Travel Tips for Solo Travellers

I have been in the travel industry for over 30 years and am in awe at the number of opportunities that are now available for todays solo traveller.  Over the years I have researched and visited over 70 countries.  The more I travel solo, the more I realise how important a framework of  good hotels, transfers along with some pre-booked sightseeing is essential, leaving time to just relax, explore and enjoy a destination without hassle.  Making your travel arrangements in advance with a professional Travel Agent or Broker who only deals with reliable tour designers such as ourselves really does eliminate many of the potential problems you could face while on holiday.

From Cycling and Sailing through Croatia to Small Ship Sailing or Cruise holiday in the Med, experiencing Russia, the Baltics and Eastern Europe, or taking a more adventurous trip to Jordan, Oman and Egypt in your choice of hotel from 3 to 5 star with all the necessary frameworks in place, there are endless opportunities.  Your imagination is the only limitation. Think about those 'buck list' destination and experiences that you've always dreamed of - and check out our website for ideas to make it happen.

If you can't find a holiday that suits you -- contact us about creating your own itinerary with our professional assistance  - then think about inviting your friends and/or family to join you.

An example of this could be booking out a villa in Tuscany as a base, a CroisiEurope vineyards cruise through the wine growing areas of France such as Burgundy or Provence, a Lifestyle Cycle Tour based on a boat in Croatia or Italy, or wandering through the magical Ancient Kingdoms.

Robyn Galloway
Managing Director, The Innovative Travel Company.

Avoiding potential hazards as a solo traveller

Exercise hotel safety

There are many ways you can make a solo stay at a hotel safer. At check-in, you might consider asking for a room near the elevator so you won't need to walk down long, potentially ill-lit hallways to reach your room. When filling out guest registration forms, consider using your first initial instead of your name, and skip the "Mrs/Miss/Mr" check box.

If you're at a hotel that requires you to leave your keys at the front desk, make sure that a desk clerk is there to put your key in a safe place; never just leave it on the counter.

Use common sense

Using common sense is perhaps the single best tip for staying safe and having a good time while you're travelling alone. This category includes the usual recommendations: only walk in public areas or streets where there are many other people; if you have agreed to meet someone that you don't know well, make sure you meet in a public place such as a restaurant or bar in a popular area; if taking public transport sit where there are other people (eg: choose a train compartment with other people in it already);  don't compromise safety to save a few bucks on a hotel or transportation.

Exude confidence

Whether you're on a street at home or 7,000 miles away, walking confidently and with direction is an effective technique for deterring unwanted attention, since appearing lost or confused can make you vulnerable. If you are lost, walk into a shop or restaurant and ask for directions there. Try to avoid obviously looking at maps while you're in the street. Study your route before you go, or find one of those wallet-sized maps that you can discreetly palm and refer to on the sly.

Know when to buddy up

Travelling alone doesn't always mean being alone. There are plenty of situations in which seeking out company can make for a safer and more enjoyable experience.  For example, if you are not comfortable walking alone from your resort into town for dinner, invited a couple you've met during the day (at the pool, at breakfast, on a sightseeing tour etc.) to join you.

Boutique hotels are great places to find like-minded travellers to explore new places with. And even when you can't find someone to buddy up with, there are often ways to associate yourself with others so you'll be less likely to be bothered. In some countries, there are women-only sections in trains and women's waiting rooms at train stations. Sticking close to families on public transportation and in unfamiliar public markets and bazaars is another technique some women use.

Note from Robyn: There are some styles of holiday which lend themselves to a more ideal way of exploring a destination that travelling solo such as CroisiEurope River Cruising, Small Ship Cruising in the Med, or a coach tour (including Small Group departures)

How to combat harassment

A few might argue that it's just a well-developed appreciation of women, but unsolicited stares, calls, and attention feel more like harassment when you're alone in unfamiliar territory. Having a repertoire of harassment deterrents can be as important to women travellers as a sturdy pair of shoes and a passport.
A combination of a basic understanding of the local language and the ability to feign total ignorance is a useful deterrent. After all, "it's not as fun to harass someone who can't play back." As an extension, not engaging with people who are bothering you can make you a less interesting target.
If you want to avoid being approached during lulls in activity, such as while waiting for or while travelling on trains, it can be a good idea to carry a novel or paper for writing to friends (they miss you, you know, and want to hear how your trip is going). That way, you've got a prop that makes you look busy and involved.
If a situation of harassment escalates, making a scene can sometimes be effective. Many societies place a high premium on respecting social norms, so drawing attention to harassment in a loud and clear manner may solve the problem. The phrase "leave me alone" is a handy one to learn.

Note from Robyn: if travelling on a pre-planned holiday where transfers and a reasonable quality of hotel is included this situation can be easily avoided.  If travelling in winter a solid umbrella can be useful.

Research body language and culture

Depending on the country, seemingly innocuous gestures such as eye contact, shaking hands, smiling, and small talk can be construed as come-ons. Learning the subtleties of body language and local culture before you arrive can prevent awkward or misleading situations.

Reading up on the culture before you go can also make your trip more enlightening and enjoyable. When in doubt, spend some time observing those around you, and then follow suit. And if you're someone who likes to people watch or study faces, a dark pair of sunglasses can come in handy to avoid any confusion about eye contact.

Note from Robyn: When you book an Ancient Kingdoms holiday to diverse destinations such as Egypt, Jordan or Oman, full tour notes are included which include useful tips on the local culture.

Keep your documents safe

If you choose to wear a money belt, use it for storage and not as a purse. Constantly reaching under your shirt for money draws attention to it, and tends to defeat the purpose. Instead, keep your passport, extra stores of money, and other important documents tucked away, and use a bag or purse for carrying daily spending money. 

Keep copies of your passport and credit cards in a separate and secure location. Some people slip copies of such documents under the insoles of shoes. They may not smell great, but they'll be there if you need them.

Note from Robyn:  I always carry approximately Euro 50 / USD 50 in a pocket as "mugger money" to ensure a quick getaway.  Fortunately, I have never had to us this....but it seems to me like an easy solution to placate a potential mugger

Keep in touch

If you're travelling alone, it will be important to have a few regular contacts who can keep tabs on you. Leave a general itinerary behind with family and friends, and send regular emails so that people at home know about where you are. You can also register your trip with the Consulates online. Registering a trip means that the embassy knows of your presence in a country; this can be especially helpful when travelling in dangerous areas or in the event of a natural disaster.

Note from Robyn: When you travel with Ancient Kingdoms Holidays you will be provided with a local representative to contact in case of an emergency.  We are also able to convey a message from home to the local representative to pass onto you in case of a family emergency.

Dress appropriately

To avoid attracting unwanted attention, dress as conservatively as the women you see around you. This doesn't necessarily mean donning the traditional dress, as that can sometimes backfire. A good rule of thumb is to dress modestly. Think knee-length or longer skirts. Bare arms, shoulders, and legs are considered risqué in some countries, so do some research before you go and once you're there. Note which body parts the local women cover and do the same.

Note from Robyn: Also in our trip notes for Ancient Kingdoms Holidays you will receive full trip notes prior to departure, which include useful tips on which clothing is suitable for the destination, including visits to religious sites.  These notes are for both men & women.

Awareness and a bit of street-smarts are the keys to safe and happy travels.

Arrive during the day

Arrive in new cities during the day. Areas around bus and train stations can be scary and/or deserted, and small towns tend to shut down early. Plenty of beautiful towns can appear eerie at night, and locals who are genuinely trying to help you can appear unnecessarily threatening. Arriving during the day means you'll be able to find a place to stay and get your bearings before dark.

Note from Robyn: However - if you are travelling with the Innovative Travel Company you will be met by local guides, so this will never be an issue.