Solo Travel: Planning and Practicalities
Solo travel is straightforward in most destinations and involves a set of practical considerations that group travel does not.
The single supplement
Accommodation priced per room means solo travellers pay close to the double rate. Tours and cruises frequently charge an explicit single supplement.
Some operators offer solo cabins or waive supplements on selected departures, and specialist solo travel operators exist.
Hostels with private rooms, guesthouses and smaller independent hotels frequently offer better solo value than chain hotels.
Booking a room designed for one, where available, avoids paying for space you do not use.
Safety routines
Share your itinerary and accommodation details with someone at home, and establish a routine of periodic contact so that silence is noticed.
Register with your government's travel service where one exists, which enables contact in an emergency.
Keep copies of documents separately from the originals, and a small emergency reserve of cash separate from your wallet.
Arrive in unfamiliar places during daylight where possible, which affects transport choices and is worth planning around.
Accommodation choice
Location matters more when travelling alone, since you may be returning after dark without company.
Reception staffed at the hours you will arrive, rather than a key box in an unfamiliar street.
Hostels and guesthouses with communal areas provide easy social contact, which is the aspect solo travellers most often want and least often plan for.
Managing the social side
Structured activities — walking tours, cooking classes, day trips — provide company without commitment and are the most reliable way to meet people.
Eating alone is the aspect people report finding most uncomfortable initially. Bar seating, counter dining and casual places are easier than formal restaurants.
Some destinations and accommodation types are considerably more sociable than others, and choosing accordingly matters more than any technique.
Practical points
Carrying everything yourself means packing lighter, and there is no one to watch your bag, which affects how you handle transport and airports.
Book the first night's accommodation before arrival even if the rest is unplanned, since arriving tired in an unfamiliar city without a bed is unnecessarily difficult.
Learn a few phrases in the local language. It matters more when there is nobody else to handle interactions.
Solo travel insurance is the same product as any other, and it is worth confirming that any activities you intend are covered, since there is no companion to organise help if something goes wrong.
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