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Flying Solo
Sarah Drury
A Guide for the Solo Traveller
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to take a holiday on your own? Perhaps you’ve always wanted to go somewhere but not had the opportunity before. Maybe your usual travel partner isn’t interested in visiting that destination on your bucket list. If you’ve never ventured out on your own before it can be a daunting prospect, especially if you’re thinking of an overseas trip.
There’s no denying that solo travel will usually take you out of your comfort zone if you’ve never done it before. Planning and preparation are key to making sure your first experience of solo travel is a great one and inspires you to do more of it.
language barriers, currency, travel infrastructure, local customs, meeting people and safety are probably what you’re thinking about right now; how do you manage all of this before you even get there and just how easy is it once you’ve arrived at your destination? Let’s take things step by step and get you on your first solo trip!
Package holiday or self-organised?
If you really want a gentle introduction to solo travel, there are plenty of companies that organise package holidays specifically for the solo traveller. These allow you to instantly meet fellow solo travellers who are possibly testing the waters just like you are. These packages have organised tours and visits which you can opt in or out of, so you’re not committed if you fancy venturing out on your own, or just feel like a day by the pool. Your holiday representative can give you help with any concerns you may have, and you’ll never be alone if you don’t want to be. I’ve done this myself and whilst I enjoyed it and I appreciated the company when I wanted it, I did find I was missing a sense of adventure and challenge. However, these holidays are perfect for those of you who just want a taster or prefer to have some company. One that I’ve used in the past is
JustYou.
if you fancy going on a cruise, there are operators that offer cruises specifically for the solo traveller which will allow you to meet up with fellow passengers and creates a great opportunity to make new acquaintances and friends. Remember, 'solo' cruises can be very different to a 'singles' cruise, where you may get more than you bargained for - unless you are actively looking for a holiday romance!
Wendy Wo Tours offer a bit more of a taste of the exotic. They're also one of the most popular tour operators for over 55s and probably the No 1 for tours to China.
Accommodation
As a solo traveller organising your own itinerary, it’s very important to research accommodation thoroughly. You need to consider a number of things:
- Do you prefer a small hotel, hostel (all female dorms if you’re female), B&B, self-catering accommodation, or would you feel more comfortable in a larger, perhaps more commercial hotel with plenty of people around and meals provided?
- Is the location close to the area you want to explore?
- Does the location have the infrastructure in place to travel around the local area easily and to travel further afield if your accommodation is going to be ‘base camp’?
- Is the location of your accommodation in an area regarded as safe? You can reach out to groups on social media if you want independent opinions and look on websites to get a feel for this.
Currency
Make sure you know which currency is used in your destination(s) and be sure you have some before you travel so you can tip and have a back-up in case your credit/debit card is rejected, not accepted or is lost/stolen. where you get your currency is worth researching, look out for the best exchange rates and lowest commission rates.
before travelling check if your card provider charges a transaction fee for using it overseas. Alternatively, you could get a pre-paid travel card where you load your chosen currency onto it before you travel and it can then be used on your trip like a normal debit card, many of these don't charge a transaction fee.
Safety
Safety is one of the biggest concerns for most solo travellers (and for your friends and family left at home) so here are a few tips which will help keep you safe & sound:
- Arrange airport transfers in advance – not only will this alleviate stress but it will also mean you get to your accommodation safely, especially if you arrive at night.
- Let friends and family know where you are - give them a copy of your itinerary including details of flights and hotels and corresponding phone numbers (you might not get a mobile signal where you’re staying). Doing this will ensure someone knows where you should be and that you are always contactable.
- Keep in touch - call, text, social media, whatever is easiest, it lets people know you are safe and alerts them if they don’t hear from you in a while.
- Use social media - there are plenty of groups that may help you explore and even meet up locally if you want to go somewhere where there is safety in numbers.
- Don’t attract attention
– observe local dress codes and learn as much as you can about the culture of the area. Wear low-key and inexpensive jewellery, perhaps consider wearing a cheap wedding or engagement rings, especially if you’re female. Don’t wear expensive and branded clothes whilst travelling around and make sure your belongings are safely stowed in a cross body, zipped bag to deter pick-pocketers. Money belts hidden under clothes are a good idea and don’t ‘flash the cash’.
- Use technology - There are some fantastic bits tech available these days. Like Apple's AirTag, a super-easy way to keep track of your stuff. A personal alarm is a good idea and can help you feel more secure, should you ever feel threatened and be aware of local scams and areas you should avoid so you are less likely to need it. Carry a battery powered charger – should your phone battery run low. A small torch is always handy.
- Use public transport wisely – Research the public transport system so you don’t look obviously bewildered by it all and check when it’s possible and safest to travel.
- Keep safe in your accommodation - take a travel door lock for extra security especially if staying in a hostel and remember, hotel lobbies are a great hang-out for pick-pockets.
- Trust your instincts – if it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Use your common sense when making decisions, perhaps even defer the decision-making until you’ve had the chance to do some research.
It’s a lot to think about but definitely worth the effort to make that solo trip the holiday of a lifetime!
When packing for your holiday have you really considered if your sunscreen has the right protection factor for you and is appropriate for the outdoor activities you’re looking forward to? It’s worth spending some time making sure you have exactly what you need so you can enjoy your holiday to the full without fear of burning and causing skin damage. But when it comes to purchasing supermarket and branded sunscreens, it can be difficult to decide which one is best for you. Branded products aren't always better, supermarket alternatives can work just as well for you, it all depends on personal preference and your budget. Whichever you decide to purchase, the packaging will tell you if its the best option for you. What are you likely to see on the packaging and how do you know what protection a sunscreen offers? Looking carefully at the packaging can reveal alot about how much protection is offered. You are looking for three things: SPF (Sun Protection factor) – this is the number on the front of the packaging and usually ranges from 2 (very low) to 50+ (very high). People often think this is an indicator of how long you can stay out in the sun - it isn’t, it tells you how protected you are before your skin burns and this usually depends on the type of skin you have. If you have fair skin, you need a higher protection factor. But this isn’t the whole story, you need to look at the UVA and UVB rating as well. UVA and UVB - what does it mean? UVA and UVB are two types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. While both can cause skin damage, they differ in their intensity and the type of damage they cause. UVA rays are more intense, penetrate deeper into the skin, and can cause wrinkles, age spots, other signs of premature aging and skin cancer. UVB rays are less intense but can still cause sunburn, skin cancer, and other forms of skin damage. It is important to understand the difference between UVA and UVB protection so that you can protect your skin from both types of radiation when spending time outdoors. Ideally, using creams with a high protection for both UVA and UVB is the best option. Star ratings are visible on the packaging for UVA and occasionally UVB. The ratings are often displayed on the back of the packaging as well as the front so take a close look. If you can only see a UVA protection symbol it doesn’t mean there is no UVB protection - the higher the UVA protection, the higher the UVB protection. The following are examples of symbols you should be looking for on UK and EU packaging:
Sunglasses can be a fantastic fashion accessory but It’s easy to focus (forgive the pun) on what’s fashionable and whether they match your general style. They can be a significant part of your identity if you wear specs all the time – so it may be very important to you to carry this through in your eyewear collection. However, fashionistas beware! What’s really important is just how much protection your sunglasses give you. No matter your age, it’s never too early or too late to start giving some serious consideration to making sure you have the correct lenses for maximum sun protection.
Holidays are about taking your mind off all your worries and just relaxing in the way you do it best. For me, when I'm not sightseeing, there's no better way to do just that, by immersing myself in the world of fiction or someone else's fact. In the past, my suitcase would be weighed down with books but these days my compact Kindle allows me to max out on my holiday wardrobe instead. I have as many as 10 new books downloaded at any one time, switching between titles depending on my mood. I usually love a good thriller, the twists and turns distracting me from my everyday world whilst keeping me on the edge of my sun-bed! Its definitely worth doing some holiday reading research before you go away. Making sure you get those paperbacks in time or, in my case, not falling foul of being unable to download them onto an e-reader should wifi reception be poor or non existent, is imperative. Take a look at these recommended reads, a variety of authors and genres that will take you to another world.
The convenience of having a bank account that includes travel insurance can be an attractive offer, especially if you’re thinking about taking several trips a year. Banks will often cover your worldwide travel for a monthly fee, or it may be offered as an incentive when you open an account. This type of cover can certainly provide peace of mind and you don’t have to worry about organising insurance for each trip. However, being human, we often neglect to read the small print, which could be a costly mistake if you become ill abroad and need treatment.
Great luggage can make all the difference to your holiday at home and abroad. How often have you wished for that suitcase to be lighter, the wheels to glide across those cobbles and that everyday touring bag to be light, compact and easily organised?
We all like to dream about feeling the comforting warmth of the sun on our skin and the soft sand between our toes. For people with chronic illness or physical disabilities it could be therapeutic and help with their condition. It also seem like a bit of a pipe dream for anyone who relies on disability aids to move around and cope with everyday activities. This doesn’t have to be the case, there are many disability aids on the market designed to make travel possible. Airlines and cruise operators are usually happy to help customers travelling with mobility aid equipment. They'll each have individual guidelines about how they will do this. I hope the following information helps you to get on board, relax and enjoy your holiday!
If you are likely to be travelling more than a couple of times throughout the year, then an annual policy will probably be better value. Remember your travel insurance doesn't just cover your holidays abroad but also in the UK, so if you have to cancel, you are covered. With a Single trip policy you are only covered for a 'one off' trip, up to 100 days (conditions apply) . With an annual policy – all your trips are covered in one go, for the entire year. Great if you're a keen traveller as it saves you the hassle of setting up new cover each time you go abroad, as well as saving you money. Don't forget to use our discount code: SM20 to get 20% OFF the cost of your Singe-Trip or Annual Multi-Trip cover!
Travelling with Essential Medical Equipment Destination decided, and for most people the planning for a short trip or a longer holiday is quite straightforward. But what if you also need to factor in carrying essential medical equipment on your travels? If your medical condition means you rely on medical equipment for your everyday comfort and survival, navigating the rules and regulations for travelling with these items can be confusing and complex. You may have sleep apnoea and require a CPAP machine, a respiratory condition for which supplemental oxygen is vital or a renal condition which means carrying a portable dialysis machine. The CAA is only able to provide specific guidance on essential medications, essential nutritional items and CPAP machines, so it’s reasonably straightforward if these are the items you need to carry But it is advisable to check with your airline to confirm you will be taking any of these items on board. For more information visit: UKCAA Portable ventilators, oxygen, oxygen concentrators and dialysis machines are very different. Oxygen is combustible, ventilators and dialysis machines require a power source and often contain a lithium- ion battery for which there are various regulations about transporting. While the medical industry has come along in leaps and bounds in making medical devices compact and transportable, there is limited space on a flight and these items need to be positioned properly when using during a flight so provision needs to be made for this. Flying with Oxygen This is perhaps the most complex of therapies to accommodate when travelling. The CAA doesn’t give much advice about carrying medical oxygen other than a cylinder must fit underneath a seat and to contact your chosen airline well in advance of travel. However, your oxygen provider will be able to assist you with options and advice on how your needs can be met on a plane and a cruise. There is likely to be additional cost if they are supplying you with equipment to travel outside the UK. The British Lung Foundation can provide you with some advice. Fitness to Fly - oxygen Due to air pressures in a plane, you may need to be assessed for your suitability to travel if you have a respiratory condition which requires oxygen in certain atmospheric conditions, even if you don’t require it on a regular basis. A Hypoxic Challenge Test (HCT) can be requested by your consultant, nurse, and GP, it is performed in a hospital lung function laboratory and simulates a cabin pressure using 15% oxygen. Fitness to fly - general A completed Fitness to Fly certificate often known as a Medical Information Form (MEDIF) will be required by all airlines in the following circumstances: You’ve had a recent Illness, hospitalisation, injury or surgery You have an existing unstable medical condition You need to use medical equipment or therapeutic oxygen on board MEDIF forms can be obtained from your airline or GP. There will be a cost for this to be completed. Cruising with Medical Equipment Cruise operators also have rules about carrying medical equipment and oxygen so it’s important you check these well in advance of your holiday. If you have any equipment that requires a power source to operate/re-charge, you need to check if their power supply is suitable to run your equipment effectively. There are companies that specialise in supplying medical equipment for cruises such as Omega Advanced Aeromedical . Travel Insurance Anyone travelling with a medical condition should have appropriate travel insurance cover in place. Any medical care required overseas could be potentially very expensive. So make sure you’ve declared all your pre-existing medical conditions when you buy your travel insurance. Be organised and enjoy your holiday! The key to an enjoyable, relaxing holiday when travelling with medical equipment is to be organised. Yes, you will have extra things to consider and plan but it will be worth it, and help is out there to make it all possible.