Travelling solo

Scheduled group dinners are included in the tour price (drinks are extra unless otherwise specified). They're a lovely opportunity to relax at the end of the day, enjoy a meal together and talk about everything we've seen and experienced.

They're often some of the most enjoyable evenings of the journey, with plenty of conversation and laughter around the table.

Free evenings are yours to spend however you wish. Some guests choose to explore independently, while others make plans to have dinner or do something together. Our tour WhatsApp group is often a great way for guests to make those arrangements, whether that means finding someone to join them for dinner or sharing ideas about what to do. I’m also happy to help with suggestions, reservations or directions when needed.

Free time gives you the chance to experience each destination at your own pace. You might explore a little further, visit somewhere that has caught your interest, browse the local shops, sit in a café or simply take some time to yourself. Guests often make their own plans to explore together too, so you can choose whether you would prefer some company or a little time on your own. I’m always happy to suggest things to do if you would like some ideas.

Not necessarily. Some guests may be travelling together or have met on a previous Plantagenet Discoveries journey, but many come on their own and have never met the other guests before. We bring people together around a shared interest in history, and it is quite common for conversations to start in the tour group chat before everyone has even arrived. Once we meet in person, getting to know one another usually happens quite naturally from the very first day.

You might feel a little nervous, and that’s perfectly natural, but you won’t be arriving without support. Optional airport transfers are available to help make your arrival as smooth and stress-free as possible, and you’ll have my contact details should you need to get in touch. You’ll also be invited to join our tour group chat, where guests often begin getting to know one another and sharing travel information and hints in the lead-up to the tour. Our Meet & Greet is a casual, light-hearted beginning to the tour and a chance to start getting to know one another before we head off on our first day together.

Travelling internationally on your own can feel daunting, especially if it’s something you haven’t done before. That’s why my support begins well before you leave home. I provide practical information to help you prepare for travelling to England or France, along with everything you need to know about joining the tour. Optional airport transfers can also be arranged to make your arrival as smooth as possible. Depending on when you arrive, Rhonda or I may already be in London or Paris and able to assist you before the tour begins, and I’m always available by phone if you need help. You’ll also be invited to join the tour group chat, where guests often begin getting to know one another and sharing travel information and hints in the lead-up to the tour.

All guests have their own private room throughout the tour, so you never need to share with another guest. Solo travellers receive the same category of room as guests travelling together, rather than being allocated a smaller or lower-category room simply because they are travelling alone. The single supplement is currently US$1,495, which covers the additional cost of having your own room rather than sharing.

I think the shared interest in history gives our guests a wonderful starting point for getting to know one another. You already have something in common before you arrive, and travelling together in a small group creates plenty of opportunities for conversations to develop naturally. Whether it’s discovering a shared fascination with a particular historical figure, swapping book recommendations over dinner or chatting about something you’ve just seen, friendships often grow quite organically along the way.

Absolutely. Many guests choose to arrive a day or two before the tour begins, and I offer optional pre-tour accommodation at the designated tour hotel. Your Customer Handbook includes plenty of suggestions for things to see and do in London or Paris before the tour begins, and the hotel concierge is an excellent resource for recommendations and assistance during your stay.

My support begins well before the tour. In the lead-up to your journey, you can contact me by email, phone or video chat with any questions or concerns, whether they are about the tour itself or simply something you are unsure about as you prepare to travel. Once the tour begins, you have the support of the whole team. Ange is based locally in France and can help with local issues that arise, while Rhonda and I are also available whenever needed. I carry emergency contact information for every destination we visit, so we are prepared to deal with everything from a small hiccup to a genuine emergency.