Believe it or not, there are lots and lots of people who take solo holidays on a regular basis, especially of the backpacking variety. Scheduling a spot on a group trip with an organization like Contiki or Haggis Tours (which has anything from three days on the Shetland Islands to spending Christmas in a Scottish castle with other solo holidaymakers) plops you right in the middle of holiday action with a big group.
While many of the participants on these excursions may be in groups, the environment is that of a social mixer, and there are always lots of solo travelers along for the ride. By the end of your trip, you'll have a variety of new friends to keep in touch with.
Taking some time to volunteer or grab a short-term job abroad is a fantastic way to integrate yourself into a new environment all on your own, and it comes guaranteed with new acquaintances and locals to show you around and give you an authentic experience.
Whether you're taking two weeks to work at the Flying Pig hostel in Amsterdam or spending a week practicing English with various Spanish professionals in the highlands of Spain at Pueblo Ingles, volunteering immediately provides you with a social network, an affordable way to travel and an unforgettable chance to immerse yourself in completely because you've gone it alone.
From lazy Caribbean cruises to walking tours of the Australian outback, organizations abound that specify in singles travel, mixers and creating a unique environment meant to bring people together and create the opportunity to forge lasting relationships.
Try browsing a few singles holiday websites like www.singlestravelintl.com or www.singlesinparadise.com to see if anything strikes your fancy. If not, keep looking. There are hundreds upon hundreds of these singles-specific travel agencies, and one of them is bound to have the perfect holiday for you.
Want to practice yoga in Thailand? Learn to ski in the Alps? Volunteer on an archaeological dig in Peru? Traveling for the purpose of pursuing an interest is a great way to connect with like-minded individuals while also pursuing a holiday tailored to your passions.
Try a volunteer service like projectsabroad.com or look for a retreat specific to your passion like exotic Tai Chi retreats at www.taichiinparadise.com to find the right match for you.
If organized group activities aren't your thing, and you really have no desire but to wander the streets of Budapest or spend a week in the sand in Bali, then there's no reason not to book a ticket for one and take off. There's no telling who you will encounter and what you will stumble across with the complete freedom of a solo traveler to take whatever paths strike your fancy.
For single travelers, it can be advantageous to stay in a youth hostel or a guest house with other guests with whom you will share a room, breakfast and perhaps even a bar area in which to mingle, compare notes and even make plans. Hostels especially have always been a traditional place to meet fellow travelers and dream up group excursions.
Good luck, and happy travels!
