It may seem daunting, but taking the plunge and travelling alone is a rewarding experience for adventure-seekers. Leave your travel troop at home and you’ll find yourself appreciating your breathing space, treading your own path and meeting all sorts of new and exciting people. Whether you’re going solo for the first time or want to add spice to your single traveller ideas, here are 5 great solo travel tips. Plus, get our low-down on how to reap the benefits of YHA hostel-hopping as an individual. Here are some solo travel tips…
1) You can do the activities you want with no compromises
From family holidays with a super-organised parent to group trips with packed schedules, you may already be longing for an adventure without a pre-made plan! Travelling solo means you don’t have to follow anyone else’s lead, so fill your solo journey with your fave activities and interests – there’s nobody around for them to clash with.
2) It’s easy to meet and mingle with exciting new people
If you’re already in a huddle of mates, you may feel less inclined to strike up a conversation with someone new. Going solo gives more opportunities to get to know other solo travellers and network with people with similar tastes. Break the ice over drinks in a hostel social space or by offering to cook a meal for your new friends!
3) You have the freedom to experience things at your own pace
Want to spend two hours looking at the same breathtaking view, or wake up at the break of dawn to explore everything in sight? No problem! If you’re travelling solo then you can experience things at your own speed – without the frustration of feeling rushed, or having to wait for sleepy companions to catch up with you.
4) It’s easy to meet and mingle with exciting new people
If you’re already in a huddle of mates, you may feel less inclined to strike up a conversation with someone new. Going solo gives more opportunities to get to know other solo travellers and network with people with similar tastes. Break the ice over drinks in a hostel social space or by offering to cook a meal for your new friends!
5) You come back with a new-found sense of responsibility
There’s nothing like the feeling of doing it all on your own! Travelling alone can be challenging, but the rewards of being self-sufficient are priceless. Your first time as a solo traveller will stretch your organisational and problem-solving skills, give you amazing stories to tell, and will look super impressive on your CV. A very important solo travel tip!
6) Stay social when you travel solo at our YHA hostels by:
Hanging out in our amazing social spaces – YHA London Oxford Street‘s lounge is legendary for meeting new people, and YHA Brighton‘s bar is the perfect setting for networking with those creative types!
Eating a tasty meal together with fellow guests. It’s a lovely opportunity to share stories about your travels over some delicious grub.
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