Have you ever traveled alone? Solo Travel is one of the many “trends” that have emerged in the travel industry in recent years. And why not? 

When you have time and your own money, your friends, family or partner often lack at least one of them. No wonder, then, that more and more people travel alone – and find that it’s not a compromise, but can also be a very relaxing and enriching experience.

But of course, you shouldn’t just take our word for it – that’s why we spoke to blogger and author Annika Ziehen: She writes about her travels on The Midnight Blue Elephant, and she usually does them alone. She has even written a book about her experiences: Solo Trip was published in German 2017 and in English 2018, and includes funny anecdotes of Annika’s travels and gives many good tips for those traveling alone and those who want to become a solo traveler. 🙂

Annika, what is the most enjoyable or special thing about traveling alone for you?

The incredible freedom to be completely independent! Breakfast in the afternoon? Sure thing! Change plans at the last moment? Anything is possible! The great thing about traveling alone is that you can indulge in healthy selfishness without feeling guilty.

Where was your first trip alone? What were your first experiences while traveling alone?

First, I went to New York City to see a college I wanted to apply to. There, I had my first taste – the kid from the small town in the Big Apple – I thought it was wonderful. Funnily enough, my first real solo vacation was in Seychelles. That’s when I learned that you don’t necessarily have a better trip just because you’re traveling with your loved one and that a Kindle for Solo traveler is indispensable.

Do you have an ultimate tip for those who are traveling alone for the first time?

Just do it! Don’t think about it too long and just go. Whether you like it or not, you can only find out on the way anyway. Most importantly – choose a destination that really interests you. Ignore the top 10 solo travel countries and go where you are really drawn to deep inside. And don’t forget: solo travel doesn’t have to be backpacking – you can travel the way you want to at any age!

If you want to learn more about Annika and her experiences with traveling alone, check out her blog The Midnight Blue Elephant or get her book Solo Trip! Recently Annika has visited some Green Pearls® partners as well, like Tongsai Bay on Koh Samui and Zeavola on Koh Phi Phi. 

In Detail: Possibilities as a Solo Traveller

Of course, there are places and environments that make it easier to travel alone. We asked our partner hotels what kind of offers they have for Solo Travellers and received a lot of feedback!

If you’re traveling alone and don’t want to miss out on human companionship, shared areas are great. In the Bio-Agrivilla i pini, for example, the vegan delicacies are eaten together at the “Friends Table” – perfect for socializing! There are also group events scheduled for guests almost every day, from cooking classes to workshops to product tastings. You certainly not will get bored here. 🙂

Just relax and reflect on yourself again: The Gili Solo Experience at Gili Lankanfushi on the Maldives makes sure that you can do just that. A relaxing massage at the Meera Spa is as much a part of it as morning yoga classes at sunrise or a sailing trip at sunset. At the Dine in the Dark dinner, the kitchen team will spoil you with the most delicious dishes and the photo session with Mr. Friday (Gili Goes Photogenic) will capture your memories.

Read more: Of Manta rays and corals: greener tourism on the Maldives

There are also activities and holidays that you can do on your own anyway, for example, fasting treatments like the F. X. Mayr cures at the OCÉANO Hotel Health Spa in Tenerife, to which many participants go alone to concentrate on themselves and the treatments without distraction.

Have you ever traveled alone? And where did you end up? Feel free to tell us about your experiences in the comments. 🙂

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