The Solo Traveller
Your independence, passion, and lifelong memories.
Departures
Hạ Long Bay, in northeast Vietnam, is known for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands topped by rainforests. Photography: Wendy Wu Tours.
The joy of discovering strengths you didn’t know you had
Geoffrey Williams in conversation with Sonia Orrego, Head of Product at Wendy Wu Tours
“I’ll never forget seeing a 70-year-old first-time solo traveller laughing over dinner with new friends in Vietnam,” Sonia Orrego, Head of Product at Wendy Wu Tours tells The Solo Traveller. “It is moments like these that remind me why we do what we do.” Four years after leading her first tour to China in 1994, Wendy Wu branched out to officially establish Wendy Wu Tours in 1998. Today, London-based Wendy could not be prouder of the company’s epic journey from Australian start-up to global group tour expert offering over 110 fully inclusive itineraries.
“One thing I’ve learned,” Sonia tells us, “is that travel is the ultimate conversation starter – everyone loves swapping stories, no matter where they’re from. Another big one is always booking a tour that includes an airport transfer. Arriving solo in a new country can be a bit overwhelming, and the last thing you want is to be figuring out how to get to your hotel on your own. Having that sorted from the get-go takes the stress out and helps you ease into the adventure.”
“We offer a few great options to help solo travellers feel right at home, no matter how they like to travel. If you value your own space but still want the buzz of group travel, you can opt to pay for a single room – that way you’ll get the privacy of your own room, while still enjoying the full group experience during the day.”
Designed exclusively for solo travellers, Wendy Wu Tours’ ‘Dedicated Solo Departures’ “… bring together small (a maximum of 18 people), like-minded groups and include extra touches like complimentary airport lounge access, enhanced group dining, and guaranteed single rooms – no supplement needed. It’s all about creating a relaxed, sociable atmosphere right from day one.”
Ha Long Bay is not just a UNESCO-listed site. With its exceptional scenic beauty and outstanding geological values Ha Long Bay is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places in Southeast Asia. Photography: Wendy Wu Tours.
“If you’re open to making a new friend from the get-go, our ‘Happy to Share’ option is a popular choice. We’ll pair you with another solo traveller of the same gender, so you don’t have to pay the single supplement, and many of our travellers end up forming lasting friendships this way.”
“Travel is about creating connections, be it with the destinations or the people you travel with. Our tours enable solo travellers and are designed to make it easy to connect with others but also enjoy some time to yourself. The opportunities to meet like-minded people and the peace of mind that everything is taken care of help form lifelong memories and lasting friendships. I have travelled on many group tours and the group chats formed always have a way of popping up when someone has a personal milestone or news to share. It’s great that only after a few weeks you can form lifelong connections.”
With over 110 fully inclusive itineraries on offer, is there a destination that has a special place in Sonia's heart? “Japan! It has such a unique culture with so many shared new experiences that it creates the perfect place to make new friends.”
As for her source of inspiration, Sonia doesn’t hesitate. “I find my inspiration in the solo travellers I meet on our tours. It takes real courage to step outside your comfort zone, and their openness to new friendships proves that adventure doesn’t come with an age limit.”
“It’s incredible watching quiet travellers grow in confidence, sometimes even becoming the natural leaders of the group by the end of the trip. Travel has a way of bringing out strengths you didn’t know you had. Then there are places like the Arashiyama Bamboo Groves in Kyoto, the energy there is something else. It’s one of those spots where solo travellers seem to feel instantly connected, not just to the place, but to something bigger.”
The breathtaking Bamboo Grove in the stunning Kyoto district of Arashiyama, Japan. Photography: Wendy Wu Tours.
For many solo travellers, the life lessons we learn and the memories we create on our journeys can inform how we travel throughout the rest of our lives. For Sonia, one of the most important lessons is one we might all remember as we prepare to embark on our next adventure. “Pack essentials in your carry on. There is nothing worse than delayed luggage, especially when you’re travelling solo and there’s no one around to borrow a spare toothbrush or share some toothpaste with.”
Wendy Wu Tours is Australia's award-winning touring specialist to Asia and beyond, offering escorted trips to destinations including China, Vietnam, Japan, India, South Korea, Taiwan, South America, Africa, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Portugal. Famous for its fully inclusive holiday itineraries, Wendy Wu Tours also offers visa and processing services for Australian passport holders.
Sonia Orrego’s top 3 tips for solo travelling success
1. Always get to breakfast early. It’s the best way to meet the people you’re travelling with and kick off the day with a chat.
2. Don’t judge a book by its cover. Some of the best friendships come from the most unexpected places.
3. Be open to new experiences. Whether it’s trying something weird and wonderful to eat, learning a local craft, or jumping into a cultural tradition, those ‘firsts’ often turn into the best memories (and laughs) you’ll take home.
Geoffrey Williams is the Founder and Publishing Curator of The Solo Traveller.
