Independent Traveller: How to Make the Most of Travelling Alone.

Travelling alone can be a big jump for some people to take. Introverts may not like the idea of being exposed to new situations alone and worry about possible consequences. Some avoid travel completely if they have no companion. For others, it may be a welcome challenge. Travelling alone opens up travel in a completely different way, so it’s worth considering. In this guide, we cover our top tips for travelling alone in a safe and sensible manner so you get the most out of the experience.

Photo by: naruedom/Adobe Stock

Before you go

Take the time to learn a few certain words and phrases that would come in handy- especially those that ask for help or specific services. Yes/no, please/thank you are also beneficial. Consider these language faux pas to avoid.

You’re travelling solo- this means all the responsibility of preparation is yours alone. Don’t forget the bare necessities of travel- take out appropriate travel insurance, check your passport is in date, and get your holiday cash.

Understand you

Before you plan anything, get a good idea of you. Understand what it is you want to gain from travelling. What are your motivations? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What are your likes and dislikes? If it helps, write all your answers down.

This trip is all about you- anything you experience will be unprejudiced by a fellow traveller. You can do what you like, whenever you like. Don’t waste the experience on something you don’t want to do. You won’t have the worry of wondering whether your companion wants to do the same things you do. Recognise that you can self-indulge- eat what you like, visit where you like, travel how you like.

Do take advantage of new opportunities though when they present themselves. This could be a once-in-a-lifetime trip for you. Try the local food. Try that activity that you can’t experience at home. Take small risks that you’re comfortable with. If you think you might kick yourself for missing out when you get home, try it. If you don’t like it then there’s no pressure not to change your mind.

Setting off

The biggest tip we can give you is to travel in a way that keeps you safe and comfortable at the same time. Be open-minded about new experiences but keep your guard up and take necessary precautions.

Photo by: rh2010/Adobe Stock

Be smart and safe

Check out our blog on avoiding looking like a tourist. Our top tips will help you fit in and make you less of a target to thieves and other crooks.

Walk around with purpose. Avoid travelling in the dark where you can unless you think it’s safe- stick to well-lit streets.

Leave an itinerary of your plans with friends or family back home. If your plans change, update them. Check in with home sporadically for comfort and reassurance (for you and them!). When you leave your accommodation, leave a note briefly outlining where you’re going.

Store the number of your hotel and local emergency contact numbers in your phone in case you need them.

If you’re asking for directions but are uneasy about the person you’ve approached, lie and say you’re meeting friends. This will deter any untoward thoughts. If you’re a female travelling alone, consider wearing a wedding ring.

Accommodation

Spending the night in a swanky room of a large hotel chain might sound appealing and go for it, if that’s what you want. If this is your first time travelling alone or you’re used to company, you may want to consider the cosy, homelier feel of a small B&B, or even a hostel. You’re more likely to be able to rub shoulders with fellow travellers, spend time talking to your hosts, and feel less alone.

Be sure to book your first night’s accommodation before you arrive (at least!), and arrive early, in the daylight, just in case something goes wrong with your planned night and you must switch accommodation. Finding a new place to stay will be easier in the daylight.

Photo by: michaeljung/Adobe Stock

Dining out

You’re likely to feel less comfortable in luxurious restaurants when the lack of a companion is more noticeable. Smaller establishments are more likely to engage in small talk with you to make you feel more comfortable. Talk to your waiter/waitress for local tips and places to check out. If eating alone concerns you, order takeaway or room service and eat in your own space. If taking the plunge, arm yourself with a book you can dip into, a magazine, your smartphone, or a journal to make yourself appear busy. Be sure to take your time and eat properly though as skipping meals isn’t healthy. Take full advantage of local dishes and delicacies on offer.

Exploration

Be wary of hotels, holiday packages and tour operators which charge a ‘single supplement’. This is where the supplier will charge you a fee to recuperate any losses made because you don’t have a companion. You can avoid this by selecting operators who welcome solo-travel (and therefore don’t charge this fee, such as Cox and Kings), or provide a roommate matching service. You’ll be spending some time with a stranger, but it means missing that supplement. It could work in your favour and you end up matched with someone who could become a life-long friend- another little adventure!

Sign up to newsletters from tour operators with dedicated provision for single travellers and for other sites with similar content- you’ll get the best deals and offers sent straight to you. If you face the supplement, don’t be afraid to haggle- if you don’t ask, you don’t get, so it can be worth questioning.

Sign up to special interest tours during your stay. You’ll meet like-minded people and there’s bound to be some other solo travellers in the group.

Photograph everything so you don’t forget a special moment. Relive them back home with family and friends when you return. Exploring alone means you’re more likely to pick up on little details and features you’d miss if you were distracted by a companion.

Photo by: rh2010/Adobe Stock

Travelling independently

There are lots of website and groups established to assist people travelling independently so they get the best experiences. Check out solotravelerblog and IndependentTraveler. There’s also GirlAboutTheGlobe.

If you’ve not decided where your first solo travel will be to, check out our list of destinations and handy location guides. Book your car hire with Zest so you know you’ve got car hire you can trust.

Let us know in the comments any other tips you’d add to our list. Where have you travelled to solo?

Written by Jessica Juby.

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