5 tips for the reluctant solo traveller by Hannah Stuart-Leach

Our April Book of the Month Roam Alone: Inspiring Tales by Reluctant Solo Travellers is a collection of travel experiences from cycling in Shetland to power cuts in Laos by a number of writers.

We asked one of the writers, Hannah Stuart-Leach to share some tips for the reluctant solo traveller:

 1. Don’t research too much

If you’re anything like me, you’ll be poring over the Foreign Office travel advice in search of potential dangers, keeping a WebMD tab open simultaneously so you can look up any nasty sounding tropical diseases. Chances are, unless you’re planning on rolling around in contaminated mud, you won’t come down with a deadly dose of Melioidosis in Thailand. For a naturally anxious person, too much information is not helpful. Distract yourself by researching cool things to do when you arrive instead, or put your worries into perspective by speaking to a no-nonsense type of traveller who won’t entertain such silliness. And if all else fails, and you’re working yourself into a frenzy, do a Google image search for red pandas… aahhhh.

2. Keep things simple

Assuming you’ve booked your plane ticket, packed your passport and some money – you’re basically sorted. Alright you’ll probably want to be a bit more organised, especially if you need visas or vaccinations, but it’s easy to overcomplicate things and pile on unnecessary stress. On a solo hike I did, from South Wales up to Scotland, I packed all sorts of outlandish extras – Moroccan hair oil, floral frocks I’d never get a chance to wear and, for some inexplicable reason, a huge bag of rice. I ended up having to dump a load of it at my first B&B because all the weight was giving me bad knees. So trust that, unless you’re making like a Bedouin through the Sahara, you’ll be able to pick up anything you need as you go. In fact, trust in your own abilities… there’s a lot you’ll be able to work out as you go.

3. Make it easy to meet people

You’ll probably find yourself enjoying your own company more than you anticipated, but there’ll still be times when you need a friend. Especially if it’s your first trip alone, I’d recommend signing up for a volunteer program (l signed up with a craft group in the Philippines) or a shared adventure such as a cycle ride or tutored photography trip. It won’t take you long to bond over your new experience and you’ll have a bunch of readymade friends. If that’s not an option, join guided tours, treks or meet-ups where you’ll naturally strike up conversation.

4. Embrace the positives

Solo travel has so many upsides. I love the freedom it gives me to create my own adventure, from deciding to have a shot of melted chocolate for breakfast (thank you Lisbon) to extending my trip by five months (have you seen Sri Lanka?). For you it might be the quiet, thinking space it affords you, or the confidence you build being outside your comfort zone. Whatever it is, remind yourself that being able to travel at all is a real privilege – all you have to do is make the most of it.

5. Be kind to yourself

You’re travelling alone (even if at first you might have preferred company) because you felt you needed to. It’s not about anyone else, so don’t compare yourself with other travellers. There’s no prize for filling your Instagram with the most sensational selfies or tackling every extreme sport going. If you’re getting what you personally require from your trip, that’s enough. Travelling solo is tiring and it’s important to take time out, whether that’s an afternoon Netflix binge in your hotel room or a week spreadeagled on a beach. Pack a little something to bring you comfort too – maybe a posh moisturiser, your favourite chocolate bar or a photo of your cute baby nephew. I take a small bottle of lavender pillow mist so I feel instantly soothed wherever I’m sleeping, even when there’s a giant lizard dangling overhead. Oh, and speaking of sleep, take ear plugs – that’s one for the essentials list.

Roam Alone: Inspiring Tales by Reluctant Solo Travellers £10.99