14,99 €
Mehr erfahren.
- Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
- Kategorie: Lebensstil
- Sprache: Englisch
- Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023
A friendly resource to help you prepare for exciting domestic or international travel--on your own Solo Travel For Dummies teaches you how to plan the solo trip of a lifetime with must-know info, insider tricks, safety essentials, and more. Whether you're a seasoned jetsetter or nervous first timer, you'll learn everything you need to know. Choose your destination, plan a fulfilling itinerary, save money, and stay safe, no matter where in the world you may roam. As a solo traveler, you'll appreciate this book's specific tips on how to avoid loneliness, what to do if you get lost, and how to plan ahead so you can enjoy your trip. Tuck this portable Dummies travel guide into your backpack or suitcase, and you'll be ready for your once-in-a-lifetime adventure. * Find expert travel tips for minimizing stress and maximizing enjoyment * Learn how to plan the perfect solo itinerary for your goals * Discover unique destinations and can't-miss cultural experiences * Get expert tips on safety, budgeting, and so much more! Solo Travel For Dummies is for anyone who needs a trusted, comprehensive source of information as they prepare to travel independently.
Sie lesen das E-Book in den Legimi-Apps auf:
Seitenzahl: 395
Ähnliche
Solo Travel For Dummies®
To view this book's Cheat Sheet, simply go to www.dummies.com and search for “Solo Travel For Dummies Cheat Sheet” in the Search box.
Table of Contents
Cover
Title Page
Copyright
Introduction
About This Book
Foolish Assumptions
Icons Used in This Book
Beyond the Book
Where to Go from Here
Chapter 1: Exploring the World as a Solo Traveler
The Pros and Cons of Going It Alone
Choosing Your Destination
Encountering Others on Your Solo Journey
Chapter 2: Preparing for Your Solo Adventure
Where Should You Go — and When?
How to Find the Best Travel Deals
Choosing an Adventure Holiday for One
Chapter 3: Managing the Logistics of Solo Travel
Preparing to Make Your Solo Adventure a Reality
Being Prepared When Things Go Wrong
Taking Steps to Reassure Your Loved Ones
Chapter 4: You Can’t Take It All with You: Packing
Enjoying the Benefits of Packing Light
Choosing the Right Luggage
Packing the Essentials
Saving Space When You Pack
Useful Items and Gadgets
Chapter 5: Don’t Leave Home Without Them: Money, ID, and Devices
Going International? Passport and Visa Requirements
Choosing Credit, Cash, or a Combination
Keeping in Touch with Home
Avoiding Scams
Chapter 6: A Room of Your Own
Choosing the Right Accommodations for You
Hosteling at Any Age
Becoming Part of the Family at a Homestay
Cheap and Cheerful Budget Stays
Splashing Out for Some R&R at a Ritzy Resort
Package Holidays for One
Staying Safe in Your Space
Chapter 7: Table for One
Tackling the Fear of Eating Out Alone
Tips for Coping with Dining Alone
How to Avoid Unwanted Company
Enjoying Culinary Experiences as Entertainment
Chapter 8: Meeting People and Making New Friends
Doing Your Cultural Homework
Socializing When You’re Out and About
Sex and the Single Traveler
Chapter 9: Keeping Healthy
Preparing to Travel in Good Health
Staying Healthy While You’re Away
How to Beat the Blues
Dealing with Decision Fatigue
Chapter 10: Ten Tips for Successful Solo Travel
Research Your Destination
Plan Your Budget
Choose the Right Accommodation
Make an Effort to Meet People
Make Safety a Priority
Take Public Transport
Soak Up the Local Culture
Be Flexible
Do Something You Wouldn’t Normally Do
Embrace the Freedom
Chapter 11: Avoiding Ten Common Mistakes Solo Travelers Make
Not Doing Your Research
Packing Too Much
Sharing Too Much Personal Information with Strangers
Not Listening to the Locals
Being Careless or Too Trusting
Letting Fear Take Over
Being Too Polite
Not Keeping Track of Documents
Getting Tired and Emotional
Not Asking for Help When You Need It
Chapter 12: Ten Great Destinations for Solo Travelers
Australia
Austria
Finland
Ireland
Japan
New Zealand
Scotland
Singapore
Thailand
Vietnam
Index
About the Author
Advertisement Page
Connect with Dummies
End User License Agreement
List of Illustrations
Chapter 1
FIGURE 1-1: Norfolk Island, a tiny island in the South Pacific.
FIGURE 1-2: Colorful dress of hill tribes, Sapa, Vietnam.
Chapter 2
FIGURE 2-1: Use public transport to and from the airport.
FIGURE 2-2: Cargo ship awaiting passengers at Mangareva.
FIGURE 2-3: Cycling through rice paddies in Vietnam.
Chapter 3
FIGURE 3-1: A seat with a view!
FIGURE 3-2: Supertrees at Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay.
Chapter 4
FIGURE 4-1: Just some of the styles of bags I travel with.
FIGURE 4-2: A string bilum from Papua New Guinea, strong enough to carry a baby...
FIGURE 4-3: If you really want that souvenir, you’ll make it fit somehow.
FIGURE 4-4: Adapter plugs for other countries should be purchased before you tr...
Chapter 5
FIGURE 5-1: Boots should always be declared at Customs.
FIGURE 5-2: Vaccination record for yellow fever.
FIGURE 5-3: Donate leftover foreign cash to charity.
FIGURE 5-4: Hide sensitive information when photographing your boarding pass.
Chapter 6
FIGURE 6-1: A “good night” message on a hotel bed in Sri Lanka.
FIGURE 6-2: A private room at Melbourne Central YHA, Australia.
FIGURE 6-3: A homestay cottage in Thailand.
FIGURE 6-4: Welcome sign on a B&B.
FIGURE 6-5: The Feathers Hotel in Ludlow, England.
FIGURE 6-6: A beachfront bure in Tahiti is perfect for a flop-n-drop vacation.
Chapter 7
FIGURE 7-1: Canned bear meat for sale in Helsinki, Finland.
FIGURE 7-2: Fragrant food at Amphawa Floating Market, Thailand.
FIGURE 7-3: Taking a book can be a handy prop.
Chapter 8
FIGURE 8-1: Billboards in Thailand ask for respect for Buddhism.
Chapter 9
FIGURE 9-1: Many countries drive on the left side of the road.
FIGURE 9-2: Hitting a hotel lap pool helps keep up your exercise regime while t...
Chapter 10
FIGURE 10-1: Catching a local bus in Laos.
FIGURE 10-2: Laura Indigenous Dance Festival, Cape York, Australia.
FIGURE 10-3: Treehouse in Laos, reached only by zipline.
Chapter 12
FIGURE 12-1: The Sydney Opera House, Australia.
FIGURE 12-2: Glass igloos in Lapland provide a unique form of accommodation.
FIGURE 12-3: Hobbiton, on New Zealand’s North Island, is the movie set village ...
FIGURE 12-4: Wat Rong Khun, the “white temple” near Chiang Rai, northern Thaila...
Guide
Cover
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Begin Reading
Index
About the Author
Pages
iii
iv
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
Solo Travel For Dummies®
Published by: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774, www.wiley.com
Copyright © 2024 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey
Media and software compilation copyright © 2024 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved.
Published simultaneously in Canada
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning or otherwise, except as permitted under Sections 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without the prior written permission of the Publisher. Requests to the Publisher for permission should be addressed to the Permissions Department, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030, (201) 748-6011, fax (201) 748-6008, or online at http://www.wiley.com/go/permissions.
Trademarks: Wiley, For Dummies, the Dummies Man logo, Dummies.com, Making Everything Easier, and related trade dress are trademarks or registered trademarks of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and may not be used without written permission. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. is not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book.
LIMIT OF LIABILITY/DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY: WHILE THE PUBLISHER AND AUTHORS HAVE USED THEIR BEST EFFORTS IN PREPARING THIS WORK, THEY MAKE NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE CONTENTS OF THIS WORK AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. NO WARRANTY MAY BE CREATED OR EXTENDED BY SALES REPRESENTATIVES, WRITTEN SALES MATERIALS OR PROMOTIONAL STATEMENTS FOR THIS WORK. THE FACT THAT AN ORGANIZATION, WEBSITE, OR PRODUCT IS REFERRED TO IN THIS WORK AS A CITATION AND/OR POTENTIAL SOURCE OF FURTHER INFORMATION DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE PUBLISHER AND AUTHORS ENDORSE THE INFORMATION OR SERVICES THE ORGANIZATION, WEBSITE, OR PRODUCT MAY PROVIDE OR RECOMMENDATIONS IT MAY MAKE. THIS WORK IS SOLD WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE PUBLISHER IS NOT ENGAGED IN RENDERING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES. THE ADVICE AND STRATEGIES CONTAINED HEREIN MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR YOUR SITUATION. YOU SHOULD CONSULT WITH A SPECIALIST WHERE APPROPRIATE. FURTHER, READERS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT WEBSITES LISTED IN THIS WORK MAY HAVE CHANGED OR DISAPPEARED BETWEEN WHEN THIS WORK WAS WRITTEN AND WHEN IT IS READ. NEITHER THE PUBLISHER NOR AUTHORS SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OF PROFIT OR ANY OTHER COMMERCIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER DAMAGES.
For general information on our other products and services, please contact our Customer Care Department within the U.S. at 877-762-2974, outside the U.S. at 317-572-3993, or fax 317-572-4002. For technical support, please visit https://hub.wiley.com/community/support/dummies.
Wiley publishes in a variety of print and electronic formats and by print-on-demand. Some material included with standard print versions of this book may not be included in e-books or in print-on-demand. If this book refers to media such as a CD or DVD that is not included in the version you purchased, you may download this material at http://booksupport.wiley.com. For more information about Wiley products, visit www.wiley.com.
Library of Congress Control Number: 2023951279
ISBN 978-1-394-21816-5 (pbk); ISBN 978-1-394-21817-2 (ebk); ISBN 978-1-394-21818-9 (ebk)
Introduction
Traveling has long been an important part of my life. The bug bit me hard when I was in my 20s and I’ve never stopped … except for that little blip during 2020, 2021, and 2022, when a pandemic kept most everyone at home. Even then, when border closures kept me within my home state in Australia, I was able to continue to see the parts of it I hadn’t seen before.
I was already widely traveled when I swapped my career as a newspaper journalist for the peripatetic life of a travel writer. It seemed a natural continuation of a passion that has grown as the years passed and shows no signs of dimming. I have traveled solo, with friends and partners, with my family, as part of tour groups, and with other travel writers on press trips. Every way of traveling has its own pros and cons, but solo travel brings a different dimension to exploring new places.
For me, solo travel results in the best stories, the ones that are often found when I divert from the day’s plan to follow an intriguing road sign or to visit a place that someone’s told me about the night before. It’s the result of freedom to change direction on a whim or linger for longer in a place that calls for more time.
Traveling solo opens up the world in a way you may not expect. If you’re daunted by the thought of going it alone, be assured that the rewards are great. Solo travel will change you and your view of the world. As you leave the comfort of everything you know to see new places and meet new people, cherish every moment — along with every mistake you make — and know that you’ll return home with memories and stories to last a lifetime (or at least until the bug bites again).
About This Book
If the idea of solo travel is daunting, you’re not alone. It takes a certain amount of confidence to take that first step toward going it alone. Even if you are an experienced traveler, there is a different dimension to traveling alone that might make you hesitate. This book is designed to allay those fears and to show you that with thorough planning, good research, and backup plans, you can cope with anything that the world throws at you.
I’ve written countless travel articles for publications around the world as well as about a dozen guide books. I’ve visited 65 countries, lived in 6 of them, and undertaken some big overland adventures in Europe and the Middle East. You’ll read about some of my experiences as a solo traveler — and the mistakes I’ve made — in these pages.
I’ve taken a global approach to writing this book, knowing that some of you will be reading this in the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, or New Zealand. And you’ll all be looking to travel in different parts of the world, making your way to every continent as you explore our beautiful planet.
This book aims to give you the tools to set out on your own and confidently go it alone, making friends along the way and returning home — no matter how long or short your journey is — with a new sense of self-reliance. As the Chinese philosopher Laozi said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Reading this book may be the first step you take on your solo travel journey.
Foolish Assumptions
While writing this book I’ve made the assumption that many of you are either just beginning to consider solo travel as an option or are wondering if it’s something you can actually do.
I also assumed that, like me, you already have a deep love of travel but for various reasons you haven’t traveled solo before. You certainly don’t want to stop traveling, so the other option is to go it alone. But there’s some hesitation there — a fear of the unknown, perhaps. That’s why you are reading this book — to help you make up your mind.
You may be young and fancy-free, hitting the backpacker trail on an extended trip, or planning to be a digital nomad. You might be an older adventurer but without a travel companion. Or you might simply enjoy being on your own and having the freedom to go where you please. Whatever your circumstances are, I’ve assumed that you need reassurance that solo travel is something within your ability to tackle — and I hope this book does that!
Icons Used in This Book
Throughout the book, I use a handful of icons to point out various types of information. Here’s what they are and what they mean:
As I’ve traveled, I’ve found ways to make some aspects of solo travel easier. These tips should help you, too!
This is an important point that’s key to solo travel or travel in general. It’s a nudge to think about something you probably already know but need reminding of. Sometimes it’s just about common sense.
A heads-up about something that might cause an issue, put you in danger, or is worth avoiding if possible.
This icon points out helpful online resources as well as items you can find on the resources page at www.dummies.com/go/solotravelfd.
Beyond the Book
I’ve put together an online resources page to help you find more information about some of the accommodations and organizations that can tell you more about everything that comes with being a solo traveler. Here’s just some of what you’ll find:
Links to websites with more background info on places mentioned in this book
Links to tourism businesses that are solo-friendly
Visa, passport, and other important travel info
Simply go to www.dummies.com/go/solotravelfd. Be sure to bookmark the site so you can easily find it later.
Where to Go from Here
Armed with the knowledge you’ll glean from this book, you’ll soon be ready to hit the road as a solo traveler, so start planning your next trip!
How should you navigate this book? You can start at the beginning and read it straight through if you want. There’s lots of info throughout, and even if it’s a section you’re not sure you need, there might be some tips and tricks in there that might be useful.
If you’re just beginning to think about whether you’re ready to step out as a solo traveler, start with Chapters 1 through 4. They’ll give you lots of reassurance that going solo is well within your grasp, and tips on how to plan and execute your first solo trip.
If you prefer, you can dip in and out of chapters that grab your interest or seem relevant to the travel you’re planning. If you’re wondering how to meet people on your travels, take a look at Chapter 8. Is dining alone your greatest fear? Turn to Chapter 7. If you’re wondering where to stay, you’ll find plenty of ideas in Chapter 6. If you’re looking for ideas for where to go, turn to Chapter 12.
There’s no time like the present to start planning your next trip. Thanks for reading this book first. I wish you safe and happy travels!
Chapter 1
Exploring the World as a Solo Traveler
IN THIS CHAPTER
Coping with the challenges of traveling solo
Exploring a destination for the first time
Opening channels of communication
Going out into the world as a solo traveler is something you should do at least once in your life. Even if you have traveled widely, the experience of traveling alone is one that will change you and the way you see the world.
Traveling to places beyond your home base expands your worldview and shows you that despite our differences, people are fundamentally the same the world over. By going it alone, you will open yourself to people and experiences in a way that traveling in the cocoon of companionship prevents. It’s a brave step, but one that will change you in ways you can’t imagine before you set out.
In this chapter, I discuss how to build your confidence when traveling solo for the first time, how to get the most out of going back to favorite destinations, and give you tips on how to stay safe when you’re on the road alone.
Throughout this book, I reference all kinds of online resources to help you plan and enjoy your travels. To find a handy list of links to all these resources, go to www.dummies.com/go/solotravelfd.
The Pros and Cons of Going It Alone
If you’re new to solo travel — or just contemplating it for the first time — it might seem daunting. It’s no small thing to be out there in the world on your own, with no support system or ready-made friend to share the ups and downs with. It’s a worthwhile exercise to weigh up the pros and cons of traveling alone before you decide to abandon the idea — and with luck, you will come to see that the benefits of solo travel do outweigh the downsides.
Like life in general, all travel has its bad days and disappointments, especially if you are on the road for a long time. The hotel room might not be quite what you expected — but oh, how that sunset from the balcony makes up for the tiny bathroom! Then there are the truly awful days when you really just want nothing more than to go home to your own bed … but the next day will reveal something wonderful, and you remember why you are on this journey!
This book is definitely pro–solo travel, but I also guide you through all the realities of a traveling life on your own, not just the good ones. As with all styles of travel, traveling alone can be a rollercoaster that you need to learn to ride. Knowing what the ups and downs might be is the first step towards a smooth ride.
Why traveling alone may be the best decision you ever make
Traveling solo may be the most empowering decision you ever make. No matter your age or gender, learning to be self-sufficient while dealing with everything that travel throws at you will teach you more about yourself than you could ever imagine before you start out.
From the moment you begin to plan your trip, you’ll be free of the shackles of traveling with someone else. There’s no need to wait for others to confirm their vacation dates or save up enough to travel. By traveling solo, you can start your trip whenever it suits you — and you alone! Take advantage of cheap deals, make your bookings instantly, and be spontaneous.
The same applies once you are on the road. Want to stay somewhere an extra day or two, or move on more quickly than you planned? You can do it. There are no compromises or negotiations to be made, no one to consult … just the freedom and flexibility to do exactly what you want to.
Solo travel will definitely push you out of your comfort zone, even if you’re traveling in your own state or country. Knowing that — expecting it — will help you deal with it. You’ll face your fears and overcome them (the worst ones will probably never even eventuate).
Making all the decisions, from where and when to go, how to get there, where to stay, how to cope when things go wrong (which they inevitably will sometimes) and meeting new people along the way will give you a new sense of independence. Your confidence will grow and your self-reliance will be stronger every day. You’ll learn to deal with people of all kinds and to keep yourself safe in situations that you may not have encountered at home.
Most of all, traveling solo will change your perspective on the world. Without the distraction of a companion, you’ll be more aware of your surroundings and more observant of what is around you.
Solo travel also allows you to learn about yourself. Time on your own inevitably results in self-reflection — “Hey, I did that!” — and time to contemplate what you’re seeing as you travel. It may make you appreciate what you have at home and how your life has panned out so far. Then there may be those moments when you give thanks for a life that is far removed from those you are seeing on your travels. Clean running water — or hot water for your daily shower — may suddenly seem not so much a necessity, but a privilege.
If you’re traveling to escape a difficult or traumatic situation — a romantic break-up, a job that didn’t work out, a bereavement that you need time to adjust to — then traveling alone can be a healing process. Getting away from your everyday life and thinking about challenges you face on the road, or simply soaking up the beauty of the world, can put things in perspective again.
Solo travel gives you the space to be yourself, to take each day as it comes, ditch the pressures of your everyday life, and — even for a short while — become the person you know you really are.
Knowing it won’t all be smooth sailing
All travel has its ups and downs, whether you’re on your own or not. Solo travel might seem to amplify those highs and lows when you have to cope with them yourself. But knowing from the outset that it won’t all be easy is the first step to dealing with problems when they occur.
There are moments when things go wrong when you’ll really wish you had a traveling companion. For example, when you’re waiting by the luggage carousel in Lisbon while your bag is holidaying in Havana, you’re on your own, with no one to borrow clothes or toothpaste from. Or you lose your wallet and cards and there’s no travel companion to lend you money to tide you over until the bank can sort things out for you. But you will cope because you always do!
Travel can be exhausting and it’s important to look after yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically when you’re traveling alone. It’s quite natural to go through periods of loneliness or to feel homesick from time to time, and those times are likely to be when you’re tired. Sometimes all you want is to have someone along to help you make decisions or to toss ideas around with. Just know that these feelings will pass. Take a day off from everything, curl up with a book, have a cry, and you’ll be ready to tackle the world again.
Culture shock is one of the big things that can upset your equilibrium. When nothing is familiar, people don’t behave the way they do at home, and you’re floundering to make yourself understood, it can feel like you can’t cope. But you will.
Doing your research before you leave home can help you anticipate and deal with culture shock if you are going to a foreign country. If you are well prepared for what you are seeing or experiencing, culture shock can be a great learning experience. Be open to the differences between what you are used to and how other people live. There may be a degree of discomfort, but that will ease as you adjust to new surroundings, new languages, and new sights, sounds, and smells.
Language barriers are one aspect of culture shock that may be hard to deal with; not everyone in the world speaks English, and communication may be difficult in some places. One of the biggest challenges you may face in some parts of the world is that you may not be able to make yourself understood, particularly in a situation where it is important, such as illness or being a victim of crime.
Solo travel will definitely help sharpen your problem-solving skills, and you will learn to be self-reliant very quickly.
Why solo travel doesn’t have to break the budget
Travel expenses can be higher when you’re a solo traveler, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have to scrimp to avoid busting your budget.
The most annoying part of solo travel on a budget — any budget — is the single supplement that’s imposed by some tour companies and cruise ships. Hotels generally charge by the room rather than the person, so you’d be paying the same amount with a friend or partner, but sharing the cost; while that’s not strictly a single supplement, the effect is the same. However, there are ways around it (see Chapter 6 for more details).
While solo travel means you don’t have anyone to share the cost of things like accommodations or car rental with, it also means you have complete control over how, when, and how much you spend while you’re traveling. Effective planning, knowing how much you have to spend, and pre-booking where you can in order to know what your available funds can stretch to are the keys to sticking to your budget.
The cost of accommodations can be kept to a minimum by choosing to house-sit, home swap, or stay in a shared room in a hostel (and if you don’t fancy that, hostels have private rooms that are often cheaper than a hotel room). See Chapter 6 for more ideas on ways to keep your cost for accommodations down.
Traveling solo means no one is going to insist that you spend up big on a fancy dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant … you can opt for those three-minute noodles in your room if you like. And if you do go to an expensive restaurant, as a solo diner you can order what you like without potentially having to subsidize someone else’s menu choices, and you can savor every minute of the experience without distraction.
Look for ways of saving money — you have no one to negotiate with over how you do that — and make the most of free activities you can find in your destination. Many outdoor activities such as hiking or hitting the beach are free, as are many museums, galleries, and festivals.
Overall, the independence you have as a solo traveler will be a benefit that will outweigh the fact that you have no one to share costs with.
Things to consider when traveling independently
Solo travel doesn’t necessarily mean being on your own all the time. Some solo travelers prefer to travel, at least some of the time, as part of an organized group. That option might be something that if you are just starting out on your solo travel journey, you might want to consider — you’ll be solo but not alone.
Purists might argue that joining a group tour is not solo travel, but I think it’s a very reasonable way of easing yourself into a greater adventure in the future. As a first-time solo traveler, you will be gaining an insight into how you feel about being the solo in a crowd — and learning that you will likely never be the only one! If you are contemplating a trip to a place where you might be worried about security or about making cultural missteps, such as the Middle East or Africa, a group tour will give you reassurance that you’ll have guides to lead you through the tricky parts.
Taking care of your health is vital to a successful solo trip. Preparation is important; make sure you have all the necessary vaccinations before leaving home and carry with you everything you’ll need to deal with minor ailments or injury (see more in Chapter 9). With no companion to take charge if you get sick, it’s important to avoid that happening if you possibly can. And I really can’t stress too strongly how important it is to have travel insurance to cover not only any potential medical costs but also every aspect of what can go wrong when you’re traveling.
Will you get lonely? The honest answer is yes, probably … at least sometimes. Maybe you’ll be missing someone’s birthday or a family gathering of some kind. Maybe you’ve just spent too much time on your own lately and need to start reconnecting with other travelers or meeting the locals in a more meaningful way. When everything around you is unfamiliar, or things don’t quite go to plan, it’s easy to give in to loneliness. The trick is not to bury yourself in your room, but to get back out there and engage with the world again. Have a good cry, then get on with it.
Recognize that there will always be moments when you wish you had someone to share the experience with, but comfort yourself with the thought that at least you are getting to do it (rather than sitting home, dreaming about it).
Is it safe to go it alone?
All travel comes with risks, but that’s no reason to stay home. Life is full of risks, and people take them every day without thinking too much about it. As a solo traveler, particularly abroad, you’ll need to keep your wits about you and take precautions that you might not bother about at home — but for the most part, you’ll be safe as long as you’re sensible and maintain an awareness of your surroundings.
Research your destination before you go, even if you’re traveling in your own country. Find out which neighborhoods to avoid or if there are particular scams you should know about. Talk to other people who might have visited your chosen destination, or look at social media sites that might have useful information about the area you’ll be in.
Basic security measures — like not leaving your drink unattended in a bar, keeping your cash or valuables out of sight (or locked in your hotel room safe), and not walking alone at night — will help lessen your risk of assault or robbery. For women solo travelers, an extra level of vigilance should be applied, particularly about revealing that you are traveling alone or where you are staying. Being friendly is fine, but in some cultures this can be misinterpreted. Again, research is the key.
Traveling alone is common, and most trips are without any major safety issues for solo travelers. Common sense, knowledge of the place you are visiting, and some basic precautions (outlined in Chapter 3) will help to keep you as safe as possible.
Choosing Your Destination
If you’ve already taken the plunge into solo travel, you’re halfway there when it comes to choosing your next destination. If you’re still on the fence and trying to decide where to go for your first foray into the world of solo, I would suggest starting small and close.
What I mean by that is choose a destination in your home country. If you’re not sure you’ll be comfortable as a solo traveler, test the water by traveling without one of the major stresses of language problems. If you’re in your home country, you won’t have any trouble being understood or following what’s going on around you.
A weekend away is a good test. If you can do two days away on your own, you can likely do a week. Build your confidence slowly before tackling a longer trip. Take a road trip to a nearby town where there’s plenty to see and do, or go and hang out at a resort for a couple of days. There’s no rule about what style of trip you need to take. It’s all about knowing you can do this on your own!
If you just fancy winding down with a cocktail and a good book beside a swimming pool … do it! If you want to go hiking in a national park, lace up those boots. The choice is yours, and that’s the beauty of solo travel.
Once you’ve built up that confidence, look at going further away. If you’re going abroad on your own for the first time, the same thing applies — choose an English-speaking country, where the culture shock won’t be so great. You’ll still find plenty of differences, whether you’re in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific, or the Caribbean — but at least the language will be the same.
Step three will be to up the ante again, and book a ticket to somewhere that’s completely foreign to you. Do your research, of course, but by now you’ll be match-fit for solo travel and ready to handle anything. In Chapter 12, I suggest a few places I have traveled solo that I think you’ll enjoy.
Exploring new places
Take the advice of the Dalai Lama: “Once a year, go somewhere you’ve never been before.”
There’s a certain thrill attached to the prospect of going somewhere you’ve never been before. I find this even if it’s somewhere in my own country! That expectation and anticipation of what you might find and who you might meet never grows stale.
Of course, you will have done your research before you arrive, but a good way to introduce yourself to a new city is to take a short tour that will give you the lay of the land. Depending on what kind of traveler you are, choose a method that best suits you.
Walking tours are terrific, giving you the chance to talk to the guide or to other people on the tour, picking up some tips for what to see or where to go later on. It’s also a brilliant way to counteract jetlag when you’ve just arrived. Another way of tackling this introduction to a big city is to take a bus tour, such as those hop-on, hop-off tours that cover all the major sights.
If you’re in a smaller place, I recommend just pounding the pavement on your own. Work out what you want to see and head out with your phone or a map to guide you. Or just wander and see where you end up (without getting lost, hopefully). Ask at your hotel about what the locals recommend, chat to people in coffee shops or small stores you might visit. The locals will have the best ideas.
The first time I ever stayed in Bangkok’s Chinatown district I took a free walking tour offered by my hotel. It ended at what is reputedly Chinatown’s oldest coffee shop, founded in 1927 and still owned by the same family. It’s a time capsule, with paint peeling off the walls, the clientele mostly elderly men, smoking, gossiping, and drinking strong black coffee. I would never have found it on my own.
Cross off the major sights you want to see, then explore further. Check if there are any events on that interest you and head out to concerts, markets, festivals.
Whenever you are exploring a new place, find out which neighborhoods to avoid. Wandering is wonderful, but your safety must be a priority.
If you have a particular interest, or if your destination is known for something special, try to find a tour that fits that. If you’re a cook, look for a cooking class or food tour that focuses on the region’s specialty or maybe you’d like to learn to play an instrument that is associated with the place you’re visiting. I’m not a foodie, but I love art and can happily wander any city looking at the sculptures, statues, and street art. Public art is free, and you never know what’s around the next corner.
Taking public transport is another way to take a dive into a city’s real life. Not only is it a cheap way of getting around, you’ll be traveling alongside the people who live there.
Even if you’re not planning to self-cater, pop in to a supermarket — it’s a revelation! I was astounded at the aisles and aisles of vodka on sale alongside groceries in Polish supermarkets, and I love to look at the unfamiliar labels on products in foreign languages and try to guess what they might be. Even if there’s a language barrier, usually some sign language with a local will give you the idea.
Nowhere is exactly what you expect. You can do as much research as you like, but the reality will always be just a little bit different and surprising. And that is one of the joys of travel.
Revisiting favorite destinations
If you find somewhere you love, there’s nothing to stop you returning again and again. I’ve been to Thailand eight times and to Vietnam five times. My first overseas trip, as a 19-year-old traveling solo, was to Norfolk Island, a tiny island in the South Pacific, pictured in Figure 1-1. I’ve been back four times over the years. You can’t keep me away from New Zealand, and that’s not only because I have family and friends there.
While it might seem strange to return to the same place again and again, when there are so many other places in the world to explore, keep in mind that each country is multifaceted and has many different destinations and experiences to enjoy. On your first visit, you might tick off the must-do sights and experiences, but that’s not all that a place has to offer. Scratch the surface of any city or region in a country, and you’ll find the differences that make it worthwhile going back again and again. If you really fall in love with a particular destination, you’ll want to get to know it as well as you can — and that might mean returning more than once.
Lee Mylne(Author)
FIGURE 1-1: Norfolk Island, a tiny island in the South Pacific.
Take my Vietnam trips as an example. My first visit was aboard a large cruise ship, which sailed from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). I didn’t care for the cruising part very much, but I absolutely fell in love with Vietnam. Among the passengers on the ship were a group of Vietnamese war veterans who were returning to Con Dao Island, which had been used as a prisoner-of-war camp in several eras of Vietnamese history. Our day on the island was an insight into an element of war history that I didn’t know, from the Vietnamese perspective, and I learned something of the veterans’ history with this place.
On my second trip, I hit the main tourist stops — Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Hoi An, and Hanoi — ticking them off, seeing more history, and having some cheap clothes made by the skillful tailors who whip up whatever you want the same day. My third trip was to the resort island of Phu Quoq in the south, with a few days in Saigon.
On my fourth visit, I concentrated on the north of Vietnam, heading from Hanoi to beautiful Ha Long Bay, where I spent a night aboard a traditional junk among the limestone outcrops that make it famous (that’s more my style of cruising). Then it was on, by overnight sleeper train, to the highlands of Sapa where the highlight was market day, attended by hill tribes in their colorful traditional dress, pictured in Figure 1-2.
Lee Mylne(Author)
FIGURE 1-2: Colorful dress of hill tribes, Sapa, Vietnam.
A few years later, my next visit was split between the beach resort town of Nha Trang and the hill town of Da Lat, where I munched on fried crickets, visited a silkworm factory, and saw the surrounding countryside on a motorbike tour.
Every time I returned, there was something new and different to discover and explore. And I know if I go again, there will be another layer of this fascinating place to peel back.
So if you find somewhere you enjoy but don’t have time to see everything, keep it in mind for a return visit. Sometimes short trips with bite-sized exploration is a better way of seeing a place. The worst thing is to try to see everything in a short time. You’ll be moving so fast, you’ll get only a glimpse, a brief impression of what the place is about. Stay put in one city, state, or region and get an in-depth look at what it has to offer.
When you travel far — from one hemisphere or continent to another — it’s tempting to try to see it all, but slow travel is going to give you a more authentic look at a destination. That doesn’t mean you have to stay a long time, but rather than rushing around, slow your pace and you’ll enjoy the experience more.
Encountering Others on Your Solo Journey
You are much more likely to meet new people if you’re traveling solo. It’s easy to stay in your little bubble with a traveling companion and not branch out and talk to others. Solo, you are much more approachable to other people and you are more open to making those new connections, whether they are fellow travelers, expats, or locals.
If you’re staying in hostels, you’ll find plenty of chances to meet new friends or even potential travel buddies, for a few days (or longer, if that’s what you’re looking for). Apart from staying at close quarters in a dorm, many hostels are great at organizing social events, so it’s unlikely you’ll ever be lonely. If you’re on a well-worn tourist path, it’s not unusual to run into the same people again later in your trip.
You’ll also meet fellow travelers by signing up for tours. Often the best ones are those that involve an activity or adventure component, such as a group hike or a kayaking tour, where you’re all in the same boat (so to speak).
Connecting with locals is often more difficult. Learning the language is a good start, even if it’s just a smattering of phrases that show you are interested in communicating with them. If you are going abroad, it’s definitely a good idea to do some serious research into cultural differences, to ensure that you do not give unintended offense or breach any customs or rules. But with some effort on your part, and goodwill on theirs, you can usually make meaningful connections with people from your host country. Smiles and genuine attempts to communicate go a huge way to breaking down barriers.
Solo travel will make you a better communicator, whether you are looking for a doorway to understanding another culture, a short-term travel companion, or even a romantic liaison. In Chapter 9, you can discover more about all these aspects of traveling solo.
Chapter 2
Preparing for Your Solo Adventure
IN THIS CHAPTER
Choosing the right destination
Finding the best travel deals
Enjoying an adventure holiday for one
