More and more of us are now seeing the country – and the world – by ourselves, to the extent that around 18% of those who book a trip travel alone. That’s according to the latest global survey 2022-2023 by the website Solo Traveler. Executives at Airbnb agree. Their research shows that post-pandemic, around 26% of all bookings are from solo travellers.
And it’s not just intrepid millennial backpackers or Gen Z who fancy setting out on their own and signing up for an adventure tour group – the trend is being taken up by all age groups, especially those aged 60 years or over. Tour group Explore Worldwide has set up a group specifically for this demographic.
So, if your ready to explore the world at your own pace or join a tour group heading to a worldwide location, keep reading! As we’ve compiled a list of everything that you’ll need to pack before setting out on your solo adventures!
Luggage.
Try, if you can, to take as little luggage as possible. For instance, can you pack all you need into just your hand luggage? That way, it’s easy to store overhead on a train, and you won’t have to pay for luggage in the hold if you can get your bag into the plane’s cabin.
Also, the less luggage you have, the less likely you are to lose it or have it stolen. It will also be far easier to carry, meaning you won’t need to pay for a taxi to get to your initial destination. You won’t need to tip a porter to bring it to your room.
Clothing.
Yes, it may be part of your luggage, but such a big part that we thought it deserved a section all to itself. First, every item you pack must be versatile and go with lots of other clothing you take. That means packing along one colour palette. By this, we suggest having one base colour, such as black, brown or white and one colour, such as grey, to contrast. Finally, pack an accent colour, such as red or green.
If you’re going hiking, or planning on doing anything physical on your adventures, make sure you wear your walking boots or any heavy footwear whilst travelling. Take two pairs of comfortable shoes – a dressy pair and trainers or sandals.
Clothes that have multiple uses are always a good idea, for example, a pashmina that can work as a beach cover-up, throw at night and cover from the sun and a scarf or necklace can dress up a casual T-shirt.
Money.
When out and about, ensure you know where your money is at all times (a belt bag that can be kept under your clothes is a great place to keep notes whilst on the go). Always store any money you’re not taking with you in a safe, whether in the room or at reception. Use a travel credit card, such as Revolut or Travel Money from the Post
Office, so you don’t get charged interest when swapping currencies. Also, keep in mind that many ATM’s in foreign countries charge fees to withdraw money, so factor in any potential fees when budgeting for your trip.
Travel insurance.
If you get money or valuables stolen, then at least you won’t be out of pocket if you sign up for travel insurance before leaving for your trip. Travel insurance will also cover any unexpected hospital stays and medical bills if you get injured or fall ill and may reimburse your holiday fees if you get caught up in a storm or other natural disaster.
Safety.
Also, it is crucial that you let someone you trust know where you are at any given time. Whether it’s sharing your location with your friends and family back home or informing the receptionist at your accommodation when and where you are heading out to. Make sure you write down the address or take a card that advertises your accommodation so you will always be ask directions in the local language.
Be careful if you’re in a large city on your own at night – just as you would at home. Always keep a close eye on your drinks and be sure to look out for scammers.
Documents.
It’s a good idea to keep electronic copies of your passport, visa and insurance so that you always have them to hand. Do this by taking photos of the important info and emailing them to yourself, this means you can access them on any device.
Keep your real-time location secret.
We know that it can be extremely tempting to snap a picture of that amazing view or that delicious meal you’re eating and share it on social media instantly. But try and wait a few days, or even until after your trip, to post those holiday snapshots – this way, your real-time location cannot be traced – well only by the people you trust. Also never share your accommodation information online throughout your stay.
And now for the less serious aspects of travelling solo:
Selfie stick.
Unless you want to be constantly badgering other people to take a photo of you, or if you have nailed your selfie angle, it’s best to take a selfie stick, that way, you get the image you want to (rather than what someone else thinks should be in the background). If you’re more of a landscape or people photographer, it might be worth carrying a tripod with you rather than a selfie stick.
Make a playlist.
Get a list of all your favourite songs and download them to your phone. Not only will you love listening to them at the time, but when you hear them again once you are home, they’ll bring back happy memories of your holiday.
Wear a wedding ring.
If you want to avoid uninvited advances, then wearing a fake wedding ring can be a great way around this – especially if you enjoy going to bars on your own. The ring doesn’t have to be pricey – just so long as it sparkles and is big enough to spot.
Learn some phrases.
Knowing how to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ in the local language isn’t just helpful, it also usually gets you a smile from people who live there. It shows you’ve made some effort to understand a little of the language and culture, and bar or retail staff tend to appreciate that.
Listen to your gut.
If something doesn’t ‘feel’ right, then it probably isn’t best for you to proceed, whether that’s a person, place or new activity. Meeting new folk is great, provided they’re your kind of people. If going to a new location, do some research so you know the best areas to visit and also those to avoid. Wherever your next adventure takes you, Stansted Express is always here to offer hassle-free transfers from Stansted Airport. With tickets starting from just £9.70, what’s the wait? Book your dream adventure today!
