If your New Year’s resolution includes more travel, yet you worry that you can’t travel alone, fear not.
As we all know, with advancing years, comes the likelihood of more serious and unexpected life changes – death of a loved one, divorce, and ill health of your regular travel companion – and that very often these challenges blind side us.
But this doesn’t mean that personal desires and life ambitions have to come to an end, too.
Here are some questions to ask yourself before you book your travels:
- What do I want to gain from my travel experience: Adventure? Culture? Relaxation? Inspiration?
- Which destination, countries or regions interest me most? Make a list and put them in order—develop your travel “bucket list.”
- Do I want to travel with like-minded people - friends, family, or other vacationers –or go it alone?
- If I’m with a group, and all begin as strangers, who will I eat my meals with? Does my tour operator help facilitate these situations? Will the guides help me meet people? Will the group be small enough so that I matter or is it so large that I get lost in the crowd?
- Will I have chance to explore and ‘go off the beaten track’ on my own or must I stay with my group the whole time? Will I have knowledgeable local guides at my destination, and will they help pursue my individual interests?
- How can I get the best value for my money? Does my tour operator waive the single supplement fee?
- How else can I save money? Does my tour operator match singles as roommates or help us to arrange these ourselves? What else is offered to me if I’m traveling solo?
The latest data from leading travel company Grand Circle show that traveling solo has never been more popular or more satisfying, particularly for women. Grand Circle offers a free service for travelers seeking a traveling companion. You can choose to travel with a female, male, either, or as a group. This service allows you to still follow your dreams and explore without being alone. To sign up for your free travel profile account, please click here.
To find out more about the Grand Circle Foundation, and the services that they provide, please click here.
