Your first pole camp abroad: the solo traveler's guide

Going to a pole camp alone might sound daunting, but it's one of the most rewarding ways to travel. Here's everything you need to know about attending a pole camp as a solo traveler.

The number one reason people hesitate to book a pole camp is the same reason they end up loving it: going alone. It feels vulnerable to fly to another country, walk into a room full of strangers, and spend a week learning something physically and emotionally demanding. But pole camps are uniquely suited to solo travel — more so than almost any other kind of trip. The structure, the shared experience, and the warmth of the pole community make it one of the safest and most rewarding ways to travel by yourself.

Why pole camps are perfect for solo travel

Unlike a solo trip where you have to create your own social opportunities, a pole camp comes with a built-in community. From the moment you arrive, you're part of a group — sharing meals, training together, cheering each other on, and unwinding together after long days in the studio.

The daily structure removes the anxiety of "what do I do today?" that can make solo travel lonely. Your schedule is set: morning warm-up, workshops, lunch break, more workshops, dinner, social time. Every day has purpose and rhythm, and you're always surrounded by people doing the same thing.

Pole also creates a unique kind of bonding. The physical vulnerability of learning new moves — falling, struggling, trying again — breaks down social barriers fast. By day two, people who arrived as strangers are spotting each other through difficult tricks, sharing grip aid, and exchanging Instagram handles. By the end of the week, you'll have friends in cities around the world.

How to choose a solo-friendly camp

While almost every pole camp welcomes solo travelers, some are better set up for it than others. Here's what to look for:

Group size

Smaller camps (eight to twenty participants) are generally better for solo travelers. You'll get to know everyone personally, and it's harder to feel like an outsider in a small group. Larger camps (thirty-plus participants) can still work well, but the connections may be less immediate.

Shared accommodation

Camps that offer shared room options are a gold mine for solo travelers. Sharing a room with one or two other camp attendees instantly gives you travel companions — people to walk to class with, eat with, and explore with. It also saves money. If shared rooms aren't offered, ask the organizer if they can connect you with other solo attendees who want to share.

Social programming

Look for camps that mention welcome dinners, group excursions, social nights, or a final showcase. These structured social moments are where solo travelers make their strongest connections. A camp that's "just classes" with no group activities can feel isolating if everyone else came with friends.

All-inclusive packages

All-inclusive camps — where accommodation, meals, and activities are bundled — are ideal for solo travelers. You don't have to figure out where to eat alone, how to get around, or what to do in the evenings. Everything is arranged and everyone does it together.

Practical tips for solo travel to a pole camp

Before you go

• Book flights with a buffer — arrive a day early if possible. This gives you time to adjust, settle in, and explore the area without the pressure of going straight into camp mode.
• Arrange airport transfers — ask the organizer if group transfers are available. If not, research the transport options in advance. Having a clear plan for getting from the airport to the camp removes a major source of solo travel stress.
• Get travel insurance — essential for any international trip, but especially important when you're traveling alone. Make sure it covers sports and physical activities.
• Share your itinerary — tell a friend or family member where you're going, when, and the name of the camp. Share your accommodation address and the organizer's contact info.
• Join the group chat — most camps set up a WhatsApp or Telegram group before the event. This is the best place to introduce yourself, find roommates, and coordinate travel with other attendees.

During the camp

• Introduce yourself early — the first meal or welcome session is the easiest time to meet people. Everyone is equally new and looking for connections. Don't wait for others to approach you.
• Say yes to everything — group dinner? Go. Morning swim before class? Join. Impromptu practice session after hours? Be there. The social magic of pole camps happens in the unplanned moments.
• Offer to film others — one of the easiest ways to connect at a pole camp. People love having video of their progress, and offering to film someone's combo or trick instantly creates a conversation and mutual appreciation.
• Don't retreat to your room — it's tempting after a tiring training day, but the best connections happen at dinner, during evening socials, or while lounging by the pool. Push through the introvert fatigue at least for the first few days.

Safety and comfort

Solo travel to a pole camp is generally very safe. You're traveling to a known destination with a structured program and a group of like-minded people. Still, standard solo travel safety practices apply:

• Research your destination — understand the local culture, customs, and any safety considerations. Know which areas to avoid and how local transportation works.
• Keep your important documents secure — a copy of your passport, insurance details, and emergency contacts should be accessible from your phone even without internet.
• Download offline maps — essential if you're exploring on your own before or after camp.
• Have some local currency — card payments aren't universal everywhere, and having cash for taxis, tips, or small purchases gives you independence.
• Trust your instincts — if something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. The camp organizer and fellow attendees are your safety net — don't hesitate to ask for help.

Solo travel by destination

Europe

Europe is the easiest region for solo pole camp travel. Most destinations have excellent public transport, high safety standards, and short flight times between countries. The EU makes border crossings seamless for many nationalities. English is widely spoken at camps even in non-English-speaking countries. Budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet make getting around affordable.

Asia

Bali and Thailand are popular solo travel destinations for good reason — they're affordable, welcoming, and have established tourist infrastructure. The pole camp scene in Asia tends to attract smaller groups, which means more intimate experiences. Jet lag can be a factor if you're coming from the Americas or Europe, so plan an extra buffer day.

The Americas

Mexico is the rising star of the Americas pole camp scene and increasingly popular with solo travelers. Most camps are in resort areas with solid tourist infrastructure. The USA and Canada offer camps that don't require international travel for North American dancers, removing the logistical complexity of going abroad.

What solo travelers say

Ask anyone who's been to a pole camp alone and you'll hear the same thing: "I was terrified before I went, and it was the best decision I ever made." The friendships formed at pole camps are intense and lasting — you've shared vulnerability, physical challenge, and joy in a concentrated period. People regularly travel to each other's cities months or years later. Some become regular camp partners, attending events together year after year.

The pole community has a reputation for warmth and inclusivity that is genuinely earned. Going to a camp alone doesn't mean being alone — it means being open to meeting people you wouldn't have met otherwise. And more often than not, you'll leave with closer friends than the people who came in groups.

Take the leap

If you've been waiting for a friend to commit before booking a pole camp, stop waiting. The perfect travel partner might not materialize, but the experience you're putting off is already happening — right now, somewhere in the world, a room full of people who arrived as strangers are becoming lifelong friends over shared bruises and hard-won spins. The only thing standing between you and that experience is a booking confirmation.