Travelling alone

Last Updated: Jul. 15, 2008

Tags: all countries, travel and tour advice

travelling alone

Everyone has different attitudes and opinions and philosophies when it comes to travelling alone. Even amongst those who choose to go it alone there is a mix of feelings with some being a little frightened and nervous while others cannot wait to get out on their own.

In a poll conducted on the Contiki forums, almost 70% of people polled as travelling on tour alone. So even though you start the tour alone, you’re not the only one travelling alone.

The tours are very social so you will definitely meet lots of people.

A lot of people, including past travellers will tell you travelling alone is the only way to travel.

Tour Manager Opinions

“Travelling solo on Contiki is very common. At least a quarter of the coach will be solo travellers. No one is left alone, you are in a situation where you cannot help but be introduced to and meet people. After a couple of days you start to notice that everyone is becoming friends and its like a big family travelling together.”

by – Glen Jupp, Tour Manager, Europe

“Travelling solo on Contiki is probably the best way to do it – my advice is to get out there, get involved, do all the excursions and meet as many people as possible – and I guarantee you will have the time of your life.”

by – Michael Thomas, Tour Manager, Europe

“A perfect way to travel with Contiki. From the Airport to your first hotel you may be alone, however you will soon be surrounded by like minded travellers with the same interests as you. This way you have the option to take time to appreciate time spent by yourself, or make new life long friend to share you memories with. All in all the option is yours.”

by – Brek Colling, Tour Manager, Europe

“Contiki is a great way to travel solo! You just have to be a little bit adventurous at the beginning and open minded the whole time. Don’t ask for a single room, do a Concept Tour and mix up room mates to make new friends. So many people come on tours afraid that they will be alone but end up making friends for life.”

by – Kirsten Bain, Tour Manager, Europe

“An awesome way to go. Too often when travelling wıth frıends, it can become very comfortable staying close to the people you know well… which ıs great for some, but goıng it alone, you quite often see more, get to know more people, jump outside your comfort zone, and never stop smiling…. even if you think your not that type of person. 2 weeks on a Contiki coach is like knowing someone for 2 years at home.”

by – David Semmens, Tour Manager, Europe

“It’s awesome because you will be in similar company and it’s way easier to meet new people and make new friends – Just be willing to get involved.”

by – Erin Robertson, Tour Manager, Europe

Related

Average age of our Travellers | Couples on Tour | How many people are on a tour? | Male/female/couples ratio | Nationalities of people on tour | Travelling with others | What are the groups like?

Add a Comment Comments (21)

  1. Hi Rachel below me :)
    how much does Ultimate European incl Greek Islands cost??? That would be awesome place to travel..feel free to chat with me :)

    Default_avatarExplorer1106702 posted 7 days ago Flag as Inappropriate

  2. hi everybody :) im Rach from Australia.. has anyone been on a Contiki tour before? And wants to share their thoughts/stories with me.. Ive never traveled outside Australia.. Wondering if I should give this Contiki Tour a try??? Anyone got myspace?

    Default_avatarExplorer1106702 posted 7 days ago Flag as Inappropriate

  3. I’m going on the Ultimate European incl Greek Islands departing on August 24, 2008. I would love to get in touch with anyone going on this tour – can’t help to make some friends right??? Feel free to jump on my profile and get in touch. Cheers Rachel =)

    RachelRachel posted 7 days ago Flag as Inappropriate

  4. Hello!
    Im Adam from Western Canada and im a first time traveler. Anyone going onto the European Explorer incl. Cruising – Option 2 for July 11th? If so IM me! Im traveling alone so it wouldnt hurt to make new friends ahead of time.

    UwmadaUwmada posted 25 days ago Flag as Inappropriate

  5. hi i am meghan from south africa, i am going to greece in september on the the cruise for 4 nights around greece and turkey, leaving the 14th sep, i dont really want to room on my own, so if anyone is interested in sharing and travelling together please let me know,im sure we will have a great time, infact i know.

    Default_avatarExplorer1104106 posted 25 days ago Flag as Inappropriate

  6. I am also interested in a Bali trip, however, coming from the Eastern USA it is a long distance and cost…

    Default_avatarExplorer1104491 posted 25 days ago Flag as Inappropriate

  7. I am planning on travelling alone and was a bit worried but after reading whats written here I am SO EXCITED to give it a go. You only live once right? Just smile go with the flow and make new friends right?

    TazzieDevil1983TazzieDevil1983 posted on Jun. 19, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate

  8. i’m also wanting to go to bali at the end of the year. early december. do people recommend sharing with someone?

    KateKate posted on Jun. 11, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate

  9. when are you going jordin??? im going at the end of the year.. never been overseas let alone on a plane before.. so excited!!!

    stephaniestephanie posted on Jun. 09, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate

  10. Im thinking about going to the bali resort alone im a bit worried not sure if i should share with someone or not

    Default_avatarjordin20 posted on Jun. 08, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate

  11. I’m planning my first trip to Egypt in November (alone) and I just can’t wait!!! Some of friends have done the same tour previously and they absolutely LOVED it! My friends here in London all seem keen to join me but only time will tell if they actually make the effort and book a tour. Either way, I’m going … :-)

    BernardBernard posted on May. 23, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate

  12. I will be travelling to Europe for the first time in May alone and I’m really looking forward to it. After reading this article and other’s comments, I have become even more excited to make the trek solo!

    Default_avatarCase-Face posted on Apr. 15, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate

  13. I went on the Europe 21 day camping tour in 04 alone and it was the best thing I ever did. I met so many ppl and was able to do things/be someone I couldn’t be around my friends. I enjoyed it so much I’m doing the Great Northern (USA) in a few weeks, on my own again :)

    SarahDSarahD posted on Apr. 10, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate

  14. i did my first contiki last year, i was doing it alone but met 2 friends from Melbourne traveling together the night before my tour left and we hit it off straight away and no one on the bus the next day actually had any idea i was on my own! the best part is we are all still really good friends

    MichaelMichael posted on Apr. 08, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate

  15. I have decided to travel alone and go on the Aegean Classic cruise departing June 29 in Athens. A little bit nervous as I am alone but this article really helps the cause!!!

    Now i am completely psyched

    Default_avatarExplorer1090116 posted on Feb. 18, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate

  16. I did my first contiki in 2001 alone!It was the best thing i ever did and i had an absolute ball!The tour manager and driver make youe feel incredibly welcome and best of all i had some amazing freinds some of who i am still mates with!I am about to go to america in a few months with people i met on my last contiki tour in mid 2006!Just do it!

    Default_avatarPrincessvixen posted on Feb. 03, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate

  17. Traveling alone, I toured 13 countries in Europe and Egypt with Contiki. I was unsure at first, but once I meet others on the tour I felt right at home. In fact, we got along so great 5 of us decided to continue traveling together! I would do it again in a heart-beat.

    Default_avatarExplorer1088391 posted on Feb. 02, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate

  18. All the ups and downs in our life have brought us here together in this very momet in life… its amazing.. we dont have to understand why, all we have to do is live it up!

    Just go with the flow of the universe.. you will be suprised

    :)

    Mima :)Mima :) posted on Jan. 26, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate

  19. I am totally psyched to start travelling. I will be going it solo as all my friends have other agendas. I was excited to learn at a recent travel show-where I learned about Contiki, that solo travel is not uncommon. I guess if you don’t ask, you don’t know!

    Travellinbefore35Travellinbefore35 posted on Jan. 16, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate

  20. I went on two Concept/Budget tours alone this year: Scandinavia & Russia from 23 June to 24 July and European Contrasts from 2-30 Aug. I actually had no choice but to go it alone, because all my close friends were busy with University/College, but it didn’t stop me from getting out there & meeting new people – something I’ve never quite done before. I went with an open mind expecting to have great experiences, which I did, and the memories will stay with me forever. Plus, I made life-long friends along the way! That’s the nature of Contiki.

    eftiefti posted on Nov. 18, 2007 Flag as Inappropriate

  21. I went on the Louis Cruise Lines Aegean Classic alon last summer (06). I met some wonderful people (some of which I still keep in contact with). there were a number of other poeple travelling alone, but even those travelling with friends were very friednly. I liked it so much, that I am going on the London + Paris trip next week (alone again).

    Default_avatarLiza_peral posted on Nov. 15, 2007 Flag as Inappropriate

Share this Article

See all Contikipedia Articles By Region

See all Most Saved Articles

  1. Suggested packing list - Europe - Summer
  2. Dress code - Europe
  3. Suitcase Vs Backpack
  4. How much spending money should I bring? - Europe
  5. Suggested packing list - Europe - Winter

Featured Travel Photos

  1. Calendar6_mid_thumb
    Photo by Kam
    Related: Egypt and the Nile (Tour)
  2. Picture_021_mid_thumb
    Photo by LozG
    Related: Europe Camping 32 Days
  3. Dsc03677_mid_thumb
    Photo by beabadtzi
    Related: Santorini

Recent Tips

If you take this tour you should definitely hit up the Greek Islands as well. They're so close to Athens and it's the perfect wind-down after the tour. So beautiful and so much fun too!

mattyvcontikimattyvcontiki Article on Road to Athens (Tour)

The cheese and clog farm is quite interesting and there are some really cheap prices on wooden clogs. Sounds strange, but they make a great souvenir.

Default_avatarMike Contiki Article on Shopping - Amsterdam

I bought a high sierra duffel bag - it has a zip down panel on the back and you can pull out the back pack straps…I also have a laptop back pack…

Default_avatarAussie_Jacqui Article on Suitcase Vs Backpack

See all Popular Tags

accommodation airports all countries australia austria canada cash cities countries europe food france germany getting places greece italy london money new zealand nightlife north america optional excursions paris regions shopping sydney tours travel and tour advice usa what to pack