Article Date: Friday, 14 November 2025
Categories: 18-35 Age Group, Contiki Tours, Europe Travel Tips, Adventure
Tags: Europe, BudgetEuropeTours, Europe group travel packages
Travelling solo can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Whether you’re taking a gap year, escaping the 9-to-5, or just need a reset, solo adventures give you the freedom to go where you want, when you want. But it can also be a little daunting, especially if it’s your first time travelling alone. Enter Contiki: the ultimate travel company for 18-35s looking to explore the world independently, without ever actually feeling alone.
While Contiki welcomes groups and couples, the tours are designed with solo travellers in mind. In fact, around 70% of people on a Contiki trip are travelling solo, so you’re in good company right from the start. There’s no need to stress about finding a travel buddy or navigating logistics on your own. Contiki takes care of the details—accommodation, transport, experiences, and even some meals—so you can focus on what really matters: soaking up every moment.
Worried about spending evenings alone or eating solo at a restaurant? Not on Contiki. Every trip is built around social experiences. Whether you’re sipping limoncello with new mates on the Amalfi Coast, bar hopping in Berlin, or laughing around a bonfire in the Aussie outback, the itinerary is packed with opportunities to connect. From day one, the vibe is inclusive and friendly. By the end of the first dinner, you’ll probably already know everyone’s names (and a few inside jokes).
Going solo doesn’t have to mean going it alone. Contiki gives you the best of both worlds: the structure of a group tour with the flexibility to do your own thing. Love museums? Hit up the Louvre during free time in Paris. Not a morning person? Skip an optional hike and sleep in. Want to find the best street food in Bangkok? Ask your Trip Manager for the insider spots. There’s always time to explore at your own pace, but with the support of a crew who’ve got your back.

One of the biggest concerns for solo travellers is safety—especially if you’re venturing far from home. With Contiki, you’re never truly alone. Trip Managers and local guides are on hand to help with everything from lost passports to language barriers. Plus, you’re travelling with a ready-made group, so there’s always someone nearby to split a cab with or explore the night markets alongside.
Don’t want to pay a single supplement? You don’t have to. Contiki automatically pairs solo travellers with a same-sex roommate unless you request your own room. It’s a budget-friendly way to travel, and often the beginning of a new friendship. Plenty of past Contiki travellers have said their roommate ended up being their travel bestie.
Travelling solo with Contiki doesn’t feel like a standard tour; it feels like a road trip with new mates. The average age is early to mid-twenties, so you’re surrounded by people in a similar life stage—uni students, career breakers, digital nomads, and adventurous souls looking to make the most of their time off. There’s music on the coach, theme nights, spontaneous detours, and plenty of chances to say yes to the unexpected.
When you travel solo, it’s easy to fall back on touristy highlights. With Contiki, you get access to local experiences that would be tough to plan alone. Think: a private pasta-making class in Rome, surfing lessons in Portugal, wine tasting in New Zealand, or a sunrise safari in Africa. The trips are curated to give you more than just the checklist; they’re designed to immerse you.
It sounds like a cliche, but it’s true: many Contiki travellers walk away with lifelong friends. You’re sharing once-in-a-lifetime experiences, pushing your boundaries, and growing together. Some travellers even find romance along the way (Contiki couples are a real thing). But more than anything, it’s about connection. You might start the trip not knowing anyone, but you’ll end it with a whole new group chat and a reunion already in the works.
Never planned a trip before? No worries. Contiki is perfect for first-time solo travellers. They handle all the nitty-gritty details like ferry schedules, border crossings, and cultural etiquette. You just show up with a backpack and a sense of adventure.
If you’re aged 18-35, curious about the world, and ready to meet like-minded people, Contiki is a brilliant way to start your solo travel journey. It offers the perfect balance of independence and community, with just enough structure to keep things stress-free.
Whether you’re craving the beaches of Thailand, the culture of Europe, or the adrenaline rush of New Zealand, there’s a Contiki trip that matches your vibe.
Go solo, but never go it alone. With Contiki, you’re independent—but never on your own.
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