Hey, I'm Ricky Tapping aka The Solo Explorer
I'm a solo travel expert and the founder of The Solo Explorer — a platform covering the full spectrum of solo travel, from budget backpacking adventures to premium luxury escapes. I've explored 40+ countries independently, and I believe the right solo trip looks different for everyone.
Whether you're stretching every pound on a Europe trip under £300, or investing $18,000 in a private ryokan experience in Japan — I cover it all. My mission is to make solo travel feel not just possible, but extraordinary, at every budget level.
My Solo Travel Journey
2013
First solo trip to the USA - terrified but determined
2014-2023
Explored 40+ countries across 5 continents
2024
Helping thousands discover solo travel confidence
It all started with a panic attack at Heathrow Airport. I was 21, standing in the departure lounge with a one-way ticket to the USA, questioning every life decision that led me there. My friends thought I was crazy for traveling alone, my family was worried sick, and honestly? I was terrified.
But something magical happened during that first trip to America. I discovered parts of myself I never knew existed. I navigated unfamiliar cities without constant guidance, made friends with fellow travelers, and experienced the freedom of exploring on my own terms — and it was perfect.
The Turning Point
That first trip changed everything. I realized that solo travel wasn't just about seeing new places — it was about discovering who I really was when stripped of familiar surroundings and social expectations.
The confidence I gained from navigating Barcelona alone spilled into every area of my life. I started taking bigger risks, pursuing dreams I'd been too scared to chase, and most importantly, I began helping others do the same.
Over the years, I've solo-traveled through Europe's cobblestone streets, backpacked across Southeast Asia on $30 a day, and road-tripped through the American Southwest. But I've also stayed in private ryokan in Kyoto with my own rotenburo, taken kaiseki dinners served course by course to my room, and hiked the Dolomites with a private alpine guide. Solo travel isn't one thing — it's everything.
Each journey taught me something new — not just about the world, but about resilience, adaptability, and the incredible kindness of strangers. I've been lost in Tokyo's subway system, food poisoned in Bangkok, and caught in a thunderstorm while hiking alone in the Scottish Highlands. But I've also watched the Northern Lights dance across the sky in Iceland, shared meals with families in Morocco who invited me into their homes, and made lifelong friends in hostel common rooms around the world.
Why I Created The Solo Explorer
After years of solo travel, I kept meeting two very different types of people: those held back by tight budgets who thought solo travel was only for the well-off — and those with the resources to travel in real style who had no idea how extraordinary solo luxury travel could be.
I remembered being that first person. But I've also become the second. The advice I'd needed spanned both worlds — honest budget breakdowns for every destination, and genuine luxury guidance for when you want to invest in something unforgettable.
That's why I started The Solo Explorer. A platform that covers the full range — from Europe under £300 to $18K luxury solo journeys — because solo travel is for everyone, on their own terms and at their own level.
My Mission
To help solo travellers — at every level — experience the world on their own extraordinary terms. Budget backpacker or luxury soloist, your trip should be the best of its kind.
Europe under £300, $30/day Asia trips, best-value destinations — real advice that works when money is tight.
Private ryokan, Michelin experiences, five-star solo-friendly hotels — for when you want to invest in something unforgettable.
What Makes My Advice Different
Full Spectrum Coverage
I've traveled on £20/day and I've stayed in private ryokan at $500 a night. Whether you're budget-stretching or splurging, you'll find honest, practical advice here for every level.
Luxury Solo Travel Specialist
I'm one of the few travel writers who covers luxury solo travel with real depth — private tours, solo-friendly five-star hotels, wellness retreats, and premium experiences tailored for one.
Honest About Challenges
Solo travel isn't always Instagram-perfect. I share the real challenges, mistakes, and how to overcome them — not just the highlight reel.
Safety-First Approach
Every recommendation is filtered through a safety lens. I prioritize your wellbeing over getting the "perfect shot" or saving a few pounds.
Community-Focused
Solo travel doesn't mean lonely travel. I help you connect with fellow travelers and locals while maintaining your independence — whether you're in a hostel dorm or a private villa.