At The Solo Traveller, we believe that travelling solo is about more than just being alone. It’s about agency, awareness, connection, and freedom. Whether we’re booking a retreat, planning a road trip, or just dreaming of our next destination, we deserve clarity, honesty, and offerings that speak to our real experience, not just our demographic.

As solo travel continues to gain traction, more providers are stepping forward with offers tailored to independent travellers. Tours, retreats, cruises, and accommodation are increasingly using terms like “solo-friendly” or “perfect for solo adventurers”, but in many cases, the actual experience may not reflect those claims.

Solo spin can take many forms. It might be a group tour advertised as “solo-friendly” that still charges a single supplement unless you're willing to share with a stranger. It could be a wellness retreat promising connection and community, but without any consideration for how solo travellers might be welcomed into the group. Sometimes it's as simple as promotional content featuring solo travellers, while the actual product is designed primarily for couples, families, or groups.

It is important to remember that this isn’t necessarily intentional misrepresentation. In some cases it is a result of operators moving quickly to meet growing demand, without fully understanding what solo travellers are looking for or how we expect to see ourselves represented in the marketing collateral.

As solo travellers, we have unique priorities. Safety, flexibility, cost, and the ability to either connect or stay independent are just some of the considerations that shape our decisions. When a product isn’t truly geared toward solo travel – despite being marketed that way – the result can be frustration, mismatched expectations, or a sense of being overlooked. Importantly, this may impact first-time solo travellers most of all. If their first experience is shaped by assumptions rather than honest experiences, it can discourage them from trying again.

Rather than taking solo-friendly claims at face value, it’s worth looking deeper into the details. Are there hidden single supplements? Are there options for you to travel independently but also options for connections if you desire? Does the itinerary allow for flexibility? Asking questions before you book and seeking out providers who have a genuine understanding of solo travel, can make a significant difference.

Avoiding ‘Solo Spin’ is about recognising that authenticity matters, because when solo travel is done well, it’s transformative. And when it's supported with care, clarity and respect, everyone wins – travellers, providers, and the destinations that welcome them.

So yes, while solo travel may well be having its moment, for us it’s a great deal more than a “trend”. It’s our way of moving through the world with pure intention, and we plan to keep it that way.