Welcome to the September edition of Tracey's List!
🎉I did it again—no single supplement on any of this month’s trips!🎉
This list is the result of many (many!) hours of research. Each month, I cast a wide net, searching online, scanning newsletters, reading industry publications, gathering tips from our Solo Travel Society, and reviewing advertiser offerings on Solo Traveler. I dig through the fine print, compare options, and do the research to save you time and money.
Below are my picks for the best value and experiences for your dollar. That doesn't mean all the trips are inexpensive. It means that, based on industry insight and 30+ years of solo travel, I believe these trips are fantastic options offering excellent value for solo travelers.
Every list is unique. I work hard to search out options with a variety of price points, destinations, and styles, while keeping the single supplement very low, with a goal of zero.
No advertising. No AI. I personally review and select each trip. No one knows what will be on The List until it lands in your inbox - not even Janice!
For consistency, all prices are in US dollars and do not include travel to the destination.
Inspired Sri Lanka - A Solo Small Group Journey with Inspiring Vacations
Explore the history, wildlife, and landscapes of Sri Lanka on this solo-only tour. Highlights include a sightseeing tour of Colombo, riding the iconic train from Haputale to Nuwara Eliya, safari drives in Yala and Minneriya national parks, a visit to a tea plantation and factory, a traditional cultural performance in Kandy, and more. Small group, 4-16 people max. Includes 12 nights in 3-5-star hotels, all breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, airport transfers, private transportation, and dedicated tour leader throughout the trip.
Depart May 2026 for $1925.
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Highlights of Morocco with Cosmos
Explore the history, culture, cuisine, and scenery of the Imperial cities of Morocco, such as Fez, Marrakech, Meknes, and Rabat, as well as inspiring cities, like Ouarzazate, Casablanca, and Erfoud. Includes guided sightseeing as well as scenic drives through the Atlas Mountains and along the Dades Valley. Visit the ancient underground irrigation system of khettara, the Todra Gorge, the Kasbah de Taourirt in Ouarzazate, the fortified city of Aït Benhaddou, the Bahia Palace and the Hassan II Mosque, the Kasbah of the Oudayas and Chella Gardens. Includes private hotel accommodation for 9 nights, 9 breakfasts and 5 dinners.
Multiple departure dates in 2026 starting at $1439.
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Money-saving tip: Always price out flights booked by the tour company and on your own before buying. Not only is there a chance that they can get a better price than you can, but you may also save on airport transfers. They are often only included if you are on a flight that the tour company has booked so they can transport everyone together at scheduled times.
Australia and New Zealand with Grand Circle Travel
The number at the end of this paragraph is a big one, but I believe it represents good value when you consider all that is included: accommodations for 16 nights; 31 meals (16 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 9 dinners); 12 guided tours; gratuities for local guides and motorcoach drivers; baggage handling for 1 piece of luggage per person; two internal flights. Highlights include boarding a high-speed catamaran to the Great Barrier Marine Park, viewing koalas, kangaroos, and crocodiles, meeting a local for a conversation about the beliefs and contemporary challenges of the continent's First Peoples, a Sydney Harbor cruise and tour of the Opera House, cruise of Milford Sound, winery tour and tasting, a cruise across Lake Wakatipu for a guided tour of a sheep, a visit to the Maori village of Ohinemutu, a hands-on sailing experience in Auckland Harbor, and more.
Multiple departure dates in 2026 starting at $5195.
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Thailand for Solo Travelers: Bangkok, Phuket & the Islands with EF Go Ahead Tours
Highlights include exploring golden temples in Bangkok, snorkeling and swimming in the transparent waters of the Thai islands, visiting the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market on a long-tail boat, and touring an organic farm. Includes 7 nights in private accommodations, 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners, including Thai specialties served on a cruise around the Phi Phi Islands. Seven sightseeing tours, including admission to Bangkok’s Grand Palace, 3 tastings. Includes 2 on-tour flights and private deluxe motorcoach transport.
Multiple departure dates in 2026 starting at $3109.
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A note about currency: because this list serves people from many countries, prices are listed in US dollars, as most of us have a sense of what our currency is worth by comparison. Whenever I list a price as “approximate” it’s because I have converted it for the sake of consistency. If you want to get an idea of cost in your home currency, this is the tool I use.
Now, I have two unique, intriguing possibilities for you this month!
Experience (my) France with Véronique
Based in Véronique’s mansion in Aveyron, France you will live like a local for 10 days. She will provide you with a fully guided and hosted French experience, customized around your wants and needs as well as taking care of any personal restrictions you may have. You will have your own bedroom and bathroom. Your host and guide is local, fully bilingual and bi-cultural. Every trip is different. The experience is built around what you want to enjoy, experience, see, and do. Includes pick-up at Rodez airport or train station, accommodation for 9 nights, all breakfasts, lunches and dinners, hand-picked regional wines and other beverages with meals, entry fees to museums, castles, exhibitions, as well as all gratuities and other planned experiences. Services of your bilingual local guide/host and personal driver, transportation during the tour in a comfortable air-conditioned van. While they can accommodate up to 8 people, once you book a date, it’s yours and no one else will be on the trip (unless you invite them!)
Choose from dates throughout the year, all-inclusive at $4800.
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Landscape Photography in Mexico or Sculptural Felting in Quebec or Experimental Painting in New York, or… with Vacation with an Artist
I think this is really cool! Vacation With An Artist (VAWAA) organizes mini-apprenticeships hosted by master artists and craftmakers around the world. Featuring 190 artists across 40 countries, it offers the chance for hands-on exploration and one-on-one learning, in addition to free time to explore the destination. Some of them include optional accommodations, but most do not, giving you the freedom to do as you please and stay as long as you like. From ceramics to cooking, film and photography to music and dance, you can dive into your chosen art. Prices and length of stay vary, but all include a fee for the artist’s time and lessons, exclusive access to the artist’s studio space, use of the artist’s tools, equipment, materials, and supplies, your own personal artwork to bring home, and a small VAWAA fee that enables them to host the platform.
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Travel News of Note
This week, Riviera Travel announced that they will be launching the world’s first ship exclusively dedicated for solo travelers in 2027. According to Riviera, “Every detail of the MS George Eliot puts solo guests at centre stage, from their own double cabin to welcoming communal spaces where new connections are made every day. There’s no sharing required - only the freedom to explore iconic rivers with like-minded adventurers who cherish the joys of going it alone, together.”
I appreciate your input--tell me more!
I want to make this a valuable resource for you, one that will save you time and money while searching for your ideal trip. It would help to know what types of trips and destinations you're interested in, or any other suggestions you might have.