Getting started: What is solo travel?
Essentially, solo travel is the act of traveling on one’s own. There are both advantages and disadvantages to this type of travel. Freedom and flexibility, on one hand; on the other, safety concerns and how to socialize are some issues encountered by solo travelers. Nonetheless, this type of travel has gained traction:
- According to Condor Ferries, 14% of US citizens planned to travel alone in 2019. That percentage rose to 23% in 2021 and 25% in 2023.
- Women account for the vast majority of solo travelers (84%).
- As of February 2024, there have been more than nine million posts on Instagram with the hashtag #solotravel.
- According to a survey conducted by the not-for-profit travel organization Road Scholar, 30% of those booking the company’s tours are single travelers. Road Scholar’s data supports the Condor Ferries claim that 85% percent of solo travelers are women.
Will I get bored traveling on my own?
A question that solo travelers hear often is whether they get bored traveling alone. The answer will depend on you. First, traveling alone may seem at the outset unusual or even gloomy. However, solo travel can be liberating and quite enjoyable, allowing you to better understand yourself and your needs, while meeting new people along the way.
Is solo travel safe?
The answer to this question varies, depending on your destination as well as your personal comfort level. Many guidelines apply whether you’re traveling alone or in a group: Abide by the laws of your destination country, pay attention to its customs and dress codes, and keep track of your passport, wallet and other belongings. You can check your country’s travel advisories to see if any travel warnings have been issued for your destination; you can also do an online search to discover any tourist scams that may be common in your destination. If you’re traveling solo for the first time, you might find it more comfortable to choose a destination that has a culture similar to your own, or that is in a similar time zone.
I’m traveling alone; what should I do?
Let’s list them one by one:
- You can begin by making a list of the places you want to visit and selecting the best option for solo travel. As noted, for your first solo trip, your priority might be safety rather than adventure. Of course, whether the country you intend to visit requires a visa is an important consideration.
- After you’ve decided on a destination, proceed to our flight tickets page to plan a memorable trip. As the airline that serves the most countries in the world, we are prepared to transport you safely, wherever you wish to travel.
- Choose accommodation that best suits your needs. For instance, if you prefer to travel by foot to various sites, opt for lodging that is within walking distance to the places you want to visit. If safety is paramount, a centrally located hotel with a 24-7 reception desk might be more comfortable.
- Before you arrive, find out how to get from the airport to your hotel or pension. Check out the public transportation options and how to buy tickets. Also clarify the cards used for public transportation, tickets, usage periods, and whether credit cards can be used to pay for public transportation. If you plan on using apps like Uber, make sure to download and register them on your phone ahead of time. For more tips, check out our 7 great smartphone apps travelling content.
- Check to see if your phone can be used abroad and, if so, take advantage of international internet and phone service packages. These packages are often quite affordable and are useful in terms of being able to navigate, translate and so on.
- Set a budget. You can start by looking at average prices in your destination and plan around that baseline, accounting for basics such as food and transportation, as well as entrance fees, souvenirs and other treats.
- Learn about the food culture of the destination you’ll be visiting. While being open to new experiences is wonderful, unfamiliar foods may pose a challenge to your body. When traveling alone, try to avoid taking unnecessary risks with your health.
- Keep in mind that when traveling solo, you’re responsible only for yourself. You can plan – and change – your itinerary at will. Day tours are a great way to get an overview of a city as a solo traveler – you can then return to places that interest you.
- We hope you never need it, but having travel insurance will make you feel safer and can be extremely useful in the event of illness.
- If you’re traveling solo, exercise extra caution when venturing out at night. In this regard, try to stick to well-lit areas with high foot traffic, rather than dark, deserted streets. If you’re going to bars or nightclubs, stay alert and go easy!
Finally, congratulations on your confidence and courage. See you in the skies as you embark on your fantastic solo travel adventure!
