It’s finally spring time here in the UK, which means longer days, crisp mornings and lots of daffodils – and hopefully no more snow. It also means it’s time for another guest hosted #HolidayChat on Twitter and we can’t believe two weeks have passed since our last one.
Every third Wednesday of the month, a guest host will take over the chat to discuss all things travel. This month, Hannah from Hannah Copcutt was handed the reins to discuss travelling solo.
Q1. Have you ever travelled solo before? If so, what was your experience as a first time solo traveller?
Here at icelolly.com we’re a big fan of travelling solo as it means you can do exactly what you want and not have to compromise.
Travelling yourself is a wonderful adventure, plus, with phones as they are now, unless you’re in the jungle you’re never really alone & can still share your experiences. #holidaychat
— Tommy Barnes (@theboldtb) March 21, 2018
I haven't yet but i am in june kinds nervous as its getting nearer haha #HolidayChat
— Amy Louise (@xamylouise1989x) March 21, 2018
I have twice! My first experience was to Milan and I really enjoyed it, it was so refreshing to do things at my own pace rather than take someone else's feelings into consideration #HolidayChat
— Char (@char_x0) March 21, 2018
I've just returned from a solo trip to @WaltDisneyWorld & enjoyed it a lot more than I expected I would. I thought it'd be lonely w/ nobody to talk to, but in fact it was the complete opposite. Everyone was so friendly! I am now planning more solo trips for 2019! :D #HolidayChat
— Nathan Staker (@NathanStaker1) March 21, 2018
Q2. Which places would you recommend for first time solo travellers and why?
Can we recommend everywhere?
Iceland is perfect for the first time traveller! I was wondering around Reykjavik with my tripod at 10pm and felt totally safe! #holidaychat
— Han Meets World (@HanMeetsWorld) March 21, 2018
I think going somewhere smaller will help you easy in to the idea, where locals are more likely to speak to you and help you out. Or #Dublin, everyone is friendly in Dublin. #HolidayChat
— Olivia Lees (@olivia_lees) March 21, 2018
Asia 100%, so so many backpackers and I met so many westerners, very easy to navigate, cheap, good food. I'm so happy it was my first solo trip #holidaychat
— Gabriella Tavani (@GabbiTavani) March 21, 2018
Definitely somewhere where you speak the language. A city break in the UK would be a great place to start for me I think. #HolidayChat
— __clairemac (@__ClaireMac) March 21, 2018
Q3. What are your favourite things about solo travelling?
When I travel solo, it’s like I experience things in a much deeper way - I’m taking everything in a way I might not do if I had company! I also love being able to connect with strangers #HolidayChat
— Kacie Morgan (@TheRareWelshBit) March 21, 2018
I love being able to not have to worry about where I'm sleeping; if I fancy doing weird flight routings I can; I love deciding to eat somewhere, or not, depending how i feel. I love being able to walk at my own pace and not have to wait for ppl #holidaychat
— Barefoot Backpacker (@RTWBarefoot) March 21, 2018
Being able to see and do what I like without worrying about others, having me-time, being free to take lots of photos, meeting new people more easily and pushing myself out of my comfort zone #HolidayChat
— Treasured Travels (@BeckySkel) March 21, 2018
- Being silent
— Char (@char_x0) March 21, 2018
- Eating when I want
- Not feeling I have to do everything in a destination instead soaking in the atmosphere etc
- Doing things at your own pace
- Having the hotel bed to yourself #HolidayChat
Q4. What are your least favourite things about solo travelling?
- The cost of paying for a hotel (But the price is silence and freedom)
— Char (@char_x0) March 21, 2018
- Taxis can rake up
- I used to think it was eating out alone but now I love nothing better than being with food and a glass of wine solo#holidachat
I go off the beaten track a lot. Sometimes it gets expensive to be solo, as i have to take taxis etc. #holidaychat
— Barefoot Backpacker (@RTWBarefoot) March 21, 2018
@icelollyholiday #holidaychat on the 2 for 1 food offers there is only one of me, so I end up either short changed or doubling up on my calorie count, it is good when it is 2 for 1 #Mythos however
— Friends Of Pefkos (@friendsofpefkos) March 21, 2018
You can't turn to someone and make a "remember that time in Mexico when (insert you had to be there moment)". When telling people it's sort of anecdotal. #holidaychat pic.twitter.com/xzh7QDbJQZ
— Han Meets World (@HanMeetsWorld) March 21, 2018
Q5. What advice would you give someone who was thinking about solo travelling for the first time?
Our advice would be to jump straight in and don’t talk yourself out of it – you never know, you may just love travelling solo.
Listen more than you speak; especially when with other travellers. You'll soon find out who you are&who are the people to hang out with. #HolidayChat
— Pulped Travel (@PulpedTravel) March 21, 2018
Be safe but be open minded! Always say yes (within reason) you'll always regret the things you didn't do more than the things you did do.. And if you're on a budget, try not be overly money conscious where it becomes such an issue that its all you think about! HAVE FUN!
— Cat Higgy (@CatHiggyTravels) March 21, 2018
GO FOR IT! You won't regret it. Only advice I would give if you're nervous is to make sure you're prepared/organised before you go. Things should run pretty smoothly then #HolidayChat
— Treasured Travels (@BeckySkel) March 21, 2018
"Won't you be scared!?" Maybe, but that's how I know I'm living! "Why don't you wait until someone else wants to go too?" Because I want to go now and if I wait I might never get to go! Just go for it!! #holidaychat
— Han Meets World (@HanMeetsWorld) March 21, 2018
Are you a fan of travelling solo?
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