It’s hard organising a group trip. Finding a date that works for everyone, making sure the budget suits everyone, planning the activities to make sure everyone has a good time. Most of us have been there, a group trip idea is floated after a few drinks, or after long overdue catch up. The group text slowly dwindles down as the dates get nearer, people realise they have overcommitted and pull out. Now with increased travel restrictions, it’s even harder to meet the needs of the entire herd. Who is going to return to travelling first? The solo traveller will. A traveller who has the ability to adapt, overcome and conquer.
You’re far more in control when you travel by yourself. You do not need to worry about or cater to anyone else’s needs or wants, which allows you to create the experience that best suits you. Remember daydreaming about that holiday, just the way you wanted it to be? Well, now is the time to be selfish, and there is no need to compromise when it is just you! You can run on your own schedule. Fancy getting up early to watch the sunrise? Do it. Fancy a lie in instead? No one is stopping you. Sounds perfect to us.
Travelling by yourself is going to have huge benefits for you. Your self-confidence will soar, as each achievement on your holiday is entirely down to you. And there will be achievements, many of them, from navigating an unfamiliar airport and making your flight on time, to the first time you find your way back to the hotel after getting a little lost in a foreign city. All of these will give you the confidence that you can continue to overcome challenges during your travels. One top tip for travelling solo is to learn a few key phases in the local language. It may not be a requirement to find your way around with map apps and technology, but it will allow you to interact with the locals, even if you’re just trying to find the taxi rank!
When you’re by yourself, you’ll do things that you wouldn’t normally do. Solo travellers tend to be a little more spontaneous, often due to not needing to convince anyone else to join them on their escapades. Changing your plans last minute won’t inconvenience anyone else, so you’re free to change your plans last minute. There’s also no judgement from friends or family who aren’t on board with your impromptu change of plans.
You won’t have to wait for others. Both to commit to the trip, and on the trip. You’ll not be waiting for a travel companion to make up their mind on dates, or activities, or if the hotel needs to have a pool. You’ll also not be waiting for them on the trip to join you at the pool.
You’ll get better stories. Sharing experiences is a key part of any trip you choose to take. And since you will be the only person in your social circles who is on the trip, relaying back anecdotes of the highs and lows of your trip will become vital to sharing your holiday with your friends and family. You’ll take great photos, without the selfie stick. Your friends back home will appreciate your perspective and the stories behind the pics. Whether or not you’re asking strangers, using the self-timer or a Bluetooth remote, you’ll become an expert at taking a picture, and you won’t need that selfie-stick anymore. Great photos will really add to sharing your memories with your friends and family.
The most vital part of travelling solo is to embrace the trip and enjoy the experience. It’s a huge achievement to be by yourself in a foreign country, and one that not everyone gets to do. Make sure you plan your holiday and know what is going on your mini bucket list for the trip to avoid any post-holiday regrets. Check out why planning your next trip is great for your mental health including tips on how to get started now and when it’s nearly time to go, read how to avoid overpacking, since you’ll be carrying your own bags!
Although travelling solo can be daunting, it’s definitely a worthwhile experience for those of us who get the opportunity to do so.