Solo Travel

Going solo

Published: 11/09/09
Finding the right person to go on holiday with is never easy, and once you find someone you click with, you may have differing views on where to go.  Try not to fear travelling on your own, the whole experience will more than likely be extremely liberating.

As a solo traveller you can go where you want, do what you want, whenever you want.  When you travel on your own, you’re more likely to take notice of different cultures, meet more local people and have the travel experience that you really want.  So now you’ve bitten the bullet and decided to go it alone, we have five strategies for first time solo travellers.

Follow your passion
Consider basing your trip on your interests and/or passions – even if you have lonely moments, most of the time you’ll be immersed in something you enjoy.  Don’t put yourself on a coach where all that is required is looking out the window and getting your bags to reception on time.  Choose instead a cooking class, meditation retreat, hiking tour, fishing trip or canoeing adventure – anything where you can get involved both in an activity or learning experience, and with people who are like-minded.

Lonely hearts
Don’t look for romance – it’s a bonus if it happens, but can be very disappointing when, most of the time, it doesn’t happen.

Chatterbox
Become one.  Force yourself to talk to strangers – and practice this before you leave.  Expect knock backs and learn to be philosophical about them.
Forget the Ritz
Go for cheaper, share accommodation including backpackers and hostels.  Some of the time you may want privacy and your own space, but you are much more likely to find fun company at a hostel and have a better time than in lonely five-star luxury.

Write it out
Keep a journal. It will not only form a wonderful record of different sights and sounds, but can also be a trusted, discrete and non-judgmental friend to whom you can pour out your heart if you have an attack of the blues.

Now you’ve got some top tips to get you on your way, try reading the following book and check out our suggested websites.

Traveling Solo: Advice and Ideas for More Than 250 Great Vacations by Eleanor Berman, The Globe Pequot Press
For single and solo travellers interested in group tours or finding a travel companion – Solo Traveller

Join the Solo Traveller Network as part of the Campervan & Motorhome Club of Australia for the opportunity to meet and travel with other singles. – www.cmca.net.au

Day trips for singles

YOURLifeChoices subscriber, Alma, has no problem keeping herself busy but now and again, she would like to take a daytrip or maybe even journey overnight somewhere.

Q. Alma
I am a senior and I keep myself very busy with computer, craft, etc but occasionally I feel I would like to take either a day trip or an overnight trip somewhere, and don’t know how to find out about these things!
Have you any suggestions? I am on my own, so it makes it a bit harder.

A. There are many organisations that can help you get out and about to enjoy some of the great trips Australia can offer but finding them is a minefield and does depend on where you live.  We would suggest contacting some of the following organisations or Googling “seniors clubs” in your area, which should have details of what’s on offer.

- Adult Learning Australia
- Rotary
- ASCCA
- U3A
- Salvos