Solo Travel

If you are getting out of your comfort zone and heading off on a solo travel adventure this summer, good for you. Gone are the days when solo travel was just for backpackers on a gap year, as today more people than ever before are travelling alone and exploring the world. A solo adventure abroad can be great fun, but here are a few things you need to bear in mind to make the most of your trip.

Insurance is not optional

Don't underestimate the importance of travel insurance if you are flying solo. Whether you are spending a few months travelling around the US or a few weeks in Asia, you could be hit by a huge bill if you have a medical emergency abroad. Annual multi-trip insurance from insurefor.com is the ideal way to protect yourself abroad, no matter how many adventures you undertake over the next 12 months. You would be surprised how cheap annual multi-trip insurance can be, with cover starting from just a few pounds. Without travel insurance to protect you, you could be left out of pocket if you become ill or are involved in an accident on your travels, although hopefully this won't happen.

Safety first

Safety is a major consideration for those travelling alone. Make sure you pack a money belt, use the safes at your hotel or hostel, and invest in a high-quality, secure padlock for your luggage. Common sense also applies; for example, walking home alone late at night in quiet areas is probably not the best idea. Don't take any risks that you wouldn't take at home.

Try something new

Safety and insurance aside, a solo holiday is all about trying new things. With nobody to hold you back, the world is quite literally your oyster. Have you always wanted to go abseiling, water skiing or bungee jumping? Now is your chance. Whether you have been daydreaming about seeing the Great Wall of China or island hopping in Thailand, travelling on your own means that you can set your own schedule and make time for all the things you want to see without missing out on anything.

Meet new friends

Keep an open mind on your solo trip, as you never know who you might meet. Part of the fun of going it alone is the people you meet along the way ‒ other solo travellers, couples, families, local people ‒ and who knows, you may even end up travelling together. If you are not totally confident about travelling on your own, you could even book yourself on a holiday aimed at solo travellers and enjoy the company of other single people on an organised tour holiday. If you can't find anyone who wants to travel with you this year, don't let that hold you back ‒ make 2015 the year for solo travel.