Everything you need to know about solo travel
Betsy Goldberg writes for Virtuoso Luxury Traveller, the blog of a global luxury travel network, and she enjoys nothing more than taking a holiday.
Have you ever gone on a trip by yourself? If so, you’re not alone.
More and more people are choosing to travel on their own. Solo travellers make up about 23 per cent of all leisure travellers, according to the U.S. Travel Association. The solo travel trend is catching on for a number of reasons. And it’s expected to keep growing.
Why is solo travel booming?
One reason why people are taking off on their own: they’re not in a relationship. In the U.S., for the first time in at least four decades, singles (50.2 per cent) outnumber married people. More than one-third – 35 per cent – of all households in developed countries are one person.
That means people are more comfortable with and willing to do things on their own. That includes solo travel.
Who’s traveling solo?
You can find every type of person opting for solo travel. But a significant number of those voyaging on their own are older women. They’re followed by younger female professionals.
Interestingly, a study by AARP found that 53 per cent of solo travellers over 45 are married. Sometimes one partner craves a golf getaway in Scotland and the other a shopping trip in Hong Kong. Also, busy work schedules mean it’s harder to get away at the same time. And technology makes it easier to keep in touch with loved ones who aren’t along on the journey.
Solo voyagers tend to be well travelled. And many have journeyed on their own before. The AARP survey found 37 per cent had travelled alone in the past. Those people had taken an average of four solo travel adventures in their lifetime.
Why do people travel on their own?
The AARP study found that:
- 57 per cent of solo travellers couldn’t find anyone available to go on a trip they wanted to take
- 45 per cent wanted to go somewhere they wanted to go
- 35 per cent sought a trip just for themselves
- 18 per cent wanted time for personal reflection
- 17 per cent went to pursue a hobby or interest
- 12 per cent travelled to learn something new
The benefits of solo travel
Solo travellers praise many advantages of journeying alone:
- It’s easy to design the trip. All that’s needed is your own buy-in for the plan.
- You get to do whatever you want to do. You’re making all the decisions and choices. And that gives you a sense of freedom.
- You can make last-minute adjustments to your plans based on how you feel that day.
- You’re more likely to meet new people – locals and fellow travellers. That means more genuine experiences with people of diverse backgrounds.
- You’ll develop more as a person. And you’ll gain a new sense of confidence and empowerment.
- You’ll also test your limits and discover new abilities. The bonus of those: an increased sense of self-awareness and accomplishment.
The AARP study reported that 97 per cent of those who take solo trips are extremely satisfied with the experience. And 81 per cent plan on taking another in the next year.
Solo travel options growing
Traditionally, solo travellers in hotels, on tours or on cruise ships have had to pay a single supplement. That’s anywhere from 10 to 100 per cent of the rate that two people would pay.
But travel companies have noticed the growth in solo travel. They’re responding with offerings to attract travellers on their own. Many tour companies and cruise lines waive or reduce the single supplements for select journeys. Some also offer roommate programs, where they’ll match up solo travellers of the same gender.
Some cruise lines are going a step further with single staterooms. Cabins on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Epic, Breakaway, Getaway, Pride of America and Escape are the industry’s first staterooms designed and priced just for one person. Each also features a sleek Studio Lounge exclusively for solo travellers. The Lounge offers large-screen TVs, a bar, coffee, comfortable chairs and tables for socializing, daily pre-dinner gatherings, and a public board for connecting with others on their own.
Royal Caribbean International offers studio interior cabins on its Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas ships, as well as virtually all its Radiance-class ships. Some have real balconies and others offer virtual views through the cabin’s flat-screen TV.
Cunard Line currently offers solo cabins and continues to roll out more of them. The Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria offer single staterooms, with the Queen Mary 2 on track to feature them in 2016. Most of Cunard’s solo cabins are outside staterooms with a large window.
Holland America Line is also debuting single staterooms. Its Koningsdam will feature 12 single ocean view cabins. The line also offers a Single Partners Program on most voyages, with events aimed at solo travellers.
Three river cruise lines – AmaWaterways, Tauck and Viking River Cruises – also have a small number of single staterooms on select ships.
Solo travel tips
- Decide how you want to travel. On your own? Or with a group? On a cruise? A group just for solo travellers? Or a women-only or singles-only group? Your decision depends on your comfort level with traveling alone, your travel experience and your destination. For example, somewhere off the beaten path would likely be easier with a group, especially if you’re new to solo travel.
- Check out the demographics. Do you want to be with travellers in a similar age group? Do you want a smaller or larger group? Both have advantages: it’s easier to get to know everyone in a smaller group. But larger groups offer more potential new friends.
- Decide on a destination. Less experienced travellers or those new to solo travel may choose Europe, North America or the Caribbean. Places with more developed tourism infrastructures will be easier for a solo traveller. Southeast Asia is popular with solo travellers, as is South America.
- Meet fellow travellers along the way. Post about your trip on social media before you go to ask for connections. Once your trip is underway, ask for locals’ recommendations on where to eat and visit. Join a day activity or volunteer opportunity to mix with people who share your interests. Bring a game with you (a simple pack of cards works) and challenge other travellers to a match.
- Splurge on once-in-a-lifetime experiences or adventures. Seize the opportunity as the memories will last a lifetime.
- One of the toughest parts of the journey for some solo travellers is dining. There’s even a name for the fear of dining alone: solomangarephobia. Sit at a counter, bar or communal table. That makes it easier to strike up conversations with other patrons or the bartender. Bring something to read to keep yourself entertained. And choose more casual cafes or outdoor dining options for a more relaxed solo dining experience.
- Stay safe. Ask locals which areas are safe and which should be avoided. Travel with new friends when possible. Walk confidently with a purpose, be alert and notice your surroundings. And trust your gut.
Have you ever travelled by yourself? If you haven’t, after reading this article do you think you could see yourself doing so in future?
Let us know in the comments.
First appeared on Virtuoso. Click here to visit their website for more information.
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