TopFlight-Travel.com
  • Home
  • Warm
  • Cold
  • Budget
  • Luxury Travel
  • Unique
  • Festive
  • Food & Drink
  • Destinations
  • Travel Ideas
No Result
View All Result
TopFlight-Travel.com
  • Home
  • Warm
  • Cold
  • Budget
  • Luxury Travel
  • Unique
  • Festive
  • Food & Drink
  • Destinations
  • Travel Ideas
No Result
View All Result
TopFlight-Travel.com
No Result
View All Result
Home Travel Ideas

Planning For Solo Travel Isn’t As Bad As You Think

Ashleigh Graham by Ashleigh Graham
Woman with backpack traveling alone in mountains in Spain, Catalonia

Woman with backpack traveling alone in mountains in Spain, Catalonia

There’s something liberating about solo travel. There’s a sense of leaving behind all responsibility – if only for a few days. When you get right down to it, it’s the closest you can get to running away with the circus without – well, running away with the circus. You get away from work (unless you take some with you). You have a break from even the best relationships.

And once you’re at your destination, no one is making plans but you. Want to sleep till noon and stay out till 3? No one’s going to stop you. Want to get up early and be the first one through the gate at a popular attraction? No one will be there to groan when the alarm goes off at 5 am (or when you wake up at 4, too excited to sleep and worried that maybe you didn’t set the alarm).

RelatedPosts

Fiji’s Cultural Delights: Immersing Yourself in Fijian Traditions

A Guide to Adventure Travel: Extreme Sports and Activities

A Guide to Eco-Tourism: Sustainable Travel Destinations

The challenge to announce to friends and family

The challenge, though, is that people think it’s weird when you decide to opt for solo travel – especially the first time. Extroverts get questions like, “But won’t you feel like there’s no one to talk to?” Or concerned family members and friends go for a more well-meaning approach. They focus on things like, “Well, I know I could never stand to go to a restaurant or a movie or [insert destination] alone. I’d worry about what other people would think.”

In other words, if you’re not careful, others will make it hard to plan your trip. They’ll plant doubt based on their own experiences, fears, or uncertainties.

Of course, introverts don’t make out much better. Their friends have plenty of concerns too. “I’m sure you’re glad that you won’t have to talk to people for days, but are you sure it’s safe?” Sometimes, those friends and family members decide that it’s in your best interest if they come along too. Once again, it comes down to this: Other people get nervous for you. They let their concerns trump your desire for adventure (or relaxation, or just a change of pace). And if you let them, they’ll try to talk you out of doing the thing you want to do.

solo travel planning
Source: Pexels

Full disclosure

I enjoy solo travel. Sure, it can be lonely and weird at times. But thanks to those tiny computers we all keep in our pockets, we’re never too far away from family and friends. Reminders of our connections are just a few taps away. Likewise, if you’re looking for an out when friends and family get concerned? Again, a phone is a great tool. But that doesn’t mean that it’s easy to take the first steps and just book a solo trip.

Solo travel: Before you book, know yourself

It’s hard to stress this enough. But before you book solo travel, make sure you’re setting the stage for a great experience. For example, say you love the beach, but it bores your partner to tears. Let’s say, too, that your partner has always said they would love to do Mardi Gras in New Orleans, and you’ve never been so inclined. Booking a trip for yourself is about booking a trip that you’ll enjoy – because it’s just for you.

Don’t do it if you stress out about driving in strange places. Instead, book a trip that offers an airport to the hotel (and return trip) shuttle service. If you don’t want to upset your workout routine, make sure you book a trip to a hotel with fitness facilities – or pack what you need. If you can’t fathom eating in a restaurant yourself, choose a hotel with room service.

Solo travel: Consider what you like (and dislike) about travel generally

In other words, set yourself up for a successful trip. Just like knowing yourself and what matters to you is essential, knowing what recharges you will set you up for success. If you don’t like crowds, think about what you’ll need to do to manage them without the buffer of your family. Do you like being around adults and not worrying too much about watching your language? Don’t think that a kid-friendly resort will be fine because the price is great. In the end, it won’t be the right experience for you.

Solo travel: Keep your budget in mind

For many years, I didn’t travel much because there wasn’t the money for it. The first trip I took after the travel drought was with my partner. So was my second. It wasn’t that I couldn’t find an advantage to travelling alone even then. It’s that I knew there was a choice to make. And I knew that I didn’t want to be selfish.

relaxing during solo travel
Source: Pexels

In other words, if you only have cash for one trip together or one solo trip for the year, travel together. But if you can afford to travel on your own, don’t focus only on getting the lowest price possible. But don’t throw the budget out the window either. And even more than that, don’t choose your destination based on one cost alone. Flight trackers are great and can save you money. But what happens if you see a great deal on a flight to Vegas or Myrtle Beach and book it only to find there’s a convention in town and the hotels are all booked? What happens if you book a flight and hotel with great deals but then find that only luxury cars are available to rent? What happens if your only options for dinner are fast food or $100/plate restaurants?

Solo travel: There will always be a need for compromise

Yes, that’s right: You’ll need to compromise even when you’re on your own. So you didn’t think it would all be easy just because you were going by yourself?

You’ll spend some time thinking about where you want to go, how you travel, and what you can spend. The compromise comes in when you book the trip.

  • Will you fly out after work on a Friday afternoon for a weekend getaway so that you can save the PTO for family travel later? Or will you take the day and have more time at your destination?
  • Will you plan to take a cab or an Uber when you get there rather than renting a car?
  • Will you stay in a luxury hotel with great reviews or a budget spot with a bed and a shower because you’re not planning to be in the room much anyway?

Understand your baseline needs and make sure they’re met. Of course, your budget matters, and comfort does, too – at least to a point. But when I’ve headed out on my own, the best trips have been when I’ve thought things through. Not so much that I’ve mapped out every detail, but enough that the pieces are in place.

checking reviews for solo travel
Source: Pexels

Solo travel: Never compromise your safety

No one chooses to move to a bad neighbourhood because the rent’s lower as their first step for saving money. Sometimes they do it because they have to, but usually, they’ll skip dinners or movies out. This is important when it comes to solo travel. Male or female. It doesn’t matter. Your travel isn’t going to be rejuvenating if you’re not safe while doing it.

Reviews matter

Read them. If you’re returning to places you’ve been before, think about how you felt while you were there. Think about things like “were the paths well lit at night?” Ask yourself how friendly the other people staying at a resort were. Did you feel your possessions were safe in the room or did you take your camera with you – even if you were just going to the end of the hall to get ice? The number one concern family and friends will have is for your safety. Naturally, this is a top priority for you.

Solo travel: Have a plan for staying in touch

Yes, you’re getting away. Yes, that means that you are taking a break from your routine. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t benefits to a few check-in calls to let people know that you’re OK. Take a few minutes to let key people know that you landed without glitches or checked in at the hotel and everything is OK. A couple of quick texts give others peace of mind. It also sets the stage for letting them know they can contact you if necessary. By planning out how often you’ll be in touch, you get an added benefit: You’ll be able to not reply to every text (unless you want to). You won’t have random calls to ensure you’re OK and not lonely.

Solo travel_calls
Source: Pexels

Nevertheless, people will worry. Having a plan to stay in touch while away makes it way easier to be on your own without feeling disconnected. And, if you’re leaving the country on your travels, this is critical. You want a huge data roaming bill because everyone wanted to make sure you weren’t lonely.

There isn’t much more to planning a solo trip. Know what you’re looking for. Let others know that you’re OK with travelling by yourself. Think about your budget and what you like. Look for a great deal – but keep in mind that sometimes the best price won’t be the best option. Safety matters. 

The actual key when it comes to solo travel is simple. Take the time you need. Getaway and recharge. And don’t worry too much about the people who don’t get it. More than that, keep in mind that there are good and bad things when you travel on your own. Flight gets delayed? There’s no one you know right there to commiserate with. People aren’t used to seeing individuals in restaurants alone; be your own best company.

The simple reality is that solo travel not only gives you the chance to do what you want to do. It also gives you a chance to get grounded and learn a little more about yourself. So take a journal. Take a book you’ve been wanting to read for inspiration. Even if you’re nervous about travelling alone, you’ll find that there’s a lot of good to come from it. Go ahead. Get out there and see for yourself.

Tags: solo travellertravel alonetravel safety
ShareTweetPin1SendSend
Previous Post

Affordable Tropical Vacations: 5 Paradise Places

Next Post

Malta: My Memories From A Heaven In The Mediterranean

Related Posts

Fiji’s Cultural Delights: Immersing Yourself in Fijian Traditions

Fiji’s Cultural Delights: Immersing Yourself in Fijian Traditions

by Gemma Marks

Immerse yourself in the vibrant Fijian traditions with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover Fiji's fascinating culture, customs, and rituals, from...

Extreme Sports and Activities

A Guide to Adventure Travel: Extreme Sports and Activities

by Gemma Marks

Get your adrenaline pumping with extreme sports and activities! From bungee jumping to white-water rafting, this guide to adventure travel...

falls in costa rica - Sustainable Travel Destinations

A Guide to Eco-Tourism: Sustainable Travel Destinations

by Gemma Marks

Discover sustainable travel destinations that offer eco-friendly accommodations, locally-sourced cuisine, and opportunities for eco-tourism. Read our travel guide for Sustainable...

Young Woman On a Solo Road Trip Wearing a Bright Yellow Jacket and Yellow Rolling Suitcase (Source: Canva)

Solo Road Trip: Embracing the Freedom of the Open Road

by Gemma Arnold

Are you feeling the call of the open road? Are you seeking adventure, freedom, and the chance to explore at...

A Man On A Tour Of The Best Zipline Courses (Source: Canva)

From Mountains to Rainforests: The Best Zipline Courses to Explore

by Gemma Arnold

If you're an adventure-seeker in search of your next thrill, look no further than ziplining! Discover the best zipline courses...

Female Enjoying Some Spa and Relaxation (Source: Canva)

Spa and Relaxation: A Guide to the Best Retreats for Indulgent Pampering and Restoration in the United States

by Gemma Arnold

After a long and stressful year, it's time to indulge in some well-deserved pampering and restoration. Whether you're looking to...

Next Post
Malta: My Memories From A Heaven

Malta: My Memories From A Heaven In The Mediterranean

5-Star Hotels in Beijing

The 8 Finest 5-Star Hotels in Beijing

Subscribe
Connect with
Login
I allow to create an account
When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.
DisagreeAgree
Notify of
Connect with
I allow to create an account
When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.
DisagreeAgree
Please login to comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Maldives island Eh'mafushi crossroads maldives at sunrise - Maldives on a Budget
Destinations

Maldives on a Budget: Tips for Affordable Travel

by Gemma Marks

Discover valuable tips and tricks for affordable travel to the Maldives on a budget. This comprehensive travel guide provides insights...

Read more
Aerial view of Grand Turk island - Best Beaches in Turks and Caicos

Best Beaches in Turks and Caicos: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Auckland City

Auckland – 15 must see locations

Singapore

Singapore – 15 must see locations

Picture of New York looking over central park

New York – 15 must see locations

food destinations in new zealand
Food & Drink

Best Food Destinations in New Zealand for a Unique Culinary Adventure

by Gemma Marks

Looking for the best food destinations in New Zealand? From Auckland to Queenstown, this guide covers the must-visit places for...

Read more

How to Plan a Food Tour in Australia: A Guide to Sampling the Best Dishes From Coast to Coast

How to Plan the Perfect Hiking Holiday

Best Resorts for Snowboarding in California

Road Trip Across Ireland: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Destinations in South Africa: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Addo Elephant National Park - Destinations in South Africa
by Gemma Marks

Explore the diverse and captivating destinations in South Africa with our comprehensive travel guide. From vibrant cities and stunning...

Read more

A Guide to Adventure Travel: Extreme Sports and Activities

Extreme Sports and Activities
by Gemma Marks

Get your adrenaline pumping with extreme sports and activities! From bungee jumping to white-water rafting, this guide to adventure...

Read more

A Guide to Eco-Tourism: Sustainable Travel Destinations

falls in costa rica - Sustainable Travel Destinations
by Gemma Marks

Discover sustainable travel destinations that offer eco-friendly accommodations, locally-sourced cuisine, and opportunities for eco-tourism. Read our travel guide for...

Read more

Top 15 Underrated Destinations in Europe

Matera, Italy - underrated destinations in europe
by Gemma Marks

Explore Europe's hidden gems with our guide to the top underrated destinations in Europe. Discover off-the-beaten-path destinations for your...

Read more
Young man standing on top of cliff of one of the hidden gem hiking trails

10 Hidden Gem Hiking Trails Off the Beaten Path: A Guide to Adventure, Nature, and Exploration

by Gemma Arnold

Are you tired of hiking the same old trails, fighting crowds of tourists, and using selfie sticks? Do you long...

Gobi Desert

15 Best Destinations in Mongolia: Where to Go

by Gemma Marks

Explore the best destinations in Mongolia with this comprehensive travel guide. From the Gobi Desert to Lake Khovsgol, discover the...

Cultural Safaris in Africa: Masai women with traditional ornaments

Cultural Safaris in Africa: Discovering Traditional People and Their Way of Life

by Gemma Arnold

Africa is a continent full of wonders, and one of the most remarkable things about it is its diverse cultures...

People hangout in one of the best beach party destinations: Ibiza

Beach Party Destinations: The Best Places to Dance the Night Away by the Ocean

by Gemma Arnold

There's no experience quite like moving to the rhythm of music while being next to the ocean, embraced by the...

  • About
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Contact Us

Categories

  • Budget
  • City
  • Cold
  • Destinations
  • Festive
  • Food & Drink
  • Luxury Travel
  • Travel Ideas
  • Unique
  • Warm

Topics

Asia Australia bars Beach Brazil California Canada Caribbean Castle Central America China clubs Croatia cruise Denmark Europe Finland France fun Germany Greece hotels India Ireland Irish Italy Japan Mediterranean museums New Zealand Ontario Scandinavia Singapore snow South America Spain Sweden Thailand travelling Turkey UK US USA vacation WA

Recent News

cycling couple near eiffel tower, paris, getting around france

Getting Around France: Unveiling the Secrets to Effortless Exploration

Kinderdijk

9 Iconic Windmills in the Netherlands: Why You Need to Check Them Out

woman enjoying wine in vineyard, hunter valley wineries, sunny day

Hunter Valley Wineries: Where Wine Meets Nature’s Splendor

majestic cinque terre towns - mediterranean buildings on the hill

Cinque Terre Towns: A Visual Journey Through Italy’s Coastal Beauty

  • About
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Contact Us

© 2022 topflight-travel.com - Brought to you by The Dinner Media Group.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Warm
  • Cold
  • Budget
  • Luxury Travel
  • Unique
  • Festive
  • Food & Drink
  • Destinations
  • Travel Ideas

© 2022 topflight-travel.com - Brought to you by The Dinner Media Group.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
wpDiscuz
0
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x
| Reply