Solo travelling with a Companion Voucher? Here's how and why to do it
Douglas08 Apr 2026
Last Updated: 03 Nov 2026
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DouglasLast Updated: 03 Nov 2026
Travelling is full of contradictions. We go away to come close to ourselves. And while seeing the world can be a shared joy, sometimes even two people can be a crowd. This is why some believe the best way to truly experience a new place is by yourself. Welcome to the world of solo travelling.
In this article, we'll explain what solo travel really means, break down the BA Companion Voucher rules, show you how to earn a voucher, and discuss why it makes sense for those who prefer to travel alone. Finally, we'll also recommend a few bucket-list destinations perfect for adventurers looking to use their Amex Avios to explore the world by themselves.
Solo travel involves setting out on your own to discover a new destination. When you visit a new place on your own, it can be intimidating at first. But once you move past that, the experience builds your confidence, sharpens your problem-solving skills, and improves self-awareness. You come out on the opposite end more independent and interesting as a person.
Solo travel is not a new concept. Homer (not Bart Simpson's dad, the other one who wrote The Odyssey) made it famous, but even before and certainly after him, people have been setting off on their own for centuries. According to a recent study, solo travel has been on the rise in the last few years, with more people choosing to embrace the freedom, flexibility, and personal growth that comes from exploring a destination alone. It means setting your own pace, trusting your gut, and soaking up experiences on your own terms, without friends or family shaping your plans.
But hold on. Before you start punching numbers on the British Airways Tier Point calculator to plan your trip, bear in mind solo travel isn't for everyone. It's an acquired experience, and you may initially find it overwhelming, lonely, and challenging. This is why there are two schools of thought about how best to do solo travel: you can either travel on your own or as part of a group. In the first case, you handle all the planning and navigation on your own, while group solo travel means joining a group tour or cruise.
What's more, the boundaries between the two definitions of solo travel are fluid; you can start with a group for a portion of your journey and then head out on your own for the rest. The focus is on the experience of self-discovery and not the tools that get you there.
But solo travel can be expensive, so how can you travel solo on a budget? A BA Companion Voucher can help. It opens up a world of possibilities for globetrotters who want to explore the furthest corners of the world. Read the BA Companion Voucher rules before planning your trip.
When you're travelling solo, bearing all expenses out of your own pocket adds to the total cost. This is where the BA Companion Voucher comes in handy. It is a sort of "two for one" or "2-4-1" voucher that lets you book a second seat for no extra Avios when you redeem on a Reward Flight with British Airways. Taxes, fees and carrier charges are still payable for both passengers, and the BA Companion Voucher rules set out which cabins each card covers. For example, let's say you want to fly with a partner from London to Cape Town and back in First Class, using a voucher from the Premium Plus card. As at 23 September 2026, it would cost 374,000 Avios plus taxes on off-peak dates or 440,000 Avios plus taxes on peak dates. Using an Avios Companion Voucher would only require 187,000 Avios or 220,000 Avios respectively, plus taxes for both tickets, saving 50% on the points required.
You can also use a Companion Voucher on your solo travel and save 50% on the Avios cost of your ticket. Using the same example, as at 23 September 2026, a solo trip from London to Cape Town and back in Business Class requires 198,000 Avios plus taxes on off-peak dates or 220,000 Avios plus taxes on peak dates. With a Companion Voucher, the cost drops to 99,000 Avios or 110,000 Avios respectively, plus taxes. This gives you a 50% discount on the points needed.
You need to be a member of the British Airways Club, British Airways' reward programme, to get a Companion Voucher. Once you're a member, simply link your British Airways Club account to a British Airways American Express credit card. Your membership year begins on the approval date of your card application.
To earn a Companion Voucher, you must meet a minimum spending requirement on your British Airways credit card during your membership year. When you meet it, the voucher will automatically be credited to your British Airways Club account within a few days. Once you've earned enough Avios for a flight, you can use your Companion Voucher to secure a 50% Avios discount if travelling solo or claim a complimentary ticket for a companion (excluding taxes).
There are two types of BA American Express credit cards. Let's break down their features:
For a solo trip, remember that earning the voucher and saving the Avios are separate jobs. As at 8 September 2026, Premium Plus earns 1.5 Avios per eligible £1 on general purchases and 3 with British Airways or BA Holidays. Both rates fall to 1.25 Avios per eligible £1 on 7 October 2026. The solo Companion Voucher still gives a 50% Avios discount, but your future card spending will build the remaining balance more slowly.
While the answer is subjective and depends on your needs, the Premium Plus card often provides the best value. The Companion Voucher included with this card ranks among the top credit card benefits in the UK. However, if you think you won't spend enough to qualify for a Companion Voucher, the free card is a better choice.
With the free card, you will earn 1 Avios for every £1 spent on the card. The Premium Plus card earns 1.25 Avios per eligible £1 and has a £300 annual fee. So, unless you're likely to spend a larger amount per year on it, the fee-free card might be a better choice.
While using Avios for a Business Class short-haul flight usually doesn’t offer the best value, a first solo trip on a long-haul flight to a distant destination might feel overwhelming. Consider this: it's effectively a "free" flight using points, and you receive a 50% discount, so short-haul may also be a reasonable choice if you’re travelling alone for the first time. Just try to aim for deals where the redemption value approaches 1p per Avios.
Selecting the right destination for your first solo journey is also important. The right choice can boost your confidence and inspire further adventures, while a less successful destination might discourage future travels. With that in mind, here's a list of top short-haul destinations we recommend for you to use your Avios Companion Voucher on:
Here’s our list of the top things to do in Portugal:
You can fly from London to Lisbon using a solo Companion Voucher with 11,750 Avios plus £1 for a return Economy seat during off-peak times.
Here’s our list of the top things to do in Skiathos:
You can fly from London to Skiathos using a solo Companion Voucher with 13,750 Avios plus £1 for a return Economy seat during off-peak times.
You can fly from London to Munich, Germany using a solo Companion Voucher with 9,250 Avios plus £1 for a return Economy seat during off-peak times.
You can fly from London to Madrid using a solo Companion Voucher with 11,750 Avios plus £1 for a return Economy seat during off-peak times.
Using your Companion Voucher for destinations a bit farther away can save you a lot of cash. Here are some examples of the best redemptions and how to enjoy them:
Using a solo Companion Voucher, you can redeem 90,000 Avios and pay £475 for a Business Class return ticket during off-peak times.
You can fly from London to Singapore using a solo Companion Voucher with 110,000 Avios and £625 f or a Business Class return ticket during off-peak times.
You can fly from London to San Francisco using a solo Companion Voucher with 90,000 Avios and £550 for a Business Class return ticket during off-peak times.
Using a solo Companion Voucher, you can fly from London to Bangkok by redeeming 100,000 Avios and paying £575 for a Business Class return ticket during off-peak times.
When you’re travelling alone, keeping your money secure and your payments easy is essential, especially since there’s no travel partner to lean on if something goes wrong. That’s why using a digital wallet is one of the smartest things you can do.
Apps like Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and Wise let you link all your debit cards, credit cards, and even PayPal to one place, so you can tap and pay quickly, without the need to carry multiple physical cards.
Pairing your BA American Express credit card with Wise is especially useful for solo adventurers. Wise is a multi-currency account and debit card that gives you:
Use your Amex to collect Avios on major purchases like hotels and flights, and Wise for everything else (meals, museum tickets, local transport, and souvenirs), where fees and exchange rates can add up fast.
It’s the perfect setup for solo travellers: reward points when you spend, and savings when you pay.
Solo travelling is not just about seeing new places but about experiencing the world in a way that changes you, one adventure at a time. It can be a challenge, but with the right mindset and preparation, it can become an adventure of a lifetime. Here are some tips to make the most out of travelling alone:
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