Flying solo on your next trip? Whether it’s your first solo trip or you’re a seasoned solo traveler, here are four things to consider for your next solo getaway.
Take an organized tour
While solo travel has its perks (freedom, excitement and confidence being just a few), it can also get a little tiresome to visit all the local landmarks by your lonesome. This is where an organized tour can bring balance to your solo trip. Not only will you learn all sorts of insider tidbits about the locale, but you’ll also get a chance to meet up with other travelers who, in theory, share an interest with you.
Mix up your stays
A quiet retreat in a four-star hotel might be just the ticket to relaxation you were looking for, but it can also make it difficult to meet fellow travelers. Beat the loneliness by mixing solo stays with more social accommodations like hostels or Couchsurfing.
Get out of your comfort zone
Getting out of your comfort zone doesn’t have to mean skydiving if you’re afraid of heights or backpacking if you’re truly more of the luxury travel type. But pushing small boundaries can ultimately lead to transformative travel, which are journeys that result in growth and change rather than a few souvenirs. So go ahead, chat up that stranger in the hotel lobby, go for a hike through the rainforest or book that deep-sea diving tour. Push your boundaries, step outside your comfort zone and embrace the experience.
Follow your heart
One of the greatest joys of solo travel is the freedom to follow your heart, create your own itinerary and play by your own rules. You won’t find yourself having to give up a day of reading in a public park because the family wants to try whitewater rafting, nor will you have to sit through a seafood dinner when you really wanted to dig into the local barbecue. With solo travel, it’s all about you. Take advantage of not having to compromise and make this trip all about what you really want.
(Main image: r.robinson used under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license)
