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Flying solo

by STEPHANIE WANLESS | 21 Jan 2016

 

Travelling on your own doesn’t have to be scary, but it can be a great chance for you to learn something new about the world around you and yourself. 

Travelling solo can be daunting, but it’s also a wonderful opportunity to try new things and make great friendships. You can go where and when you want without needing to consult anyone.

Of course, you can fly solo with extra support, thanks to a variety of tours tailored especially for solo travellers. These are specifically for those travelling alone, helping you to avoid that third-wheel feeling that often comes when joining couples or families on larger tour operations.

It’s a really good option if you’re seeking a safe and secure holiday, explains Catherine Brittenden from Grand Pacific Tours.

“Organised tours are safe and reliable, while providing excellent value for money for a solo traveller. Our guests are also guaranteed a room to themselves and have the opportunity to meet other like-minded people at the tour’s introductory dinner,” she says.

Grand Pacific Tours also pre-book seating for every breakfast and dinner on your journey, so you’ll never dine alone or be faced with making reservations in an unfamiliar country – a task that can be particularly daunting if you don’t speak the language.

Information is power

Having insider knowledge is a huge benefit when touring places for the first time. Judith Hards from Destination World Travel hosts tours personally and ensures groups are kept small.

“Our groups average around 12-15 people and either my colleague or I escort them with the help of a local guide we book in advance. This ensures the best possible local experience,” says Judith.

“We offer trips to places off the beaten track and include all the ‘must-do’ attractions, while also leaving plenty of time for guests to enjoy time on their own.” 

While it’s great to tick off all the highlights on your trip, there are elements of travel that you’d prefer to avoid, such as missing a flight.

“Structure is probably the most important thing on our tours, because it gives you the certainty of knowing that everything is taken care of and you don’t have to worry about what time the next bus leaves or how to get from A to B,” says Ken Morgan from Two’s a Crowd.

“We also keep our groups to a maximum of 15 people so you’ll feel like the tour is for you, rather than part of a military-style operation.

A member of our team accompanies all the tours, which gives people extra confidence knowing there’s someone there to answer their questions.”

When travelling alone for the first time, seeking all the information possible will help you feel more in control of the situation and confident to take part. Ken also suggests that first-time solo travellers start with a trip somewhere close to home.

“Begin with somewhere that isn’t too far away. Vietnam, for example, is just a seven-hour flight. I’d also recommend checking the temperatures, taking note of heat and humidity in particular, as well as avoiding places that could be physically demanding,” he says.

Justine Waddington from Encounter Travel also says listening to your gut instinct will usually stand you in good stead when travelling alone.

“If something doesn’t feel right, it’s probably not. Don’t push yourself to try something you don’t feel entirely comfortable with – even if that means walking away from someone who strikes up a conversation with you. It’s always better to be safe than sorry,” she says.

Find a friend

Should you decide that travelling with a friend would help put your mind at ease, why not ask your Probus club if there are any keen adventurers among them? There might even be someone in your book club or down the local Men’s Shed who’s keen to join you too.

Of course, after your first tour, you’ll have a host of new mates to choose from next time you travel.

“It’s not uncommon for solo travellers to form lasting friendships on our tours, and even buddy up next time for future travels,” says Justine. “We’ve also had people who have met on a previous trip return to us to plan their next overseas adventure together as travelling companions – it’s a wonderful way to see the world.”