Solo travel: A guide to going it alone

If you’re travelling alone for the first time, think about joining a stress-free travel tour. With an organised travel group, you’ll meet like-minded people to travel with and you’ll have an itinerary mapped out for you.

It’s a great way to guarantee a once-in-a-lifetime experience without the hassle of organising it yourself. You’ll be taken to must-see places and often get access and discounts that are off limits to independent travellers.

It doesn’t have to be all about adventures or finding yourself. If you just want some sun and time to yourself, why not book yourself a solo holiday package?

Most travel operators offer adult-only resorts, letting you enjoy some quiet time by the pool with a good book. And if you’re after a bit of luxury, go for the upgrade option. Bliss.

If you fancy going all out for your solo trip, backpacking is sure to take you out of your comfort zone. It's a great way to cut costs and experience solo travel wanderlust.

Staying in hostels is not only cheap, but an easy way to connect with other backpackers if you want to meet some other solo travellers. Popular backpacking locations include Thailand, Australia, Bali and India.

If this is your first solo venture, why not dip your toe in the water with a short city break to Europe? Perfect if you’re feeling pre-travel nerves, European countries regularly top the rankings of the safest places to visit in the world.

According to Lonely Planet and Hostel World, these are the best places to solo travel:

• Berlin, Germany
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Iceland
• Norway
• Rome, Italy
• The Netherlands
• Switzerland

Tempted by the popular Southeast Asia backpacking experience? Fancy surfing the turquoise blue Australian ocean? Or perhaps you picture yourself cruising route 66 through the States?

According to Lonely Planet, STA Travel and Hostel World these are some of the coolest places to solo travel:

• Belize
• East Coast Australia
• Indonesia
• New Zealand
• South America
• Sri Lanka
• Thailand
• USA
• Vietnam

With 84% of solo travellers being female, women are leading the way.

Lonely Planet has ranked these countries as the best destinations for solo female travel, based on equality, human rights and safety:

• Canada
• Finland
• Japan
• New Zealand
• The Netherlands

Venturing off on your own means you’ll likely be managing travel by yourself. Get started with these flight tips:

• Set an alert for flights – Three months before you travel set an alert with a site such as Skyscanner or Kayak to keep an eye out for price drops and deals.
• Use month-view – One of the best benefits of solo travel is flexibility. Use the month-view calendar on flight comparison sites to see the cheapest days to fly.
• Sign up to airline newsletters – You'll often find airlines offer exclusive offers to their newsletter subscribers. Be the first to hear about a new offer by signing up.

You’ll also need to remember to pack the essentials and make sure you can easily carry all your luggage. Here are our top packing tips:

• Tie a ribbon on your luggage so it’s easily recognisable
• Avoid taking valuables, such as laptops and jewellery, unless they’re necessary
• Keep your important documents in clear zip bags that won’t get wet or damaged throughout your travels
• Leave your hairdryer at home – you should find one at your accommodation

It’s only natural to have some nerves before embarking on a solo journey – especially if it’s your first time. But after a few days settling in and getting to know your way around, you’ll soon forget any worries.

To ease your nerves, it may help to tie up any loose ends at home before you go:

• Pre-book (at least) your first night’s accommodation
• Plan how you’re going to get from the airport to your accommodation
• Research the destination and find somewhere to eat on the first night
• Plan some activities you want to do for your first few days
• Check the weather forecast before you go
• Make sure any bills are paid and that your home is secure
• Review all your important documents – don’t forget your passport!
• Check you’ve packed any essential medication

Going it alone can be daunting, especially if something goes wrong. A flight could get cancelled, or important documents could get stolen. Even worse, you may need urgent medical care.

Travel insurance can offer reassurance. And with a choice of Single Trip, Annual multi-trip and Extended Stay cover, Sainsbury’s Bank has options to suit any type of solo traveller holiday.

Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Insurance is underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited.

• Avoid quiet streets or remote spaces and walk with confidence and purpose
• Always keep your travel money and belongings close to you
• If you feel threatened at all, draw attention, and involve passers-by
• Be reserved with your judgement of character – not everyone is who they say they are
• Don’t share a taxi or accept a lift from anyone other than a designated pre-arranged driver
• Don’t tell anyone where you’re staying until you know you can trust them
• Always keep an eye on your personal belongings

Don’t worry – it's perfectly normal to feel apprehensive, homesick or lonely when travelling alone. It can help to:

• Give your family, friends or loved ones a call or use video chat
• Plan things you want to see or do for each day – get out there and experience the local culture
• Look out for any solo travel tours or groups you could join. They might offer an environment where you can feel safe to meet others and push yourself out of your comfort zone

One of the sure-fire ways to meet new people when travelling alone is by staying in hostels. Hostels are full of independent travellers – and just like you, they probably want to meet new people.

Most hostels organise group tours for fun days out that you can get involved in.

You can also try sites like Meetup and Backpackr, which are designed to connect travellers heading to the same place.

Always keep an emergency pack with you. This should include:

• A printed copy of your passport (stored separately to your passport)
• The contact details of your travel insurance provider
• Your medical insurer’s emergency line
• Your bank contact details
• The local British embassy, consulate or high commission’s contact details

As well as storing any numbers in your phone, you should also keep them written down somewhere – just in case your phone is lost or stolen. It’s worth keeping a note of a friend or family member’s contact details too.

If you’re attacked, threatened, feel in danger or have your passport stolen, contact the local police for advice.

And if you have an accident or lose any luggage, contact your travel insurer as soon as possible. They’ll advise you on where to get help and assistance.

* Up to 20% discount applies when you tell us your Nectar card number. Discount does not apply to premiums for pre-existing medical conditions or enhanced gadget cover. You won't be eligible if you buy through a price comparison website. We reserve the right to change or cancel this offer without notice.

Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Insurance is underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited. Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is a company incorporated in England and Wales with company number 13436330 and whose registered office address is 10 Fenchurch Avenue, London, United Kingdom, EC3M 5BN. Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Firm Reference Number 955859. You can check this on the Financial Services Register by visiting; register.fca.org.uk.

Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Insurance is sold and administered by Hood Travel Limited, registered at Companies House 08318836. Hood Travel is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under registration number 597211. Hood Travel Limited’s registered address is at 2nd Floor, Decora Court, Tylers Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 2BB.