Solo Traveler/Adults Only Trip Questions

[TNnerd]

I recently experienced my first AbD trip (Knights & Lights May 29 - June 5)! As expected, the trip was amazing, and now I'm ready to book a trip for 2016!

I traveled with my sister on the K&L trip but will be going solo this time around. I'm set on the Backstage Magic trip for my next adventure.

My question is for those who have traveled solo, do you prefer the adults only trips or the trips that include kids? What is the typical age range for an adults only trip? How big were the groups on the adults only trips?

I only have my one AbD experience to go on. I enjoyed seeing the kids experience the sights in London and Paris, and they were all very well behaved! There were no solo travelers on the K&L trip we did, and we had 37 people in our group.

I don't have many restrictions on when I can travel, so most of the 2016 trips work for me. Just looking for a little guidance to help me decide which trip to book and which type of group would be the best fit on my first solo AbD.

I'll also be happy to answer any questions about the K&L trip, although the 2016 itinerary and hotels have changed from the tour we did.

Thanks!

 

[Rapunzellover]

I've done two ABDs solo, and will be leaving in a few weeks for my third. Have a fourth booked for 2016.
The adults onlys don't generally go with my schedule, so all my trips are with kids.
It's never been a problem. Don't expect it ever will be.

 

[sayhello]

I think it's so much personal preference. I've done 5 Adults Only ABDs and 1 that had children. I thoroughly enjoyed both. But I do tend to lean towards the Adults Only. They *tend* to be smaller groups because they are usually during the "shoulder season" (late May, September). I like both those things. But I'm currently signed up for the ABD River Cruise for next year in July (I *never* usually travel in July!) and it's going to have kids. But that was what was offered, and I wanted to do the itinerary, so that's what I'm doing.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, go with what works for you. What fits your schedule and interests. Either way works. I was totally accepted and included on the family ABD, but there are usually more other solos on the Adults Only trips. The ABD Guides are so good at making everyone feel like a family, so it's never been an issue that I was "on my own".

Sayhello

 

[mathgeek]

I've done two ABDs solo, and will be leaving in a few weeks for my third. Have a fourth booked for 2016.
The adults onlys don't generally go with my schedule, so all my trips are with kids.
It's never been a problem. Don't expect it ever will be.

Ditto on this except I just returned from my 2nd solo and am planning a 3rd and 4th for 2016 and 2017.
I wouldn't mind doing the adult only ones, but like Rapunzellover, they don't fit my schedule. I've been happy with the ones I've done. I always feel accepted by the group.
I was told that for the Down Under trip that on at least half of the tours they have a solo traveler. And they've always been female, which I found interesting.

 

[Rapunzellover]

I got/get complimented on being adventurous enough to travel solo. And I go out and do things on my own, which is admired, because many solo women are too scared. The solo adventurer is appreciated by ABDers and I wouldn't hesitate on an ABD.

 

[minnie4ever]

So I just got back from my very first ABD trip- Viva Italia, and I went solo. WOW!!!!! I went with a great group of people. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming. Actually there were a total of 5 single ladies on this trip and we all got along, never felt alone or left out, and I would do another one in an instant. Of course our guides were super duper as well (love you Marco and Dusty). So now I have to chose where to go next. At the top of the menu is South Africa (but ouch it cost a lot!!!) There is also Scotland and London/Paris. I think I will have to save South Africa for 2017 (after I turn a certain age boooo!)
Maybe I shall do London/Paris with a side of Disneyland Paris next year...but I also want to go to WDW...so many choices, so little money!
Anyway, the moral of my story is...go solo, you will not regret it for a second!!!!!(yes I have drunk the Disney Kool-Aid)

 

[sayhello]

So I just got back from my very first ABD trip- Viva Italia, and I went solo. WOW!!!!! I went with a great group of people. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming. Actually there were a total of 5 single ladies on this trip and we all got along, never felt alone or left out, and I would do another one in an instant. Of course our guides were super duper as well (love you Marco and Dusty). So now I have to chose where to go next. At the top of the menu is South Africa (but ouch it cost a lot!!!) There is also Scotland and London/Paris. I think I will have to save South Africa for 2017 (after I turn a certain age boooo!)
Maybe I shall do London/Paris with a side of Disneyland Paris next year...but I also want to go to WDW...so many choices, so little money!
Anyway, the moral of my story is...go solo, you will not regret it for a second!!!!!(yes I have drunk the Disney Kool-Aid)

So glad you enjoyed yourself! I've done 6 ABD's solo, and think it's a fabulous way to go solo! You won't go wrong with any of those trips, they're all wonderful.

Sayhello

 

[Cinderella's Slipper 2015]

I did the BSM ABD this past February. I didn't travel alone but we had a few solo travellers. We were on an Adults Only trip and we had about 23 people on our tour. None of the solo travellers ever felt left or anything. We made sure to include any solo travellers when needed, like when we had our ice cream social we invited one of the solo travellers to sit with us and we did the same thing when we were on our own for dinner at Disneyland. We all happened to be at the same place for dinner and there was limited seating so when we noticed them we invited them to join us.

 

[TNnerd]

Thanks for all the wonderful feedback! I've signed up for an adults only Backstage Magic tour for 2016. I'm excited for my solo adventure!

 

[NanceC]

I'm headed out on the 10/15 Viva Italia trip (my first ABD) as a solo traveler so it's great to read you had such a good time. Thanks for taking the time to post your thoughts!

 

[Rapunzellover]

The Viva is a fantastic trip. Enjoy!

 

[tgeorge]

It is so great to hear from all you solo travelers! That will be me in a year or two....although I was able to talk my DH into the San Francisco long weekend. He doesn't really want to do Europe or Asia though so those I will be doing alone and know that going with ABD is going to be amazing!

 

[Rapunzellover]

Tgeorge-- when/where are you thinking of doing Europe? I'd love to be able to coordinate with a fellow soloer on this board. That goes for any soloer.

 

[tgeorge]

Rapunzellover....that would be a great idea! I was initially thinking spring/summer 2016 (before our SF trip), but I have been putting off a foot surgery and think I'm going to that then. So, 2017 will probably be my first opportunity.

Where?? Hmmm...that is the harder question I think it will be between the Italy/Switzerland, Greece or Scotland trips. 2018 I'm really thinking about China or Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.

 

[Rapunzellover]

Tgeorge- Greece and Scotland are on my list for 2017!

 

[tgeorge]

Awesome!! It be be great if we could coordinate it so that it worked out. There are so many it is hard to pick from,but those were the three that really stood out to me. Of course, the Viva Italia also,but those were the three the peaked my interest the most.

I've always wanted to go to Greece and after reading the Outlander series and reading to all the wonderful trip reports on Scotland I'm sure it will be amazing!

You have done a lot of ABDs (I loved your Italy trip report).... I guess it is true, you become addicted I'm already addicted and I haven't done one yet!!

 

[Rapunzellover]

I still have to finish the Italy report. And do an Ireland one. But Scotland or Greece is on the list for sure for 2017. It'll depend on scheduling. I'll PM you when the 2017 dates come out. We'll try to fix something up.

 

[tgeorge]

That sounds great! The only thing I know for sure in 2017 is I'll be going to London for 4 or 5 nights in May, other than that my schedule is pretty flexible. I'm sure we can figure something out!

I sure do appreciate the effort that goes into the trip reports. I know it is a lot of work,but I love reading them and I'm hoping that I can repay the favor someday.

 

[minnie4ever]

I hope to do London/Paris or Scotland in 2016. MAYBE South Africa in 2017...But that one is a biggie expense for a solo traveler.......

 

[minnie4ever]

I'm headed out on the 10/15 Viva Italia trip (my first ABD) as a solo traveler so it's great to read you had such a good time. Thanks for taking the time to post your thoughts!

Have fun!!! The guides are super and we had a blast making pasta. Some moaned a bit with the mask making but it turned out that everyone was quite creative, even those who thought they had no skills. You will LOVE Tuscany. It was so relaxing and all we did was eat, drink and laugh!!
Beware in Florence though, the jewelry store we all went into had so many beautiful shiny things....so precious....
I don't think any one of us left empty handed!!! (to the chagrin of many a husband LOL!)