If you’ve been feeling uninspired, drained, or just over it (and everyone) in general, a solo trip may be just what you need to recharge. The thought of going at it alone might seem scary – but the rewards are worth it.
If you’ve been feeling uninspired, drained, or just over it (and everyone) in general, a solo trip may be just what you need to recharge. The thought of going at it alone might seem scary – but the rewards are worth it.
Thanks to budget airlines, portable Wi-Fi devices and AirBnb, the world is more accessible than ever, so it’s no surprise that more and more women are travelling solo.
Klook, a digital platform that curates and organises activities for travellers, is one of the many travel companies noticing this new trend. “The majority of our pre-booking enquiries are made by women,” says Singapore Manager Chuan Sheng, who cites Japan, Korea, and Thailand as being their top destinations of choice.
Excited yet? Here are a few things to remember before going solo.
Safety first, always
Not having to constantly worry and look over your shoulder all the time is the easiest way to make sure you have a good time on your own. Some destinations like Japan and Switzerland are rated highly in terms of safety, which could be good places for your first solo trip.
This girl gets around
You’ve just arrived at your destination and are probably tired from the flight – so figuring out the safest way to your accommodation is the last thing you want to have to do. Plan in advance and take into consideration what time you’ll be arriving so you’ll be stress-free when you touch down, whether you’re renting a car, taking the train, or booking a taxi.
These days, ride-hailing apps like Uber and Grab have a handy “share your ride” feature that lets you share your journey with someone so they can track your route. Not all countries have Uber or Grab, of course, and even if they do, sometimes taxis are the safer option. In any case, snap a picture of the license plate and send it to someone before going on a long ride.
Where to stay
Free to be (just) me
While almost all group activities can be adapted for an individual, let’s face it, there are some things, like going to an amusement park, that you wouldn’t want to do alone. When choosing a destination, look for places that have activities you’d be happy to do by yourself, such as visiting museums or walking through a city. Hanging out where there are other solo travellers can be more enjoyable as well. You could even do some activities together – but don’t feel obliged to hang out after. It’s your trip after all.
As always, practice makes perfect, and with solo travel, the benefits are all about you. “The more solo travel you do, the more you understand yourself, and the better you can plan,” says Chuan Sheng. It’s empowering to do it all for yourself. It can teach you more about what you like, don’t like and what you absolutely can’t live without (Wi-Fi, anyone?). So while the thought of heading out alone might be intimidating, think of it more as being with your best possible company – yourself.
Forget-me-nots
Studies show that women are more meticulous than men when it comes to travelling, but it’s still easy to forget things you don’t do in your ordinary routine at home.
Make copies of all your legal documents (passport, visas and driver’s licenses). Keep a set with you and send digital copies to your family in case of emergency.
Always tell someone where you’re going if you’re heading to a new city or remote destination. Not only is it good to have someone know of your rough whereabouts; your family and friends may be concerned if they’re trying to contact you and you can’t be reached.
Be sure to take a card from the hotel with its address and phone number Don’t just write it down as the hotel’s card will have the information written in the country’s native language.
Rather than storing valuables in a safe, travel experts say to keep valuables in an inconspicuous location to avoid being targeted. Go one step further by splitting them up into several different hiding spots to minimise damage if you were to be robbed.
Perks of solo travelling from a veteran
Jess, a seasoned traveller who has explored London, Paris, Barcelona and Osaka independently says, “When I’m alone, I’m not distracted by a companion and I’m able to fully take everything in and immerse myself in my surroundings.” She encourages everyone to try solo travelling at least once in their lives. Although she advises constant awareness and added caution when you’re alone, she also adds that women shouldn’t be paranoid, because that in itself could create a bad experience. Her number one piece of advice? “Walk the streets and just wander; don’t listen to music, since drowning out the sound of your surroundings can be dangerous – just connect with the city and enjoy your own company.”
Images 123RF.com Text Claire Soong.
