Tips for Travelling Solo
smartertravel.com
People who have never travelled alone often describe their first solo trip as the most exciting experience. To take in new surroundings unfiltered by the prejudices, tastes or preferences of a travelling companion can be heady stuff. Travelling alone gives you the chance to indulge yourself fully.
Of course, single travel has its perils too such as safety concerns, loneliness and the dreaded single supplement. But a little preparation and common sense can save you money and get you through the rough spots.
Why Travel Alone
Solo travel can be the ultimate in self-indulgence; you can rest when you want and pour it on when youre feeling ambitious. Another benefit is that your mistakes are your own, and your triumphs all the more exciting. Also, you can do exactly what you want to do all the time. Always wanted to try surfing? Sign up for a class and go for it.
Staying Safe
Perhaps the foremost concern of the single traveler is safety. Without a companion to watch your back, you are more vulnerable to criminals and scam artists, as well as simple health worries. But the saying safety in numbers isnt necessarily true a solo traveller can blend in more easily than a group, and not drawing attention to yourself as a tourist is one way to stay secure. Here are a few tips:
Know how long it takes and how much it costs to get from the airport to your hotel or to the city centre.
Book a hotel with a 24-hour front desk if youll be arriving late.
Be your own best counsel; if it doesnt feel right, dont do it.
Carry good identification, in more than one place.
Keep to open and public places, especially at night.
Exude confidence and walk purposefully.
Avoid appearing like a tourist. Dont walk around with your face in a guidebook!
Dont draw attention to yourself by wearing flashy clothes or jewellery.
Fib a little. When asking directions, dont let on that you are alone.
Check your maps and transportation schedules before going out. A solo traveller poring over maps can be a mark for unsavoury types.
Leave a copy of your itinerary with a friend or family member at home, and stay in touch regularly via phone, text, video chat or email.
Trust Everyone and No One
One of the best reasons to travel alone is to meet new people, but this also makes you more vulnerable. Its okay to hang out, travel and share with new friends, but you might not want to ask them to hold your money. You want to be open-minded, but keep your guard up enough to ensure your safety.
Avoiding the Single Supplement
Frequent solo travellers are all too familiar with the single supplement, which tour operators, cruise lines and hotels often tack onto your bill to make up for the fact that theyre not making money off a second occupant. The supplement can range anywhere from 25 to 100 percent of the trip cost, meaning that you could end up paying twice as much as someone travelling with a companion.
There are several ways to get around the single supplement. You can avoid it altogether by booking with a tour operator that offers roommate matching. The catch is, of course, that youll have to share a room with a stranger. If youre concerned, contact the tour operator and see what kind of procedures they use to match roommates. Some pair people off at random, while others will make an effort to put complementary personalities together.
Several cruise lines offer single staterooms on select ships. You can sometimes save money by booking at the last minute. Tour operators eager to sell out their last few places may be willing to reduce their usual single supplement. Its not for everyone, but you may also want to consider staying in a hostel, which charges per bed.
When Youve Just About Had It
The constant sensory input and vigilance of travelling alone can wear you down. If you feel your attention or your body flagging, dont be afraid to back off your ambitious itinerary, slow the pace and kick back for a bit. When travelling in more familiar locales, a hot shower and a night in front of the TV in a nice hotel room can often give you enough of a reprieve to send you out eagerly the next morning.
