Luxury Solo Travel: Why Travelling Alone Might Be the Smartest Trip You Ever Take
Luxury solo travel is booming — and it’s not just for backpackers. Travelling alone has long been seen as the domain of the intrepid student or wanderlust-fuelled gap year. But in recent years, that stereotype has shifted — and quickly. More people than ever are embracing the freedom and flexibility of setting out on their own terms, especially when it comes to high-end holidays.
I recently set out on a solo cruise aboard Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady, sailing from Athens to the Adriatic. It was part personal break, part professional research — and an unexpectedly brilliant experience as a solo traveller.
Why solo cruising is on the rise
Whether it’s a bucket-list escape or a spontaneous splurge, the appetite for luxury solo travel is growing. Virgin Voyages, in particular, is increasingly popular with solo cruisers — and not just on shorter getaways. There were plenty of us travelling solo on this 7-night itinerary, from Greece to Croatia and Montenegro.
The solo traveller advantage
There’s something liberating about doing exactly what you want, when you want. I could sleep in, hit the gym, or spend an hour with a frozen cocktail and a view — all without worrying about coordinating plans.
While I enjoyed meeting people — including forming a one-man pub quiz team that others joined later — I also had time to myself. Enough time, in fact, to get through four full books. That balance of social and solo was one of the cruise’s unexpected highlights.
Solo-friendly style on Resilient Lady
Let’s talk luxury. My home for the week was the Seriously Suite — and it lived up to its name. A roomy rain shower, a stocked bar, and a bed with one of the best sea views I’ve ever had.
Dining options? Superb. I tried everything from Korean BBQ at Gunbae to elegant tasting menus at The Wake. The shows were equally varied — think acrobatics, immersive theatre, and edgy cabaret, all without the need to pre-book. And I spent a suspiciously long amount of time in the onboard casino (don’t ask).
And then came Scarlet Night
If you’ve been on Virgin Voyages before, you’ll know: Scarlet Night is unmissable. A ship-wide celebration where the dress code is red, and the vibe is pure mischief. I had zero expectations and ended up dancing (well, dancing is pushing it a tad!) under the stars with a drink in hand, surrounded by people I’d only just met. It felt oddly personal, even in the middle of a crowd.
Final thoughts
Solo travel isn’t just about being alone — it’s about freedom. On this trip, I found that freedom at sea. No compromises, no waiting around, no small talk unless I wanted it. Just new places, great food, and enough space (physically and mentally) to properly unwind.
If you’ve ever been curious about solo travel — especially cruising — this might be your sign to give it a go.
Luxury for one? Turns out, it suits me just fine.
