The Solo Traveller
Your independence, passion, and lifelong memories.
Departures
Welcome to ‘Departures’ – where stories begin … and not with a booking form, but with a conversation. Here, the team at The Solo Traveller introduce you to the people behind the scenes – tour operators, guides, and local experts who have walked the path you may be considering exploring. ‘Departures’ exists to inspire – to explore ideas, experiences, and perspectives that might just help shape your next journey. Insightful, unpolished, and always independent – think of it as a window seat into someone else’s world.
Founded in 1990 by Roy and Renae Kunda, Cape York Motorcycle Adventures is based in Cairns, Far North Queensland, and offers award-winning, eco-responsible rides through one of Australia’s last great frontiers, giving solo travellers the freedom to explore our limits with expert support. For many, the journey becomes a reset and a powerful reminder that adventure restores confidence, clarity, and the soul.
Published 18 November 2025
There’s an unmistakable alchemy in Africa that happens when you go alone – when the horizon opens, the tracks lead somewhere yet to be experienced, and the only company is your own thoughts and the wild. In Kampala, Uganda, where the rhythms of the city meet the call of the wild, Mrs Dianah Najjombwe, head of Activentures Africa Safaris, builds journeys not simply of places, but of self-discovery.
Published 3 November 2025
Alena, the Founder of Tatra Escapes, considers herself lucky enough to call the Tatra Mountains home. “I grew up in Poprad, right at the foot of the mountains. Some of my best memories are of being out on the trails with my parents and feeling completely at peace in nature. As I got older, I couldn’t understand why Slovakia wasn’t on everyone’s travel list, so I decided to do something about it!”
Published 2 November 2025
Travel creates memories that become touchstones in our lives – moments we return to when we need joy, courage, or simply a reminder of who we were in a certain place and time. While some of these memories fade over time, others become richer and often life-defining. For Jennifer Nutting, who owns and operates Handlebar Bike Tours in Downtown Los Angeles, a precious memory of a guest visiting all the way from Italy is proof that the Universe can indeed guide us on our travels – and often with extraordinary results.
Published 14 September 2025
Cycling tours offer solo travellers a rare kind of freedom and independence – and in cities in particular, a bike can almost certainly beat exploring in a car or a minibus. Founded in 2013 by Robin Loh, Let's Go Tour Singapore specialises in unique tour experiences in Singapore. “We started the first bicycle tour concept in Singapore and today, we have expanded to include Boat Tours, Walking Tours, Food Tours, Cultural Cooking Classes and more. My small team of experienced tour guides consist of only Singaporeans who are passionate to share their stories of Singapore with travellers.”
Published 9 September 2025
Ruth Franklin, Co-Founder of Secret Paradise Maldives, discovered the Maldives over 20 years ago, after first visiting as a scuba diver in search of mantas and whale sharks. “My love and appreciation of this country resulted in me visiting the archipelago on over 30 occasions, before co-founding Secret Paradise in 2012. It was my own experience of Maldivian hospitality that gave rise to the community aspects of our tours which allows travellers to engage with local businesses, families and non-government organisations.”
