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How to Make Travelling Solo a Joyous Experience

By Jackie Parsons March 05, 2023 Travel

Does the thought of travelling alone fill you with abject horror? Or do you get a thrill at the idea of setting off on holiday on your own?

The fact is, solo travel is on the up, with more of us travelling solo than before the pandemic and American women ranking first in frequent solo travel. Yes, not only is solo travel on the up, but it’s mainly women that are on the go. So, what’s driving this desire to travel alone? And what are the key issues to consider when planning a solo trip?

As an experienced traveller, and leader of hiking tours in Europe that are made up of a significant number of solos, I have first-hand experience of just how life enhancing travelling on your own can be, whatever your age.

But nevertheless, that first solo holiday experience can be daunting, particularly if it’s your first foray into the world of travelling as a single. Our hikes and leisurely dinners provide us with ample opportunity for long and enlightening chats with several of our more independent guests who have shared some of their thoughts.

Be Selfish

It seems that the pandemic has changed us in several ways, not least our determination to get things done. We’ve seen how easily our world can change and many of us have emerged post-pandemic with an urge to see the world right now.

It may be as a result of a tragic loss, or simply a feeling of not wanting to wait around, but there’s a sense that we’ve learnt the importance of seizing the moment. Planning when we take holidays, and coordinating with other people can be difficult, particularly with friends or a partner who lives independently, so sometimes you just need to bite the bullet, book your dream holiday and set off.

Follow Your Interests

Quite apart from the logistics of organising dates, there’s the question of shared interests. As we get older and possibly have more time for ourselves, the need to develop new interests, or indeed, pursue existing ones, becomes ever more intense. And, of course, while travelling certainly qualifies as an interest in its own right, incorporating a passion for, say, art, literature, walking or wine into a holiday is a wonderful way to expand your horizons.

So what if your partner doesn’t share or isn’t able to follow the same interests? Step forward into solo travel! Many of our guests join our groups as solo travellers, leaving behind partners who simply don’t have the same passion for hiking or love of the great outdoors.

Let Someone Else Take Control

Nevertheless, solo travel can be daunting and many of us share entirely understandable concerns around loneliness, safety and possibly the fear of ill health.

If this is your first solo trip, travelling as part of a group may be a happy compromise. Above all, it allows you to travel to places you might feel unsafe in alone. While exploring a major town or city on your own is one thing, hiking through a national park is completely different.

Quite apart from the logistics of getting there, and possibly needing to rent a car, exploring as part of a group allows you to get right off the beaten track while still enjoying peace of mind. It also eliminates the need to stress about planning hiking routes or where you’re going to eat.

Not sure whether you’ll enjoy eating on your own? While there’s much to be said for solitary dining, if you’re in the camp that believes meals are made for sharing, then joining a group may be the answer. With the right group, you should still get to experience the very best local food, washed down with some excellent wine and sparkling conversation.

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

Don’t be too hard on yourself or feel that you need to prove anything. Even taking the tiniest step out of your comfort zone is a step in the right direction. While you may approach your first solo travel experience with a certain amount of trepidation, in fact, the chances are you’ll be amazed at how far you’ve come even as early as day 2.

If you are travelling completely independently, take time to acclimatise to your new surroundings and don’t aim for anything too adventurous in the first few days. You need to get used to being on your own against a backdrop of possible language barriers.

However, for solo travellers on group trips, such as a learning or activity-based group holiday, the concerns may be more based on getting on with fellow travellers or the fear of not being able to keep up with the rest of the group.

In fact, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve with some peer support! We see at first hand the exhilaration shared by our guests when they reach the top of a mountain peak or complete a day’s hiking that takes them well out of their normal comfort zone.

Nevertheless, don’t be afraid to ask the organisers in advance about what’s expected of their guests. A well-run group trip should provide comprehensive information and will take account of different abilities with back-up where needed.

Get a Massive Confidence Boost

If approached right, your solo trip can do wonders for your confidence. So how do you make sure that your solo trip is a positive experience?

Firstly, think about accomplishing something new – whether learning new skills, absorbing new information or achieving new physical challenges. Rather than competing with others, recognise your capabilities.

That way, for example, on a walking holiday, a less experienced hiker will get the same sense of satisfaction and confidence boost on a gentle 5-mile trail through the rolling hills of Tuscany as a super keen energetic hiker will get tackling a challenging 12-mile hike in the heart of the peaks of the Dolomites.

Secondly, embrace the idea of meeting new people. Contrary to what you’d expect, plenty of people who choose to join a group tour may be far less extroverted than you’d imagine, keen to enjoy some quiet time when words aren’t necessary and views can be appreciated without a running commentary.

Rest assured too that if you’re in a group and have a shared interest, you’ll certainly have something in common and will benefit hugely from meeting and exchanging ideas and thoughts with new people.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you ever travelled solo, either independently or as part of a group? What were the highlights? Can you share any tips?

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16 Comments
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Gerry

An article about travelling solo that is really about travelling in a group? A group that financially benefits the article’s author? This article should have an “advertisement” label.

Sara

I traveled solo through Scotland for three weeks. Last fall, I went to visit my son who is stationed in Germany. Since he was working and my daughter in law was studying, I toured alone for the most part. Germany, Paris, and London on my own. I learned basic German pleasantries, and dusted off my high school French. Just being polite in the local language and TRYING went a long way. I’d learned some Scottish Gaelic for use in Scotland, but never met anyone who actually spoke it. It’s a great deal about just staying open, and not allowing self doubt to inhibit you, or limit your experiences.

Jackie Parsons

That is definitely wonderful advice for a solo traveller Sara. It sounds as if you had an amazing experience

Enid Rodriguez

I have traveled to Puerto Rico and Florida alone! Had an amazing time! Looking to travel again soon!

Jackie Parsons

Well done! I’d love to visit Puerto Rico one day

Bailey

I recently lost my husband. We travelled so much together and I am lost without him. I just made a trip out West in the US to visit with friends, but realise down the road if I want to travel I may have to join a group. I know I have a rocky road ahead, but perhaps this would be a way for me still to travel.

Laura

I’m so sorry for your loss. Since the two of you have traveled together I can see how hard this must be for you. God bless you as when you decide you are ready to try some group trips! Who knows – maybe we’ll meet up traveling in the future.

Jackie Parsons

One step at a time, good luck

Corinne

I’ve never travelled independently but need to experience this for myself. I have had wonderful experiences travelling on my own and joining a group of people that I did not know. Loved that there was always someone to share a meal with. It’s amazing how people bond in a group of strangers when sharing travelling experiences. It makes for a great opportunity to learn about where others have travelled, highlights to see, food to try.

Jackie Parsons

It sounds as if you have had some wonderful experiences.

The Author

Jackie Parsons is the co-owner of Hedonistic Hiking. She has been a tour guide since 1992 and has lead walking tours since 2000. She creates and guides Hedonistic Hiking’s all-inclusive gastronomic hiking tours throughout Italy. Alongside the hikes, all tours provide an unforgettable insight into the local history, art, culture, food, and wine, and are graded for ability. Find out more at https://www.hedonistichiking.com

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