A feeling of utter thrill hits hard whenever I’m boarding a plane, train or bus, solo — and even more so when I’m en route to a country I’ve never visited before. Fortuitous moments and curious landmarks await around every corner, and every sight and sound is exciting and intoxicating.
I’ve been seeking out solo travel experiences for over 20 years now, and I’m not alone in my love for them. According to a global travel report by American Express, 69 per cent of people surveyed plan to take a solo trip this year, with millennials and Gen-Z making up the majority. Moreover Virtuoso’s recent trends report reveals solo female travel has seen significant growth, with women now making up 71 per cent of solo travellers.
What I’ve learnt in two decades of taking solo trips is that many countries suit the lone traveller well, but there are a special few that are more accessible and enchanting than others. Where it’s easier to travel around by public transport, feels safer and is more affordable for those going it alone. Not to mention, I had ample opportunity to meet others who were also solo adventurers.
Whereas for example, while I adored travelling through central and Northern India with a male companion, when it came to returning solo, the two-month experience was much harder, tiring and more stressful since there were many more considerations to allow for in regard to unwanted attention and safety. Similarly the USA, with its colossal size and high cost of living, isn’t an ideal solo travel destination — I won’t be returning in a hurry — and even more so considering the results of the latest presidential election.
