There was a period in my life where I found myself with the burning desire to take a few months off and travel the world.

None of my friends or family had the time or need to visit the same places as me, so I decided I would join a solo travel group.

The decision to travel on a trip with a bunch of strangers to a foreign country without my usual support network was terrifying. Will I enjoy it? Will I get along with everyone? Will I get time to explore on my own and discover my own little slice of heaven?

The answer is yes, yes, YES! Solo travel companies are run by a group of experts that know how to foster lasting relationships amongst the group, highlight the culture and beauty of a destination, and give you the time to explore independently.

Groups are often a mix pf seasoned solo holiday travellers and newbies, like myself, and really the hardest part is deciding which company is right for you.

Over 50?

One Traveller is family run British tour operator exclusively for the over 50s with more than 40 tours and cruises both in the UK and around the world, with holidays in Europe, Asia, and the US. The company focuses on including amazing experiences in itineraries that are complimented with plenty of free time and opportunities to build new friendships with other like-minded travellers.

Mature travellers can take comfort in knowing that before travel, they can meet others online through the One Traveller forum, and take part in a pre-holiday three course dinner and drinks reception with the group the night before departure.

First time: One Traveller (www.onetraveller.co.uk, 01760 722011) offers a five night holiday to Prague, perfect for first time solo travellers. The trip is priced from £990 per person and includes return direct flights from London Heathrow, five nights’ b&b accommodation in a four star hotel with no single supplements, all evening meals, one lunch, a hosted welcome drinks reception, personal audio guiding system, travel in an executive coach throughout and the services of a One Traveller Tour Manager and expert local guide.

Highlights of the trip include dinner at Prague’s oldest restaurant, a traditional evening folklore show with unlimited drinks, a lunch cruise on a private boat, and guided excursions including city tours of Prague, Prague Castle, Karlovy Vary and Prague by night.

Backpacker?

Contiki is perfect for gap year students looking to explore as much of the world as possible, in a short space of time. With more than 300 holidays for 18 to 35 year olds, Contiki prides itself on creating itineraries packed with incredible experiences, fostering new relationships with people from around the world and discovering as much as the world as possible for the time poor individual.

The Asian Adventure: Contiki (contiki.com, 0845 075 0990) offers a 16-day Asian adventure spanning over three countries: Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. The trip is priced from £1,649 and includes accommodation in guest houses and three star hotels, 18 meals, local transport on a private Contiki coach and the services of a Contiki tour manager.

Highlights include a locally guided bike tour of World Heritage City Luang Prabang, a long tail boat tour of Bangkok’s waterways and canals, guided tour of Wat Arun temples, a visit to Erawan National Park, a Muay Thai boxing experience, a city tour of Vientiane, Phnom Penh and the Khmer Rouge’s Killing Fields, and guided tours of Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm.

Health and Fitness enthusiast?

Perfect for individuals in need of a detox, Health and Fitness Travel understands that sometimes travelling is all about improving the mind, body and soul. Along with health and fitness experiences where you can travel completely on your own, they do offer retreats for social butterflies who want to get fit, clear the mind and meet a new group of people at the same time.

Come home lighter: Health and Fitness Travel (www.healthandfitnesstravel.com, 0203 397 8891) offers a seven night BodyHoliday September Solos trip to St Lucia from £2,830 per person. The trip includes seven nights’ accommodation, all meals, return transfers and flights, as well as a tailored programme which includes a spa treatment, free skin consultation, water and land sport activities, group fitness classes, dedicated solo yoga and Pilates classes and sunset cruise.

Luxury Traveller?

For some, the idea of a large group tour can be a daunting experience. Cox and Kings has developed a collection of solo holidays for small groups which are designed to 'discover extraordinary places in style'.

Go somewhere new: Cox and Kings (www.coxandkings.co.uk, 020 3797 4758) offers an 11 day, eight night holiday to Burma from £2,945 per person. Trip includes international flights, accommodation, local transfers, full hosting by an English speaking guide, entrance fees and some meals.

Highlights include an exclusive cruise on the Irrawaddy River and Inle Lake, a visit to the temples and pagodas at Pagan and Mandalay, a stop outside stateswoman Aung San Suu Kyi’s gated house, a Burmese cooking demonstration, and tours of Inwa, Sagaing, Pagan and Rangoon.