Have you thought about Traveling Around the World Solo, but are a bit nervous about it? Not sure where to go or how to go about it?
Let me start by saying I love to travel. I have been traveling since I was a kid (luckily for me, I had parents who loved to travel and exposed me to it early in my life), and when I was old enough to start traveling I did so, whether someone could go with me or not. As my mom would say, “What do you want to do, stay home or get out there and see the world?”
My husband enjoys traveling but can’t always get out of work for long(ish) trips, so we do short trips when he can travel and I do longer trips on my own. It can be difficult to find a traveling companion for many reasons (financial, family obligations, not enough vacation time at the job), and so you have to decide: stay home or get out there and see the world!
Considerations for Traveling Around the World Solo
Costs
So, what do you need to think about when traveling alone? Firstly, like any other vacation, you have to look at your budget. One major point to consider is what the travel industry calls a Single Supplement. This is a percentage of the total cost of the trip that is added on for single travelers. It may be 125% -150% of the cost of the trip or higher, depending on the tour company or cruise line. What this means is, for example, if you book a trip that costs $3,000. per person and you are traveling alone, you will pay a single supplement which would make your trip cost $4,000. at 125%. So the first thing you want to look at is: Is there a single supplement, and if so, how much? Periodically a tour company or cruise line will offer specials where they lower the supplement, so always ask about that when doing your research. This is one of those ‘ah-ha’ moments when you feel you need a travel agent, and you do! An agent will help you navigate all of the unknowns!
A few cruise lines have realized that solo travelers are out there and ready to cruise, so they have actually added a category of cabins for solo travelers. Norwegian Cruise Line and Holland America have both done this.
Transportation
You will also need to consider your transportation once you arrive at your destination. When I am traveling alone, I usually use a car service to pick me up at the airport and take me to my hotel or resort. If I’m arriving at night or very early morning, or if I am in a city I am not familiar with, I definitely hire a car service. If I am in a city that I am familiar with, public transportation works well as long as I feel it’s safe (not too late at night). It is definitely worth spending the extra money for the car service in my opinion. Not only do I feel it is safer, but it’s nice to have someone help you with your bags, too! Using the subway with a suitcase and carry on can be a bit of a struggle. Keep in mind if you are traveling in Europe, not all train stations and hotels have elevators. It is always a good idea to pack light. I have been in airports and train stations with too many bags and it can be difficult to get to where you need to go without help.
Okay, so now you or your travel agent have figured out what you can afford and where you want to go, you have your trip booked and your transportation set up. What happens once you get to your destination?
Touring
I will say that you will want to be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially in larger cities such as London, Paris or Rome. Don’t let any fear deter you from having a wonderful vacation! Buy a good guide book, do some homework and choose the things you want to do while there. My personal favorite guidebooks are DK Eyewitness, but there are many good ones out there. Take it with you to read through as you are traveling or do look at the maps before you start your day. There are also guide books specifically for solo travelers.
Make a plan for your day. What museum do you really want to see? What is local food that you must try? If you are in Paris, take a walk along the Seine and stop for a croissant and café au lait in a small café that isn’t too close to any tourist spots (you want the local experience, not the tourist experience).
Your Own Agenda
Traveling alone allows you a bit of freedom to experience some things that you may not have had a chance to do if you are with a group. I have been to New York more times than I can count, but always with family or friends. We would see a show, do some shopping and have a great dinner. Always a good day. A few years ago I decided to go alone to do some of the things that I never got to do, like take a long walk through Central Park! I took my camera, and walked and walked and took photos and had the best day! No time constraints to make the showtime, or dinner reservation, or even just being with someone who would have thought I was crazy for walking through Central Park on a freezing snowy day taking photos. It was AMAZING. I think when I travel alone I see things a little differently.
Don’t be afraid to get out there and travel solo! And if you need some help, just let me know!
