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Going abroad on your own for the first time? It’s only natural if planning your first solo trip feels slightly daunting. But the more organised you get before your trip, the more you can immerse yourself in new cultures, scenery and interactions with like-minded people.
In the UK, young people are leading the trend. A recent survey found that young adults aged 23 and under made up over 75% of all solo travellers in 2023, with many realising the benefits of choosing to travel alone rather than with a partner.
If you’re ready to take your first steps into the realm of opportunity that is solo travel, it’s worth knowing a few tips to make the most of the experience.
Until you experience it, you’ll never understand the unique perspective you gain on a solo trip. In 2022, 69% of surveyed female travellers said that personal safety was their main obstacle to going on a solo trip. But with the right preparation and some enthusiasm too, you can stay safe while having the adventure of a lifetime.
This type of holiday takes a lot of courage to take in the first place, but the benefits can be almost transformative. A few of the best reasons to go on a solo holiday include:
If you’ve never travelled alone before, it might be a good idea to test the waters before booking an all-out intercontinental tour. For your first solo trip, we’d suggest booking something short-haul and only staying for one or two weeks. Once you’ve got a feel for being in a new place on your own, you’ll be able to decide if solo travel is something that excites you.
Sometimes, the most essential things are worth thinking about. Make sure that you only book accommodation once you’ve checked the reviews and keep basic supplies like pen and paper on you too. Save your important locations on your phone before you leave to save entering the address after a busy day or a long night.
And before you leave, getting covered with insurance could boost your chances of making a successful no-win, no-fee claim in the event of an accident while you’re away.
When you’re on your own, you’ll be a bit more reliant on your mobile phone to do basic things like book accommodation and find your way around. Having a portable charger with you at all times removes the possibility of running out of power, which could land you in a tricky situation.
If you’re in a location that’s not particularly touristic, why not spend time with the locals? When you make the effort to hang out in bustling local bars and explore authentic culture, it’s likely that you’ll pick up a few friends along the way.
This is definitely easier if you speak the local language, but depending on where you’re travelling, you could still find locals who speak English too. Why not dive in at the deep end? They’ll show you the best spots around town and offer a unique glimpse into local life.
Lastly, it’s important to know what you can and can’t tolerate before you set off on your big adventure abroad. This doesn’t just apply to alcohol, but staying safe while you’re hitting the bars is of paramount importance, too.
Make sure you’re realistic about what you can and can’t handle. Check-in on yourself while you’re away because you might just be the only person looking out for yourself!
This is a collaborative post.
Welcome to Birds and Lilies! I'm Lou: mother, blogger and freelance writer. This is my lifestyle blog, where I talk about motherhood, infertility and IVF, beauty, my love for food and wine, as well as my thoughts about stuff, and our real-life and travel adventures.
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