The Solo Traveller
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Departures
Alena and her Tatra Escapes team work with local guides, family-owned accommodation, and small community businesses so that tourism directly supports the people who call the Tatra Mountains home. Image courtesy Tatra Escapes.
The untouched magic of Slovakia’s Tatra Mountains
Briefly …
Tatra Escapes Founder Alena invites solo travellers to discover Slovakia’s untouched Tatra Mountains through sustainable, small-group adventures that support local communities. Her trips celebrate connection, curiosity, and the authentic beauty of a region that still feels wonderfully unspoiled.
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!”
“I’m passionate about protecting mountain communities and the unique natural environments that make adventure travel so enriching. Growing up here, I’ve always appreciated how special and relatively undiscovered Slovakia still is – its wildlife, traditions, and landscapes feel wonderfully untouched.”
Some of Alena’s best memories are of being out on the trails with my parents and feeling completely at peace in nature. Image courtesy Tatra Escapes.
“At Tatra Escapes, we believe in keeping it that way. We work with local guides, family-owned accommodation, and small community businesses so that tourism directly supports the people who call the Tatras home. And as part of our commitment to responsible travel, we choose not to operate our group trips during July and August, when the mountains are at their busiest. It’s our way of ensuring that the calm and authenticity of the destination remain at the heart of every traveller’s experience. For us, sustainability means thinking ahead – preserving the beauty and character of the Tatras so visitors can continue to discover a place that still feels genuine and unspoiled.”
Veľké Hincovo pleso is the biggest and deepest mountain lake of glacial origin in the High Tatras, the highest part of the Tatra Mountains, Slovakia. Photographer: Piotr Guzik.
“Our focus is on showcasing the natural beauty, culture, and warm hospitality of the Tatra Mountains and beyond. We design group adventures that feel personal, and most of our departures are guaranteed group trips made up of solo travellers from around the world. They share a love for exploring new places and discovering Slovakia together, often forming connections that last long after the trip ends.”
“Our experiences include walking and hiking holidays – from gentle scenic trails to more challenging mountain routes; wellness escapes for yoga, hiking, relaxation, and spa culture; Winter holidays for snowshoeing, wellness, and winter wonders for non-skiers; self-guided trips for flexibility and independence with expert local support; and our festive Christmas markets breaks for cosy traditions and magical atmosphere.”
Tatra Escapes experiences include walking and hiking holidays – from gentle scenic trails to more challenging mountain routes. Image courtesy Tatra Escapes.
Alena believes that solo travel should feel empowering, not isolating, and she wants solo travellers to discover Slovakia with confidence, knowing they are welcomed into a group where they can show up as themselves, try new things, and connect with others who share the same sense of curiosity. “We often see people arrive a little hesitant and leave with a new circle of friends, and sometimes fresh perspectives on life. One guest told us she booked a trip alone to regain her confidence after a big life change. By the end of the week, she had really come out of her shell during our hikes together and was excited to begin planning her next adventure with new friends she’d only met days earlier. Those kinds of transformations are why we do what we do.”
Left: Alena, the Founder of Tatra Escapes, considers herself lucky enough to call the Tatra Mountains home; and Alena believes that the essence of travel lies in connection, curiosity, and enjoying a destination exactly as it is. Images courtesy Tatra Escapes.
So, is there a perfect time to visit the Tatra Mountains with Alena and her team at Tatra Escapes? “Each season in Slovakia has its own magic, so you can’t go wrong!”, Alena tells us. “Summer to early Autumn (June–September) is ideal for hiking and outdoor exploration, with lush valleys and breathtaking ridgelines. However, we’d recommend avoiding July/August due to crowds and potential warm temperatures. Winter (December–March) is perfect for magical snowy escapes, wellness breaks, and festive mountain charm, and in December our Christmas markets are filled with Slovak traditions, food, and our unique atmosphere.”
The High Tatras, Slovakia. Photographer: Eelco Böhtlingk.
Inspired by experiences that feel “real”, last year Alena visited Georgia, and it reminded her that travel is not chasing perfection but embracing authenticity. “From the warmth of the people to the clunky old cars that become part of the adventure, from homemade wine and traditional food to deep history and breathtaking mountain landscapes, it was a reminder that the essence of travel lies in connection, curiosity, and enjoying a destination exactly as it is. That is the same ethos we bring into Tatra Escapes: real experiences, real culture, real memories. Travel should make you feel something, and that’s what we aim to give every solo traveller who joins us in Slovakia.”
Alena’s top 3 tips for solo travelling success
1. Be open to the unexpected. The best memories often come from surprise moments.
2. Pack light but bring courage. New friends and experiences await.
3. Choose group adventures if you want connection. You’re never truly solo when you travel with like-minded explorers.
You can connect with Alena and find out more about Tatra Escapes here.