Janice Waugh is publisher of Solo Traveler, the blog for those who travel alone. She has been quoted in the Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, LA Times, Toronto Star and many other media outlets. Her blog offers solo travel stories, tips, safety advice and destination ideas as well as a couple of free ebooks including ‘Glad You’re Not Here: a solo traveler’s manifesto’ This article was published in The Travel Word – click here to read it all
Should you travel solo?
Should you go to another country, or even travel within your own, alone?
Is it fun? Is it safe? Is it a holiday?
Janice answers a definitive Yes, on all counts!
Solo travel is an amazing opportunity for adventure. It’s a chance to discover yourself as you discover the world. It is safe. It is fun. You’ll also meet more people – locals and travellers – than you would travelling with a companion. You’ll have amazing experiences you will never forget.
These are reasons for everyone, men and women, to travel alone. But there are additional reasons specifically for women to head out solo, especially those who are, or plan to be, partners and mothers.
So here they are, my top five reasons for women to travel solo:
- Learn how capable you are before you get tied down to a partner and children…
- Have a last hurrah before you have children…
- Take a break from endless daily responsibilities and come back refreshed…
- Build confidence after a divorce or loss…
- Eat dessert first…
Solo travel is an enriching, enjoyable way to travel.
Click here to read the whole article
hello ! 😀 my names carrie and im only a teenager but i was wondering wether i could get some advice perhaps because i plan to travel solo when im done with uni, i havent even finished school yet though but im planning on taking two years and a half to travel the world though i have some questions to the which i have not found answers yet . ie, how much will it cost to travel the world ? booking cheap flights/ trains/ coaches etc. staying in realtively cheap places, cheap but safe though and taking a few luxuries often like spas, restaurants, shopping, partying, etc . Also what sort of precautoins should i take to stay safe, ie. countries at war, thieves things like that .
to whoever it may concern, thank you in advance .
HI carrie, a great plan – I would just keep searching the internet for others who have done it, and get as much information as you can. its a great dream to have!
I agree with everything you said. I am really looking into traveling solo. I would love to travel with friends, but something always seems to come up and the plans get scrapped, and I end up sitting on the sidelines — frustrated and disappointed. So as I said before, I am looking into this. I hope I can find the right resources and meet great friends on these excursions!
great Janice! 🙂
have you visited Egypt?
You couldn’t have said it better – Solo travel is a chance to discover yourself as you discover the world! By traveling solo, you can learn more about yourself and build the confidence to do anything!
I recently spent two months travelling solo around south east Asia and foudn it the most rewarding, inspirational and satisfying trip i have ever done! I could wake up every day and make my own plans, decided where i wanted to go next and for how long and met the most amazing people along the way!! I came accross a few challenging situations, but they really helped me grow mentally, emotionally and some even physically. As for being solo? HARDLY! You just talk to other solo’s! find someone dicing alone, travelling in the same bus/van/boat/plane and introduce yourself. Share stories. If you get on well, then you have a new friend for your time visiting, if not – then a great single serving conversation and perhaps some advice for your next destination. I met so many people along my journey, travelled with one girl from Amsterdam for a week, and actually just bumped into two irish girls i met in Laos a few days back in Melbourne – we’re going out for dinner tonight!!
Also, it made me strong and inspired me to continue living like i’m holiday in my daily life – meeting new people, rising to challenges and taking opportunities as they present themself. I no longer hold back, i embrace life living as if it were my last 6 months on earth.
Solo travel is exciting, adventurous, inspiring and something i recommend to every girl/lady/woman. Now, where to next?
Mon x
It is definitely a brilliant idea for women to travel solo. But trust me if you don’t plan your travel then going solo can be a nightmare. I have experienced this once & it was a hell of a lot of pain and irritation. I then decided to travel only with popular travel agencies, they not only plan carefully but also take care of all your basic needs & comfort. I have tried multiple travel companies like thomascook, sotc & Cox & Kings but in my humble opinion for me, Cox & Kings was the best. Their site http://www.coxandkings.com lists everything that is covered and not covered in a package & it is much easier for me to book my travel package right from their website. SOTC is also good.
Advice on travelling solo to Medan Indonesia.
Hi there.
I am a woman in my 30’s who will be travelling to Medan in Indonesia from the UK on my own (first time travelling alone) end of August/beginning September…excited but also nervous about what to do if anything should go wrong or if I get lost! Would really appreciate any top tips or advice on travelling alone and if anyone has travelled to Medan in Indonesia in particular on their own? Anything to be aware of/watch out for??
Thanks in advance.