Solo travel is on the rise, with more people than ever embracing the freedom and fulfilment that comes from exploring the world independently. For those considering this exciting journey, Riviera solo holidays offer a curated and supportive way to see the world on your own terms. To help provide more clarity around the experience, we spoke with Linda, Senior Specialist Product Manager for solos from Riviera Travel. With over 15 years of experience in the travel industry and a personal passion for solo adventures, Linda addresses the most common concerns, challenges outdated stereotypes, and shares her expert insights for anyone thinking about taking that first step into solo travel. Whether it’s ticking off bucket-list destinations or simply enjoying the flexibility of travelling on your own terms, this review will help to reassure any concerns you may have about solo travel – especially if you’re considering one of the Riviera solo holidays as your introduction to going it alone.
Read the full written version of Linda’s review below, or listen to the podcast episode on Spotify, Amazon Music, or Apple Podcasts. Alternatively, you can choose to watch the episode by clicking on the link to our YouTube version below.
Is Solo Travel for You? A Deep Dive into Riviera Solo Holidays
I’ve worked in the travel industry for over 15 years now, mainly in product and marketing roles across various tour operators. I joined Riviera a little over a year ago, initially working on our Long-Haul Escorted Tours. Then in February this year, I transitioned to the Solos product team, focusing specifically on sales and development. Solo travel has been performing incredibly well in the industry, and we’re up 40% year-on-year for 2025 and even more for 2026 – so the decision was made to have someone dedicated to it full-time. It’s a role I’m really passionate about, as I’ve had the opportunity to travel solo many times myself. I’ve been fortunate to visit some amazing places and meet some of my closest friends while doing so, and It’s something I always recommend to others.
Riviera Solo Holidays
My Personal Solo Travel Experiences
I’ve travelled to quite a few places! I’ve been all around South America, as well as to Egypt, Albania, Turkey, Vietnam, Cambodia, and more. This year alone, I’ve been lucky enough to join two of our Riviera Solo Exclusive Tours. In March, I spent two weeks exploring the Deep South of the USA, including Texas, which was incredible. Then just a few weeks later, in April, I went on a five-day Netherlands River Cruise – my first with Riviera, which was also a lovely experience. Both trips were fantastic, and they really helped me get to know our solo travellers better and understand what they’re looking for in a holiday.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
What Makes Riviera’s Solo Holidays Unique?
Our Solo offerings are based on our bestselling classic tours and cruises, but tailored specifically for solo travellers. Firstly, group sizes are smaller, with our escorted tours being capped at 25 people, which makes it easier to get to know each other. On river cruises, everyone gets their own cabin, so it’s roughly half the size of a regular cruise group. Our yacht cruises are even more intimate, with just 19 guests. Secondly, there’s no solo supplement – everyone gets their own room as standard. We also offer a meet-and-greet at the UK departure point, which is especially helpful for first-time solo travellers who may be feeling a bit nervous. And finally, we include a welcome dinner and drink to help break the ice from day one. It’s all about creating a relaxed, friendly environment right from the start.
MS Jane Austen
Dispelling the Myths Around Solo Travel
There are still a few misconceptions about solo travel, although they’re becoming less common. One we sometimes hear is that “solo” means “single,” as in a dating or matchmaking holiday, which it absolutely isn’t. While friendships (and occasionally more!) can form organically, the goal is to provide a safe, enjoyable way for like-minded people to travel together and explore the world. We love hearing stories of friendships that form on tour. For example, a group who went to Vietnam and Cambodia last year ended up meeting again in York and are now planning another reunion this year. That sense of community is something we really value.
Group of solo travellers on a Riviera solos holiday
Riviera’s Range of Solo Holidays
We offer a really broad range of Solo Exclusive Holidays, from European city tours to long-haul adventures. We also run river and yacht cruises, plus one ocean cruise. Because of the growing demand, we now have our biggest-ever Solos range – over 50 holidays across 35+ countries.
Puente Nuevo Bridge, Ronda, Spain
In Europe, one of our bestsellers is the “Classical Spain” tour, which is a seven-day journey through southern Spain’s most iconic cities. Further afield, our “Marrakech & Atlas Mountains” tour is very popular, and South Africa continues to be a top performer, as it’s incredibly diverse and offers great value for money right now. For river cruising, “The Blue Danube” is a standout, and in just eight days, guests visit three different countries, and the beauty of river cruising is that you travel while you sleep!
Riviera Solo Holiday Destinations for First-Timers
If I had to recommend something a little different, I’d suggest our five-day short break in Germany. It covers Berlin, Dresden, Colditz, and Meissen – great for those who want to make the most of a short amount of time. It’s also ideal for first-time solo travellers. Berlin is a classic choice, of course, but Dresden and Meissen offer a nice contrast and a chance to explore lesser-visited gems. Many of our travellers are embarking on their first solo trip after major life changes like divorce or bereavement, and the idea of travelling alone can feel daunting. That’s why we also offer shorter getaways like a four-day Bruges trip or the five-day River Cruise I mentioned, as they’re perfect stepping stones before taking on something like a three-week tour of New Zealand. And once people try it, we often see them return again and again.
Meissen, Germany
Riviera Solo Holidays’ Accommodation Standards and Variety
The standard of accommodation does vary slightly depending on the trip type and destination. Our river cruises are all five-star, while yacht cruises are typically four-star. For escorted tours, hotels range from three to five stars, depending on the country and itinerary. But we’re always very clear about what to expect. Regardless of the rating, all hotels are clean, comfortable, and ideally located – often central in cities or full of character in more remote destinations. For example, in Costa Rica you might stay in a beautiful eco-lodge in the jungle, while in Europe it might be a boutique hotel in a city centre. We get great feedback on our hotels and we’re constantly reviewing to improve.
Eco Lodge, Tortuguero, Costa Rica
What is the Typical Age Range on Riviera’s Solo Holidays?
In general, Riviera guests are mostly over 50, with many in their 60s to 80s. That said, on my recent river cruise, there were guests ranging from their early 50s to 90s. Age isn’t really the focus as it’s more about shared interests. We often see great conversations and friendships form between people who might be decades apart in age, but who bond over their love of travel and discovery.
Group of solo travellers on a Riviera solos holiday
Advice for Those Considering Their First Solo Trip With Riviera Travel
View across Lake Como, Italy
If you’re considering a solo holiday, my advice is: just go for it. I know it can be daunting because I’ve spoken to so many people who were incredibly nervous about taking that first step. One lady I met on the Amsterdam river cruise had recently been widowed. She was so anxious she nearly cancelled, but she pushed through, got to the airport, met some fellow travellers, and by day three, she was laughing, making plans, and even joining a WhatsApp group they named “The Amsterdam Belles.” These trips genuinely change people’s lives – and we see a higher repeat rate for solos than for any other product. I’ve never read a piece of feedback where someone regretted going on a Solo Exclusive holiday with us.
Current Riviera Travel Offers & What’s Included
While Riviera rarely offer discounts on their solo holidays, they do have some great perks. For example, on their river cruises, Riviera are currently including a drinks package for 2025. And in 2026, it’s even better as drinks will be included from 10 AM to midnight, covering lunch, dinner, and everything in between. It just helps guests relax and enjoy the experience without worrying about additional costs. Meals are already included, and now with drinks taken care of too, it makes for an even smoother and more sociable journey.
If you still have questions about Riviera’s solo holidays, or wish to book with exclusive extra savings, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 0800 707 6229 to speak to one of our experienced travel experts, who will be happy to assist you with your queries, and offer their advice on the best itineraries and destinations to suit you. Alternatively, send an enquiry to info@travelclubelite.com.
