Going solo: 5 reasons why it’s liberating, not lonely, to travel on your own
Travelling alone? This is why it might be the best decision you've made all year
Sponsored by Staybridge Suites
We’ve all been there, on holiday with a bunch of mates and nobody can agree on what to do - so you all end up doing the thing the loudest person in the group wants, and you have the go-karting injuries to prove it was a bad idea. But there’s one fantastic way to make sure that doesn’t happen again - and that is to go it alone.
Going out into the big wide world with just yourself for company is highly recommended. Still, some of us are a little wary - something the extended-stay hotel brand, Staybridge Suites, recently found out, surveying 2,000 people about their views on solo travel.
Staybridge Suites knows a thing or two about going it alone. The hotel prides itself on offering community, comfort and convenience to a whole host of guests, including a solo business traveller who wants to feel the comforts of home whilst on the road.
Staybridge Suites welcomes guests in all groups and sizes but it identified early the trend in the rise of solo travel and has made sure its hotels cater perfectly for those travelling alone who are looking for a longer stay.
Still not convinced? Here are five reasons travelling alone is something you need to try…
1. Do what you want when you want
It may sound obvious but travelling with another companion, or a group, always means compromise. Not so when you are on your own. For a start you can wake up at midday, cook yourself a breakfast (Staybridge Suites has kitchen facilities in its suites, or you can opt for one of their hot breakfasts), then head out to experience something new. In its survey, Staybridge Suites found that 53% of people felt they liked to travel alone so “they could do what they want,” which is, frankly, a brilliant response.
2. You can be a taboo breaker
It’s clear that there is still some wariness about travelling solo. It turns out that going to a gig or a football match were the things people are least likely to ever do on their own, with 42% of participants saying they would never consider it. Now, we don’t know about you, but seeing a stat like that makes us want to do the opposite - travel alone, find a band you like, or a local football team and head there and have some fun. Doing it alone means that nobody else will care about your terrible taste in music, or not knowing the words to any footie chants.
3. You’ll gain some confidence
If you are the person who always relies on someone else asking for the bill then you're not alone. Staybridge Suites found that over a third (34%) of respondents find the thought of doing something on their own intimidating, whilst a fifth (20%) find it awkward to do things without anyone by their side. But there’s nothing like the confidence doing something on your own gives you - it’s a liberating feeling and something that we should all try now and again.
4. You’ll meet new people
Going it alone doesn’t mean that you have to be on your tod for the entirety of the trip. In fact, at Staybridge Suites they offer ‘Socials’ three times a week, with free food and drink. There’s also 24/7 fitness rooms, self-laundry facilities and a 24-hour convenience store. And if you do venture out of the hotel then getting some exercise or going shopping for clothes were high up on the list of things people would happily do alone.
5. You may have the best holiday ever
While it might feel a little daunting, holidaying alone can also bring about a number of great benefits. Staybridge Suites found that out of those who have travelled solo, a whopping 65% agreed that their ‘best ever’ holidays have been when they haven’t had to answer to anyone else.
Travelling alone can be a daunting prospect, but when the destination comes with a Staybridge Suites stay, then all you have to worry about when you're away is me, myself and I. They’ll take care of the rest.
For more information, visit www.staybridge.com.
