The Travel Office tells me that we’ve seen steadily increasing interest in solo journeys from our members. I don’t often mention it in the Hideaway Report, but I love striking off on my own, even when I’m traveling with a companion. When I’m alone, I find that people tend to feel more comfortable starting a conversation. Sometimes, a chance meeting leads to yearslong exchanges of travel stories and photos via WhatsApp or Facebook.

Those who are new to solo forays might want to consider a vacation that has socializing built in. A small-ship cruise is an obvious choice, and we can help find one with a lower-than-usual single supplement. For example, Silversea has options that charge only a 25% supplement, Seabourn has some that charge just 10%, and Ponant has cruises with no single supplement at all. TCS World Travel puts together dazzling itineraries by private jet (read an interview with a member about her TCS trip), which are ideal opportunities to meet like-minded travelers.

Safaris also work beautifully for individuals because you usually end up going on game drives with two to four other guests and often become friends. Small-group cooking classes and winery tours can add dashes of conviviality to customized solo itineraries. Traveling alone can be such fun. On the rare occasions when my spouse can’t join me, I have no problem saying, “I’m off! Don’t forget to water the plants, hmm? Thanks so much!”