A beginner’s guide
to travelling solo
A beginner’s guide to travelling solo
By Sophie Dickinson
September 19, 2024 — 5.06am
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This article is part of Traveller’s Holiday Guide to solo travel. See all
stories.
Daunting, dangerous and slightly strange – solo travel was once thought of as
a pursuit only for the very adventurous, the very youthful and, often, the
very male. But this is no longer the case.
The British travel company Newmarket Holidays found that eight out of 10 solo
tour bookings are now made by women, with almost half of those aged between 65
and 74. And their popularity has increased exponentially, too – last year, a
Skyscanner report found that half of respondents were planning to go it alone
on holiday.
Find peace on a solo hike in the Austrian Alps. Credit: Getty Images
There’s good reason for the renaissance. Whether you book with a trusted tour
company or put the whole thing together independently, solo travel can be a
remarkably liberating way to see a country entirely on your own terms. If you
usually have to compromise when you travel – whether on where to go, what to
see, or even just where to stop for dinner – it can be an opportune way to
holiday exactly as you wish (with all the lies-in you desire). Perhaps you’re
looking for a moment of peace – in which case, why not pack your walking boots
and head to the Austrian Alps to embrace the countryside alone? Or maybe
you’re hoping to find a bustling new city, and a bustling new group of
friends, too – solo travel, with its ability to bring together people from
across the globe with shared interests, can provide that.
Regardless, a trip by yourself can feel quite intimidating for first-timers –
particularly if you’re embarking on your inaugural solo holiday later in life.
Our experts, with that knowledge in mind, have compiled the ultimate guide to
solo travel, which covers every question, query and concern that has entered
your mind – from what to pack and what insurance• Страхование to buy, to where to go, and
how to avoid the dreaded “single supplement”.
Read on to find out everything you need to know, and then choose your
preferred solo-friendly destination from our hand-picked list.
Want to avoid paying a single supplement on a cruise? Look out for solo travel
deals. Credit: Viking
NEED TO KNOW
When to book
Fluctuations in the holiday market mean that sometimes it makes sense to book
last minute – occasionally, there are serious deals to be had. When travelling
alone, however, it is often best to book as far in advance as possible. Many
operators will reward that organisation with cheaper prices too. And it allows
time for planning, meaning every element of the trip can be sorted long in
advance.
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When to go
The holiday seasons are changing, and what was once obvious – such as northern
hemisphere travel in July or August to enjoy the sun – is now less clear. Now,
the summer months are often too warm for travel, so the shoulder season (May
and June, and September and October) might be wiser. However, it depends, in
part, where you are travelling to. Many have found relief in travelling to
Scandinavia in the hottest months, so that could be an option if you are
thinking of heading north.
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How long to go for and how much to budget
There is a range of things to consider when working out how long to travel,
but if you are nervous about travelling alone, it might be worth booking for a
shorter amount of time and seeing your first trip as a practice run of sorts.
Of course, if you are on a package trip, the time away will already be
defined. As for budget – you will probably spend less than usual, although
watch out for single supplements, as they can add a premium. Find out more
below.
What to bring
The ultimate packing list should include all your documentation (including
copies of your travel insurance, flight details and passport), clothing, day
bags, comfortable shoes and any medication. It is also worth installing an
eSim so you can pay local rates for using your phone. This makes staying in
contact with loved ones considerably easier (and cheaper). Details of how to
install one can be found via a quick Google search.
What insurance• Страхование to buy
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Healthy over-60s face higher prices for travel insurance, while medical
conditions can add to the cost. Our experts advise finding a specialist
insurer• Страхование » Страховщик for your age group, such as Cover-More Travel Insurance. Often, it can
be cheaper – at least in the long run – to buy a multi-trip policy, covering
you for all the journeys you make in a year. If your trip is likely to include
activities such as kayaking, hiking or skiing, you might need specialist
insurance• Страхование, so make sure to check the terms and conditions before purchasing a
policy. And even if it makes the insurance• Страхование more expensive, always declare any
medical conditions, as your claim could be denied at a later point if you
don’t.
How to stay safe
Research the places you will be travelling to in advance, to give yourself
peace of mind. It is also advisable to plan transport in advance. Only use
licensed taxis, and keep your belongings safe while on public transport; a
money belt might be of use here. As with all types of travel, avoid wandering
around isolated areas at night and carrying large amounts of cash.
What to read
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Read East Toward Dawn: A Woman’s Solo Journey Around the World by Nan Watkins
for an exploration of what it feels like to travel alone over 60. The
wonderful Dervla Murphy is always an exhilarating companion for a journey –
try South from the Limpopo for a cycle tour of South Africa. Nothing to
Declare: Memoirs of a Woman Travelling Alone by Mary Morris takes a look at
the more complicated side of journeying through South America, while the
anthology A Woman Alone: Travel Tales from Around the Globe will make you want
an adventure as soon as possible.
What is a ‘single supplement’? (And how to avoid it)
A single supplement is a premium charged to people who travel alone, or those
who do not want to share a room. Rather than paying for half of a room,
holiday companies charge the solo traveller around 70 to 90 per cent of the
room cost. This means the cost is less than a double room, although it is more
expensive than if the price was shared with another person. Often, this only
applies to package trips – if you can book flights and accommodation yourself,
you will probably find savings. Happily, most operators also offer solo travel
deals, while others specifically cater to single holidaymakers – often doing
away with single supplements entirely.
How to meet other solo travellers
There are plenty of ways to meet other solo travellers, either before you head
out on a trip or in advance. Find Facebook• Объект организация » Организации по алфавиту » Организации на Fa » Facebook
• Объект организация » Организации по алфавиту » Организации на Me » Meta (компания) » Facebook groups for people travelling in
your area, or visit r/SoloTravel on Reddit. Head to Meetup to find activities
to join in with, or visit Tourlina, a site specifically designed for solo
female travellers to find “travel buddies”. Or just strike up a conversation –
you never know who you might meet.
The Telegraph, London
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