Although where we decide to go is an important part of travel, sometimes who we share these destinations and experiences with is even more important. That’s why I love hearing from travelers about their favorite moments they’ve enjoyed exploring the world with OAT and their family, friends, new travelers they’ve met on Travel Companions, or even, alone.
Here, three of our single travelers, Leslie W., Richard S., and Beverly M. share their memorable experiences from a few of our most popular OAT adventures for solo travelers …
My OAT Pure New Zealand trip was everything and more! Our Trip Leader, Chas, asked each of us what we liked to do, and what we wanted to get out of our trip. With only 16 in the group, he was able to tailor the side activities and free time to incorporate all of our wishes.
As a single traveler, I was a bit nervous not knowing what to expect—but my roommate was great, and the whole group took me in. I was not the least bit uncomfortable, and would not hesitate to go solo again.
The food was wonderful. The New Zealanders are warm, friendly, and kind. Even the shopkeepers will chat with you, asking where you are from, and where you have been. They ask what you liked best, and were actually interested in what you had to say!
Leslie W.
2-time traveler
Duluth, Georgia
I have now completed 32 OAT and Grand Circle trips. There are many reasons that I have chosen this kind of travel: It’s exciting, reasonable, educational, and safe. The Trip Leaders have run the range, with most being absolutely outstanding at providing leadership and personal attention when needed. And lastly, group travel is just a lot easier than trying to plan a trip on your own.
My Ancient Kingdoms trip was my 29th trip with OAT and Grand Circle, and my fifth trip to this part of the world. I chose to go because I wanted to see something new and exciting, and learn more about places that I was unfamiliar with. On both of these scores, the trip was a rousing success.
The trip was filled with palaces, temples, and architectural masterpieces—and even better than that was that out of all the trips I have taken (visiting no less than 53 countries), this was the best trip to get up close and personal with the local people, whether it was in their homes, at work, or just on the street. I found the people of both Laos and Cambodia to be open and friendly. If you greeted them with a smile and a handshake, they would give you back smiles that you will remember for a lifetime.
Richard S.
32-time traveler & Vacation Ambassador
Studio City, California
I travel with another woman whose husband doesn't like to travel. We met on a Grand Circle trip to Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, became friends, and have since traveled together to Turkey, and twice to Africa. Sometimes women traveling together have more common interests, like shopping, than if they traveled with their husbands.
We traveled on your Safari Serengeti: Tanzania Lodge & Tented Safari adventure, which was my eighth trip with OAT. Having been to Botswana and Zimbabwe with OAT in 2008, and seeing the poverty, I packed a lot of children’s clothing and storybooks to give away to the people I would meet in Tanzania.
When we went to the Maasai village, I gave a little outfit to one of the chief's sons. I asked if I could have a picture taken of the little boy and myself. When I crouched down to be at the boy's level, the chief put a shawl around me and joined in for a picture of the three of us.
I love OAT trips to Africa. It is almost a spiritual sensation of returning to the birthplace of civilization. I envy the simple life the people lead with the wild animals surrounding them—it’s like the Garden of Eden.
Beverly M.
9-time traveler
Melbourne, Florida