Tips for solos travellers
Setting off on holiday on your own can be an exciting and liberating experience, leaving you free to do your own thing, and travelling on your own terms. However, as you’re leaving behind everyone you know, it can also be daunting. Often the best compromise is to travel with other singles on a hosted holiday, like Glenton Good Companions. These tours are designed exclusively for mature solo travellers and feature an informal welcome meeting to break the ice. A friendly host accompanies the group to mix and mingle at your hotel and when out on included excursions. They can also help in the event of an emergency. If you are a solo traveller who is a wee bit hesitant, here are some top tips to help you step out of your comfort zone, and have the best experience possible.
One step at a time
Even when travelling as part of a group of like-minded people, setting off on your own for the first time may be a little intimidating. So why not ease yourself into it? Perhaps start working on your solo travelling muscle with a couple of fun and informative day trips to a museum or stately home before taking the plunge with a holiday.
Sidestep single supplements
Being charged extra for the privilege on having a hotel guestroom to yourself can be irksome. So, consider travelling as part of a Good Companions tour. That way you avoid paying single room supplements, whether your holiday is in the UK, the island of Ireland or on the continent.
Meeting and mingling
Avoid choosing a seat by yourself on the coach. A few hours on the road are the perfect time to get to know at least one other person on the tour. Strike up a conversation about the destination, rather than spending the journey with headphones on or engrossed on your phone. Joining your group for meals is another ideal time for a chinwag. You’ll find that your fellow travellers will be keen to share tips and anecdotes so make the most of their experience by asking questions and perhaps tell some stories of your own. Chatting to strangers can be a challenge, but it’s a skill that gets easier and easier.
Take a book
Travelling on a Good Companions tour means you won’t be on your own for long and are ideal for solo travellers. However, going on holiday alone means you can spend your time as you please – either socialising or by yourself. There may be times during your break when you just want some “me time” and being engrossed in a book as you relax in the lounge is a good way to dodge unwanted conversations.
Exploring alone
If you decide to do some independent exploring away from your group, a great way to do so is to use the hop on, hop off bus where available. Alternatively, try a guided boat tour to see the sights. If you prefer navigating a city on foot using your mobile phone’s map app, listen to directions through headphones. Studying a map out in the open marks you out as a tourist which can lead to attracting the attention of unscrupulous people.
Stay connected
You may find that you’re using your mobile phone more by taking photos and videos, or listening to directions from your map app, so it’s prudent to carry a lightweight power bank so you can recharge your phone and stay connected. If you are travelling abroad, avoid unexpected bills for your mobile phone by checking charges before you travel and consider using Wi-Fi when available.
Stay Safe
When you’re out and about on your holiday adventure, remember to keep your purse or wallet and mobile phone close to you and don’t carry more cash than you need. Linger at tourist attractions, but try to walk confidently as though you’re a local when getting from A to B. If you’re holidaying with Good Companions, keep a note of Glenton’s 24/7 emergency phone number and perhaps note down your hotel’s number, so you can call for assistance if needed.
Get inspired
Holidaying by yourself can be a real confidence builder and often a wonderful way to reboot your life. So, why not visualize the kind of trip that appeals to you, then browse the Good Companions collections in Glenton brochures. Remember, your friendly and approachable host will help bring people together. Relax, enjoy, and give yourself time to settle into this new and exciting adventure!