Are you keen to spend more time on the move?
You wouldn’t be the only one looking for more adventure in their lives.
Research has found that a third of UK consumers plan to travel more in 2024 – but what if you’d be doing so on your own?
Many people might be hesitant to head out and explore another country solo, without someone familiar to help navigate through a new situation or to make memories with.
But going it alone can be incredibly fun and rewarding.
What is Solo Travel?
There are different travel opportunities for solo travellers depending on how hands-on you want to be in planning.
It’s possible to book partially or fully pre-planned tours on an individual basis or to join group tours that are designed to bring together individual travellers.
However, you can of course also just handle everything yourself – decide on destinations, book hotels and plan out as much or as little of your time away as you want.
The Benefits
That freedom to choose exactly what you want is one of the main benefits of solo travel.
Without needing to factor in preferences from a partner, family or group of friends, you can truly explore at your own pace, indulging your whims without having to compromise.
It’s also a great chance to get out of your comfort zone and build your confidence – which is something that many British adults report feeling short of – particularly if you haven’t ever travelled alone before.
It’s natural to feel apprehensive about putting yourself in an unfamiliar situation but achieving something that you’ve always wanted to do, especially when you’ll be the one problem-solving your way through any difficulties.
Travelling alone also represents an opportunity to meet new and like-minded people.
Not having a constant companion will not only make you more approachable to others but also more likely to reach out, and freer to engage with those around you without being distracted.
If you plan to stay in hostels while backpacking, you’ll have no trouble finding fellow travellers in similar situations who’ll likely be delighted to make friends.
Top Destinations for Solo Travel
Here are just a few suggestions for great places to start as a solo traveller.
- Australia/USA: If you’re nervous about the prospect of exploring the world on your own, the easiest way to get used to the idea is to start in a country where English is also the local language. Discovering iconic cities like Sydney and New York will give you that sense of wonder without having to worry about being able to get around or make connections – then, once you’ve proved that you can handle the logistics, you can make your next journey somewhere more foreign.
- Iceland: There’s no shortage of incredible sights in this majestic land, full of volcanoes, caves and other awe-inspiring natural phenomena. It’s also rated as a particularly safe place to visit, something that is likely to be an important factor when travelling alone.
- Spain: If you’d like to experience the best of city life, then a trip to Madrid or Barcelona will be a rewarding one. With a constant presence of international travellers, you’ll find it easy to meet like-minded people and enjoy incredible food and nightlife.
Final Thoughts on Solo Travel
In conclusion, embarking on a solo travel adventure offers an enriching experience that allows you to discover the world on your own terms.
The freedom to choose your destinations, pace, and activities is liberating, enabling personal growth and self-discovery.
While it may seem daunting at first, solo travel provides an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, build confidence, and tackle challenges head-on, fostering resilience and independence.
Furthermore, it offers a unique chance to connect with diverse people from around the globe, creating memorable encounters and friendships.
Whether you choose to start in familiar territories or venture into new, exciting destinations, solo travel promises a journey of discovery, self-reflection, and unforgettable experiences.
So, why wait? Embrace the world as a solo traveller and unlock a world of endless possibilities.
