A beginner’s guide to travelling solo

Daunting, dangerous and slightly strange – solo travel was once thought of as a pursuit only for the very adventurous, the very youthful and, often, the very male. But this is no longer the case.

The British travel company Newmarket Holidays found that eight out of 10 solo tour bookings are now made by women, with almost half of those aged between 65 and 74. And their popularity has increased exponentially, too – last year, a Skyscanner report found that half of respondents were planning to go it alone on holiday.

Find peace on a solo hike in the Austrian Alps.Credit: Getty Images

There’s good reason for the renaissance. Whether you book with a trusted tour company or put the whole thing together independently, solo travel can be a remarkably liberating way to see a country entirely on your own terms. If you usually have to compromise when you travel – whether on where to go, what to see, or even just where to stop for dinner – it can be an opportune way to holiday exactly as you wish (with all the lies-in you desire). Perhaps you’re looking for a moment of peace – in which case, why not pack your walking boots and head to the Austrian Alps to embrace the countryside alone? Or maybe you’re hoping to find a bustling new city, and a bustling new group of friends, too – solo travel, with its ability to bring together people from across the globe with shared interests, can provide that.

Regardless, a trip by yourself can feel quite intimidating for first-timers – particularly if you’re embarking on your inaugural solo holiday later in life. Our experts, with that knowledge in mind, have compiled the ultimate guide to solo travel, which covers every question, query and concern that has entered your mind – from what to pack and what insurance to buy, to where to go, and how to avoid the dreaded “single supplement”.

Read on to find out everything you need to know, and then choose your preferred solo-friendly destination from our hand-picked list.

Want to avoid paying a single supplement on a cruise? Look out for solo travel deals.Credit: Viking

NEED TO KNOW

When to book

Fluctuations in the holiday market mean that sometimes it makes sense to book last minute – occasionally, there are serious deals to be had. When travelling alone, however, it is often best to book as far in advance as possible. Many operators will reward that organisation with cheaper prices too. And it allows time for planning, meaning every element of the trip can be sorted long in advance.

When to go

The holiday seasons are changing, and what was once obvious – such as northern hemisphere travel in July or August to enjoy the sun – is now less clear. Now, the summer months are often too warm for travel, so the shoulder season (May and June, and September and October) might be wiser. However, it depends, in part, where you are travelling to. Many have found relief in travelling to Scandinavia in the hottest months, so that could be an option if you are thinking of heading north.

How long to go for and how much to budget

There is a range of things to consider when working out how long to travel, but if you are nervous about travelling alone, it might be worth booking for a shorter amount of time and seeing your first trip as a practice run of sorts. Of course, if you are on a package trip, the time away will already be defined. As for budget – you will probably spend less than usual, although watch out for single supplements, as they can add a premium. Find out more below.

What to bring

The ultimate packing list should include all your documentation (including copies of your travel insurance, flight details and passport), clothing, day bags, comfortable shoes and any medication. It is also worth installing an eSim so you can pay local rates for using your phone. This makes staying in contact with loved ones considerably easier (and cheaper). Details of how to install one can be found via a quick Google search.

What insurance to buy

Healthy over-60s face higher prices for travel insurance, while medical conditions can add to the cost. Our experts advise finding a specialist insurer for your age group, such as Cover-More Travel Insurance. Often, it can be cheaper – at least in the long run – to buy a multi-trip policy, covering you for all the journeys you make in a year. If your trip is likely to include activities such as kayaking, hiking or skiing, you might need specialist insurance, so make sure to check the terms and conditions before purchasing a policy. And even if it makes the insurance more expensive, always declare any medical conditions, as your claim could be denied at a later point if you don’t.

How to stay safe

Research the places you will be travelling to in advance, to give yourself peace of mind. It is also advisable to plan transport in advance. Only use licensed taxis, and keep your belongings safe while on public transport; a money belt might be of use here. As with all types of travel, avoid wandering around isolated areas at night and carrying large amounts of cash.

What to read

Read East Toward Dawn: A Woman’s Solo Journey Around the World by Nan Watkins for an exploration of what it feels like to travel alone over 60. The wonderful Dervla Murphy is always an exhilarating companion for a journey – try South from the Limpopo for a cycle tour of South Africa. Nothing to Declare: Memoirs of a Woman Travelling Alone by Mary Morris takes a look at the more complicated side of journeying through South America, while the anthology A Woman Alone: Travel Tales from Around the Globe will make you want an adventure as soon as possible.

What is a ‘single supplement’? (And how to avoid it)

A single supplement is a premium charged to people who travel alone, or those who do not want to share a room. Rather than paying for half of a room, holiday companies charge the solo traveller around 70 to 90 per cent of the room cost. This means the cost is less than a double room, although it is more expensive than if the price was shared with another person. Often, this only applies to package trips – if you can book flights and accommodation yourself, you will probably find savings. Happily, most operators also offer solo travel deals, while others specifically cater to single holidaymakers – often doing away with single supplements entirely.

How to meet other solo travellers

There are plenty of ways to meet other solo travellers, either before you head out on a trip or in advance. Find Facebook groups for people travelling in your area, or visit r/SoloTravel on Reddit. Head to Meetup to find activities to join in with, or visit Tourlina, a site specifically designed for solo female travellers to find “travel buddies”. Or just strike up a conversation – you never know who you might meet.

The Telegraph, London