-sand beaches; listening to Portugal’s traditional music, the fado; and stays in charming boutique hotels. After weaving between historic villages and splendid coastal trails, it all culminates in the arrival in Santiago de Compostela and its magnificent cathedral.
Thailand Calling
Wellness-minded clients who love traveling to all corners of the world will want to hear about Goway’s The Spirit of Thailand: A Women’s Journey. For 12 days, this women-exclusive group will take in Thailand’s many delights such as a Lanna Wellness Retreat outside Chiang Mai that features a traditional Thai massage, Thai herbal compress and aromatherapy hot oil massage. Other highlights include a farm-to-table dinner experience at Jampa Restaurant in Phuket, a sustainable zero-waste restaurant awarded a Michelin Green Star in 2023; cruising Phuket’s emerald Phang Nga Bay to hidden lagoons and limestone cliffs; wandering through Bangkok’s old quarters and grand temples; and discovering Chiang Mai’s tranquil tea plantations in Thailand’s northern hills.
Adventure on Two Wheels
Cyclists are in for a treat if they hop on Exodus Adventure Travels’ Porto & Lisbon Atlantic Ride, where for eight days, they’ll follow scenic forest and oceanside paths as they cycle the Atlantic coast of Portugal. Designed for cyclists of varying abilities, the itinerary follows mostly flat and gently rolling routes. Highlights include a scenic ride through the dunes of the São Jacinto Natural Reserve and an overnight stay in the postcard-perfect fortified village of Obidos. After a week exploring some of Portugal’s most scenic coastal regions by bike, the journey concludes in Lisbon, where travelers can soak up the energy, history and charm of one of Europe’s most captivating capital cities.
To get the latest from USTOA members, visit ustoa.com/travel-advisors.
