Top Tips for Solo Travel
Oonagh Shiel, travel expert at Cheapflights.co.uk, says: “Summer is a great season for adventure, making it ideal for solo travel.
“With schools out, those with families will be otherwise occupied, and going it alone becomes an even more popular option.
“Whether the lone journey involves volunteering abroad, compiling a travel journal, or simply sitting on a beach, there’s a formula for making it a success.
“Choosing the right destination and knowing how to keep safe are key, among other things.”
The most important thing to consider when travelling alone is staying safe. While today’s world of smartphones, instant communications and i-everythings provide some comfort; there are still some more ‘traditional’ remedies to consider for guaranteed safety.
Tell your loved ones: Always inform family and friends where you’re heading, how you can be reached and provide them with a full itinerary of flights and transportation.
If you’re being collected from the airport, ask the tour operator or hotel sending the transportation for the name of the person or service picking you up along with their phone numbers as well as those of the destination.
Also, select flights that arrive during daylight hours, and try to connect with people on the other side using social media networks.
Skip the valuables: Apart from your passport, wallet and any other travel documentation you might need for your specific destination, it’s best to leave valuables in the form of expensive jewellery at home.
Keep the trip light and casual, leaving more room to pick up souvenirs from the destination itself.
The same rule applies for large sums of cash. The necessary amount should be taken for use upon landing in the destination and additional amounts withdrawn when there.
Destination selection: Those travelling solo for the first time may want to choose a destination that’s not so foreign. For UK travellers, European destinations such as Spain and Italy are a great starting point to kick off the trend.
Flights to these destinations are frequent and short, the locals are friendly, people will most likely speak at least a bit of English, and getting around is easy.
The currency is also familiar, reducing the chances of being scammed.
Table for one: Whether it’s in a foreign land or your home country, dining out alone is almost always a daunting prospect. If travelling as part of an organised trip, mealtimes might already be pre-determined, but if not, the first step is to smile.
It may sound silly, but a smile is inviting and encourages others to approach. To lighten the experience, select a restaurant with a casual atmosphere, ideally one with a bar / counter where you can sit and eat.
Bar staff are normally friendly and will start up a conversation. Alternatively, pick a table that offers good people watching or take a laptop, book, iPad, or other form of ‘companion’ along.
Perfect Destination for Solo Travel: With the safety and the ‘how to’ sorted, it’s time to pick a destination. Cheapflights.co.uk suggests Paris as one of the top destinations for single travellers.
The city of love, where romance is deeply ingrained, all the way from Champs-Élysées, to the Eifel Tower and right back down to the cosy cafes that line the French capital’s streets.
Visit Notre Dame Cathedral - one of the world’s most famous churches that is well revered in the world of architecture - often considered the best example of the gothic architecture that dominates Europe.
The city’s pretty flower gardens, quaint cobbled streets and many snug brasseries, as well as a relaxing stroll up Montmarte Hill to watch the sunset, will guarantee to keep you busy on an unforgettable getaway to our continental cousin.
For further information, or to book, visit www.Cheapflights.co.uk
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