Travel now not tomorrow

Poor environment, bad weather or dismal economic opportunities can all lead someone to pack their bags and push off to a new life.   When this happens, we leave with optimism for change, opportunity, sunshine, the good things of life. Sometimes, we believe that leaving home will somehow change us. This is not uncommon after a loss such as death, divorce or redundancy. In this situation, we often travel alone. There are no compromises to be made when you travel solo. This type of travel is about escaping, changing surroundings and our daily schedules and gaining freedom from whatever we feel chains us. However, we can be pulled towards the new, because that is where we want to be. Escaping in the name of adventure. Heading out to an airport, train station or long-range bus terminal can give some of us a thrill. Escaping to where no one knows your name.   Oftentimes, we are warned against this type of journey. However, as Paul Coelho points out: “If you think adventure is da...

  Solo travel - plan before you go If you're not used to travelling alone, it may help to try a weekend break - short enough to keep busy but not so long that the days stretch ahead of you.  Research ahead of time so that you can imagine yourself there and you can envision how you will spend your time. It doesn't need to be a tight schedule, simply having a sense of what's next can give you purpose. In addition to the attractions, it's also a good idea to know something about the area's history, politics, social customs and be aware of any dangers of civil strife that might flare up.  Travelling alone is probably easier in the shoulder season - between the peak and the low tourist season. The peak season means that the lone traveller can blend in easier but the crowds mean that it is harder to find seats in cafes and restaurants. The low season often means 'closed' signs at attractions, plus with fewer tourists the lone traveller stands out. If you are flyin...