Some people love a solo adventure, but many of us find it a daunting prospect. We’d rather put off our next holiday until we can find a friend who’s willing to come along and share the moment. In fact, a solo journey might just turn out to be the trip of a lifetime. It’s the chance to have a break that’s exactly what you want it to be. Not only do you get to choose your dream destination, you also get to pick each and every activity along the way. So, here’s our guide to making the most of a solo escape.
1. Create a schedule
The biggest upside of solo travel is that you get to make every decision – but that’s also the biggest downside. Decision fatigue can set in quickly, so sort the major stuff in advance. Create a rough itinerary for yourself, one that mixes up activities. If you’re planning to spend the afternoon at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, for instance, spend the morning getting active, perhaps with a kayaking session on the Hudson River. Weather not playing along? Then change things up. But you’ll have more fun if you don’t have to make too many decisions on the fly.
2. Do your research
The worst time to be a solo traveller is when things go wrong. When you’ve been scammed by a taxi driver or missed the only train to your next destination, it’s easier to cope if you’re with someone else.
The solution? Avoid the dramas in the first place. Book your hotels in advance, so you know where you’re going, and find out what the taxi fare from the airport is or whether there’s a good public transport alternative. Download some maps onto your phone and then, when you arrive at your destination, go for a walk to orient yourself – it’ll help you feel more confident.
3. Eat smart
Even the most confident travellers sometimes feel a little awkward about dining on their own, while others positively dread the thought of a table for one. A strategy that works in many destinations, from Italy to Buenos Aires to Japan, is to switch your main meal of the day to lunch. Sitting down for a hearty meal in a buzzy cafe or restaurant is a far less intimidating prospect than sitting down to dinner in a place full of families and couples. Added bonus: you’ll probably save money this way, too. In the evening, simply grab some sushi or a sandwich for dinner.
4. Learn the lingo
It’s amazing how learning a few phrases in the local language can make your interactions a much more pleasant experience. Even knowing how to “hello”, “thank you”, “where is” and “how much” makes a significant difference. Pay attention to local customs, too – in many places in Europe, it’s basic good manners to greet the salesperson when you enter a shop, for instance. And have a few phrases up your sleeve for dealing with pushy vendors in countries such as India or Turkey. If someone is insistent about you checking out their wares, a simple “I can’t buy anything because my husband isn’t here” is almost always effective (whether you have a husband or not).
5. Share the joy
When you’re travelling with someone, snapping selfies comes naturally. You may not be tempted to take so many shots when you’re by yourself, but photos are a great way to remember the good moments. Sitting in a cafe on a sunny morning, feeling good to be alive? Take a pic of the surroundings, so you remember it later. Another nice idea: bring a notebook and then, every evening, write about that day’s highlights so you don’t forget the moments.
Alternatively, if you’ve seen or done something special that day, such as taken a helicopter ride over the city, send a quick email to the friend who you know will get it. Their response will become part of the experience.
6. Stay confident
Yes, it’s well known that women travelling alone in some countries are targeted by spruikers and scammers. But you know which women get hassled the most? The ones who look uncertain and lost. Stay calm, prepared and confident and you’ll generally be left alone.
It’s important to trust in your common sense – it’ll take you a long way. For example, if you start walking down a street and it feels a little unsafe, then calmly turn around and head back the way you came. Check in with the staff at your hotel if there is anywhere you should avoid. And try not to look like a tourist. Dress in clothes that don’t appear wildly out of place and you’ll find that you draw less attention to yourself.
The best trips to take
Ease your way into travelling alone with these no-fail adventures.
The city break
Never travelled by yourself before? A city getaway is the no-stress way to try going solo, simply because there’s so much to see and do. Whether you opt for a big city, like Tokyo or London, or a smaller city, like Lisbon or Edinburgh, you’ll never run out of options.
The small-group adventure
If you want to tick off several destinations in one trip or you savour a more active holiday, small-group travel can be a great way to go. Companies like G Adventures and Intrepid Travel take care of the organisation – all you have to do is show up. Small-group sightseers tend to be a fairly well-travelled bunch, so you’re bound to have some interesting conversations over dinner.
The cruise
Cruise companies are increasingly catering for solo travellers, offering cabins designed for one and also sales periods when the single supplement is waived. That’s good news, given that cruising can be a fantastic individual experience, with plenty of onboard activities, as well as interesting ports to discover along the way. Check out Celebrity Cruises, Hurtigruten and Uniworld.
The walking holiday
Join a well-known walking route, such as Spain’s picturesque Santiago de Compostela trail, and you’ll find there’s a real camaraderie among long-distance hikers. Typically, you’re only walking for part of the day; the rest is recovery time, when people love to swap stories. Just be sure to book your accommodation well in advance. You can find guided and self guided tours at Auswalk.
The wellness retreat
Yoga classes, mindfulness meditations, sessions in the steam room... it’s surprisingly easy to fill up a day at a wellness retreat, meaning you’re unlikely to get bored. Particularly if you’re suffering from overload in your daily life, a week at a wellness retreat can be the perfect soft landing for a holiday by yourself.
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