Egypt
G Adventures’ Solo-ish Egypt escape is a nine-day exploration designed exclusively for solo travellers. The journey includes the Great Pyramids, a Nile sailing experience, the bustling bazaars of Aswan and the temples of Luxor. With group sizes kept to a maximum of 16, the format balances shared experiences with Solo travel independence. Days are divided between We Days, focused on group activities, and Me Days, which allow time to explore at a more personal pace.
Iraq
Keen to go further off the tourist trail? In the far north of Iraq, Untamed Borders offers a 13-day trek along the Zagros Mountain Trail in the Kurdish region. The journey follows ancient pilgrimage and trading routes through remote villages, valleys and canyons. Accommodation varies from solo camping to communal sleeping areas in village homes, and the group is led by both an international and a local English-speaking guide, with a maximum of 10 travellers and solo participants warmly welcomed.
“Travelling solo has been one of the most empowering and transformative parts of my life,” says the content creator and entrepreneur, one of the first Kuwaiti female travel bloggers to go global. A key piece of advice she has for those testing the solo travel waters is to plan meticulously – from pre-booking meals to excursions – to limit any unknowns. Her tip for solo female travellers: “Give someone your itinerary so they know where you are. Consider buying an eSIM prior to arrival so you’re always connected. Join local tours, try not to make comparisons and just enjoy the moment. Travelling is the time to come out of your shell.” It’s also the time to be brave: places that seem challenging can often be the most rewarding. “Navigating Tokyo’s complex train system alone made me feel like I could do anything,” says Al Mattar. And the benefits of solo travel are cumulative. “It impacts your outlook, your personality, your open-mindedness. All these attributes don’t come from one trip.”
This story was originally featured in the September/October print issue of Condé Nast Traveller Middle East.
