Things you need to know before travelling solo
There are many reasons why you might have put off your travel dreams — maybe your friends dropped out like flies or plans never moved pasted Whatsapp.
Forget having a partner-in-crime, it might be time to consider going at it alone.
1. For once in your life you get to pick exactly what you want to do
Trip planning can often be a compromise when you’re having to factor in someone else’s opinion. When you get to your 30s and 40s you really know who you are and what floats your boat so it’s great to have the opportunity to pick something you truly want to do…
2. Don’t give up on your bucket list
The idea of travelling solo can be daunting but this shouldn’t be at the sacrifice of dream trips. I found myself single and in my 30s but I was determined not to let this stop me do the things I’ve marked down as ‘must dos’ – think laterally about how you can make those trips happen.
3. Make dreams come true
“Apologies to C.S Lewis for the paraphrase but when he said ‘you’re never too old to set a new goal or dream a new dream’ he was spot on: we certainly find that for our guests in their 30s and 40s dreams are not just for teens.”
4. We’re born to be free
For those willing to travel in groups with other solo travellers the majority cite freedom and meeting new people as the best reasons to travel solo.
5. Give yourself time to think and breathe
A solo trip can be a powerful, introspective, life-changing experience. Imagine sitting on a peaceful beach at sunset or taking an invigorating morning hike without having to make conversation with anyone.
6. You haven’t had a holiday for a year
Big giveaway this, you haven’t had a break from work for a year. There’s the usual excuses – nobody to go with, don’t want to be alone, scared of solo travel. All this means is that it’s time to focus on yourself, indulge yourself, try something new and embrace the solo traveller within you.
7. You can meet like minded people
We’re a little older now, and although the free spirit isn’t dead, it is a little more selective with whom it shares its time. The great thing about a singles holiday is that it brings singles together, similar age, similar time in their lives. Your life experiences breed friendship and familiarity, something you’re unlikely to get whilst sharing your current troubles with a fellow flash packer (I’d like to think we’ll be doing it in style in our 30s and 40s) in the hotel social area.
Be a farmer for a day!