Solo travel: what’s stopping you?

Taking a break on your own is life-enhancing, and your holiday might even turn into a voyage of self-discovery. By Fiona Cullinan

Ever since 1738 when Lady Montagu ditched her husband for a series of hot-blooded lovers on the continent, women have been travelling alone for pleasure.

 

They've done it to escape domestic drudgery, divorce or to cope with the death of loved ones. For personal or career development. To find love (and/or sex). Maybe becasue no one else was available to go on holiday with them. Or simply because they were free spirits with the means to buy a ticket.

 

Yet despite a rich history of ladies striking out, going it alone is still often seen as brave or odd or, at the very least, a bit dodgy.

 

Still, there it is... palm-fringed sugar-sand beaches, ancient civilisations, exotic cultures, adventure, excitement, and the giddy lure of complete freedom. So if the idea appeals, what exactly is stopping you?

 

I'll be lonely...

The truth is, you're likely to meet far more people travelling on your own as friendships form more easily. 'The big and unexpected bonus to travelling alone is that people talk to you,' says Sarah Grahame, 52. 'From my seat neighbours on the plane to fellow hostel guests to local people... as a "single" person, you seem more approachable.'

 

Vicky Baker, who used the web to arrange stays with local contacts, and wrote about it for The Guardian, says: 'Many women who have never travelled alone before are understandably nervous about being lonely. One way to get over that is to ease in by arranging a group trip with a tour company or consider staying in a hostel, which will be brimming with sociable, solo travellers.'

 

I'll stand out like a sore thumb...

This is all about creating a comfort zone for those moments when you feel uncomfortable such as eating out alone or being on a bus full of local people.

 
The idea that solo travel is fraught with danger is also the biggest myth, with most women experiencing little or no troubleFrida, 55, says: 'Just knowing some greetings, numbers, question words and basic phrases as helpful. You can find freelance lessons on the internet - yes, even for Romanian!'  Try www.byki.com or language tutorials on YouTube.

 
And take a prop. An iPod, book or diary can instantly make you feel more comfortable, while a guitar is always a conversation-starter - if not an invitation to come and play.

 
Some travellers pick up a talking point along the way. One Glaswegian backpacker, who picked up a punctured monster tyre in Bangkok and rolled it on and off buses, tuk-tuks and boats all the way to Koh Phangan, was never short of people to talk to.

 

What about the practicalities?

While popping to the loo with a backpack is never easy, you can get creative. Nicki Walsh, 43, says: 'On a recent trip to Ibiza, I had no one to put cream on my back so I tied together two lots of sponges and brushes - one for applying suncream, the other for after-sun!'

 
Try not to overload yourself. The traveller's rule of three is ‘one to wear, one to wash and one to spare'. And double things up - a sarong can work as a towel, bedspread and long skirt. Or, take porterage money - there are generally plenty of taxis, porters and helpers who are only too willing to help you - and your luggage - get from A to B.

 
A big worry for soloists is getting ill. You can avoid many health problems by doing pre-trip research on vaccinations and malaria protection. Take a good first-aid kit and avoid bad water and unpeeled fruit and veg.

 
Lone females are always a target!

Safety may be the biggest concern for women travellers, but the idea that solo travel is fraught with danger is also the biggest myth, with most women experiencing little or no trouble.

 
Vicky Baker experienced no security issues during her four-month stint staying with local contacts worldwide, while Sarah Grahame, who travelled three-star solo in both China and northeast India, says, ‘I never felt anything other than safe, and did a fair bit of wandering at night - though my age (52) might have been a benefit!'

It often helps to follow the dress code. Modesty is an issue in many countries and you will get more respect (and less male hassle) by dressing appropriately.

 
If you do find a hand on your knee (or elsewhere!), know the local phrase for ‘Respect me!' and say it firmly and loudly. One Lonely Planet poster even recommended a squirt of Jungle Formula for persistent romeos in seach of ‘jiggy jiggy'.

 
Bottom line? Take your street smarts with you. If they work at home, they'll work abroad.

 

At my age, people might think I'm a saddo!

More likely they'll be envious, thinking you're an adventurous heroine! You can avoid image jitters by having a theme or reason for your trip. Voluntourism lets you book a holiday that involves some voluntary work. Or why not sign up for a language course in Europe, do massage training in Thailand, teach English in Timbuktu or book tango lessons in Buenos Aires? The options are endless.

 
Whatever the issue, you can ease your fears by visiting sites like Women-on-the-road.com and Journeywoman.com, which have lots of help and advice for female travellers. You can also post queries on a dedicated travel forum, such as the Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree. So... what's stopping you?

 

Read Fiona Cullinan's blog on travel matters - including local customs and what to wear 

 

 

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