praCtiCal tips for solo travel

✢ take a guide book (however, heavy) or an iPad. Although our guide took us round, I didn’t always catch what he said and often wanted to find out more afterwards. Also useful for your free time, whether you’re interested in the churches, museums, restaurants or markets.

✢ be brave Everyone’s there to enjoy themselves and no one minds if you ask to join their group for an evening. You soon make friends.

✢ organise If the holiday is well-planned, going solo has no fears. Check the details of the holiday before you go so that you’re not surprised by the amount of coach travel or where you end up.

✢ remember If you’re going somewhere as hot as Mexico, bring a sun hat. Although there are plenty sold in the markets if you forget.