Taking the plunge and travelling solo

Can’t get the travel bug out of your system? You’re not the only one who’s looking to take the plunge and travel solo.

It’s a liberating experience to pick whatever you want to do and see whatever you feel like seeing whenever you want. The freedom can be overwhelming at first but with the right preparation, you’ll realise if you can do it one city, you can certainly do it in another no matter how exotic it may seem.

Hopefully this information will help you understand that traveling by yourself doesn’t mean you’re traveling alone!

Choose a trip. Start smart. 

• The first step is choosing a trip. Everyone has a different idea of where to go so do your research and determine what suits you best. Select your destination carefully. There are so many travel websites and online forums that are a great resource. Be sure to read other peoples’ reviews for feedback about what to expect and what not to do.

Booking a tour? Ask questions. 

If you would rather travel in a group, there are heaps of tours and groups available for people over 60 in a similar situation.

• Single tariff fee
  • Depending on the trip you book, you may have a single supplement/tariff fee that is unavoidable. Or, the organisation will arrange for a roommate. There are many companies that do not charge this so just ask, Google.
• Male to female ratio
  • If you’re looking to meet other eligible singles on your trip be sure to ask what the male to female ratio typically is. Most organisations keep a record of participant statistics so it’s important to ask.

Where to stay? 

• Avoid large, impersonal hotels. Try to find a friendly local bed and breakfast. You will be more likely to find someone to eat dinner with and the host may even show you around the town.
• Take a few of your hotel business/contact cards with you so you can give this to your cab driver or ask for directions home. This is especially helpful if there is a language barrier in the place you’re visiting.
• Also, be aware of your flight and hotel check in times. Traveling can be exhausting but if you plan ahead, you will be able to check in and rest in your room before continuing your sightseeing. Allow yourself a day or two to recover from jet lag and rest.

Getting around

• Join a walking tour of the city. Take the initiative and walk the city with others to get your bearings. Introduce yourself to others and chances are you’ll end up doing some sightseeing together. Even before you arrive, it’s good to take a look at the map of the area!

Safety first. Stay public. 

• You’ll meet a lot of great people traveling but a general rule of thumb is stay public. Public is safer than private. You may miss out on a couple of good opportunities but you will safe. There is no one to watch out for yourself so you need to take control of the situation and learn to say no. Also, it may cost more than local public transport, but take a taxi back to somewhere you feel safe if do end up in an uncomfortable place.

Eating alone. Embrace it! 

Health preparation

• Prep for the unexpected. Bring extra medication and emergency health information so people can get in touch with your loved ones back home. And, if you do get a cold or have uncomfortable aches, you don’t need to venture to an unknown chemist for medication.

Stay in contact with home

• Even though you may just want to go off and do your thing, it is important to touch base with someone back home to let them know you’re doing alright. Check in with a friend or relative at a fixed time or every few days for peace of mind. Should there be any cause of concern, they will be aware of where you are and more able to help you.

You will do great! Happy travels! 

Tell us, have you traveled or are you planning on traveling overseas alone? How was your experience? Would you do it again?