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The liberating experience of solo travel

The liberating experience of solo travel

By Sigal Nassimov-Geva, COO of one of South Africa’s fastest growing, independently-owned hotel groups, Premier Hotels & Resorts

We’re seeing a remarkable uptake in the popularity of solo travel. More and more people are choosing to embark on journeys of self-discovery, seeking adventure and enlightenment in the far corners of the globe. 

Just what is solo travel? It’s about discovering who you are when no one is looking.  It can be done independently or on a group tour. It’s when you leave behind everyone you know and embark on a trip. And when you plan and navigate the trip by yourself. 

It’s not just about packing a bag and hitting the road alone; it’s an adventure into the depths of self-discovery and empowerment. In a world where connection is often prized above solitude, solo travel offers a unique opportunity to explore not just the world around us, but the world within.

For some people, enjoying a solo trip comes naturally. Others have to work on how to travel alone. Most who do, fall in love with it. 

Here are a few things you need to know to ensure a great solo adventure.

The call of the unknown

The allure of solo travel lies in the freedom it offers – freedom from the constraints of schedules, obligations, and expectations. It’s a chance to follow your own rhythm, to wander without a destination in mind, and to embrace the serendipity of the journey. There’s a certain thrill in stepping into the unknown, in venturing into unfamiliar territories armed only with curiosity and courage.

Rediscovering yourself

Solo travel is more than just visiting new places; it’s a journey of self-discovery. Away from the familiar comforts of home, you’re forced to confront your fears, push your boundaries, and rely on your own instincts. In the quiet moments of solitude, you have the space to reflect on your life, your dreams, and your priorities. It’s a chance to reconnect with yourself, to listen to the whispers of your heart, and to rediscover the person you truly are.

Building confidence and resilience

Navigating the world on your own can be daunting, but it’s also incredibly empowering. With each challenge you overcome – whether it’s navigating a foreign city, overcoming a language barrier, or making new friends – you grow stronger and more self-assured. Solo travel teaches you to trust yourself, to adapt to new situations, and to find solutions to unexpected problems. It’s a crash course in resilience, and the lessons you learn on the road will stay with you long after the journey is over.

Cultivating connection

Contrary to popular belief, solo travel is not synonymous with loneliness. In fact, it often fosters some of the most meaningful connections – both with others and with yourself. When you travel alone, you’re more open to meeting new people, striking up conversations with strangers, and immersing yourself in different cultures. Whether it’s sharing stories with fellow travelers in a hostel dormitory or connecting with locals over a shared meal, solo travel reminds us that human connection knows no borders.The people you meet and the advice they offer will greatly enrich your trip.

Learn to chat with strangers

Starting conversations with strangers can be a challenge, however these conversations can be trip-changing, if not life-changing. There are many skills that can be developed for this and one is never too old to learn them. 

Take time to settle in

In our fast-paced world, it’s all too easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle. It can be difficult arriving in a new city alone. Take your time. Take a day to relax, watch the city function and gain different perspectives. Solo travel offers a respite from the constant noise and distractions, allowing you to slow down and savor the present moment. Whether you’re watching the sunset over a pristine beach, hiking through a lush forest, or simply enjoying a quiet meal at a sidewalk café, solo travel teaches you to be fully present – to appreciate the beauty of the world around you and the joy of simply being alive.

Solo travel is not just a trend; it’s a movement – a testament to the indomitable spirit of the modern-day explorer.  

Solo travel at its best is deliciously self-indulgent: eat whatever and whenever you want, spend as long or as little as you like in a place, skip famous sights, sign up for the super cheesy. It’s a time where the only compromises you have to make are with yourself. 

Solo travel is not for everyone, but for those who dare to embark on the journey, the rewards are boundless. It’s a transformative experience that challenges, inspires, and enriches in ways that are impossible to predict. So pack your bags, trust in the wisdom of the road, and embrace the adventure that awaits. After all, the greatest journey you can ever take is the one that leads you back to yourself. 

Try out our resort along the Garden Route, Premier Resort The Moorings or comfortable accommodation in the heart of the Drakensberg you’ll find Premier Resort Sani Pass.

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About us

Actually, Home Food and Travel offers a lot more than just reviews of accommodation, restaurants, spas and adventure activities.  We also visit great destinations, receive advice from interior designers and stop to smell the roses and taste the coffee.

Our team of journalists are seasoned travels and love visiting the myriad of exciting places around South Africa.  Whether it is off the beaten track or in the heart of the top attractions of the country, we’ll be there,

Home Food and Travel advice on finding the right accommodation

So what is the right accommodation?  Well more often than not, it’s your travel budget that dictates the type of accommodation that you choose. 

Expensive is not always better.  Our team at Home Food and Travel will tell you that they have camped in areas with limited ablutions and had a wonderful holiday.  They have also spent a night in a five star hotel only to be disappointed because their expectations exceeded the experience.

The reason for your travels will also affect your choice.  A business trip requires different amenities to a beach holiday. 

Our articles, reviews and experiences can certainly help you make your decision.

Restaurants with a good mix of service, food and ambiance

To my mind a great restaurant offers three things – excellent service, great food and a wonderful ambiance.  Of these, service is the most important. 

No matter that the food is delicious and the setting delightful, poor service can ruin the occasion.  However, great service combined with mediocre meal and a plane jane restaurant can still be a pleasant night out.

We’ve eaten in restaurants that are really dirty but with incredible food and couldn’t help but give a rave review.  We’ve also hardly noticed what we ate because the setting was just amazing.

However, the best restaurants come with the best of service, food and ambiance.

Spas are the ultimate relaxation aid

How do you know when you have had a great spa experience?  The answer, of course, is when you doze off on the treatment table. 

Well that’s our theory anyway.  It also doesn’t take a grand location with enormous facilities for a spa to be really good

A small, personal spa that is owner run can result in the best massage you have ever experienced.  However, the grand spas in five star hotels offer unsurpassed facilities in an environment that just makes the stress in your shoulders and neck melt away before you even finish checking in.

Adventure!

You don’t have to be an adrenaline junky to enjoy an exciting experience.  In fact, what are commonly termed adventure activities usually have incredibly high safety standards and unblemished safety records.

Ziplining, bungy jumping and shark cage diving are all very safe.  It’s just that our mind tells us we are craaazzzzyyyy to be doing this.

On the road to great places of accommodation, restaurants, spas and adventure activities

If you’re driving, be safe and make use of all the wonderful farm stalls that populate South Africa’s open roads.

If you overhear somebody asking a lot of questions or see someone taking photos of empty bedrooms chances are it’s one of our Home Food and Travel team members.

We’re out looking or those great places of accommodation, restaurants, spas and adventure activities.

See you on the road!

 

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