Solo travel can be daunting for a first timer, as factors like costs, safety, and location can make or break a trip. Here are the key tips you should know.
Solo travel can be daunting for a first timer, as factors like costs, safety, and location can make or break a trip.
Solo travel is booming as many crave the freedom, independence, and self-growth it offers. But it can be daunting for a first timer, as factors like costs, safety, and location can make or break a trip.
There are tens of thousands of monthly searches on Google for advice on solo travel. Linda Harris, a Solo Holiday Product Manager at cruise and tour operator Riviera Travel, has answered the most common questions to help those interested in taking the plunge have a smooth-sailing experience.
1. How to solo travel
The most Googled question, 'how to solo travel', accumulates 65,000 average monthly searches.
Harris says it’s no surprise this query takes the top spot as vacationers increasingly experiment with a trip alone. Riviera Travel has seen a 99% year-on-year increase in solo holiday web bookings between January and June, for example.
“A successful solo trip requires a lot of planning, from choosing one or multiple destinations to arranging transportation, curating an itinerary, and considering costs,” says Harris.
“If you’ve decided to go on your first solo trip, I recommend sitting with that decision, seeing how it makes you feel, what exactly you want from this trip and where you can go to achieve this.”
Her key advice is to thoroughly research the destination and prioritise safety.
2. Where to solo travel
With 30,000 monthly searches for 'where solo travel', destination selection is the second most commonly Googled question.
Harris advises starting by considering destinations you’d like to visit, and importantly, where you will be free to explore how you please. Find a location where you’ll feel safe, with efficient transportation, and where English is widely spoken, making communication a lot easier. Also consider a destination’s general cost of living, and what time of year is best to visit.
“Assessing these factors will guide your destination selection and ensure you get the most out of your solo getaway,” Harris says. “For example, Vietnam is an excellent choice for meeting other travelers and exploring new landscapes and cultures. At the same time, the USA and the UK are great choices for solo travelling, where English is widely spoken.”
3. What is solo travel
Next, averaging 22,000 monthly searches, is what solo travel is.
Literally, it means traveling without a companion and being independent when creating an itinerary and making decisions. More conceptually, it’s a chance to experience the world on your own, on a trip that’s completely authentic to you.
“This type of holiday can be freeing and a life-changing experience for some; however, for others, who feel anxious about traveling alone, solo group holidays are available,” explains Harris. “These holidays combine the independence of solo travelling but provide a security blanket and a social aspect to the trip.”
4 & 5. What to do when solo traveling, and when to go
Completing the top five, each accumulating 11,000 average monthly searches, are questions about activities and timing.
A solo holiday is a chance to explore new locations, learn about their history and culture, and witness renowned landmarks. A great way to get the most out of your time at a destination is to attend tours, classes, and local events, which usually showcase the place’s must-visit attractions.
Solo travel can be a life-changing experience, giving you the freedom and independence to enjoy new experiences and turn your focus inwards
“Research a destination’s notable attractions beforehand and make arrangements to visit,” says Harris. “Make sure to plan in ‘free time,’ which will give you a chance to rest and make any spontaneous excursions; you’ll thank yourself later!”
The best time to travel solo depends on the destination and the desired climate. A trip in the late summer and shoulder seasons (April, May, September, and October) means you can get the most out of your holiday without feeling overwhelmed by crowds. Going on a solo holiday during the quieter months can also help you immerse yourself in a location’s culture, as you can participate in more local events.
“You should also consider the weather and the seasons of each destination; for example, June, July, and August are winter months in the Southern Hemisphere, so it’s important to research before selecting the date,” adds Harris.
6. Why solo travel
Following behind with 9,000 average monthly searches is ‘why solo travel’.
“Solo travel can be a life-changing experience, giving you the freedom and independence to enjoy new experiences and turn your focus inwards,” says Harris. “It’s a chance for personal growth and self-discovery as you’re given the time to focus on yourself and discover new interests.”
It is also a great way to develop new skills such as decision-making, problem-solving, and communication. You’ll likely experience a confidence boost as you depend on yourself and get out of your comfort zone.
“I always recommend solo traveling for those looking to fall in love with life and meet new people,” Harris adds.
7. Best place to solo travel
With 6,000 searches, destination recommendations are sought after. For first-timers, Harris recommends European countries, including France and Spain.
“Alternatively, venture to Japan, which has efficient transportation and a vibrant tourist scene, or New Zealand, which has a welcoming attitude and notable status as a hotspot for solo travelers,” she says. “For seasoned solo travellers, opt for a transformative adventure to India, South Africa, or Ecuador.”
8. How to solo travel safely
Safety concerns are a priority, with an average of 5,000 monthly searches for how to solo travel safely.
Beyond being an obvious essential precaution, a safe and secure environment will give you the peace of mind needed to enjoy your trip and fully immerse yourself in activities. Travelers can use resources such as this Safest Destinations Index to compare destinations.
“Even in the safest destinations, try to stay in public as much as possible and share your itinerary with a close friend or family member at home,” says Harris. “While it’s great to make friends when solo travelling, there is nothing wrong with changing your mind if you begin to feel uneasy.
Solo group holidays can be a good optin for those wanting to experience solo travel with a more robust support system. If any issues arise, these trips will have tour leaders and other staff members on hand.
9. How to solo travel on a budget
Costs also come into consideration when planning a solo holiday, with 2,000 average monthly searches for ‘how to solo travel cheap’.
“Booking early is key to securing the best deal, saving up beforehand, and budgeting will ensure you have enough money in case of emergencies,” says Harris. You can also try choosing destinations when it’s the off-season for better deals.
10. What is solo group travel
Rounding off the top 10 with 1,000 monthly searches is what solo group travel is.
It may seem a paradoxical term, but it has developed as a popular choice for those who want to solo travel without feeling alone. “This could be from a lack of experience, confidence, or even the preference to be accompanied by someone when travelling,” explains Harris.
Solo group travel means organized trips with a group catered for aspiring solo travelers who seek independence without being completely alone.
“This is still a courageous journey that will pull you out of your comfort zone; however, this experience will be shared with others who feel the same,” Harris adds. “Solo group holidays are an excellent way of dipping your toe into solo travel; it’s the real thing, but with a safety net. Despite a pre-planned itinerary, solo group holidays offer flexibility and encourage social interaction.”