Embracing the Freedom of Solo Travel: Unveiling the Pros, Cons, and Tips

In an era where more travellers are opting for solo travel journeys, partners and friends are being left behind as adventurers set out on their own expeditions.

The motivation behind this shift is clear: the desire to explore without waiting for companions to be ready.

Solo travel, once reserved for a few daring souls or singles, has expanded its domain. Having embarked on solo travel throughout my life, I've fostered an unmatched passion for exploration that no lack of companionship could deter.

Early on, my career at an airline provided me with invaluable perks like deeply discounted fares and even free travel. Armed with these privileges, I refused to let the absence of travel companions hinder my exploration.

As time passed, my solo travel evolved.

Nowadays, it encompasses both business and personal journeys, accompanied by secrecy and indulgence. With age comes the ability to savour moments like binge-watching movies during long flights or enjoying solitary meals at local eateries with a good book for company. All by myself. This is what I love most about travelling for business.

Yet, the journey from trepidation to comfort as a solo traveller was not instantaneous. Initial forays into solo travel were intimidating, but as my experience grew, so did my ease with the process. This gradual transformation brought insights into understanding people, prioritising safety, and appreciating diverse cultures.

The Realm of Solo Travel

Solo travel isn't exclusive to adventurers or singles. A diverse array of individuals, driven by circumstances or preference, embraces solo exploration.

For many, the challenge lies in finding kindred spirits to share specific destinations or adventures. This challenge resonates particularly with women whose partners opt out of travel. These situations, however, often reveal relationships characterised by mutual support for individual pursuits.

Others, recently divorced or burdened by personal circumstances, turn to solo travel to fulfil long-standing desires. These journeys become pathways to healing and self-discovery following years spent as part of a couple.

Embracing Solo Travel: The Pros

Solo travel is liberating in numerous ways, offering unparalleled advantages that both I and fellow solo travellers cherish. Here are a few practical benefits I've experienced, supplemented by insights gathered from my research into the solo travel experience:

Unparalleled Freedom: Traveling solo grants the freedom to set your own schedule without external constraints or coordination.

Self-Pleasure: The pressure to please others diminishes, allowing you to prioritise your own desires and preferences.

No Waiting Game: Solo travel means no longer being held back by someone else's pace or interests.

Enhanced Socialising: Exploring alone encourages interaction with locals and fellow travellers, fostering enriching connections.

Deeper Immersion: The absence of companions encourages immersive experiences, fostering a more intimate understanding of destinations.

Regret-Free Adventure: Don't let lack of companionship deter your travels—seize the opportunity without regrets.

Personal Empowerment: Solo travel nurtures personal growth and transformation, bestowing a sense of accomplishment.

Premium Experiences: Solo travellers often access premium single seats at events, securing unforgettable memories.

Cultural Engagement: Experiencing destinations individually allows for more authentic engagement with local culture.

One of the things I do when I travel is check out who's playing live in town and what shows are on. As a single traveller, you get access to hard to sell single seats at the last minute. They are often in fabulous locations.

I nabbed front row tickets to see the Isley Brothers at the beautiful Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York for an unforgettable experience.

That same trip I, spontaneously decided to go and see Neil Diamond at Madison Square Gardens (instead of a work do). I didn't know at the time, but it was to be his last concert ever. Lucky me!

Navigating the Downsides

However, the merits of solo travel are accompanied by certain challenges that should not be dismissed. Acknowledging these downsides is essential for a well-rounded perspective:

Absence of Shared Moments: Experiencing moments of wonder and amazement alone can lack the shared joy of companionship. "Will you just look at that".

Lack of Immediate Discussion: At day's end, discussing and processing experiences may be missing, impacting reflection.

Brief Loneliness: Isolated instances of loneliness can arise, but they often dissipate with time and growing comfort.

Self-Consciousness: Some solo travellers feel self-conscious, particularly when surrounded by couples or romantic settings.

Single Supplement: While vexing, this cost isn't a deal-breaker; the industry is adapting to accommodate solo travellers.

Baggage Responsibility: Solo travellers must handle their luggage independently, demanding self-sufficiency. However, I once met a lady in her 60's who did weight training on her legs and core specifically to keep up her travel fitness. She knew that she could comfortably carry 14kg of luggage on and off a train without help.

Compatibility Challenges: Sharing accommodations with strangers on group tours might lead to occasional mismatches.

Prioritising Safety in Solo Travel

Safety is a concern for our readers and solo travellers. There is a general sense that travelling alone as a woman can target unwanted attention, particularly from men.

I experienced this both when I was a young traveller and a more mature traveller. And everywhere in between.

I have heard loads of creepy men stories from women, and unfortunately, I have plenty of my own. Unfortunately, we are still in a world where this happens.

You need to have your wits about you and don’t take unnecessary risks along the way. However, it is rare, and you shouldn’t let it stop your travel, my recommendation is to be prepared for when it does happen.

Culturally some countries are just not able to fathom a woman travelling on her own. In these places, it helps to remember you are travelling on someone else’s cultural turf.

Here is what one of our travellers said in an interview:

"I felt constantly threatened in Egypt. I was always covered head to toe; I was in my late 50's. The tour guide just said that I looked different from their women…so group travel suits me, I feel safer".

One of our research respondents was recently ‘flashed at’ at the window of her Paris restaurant whilst eating solo.

I, too, have been flashed at in the Paris underground!

Safety fears are not pertinent only to the cheaper end of travel but also to the luxury end. I have had ladies in my travel research tell me stories of predators on 5-star cruises.

Here are some of the scenarios I have encountered where I have felt unsafe travelling alone:

• I’ve been followed

• hissed at

• verbally abused

• propositioned multiple times as it was assumed being alone, I was ‘up for it.’

I am not writing this to scare you; it is just the reality. That as a woman is travelling solo, some strange things may happen along the way.

So be aware of it. It may or may not occur. And, whatever you do, don’t let it stop you from realising your dreams. It is just about being sensible and not taking unnecessary risks.

I started travelling as a single internationally when I was 17. At the time of writing, I am 52. Here are a few tips and observations I have made along the way.

• It means dressing culturally appropriately in Middle Eastern countries or conservative places. For example. I am still shocked when I see women in skimpy shorts and singlets in the Middle East and Egypt. This is not OK, and isn’t very respectful to women and men. We need to be compliant with our host’s turf. Whether you agree or disagree with the dress rules, you must respect your hosts cultural norms as a true traveller.

• Not walking home in the dark solo, particularly if you have had a few too many drinks.

• Stick to the main streets.

• When I enter a taxi alone, I always take the number plate: day or night. I tend to use Uber or Ola, any ride-share app if it is available in that country, mainly because my route and driver are tracked.

• Trust your gut and instincts. If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Get out of the situation.

• Don’t trust people too quickly. Women, in particular of any age, are a target for a range of scams and thieves.

• Don’t listen to music when you are out walking. Be aware of sounds and what is around you.

• Dress appropriately and dress to avoid attention. This could be TMI for some but I have relatively large breasts, and I was born with them. One time I was so distressed by the unwanted attention in wearing jeans and a t-shirt in Italy when I was solo. I went to a men’s store and purchased a sizeable baggy T-Shirt that was in the most unflattering style I could find. The truth was, I thought I was wearing a plain ‘normal’ t-shirt. I am still really perplexed by what happened on this day.

• Carry a decoy wallet in a safe travel bag. I place my money and cards into a sports sock pinned with a nappy pin to the inside of my pants.

Smart Packing and Practical Tips

Choosing what to take and which bag to put it in and trying to keep everything under airline weight limits can be a nightmare deciding what stays and what goes.

To ensure your next solo trip starts off stress-free, here are my tips that you can implement the next time you need to pack a bag.

When I travel single, I pack on the assumption that I will not get any help along the way, so I like to make sure that I pack a manageable load.

Efficient packing enhances the solo travel experience, ensuring a stress-free start:

• Choose smaller luggage. I try to travel with hand luggage where possible.

• Down-size your toiletries.

• Do your laundry along the way. There are plenty of laundry services beyond the hotel.

• Write a list and stick to it.

• Choose neutral, versatile clothing, including crinkle-free fabrics. I love bamboo clothing!

• Plan Your Outfits and ditch the ‘just in case’ options.

• Add Scarves and Pashminas. They keep you warm and can jazz up your outfit.

• Roll your clothes instead of folding them. You save so much space packing this way.

• Wear your heavy and bulky items when travelling instead of packing them if you can.

The single supplement

There is one thing I can say with certainty – single travellers are catered for much more than they used to be.

Companies are being created now with the sole purpose of catering to the solo traveller specifically, in particular travel agencies. The main reason for this is because it is profitable and the travel industry realises that there are many of us. Volume means profit and more options for us.

Cruise companies consider single travellers now in their new builds and create purpose-built single cabins that are more affordable than paying for a double cabin. These cabins are smaller, but you still have the benefits of enjoying all a cruise has to offer. However, if you wish to try one of these cabins, get in quick; they are almost always the first to sell out.

As a travel industry professional, I never thought that the term single supplement represented the additional cost a solo traveller had to pay if you wanted a room to yourself.

The way I see it, a hypothetical room costs $200 per night. If two people are sharing the room, it is $100 each. If you are not sharing the room, it is $200 to pay. The price of the room is the price of the room. You are either sharing that cost or not.

So, the single supplement is not a supplement, but just the cost of the room against one person as opposed to 2 people.

Looking at it from both sides, I can see the frustration from each perspective. The single traveller thinks the supplement is unfair, and the hotel or travel operator needs to make a profit – often, these profits are very slim.

The Embrace of Solo Travel

In the end, solo travel is a profound source of joy and enrichment. The ability to forge new connections, seize unique opportunities, and follow uncharted paths is a privilege embraced by an ever-growing community of solo adventurers. So, heed the lessons of seasoned solo travellers, anticipate challenges, and embark on journeys that promise personal transformation and unforgettable memories.