You have the freedom to take in new landscapes, meet new people and enjoy new experiences at your own pace. You can indulge in all the activities you want to do and rest when you want to, without having to worry about anyone else’s needs. You can be as ambitious or as relaxed about your travels as you like – take those 36 hour bus trips across South America or slow it down on a bicycle tour in Vietnam. But with all of these freedoms there are some hazards too, like the potential for lonely days, security worries and extra costs like single supplements at hotels. All of this can be overcome by a little preparation and a lot of common sense. Here are a few solo travel tips to get you on your way…
Top tips for solo travellers
1. Safety first! If you’re going away on a day trip or just for a wander to explore a new city, let your hotel know where you’re off to, who you’re travelling with and when you’re likely to be back. If you’re on a group tour, let the tour leader know. Saves everyone panicking later! Take a small card with the address of the hotel on it when you go.
2. If you’re flexible and ready to go whenever it suits you, you can benefit from some amazing last minute offers.
3. Bring a pack of cards, photos of family and friends, and a phrase book. All of these are great conversation starters!
4. Be prepared to be open and trust people, because most people are genuine and honest. But more importantly, trust your instincts. If the little voice in the back of your head tells you a person isn’t quite what they’re cracked up to be, steer well clear.
5. Easy does it. Give yourself the chance to make new friends and potential onward travel buddies on a group tour for part of your journey. You don’t have to be courageously travelling alone all of the time. You’ll also find fellow English-speaking adventurers at hostels and of course the ubiquitous Irish pub – you’ll find them everywhere from Marrakech to Cusco.
6. Make sure you’re well armed with street maps and know the general cost of the distance you’re going to travel before you get into a taxi so you can’t be ‘taken for a ride’.
7. It’s unlikely that you’ll be the first or last person to travel to your destination, so you can learn a lot from previous travellers. Go online and read a blog or two, join some forums, and read guidebooks and travelogues by travellers who have gone solo like you. Ask your local library or bookshop for some recommendations.
8. Try not to look too much like a tourist. Ditch the bling, the ‘I love this destination’ t-shirt and keep your camera out of sight as much as possible.
9. Eating on your own doesn’t have to be lonely. Bring a book or a diary and enjoy your space. Eat al fresco or find yourself a cosy private booth to keep away from it all. If you’re feeling lonely grab a spot at the bar. Don’t forget to chat to the restaurant workers, they’re a great source of local information and friendship.
10. If you’re travelling in Latin America, take some language classes when you’re there. Tucan Travel offers week-long language schools in 5 cities to help you build your confidence in a new language. You’ll pick up the rest as you go.
11. Pack lightly and carefully – remember you’re going to have to carry it and you need to make room for those all important souvenirs. Make sure you bring everything you need to take care of yourself if you get ill.
12. Get comprehensive travel insurance – there is no excuse for leaving this off your pre-travel to-do list.
Tips for solo travellers to survive group tours
1. Shared accommodation helps to keep costs down for the tour company and you, so you can expect to be sharing a room with a stranger – otherwise known as a friend you haven’t met yet! Tour leaders will do their best to match your personalities and will if possible make changes in the unlikely event that you don’t get on.
2. About half the people on our tours are solo travellers who choose us because they know they’ll meet friendly, like-minded people along the way. Most of our clients are aged between 25-45 years-old but people of all ages are welcome as long as they are willing to integrate with the group and are enthusiastic about adventure travel. If you’re not sure what kind of group tour would suit you best, visit the travel styles page on our website.
3. You have the chance to find a travel buddy on your trip ahead of time on Facebook.
4. You can get a general idea of who will be on your group tour or Expedition Cruise by calling our reservations team. We can’t give you contact details or names of people on your tour, but we can tell you age ranges, countries of origin and gender balance of the group you’ll be joining.
5. Single supplements are not compulsory on our tours. Tucan Travel offers optional solo supplements on Discovery Tours but they’re not offered on other travel styles. You’ll be matched with someone of your gender and you’ll have a new friend in no time.
6. Remember that other people start out just as nervous as you. Dare yourself to speak first and break the ice!
7. Extroverts will be delighted by their opportunities to make new friends and influence people. Just don’t go too nuts. Take it easy or you could end up just as bored if the group gets tired of listening to the squeaky wheel.
8. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to do your own thing. Take those opportunities! If you reach a place where you’d like to explore more on your own, you can sign a voluntary leave disclaimer form and rejoin the tour later. You won’t be compensated for unused services but you’ll have the opportunity to do something you want to do without the company of others.
9. Tour leaders will organise group dinners as and when the group wants to spend time together, but they’re not compulsory and you’re free to do your own thing if you want to.
10. When you arrive in a new city, your tour leader will check you into your accommodation and give you an orientation walk and make suggestions about optional excursions. It’s up to you whether you’d like to join group members on this excursion or follow your own itinerary, there’s no obligation to follow the crowd.
