From solo travel and girls’ trips to travelling with a toddler
CHLOE-ANN Clark, the South African-born singer and songwriter, lives in The Netherlands with her husband and toddler. Travelling is one of her favourite things to do. She shares some of her memories, especially the solo trips and as a new mom.
When did you first embark on your solo travel trip, where did you go, how old were you and how would you describe the experience?
When I was 27, I booked a trip to Mauritius and a small tour around the island (I’m a jazz singer). While I was on the island for 10 days, I managed to meet a delicious pilot and this was the beginning of a wild adventure of a solo duo and, now, family adventures!
One of my first solo trips was to Paris to eventually meet the said pilot. I caught the night flight out of OR Tambo to land in Paris the next morning. Using rebate travel has its perks but you also don’t always know up until the last second if you’ll get on the flight due to availability!
I landed early and set out to discover the streets and pastries. The experience was magical. When I went back a few months later to do a girls’ trip with my cousin, I booked us a spot in the quaintest area surrounded by the sights and feels of Paris.
What are the positives of taking a solo travel trip?
The positives are that you can do what you want when you want. If you’re a free spirit, you can go with the flow and not have to worry about schedules and other people’s agendas.
It can also be an incredible way of meeting other people and getting to know yourself better.
You've also done a few girls’ trips. Tell us a bit about that.
I did the most incredible girls’ trip to Bali and Hong Kong when I was 26, with two of my favourite humans. When doing a girls’ trip, it’s best to travel with ladies who have similar interests, to avoid drama.
The three of us were compatible travellers and we were keen to adventure, see different places, hike up volcanoes and explore as much as possible.
We had booked a couple of places and earmarked a few spots we wanted to explore, so we left some space for
adventure but had an overall plan. Flexibility is the key when it comes to travelling in a group.
My sister lived in South Korea for several years, and I had the privilege of visiting her twice while she was there; we explored different parts of Korea.
My last girls’ trip to mention would be travelling with another great friend to New York for a couple of days. We checked into the YMCA (that became the theme song for our trip and was one of the only spots that our lovely rand could afford).
Tell us about your top destinations, from a safety perspective
There are many amazing destinations to consider. If you want to stretch your rand, there are brilliant options in Asia, whether it be Bali, Thailand, Vietnam or Cambodia.
I have had several friends do solo travels around Sri Lanka and have loved every moment. Wherever you go, you will need to be wise and do some research. Always read the reviews of the places you’re staying, send the hosts any questions you have and make sure you put your safety first at all times.
There are often lovely guided tours that you can join with tour guides if
you want the feeling of a group or feel a little uneasy about doing something by yourself. A great example would be when we hiked in a guided group up a volcano in Bali. We met amazing people from across the world. The host allowed us to try the “cat poo” coffee.
I am living in The Netherlands and have the privilege of travelling through Europe while being on this side of the world. Italy is one of my favourite all-time destinations.
If you have the ability to travel through Europe, definitely make a stop in Italy. The history, the food, the culture and the beauty are top of the list!
I am in a rural town in Italy, in the middle of a vineyard with my 18-month-old, while we wait for my husband to finish one of his work tours. Travelling alone with a toddler,
I have found people most helpful, whether it be helping with a pram or offering to carry your bag when your flight lands and you have a sleeping baby in your arms.
I would also recommend learning a new language (The app Duolingo has been a tremendous help just to get around and know what I am ordering).
Having travelled with your little one, what was that experience like? Would you encourage moms to consider this in these Covid-wary times?
The initial thought of leaving home and packing for a trip can be overwhelming, but the memories we have made as a family are worth their weight in gold.
We did our first trip when our baby was six weeks old. We set off back to South Africa as we were pining for family. We have since been to Italy, Greece, Portugal, Sardinia and the UK in the past 18 months. I say to moms who are reluctant and have the means: “While your child is under two and flights and accommodation are free, just go.”
In these Covid-19 times, it’s often easy to stop living. Let’s keep being wise and safe but also not forget that life goes by quickly and we need to live every moment.
Carry your masks, sanitisers, wet wipes and pack your bags for your next adventure.