Feel inspired to See It All Solo with Booking.com

(Supplied Photo/BOOKING.COM)

It may be because you’re an introvert, or it may be because you don’t want to wait for a companion to go with. Either way, solo travel has been growing in popularity for years now with no signs of slowing down.

Friday, March 1st is National Plan A Solo Vacation Day. Travel leader Booking.com has a few tips to help you make the most of your adventure on your own.

Eat like the locals

To really get a taste of a destination, it’s all about experiencing it like a local. And this is certainly true of local delicacies and immersing yourself by way of what you eat!

Booking.com’s Travel Predictions for 2024 found that three quarters of Canadian travellers (74%) want to try indigenous cuisines in 2024. Heritage flavors are in the spotlight with travellers putting power in the hands of the under-represented, unlocking the secrets of cultures which may have been lost or forgotten in other parts of the world. Expect an increase in indigenous experiences that take us on trails that tell the story behind the food they serve, bringing pride and income to communities around the globe.

Get off the beaten path

Going solo means there’s no debate or compromise necessary when it comes to where to go and what to do. Choosing less-travelled destinations offer the chance to meet travellers searching for similar travel experiences. Asking your accommodation owner or host for tips on the must-see things to do or places to visit is a handy tip. It might sound obvious, but friendly local intel can ensure you don’t miss the hidden gem your chosen destination has to offer.

Solo options for city seekers

Not all solo trips need to be about finding yourself on a mountain top. A short city escape can be just as rewarding and re-energizing. Explore the city on foot to better get your bearings and experience what a new city has to offer. In many places, you could join a guided walking tour to see all sides of the city too while also learning about the local history and culture.

Recently named the ‘most welcoming place in Canada’ in Booking.com’s Traveller Review Awards 2024, Whistler visitors can book a sightseeing tour of Whistler’s most scenic locations, like Green Lake, the Olympic bobsled track, local wildlife like bears and eagles, and more, in one easy day tour with Booking Attractions.

Do something incredibly memorable

Solo travel is a great opportunity to be adventurous. This year, the Northern Lights are expected to be their brightest in a long time. This year will be a “solar maximum”, a once-in-eleven-years phenomenon that will show aurora borealis seekers solar flares and sunspots that intensify throughout the year, peaking between January and October.

Seek out other solo travellers

One thing that regular solo travellers have in common is that they often share a similar interest in having a mix of true solo exploring time, and time spent with others. Sometimes this can be for safety interests, other times for intel on the local landscape, and other times just to be able to share ideas and connect with people. Finding other solo travellers is easy in the internet age, with resources like the Solo Female Travelers group on Facebook and Solo Travel on Reddit.