A Letter from the President
A letter from our
President.
Adventures for Solo Travelers is different by design—and proudly so. We are owner-led, intentionally small, and deeply personal. Solo travel isn’t a trend for us—it’s been our focus from day one.
Dear Fellow Dreamer,
From humble beginnings with big dreams, we now enter our 37th year of inspiring globetrotters with life-enhancing journeys. Since 1989, I continue to marvel at what Adventures for Solo Travelers has become—with heartfelt gratitude to the thousands who now make up our travel family.
If you don’t know me yet, I invite you to read why I started AFS. But what matters most is this: the greatest reward of my life’s work has been sharing the world with others and witnessing the transformation that comes from the sheer joy of exploration. Together, we discover the world—one country at a time.
Travel has a beautiful way of multiplying itself. The more you see, the more you long to see. It flexes our curiosity, stretches our imagination, and reminds us how to play. We all need something wonderful to look forward to—and with every departure comes the double delight of anticipation, followed by memories that last forever.
Solo Travel Beyond the Typical Tourist Experience
I know you have high expectations for a truly thrilling vacation. For decades, I’ve designed journeys to extraordinary places many only dream about—not for bragging rights alone, but because the most profound moments are often found far from the ordinary
Our travelers don’t want cookie-cutter tours or “follow-the-flag” experiences. They crave adventures that are authentic, creative, and deeply enriching. We don’t copy others’ itineraries—and yes, others sometimes copy ours. From safaris to cruises, cultural immersions to epic landscapes, we design experiences that are anything but typical. We like to say we’re your Concierge of Large Fun.
And then there are what we call Joy Bombs—unexpected, spectacular moments woven into every journey that surprise and delight you, turning a wonderful trip into an unforgettable AFS experience. They’re never predictable and always magical. That’s part of what makes AFS special.
How to Get the Best Travel Value Without Sacrificing Quality
I also know you want unsurpassed value for your annual vacation investment. Thanks to decades of trusted relationships and group buying power, we secure premium accommodations at exceptional prices. Our preferred suppliers are like family to us.
The result is a worry-free experience that saves you time, planning, and stress. You simply count down the days, show up, and embrace it all. We handle every detail—meticulously—so you don’t have to. Safety, comfort, and seamless logistics are always top priorities.
When traveling abroad, peace of mind matters. We work only with the most reputable local operators, often referred by Tourist Boards themselves. Before every AFS escape, you’ll receive detailed Trip Tips to prepare you fully. Our experienced ground teams and gracious AFS Trip Leaders are essential to every journey. I personally visit nearly every destination before I send you there.
Why Solo Travel Is One of the Best Ways to Make New Friends
It’s not just where you go—it’s who you go with.
With AFS, you are never alone. Many of our travelers return again and again—some 10, 20, even 30+ times. One beloved AFSer has traveled with us over 54 times. You simply won’t find kinder, more curious travel companions anywhere.
The spirit of AFS comes from community—a shared love of culture, scenic beauty, and large fun. You may join us traveling solo, but you’ll return home with a circle of new Forever Friends. Sometimes there’s even romance—24 marriages so far. (I met and married my husband Terry on one of our Africa safaris.)
Why I Started Adventures for Solo Travelers
My Daddy passed along the escapism gene. While my girlfriends collected dolls, I collected globes to spin and dream. I was born with a gypsy spirit and an insatiable wanderlust.
Becoming a flight attendant gave me wings. For 14 years, I explored the world solo—my first trip abroad deep into the Congo sparked a lifelong love affair with travel. My original goal was to visit 100 countries and join the Century Club. I did—and promptly became hopelessly hooked on seeing more.
Eventually, I realized travel shouldn’t be self-serving. Plus, lots of friends all said, “I want to go!” or “I would have gone!” That’s when the lightbulb went off. I wanted others to experience the spiritual enrichment that international travel offers. That’s when Adventures for Solo Travelers was born in 1989. (My very first trip? Leading pampered millionaires to play polo with Prince Hassan’s Royal Jordanian Polo Club.)
Over the decades, I’ve attended trade shows, conducted hundreds of site inspections, and searched relentlessly for destinations that will make your heart leap.
We keep two words taped to our computers: Integrity and Perseverance. I plan to do this work for a long time—until perhaps we become Adventures for Seniors, or until I pass on. I’m determined to leave this world with memories of perpetual wonder, not just dreams.
I invite you to explore our website, read our thousands of heartfelt Testimonials, and browse our real-life Photo Gallery—no stock photos here. Read my Trip Intros and see which journey calls to you.
And if you need help choosing? Call me. I have a good picker.
The world is beckoning. We are your passport to awesome escapes. As your Travel Architect, all I do is construct dreams—and I remain dedicated to making yours come true.
With gratitude and wanderlust,
Suzy Davis
Founder, Adventures for Solo Travelers
Your Faithful Dream Weaver