4 Solo Travel Myths Exploded and why Sagas Single Packages are still the Best.
Perhaps you suspect that travelling solo could be a life changing experience for you, but you still havent got round to it. Whats stopping you from making the mental leap required to book your ticket, when the whole world is waiting to be explored?
Today, we are going to separate the fact and fiction that surrounds taking a holiday in your own company, with a view to helping you make a more informed decision about the sort of trip you want to take.
Solo travel luxury packages, particularly via Saga Holidays, are becoming increasingly popular. Its a great way for the over 50s to visit the countries they want to see, without having to put on a backpack, rough it in basic hostels, or hang out with a bunch of kids. Instead, youll stay in high-quality accommodation, without having to pay a single supplement, and meet friendly, like-minded travellers of a similar age group.
Its now possible to travel all over the world with Saga, so you dont need to compromise on the destinations you want to explore, or worry about how youre going to negotiate a new land on your own. With Saga, you can do the whole of your bucket list, the way you choose. Lets take a look at 4 of the myths surrounding solo travel, with a view to understanding where they came from.
4. The stigma attached to solo travel
Solo travel among seniors is on the increase, and in response, the travel industry has introduced plenty of new solo travel packages. These new offers exclusively benefit those looking to holiday on their own terms.
However, many people still believe theres a stigma attached to it. You might have been told that its dangerous, that this is a last resort option rather than an active choice youve made, or be made to feel like a failure.
Dont let the prejudiced few colour your travel decisions with their unfounded judgements! They might mean well, but solo travel simply isnt the undesirable, last resort option they think it is. For many, who wish to see places without the hassle of pleasing others, its an active lifestyle choice!
Dont let other peoples anxieties, fears and prejudices inform your holiday preferences. Whats great about travelling by yourself if that you dont have to compromise. The to-do list you make for your destination can include that connoisseurs ice cream shack which involves a day long trek through the jungle to get there, simply because the only person you have to answer to is yourself! Solo travel is liberating, empowering and character forming.
3. Youre limited in where you can go
Many people choose to travel by themselves simply to see a place that has always fascinated them, but which doesnt appeal to those close to them. For this reason alone, Saga ensures its range of destinations and itineraries are in line with those of an adventurous spirit.
Theyll take you to iconic attractions and off the beaten track sites to inspire and delight you. You could play it safe, and head close to home in pursuit of gypsy music and Moorish architecture in southern Spain, or you could bask in the island sunshine of Corsica and Sardinia.
Perhaps the USA is appealing to you because you wont have the language barrier. In this case, why not travel to New England in the Fall, to see the forests of maple leaves change from green to an array of gold, browns and reds
You could also take a leisurely tour of the Californian wine-lands, before travelling into the nearby desert and looking into the vast caverns of the Grand Canyon before, perhaps, concluding this tour with a flutter in the casinos of Las Vegas.
However, if youre in the mood to travel further afield, to pastures completely new, could you imagine yourself exploring the secrets of the Kremlin in Moscow, before taking a traditional sauna in St Petersburg? Perhaps you want to see elephants in their natural habitat, roaming in and out of the temples of Sri Lanka, or maybe you want to watch the ricefields of Vietnam drift lazily past you from your river cruise boat cabin. All of this is possible, and more!
2. Solo travel is dangerous
How do you avoid putting yourself in danger on the streets of your hometown? If there are areas, or people, you choose to avoid near your neighbourhood, presumably you manage to do so successfully. You can apply those same skills worldwide! If anything, solo travel escorted tours, with an expert on the host country in tow, put you in a safer position than travelling with family or friends to an alien environment.
If any scams are common in the place to which youre travelling, you will be advised. If you are travelling to places with a high crime rate, your host will do everything he or she can to ensure your safety. Youll have an expert, not to mention a new group of friends, looking out for you at all times.
Its worth bearing in mind as well, that most people are good people, otherwise society would simply ceased to function. Travelling by yourself to somewhere can actually help liberate you from anxieties you may have about other people, because youll be confronting a whole new set of circumstances and opening your eyes to new cultures and ways of life.
Language Barrier
You wont struggle to make yourself understood either. Your tour manager will be able to help you communicate with the locals, as well as point you in the right direction so you dont get lost. However, it could be argued, that making yourself understood and getting lost in a new city is part of the appeal of any holiday, or new experience. Its a chance to explore being slightly out of your comfort zone and discover your own resourcefulness.
Dont forget you have your new friends around to look after your luggage when you go to the loo and when youre travelling between places. You wont be alone. Instead of it being a daunting experience, Sagas solo travel holidays will help boost your confidence in travelling around places independently. Its your chance to properly own your own adventures.
1. Solo travel is lonely
Youve always wanted to see the Taj Mahal, but you know that having to ask a stranger to take your photo will only bring home the fact that youre far from your loved ones!
On your Saga holiday, youll be appointed a tour manager who will accompany your group for the duration of your holiday. This tour manager will also act as a host to the social events included in your itinerary. Theyll ensure nobody feels left out, or smothered by other group members. So youre probably wondering who will make up the other members of your group.
When you book a dedicated solo travel holiday, youll be travelling with a group of like-minded people. Its a powerful bonding experience. Youll already have interests in common with your fellow travellers, as everyone on your trip has made the same decision to gain an insight into China, India, the US, or wherever it is youre headed. Youre also likely to be of a similar background, given the holiday provider youve chosen. Having all these incredible experiences for the first time together will make your new friendships all the more special.
Meeting People
Your host will formally introduce you to the rest of the group on the very first day and there will be time built into your initial schedule to get to know each other over drinks and a meal.
Its worth noting that the thought of dining alone is believed to be one of the biggest barriers to solo travel, but with Saga, youll be trying new exciting cuisine in good company. You dont have to worry about ordering a fondue pot for one, because you wont be the only person at the table, looking out at the view over the slopes, enjoying a laugh and a glass of wine. Of all the people youll meet, were certain youll find at least one other person you like enough to enjoy sharing a drink together.
Of course, this doesnt mean that youre going to be stuck with your group mates 24 / 7, if thats not what you want. How much you socialise, is entirely up to you. Your tour manager will be able to accommodate your personal daily preferences for how much, or how little time you wish to spend in the company of the others.
However, we find most people who travel on Saga solo breaks are not just thrilled to have a new friend to take their Taj Mahal wide angle selfies for them, but also choose to spend plenty of time together. Its not unheard of for solo travel enthusiasts to form long and meaningful relationships with members of their group, even going so far as to book further adventures together at a later date
Book your Solo Trip Today
Our team here at Aspen Travel are dedicated to passing on the very best exclusive deals and discounts that we get given by Saga, with whom we partner as a booking agent. We are so committed to this particular award winning company that we even have our very own Saga office, should you live locally to us and prefer to come in, in person, to speak to one of our Saga advisers. Please get in touch with us via phone or email to find out more about the all-inclusive luxury solo travel tours we offer.
