Solo Sojourns

The Pros and Cons of solo travel are obviously subjective and yet we can all identify with themes common to the human condition. Below I’ve tried to answer some questions asked by a few friends on my return.

Would it have been better in a group?

Possibly but not necessarily. Whether you’re solo, a couple, or a group there are pros and cons and nothing is perfect. You have to work out what is more important for YOU. One definite pro is that you’re in charge of your itinerary. You won’t feel bad if you wake up feeling under par and decide to have an extra few hours in bed as I had to do on my final day. With no one else to consult it’s down to you how you spend your time, you can’t disagree with or blame anyone else, nor are you following their agenda. There’s definitely a sense of freedom and spontaneity here.

Did I find the paperwork daunting?

At times I did and depending on how you feel about it that might come under cons. It helps to be organised if only for the day ahead.There’s an awful lot of paper and you can’t keep all of it on your phone – from pre holiday visa and other destination specific documents, to hotel reservations to cruise embarkation documents, luggage labels, boarding passes, excursion /bus passes, holiday insurance, ship information and cruise itinerary. Though it was nothing I couldn’t cope with I did spend a bit of time each evening on holiday trying to ‘walk’ through the next day making sure I had what I needed. This kind of responsibility is normally shared, so to be in sole charge requires a clear head and some organisation skills. You can’t be a slacker in this area.

Best travel tip?

Pre holiday, I would definitely work with a travel agent if you’re alone, especially if international travel is involved as they have all the official links to trusted information and are your first line of help 24/7. This is a great back up. I did it myself and it was a definite Pro. They were super efficient.

Give yourself plenty of time and buy yourself a good travel wallet as you’ll have to have physical proof of holiday insurance and recommended (though not essential) that you have paper proof of your ESTA for the U.S. for example. So yes, lots of info to process means allowing time to get on it.

I’d also choose my flights with more care next time around. The way they panned out there was far too much hanging around airports waiting for flight connections. No one’s fault but my own. I should have paid more attention or waited till the travel agent found better alternatives. I will next time.

Was it lonely?

A con of traveling with no partner in your life is obviously potential loneliness. When you have no one to share the experience with it’s not quite so enjoyable.

I found that blogging about it helped me to overcome that as it’s both a focus and way to share with people albeit not immediately.

To initiate conversation means you’ll also have to move out your comfort zone and make the effort to talk to complete strangers more than you would normally do. Sometimes I did, sometimes I enjoyed the solitude.

This is easier than you imagine, especially at sites of special interest. You find other people also want to share their joy even if they’re in company.

Was travelling alone more expensive?

No doubt about that so another con. There’s no one else to share transport costs and there are solo supplements on cruise ships which you have to have to be prepared for. There were other solo surprises, however, that I wasn’t prepared for like the lack of choice over eating times.

It’s obviously policy on some cruise lines to favour larger parties, but as a solo I seemed to be limited to eating at 5:30 or 8:00 pm. Neither of which suited. Bit audacious considering you’re paying for the privilege of being single. Once more, next time I’d do my homework on that one. I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t be the case on all cruise lines .

What was the biggest con?

For me, undoubtedly the jet lag either way. It’s something I’ve always succumbed to and doesn’t get better with age!!

I see no way round it but to go through it and ride it out till it’s over. Going through so many time zones plays havoc with your circadian rhythm. There’s a jet lag calculator with some advice on how to cope here.

https://www.hillarys.co.uk/static/jet-lag-calculator/

Would I repeat the experience?

All things considered yes, though I’d think twice about going so far and I’d plan it meticulously.

Without a travel companion, you won’t have someone to rely on for help or support in challenging situations. It’s important to be self-reliant and prepared for unexpected circumstances. Trust your inner guidance.

You will be spending a lot of time alone and have to be happy with what’s going on up top. If you’re an anxious type or an extrovert who needs to be chatting to others all the time it will be challenging. It helps to be happy with your own thoughts and who you are becoming, and know that you’ll cope no matter what’s thrown your way.

Find out what makes you content. That way, company or no company, you’ll be ok. There’s no doubt solo travel can boost your independence. Navigating unfamiliar places, making decisions, and solving problems on your own can be empowering and help you develop confidence in your own ability to cope. Everyone should try it at least once in life. ✈️🛳️😜