Don't wait for 'one day'

How many times have you put your travel plans on hold to accommodate someone else’s budget or calendar?  

Are you always accommodating your travelling companion’s destination choices? 

Do you catch yourself saying “one day” in regards to the trip of a lifetime? Why not today? 

Hopefully you’re not letting the fact that you are a solo traveller keep you back.

Solo travel is one of the fastest growing trends in the travel industry. 

Whether it’s due to divorce, death or choice, single travellers are getting tired of waiting around for like-minded adventurers to join them.  Women out-number the men when it comes to solo travel and there are several tour suppliers that cater specifically to that market. 

Male or female, a great way to start your first solo trip is to join a tour. 

There are many small tour companies—G Adventures, Intrepid Traveller or Peregrine—that have great pricing policies for single travellers. 

You can pay a small single supplement and have a private room or, if you like, pay the regular rate with the understanding that you will likely be matched with another single traveller of the same sex. 

A word to the wise: since there are much fewer men travelling solo, they very often end up with a private room for the regular rate. 

Personally, I’ve never scored a private room, but I now also have wonderful friends from around the world.

The small group aspect allows for the single traveller to be included and “absorbed” into the group dynamic. You have your private time, but you are also noticed and missed if you are waylaid along the way. 

You have people to share those “surreal moments” with as you discover and explore the vistas and cultures of the world. 

Whenever I travel to a new destination on my own, I book into a short tour to get oriented. It’s a wonderful way to get a feel for the area, to visit the must-see sites and learn about the history and customs of the culture. 

I then continue my own and immerse myself into the local scene.

Cruising is another matter, however.

Sadly, ocean cruising is the least inclusive of the solo traveller when it comes to pricing. 

Generally, most ocean liners charge a 100 per cent supplement for a single cabin. Life aboard though is full of new experiences, opportunities to meet new people in a safe environment and great entertainment. 

River cruising has recognized the solo trend and many operators offer special single cabin pricing. 

These specific cabins are limited in availability, however, and require advance booking to secure. 

With a maximum of 300 passengers, a river cruise is good for the solo traveller. 

Staff and fellow passengers are quick to welcome and include you in daily activities, excursions and meals.

Travelling solo does mean putting yourself out there.

I’ve discovered that generally people do respect a single woman’s privacy and personal space until she sets the tone.

You must be ready to introduce yourself, be open to joining in and ready to share in conversations.  Listen to your instincts, but not your fears. 

It’s time to get rid of “one day” and start working on today.  The world is full of wanderlust seekers.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.