So the shops have already put the Valentine’s Day cards and gifts on the shelves. While others will plan their weekends away with their loved one. Not feeling it? If you’re single, this should definitely not put you off seeing the world and travelling to new cities!
From my own personal experience, I’ve travelled alone just once for 3 nights in Sydney, Australia. A combination of surprisingly wet weather for Australia and the city being busy as a host for the State of Origin final, meant that I was a bit underwhelmed by the sights, and overwhelmed by how busy the city was. However, despite this, it was still an experience I will always remember and I’m hugely glad I did it. The pictures I’ve taken offer fond memories and I definitely gained a newfound sense of independence from the trip.
So if this seems like something you’ve been giving some thought to, my words of advice are:
Go for it!
So why travel solo?
There are a number of wide-ranging reasons why people tend to travel alone. Firstly, lack of other options is one, which certainly shouldn’t put you off. While friends and family might not fancy the idea of a hiking holiday, maybe this is something you’d love to try even once! If this is the case, there are active holidays geared towards you. In these, groups of like-minded individuals are brought together for activities and within the same accommodation, allowing you to meet new people with similar interests.
Another reason for solo travel might be the desire to really embrace the culture of a new location. By travelling alone you’re forced away from keeping your interactions with locals to a minimum and spending all day engaging with your friends or family. By talking to locals in a café, bar or during your activity, you’ll learn a whole new side to the city which may have remained undiscovered by other tourists. On the other hand, if you’re much more of an introvert, solo travel might offer you the opportunity to take in the sights you want to see rather than having to compromise with others schedules!
Any tips for travelling alone?
Make sure to arrive during the day
This goes without saying, try to avoid arriving into an unknown city when it’s dark. As well as being safer, you’re also more likely to be able to find your way around.
Stay in accommodation with other solo travellers
If you’re going on a break specifically geared towards solo travellers, you’ll likely be staying the same hotel or even in dorms. However, if you’re going on holiday yourself you may want to consider B&BS or hostels as these will provide you with greater opportunities to meet other solo travellers.
Store important phone numbers and consider an unlocked phone for a local SIM
When you’re travelling with others this might seem less important because you always have the others to rely upon in an emergency. However, when travelling alone we recommend buying an unlocked phone so that on arrival you can purchase a local SIM for emergencies. With this, it’s important to store the necessary numbers, like your accommodation, local police etc. Hopefully you won’t need it, but just in case!
Talk to the locals
As we said earlier, talking the locals is really key in getting to know the unbeaten path. As well as expanding your horizons with new experiences, locals will also have the knowledge of areas to avoid or quicker/cheaper ways to get around.
Stay somewhere with Wi-Fi to keep in touch with home
Although in 2016 the idea of accommodation without Wi-Fi access might strike you as strange, depending on where you’re planning to travel this might be the case! We recommend staying somewhere with Wi-Fi, particularly if you’re going for any length of time. As well as keeping you connected with the outside world, it allows you to catch up with friends and family back home in the evenings if you don’t fancy heading out alone!
What breaks can I go on as a solo traveller with ActivityBreaks.com?
We have a number of breaks available for those who would like to travel alone. Among our active breaks, the winter season’s big seller would be ski breaks. While many go as couples or families, skiing is no problem for going solo. While you’re gliding down the slopes, you won’t really be having much of a chat anyway so the idea of trying the slopes you want at your own pace doesn’t sound to us like the worst idea! Our Presolana ski break starts from just €240EUR for a single traveller for 2 nights, with extra nights available from €103EUR. This includes accommodation in 3* hotel with breakfasts, Milan Orio Al Serio (Bergamo) Airport return transfers, and ski pass and ski hire for each full day in the resort.
Alternatively, if you’re planning towards spring/summer holidays, we have a Nordic walking break near Barcelona where you’ll be part of a group for your activities. Nordic walking might be something new to you but don’t fear – it’s appropriate for all levels and ages! This package starts from €408EUR for a solo traveller. This includes 4 nights in 3* hotel on half board basis, 3 guided Nordic walking trails with use of Nordic walking poles, and 1 typical Catalan lunch at a traditional farmhouse.