Birthdays are not just about adding another year to the calendar; they're about embracing the chapters written, the challenges overcome, and the triumphs that illuminate our path. As our travel company turns 17 on this day 24 August 2023, I find myself reflecting, celebrating, and looking ahead to the boundless excitement of the adventures that lie ahead for all our solo travellers.
A birthday pause today – taking stock of where the year took us. Somehow each year passes faster. Maybe for the first time I was glad for the speedy passing of this last year. Out from the global grey cloud of the pandemic (reflecting that it scared lives for too many years), and then this last year - the beacon of hope for travel back coming back to full force.
‘Sharing the journey takes ‘alone’ out of solo travel.
This year has been just that - a rekindling of connections, of opening borders again to solo travellers, but also our hearts to the wonders of international travel.
Just before our last birthday we set off with our first international tour since our borders shut down, it was a big one! Circumnavigating Iceland on a luxury expedition cruise. As we do, and like to do, we snagged a deal for our solo travellers with their own cabins (at the same price as sharing). There could have been no better way to mark this milestone!
Then, our Singapore Fling took off for the first time; proving popular, so it's back on again this year soon, and will be back next year too.
And our story continued for our solo travellers as our journeys returned, And, a reminder that 'alone' is just a word, swiftly erased by the friendships formed and the camaraderie discovered with our groups.
As we turn the pages of time, we're thrilled to unveil our ‘Solos Only’ trips coming up. The year ahead brings the revival of some beloved classics, like the Canadian Rockies with an Alaskan Cruise – a perennial favourite that never fails to inspire awe, and the superb Italian Splendour.
And for those who cherish the intimacy of our smaller groups, we have exciting updates on our doorstep - our journeys to Asia, including trips to Vietnam and the kaleidoscopic canvas of India with the Holi Festival highlight on our March 2024 departure., marking a special brushstroke on a vivid canvas of memories.
Our palette of 7 travel styles ensures that there's something for every solo traveller, every seeker of experiences.
So, here's to the past 17 years – we coined the phrase ‘Solos Only’ – the essence of who we are, and what we bring to solo travellers.
Thank you to everyone for being a part of our story; all our amazing solo travellers that step out on their own, and the incredible team at Encounter Travel.
With hearts full of gratitude and eyes set on the horizons, we say, "Yippee, Happy Birthday!"