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It was a perfect 4th of July…until it wasn’t. I was watching one of my favorite movies when I received a text from my sister cancelling her reservation. Since we were scheduled to sail in just a little over two months, this presented a dilemma.
I had two options:
1. I could cancel my cruise and lose all my money.
2. I could go alone, save my vacation, keep fingers crossed that it would be a memorable adventure.
This led me to contemplate an interesting question. Why is it so scary to travel solo?
Here are my findings on this trending travel option:
A greater number of women are traveling by themselves due to being divorced, widowed, or their spouse chooses not to join them. According to Condor Ferries, 72% of American Women are choosing to travel solo. The biggest increase in solo travel comes from women aged 65 plus.
Statistics show that 9 out of 10 solo travelers, according to the Solo Traveler Reader Survey, opt to take tours. (I would add cruises to that.)
Here are three good reasons why women travel solo. (According to Google)
1. 46% of women said they enjoy the feeling of freedom and independence.
2. 22% said they don’t want to wait on other people.
3. 15% said it is a way to challenge themselves and gain confidence.
But again, the question remains: “Why is it so scary to travel solo?”
The two glaring reasons have to do with safety and loneliness.
An increasing number of women choose to travel with either a qualified tour company or cruise line. Either of these choices minimize the safety concerns while eliminating the loneliness factor.
I feel extremely comfortable and safe taking a cruise as a solo traveler. The cruise lines know when you exit the ship and return. You might be by yourself, but you’re not alone.
These are my six “traveling solo” recommendations:
1. Decide to have fun! – If you’re not going to have fun then you may as well stay home! My solo adventure was on the new Carnival Celebration. In addition to having fun, I wanted to familiarize myself with this ship to better advise my clients.
2. Don’t be afraid of eating alone in the dining room or restaurant. – Most ships tend to seat solo guests either at an assigned table with other guests or at a smaller table in the middle of two other tables so you can have a conversation with those seated around you. A friendly greeting is usually all it takes to get a conversation off to a fun start. (You can always order room service).
3. Do what “brings you joy” – It’s always a good idea to plan and pay for your selected excursions ahead of time. They often sell out. I prefer to plan so I know my schedule beforehand. Of course, there is nothing wrong with staying on the ship or at the resort and relaxing around the pool while the others onboard are off galivanting.
4. Plan Ahead – I prefer doing my research leaving nothing to chance. I suggest you make this vacation about YOU! Plan to do the things YOU want to do. If you prefer to stay aboard the ship, there will be plenty of activities to choose from. If you do join a guided tour, they too have your activities all planned out with free time scheduled in. (Remember there is also a concierge at resort hotels that can assist you with activities or restaurants outside of the resort area. So don’t be afraid to ask.)
5. Don’t be afraid to chat to other people – Whether you are at the pool, dining room, one of the shows, excursions, don’t be afraid to talk to other people. You can find out some useful information, meet your next BFF or just happen upon some genuinely nice people who might share common interests.
6. Stay Safe! – You often hear the saying, “Don’t look like a tourist!” This is easier said than done. But with some careful planning you can map out where you are going beforehand. On cruises I tend to stick with excursions that are provided through the cruise line. The primary reason for this is safety, and that the cruise line excursions will have you back onboard in time, so you’re not left behind.
NOTE: Remember to stay in sync with ship’s time. The port that you are in is not always on ship time. Local stops may be in a different time zone from the ship’s time.
Transportation is usually provided with excursions, but not always. If you must take a taxi to the excursion location, be cognizant of the fact that it is up to you to get back to the ship on time. Your customer service on board ship, or your concierge at the hotel can be helpful with connecting you to proper transportation.
I thoroughly enjoyed my solo vacation. In fact, I liked it so much I’ve decided to plan another solo trip next year.
What I learned was:
• It’s not lonely at all.
• I was surrounded by other fun people.
• The only person I had to worry about was myself.
• It’s the ultimate in self-care.
• It’s okay and there is no reason to be afraid.
My suggestion to you: Try it! (I bet you’ll like it!)
Here is a good solo travel vacation plan:
• Decide to have fun.
• Enjoy the quiet and solitude of dining alone if necessary.
• Do what “Brings You Joy.”
• Plan activities that interest you
• Don’t be shy. Talk to other people openly and freely.
• Be safe! Be aware! Be confident!
Resources:
• Condor Ferries; https://www.condorferries.co.uk/solo-travel-statistics#:~:text=POST%20COVID%2D19%20SOLO%20TRAVEL%20STATISTICS&text=Pre%2Dpandemic%2C%20only%2014%25,2019%20to%2023%25%20in%202021.
• Google
• Solo Traveler Reader Survey; Solo Traveler Newsletter
• Fast Company; https://www.fastcompany.com/90894469/what-the-growing-number-of-solo-women-globe-trekkers-means-for-the-future-of-travel
