“Going Solo – How to Plan the Ultimate Solo Travel Holiday.”
Traveling solo can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life. Feeling the wind in your hair and the sun on your skin as you wander across unfamiliar terrain, it’s an incredibly liberating feeling of personal freedom. But planning a solo travel holiday can feel daunting – where do you go? How do you stay safe? How do you fit everything you need into your bag without it bursting at the seams?
Never fear, as this handy guide is here to show you just how easy it can be to organise your own solo travel holiday, from start to finish.
First of all, decide on a destination. Ask yourself: what type of holiday are you looking for? Do you want something active and adventurous? Somewhere new to explore and discover? Or is relaxation part of your plan, with lazy days spent sunbathing, reading and sipping iced cocktails on a golden beach? Knowing where your boundaries and expectations lie will help narrow down the choices, to pick a spot that’s just right for you.
Next up: research, research, research! A valuable first port of call is the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s (FCO) travel advice website, providing the most up-to-date information on health and security in your chosen destination. It’s also smart to look into regulations and entry requirements: some countries require valid visas and other paperwork that needs to be sorted before you can even set foot in the country.
After making sure you have all the practicalities sorted, plan your journey. Get a good night’s sleep before you set off, and make sure you have plenty of time at the airport: give yourself at least 3 hours before your flight in case of delays, and consider splashing out on priority boarding to make sure you get settled in your seat quickly. En route, make sure you stay safe by keeping your luggage with you at all times – if you can carry it all, it should never leave your person.
Leading up to your departure, start gathering the bits and pieces that you’ll need to bring. Pack clothes to suit the expected climate, and make sure you’ve got items for leisure as well as practicality. Keep a notebook to jot down important points (and, of course, thoughts and memories). Bring a first aid kit, and, depending on where you’re going, insect repellent, sun cream and vitamins couldn’t hurt.
Finally, be aware of your safety. In popular tourist spots, pickpockets and scam artists are an ever looming potential problem. Do your best to blend in with the locals and stick to well-lit, populated areas after dark. Speak to people you trust, whether that’s the staff in your hotel, a tour guide, or a trusted local. Wear a dummy false wallet in your pocket (filled with useless coins and a few small notes) and keep an eye on your real wallet at all times.
If you follow these steps, you’ll be able to plan a solo travel holiday that’s full of adventure, fun and above all, memorable – take it from one traveler to another!
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