Question for Solo travelers on RS tours

IN, Please do not be nervous. I have taken only one RS tour. It was a 14 day FAMILY EUROPE tour ,, it meant for families.. so we had 14 children and 12 adults.. that's right.. but guess what , of those adults , one was a single male. His elderly parents had purchased the tour for him as a gift for college grad.. and our tour was the only two weeks that fit his break from school to job. So his parents bought it for him and presented it to him. .. ta da... So , we had one single 26 yr old guy on our tour. He had a good time I think , no one made him feel bad, we were of course initially curious why a single guy was on the tour, but after explaination it made sense, lol He hung out with the assistant tour guide a lot ,and bunked with him mostly( I think he got a single room occasionally , depended on hotel) and everyone included him, at dinners he sat with all of us, when doing excurisions during free time he went with whoever was interested in same thing, and sometimes he just did his own thing.. Being solo was a non issue. He had a good time, we had a good time. Rick Steves tours tend to attract non prima donna tourists, those open to chatting to and mingling with others but who can also respect a persons need for space.

I've taken eight RS tours, six of them as a solo traveler. I always choose the single supplement option and never regret it. I've never felt isolated (though occasionally I do wind up without a dinner companion), and I get to have some "me" time when I'm alone in my room. Except for one hotel in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, I've always had an en suite bathroom. I've been given single rooms and double rooms, rooms with views and rooms with rooms with views of an airshaft. I've never been the only solo traveler. In fact, my tours have generally been pretty evenly split between couples (or people traveling together) and singles. Like Pat said, RS travelers tend to be laid back and curious, so don't be concerned about traveling solo. There will always be someone who will be happy to include you in free-time activities; conversely, there will be times when you will be quite happy to go off on your own. Don't be nervous: you'll have a great time! :)

I have been solo before on 2 RS tours. I purchased the single supp. There were a couple of other people also solo, one or two. I do not think it isolated me. On one trip, the Paris city trip, I had done a lot of preplanning, so for free time, I had lots of things to do. On another trip, there was another single woman, we did a few things together, but I also joined a couple for dinner and music in the evening. I had great times. The guide really made the big difference. On the Village Italy trip, Tricia was our guide, she joined others in meals in free time. I always have had a private bath in my 4 RS tours. I have also done tours with friends or family. Either way, I had a super time. Well worth my $, there seemed to always be extras included. Have a great time.

I've been on three Steves tours as a solo male. There have always been an odd number of solo males. We rotated roommates, as assigned, with each getting a single room on occasion. There were always single females on the tours, too. I never felt socially separated. Sometimes I hung out with singles, sometimes with couples, and sometimes I was happy to be by myself. There have always been plenty of friendly tour members and you do not have to be outgoing.

IN, I've taken six RS tours solo, and will be departing for my seventh tour tomorrow. I prefer to pay the single supplement, as I travel with expensive Camera gear and also like to come and go at different hours (sometimes late) and I'd rather not disturb others. I don't find that it separated me socially from the others at all. I'm only in the room to sleep and shower, so there's not much "social activity" happening. As the others have mentioned, there are usually a number of solo travellers on each tour, both male and female. Which tour are you taking? In any case, I'm sure you'll have a great time. Happy travels!

I concur with everything stated above. You will only be isolated if you choose to isolate yourself.

On a recent RS tour about half were singles and half the people were in couples. Some singles had single supplement rooms and the others were matched up to share. Two were men and the rest were women. I found it very easy to socialize with other singles and with the couples. Most of the people on RS tours are friendly and interesting. There was not one jerk (or grump) on the entire tour. I sat next to different people at each meal, so got to meet and talk with everybody. In the past I have traveled on RS tours as a single, sharing a room with other women. It didn't always work out for me, as I didn't always get enough privacy or sleep to suit me. Now I cough up the single supplement and enjoy the tours much more. There is usually somebody to spend time with when desired. I often choose to spend time alone in order to experience new places without a social need. That's me.

Thank you all for your responses!! I feel much better. I am a recent widow, mid 40's and determined to carry on with what use to be "our dream" of international travel. It will be my first time out of country (excluding Caribbean). Any advice on what tour to start with? I have to keep it at 11 days or less. Thanks!!

There aren't that many tours that are only 11 days or less. Depending on what area of Europe interests you, I would suggest either the "Paris and the Heart of France" or "Rome, Venice and Florence". Either are a good introduction to these world class cities.

For your first tour, I would not recommend one of the newish 'My Way' tours - you'll see that designation in the tour title. There might not even be one that's 11 days or less - I don't have time at the moment to check. Those tours are different than the regular tours and there's a possibility you could feel isolated because people choose those tours specifically to have more independence from the group.

I agree with Nancy, either of those tours are a good place to start. I concur with most of the other comments. I've been a single on three RS tours and haven't paid the single supplement and have had good experiences with roommates. All of my tourmates have been friendly and inclusive and if I want to go off on my own, I can do that too. The tours are wonderful, I hope you enjoy whatever you choose.

IN, in light of the fact that this will be the first trip that the two of you dreamt about, you might prefer the single supplement for some private reflection time. This may be an emotional time for you; emotions have an unexpected way of sneaking up on you when you least expect them...I'm so sorry for your loss. If there's any way, extending your travel time to 14-16 days greatly increases the number of RS tours available to you! Most are 14-day tours...and those would probably be much more attractive to you as a first-time European traveler. But if you're stuck with 11 days, there are a few as already mentioned. Have you perused the Tours section yet? One can spend literally all day there ;-) Also, have you watched the Tour Experience Video yet? You may find that very helpful. I'm so excited for you, getting to take this trip! Enjoy the planning process...

Also, IN, take a look at the Tour Scrapbooks in the Tour section of this website and read the tour reviews for the tours that interest you.

Don't forget about the various 7-day tours. That would give you enough time to get to the city a day early (helps with getting over jet lag), and maybe spend a day on your own after the tour is over. Also, if you're still not completely sure about the RS tour experience and traveling solo, they're cheaper (and obviously shorter) than the multi-city tours. Also gives you a day to recover at home before having to go back to work. That being said, the Paris & the Heart of France tour is great!

I've taken one RS tour as a single, and it was perfect for the single traveller. I made a couple of good friends who I'm still in touch with. I think Eileen has made a good point about taking single accommodation for your trip. And I too am sorry for your loss.

Oh yes, I have been studying each tour. I own most of Ricks DVDs and have read a good number of the guidebooks! Believe me when I say WE had been dreaming of travel for our whole marriage (18yrs). Lol. What about the "heart of Italy" or the "Venice, Florence, Rome" tour?? Is Italy a poor choice to start?

IN,t Italy would be a fantastic choice for a tour. However it would help to have some idea which part(s) of Europe you're most interested in (ie: what prompted your desire to go there)? There are two basic choices you could look at: 1.) Visit only a single country or region, such as Italy. Venice, Florence and Rome is certainly one possibility, but you might enjoy seeing a wider variety of both small and large towns in different regions (such as those on the Best of Italy, Village Italy, etc.). 2.) Take a Best of Europe tour to get a sampler of a variety of countries. That will provide a good idea of which ones you might like to return to and spend more time in. Good luck with your choice!

What Ken said... :) Italy is a fantastic first choice - any of the tours would be amazing.

"What about the "Heart of Italy" or the "Venice, Florence, Rome" tour?" Both are excellent choices. "Is Italy a poor choice to start?" No, it's a good choice. Lots of art museums, architecture, and breathtaking scenery to see. Also look at "London in 7 Days" Tour. You may feel comfortable spending several days before or after your tour in London alone, also, because there is no language barrier. (Of course, I do not know which languages you speak besides English.) Many people find that London and Great Britain are a good first visit to "get their feet wet" as a traveler. Transportation is easy. And the people there are helpful if you need to ask directions. And London has some of the most fantastic museums. You will not be bored. Not trying to talk you out of Italy, just giving you other choices to think about. I hope you have a great trip, wherever you decide to go! And don't worry about traveling solo; we have all done it and enjoyed it!

While I understand going to an English-speaking country if traveling on your own, if you're interested in Italy...Go For It! You'll have a guide and be with 20-30 others and some of them will be in the same 'newbie' boat as you. The 'Heart' tour gives you a balance of large and small locations, giving you a taste of each type. Dang, I'm soooo excited for you! Just can't help myself ;-) Anyhoo...those tours do fill up fairly quickly, so even if it's for next year (I didn't see where you mentioned a date) start looking seriously at your dates. I will recommend arriving in your first city a day early - that gives you some time to rest from the trip, and if something should happen to your flight you've got some wiggle room. Many people do this; typically, you can find out nearer the tour date which hotel you'll be staying in and maybe you can get in a day early. There might be something you want to see or do in that city that isn't covered by the tour, so you can take care of that before your tour group meets. Ken, she can only spare 11 days, so the majority of the tours are out-of-reach...for now. They'll be waiting ;-)

Hi Eileen! I was only talking about her feeling more comfortable in an English speaking place alone if she were in London for a few days before or after her trip. She would not be with the group at those times, and would maybe feel a little more at home going places alone. "While I understand going to an English-speaking country if traveling on your own, if you're interested in Italy...Go For It!" I absolutely agree with Eileen...if Italy is really what you want...go for it! "Heart of Italy" or the "Venice, Florence, Rome" tour are both great. You're going to have a great time!

IN, I just came back from a Heart of Italy last week. It was awesome and altho I was with family on the tour it would have been grand solo. We had one solo on our trip and she had fun. She joined people when she wanted to and she went off and did her photography when she wanted to. I asked her how it was during the trip to make sure what I thought I was seeing was what was happening and she confirmed it. I am looking at doing some on my own, so I was conscious of how things were for her. I would recommend this one if you are interested in Italy. I liked the mix of big cities and smaller towns. BTW, I did pay for a single supplement as I was with 4 others and I did have a private bath everywhere. The one in the Rome hotel was laughably small, but hey,I was in ROME!!

I have been on 10 RS trips mostly as a solo w/o paying single supplement. My first was to Italy (19) days - only one other solo so we paired the entire trip. I told my fellow travelers that I was hoping to join the others for dinner and also set up a dinner and invited others to join me. Worked well. Next trip France - 5 singles - 1 odd one - the 4 of us gave up our chance for the single room to avoid any others from having to room with her. Met my travel buddy here and until her death, we roomed together but also found another travel buddy. Would not recommend rooming as a trio, but on another trip with a trio, we each paid 1/3 of single supp and switched off the single room - worked terrifically! On my other trips solo, have generally had excellent roomies but did have one terrible one; however, the trip more than made up for the time I had to spend with her and I did not need to socialize w/her outside the room. On the whole, my roommates have been wonderful people and turned into life-long friends. I view the cost of single supp. as airfare to my next destination or shopping to my heart's delight. My last trip was in February to Sicily - I did not pay a single supp - I was the only female solo - and, a couple of times felt isolated, in part, I think because it was a short trip - 11 days and we didn't get to know each other until the end of the trip. Speak up and ask for company at the intro meeting - find a restaurant or activity and invite others. Bring some photos from your home. You will not regret this trip, I promise! If I hadn't taken that first trip because I did not have someone to travel with - well, my life would be much poorer! Locals have always gone out of their way to make me feel welcome. Fulfill your travel dreams!

How DO you decide?? So tough. There are pros and cons, well more like lesser pros, to each tour. I have eliminated London because I think I can handle that one myself (someday) and the itinerary has less of what I would want to see. I am going to go with the Heart of Italy tour, and I can still get in this year!
The mix of the small towns & big cities appeals. IN stands for Indiana, folks :-) Also, the natural beauty of Italy calls to me! Biking and hiking are my favorites and that tour has both...and WINE!! Thanks again for all of your input!

Yea! Now after you return home, you'll have to post a thread under Trip Reports and let us know how it was! I'm happy for you! Of course, come back with any other questions you might have...

I went solo on the Best of Europe 14-day tour last September, and I went early (and alone) to Paris for the first 3 days of the trip. That part was anxiety producing for me since I'd never traveled alone or been to Europe, but the tour wasn't a problem at all, I was in fact relieved when I had a group to join. I am a 57 year old single woman, who is fit and active. I met two other women on the tour who came alone - who were actually married - but came without spouses on the tour. Our tour group also had a single young man. Our guide arranged something optional for us to do every evening that we didn't have a group activity. This made it easy for me to join people every evening and I never had to be alone, unless it was my choice. One time I had dinner with the guide. The couples did tend to hang out together, but after the first week we were like family and I could easily join any group and feel comfortable. I paid the single supplement because I wanted the private time to reflect on my experience and recharge. Being with people all day was very stimulating so I enjoyed some alone time after turning in late at night. My rooms were way less extravagant than the double rooms but perfectly fine for me - especially for Europe. I always had a decent bathroom in my room. I would go alone again in a heartbeat if I could afford it. There was always someone looking out for me and I never felt afraid or left out, and I'm pretty introverted. GO!!!

I've done two RS tours as a single (Best of Europe 14 Days, and Tallin Helsinki,and StPetersburg 8 days)... I didn't pay the single supplement on either trip but I still ended up with a room of my own on both trips.. On the Best of Europe I was the only true solo traveler, but there were several other groups that were not couples, two mother-daughter pairs, one mother-daughter-daughter trio, and a sibling trio (2 brothers and a sister); we also had one family of four, and the rest all couples. It was a very very fun group of people and all were outgoing and accommodating, and no one ever hesitated to include other people in activities. The Tallin-Helsinki-StPete trip was similar, there were three singles, but the other two had paid the single supplement, so again I had a room of my own.. But again it was a very fun group, and everyone was great about including other people in their activities.. On both trips there were times when I was on my own for dinner, but really not often. I actually think the Rick Steves trips are a great option for single travelers.. There is a very good mixture of group activities and free time on your own, so there's time when you can relax and let someone else do the planning and organizing, but also time to do your own thing, plus there are all your group travel buddies, and even in the free time, there's a good chance someone else will be interested in the same things you are. On my BestOfEurope trip we had several instances where a couple split up for the free time things and one went with one group of people to see one thing, and the other went with another group..
The guides on both of my trips were very good about keeping everyone involved.. YOu might consider the Tallin-Helsinki-StPete trip, its only 9 days, and not much bus travel.. A bit of Scandinavia, a train ride, and a ferry crossing!

I was going to say- go with your heart- but I think you have! I hope you have a wonderful trip and I think Italy's an excellent choice. Best wishes, Maggie

I have done three RS tours as a single. On one there was no single supp. option but my room companion was very compatible and we got on well. Other times I have paid the supplement and have to say I do prefer to do so. I have never felt the odd person out and usually have found myself included in groups for dinner or lunch. RS tours are an excellent way to travel solo and Italy is a wonderful place to start. For a shorter tour - you might consider the 7 nights in Rome - great tour leader and guide etc. Contact me offline for more information.

I think this is probably understood, but FWIW - there are multiple RS tour guides who lead the Rome tour (and the other tours as well). They're all great - best in class, as are the local guides they hire for specific museums, etc. Have never had a guide who didn't exceed expectations. You can read hundreds of candid comments about this in the Tour Evaluations. There's a link on the right side of the 'Tours' landing page from the global menu above.

I have taken four RS tours solo. I had varying experiences with room sharing. On first trip, Italy, only two solos so we were matched for the whole trip. Second trip (Ireland) there were nine solos, but only four rotated sharing (the others knew each other). Third trip (Spain), five solos, three rotated. Fourth trip (E Europe), five solos, but all paid the single supplement but me, so I got my own room by default. Most of the room sharing works out ok - yes, you give up privacy but it is manageable most of the time. There were a few personality conflicts (after all, you are complete strangers) but some of those also come with being cooped up with the same people, even your own family, for 12-14 days. If I take future tours, I will spend the money on the single supplement - the privacy and space (that I got by default) were much appreciated on my last trip. In deference to your specific situation, my first roomie on my Italy trip was grieving the recent loss of her spouse - I know she would have much preferred privacy (and ended up spending $ in the last half of the trip to gain her own room). I rarely feel lonely as a solo. Lots of group time and frequently offers to join for meals. You have to put yourself out there though and make sure people know you'd like to tag along (but be respectful of couples privacy don't wear out your welcome - I have seen people get a bit too desperate/pushy). Some of the best meals I have eaten were picnic style, sitting alone admiring a nice view and reflecting upon my day - to each their own. I think you've had good advice above. Italy was a wonderful first solo trip for me. Send me a private message if you have more questions or would like to see my online scrapbook from my recent trip.

I have been on 5 RS tours. I have paid the supplement and have also been matched with a roommate. Both worked well as I had a very compatible roommate, but I think I prefer the single supplement as RS Tours doesn't give you a way to get to know someone a little via email before the trip and you are arriving for your tour and meeting your roommate for the first all at the same time. On all but one of my tours there have been other single women and we tended to spend time together in our free time. This was great, however, on my last tour everyone but me was a couple and the couples tended to either go off on their own during free time or with another couple. This meant I spend quite a bit of time alone which was ok, but not as fun as other trips. Since I travel alone the opportunity to share the experience with other people is part of why I go on a tour. About the rooms, yes I think singles many times do get the least attractive rooms, but that is more to do with European hotels I think then the tour guide. Single rooms tend to be very, very small and seldom with a view, but I always had a bathroom. That said, try it, I really think you will enjoy it.