The art of solo travel: The ticket to freedom?
Every year many Brits look forward to their annual summer holiday, planning and saving just to have a short break from reality, but recently people are deciding to take these journeys solo.
Solo travelling has increased rapidly with 16% of travellers claiming they took a holiday by themselves in the 12 months to August 2023, compared to 11% of travellers during the previous 12-month period – according to data from ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents)
After a difficult 2024 I decided to finally take the plunge and book myself a solo trip because I wanted to experience what it was like to be completely alone across the other side of the world, and to reconnect with myself after a tough few months. Australia has always been a bucket list trip for me as my parents travelled there when they were my age, so I was keen to experience the Aussie sun myself.
Before committing to Australia, I decided to book a small solo trip first to Ireland to gear myself up for the big solo adventure in the upcoming months.
Travel Journalist Anca Precub from Kent, spoke to me about why she enjoys solo travelling and recommendations for anyone wanting to start travelling by themselves:
Dublin was a one night stay and a great way to see if I was really cut out for the solo travel life, and it’s safe to say I loved it. Personally the freedom to explore a city by yourself without the worry or burden of having someone with you is liberating and it’s about learning to enjoy your own company and not rely on others for your happiness.
With Dublin completed it was finally time to explore Down Under. From personal experience I would always recommend starting with the east coast of Australia, as it is easier to navigate yourself through an English-speaking country, you can travel the whole east coast with just a single bus pass, and this area is more connected to backpackers. As a female solo traveller it helps the nerves knowing that you are heading to an area where the crime rate is considered relatively low.
My tips for people wanting to start solo travelling:
@holliespires Hope you inspired🫶🏻#fyp #solotravel #travel #australia
Travelling solo has become a trend on Tik Tok, with people wanting to immerse themselves in the culture of new destinations. The increase in people wanting to solo travel is partly due to the desire to make up for lost time after the pandemic, and the popularity of influencers on social media promoting independent exploration.
@holliespires A bucket list moment ticked off🫶🏻my parents have always been my inspiration for everything I do, this was honestly the scariest but most surreal experience of my whole life, my dad did his skydive in Australia when he was my age so I wanted to make him proud and do the same🫶🏻fear is temporary but regret is forever #skydiving #australia #eastcoast #airliebeach
The safest places to visit as a female solo traveller:
- Australia
- Sri Lanka
- Japan
- Lisbon
- Iceland
- Singapore
If your looking to book a solo trip in the upcoming months check outhttps://www.gap360.com/ for deals, excursions and trips to satisfy your travel craving.