Brandon's Curated Shortlist of Trips for Solo Travelers - Issue 10
Discover curated trips for solo travelers with Brandon's Shortlist! Explore unique adventures, no/low single supplements, and destinations tailored for independent explorers. Your gateway to affordable, exciting solo travel experiences starts here.
Welcome to the 10th edition of Brandon's Curated Shortlist of Trips for Solo Travelers! Every third Friday of the month, I spotlight some of the best travel deals and unique experiences that welcome solo travelers—no or low single supplement required. Whether you're exploring new landscapes or diving into cultural escapades, these trips are designed to inspire and empower your journeys.
Every trip featured here waives the single supplement — a win for solo travelers. For clarity, all prices are listed in USD and do not include airfare to the destination. Unless stated otherwise, prices are per person.
🏛️ Tunisia’s Ancient Cities: Carthage to El Djem
Travel through centuries of North African history on this culturally rich journey across Tunisia. The itinerary spans Roman archaeological sites and Islamic heritage landmarks, including the medinas of Tunis and Sousse, the ruins of Dougga, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites at Carthage and El Djem. You’ll also visit Kairouan and its renowned Great Mosque, with a historical lecture led by a local university professor in Sousse.
Includes:
• 7 nights’ hotel accommodation (4 in Tunis, 3 in Sousse)
• Daily breakfast, 6 lunches, 6 dinners
• Guided visits and cultural programming
📅 Multiple departures in 2026
💵 From approximately $1,320
🛑 NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
If you ask the tour company to quote airfare, they may include complimentary airport transfers, which can offset additional costs.
🇮🇹 Discover Puglia
This relaxed exploration of southern Italy blends food, history, and distinctive regional architecture. Highlights include wandering the whitewashed streets of Ostuni, tasting local olive oil, enjoying lunch at a traditional Puglian masseria, and touring Matera with a local guide. You’ll also visit the iconic trulli houses of Alberobello, with free time or optional excursions in Fasano.
Includes:
• 7 nights in a 4-star hotel
• 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners
• Local transportation and porterage
• Welcome drink and farewell gathering
📅 October 18, 2026
💵 $2,090
🛑 NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
❄️ Alaska Northern Lights & Winter Nights
Designed for winter travelers, this escorted journey runs from Fairbanks to Anchorage, combining rail travel with seasonal experiences. Ride the Aurora Winter Train near Denali, try dog sledding across the tundra, take a curling lesson, and ascend Mount Alyeska by aerial tram for sweeping views. The itinerary also includes visits to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, the World Ice Art Championships, and the Museum of the North.
Includes:
• 6 nights in 3-star hotels
• Rail and coach transportation
• All breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
• Excursions and luggage transfers
📅 March 15, 2026
💵 $3,495
🛑 NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
🦎 Classic Galápagos & Amazon: Wildlife, Rainforest & Islands
This comprehensive Ecuador itinerary combines rainforest exploration with time in the Galápagos Islands. Experiences include a guided night walk in the Amazon, wildlife tracking in the rainforest, a hands-on chocolate experience, visits to the Galápaguera Tortoise Center, encounters with giant tortoises, and time along sea lion-inhabited beaches.
Unlike most trips featured here, this itinerary includes flights due to limited land-only options and a current discounted fare.
Includes:
• Return economy airfare and internal flights within Ecuador
• 10 nights in hotels and eco-lodges
• Daily breakfast, selected lunches and dinners
• All transfers and English-speaking local guides
📅 September 8, 2026
💵 Approximately $3,895 (based on departure from Toronto)
🛑 NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
If a tour includes internal flights or regional transport, compare the bundled price against booking those segments yourself. In some cases, bundled fares offer better value due to group rates and included transfers. In others, booking independently can reduce costs or give you more flexibility. A quick comparison can prevent overpaying.
🏝️ Treasures of Norfolk Island
Created exclusively for solo travelers, this tour highlights Norfolk Island’s culture, history, and landscapes. Activities include a progressive dinner hosted by local residents, a guided breakfast bushwalk, museum visits, botanical gardens, and exploration of Kingston, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Includes:
• 7 nights in a 3.5-star hotel
• 7 breakfasts, 1 high tea
• 2 group lunches and 7 dinners
📅 October 4, 2026
💵 $2,900
🛑 NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
🚢 Rhine Cruise to Switzerland for Solo Travelers
Sail the Rhine from Basel to Cologne aboard the newly launched MS Riviera Resplendence. Shore excursions include historic towns such as Strasbourg, Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Speyer, and Breisach, along with a visit to Lucerne and a scenic rail journey through the Bernese Oberland. Onboard programming includes live music and curated cultural performances.
Includes:
• 7 nights on a 5-star river ship
• Full board (except one lunch)
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Expert guides and cruise director
• Free all-inclusive drinks package
📅 October 31, 2026
💵 From $3,499 (lower-deck double cabin)
🛑 NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
For escorted or small-group trips, look at the pacing of the itinerary rather than just the destinations. Fewer hotel changes and built-in free time often make a trip more enjoyable, especially for solo travelers who value downtime and independent exploration alongside guided experiences.
💱 A Quick Note on Currency
We list prices in USD to maintain consistency across the list, as most travelers have a general sense of the dollar’s value. When prices are marked as "approximate," it’s due to currency conversion from another source. To see pricing in your local currency, try using xe.com or your preferred converter.
📬 Let’s Connect!
Stay tuned for next month’s Brandon’s Curated Shortlist of Trips for Solo Travelers, featuring even more deals, tips, and inspiration for your solo adventures.
🌟 Have a recommendation or want your trip featured? Reach out anytime!
Happy travels,
Brandon
