Contrary to what many believe, solo traveling can be just as fun and exciting as traveling in a group with friends or family. Solo traveling allows the independence and space you need; this is the type of travel where you are in charge of your vacation.
While a solo tour is less planned, it offers more opportunities for adventure, immersion, and discovery. You don’t have to worry about compromising your trip because of something someone else wants to do, you don’t have to worry about sticking to a schedule if you decide you want to linger somewhere (or leave sooner than planned), and you’re free to experience people, events, and places as you encounter them, rather being being forced to stick to a predetermined schedule.
Solo Travelers Enjoy Special Savings
Some more reasons to take a solo vacation include:
- Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Without a guide or pre-planned activities, you’ll have to take more initiative in planning your outings. This means being willing to take a risk on activities you might not have otherwise, and a willingness to try things without a guide and without certainty. It takes a mind and a heart open to new experiences, but then, if you didn’t have those, you wouldn’t be taking a vacation, would you?
- Local people. Frequently, one of the best ways to get the most out of a solo vacation is to meet the locals themselves. Again, without a guide, you’ll have to be willing to reach out to some locals, but at the same time, this can be a great way to find out about hidden spots worth seeing, the best local restaurants and entertainment, and other things that guidebooks won’t tell you. The best way to meet locals is somewhere friendly and conducive to conversation: At a restaurant or café, sit at the counter or bar to maximize your ability to strike up a conversation. Consider open-air environments conducive to conversing with strangers, such as a farmer’s market.
- Local food. Speaking of the farmer’s market, it’s one of the best ways to get a real impression of what grows naturally in the vicinity and how the locals eat. Local restaurants can provide you with authentic cuisine in the local fashion without being tourist traps catering to American tastes. If you’re willing to put forth the effort to talk to locals, they may offer suggestions on their favorite places to eat, as well.
- Local customs. Try participating in events or on a schedule that’s outside of your own normal circumstances. In Paris, local markets open very early, and you’ll have to get up equally early to take full advantage. In places like Rio and Ibiza, a late lunch may give way to a siesta followed by a very late dinner and nightlife that runs until sunrise. You can always go back to your normal schedule once your vacation is over; why not try living like the locals live for a little while?
If all this sounds interesting to you, a solo tour may be right up your alley. Visit AffordableTours.com or call us at 1-800-935-2620 and one of our experienced professionals will help you book your next solo vacation.