Solo travel is one of the fastest-growing segments of the holiday market. But for many people - particularly those new to travelling alone - the prospect of independent travel in an unfamiliar country feels daunting. Group tours offer an alternative that keeps the freedom of solo travel while removing the isolation and logistical burden.
A significant number of our solo travellers are Indian passengers, often travelling independently for the first time after years of family group travel. For them, the group tour format offers something that genuinely cannot be replicated by booking alone: familiar food, a common cultural context in the group, and a tour manager who often speaks the same language.
Here is what solo travellers on Star Tours holidays typically want to know before they book.
Is a Group Tour Right for Solo Travellers?
Not every group tour suits every solo traveller, and not every solo traveller suits a group tour. But for people who want to see a destination properly, meet fellow travellers, and not spend half their holiday solving problems, escorted group holidays consistently deliver.
The structure works in your favour. You have your own room, your own time at each stop, and the freedom to explore independently when the schedule allows - but you return to the coach, the tour manager and the group for the main events.
Indian Meals and Dietary Requirements
This is the question we hear most from Indian solo travellers, and the answer is straightforward: Indian meals are included on most of our multi-day tours, typically three or more per week. Vegetarian menus are available and confirmed before you leave. Jain-friendly options are available on request. No beef features in any included meal.
If you have specific dietary requirements, tell us when you book. We pass this to the tour manager and it is handled - not left to chance.
The Single Supplement Question
Single rooms in hotels cost more per person than double rooms shared between two - this is true industry-wide, not specific to group tours. The supplement reflects the hotel charging the same room rate for one occupant instead of two.
At Star Tours, single supplement rates vary by holiday and are clearly stated on the tour page. Some itineraries offer rooms at no single supplement at all - worth asking about specifically if this is a priority.
What to Expect Socially
Most people find the social dimension of a group holiday better than they anticipated. The group typically includes a range of ages and backgrounds - many of our tours have a significant British-Indian contingent alongside UK travellers from all backgrounds. The shared experience of a place creates conversation naturally.
Meals are a particular opportunity. Most evenings, the group eats together. This is often where friendships form. Some people who book solo on a group tour end up booking together the following year.
How Much Independence Do You Actually Have?
More than most solo travellers expect. The coach schedule anchors your day, but the time at each destination is generally yours. If the group is visiting a cathedral for 90 minutes, you are not obliged to stay for all of it. Many travellers use the free time to find a café and absorb the place at their own pace, rejoining the group for the coach departure.
Tour managers are experienced at accommodating different preferences within the group. If you want a recommendation for a different restaurant in the evening or a different route back to the hotel, they will usually know it.
Practical Tips for Solo Travellers on Group Tours
Book early for single rooms. Single occupancy allocation is limited on most tours. If your own room matters to you, do not leave it late.
Mention your dietary needs at booking. Indian vegetarian, Jain, halal - tell us upfront and it is handled. Do not leave it to be sorted on the day.
Tell the tour manager if you have specific interests. A good tour manager will point you toward things not on the group itinerary - a particular temple, a neighbourhood worth walking through, a viewpoint that requires a short detour.
Pack a good book. Coach journeys can be long and you will not always want to talk. A book signals politely that you are happy in your own company without being antisocial.
Use the free time. The scheduled programme is the structure, not the ceiling. Some of the best experiences on a group tour happen in the unscheduled gaps.
Which Star Tours Holidays Work Well for Indian Solo Travellers?
Switzerland and Europe - consistently the most popular with our British-Indian solo passengers. The scenery, the included Indian meals and the group dynamics make it a very comfortable first solo trip.
Japan - long-haul, but increasingly popular. The country's culture of order, safety and respect is particularly appreciated. Our Japan tours include substantial Indian meal provision, and the group bonds quickly when the destination is unfamiliar.
Scotland - an excellent domestic option. No passport, no airport, picked up from your local area. A strong choice for older solo travellers or those making their first group tour.
Browse all tours or call us on +44 208 900 2323 to discuss the best option for your situation. Calling from India? Our team is available on 1800 123 181 181 (10am–7pm IST).