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“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

Mark Twain always had a way with words, and he seems to capture the very essence of one of travel’s latest trends – solo travel. With searches for solo travel soaring in recent years across all age groups, and with people increasingly recognising the benefits that some me-time whilst exploring the world can bring, it seems that the era of intrepid individuals has arrived.

Travel search engine Kayak recently reported that 2023 searches for single-traveler flights are up by 36 percent compared to 2022. Meanwhile, a survey by Skyscanner found that over one in four travelers are considering a solo trip in 2023, with 52% choosing to break away from trips with family and friends because they don’t share their travel interests.

So what’s the appeal?

While traveling solo may seem daunting, those who take the plunge find that it can be exciting and empowering. Stepping out of your comfort zone, believing in yourself and discovering what you’re capable of can be amazingly liberating. After all, in the words of author Neale Donald Walsch, “life begins at the end of your comfort zone“.

Do you ever find that you spend so much of your life rushing around that it can be easy to forget to take time for yourself? Traveling solo can be a great way of boosting your wellbeing. It gives you time to pause, reflect, enjoy some solitude and appreciate number one. You may surprise yourself and discover an inner strength and confidence you didn’t know you had.

A solo trip gives you the freedom to embark on a life-changing adventure without having to dance to anyone else’s tune. You can do what you want, when you want, following your own agenda and engaging with people as much or as little as you like. Lone travelers can find that they are particularly receptive to meeting new people and being part of an organized tour is a great way of enjoying the company of other like-minded individuals. Having said that, you can always retreat for some privacy and quiet time – when you’re travelling solo, you don’t have to fit in to anyone else’s schedule!

There’s something wonderful about going on a trip to a far flung destination you wouldn’t feel confident enough to organize yourself. By opting for a small group tour you can relax; all the organization and planning is done for you by a handpicked team of talented staff; every element is taken care of, yet you are guaranteed the flexibility to make the trip your own.

Week-long itineraries with Ecoventura – the perfect way to try out some solo travel

A voyage with Ecoventura offers the perfect solution for solo wander-lusters. Our trio of luxury expedition vessels – Origin, Theory and Evolve – are the only Relais & Chateaux ships sailing the Galapagos Islands. Our yachts accommodate no more than 20 guests at any one time, providing a comfortable and intimate cruise experience. With the lowest guest-to-guide ratio in the archipelago, our dedicated team is on call 24/7 to ensure you will want for nothing.

Each ship offers ten light, bright designer staterooms boasting stunning panoramic views over the Pacific Ocean. Our guests are always impressed by the high levels of comfort, service and amenities on what truly are floating boutique hotels. Our chefs serve up exquisite dishes using the finest, fresh, locally sourced ingredients – just what you would expect from Relais & Chateaux members, even floating ones. Our expert naturalist guides, handpicked for their exhaustive local knowledge of the archipelago, are walking encyclopaedias and their passion for the Galapagos is infectious.

Special offer for individual guests

Travelers can choose between one of two sensational 7 day/8 night itineraries; perfect ways to explore these remarkable islands on your own, whilst giving the structure and comfort of a pre-designed route that shows off everything the Galapagos have to offer.

And what’s more, we are currently offering solo travelers a special promotional price on selected departures in 2023. SINGLE CABINS are available on selected 2023 departure dates for just $10,950 (a considerable saving of $6050 from our standard cabin rates).

On board, you will enjoy your very own spacious stateroom (the same size cabin as when occupied by two people) with private bathroom; equipped with all the luxury amenities you can expect from yachts that consistently set the bar for luxury small-ship cruising in the archipelago.

There are a number of communal areas perfect for kicking back and relaxing. Our roomy and relaxed salon lounge is where guests tend to gather for briefings and to socialize in the evenings. The sundeck comes complete with a Jacuzzi, sun loungers and daybeds and regular refreshment is on offer from our open bar. Our well-equipped fitness center is popular with those keen to keep in shape onboard.

As a solo traveler, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to get to know other, like-minded guests through group meet-ups and excursions, shared dining experiences, and swapping wild-life stories at the end of a busy day exploring the islands. The environment on board is a perfect balance to mix and mingle as much, or as little, as you’d like.

Venturing beyond the luxurious confines of the yacht, you’ll be in awe of how much there is to do. The wildlife is of course the biggest draw of this extraordinary part of the world – under the care of our expert guides you are invited to take part in daily outings where you can get up close to the local inhabitants, who range from flamingos and blue-footed boobies to sea lions, penguins and giant tortoises.

Jump in a kayak or onto a stand up paddleboard to explore the remotest reaches of the archipelago. Snorkeling opportunities in the Galapagos Marine Reserve are second to none – prepare yourself for shoals of multicolored tropical fish, sea lions, marine iguanas and sea turtles, whilst if you travel on one of our Fall expeditions, you may well see dolphins, sperm whales and orcas as they migrate through the Bolivar Channel between Isabela and Fernandina Islands.

So if you’ve been thinking about a solo travel trip – there’s no time like the present! Contact us today to take advantage of this fantastic promotional offer – we hope to welcome you on board soon!

Please note that the special offer quoted above is limited to two cabins per departure and is not available in combination with any other discount or promotion.