You're never really alone; you can do what you want to do; you don't have to follow anyone else's itinerary; you can stare mutely at the Tryptich for another 15 minutes if you want to; you can eat a green apple for breakfast if you want to...etc --
How does solo travel best suit your needs?
Traveling alone allows me to take flexible trips, determining length of stay, and even destinations to some extent, as I go. Most traveling companions wouldn't be able to tolerate the uncertainty. And I don't have to worry about someone else's reaction to a delayed bus or a missed train.
I engage more with strangers when I'm alone. Some of my best travel memories are the people I've met and the conversations I've had along the way.
Hi,
Most of my trips have been solo as was my first. I'm used to traveling solo, it doesn't bother me, and fending for myself (not that I do anything stupid) , having dinner alone, planning the itinerary details alone, and tracking down the sites, etc. Traveling solo certainly has its advantages, a couple of disadvantages too, such as getting lost on foot, not having someone watch the luggage while you go to the WC, etc. . You don't have to worry about rendezvousing with the travel mate if you missed a certain train or decide to take the next one. No arguments on where to go for dinner, when to eat or take a break, or which train to take, esp if the the travel mate is opposed to taking a night train, whether you should spend for a taxi, etc. if you have luggage in tow. Most of the time I don't. Meeting people is some ways easier...just depends.
Solo travel is not "best" for everyone.
In addition to everything mentioned above, or to reiterate some of it:
No responsibility for another's happiness;
Almost always easier to meet people;
Spontaneity (I have changed my mind about where to go six times while waiting for a bus);
No ties to someone else's budget;
No secret agendas pop up unexpectedly.
On the other hand, the two weeks that I spend traveling with two friends (2 weekend in a 13-14 week trip) are some of my best travel experiences. We are all flexible and want each other to have a good time. Because my travel time is so long, I don't mind giving priority to their "wish list" (we are always looking for a beach day or two, something that's not important to me at all since I grew up on South Beach).
I have wonderful memories of being on my own in Paris for 3 days before meeting my RS tour. I had a list of things to do and enjoyed my adventures and the people I met immensely. But, I also have great memories of traveling with friends and significant others. It all depends on what kind of trip I want to have. On the whole, I like having a traveling companion because we can split up to do things on our own when desired and do things together.
In two weeks, I am leaving for RS 17 Days in Italy tour and will be on my own upon arrival in Milan for 2 days before the tour begins in Varenna on Lake Como. There will be plenty of opportunities to be on my own when I choose.
This is a good topic.
Judy B
I did RS My Way Italy last October as a single lady traveler. I had a week in Venice by myself before the tour, and a couple days in Rome after the tour. I adore traveling alone. Photography is my passion and first priority, so I love traveling alone. Everything is centered around the photos. I walked around Venice for days in pouring rain just for photos. Not a single man I know would have put up with that. I love making my own travel plans, schedules, and budget. I love waiting up at 4:00 or 5:00 to watch the cities come to life and then crawl back into bed at 1:00 p.m. for a nap, and waking up at 2:00 in the morning for a good read. I love talking to strangers and hearing of their travel adventures. Happy travels to all!
Since you're not paying for a second person, you can afford to travel twice as much.
I travelled solo quite a bit in my 20's and 30's and loved it. Lately I have done more traveling with others but I miss traveling solo - it forces you to reach out and meet people. I agree with many others - there are pro's and con's - I love sharing memories of trips with my family and friends who I have traveled with but I miss the thrill of being on my own and knowing it's just me who has to figure everything out. And of course the flexibility to be spontaneous and change plans, etc.
I recently visited Portugal with a married couple - good friends of mine - and I would have done things very differently if I had been on my own. For instance we went to Sintra for the day and there were such long lines and long waits - I would have ditched the sights and done something different. But I didn't feel I could do that with this couple so we endured a long day.
All travel is great so if its on my own or with friends - I love it.
Photography is my passion and first priority, so I love traveling alone. ... Not a single man I know would have put up with that.
Same here. I won't want a companion to get up at dawn, stay at dusk, dine at ungodly hours, and wait forever for me to take a photo. Man or woman.
Some cons of solo traveling:
But I won't let any of these stop me.
I'm an only child and have always been a bit of a loner in the first place and my own company suits me just fine. I love the freedom to do whatever I want for however long I want. I love not having to worry about someone else's needs and just following my own agenda--including dithering in shops, spending extra time in museums, zipping through some sites and sometimes just lollygagging.
I go solo and only pay for a single (EZ) in Austria and Germany whether the room is a big room or a small room. It depends on the proprietor, esp if you're a repeat guest (Stammgast) at the establishment. In terms of safety, etc having an extra person around helps. What if you don't need to share those thrilling, magical moments? I can under stand the thrill of being at a certain place in the rain, taking photos (since it's your last day there), and generally walking around. I've been in a few historical places like that which are absolutely thrilling/magical/stunning, ie, the "I can't believe I'm really here." type of historical site. It's all relative.
My two solo trips to Europe allowed me to really relax; I don't relax when I travel with the whole family, I'm always answering needs.
If I want to stay in a hostel I can, If I want to stay in a 3 star hotel I can.
I'm an early riser. I like to get out and take pictures before the rest of the mob get there.
If I want to move Tuesdays sight seeing agenda to Monday, I can.
Everybody else already took my answers. And I agree wholeheartedly, especially about being able to travel twice as much because my budget only has to include one person.
Hotels are much cheaper when the cost is spread across two people - that's why it's called double occupancy, each room is mostly priced to hold two people. Even though some European hotels have discounts on single rooms, that discount is less than 50%. I love traveling alone but find that my money goes much further when I can split the lodging bills (and can get much nicer lodging for less divided by two). Obviously I'm not talking about married people but friends.
What a timely topic for myself. I've decided to travel solo for the first time next year. Many times I've felt the need to make sure my travel mates are having fun. This time it will be about meeting my own needs. Single travel is more expensive but I'm finding creative cost savings. Best part, I'm planning to do things I want to do. Worst part, fear really, if I get lost I'm on my own.
Paying for single occupancy on a hotel room is a small price to pay for the relaxation solo travel brings me. When I travel with family, friends or my significant other, they tend to look to me for a lot of things which puts pressure on me that I really don't need when I am looking to unwind and enjoy some of the only time off from work I get.
I like my freedom to do whatever I want, whenever I want and spend whatever I feel like. I can decide if I want to go cheap and stay in a 10 bunk dorm in a hostel, or splurge for a dinner in a Michelin star restaurant. If I want to spend 8 hours in museums or shoe shopping, I can do that. If I want to not do a single touristy thing all day long, it's not an issue. I might have one plan when I go to bed but wake up in the morning and decide at the last minute to scratch the whole thing and do something totally different - solo travel means I don't have to consult anyone to see if that's ok.
I like Ceidleh's comment especially but several others, too:
As a spendthrift, I always go back and forth within my own head over the extravagance of paying for single occupancy or occasionally hopping in a taxi alone instead of mass transit, but then I think about how the pleasure I get from a long soak in a bathtub without being disturbed is too rare, or the time to dawdle in front of an enchanting artwork without worrying about what a travel partner wants or is thinking is a pleasure in itself.
I do enough negotiating among the competing voices between my own ears to not want to add more voters to my vacationing body politic.
I love what trustinsoul said. Right now I travel with my husband. But we are old and either one of us could be traveling solo in the blink of an eye. This possibility is not limited to old people. I admire the women with the huevos to travel the world by themselves.
I admire the women with the huevos to travel the world by themselves.
I think you mean "cojones" (guts/balls), not "huevos" (eggs)...LOL. I don't think it takes cojones, it's just habit and positive reinforcement that builds up confidence to do anything alone.
An American traveling alone has a much smaller impact on the environment than otherwise. I'm referring to the ambient environment. Or to the point, we Americans positively cannot avoid talking twice as loud as necessary. We walk around carrying megaphones, causing a huge nuisance for the local population, who must cringe and cover their ears.
When I travel alone, I'm much quieter. It's positively European of me!
Best part, I'm planning to do things I want to do.
This is especially true for those with plenty of time and flexibility to travel, and don't want to rush through locations within a short time frame. No more two weeks, ten cities, in summer only.
Worst part, fear really, if I get lost I'm on my own.
Solo travelers do need to address a few concerns. Here are some of mine.
I have to research and plan a trip myself. A task I really enjoy, but not for everyone.
I list the situations (and things) I had to depend upon my travel companions in the past, and plan on how to deal with them by myself.
My passport have emergency contact info. Someone at home would have my itinerary (but I don't stay in contact during a trip, I'm on vacation!).
When I go to a location that is off the beaten path, remote, or worrisome, I let my hotel know about it. Especially at night.
I create custom offline maps for my phone (no internet, no wi-fi, no problem), which I carry all the time (with backup battery).
After a few trips and learning from mistakes, these become second nature. Fear evaporates.
I think you mean "cojones" (guts/balls), not "huevos" (eggs)...LOL.
The statement is anatomically correct?
There are advantages to both forms of travel...if you have the right travel partner. I have been fortunate enough to have both my daughter and husband as excellent and fun travel partners. Times change and I'm more on my own now. There are a couple of friends I'd consider, but still not sure about them. The wrong travel partner can ruin your trip and/or friendship. And traveling solo is SO MUCH FUN!
Solo travel gets one out of his/her comfort zone and provides vast new opportunities for new experiences and for meeting people. in fact, it is so much easier to meet people when traveling solo. I don't find a minute of it lonely, even if I am alone. There are few times in life when we do not have to account for anyone else's likes or dislikes, budget or energy. Solo travel is a freedom that does not exist in everyday life. In fact, I had each of the two friends decide not to go on my next trip, and I am rather relieved...although I'm sure there would have been some bonding moments and laughter, but there would always be that chance of ruining what already exists. To summarize, solo vs non-solo is different, possibly often better, but it is not an either or situation, IMO. I do think if everyone traveled solo at least once, the world might be a friendlier and safer place.
In my every day life I am in charge of everything. I make it my business to be sure that if someone has a problem or needs something done I am the go to person. My husband states I was born at 40 (organized, responsible). This created a problem when it came to vacation time. My traveling companions expected (I think rightly so) that I would continue my usual role. On occasion it made me cranky. Early on when my family was young, I would either go on vacation with my husband only or with my kids and parents only. At least this minimized my care-taking role and allowed me to have a good time. I have also traveled quite a bit to educational conferences. I have gone alone and more recently would take one of my teenagers and one of their friends. I would be in the conference in the morning and then we would spend time together in the afternoon. This worked out well.
I am new to overseas travel. I had planned on making one overseas trip to Ireland (plan since I was 7). I knew that I did not want to be a care-taker on this trip. To be sure I felt it was fair, I offered my husband his dream trip first and the previous two years took each son to their desired destination. My husband spent 12 weeks backpacking Europe when he was 20 and doesn't really want to travel any more. When he found out about my bucket list trip to Ireland he said, "Go right now, don't wait."
I started planning my trip 18 months ahead (I would not go until my baby was 18 and moved into college dorm) I am independent and a great planner but I found I was getting overwhelmed. The perfect solution for me was an organized tour. I chose CIE. I was lucky in that there were 28 people (not 48). It turned out perfectly. I had no stress for 2 1/2 weeks. My free time was well prepared for, I had my own room at night for solitude. My tour mates were concerned that I was all alone and were friendly and invited me to join them. I was happy to share meals and bus time, but I preferred to be on my own at tour arranged sites and free time. This trip really started a new hunger in me to see more. I now "plan" on going to Europe every 2 years until I can't and loosely have destinations (Scandinavia, Switzerland, Germany, Berlin-Prague-Vienna, Croatia-Slovenia-Slovakia, Back to the North Talinn, Helsinki, St Petersburg, England major sites, England minor sites, Scotland, Hurtigruten.
So 2017 will be RS tour to Scandinavia. If tour travel continues to be successful for me will continue as long as the itinerary goes where I want to go. Will plan "solo" before and after. I know this doesn't qualify as solo travel to most of you, but it seems very adventurous to my friends and family. I have had many offers of companions but politely told them, no thanks.
Did talk Hubby into Cuba this fall. The main enjoyment for this trip will to see him go to a place that he has always wanted to see.
I have been travelling solo most of my life. I enjoy the fact that I can be invisible - or not.
I'm not much of a planner, though I've always got very good pocket-sized street/transport maps, because I tend to go left when I should go right. I've never been afraid of wandering around anywhere, even at night, as long as I know how to get where I want to go. If I'm hopelessly lost, I know how to find a taxi.
I don't mind staying in inexpensive hotels, because I'm there only to get clean and go to sleep. As far as meals go, I'm happy having a drink in a cafe or bar and people-watching, then having a simple meal of fruit, bread and cheese in my room - I've done this even when staying at 5-star hotels. I do enjoy a good restaurant, from time-to-time, and don't mind eating alone at all. It's easier if you don't bring a book or anything, because you can talk to the waiter and your neighbors at the next table.
Several times, I've overheard people speaking English or French on the street, and asked if they wanted help with directions, and this has turned out to be the start of lasting friendships.
I have mostly travelled solo for many of the reasons other people mention (go when I want, do what I want) and the only thing I have trouble with is my poor sense of direction so I sometimes find myself wishing I had someone to tell me which way to go when I get lost, but otherwise I find that other travellers are willing to chat so it's never lonely. I recently did the RS Venice/Florence/Rome trip as a solo and had a great time. There were two other solo women so we shared being room mates or on our own. It worked great, and it was nice not to have to plan all the museum entrances and such. But, I still prefer to go it alone. I think for countries I'm a little unsure of (e.g. Turkey) I would still join a tour, though.
