FLYING SOLO
TRAVEL JOURNALIST KATE WILLS TELLS US HOW TO TRAVEL SOLO LIKE A PRO
Travelling by yourself can be daunting at first (who’s going to watch your bags while you go for a wee?), but it can also be liberating. You can do exactly what you want, whenever you want, you meet new people and experiences feel more intense. Here are some tips for making your first solo trip a success…
GO WITH AN ORGANISED GROUP
I know, even the idea might make you shudder and think of coachloads of people trudging behind someone holding a flag. But there are now some really cool tour companies catering just for solo travellers of a similar age, which can take a lot of hassle out of the planning. Check out G Adventures and Flash Pack.
PICK YOUR DESTINATION WISELY
A honeymoon retreat in the Maldives? Probably not the best option for a solo traveller. Forget smelly dorm rooms – today’s best hostels have hot tubs and yoga studios and are a great way to meet people if you do want company. Japan is famously ideal for the lone ranger with hotel rooms and restaurant booths designed for just one person. And eat where locals eat – street food and communal dining are much more fun than fussy restaurants when you’re by yourself.
TRAIN YOURSELF UP AT HOME
Being comfortable in your own company is like a muscle, you have to use it or lose it. Go on small solo adventures for practice. Take yourself for a coffee alone. Go to an exhibition by yourself. Then eat a meal out. Then eat that meal in a proper restaurant. Then eat that meal in a proper restaurant without staring at your phone for the entire time. OK, now you’re ready.