For many people lockdown led to loneliness – but for others it sparked enthusiasm for spending time alone. That emerging trend is playing out in travel bookings, with more of us choosing future trips for one.
If you are thinking of striking out solo – at home or overseas – here are a few things to consider.
Play safe
Staying safe should be the primary concern for anyone planning to travel alone. Venturing into new places can be daunting even in the same country, but that shouldn’t be a deterrent to exploring. By taking the right precautions and being sensible, it’s possible to have a smooth experience.
There are several apps aimed at increasing personal security. Find My Friends is a tracking device that shares a user’s GPS location with approved ‘friends’, allowing their movements to be monitored; bSafe works by sending a live video and audio stream to select contacts when activated via a voice alarm. They can also see your GPS location on a map.
Not all dangers are posed by other people, though. If you’re planning a long hike or a solo camping trip, always tell someone where you’re going and agree to check in at certain times so no-one sends out a search party.
Trust your judgement
One of the joys of solo travel is the confidence boost it brings. Learning to trust your instincts and make considered judgements will help you in all areas of life.
If a situation feels uncomfortable, leave quickly – and always err on the side of caution. But at the same time, don’t be afraid to try something new.
Weigh up whether something feels genuinely threatening or simply out of your comfort zone. Striking up conversation with fellow travellers might be intimidating but it’s not necessarily dangerous, for example. Conversely, wandering around an unfamiliar place late at night could be foolish even in company.
Know your limits
Whether it’s meeting new people or scaling a mountain, be realistic about what you can achieve. If the idea of big groups is daunting, start by introducing yourself to someone with common interests – perhaps a fellow traveller sharing transport and heading in the same direction as you.
In terms of physical demands, pick activities that suit your abilities. If you’re new to hiking, for example, choose simple walks to build up fitness. Likewise, if you’ve never been camping before, start off slow and opt for an overnight stay as a warm-up, rather than plunging straight into a week-long camp.
Learn some lingo
When travelling abroad, it’s useful to have a few stock foreign phrases in your armoury. Apps such as Google Translate offer a quick fix solution for menus and street signs, but it’s worth learning how to start a simple dialogue.
Babbel offer interactive courses in 14 different languages; FluentU contextualises words by captioning music videos, podcasts and news reports. Subscriptions for both apps apply.
Duolingo is free and you can learn at your own pace.
Alternatively, carry a good book as a means of sparking conversation. Choose a paperback reflecting your tastes, and passers-by will have immediately learned something about you, before words are even exchanged.
Enjoy your own company
Having fun doesn’t always mean mixing with other people, and you don’t need a second opinion to validate a travel experience. A beautiful mountain is just as beautiful even if you’re seeing it alone. In fact, one of the benefits of witnessing sights solo is the absence of any pressure to quickly move on.
For many, mealtimes can be challenging. People often complain single dining is lonely, but that shouldn’t result in rushed meals and supermarket snacks. Savour what you eat – it doesn’t matter if only one portion is being prepared. And don’t be afraid of reserving a table for one in restaurants; many have bar seating and single placings especially set up.
Have you ever travelled alone? Is it something you’ve always wanted to do, or does it not appeal? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Also read: The surprising demographic travelling solo
