Why shouldeveryone travel solo AT LEAST ONCE

BY TESS DE KLERK

Istill recall my rst extended solo adventure; it was a very youthful me, myself and my ridiculously oversized backpack travelling by public transport from cosmopolitan Istanbul to southern Turkey and back. And by public transport, I mean various ancient, wrecked busses and occasional lifts from willing locals on, mostly, mopeds. is epic journey took just under two months and left me forever a devotee of the mind-expanding practice of solo travel.

Travelling with others, be it friends, family or colleagues all have their advantages, of course. at said, travelling by myself has o ered me some of the best experiences and opportunities for personal growth, and I want to encourage everyone to try it, at least once. So, the next time you’re inspired by some fantastic destination but can’t nd a travel companion, do yourself a favour – consider the following and book that trip!

THE ULTIMATE FREEDOM is is probably one of the biggest reasons people like to travel solo; not to have any restrictions on one’s route, destination or timescale. Who has never had an argument with their travelling partner because you have di erent opinions on how to ll in your travel itinerary? Travelling solo means doing whatever you want, whenever you want and on a budget that you feel comfortable with.

MEETING PEOPLE YOU OTHERWISE WOULDN’T HAVE ink about it. ere’s a small group of friends or a couple at the next table. ey look like they’re close and having fun. How likely are you to join them? Or there’s a solo traveller propped up at the bar lea ng through a guide, occasionally looking up and chatting to the barman. More approachable? I also nd that local people are more likely to invite me to join them or visit their homes when I’m travelling sans partner. And I don’t think it’s out of pity or some nefarious intentions. No, one person is simply less daunting than a group.

YOU’RE MORE LIKELY TO DO RANDOM, ENRICHING THINGS

Going back to my Turkey trip, for example, had I been travelling with some friends, particularly male friends, the o er of doing belly dancing would have been summarily rejected. However, as I was able to do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted, I belly danced (badly) the night away with people I would never normally meet – and had the best time doing it.

LOTS OF ME-TIME

Travelling independently makes it easy to cancel that activity if you’d rather sleep in. Or catch up on that Net ix series that no-one else seems to like; feast on books, meditate, or whatever ‘me-time’ means to you.

A Great Way To Remind Yourself How Capable You Are

Even if you’re feeling apprehensive at rst, solo trips are a fantastic way to encourage resourcefulness and build self-con dence to take on the world. You’re near-guaranteed to return from your trip feeling more self-assured and empowered.

+ Super safe countries for newbie solo female travellers

Finland Iceland Japan

New Zealand Singapore Bali

AND A FEW DOWNSIDES TO SOLO TRAVEL…

Surely the main downside is that there is no-one special to share and remember those moments with, at least not someone you’ll be going back home with (well, who knows…?). You’ll have far fewer photos of yourself in amazing places; it’s unlikely that there will be someone to take care of you if you fall ill and, particularly as a female, you may get more unwanted attention than you would as part of a couple.

Regarding the unwanted attention from weirdos, keep these tips in mind to keep yourself safe:

• Don’t be afraid to say no, ASSERTIVELY. We can be so concerned with being polite that we may come across as timid. Remember that you’re travelling solo and don’t owe anyone anything.

• If you feel uncomfortable, just don’t be there any longer. Make your excuses and leave, you don’t have to explain why.

• Some destinations are safer than others, but as a general rule, avoid making yourself an easy target. When walking down the street, especially late at night, look like you know where you’re going and what you’re doing.

• Depending on your destination, it may be a good idea to leave the bling at home to avoid making yourself a shiny target.

• If you’re travelling to a conservative country, bring clothing that will allow you to blend in. Be mindful of the culture and traditions of the country so that you don’t attract unwanted attention.

As ever, the expectation in the name of a car conjures up an unconscious vision in advance as to what it might be like.

By FIONA SHAFER, Managing Director MD HUB