A few people have asked for Holidays for Lone Travellers so have created this thread which I will hopefully try and keep up to date as much as possible.
Please feel free to add anything you like to assist others.
Thomas Cook are quite good for last minute lone Traveller deals as they like to use up the empty seats on planes, its always worth checking them regularly see what they have on offer. I would then always then go onto to check comparison sites such as Tesco Compare to see if you can get a bit shaved off the price.
At present there are some 3/4 night breaks for lone travellers listed on Thomas Cook from £138pp.
I would always suggest taking off the transfer at Thomas cook and shopping around using sites such as Travel Republic or Resort Hoppa. Make sure you check the voucher thread for up to date discount codes.
Diying a holiday is a really good option - you can book your flight direct and then go onto seek accommodation using a variety of Agents. My preferred sites (as you probably know) are Alpharooms, Travel republic and Monarch Hotels, all of whom I have used many times previously without issue.
Check out budget airlines such as easyjet and ryanair - there are some great deals to be had like these return flights to Malta from Belfast for £51.98 coupled with some cheap accommodation and transfers from Alpharooms (or any grade that is within your budget you can pick up holidays for less than £100.
See images below for all these examples and more.
Always start your search with flights - hotels are too a penny its the fligh that is always the important part - use skyscanner you will be surprised at what you can find. There are return flights to spain from around £40, Turkey for less than £80 return and egypt for £127. Travel further afield and pick up Orlando flights from £240 return with Thomson.
20 tips for Solo Travellers taken from Hostel World's Blog :)
1. Plan in advance
Do some advance planning. You don’t need a detailed plan but you should know, for the first night at least, where you’re going to stay. Book your hostel before you leave.
2. Pack light
Pack light so that you can manage your luggage by yourself with ease. One carry-on, a suitcase or backpack, should suffice whether you’re out for one week or three.
3. Try to arrive during the day
Plan to arrive during daylight so you’re not trying to find your way through an unfamiliar city in the dark.
4. Mix with others
Connect with other travellers. The common rooms and lounges of hostels are great places meet short-term friends as well as pick up excellent travel advice.
5. Meet the locals
Connect with locals. Many cities have free local tour guides but you can also connect with a local through sites like Meetup.com and 5W - Women Welcoming Women World Wide.
6. Watch the world around you
Take the time to observe how people interact, and how things work. While sitting at a sidewalk cafe, on a park bench, or just killing time you can learn how to use public transit, whether to pay your bill at your table or at the counter, how to tip or how to hail a cab and much more.
7. Open up!
Learn how to talk to strangers. Smile and start a conversation. Be curious and ask open-ended questions and follow-up questions.
8. Go out and enjoy yourself
Go out in the evenings. Go to pubs and bars and grab a seat at the bar. Go to concerts and the theatre. It’s all possible solo.
9. Don't be put off by dining alone
Enjoy dining alone. Go to restaurants with communal tables or counters. Ask a local to order for you to start a conversation.
10. Sign up for courses
If you’re in one place for a while, connect with others by taking language or cooking classes. Whatever interests you. Also, visit the same café, fruit stall...every day and get to know the people.
11. Get off the beaten track
If you want to meet other travelers, go off the beaten path. Travelers that find each other where there are few tourists are more inclined to talk to each other. Plus, you will likely have something in common.
12. Go on organised tours
Break up long trips with organized tours. You’ll enjoy the company and a chance to let someone else take care of all the details.
13. Always have the essentials
Carry the essentials with you when you head out for the day. Have the name of the place you’re staying on a piece of paper in the local language. Have a copy of your emergency contacts and your documents on you.
14. Store important items in one place
Always keep your most important items in the same place and have a simple check. For me it’s passport, wallet, camera and phone. Those are the items I check when I feel the need.
15. Take your own photos
Learn to take your own photo. Your friends will be far more interested in your photos when you return if there are pictures of you amongst them.
16. Save on phone charges
Consider buying an unlocked cell phone so that you can buy a SIM card for your phone in each country as you travel. This will save you lots of money.
17. Use Skype
Load Skype onto your phone so that you can connect with friends and family for free when you have access to the Internet.
18. Take advantage of other useful apps
Download useful apps to your phone such as a GPS, a translator, a currency converter and some travel guides.
19. Avoid dark alleys
Know the value of being seen. A public place is always safer than a private place.
20. Trust your instinct
Be aware of your surroundings and listen to your gut. If something doesn't seem right, leave.
INFORMATION AND TIPS ADDED BY MEMBERS:
Thanks all x
Henvig says:
Hiya Stacey, can you add to your top 20, any lone traveller needs a decent multi trip insurance. If you are DIYing you may fall foul of protection offered for companies going bust from ABTA. plus make sure the policy is going to cover you for the type of trips and activities you will end up doing. You don't want to break a wrist only to be saddled with the hospital fees as you didn't return home in between countries as some policies stipulate.
************
uksurfer2 says:
Hi guys, also consider staying in a host's home instead of a Hotel or B&B; especially if you are travelling to an area you dont know as they can give you invaluable local knowledge.. Airbnb is an ideal worldwide site offering excellent accommodation at prices sometimes cheaper than an hostel.. with the luxuries of a home from home! I've used the site on numerous occasions with no issues!
*********
pickledtink says:
I've been traveling solo all over the world for donkeys years. Home stays are always the nicest. Also for cheap options the hostel sites are good. they do all sorts not just dorm type hostels and anyway they often have singles too. the best two:
hosteworld
hostelbookers
Train info: Man in seat 61 is king for absolutely anywhere in the world. I traveled 3rd class through India on his info once and still use trains long distance when I'm in Asia. Amazing detailed site:
man in seat 61
Flights all over Asia the best with great prices is Air Asia and also Nok Air. in and around Thailand.
Also another set up like airbnb for homestay is easyroommate
I've written a lot of stuff for guide books particularly for lone female travelers. There's so many of us out there and at last the industry seems to be waking up to that. It's always been cheaper to DIY though and still is IMO.
If looking for a cruise ( usually really punishing prices for singles) check out Cruise.com and cruise.co.uk as both have singles/solo deals in the forum sections. I had a 7 night deal for about £250.00 through there. Sometimes some amazing repositioning long haul cruises for singles at excellent prices too.
I agree 100% with uksurfer. I visited Australia in February alone and stayed with three hosts through Airbnb. They were all so friendly, helpful and understanding e.g. Leaving luggage until needed to leave for flight and arriving in early hours. One host invited me out with him and his mates for drinks and cooked a group meal on another. I saved so much money compared to the few hotel nights I had but the best thing was having the local knowledge and warm welcome.
Next trip is to Barcelona doing the same, all booked for £115. I know you can get deals for less than this, but usually for 2 pax only.
I feel like the world has really opened up to me now that I don't have to pay single supplements!
SunshineStacey
10y 47d5#2
deeky
10y 47d4#25
Stacey for VIP!!!
Oh...
Latest comments (40)
t0mm
10y 47d1#40
Also realised I'm already in New York then... hahaha OOPS thanks anyway ))
t0mm
10y 47d1#39
No worries I literally scoured it and even CTRL + F
fail hahaha thank you
t0mm
10y 47d1#33
Wheres the new york one stacey?
SunshineStacey to t0mm
10y 47d#36
See the last image in comments box one, sorry I added it as a rush before darting to work xxxx
deallady to t0mm
10y 47d2#38
Check out #2 You will see the New York Deal!
SunshineStacey
10y 47d1#37
No I think one is adequate x
We can add any additional finds onto here I think
pud55
10y 47d1#35
excellent! will study a little more closely later!
deallady
10y 47d1#34
Note: I have seen all your replies and replied to most....I think chop chop keep up
Does this mean more Lone Travellers Threads "Coming Soon"
SunshineStacey
10y 47d#32
thanks uk ive put your comment up in the op
deeky
10y 47d4#25
Stacey for VIP!!!
Oh...
deallady to deeky
10y 47d2#26
Stacey for MOD?
SunshineStacey to deeky
10y 47d3#31
gosh give me chance to get to you - any idea how many replies i have to do here and im only on my tea break
I want to actively work on this thread some more, I like it. I like the way so many people are coming forward with tips and suggestions - I think this is going to be a really good thread
deallady
10y 47d2#30
.......why does me and Deeky not get a like
Tractorboyo
10y 47d1#29
Excellent idea Stacey, heat as per usual.
DonkeyKonk
10y 47d1#24
Great idea for a thread, being a soloist one can find some great bargains, but also can find you lose out on some good deals.
I believe SunnyStace did a similar thread last year (?) If so I probably posted about the Sol Pinet Playa hotel in Ibiza (pinet beach, near San Antonio).
Ihave been going there for four / five day breaks the last few years (Expedia / Ryaniar combos), and as well as being generally pretty good value at the beginning and end of season, it feels REALLY safe for a solo traveller, has its own pool right on the beach which is pretty secure, etc.
One thing putting me off going on beach holidays on my own is the "leaving stuff on the beach whilst going for a dip" issue, at this Hotel I know I won't have this problem. I have a very relaxing few days on the beach, very quiet part of town, but just a boat ride away across the bay to the "crazy" part
The one thing that is not so great, IMHO, is the food, but just about doable
SunshineStacey to DonkeyKonk
10y 47d1#28
Thanks for the great info xxxxx
meltothemax
10y 47d1#22
thanks Stacey x looks like im off to malta in February. 1st time going =]
deallady to meltothemax
10y 47d1#23
Hope you have a great time
SunshineStacey to meltothemax
10y 47d#27
go to popeye village he he aww i want to come!!! have a fab time xxxxxxx
Henvig
10y 47d2#21
Great tip. It's so much nicer to stay with someone who knows the profits and pitfalls of any area.
exmothian
10y 47d1#20
Thanks Stacey your a life saver just what i have been looking for.
Henvig
10y 47d1#6
Hiya Stacey, can you add to your top 20, any lone traveller needs a decent multi trip insurance. If you are DIYing you may fall foul of protection offered for companies going bust from ABTA. plus make sure the policy is going to cover you for the type of trips and activities you will end up doing. You don't want to break a wrist only to be saddled with the hospital fees as you didn't return home in between countries as some policies stipulate.
SunshineStacey to Henvig
10y 47d#7
Thanks Hen, i have added a seperate section at the bottom so you get the credit you deserve for your own added information x
deallady to Henvig
10y 47d2#19
Very good Multi Trip Travel Insurance can be found on Travel Supermarket I paid last year £25 for Multi Trip Cover (Inc. USA) that was with Virgin.
Edit:They also have Cruise Cover, Ski Cover & Backback Cover (Amongst many other optional extras)
buffylass
10y 47d1#17
at last a lone person holiday I get stuck going constantly to my friends same resort spain for years now so I was thinking of going it alone, to do what I want too do for a change, love my friends but you can only take so much of same place no change for them yet we spend a fortune going each year thanks SunshineStacey
archer1204 to buffylass
10y 47d1#18
and no arguments
rodman
10y 47d1#16
Nice one, heat added.
reindeer
10y 47d1#15
Thanks for the info!
Gregsizzle
10y 47d4#14
YES! This is the thread I've been waiting for. Thanks!
kneale81
10y 47d1#13
Thanks Stacey
FlashJordan
10y 47d7#12
I agree 100% with uksurfer. I visited Australia in February alone and stayed with three hosts through Airbnb. They were all so friendly, helpful and understanding e.g. Leaving luggage until needed to leave for flight and arriving in early hours. One host invited me out with him and his mates for drinks and cooked a group meal on another. I saved so much money compared to the few hotel nights I had but the best thing was having the local knowledge and warm welcome.
Next trip is to Barcelona doing the same, all booked for £115. I know you can get deals for less than this, but usually for 2 pax only.
I feel like the world has really opened up to me now that I don't have to pay single supplements!
archer1204
10y 47d1#11
Also get to meet some amazing people who can give you great local knowledge and become lifelong friends
uksurfer
10y 47d4#10
Hi guys, also consider staying in a host's home instead of a Hotel or B&B; especially if you are travelling to an area you dont know as they can give you invaluable local knowledge.. Airbnb is an ideal worldwide site offering excellent accommodation at prices sometimes cheaper than an hostel.. with the luxuries of a home from home! I've used the site on numerous occasions with no issues!
SunshineStacey
10y 47d#9
i just got to nip to work for an hour or so will work some more on this thread when i return x
Henvig
10y 47d3#8
Oooh look at me, up there on a Sunshine special....thanks honey.
archer1204
10y 47d1#5
nice thanx stacey
rehydrated
10y 47d1#4
Good idea! I would love to do more lone traveling (not just to get peace from the wife and dogs!!)
Hancock
10y 47d1#3
Good idea, the single traveller always get stiched up with the single room supplement.
Opening post
Please feel free to add anything you like to assist others.
Thomas Cook are quite good for last minute lone Traveller deals as they like to use up the empty seats on planes, its always worth checking them regularly see what they have on offer. I would then always then go onto to check comparison sites such as Tesco Compare to see if you can get a bit shaved off the price.
At present there are some 3/4 night breaks for lone travellers listed on Thomas Cook from £138pp.
I would always suggest taking off the transfer at Thomas cook and shopping around using sites such as Travel Republic or Resort Hoppa. Make sure you check the voucher thread for up to date discount codes.
Diying a holiday is a really good option - you can book your flight direct and then go onto seek accommodation using a variety of Agents. My preferred sites (as you probably know) are Alpharooms, Travel republic and Monarch Hotels, all of whom I have used many times previously without issue.
Check out budget airlines such as easyjet and ryanair - there are some great deals to be had like these return flights to Malta from Belfast for £51.98 coupled with some cheap accommodation and transfers from Alpharooms (or any grade that is within your budget you can pick up holidays for less than £100.
See images below for all these examples and more.
Always start your search with flights - hotels are too a penny its the fligh that is always the important part - use skyscanner you will be surprised at what you can find. There are return flights to spain from around £40, Turkey for less than £80 return and egypt for £127. Travel further afield and pick up Orlando flights from £240 return with Thomson.
20 tips for Solo Travellers taken from Hostel World's Blog :)
1. Plan in advance
Do some advance planning. You don’t need a detailed plan but you should know, for the first night at least, where you’re going to stay. Book your hostel before you leave.
2. Pack light
Pack light so that you can manage your luggage by yourself with ease. One carry-on, a suitcase or backpack, should suffice whether you’re out for one week or three.
3. Try to arrive during the day
Plan to arrive during daylight so you’re not trying to find your way through an unfamiliar city in the dark.
4. Mix with others
Connect with other travellers. The common rooms and lounges of hostels are great places meet short-term friends as well as pick up excellent travel advice.
5. Meet the locals
Connect with locals. Many cities have free local tour guides but you can also connect with a local through sites like Meetup.com and 5W - Women Welcoming Women World Wide.
6. Watch the world around you
Take the time to observe how people interact, and how things work. While sitting at a sidewalk cafe, on a park bench, or just killing time you can learn how to use public transit, whether to pay your bill at your table or at the counter, how to tip or how to hail a cab and much more.
7. Open up!
Learn how to talk to strangers. Smile and start a conversation. Be curious and ask open-ended questions and follow-up questions.
8. Go out and enjoy yourself
Go out in the evenings. Go to pubs and bars and grab a seat at the bar. Go to concerts and the theatre. It’s all possible solo.
9. Don't be put off by dining alone
Enjoy dining alone. Go to restaurants with communal tables or counters. Ask a local to order for you to start a conversation.
10. Sign up for courses
If you’re in one place for a while, connect with others by taking language or cooking classes. Whatever interests you. Also, visit the same café, fruit stall...every day and get to know the people.
11. Get off the beaten track
If you want to meet other travelers, go off the beaten path. Travelers that find each other where there are few tourists are more inclined to talk to each other. Plus, you will likely have something in common.
12. Go on organised tours
Break up long trips with organized tours. You’ll enjoy the company and a chance to let someone else take care of all the details.
13. Always have the essentials
Carry the essentials with you when you head out for the day. Have the name of the place you’re staying on a piece of paper in the local language. Have a copy of your emergency contacts and your documents on you.
14. Store important items in one place
Always keep your most important items in the same place and have a simple check. For me it’s passport, wallet, camera and phone. Those are the items I check when I feel the need.
15. Take your own photos
Learn to take your own photo. Your friends will be far more interested in your photos when you return if there are pictures of you amongst them.
16. Save on phone charges
Consider buying an unlocked cell phone so that you can buy a SIM card for your phone in each country as you travel. This will save you lots of money.
17. Use Skype
Load Skype onto your phone so that you can connect with friends and family for free when you have access to the Internet.
18. Take advantage of other useful apps
Download useful apps to your phone such as a GPS, a translator, a currency converter and some travel guides.
19. Avoid dark alleys
Know the value of being seen. A public place is always safer than a private place.
20. Trust your instinct
Be aware of your surroundings and listen to your gut. If something doesn't seem right, leave.
INFORMATION AND TIPS ADDED BY MEMBERS:
Thanks all x
Henvig says:
Hiya Stacey, can you add to your top 20, any lone traveller needs a decent multi trip insurance. If you are DIYing you may fall foul of protection offered for companies going bust from ABTA. plus make sure the policy is going to cover you for the type of trips and activities you will end up doing. You don't want to break a wrist only to be saddled with the hospital fees as you didn't return home in between countries as some policies stipulate.
************
uksurfer2 says:
Hi guys, also consider staying in a host's home instead of a Hotel or B&B; especially if you are travelling to an area you dont know as they can give you invaluable local knowledge.. Airbnb is an ideal worldwide site offering excellent accommodation at prices sometimes cheaper than an hostel.. with the luxuries of a home from home! I've used the site on numerous occasions with no issues!
*********
pickledtink says:
I've been traveling solo all over the world for donkeys years. Home stays are always the nicest. Also for cheap options the hostel sites are good. they do all sorts not just dorm type hostels and anyway they often have singles too. the best two:
hosteworld
hostelbookers
Train info: Man in seat 61 is king for absolutely anywhere in the world. I traveled 3rd class through India on his info once and still use trains long distance when I'm in Asia. Amazing detailed site:
man in seat 61
Flights all over Asia the best with great prices is Air Asia and also Nok Air. in and around Thailand.
Also another set up like airbnb for homestay is easyroommate
I've written a lot of stuff for guide books particularly for lone female travelers. There's so many of us out there and at last the industry seems to be waking up to that. It's always been cheaper to DIY though and still is IMO.
If looking for a cruise ( usually really punishing prices for singles) check out Cruise.com and cruise.co.uk as both have singles/solo deals in the forum sections. I had a 7 night deal for about £250.00 through there. Sometimes some amazing repositioning long haul cruises for singles at excellent prices too.
Great thread idea Stacy. Thanks.
Top comments
RYANAIR
EASYJET
Accommodation Sites
ALPHAROOMS
TRAVEL REPUBLIC
MONARCH HOTELS
AIRBNB
Tour Operators:
THOMAS COOK
Transfers:
TRAVEL REPUBLIC
RESORT HOPPA
Next trip is to Barcelona doing the same, all booked for £115. I know you can get deals for less than this, but usually for 2 pax only.
I feel like the world has really opened up to me now that I don't have to pay single supplements!
Oh...
Latest comments (40)
fail hahaha thank you
We can add any additional finds onto here I think
Does this mean more Lone Travellers Threads "Coming Soon"
Oh...
gosh give me chance to get to you - any idea how many replies i have to do here and im only on my tea break
I want to actively work on this thread some more, I like it. I like the way so many people are coming forward with tips and suggestions - I think this is going to be a really good thread
I believe SunnyStace did a similar thread last year (?) If so I probably posted about the Sol Pinet Playa hotel in Ibiza (pinet beach, near San Antonio).
Ihave been going there for four / five day breaks the last few years (Expedia / Ryaniar combos), and as well as being generally pretty good value at the beginning and end of season, it feels REALLY safe for a solo traveller, has its own pool right on the beach which is pretty secure, etc.
One thing putting me off going on beach holidays on my own is the "leaving stuff on the beach whilst going for a dip" issue, at this Hotel I know I won't have this problem. I have a very relaxing few days on the beach, very quiet part of town, but just a boat ride away across the bay to the "crazy" part
The one thing that is not so great, IMHO, is the food, but just about doable
Edit:They also have Cruise Cover, Ski Cover & Backback Cover (Amongst many other optional extras)
Next trip is to Barcelona doing the same, all booked for £115. I know you can get deals for less than this, but usually for 2 pax only.
I feel like the world has really opened up to me now that I don't have to pay single supplements!
RYANAIR
EASYJET
Accommodation Sites
ALPHAROOMS
TRAVEL REPUBLIC
MONARCH HOTELS
AIRBNB
Tour Operators:
THOMAS COOK
Transfers:
TRAVEL REPUBLIC
RESORT HOPPA