Going Solo. Me, Myself & I.
You may have noticed people are saying YES to a solo trip more than ever, and I’m so here for it! I often express my love for solo trips because of the confidence and empowerment they bring me. Having visited over 35 countries, of which at least 15 are solo experiences, I’m here to scream the solo travel dream as loud as possible.
Solo travel means leaving everyone you know behind and heading out on your own adventure. You can plan everything yourself (independent solo travel) or join a group tour or cruise solo (group solo travel). Both options let you explore the world free from the expectations of family and friends. It’s all about discovering who you are when no one you know is watching – and falling in love with it.
In this guide, I’ll explain all you need to know, from travel tips and tricks to solo travelling trends, travel planning and research tools, and, ultimately, why you will fall in love with solo trips. So, are you ready to dive in? Let’s go!
Trust me, there will be no place you’d rather be than on a solo trip adventure!
Why You Will Fall In Love With Travelling Solo
When you travel solo, it’s all about your rules. Want to sleep in until noon or explore the city at dawn? Go for it! Feel like chatting with locals or embracing your inner hermit? It’s totally up to you. Sure, these are the obvious perks of solo travel, but the benefits go way beyond just the trip.
Travelling alone pushes you to grow and experience in ways you never imagined. You’ll boost your confidence, sharpen your problem-solving skills, and really get to know yourself in a different environment and situation. Plus, you’ll come back more independent and with way more interesting stories to tell. Solo travel isn’t just an adventure—it’s a life upgrade!
Recently, my little brother plucked up the courage to book a solo trip after years of me talking about it, encouraging it, and telling my amazing stories. In May 2024, he headed to Portugal on a solo trip! I was so proud, but even more proud, when he decided to miss his flight home to extend his stay and book a flight to Barcelona! He absolutely loved it, and that’s it; he is hooked!
Don’t let fear get the better of you; that is the ultimate dream killer! I promise it’ll be something you’ll never forget, and this experience will teach you something. I recommend everyone at least try a solo trip once in life – who knows, it could be something you do many more times. Check out the Solo Travel Planner if you need help planning or advice.
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What Are The Current Solo Travel Trends?
Solo travel is hot in 2024 and more exciting than ever!
Tips For Solo Travel Planning Your Trip
For some people, like myself, booking a solo trip comes like second nature. I’m well-known among my friends for booking a solo trip 48 hours beforehand. For me, this is thrilling! I love a last-minute spontaneous trip somewhere random. For others, like my mum, planning and organisation is key. The more in advance, the more she can plan, prep, and order items. There’s no right or wrong way about it; just whatever floats your boat, right? Here are some tips for those who like to be prepared:
ASK.BELIEVE.
RECEIVE.
Visualisation
As the popular book The Secret explains, visualisation is a powerful tool for everyday life and manifestation. It is great for picturing what you want from the trip, things you’d love to do, and manifesting the best time ever! Craving some serious chill time? Visualise what that means to you. Want a creative and inspiring trip? Research and get excited about all the cool opportunities waiting for you.
I use this mood board for my general 2024 life. Want the same? Check out this mood board, with chalk, pushpins, magnets, a maker pen, and a scrapbook for the images.
WHAT ABOUT THE BENJAMIN?
Setting Budgets
Travel can be as pricey or as cheap as you make it. It’s crucial to figure out what fits your budget so you’re not still paying for your trip months after you’re back. Or, enjoy the moment and think about the finances after, as I seem to do. It’s really about how you are; there’s no right or wrong. But, at least you want to ensure you have the funds while out there. Keep it realistic and enjoy your adventure without financial stress on your trip.
Travelling solo sometimes tends to be slightly more pricey than travelling with a partner. This is because you can’t split sharing platter meals and can’t go halves on hotels. On the other hand, you can save money by not being influenced by your partner to do a spontaneous food stop or extra activity that wasn’t in your plans, and sometimes room rates are quite reasonable. So, it’s not all bad.
It’s good to be aware of any charges your bank may charge for withdrawing cash. When withdrawing money in a foreign country, always pay in the local currency rather than your home currency. This way, you’ll get a better exchange rate from your bank or card provider, avoiding extra fees and unfavourable rates typically added by local ATMs or merchants. I usually only withdraw a small amount as most places use contactless. I use Monzo, which allows up to £400 free charges!
Never mind, don’t sweat the small stuff! Go live your best YES.
DECISION DECISIONS
Where Will You Go?
Now you’ve visualized what you want to be doing on your trip, e.g. beach day, city break, or climbing mountains, and set your budget for the journey, it’s time to explore where you actually want to go. You probably have a bunch of places you’d love to visit. Check out websites like Skyscanner to find cheap flights. For hotels, you can check out my go-to hotel provider, Booking. You can figure out what works best with these two separately. Alternatively, you can check out Expedia for great packaged deals for your chosen date.
Write a list of the destinations and deals that catch your interest, then research a little about each destination to get you really excited and help you fall in love with THE ONE. Also, check the GOV.UK site for any travel guidelines. For example, if you need a vaccine for a particular adventure, you may skip that destination.
You Deserve Boujee!
Boujee holidays within your budget.
COVER YOUR BACK
Insurance Time
Hellooooo – Do not skip this step! Whilst you’re unlikely to get into any danger, making sure you’re covered in case of an unfortunate situation is the best thing you can do yourself. Insurance has your back if anything disrupts your trip, even COVID. Choose wisely because not all policies are the same. And don’t forget to check the medical insurance policy. It’s a small price for peace of mind, knowing an accident won’t drain your wallet. There are many insurances available.
PERSONAL DEPATURE LIST
Get Organised
Get your travel documents sorted early to avoid last-minute stress. Figure out how you’ll get to the airport or train station so you’re not scrambling. Again, I’m a last-minute girl, so I’m super pro at getting through my planning pretty quickly at the last minute, but I recommend you get organised in advance for peace of mind. And don’t forget to pack all your essentials! Check out my handy guide for packing, whether you’re packing for a quick getaway or a long-term travel adventure.
SELF-DISCOVERY
Fall In Love With It All!
Enjoy your epic trip, and fall in love with self-discovery while you navigate the country! I know it’s not for everyone, but most of you will love it! And if you don’t, you sure will be happy that at least you tried. If you want to meet new people, why not try a hostel? It’s a fun and cool way to mix with a diverse group, and hostels always breed spontaneity.
Alternatively, stay in a private room and enjoy guided group tours instead to meet new people. It’s a win-win situation, enjoy it! I love using GetYourGuide for any guided tours. I’ve used it for tours in Rome, Latvia, Oslo, Malta, and many other places. It’s a great way to see the best of whatever destination you are going to with trusted local guides.
That’s A Wrap!
After reading this, I hope you’re one step closer to booking that solo trip. It’s such a cool and exciting way to live; hopefully, you’ll integrate it into your life more. I’m passionately recommending it because it changed my life, and I hope it changes yours, too. If you need help planning a solo trip or want me to support you, check out the Solo Travel Planner. Safe travels <3.
