There’s something liberating about travelling alone. You can decide where to go, when to eat and how to spend your day. No compromises, no other people’s schedules — just you and the world. This is precisely why interest in solo travel has grown steadily over the years.

Don’t be afraid to travel alone!

Numerous studies and analyses from the tourism industry confirm this trend. The Economist writes:

 Travel buddies are out; solo trips are in.

Nevertheless, the idea of travelling alone can seem daunting at first. That’s why, inspired by an article in Condé Nast Traveller, we’ve compiled our own Golden Rules for Solo Travel.

Rule #1: It’s not weird to eat alone

For many people, eating alone in a restaurant is the biggest mental hurdle to traveling solo. However, it’s much more common than you might think, and it’s often surprisingly enjoyable.

One good tip to start with is: Sit at the bar or reserve a spot at the counter. This feels less “formal” than having a large table to yourself, and it’s easier to strike up a conversation with the bartender or other guests. Tables by the window or outdoors are also good choices because you can focus on what’s happening outside.

At the OCEANO Health Spa Hotel in Tenerife, the concept includes seating solo guests at a shared table if they wish. Many guests, especially women, travel here alone.

Rule #2: Just strike up a conversation with people

Spontaneous encounters often happen when traveling alone. “Even the smallest interactions can lead to valuable local connections,” says Connor Sturges of Condé Nast Traveler. A brief chat with the couple at the next table or asking for recommendations (“Have you tried this or that yet?” “Would you recommend it?”) can quickly lead to a longer conversation and perhaps even shared activities.

Choose hotels with “Me-Time” packages

Rule #3: Don’t be afraid of being alone

Although meeting new people along the way can be wonderful, moments of solitude are an integral part of solo travel. The Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa in Bavaria caters precisely to this desire to spend quality time alone. The hotel has developed a special package for solo travellers..

The ‘Time for Me’ package includes the following:

• Panoramic room for single occupancy
• No single room supplement on selected dates
• Gourmet breakfast and dinner menu
• Access to the 1,500 m² Artemacur Spa
• Relaxation and activity programme

“We deliberately chose rooms with panoramic mountain views because, even if you’re traveling alone, you should be able to treat yourself to something nice instead of automatically ending up in the smallest room,” says Lisa-Maria Standl of the Klosterhof.

“Me-time” is also consciously celebrated at the wellness hotel My Arbor in South Tyrol. Nestled in the heart of the forest above Brixen, the treehouse hotel boasts views of the Dolomites and an atmosphere that fosters a sense of calm almost automatically. Many guests come here alone to enjoy a mindful break with long spa sessions, yoga, forest bathing, or simply relaxing on the balcony among the treetops.

We’ve described what a weekend like this could look like in the following article: A Weekend Alone with Some Me-Time at My Arbor.

Rule #4: Make a conscious effort to take care of yourself

Solo travel often provides an opportunity for self-care. Many people use their trips as an opportunity to nourish their bodies and minds. Fasting programs are a growing trend. You can try one of these programs under the guidance of professionals at sustainable Green Pearls® hotels.

• OCEANO Health Spa Hotel in Tenerife: Fasting programs based on the F. X. Mayr method
• Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa in the Berchtesgadener Land region: Liver fasting
• SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA in Bad Herrenalb: Fasting based on Dr. Buchinger’s method or alkaline fasting programs
• Naturresort Gerbehof on Lake Constance: Alkaline fasting in a family-friendly atmosphere

You can find more information about sustainable fasting vacations at Green PearlsⓇ accommodations here.

If you’re not interested in fasting right now but would still like to improve your health, a vacation at a sustainable health hotel might be a good option for you.

The right plan can put your mind at ease

Rule #5: Plan travel at the right time

One advantage of traveling alone is that you can plan your trip with complete flexibility. For example, one sustainable option is off-peak travel, or traveling during the off-season. Places are often quieter, more authentic, and more affordable during this time.

Or you can plan your trip around seasonal events and traditions, such as:

• Törggelen in South Tyrol
• Summer Festival in the Ligurian village of Borgomaro
• Olive Harvest in Italy or Spain

Here, you can immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle and connect with locals. If you love culture, you may also be interested in our recommendations for theater visits while traveling.

Rule #6: Plan broadly, but don’t overplan

It can be especially overwhelming at the start of a trip to wake up in a new city with no plan. Of course, you can always go with the flow, but if that’s not your style, establishing a loose daily structure can help.
Write down three ideas for activities, such as visiting a café, a market, or walking to see a few sights. However, it’s also important to leave room for spontaneity. That’s why three ideas are more than enough for a day!

Rule #7: Plan a group activity

Just because you’re traveling alone doesn’t mean you have to be by yourself all the time. Guided tours, workshops, and hikes are great ways to meet people.

At the Naturhotel Outside, an official hiking hotel in East Tyrol, for example, guided hikes are offered several times a week for guests. Additionally, the hotel is located in the Hohe Tauern National Park, which organizes regular events. We highly recommend taking advantage of these offers, even if you’re traveling alone!.

Active Travel for Solo Travelers

Rule #8: Walk, walk, walk 

Solo traveler Estée Lalonde told CNT that she sometimes feels nervous when traveling alone to a new place. However, as soon as she goes out and starts walking, the nerves disappear. Then, it just feels completely normal, as if she belongs there.

Walking around also gives you a good feel for the city or region and helps you discover places you would never have found otherwise.

Find more inspiration in the article: Why You Should Go for a Walk on Vacation.

Rule #9: Bring a good book and a journal

When traveling alone, it’s easy to reach for your smartphone. However, it’s often much nicer to read a book or jot down your thoughts. A travel journal helps you record your experiences so you can relive the trip later. Many solo travelers say that they’re able to organize their thoughts particularly well while traveling.

One day, you’ll read these notes again and remember little moments that might otherwise have been forgotten.

Rule #10: Travel sustainably

Sustainability is also extremely important when traveling alone. Many emissions are higher now because they’re calculated per person (e.g., when only one person is in a car or taxi). At the same time, traveling alone gives you the time and flexibility to focus on sustainability, such as producing zero waste. This is especially true since you don’t have to make any compromises.

Many solo travelers also automatically seek out sustainable options and behaviors. For example:

• Light luggage: After all, you want to be able to lift your suitcase onto the train by yourself.
• Healthy, regional, organic cuisine
• Nature experiences
• Mindful wellness offerings
• Hotels that conserve resources

Traveling sustainably and solo

For years, Green Pearls® Hotels have seen an increase in solo travelers, and they are fully equipped to accommodate them. As we said, when you’re traveling alone, you have time to think and observe the world around you. Thoughts about sustainability just come naturally, don’t they?

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