Luxury Solo Travel: Why Travelling Alone Might Be the Smartest Trip You Ever Take
Luxury solo travel is having a moment — and it’s about time. For too long it’s been seen as the preserve of gap year students and Instagram influencers on spiritual journeys to Bali. But things are changing. More people are realising that travelling solo doesn’t mean being alone — it means doing exactly what you want, on your terms. With a cocktail if you fancy.
My own solo trip? A week aboard Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady. Not my first time (I’m a bit of a regular now), but my first time properly doing it solo. And it did not disappoint.
Why solo cruising is on the rise
Solo cruising isn’t some niche thing anymore. On my 7-night sailing from Athens to the Adriatic, there were loads of us happily cruising alone. And not just on quick trips — this was a full itinerary with stops in Dubrovnik, Montenegro, and more. No schedule clashes, no compromise dinners, and no one dragging you into a tacky souvenir shop against your will.
It turns out, walking around a city like Dubrovnik with no agenda — just following your feet and the smell of grilled squid — is extremely underrated.
Freedom to do what (and nothing) you like
Travelling solo gave me that glorious freedom to do… well, nothing. Or everything. Some days I hit the gym, others I hit the pool deck with a frozen cocktail and a crime novel (Lee Child, Ian Rankin, and Peter James all made appearances). I even got through four books. That’s practically a PhD on land.
And I still managed to be social — there was a very informal pub quiz team of one that grew steadily throughout the week. (I may have bribed a few members with chips and casino winnings.)
The suite life — and then some
I stayed in a Seriously Suite, and yes — it’s as indulgent as it sounds. Think: rain shower, a bed that faces the sea, and a record player. The kind of room that makes you consider cancelling excursions just to stay in and luxuriate.
Dinners were a highlight: Korean BBQ one night, steak the next, tasting menus with wine pairings after that. And not once did I have to pretend to like someone’s dull travel story over dessert. Bliss.
Scarlet Night: No, I wasn’t dancing (honest)
Scarlet Night is the infamous onboard celebration — red outfits, wild performances, dancing on the stairs. I had zero intention of getting involved. I mean, I don’t dance. But there I was, swaying under the stars with a drink in hand.
Although if I was swaying, let’s be honest — it was probably the alcohol, not the music.
Solo cruising, done properly
Solo travel isn’t about being lonely. It’s about choosing your own adventure — even if that adventure is a nap after breakfast, followed by a trip to the spa, followed by another nap.
I came home more relaxed than I’ve been in ages, full of good food, better memories, and a quiet smugness that I’d had it all to myself. No sharing. No compromising. Just me, a ship, and a very well-earned bar tab.
So if you’re even half-considering a cruise for one — this is your sign. Go on. Treat yourself. You don’t even have to share the cabin snacks.
