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5 top trips to travel solo this Christmas and New Year

Solo traveling over December and into January? We've got you covered. Take inspiration from these unique festive and New Year adventures, from Vietnam to Patagonia.
Author: Helen Pettitt - Digital Content Manager at Explore Worldwide
Date Updated: July 21 2025
 

If you ask us, the best way to see out the end of the year and welcome in a new one is by traveling. If you're a solo traveler looking for Christmas or New Year destinations, then this is the guide for you. We've got the lowdown on the best travel destinations to experience this festive season, from camping in the Wadi Rum desert to snowshoeing in Finland.

Our Christmas and New Year getaways are perfect for single travelers of all ages; whether you're traveling solo in your 50s or looking for alternative times to travel, you don’t need to wait for others to get onboard with your plans.

We have plenty of December and January departures to choose from, so it's time to seize the moment and treat yourself:

  1. Upgraded - Treasures of Jordan
  2. Discover Nepal
  3. Finnish Lapland Winter Adventure
  4. Simply Vietnam
  5. Adventures in Patagonia and Iguazu
  6. Small group travel reviews
  7. Europe's Christmas Markets

1. Upgraded - Treasures of Jordan

Jordan may not be the first place you’d think of for a solo Christmas getaway, but our small group tours to this land of raw beauty, delicious food and rich cultural heritage are ideal for single adventurers. It's not exactly a white Christmas, but expect cooler temperatures compared to summer, and spend the festive season surrounded by new-found friends.

 

Because it's Christmas, treat yourself to our Upgraded tour, where along with jam-packed cultural highlights you'll stay at premium accommodation – including private camping beneath the twinkling night sky in the Wadi Rum desert. 

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2. Discover Nepal

If you’re a single traveler looking to spend Christmas on a fully immersive and cultural adventure, take a look at our small group tours to Nepal. Lush vegetation lines the calm shores of Lake Phewa Tal set against the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna Mountains soaring into the azure blue skies beyond.

 

After a visit to the spiritual Manakamana Temple, we’ll relax in this picture-postcard scene for the rest of the day. Later in the trip, we’ll take a walk through some traditional Nepalese Gurung and Chettri settlements in Pokhara before visiting the serene, white-washed World Peace Pagoda.

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3. Finnish Lapland Winter Adventure

Ring in the New Year in a quintessential winter wonderland. Based in the remote village of Inari, snowshoe through boreal forests and meet Sami reindeer herders, while evenings are spent chasing the Northern Lights and relaxing in a traditional Finnish sauna. With cozy hotels, hearty meals and magical snowy landscapes, this December escape offers the perfect mix of adventure and Arctic charm for a truly unforgettable start to the new year.
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Our small group travel reviews:

4. Simply Vietnam

Vietnam is an easy destination to spend Christmas as a solo traveler. Celebrate the arrival of the new year with a solo getaway in the Old Town of Hoi An. Spend the day wandering the ancient streets and visit the the Japanese Bridge, Hoi An's emblematic symbol.

 

Then once it gets dark, head down to the river to see candlelit paper lanterns dotted all over the water's surface. It's pho-pho-pho all the way as you tuck into hearty noodle soups to complete your Vietnamese Christmas experience.

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5. Adventures in Patagonia and Iguazu

Discover dazzling turquoise lakes, mighty snow-capped mountains and thundering waterfalls on this Christmas adventure of a lifetime through Patagonia. Your small group will like comprise of other solo travelers, and needless to say you’ll have plenty to talk about.

 

Start your festive journey in the world’s southernmost city, Ushuaia, and go in search of condor in the wild valleys of Tierra del Fuego. Later, we'll drive to Torres del Paine National Park to witness the rugged landscape, which was once described by Alberto de Agostini as one of the most spectacular sights that the human imagination can conceive.

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Looking for Europe's Christmas Markets?

Here’s a festive bonus: we have special Christmas departure dates on select trips! If you're dreaming of sipping mulled wine, browsing twinkling market stalls and picking up unique souvenirs, these departures are for you. You’ll enjoy the same incredible itinerary with the added magic of some of Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets.

 

Riga, Latvia:

On our Baltic Capital Cities Christmas Markets departure date, you'll embrace the festive atmosphere across Riga (Latvia), Tallinn (Estonia) and Vilnius (Lithuania). In Riga you'll visit the spot where the first decorated Christmas tree stood in the 16th century, before continuing onto the Christmas Market to stock up on last-minute presents. After experiencing one of Europe's best-loved Christmas markets, you'll cross into Tallinn (Estonia) and sit down for a three-course dinner and celebrate Christmas cheer with the rest of your group. 

 

Madeira, Portugal:

Join our Christmas Markets departure to Madeira and experience this charming island at its most magical. Wander through Porto Moniz, aglow with twinkling lights and festive decorations before heading to the heart of the celebration: Funchal. Here, the highlight is the lively Noite do Mercado, an all-night Christmas market that draws thousands of visitors each year. Soak up the atmosphere, enjoy a late-night snack and toast the season with a festive tipple.

 

Psst! We also have a special New Years departure for this trip. New Year's Eve is celebrated across the island, but nowhere does it quite like Funchal. On this departure, you'll head up to the hotel's rooftop terrace to watch a spectacular fireworks display illuminate the night sky. 

Don't just travel, Explore!

Our solo trips are ideal for over 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s, as you'll travel with a wide range of ages, and many trips offer solo room supplements. Your small group tour will be led by an expert tour leader, so you'll be in safe hands. Start planning your Christmas and New Year getaway!
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