If you’re used to travelling with friends and family, booking your first solo trip might feel daunting.
Perhaps you’re not sure if you’ll have fun without someone to share the experience with. Or maybe the thought of facing disrupted plans and unexpected events on your own fills you with dread.
While such feelings are completely understandable, it’s time to set your fears aside and embrace travelling alone. A solo holiday means you get to do exactly what you want, when you want – you can be entirely flexible about your plans.
What’s more, completing a longed-for trip on your own is a huge accomplishment that could provide a healthy dose of empowerment and confidence!
Read on to learn five helpful tips for planning your first solo trip and ensuring it’s a joyous experience.
1. Build your confidence gradually
You might have dreams of travelling to far-flung destinations, exploring off-the-beaten-track hidden gems, or even jetting off for several months to immerse yourself in a different culture.
But there’s no need to set your sights so high on your maiden solo voyage.
If you’re feeling anxious about going it alone, try a practice trip in your own country first. Testing the waters in a place where you speak the language and know how things work could be a great way to build your confidence.
Once you’ve got the hang of travelling solo in the UK, you might want to try a short trip to Europe. Before you know it, you’ll be booking that ultimate solo trip you’ve been dreaming of, be that a week in the Maldives or a month travelling around Australia!
2. Book a group holiday
Just because you’re leaving friends and family behind, doesn’t mean you can’t surround yourself with people when you land at your destination.
Planning your trip and travelling alone might be enough of a challenge for your first getaway.
Happily, there are plenty of holiday operators offering group holidays, many of which cater to solo travellers specifically. Often, the logistics and activities will be arranged for you. All you need to do is get yourself to the meeting point, where a group of friendly faces will await you.
You might even meet a travel buddy to join you on your next trip.
3. Indulge a special interest
There’s often comfort in the familiar. So, if you have a hobby, be that cooking, walking, or painting, a special-interest holiday could be ideal for you.
As with group holidays, if you book a trip that provides activities you’re interested in, most aspects of your stay are likely to be organised for you.
What’s more, you’ll be confident that your fellow travellers are like-minded souls, and you’ll get to spend your time doing something you love.
4. Plan ahead
Thorough planning is one of the best ways to boost your confidence and banish fears. If you’ve taken the time to research and plan your trip, there’s much less chance of something going wrong.
Go beyond the basics of which city to visit and which hotel to book. Read up on the best neighbourhoods to stay in, seek out restaurants that meet your dietary needs and preferences, and find out which is the best time of year to visit.
There are plenty of travel forums, review sites, and social media groups that provide extensive first-hand information. And don’t forget to ask your friends, family, and colleagues for recommendations.
5. Stay safe and keep connected
Travelling alone can be empowering and fantastic fun. However, it’s important to be mindful of safety concerns and take steps to protect yourself.
For example, it might be wise to avoid certain areas late at night if you’re alone.
One of the best ways to stay safe is to keep in touch with your friends and family. Thankfully, in today’s connected world, you’ll rarely be far from a mobile phone or Wi-Fi signal – unless you venture far off the beaten track.
So, let people know where you’re going, share your dates of travel, and set up regular check-ins.
Staying connected to the people you love is not only a smart way to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip, but it could also help you get through moments of loneliness or anxiety.
Get in touch
If you’re feeling rested and empowered by successfully completing your first solo holiday, it’s a great time to take control of your finances.
If you’d like help creating or reviewing your financial plan, we can help. please email us at hello@intelligentpensions.com or call 0800 077 8807.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
