ABOUT US
Since 2006. Leading the way for solo travel.
Encounter Travel was founded on a simple idea; that solo travellers could join travel groups - no longer on the fringe of groups made up of couples. Multi travel award winner, including two time winner of the global Solo Travel Awards, we are Australia's leading solo traveller specialist.
Long before other tour companies, we saw a gap - solo travellers didn't have the same choices as couples and families when it came to travel choices. We were the first to coin the phrase ‘Solos Only’. And now, with options across 7 travel styles featuring small group touring, resort escapes and cruise groups.
We've racked up over 18 years of experience creating and delivering the best ever holidays for solo travellers. Welcoming solo travellers from across our globe; we can’t wait for you to join the colourful world of solo travel.
Peace of Mind
We are an accredited tour operator and travel agency. When you book your solo travel holiday with us you know you’re travelling with experience. Since 2006, we’ve paved the way for solo travellers.
Meet the Team
'SOLOS ONLY'
We're the global Solo Travel Awards winners for our 'Solos Only' choices across land and water.
Our 'solos only' choices include small group tours only for solo travellers around Australia and across the globe. And if touring is not your style, we include 'Solos Only' groups with resort escapes and cruise groups.
Search SOLOS ONLY tours
Search CRUISE CIRCLE FOR SOLOS groups
SMALL GROUP TOURS
Share your journey, without the drawback of big coach tours or the solitude of being alone.
Not all tours are made the same – we love small groups, and it’s backed up from our solo traveller feedback that they do too!
There’s less queues, less waiting, more chance of getting to know your fellow travellers, plus enjoy more interaction with your local tour guide – all up, a more personal, and authentic travel experience.
You’re probably starting to get the picture of the difference between small and large groups.
Because of our small groups, we have more freedom to find the dining experiences where not just tourists dine – you won’t just be ‘hotel dining’, night in and night out. And, where large coach tours are restricted to the big hotels we have the option to use boutique hotels with the charm of the destination.
AGE-MATCHED TRAVEL GROUPS
A key ingredient to our solo travel tours is age-matched groups.
Our widest choice is for solo travellers 45 years and over, and our Cruise Circle for Solos cruise groups are best suited to cruise fans 40 years and over.
In 2020 we introduced Under 49's; with our first tour to Sri Lanka for 30 to 49 years. Our age-matched groups have a proven track record, and you can read the countless testimonials from fellow solo travellers.
7 TRAVEL STYLES
Not all solo travellers are the same.
We have seven travel styles. You'll find one or more that suit you.
Discovery - leisure touring
Get Going - walking and adventure tours
On The Water - ocean and river cruise groups
Combo - a tour & cruise combination
Relax - our resort escapes
Luxe - luxury travel
Essentials - budget minded but not scrimping on value
Read more about our travel styles
THE BEST IS INCLUDED
What you see is what you get.
There's no endless list of optional tours because we've created itineraries with all the best included. But we also know that many of our solos that join us are independent travellers, who seek out their own time. It's why you'll see a balance in our Solos Only itineraries for group time and the time to make your own discoveries.
AUSTRALIAN OWNED
100% Australian, welcoming solos from across the globe
The founder is Australian born and bred, widely travelled, and an experienced solo traveller who knows first-hand the mindset of solo travellers. Her adventures are from one extreme to the other; she’s backpacked, trekked, skied, camped, gone solo (countless times), travelled in groups big and small, chilled out at resorts, ventured on safari, travelled on a shoe string, indulged in five star experiences, and lots of stock standard two to three star touring; she’s covered all the popular options for solo travellers.
Justine, understands the feelings of first time solo travellers and also the confidence that comes with being an experienced solo travellers; all of her experiences are drawn on to deliver our range of tours, cruise and resort packages for Australian solo travellers.
When it comes to our travellers, you'll be joining Australian travellers of course, but more and more travellers from all corners of the globe have seeked us out; from America, The United Kingdom, New Zealand and more.
Our globe is shrinking, and solo travellers are connecting from across the world, and our arms wide open to solo travel friends from all over.
About The Book for Solo Travellers
Just getting started on your solo travel adventures? Jam-packed with practical tips and advice, you'll find out how to get started, plan and prepare for your travels and, of course, have the best holiday ever! Read this book and your travels have just begun!