TIPS FROM THE ROAD
Will Holmes* just returned home after travelling the world solo for more than six months, visiting 11 countries. Here are his top tips.
Travelling alone will get very hard very quickly if you don’t strike up conversations with strangers — both locals and fellow travellers. I’ve spoken to more strangers then I can count and from these conversations I’ve had great nights out, learnt about cool places to go and made friends for life.
The other travellers you meet along the way will be your greatest asset in finding great places to stay and places to go, so don’t be afraid to ask everyone for tips. Having said that, remember that people will differ on what they like and there are many who will tell you that their way of travelling is the best way. Everyone is different and if you really want to go somewhere (or really don’t want to go somewhere), stick to your guns!
Try to be flexible with your budget, because something will always come along that you didn’t plan for and you will always regret it if money was the reason you couldn’t do it. I never planned to hike one of South America’s most active volcanoes, but it was one of the best days of my entire trip.
If you are arriving in a city that has free walking tours, find one and do that first. Not only will you learn some interesting facts, you’ll be able to orient yourself in the city and you will meet fellow travellers. Many hostels offer them too, and it’s a great way to meet your room mates.
Disclaimer: Will Holmes is my cousin. The travel bug runs in the family.