Seekers of unique social and cultural experiences are being drawn to independent traveling. Many factors have pushed this recent increase in solo travelers. Among the main reasons are today’s improved access to technology and information, a rise in globalization of culture and business, and the fact that today people are living and working longer than ever. It is due to this longer work period that people are giving up on waiting for their friends or family to have time to travel and are deciding that now is the time to see the world, even if it means going it alone. A survey conducted by Visa International found out that in one year, 2007, there was a 15% increase in international travel by people traveling alone. This increase has brought a rise in the availability of travel services that cater to solo travelers. It is obvious that traveling alone has become a global trend that is showing no signs of slowing down in future years.
The number of individuals who identify themselves as independent travelers continues to rise. Modern times have shown a revolution in all things traveling; the rise of independent travelers as opposed to holiday makers in groups is no exception. The saying “it’s a small world” never rang more true than in today’s realm of independent traveling. With a growing globality in culture, language, and cuisine, traveling alone is the key to reaching the authentic and original experiences offered in far away places. Independent travelers are no longer seen as trend setters and seclusive wanderers but as regular Joes who are in search of that unique experience to set them apart from the hordes of tourists before them. With all of these changes taking place in the traveling world, it is often asked what is the best way to travel and what can I expect to get out of my travels. Traveling alone is no exception from these questions and speculation and to consider what to expect in the future is quite appealing. This guide is aimed to give an in-depth look at the world of solo traveling and to consider changes that are expected by the year 2024.
The Rise of Independent Travelers
Recently, an increasing number of travelers are leaving behind the usual group tours and demanding independent travel. In fact, the number of travelers who went abroad but didn’t use a package tour increased from 425 million in 1990 to 577 million in 2000 – a 36 percent increase. With this trend continuing, and even growing faster since the incident of September 11th, experts believe that 2005 will mark the year that half of all travel will be people setting their own itineraries and traveling on their own. There are lots of reasons why travelers are able to do this, and there are also many contributing variables in this trend. In order to be more educated on this subject, I will focus my attention on the research I have done both in and out of the class on this topic and explain why and how this trend is taking place. There are many ways to describe what exactly independent travel is. In general, it’s traveling on your own without any kind of package, whether it be a guided tour or a cruise. The range of activities done by independent travelers varies from simply trekking through untamed lands where no tourism has gone before, to spending extended amounts of time in foreign countries taking part in language programs and cultural homestay projects.
Benefits of Solo Traveling
As stated by Dr. Pauline Sheldon, a tourism professor at the University of Hawaii, who has made a recent foray into solo travel herself with a six-month sabbatical in Europe, “The decision-making process involved in travel is very good for self-development, it empowers people and boosts self-esteem. When traveling alone, there is nobody else to depend on in terms of making well-informed decisions, and every success will provide a big boost to self-esteem.” This may involve decisions on anything from accommodation and transport to choices of food, and the increase in confidence from fulfilling these responsibilities can be quite liberating for those who are usually reliant on others in their home environment. The change of pace and lifestyle experienced through travel can result in a shift in an individual’s own philosophy and approach to life, or provide an altered perspective on other facets of a cultural identity.
An important reason for this shift is the substantial cognitive and emotional benefits of traveling alone. In my view, the primary advantage of traveling alone is the prosperity of opportunities for character exploration and personal progress. Although traveling with others can certainly be an enjoyable experience, it essentially puts a great deal of emphasis on following the itinerary, disallowing any major deviations that could potentially be the most fulfilling part of the trip. This is impractical when traveling alone, as there is no one else to negotiate with. Essentially, this means that while deviations in a travel plan accompanied by others will probably be viewed as a waste of valuable time, traveling alone can afford one the ability to pursue the sorts of things that may not have been initially considered, without feeling that one is missing out in terms of attractions and events already planned.
What to Expect in 2024
Eco-travel is going to be the hottest commodity on the market, with Asia and Latin America taking top spots for global “hot spots.” These areas are known for their rich cultural heritages and diverse ecosystems, but they have suffered greatly from overdevelopment in recent years. Sightings of elephants and tigers in Southeast Asia will be greatly increased as eco-tourism helps to pump money into the preservation of natural habitats. The Monarch butterfly migrations in Mexico are already drawing in more and more nature enthusiasts, and with the spread of information, it is likely that this will become a booming industry in the years to come. Travelers can expect to encounter easier and cheaper transportation to these areas (like the recent increase in flights from all over the U.S. to Central and South America for under $150 roundtrip) and a wider variety of budget accommodations that cater to environmentally conscious travelers. Whether this means a bamboo bungalow in Bali or an ecolodge in the Amazon, over the next decade, the options for eco-travel are expected to grow and diversify, making it an increasingly attractive option for solo travelers of all ages and backgrounds. Because this trend is still in its infancy, eco-travel in 2024 is something that today’s independent travelers can look forward to being on the “cutting edge” of.
Europe: A Solo Traveler’s Paradise
Europe is a fantastic destination for solo travelers. The continent is fairly small in comparison to other continents, meaning there are shorter distances between locations. This has several effects: it’s easier to get in and out of countries, travel between cities and because the culture and geography change frequently, there is a lot of variety in a small area. This makes it an ideal continent for someone traveling alone. Each country is very unique, and has its own distinct culture. They have different customs and ways of life, meaning as you move from country to country you get a little bit of the excitement of being somewhere completely new, while needing very little time to actually move locations. Europe is the birthplace of the western civilizations. It is a place rich in culture and history. Many of the ideas and institutions that form the political and social life of the people in the world today originated in Europe. Take advantage of this by visiting the many cultural centers in Europe. Europe is perhaps the world’s best museum.
Exploring the Historic Streets of Rome
Although the historical aspect of Rome is what attracts many tourists, there is more to the city than just historic sites. The ‘Baroque movement’ in the 17th and 18th century is evident in the architecture in many areas of Rome. The best examples of Baroque include the work of Bernini and Borromini; the former having done a significant amount of work at St. Peter’s Basilica. Piazza di Spagna is also a big attraction in Rome as it is the base of the Spanish Steps and is an ideal place to visit in the early evening. Another great example of the more recent history of Rome is Vatican City. This independent country located within Rome is the center of the Roman Catholic Church and is a fantastic addition to a visit to Rome. An optional addition for the extremely cultured traveler would be to try attending a papal audience or mass.
Nestled in the heart of the Lazio region of Italy, Rome is arguably one of the most culturally rich destinations. Rome, as a city, has such a significant past attached to it. Due to its past involvement in much of the Western world’s history, one could spend weeks trying to explore every historical site in Rome. The ‘must-see’ historic sites in Rome are the Ancient Roman structures: Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, the Domus Aurea, the Mausoleum of Augustus, the Imperial Fora, the Catacombs, the Arch of Constantine, the Appian Way, the Pyramid of Cestius, and the Bocca della Verità. Then there are the famous seven hills of Rome: Palatine Hill, Capitoline Hill, Quirinal Hill, Viminal Hill, Esquiline Hill, Caelian Hill, and Aventine Hill.
Embracing the Vibrant Culture of Barcelona
Spain is incomplete without the mention of the significance of fútbol there, and Barcelona is home to one of the biggest teams in the history of this sport. Why not catch a game of the locals playing fútbol on the brilliant beaches? They often take to the sand to play this sport, and the atmosphere is brilliant. People are very lively and welcoming. Just a good stroll along the beach is a good way to take in the lifestyle of the people who live in this amazing city. For the single traveler, a place not to be missed is the Plaça Reial. A plaza lined with palm trees with a mass amount of good restaurants and bars surrounding it, a good time is always on the cards. Nightlife in Barcelona is very much vibrant.
Barcelona is the Mediterranean coast’s principal city and Spain’s second most populated city. It is the capital of Catalonia. This city is known for its art and architecture. The fantastical Sagrada Família church and other modernist landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí dot the city. Museu Picasso and Fundació Joan Miró feature modern art by their namesakes. Art and architecture are truly the life and blood of this city. A walk through some of Barri Gòtic’s and Eixample’s streets will take you past some of the city’s most iconic buildings. A quite unique and curious museum dedicated to the execution throughout history of criminal law in Spain from the Middle Ages to the 19th century can be found at the Museu Pès d’Història de Catalunya. Visitors can take a break from their walk and relax near the lake, where renting a rowing boat and having a picnic is very popular among residents visiting the park on weekends.
Unwinding in the Serene Landscapes of Iceland
Iceland, a land yet to be tarnished by the hands of mass tourism, is quickly becoming a mecca for solo travelers. The exclusive destination has so much to offer, such as viewing the many active volcanoes and glaciers, which make for a unique experience like none other. At about the size of Kentucky, one would think that there is not much to see in this small country, however Iceland is densely populated with beautiful landscapes and ancient geological formations. The small population in the country leaves many of these magnificent sites virtually untouched, in the serene state that they’ve been in for thousands of years. For this reason, many solo travelers come to Iceland seeking an adventure off the beaten path, and the experience is almost guaranteed. Iceland is an ideal location to spend a week or two traveling on your own. The society is very harmless and friendly to all of those who visit, and crime is practically non-existent. A common belief is that Iceland is too expensive to visit, however it is ranked the 25th most expensive country in the world, so it is not much different from traveling in western Europe. The capital, Reykjavik, is perhaps the most western-oriented city in all of Europe that still holds on to its traditional roots. In the city one can experience the ancient Viking culture or “Hásveit”, and see how the generations of the past have survived in this tough North Atlantic Island. For those who seek a colorful nightlife, Reykjavik is sure to deliver the goods, and any traveler who seeks to make new friends or connect with the local people will feel right at home in the capital.
Immersing in the Rich History of Prague
Czech Republic’s prime preserved city, and easily one of the most beautiful in the entire continent, Prague is a must visit for every true history enthusiast. The wealth of historic architecture here is immense – your eyes may grow tired before you ever see all there is to see. There are lots of gothic cathedrals and baroque churches, though the most distinctive part of Prague’s architecture is the cubist style – which has the most complete examples in the world. Also on offer are old synagogues and the ancient city walls. Perhaps the biggest problem you’ll have with the architecture in Prague is tearing yourself away from it. You should also pay a visit to the world’s oldest working astronomical clock. And a good way to take in much of the beautiful architecture is to take a leisurely walk across the Charles Bridge, which has many talented entertainers and souvenir vendors vying for your attention as you wander between the baroque statues. But it’s not all old architecture and art galleries in Prague. There are many attractions here for the modern tourist. Kafka’s city has a strange allure with a nightclub in a natural cavern (complete with high tech sound system and network of chambers). The Czechs are also quite famous for their love of good beer, and even today you can stop at a traditional Czech pub and enjoy a mug of the stuff with a meal that will be easy on your wallet. But most importantly, many of the tours of Eastern Europe start in Prague, and you can travel to many other interesting destinations in the region from the city, with your newly expanded knowledge of Czech history and culture. Overall, a first-rate tourist destination, with something for every history buff – and enough diversions to keep the rest of us from getting bored.
Asia: Mystical Adventures Await
Discovering the Temples of Angkor Wat Nestled deep in the heart of Cambodia, the Angkor Wat complex covers 200 sq. miles and is in fact the largest religious structure in the world. Built in the early 12th century, it has become a symbol of Cambodia and is the only one of the country’s tourist attractions that is known on a global scale. The ‘Great City’ of Angkor, capital of the Khmer empire, becomes a source of enormous pride to Cambodia and is reflected by an inscription made by the king who built it which says the city was taken back from the Thais. Although the city itself was well known, it is the Angkor Wat temple that has become the symbol of the nation. Built during the 12th century by King Suryavarman II at the height of the Angkor empire’s power, it is the best preserved temple at the site and is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre—first Hindu, then Buddhist—since its foundation. The initial construction of Angkor Wat was intended as a funerary temple for Suryavarman II and a state temple it was his capital, aiding in legitimizing his rule. Unbeknown to modern Cambodians, Angkor Wat and the surrounding city was founded upon great spiritual power and is said to be a microcosm of the universe in Hindu cosmology. Angkor Wat is oriented towards the West, which is also significant in Hindu cosmology it is symbolic of the death of the god Vishnu—preserver and protector of creation, he is known as a peaceful god and his death is a cosmic event with extensive repercussions for the cosmos. With this in mind, the main entrance to the temple, which is from the West, is believed to be related to the Western association of death. Unfortunately, Angkor Wat is a victim of both looting and overzealous restoration; despite this, the teams involved are working together to understand and document the site fully. With help from the Japanese government, the teams have made great progress and preservation of the site has become more organized and the future can only be brighter. Angkor Wat is a must-see location for any visitor to Cambodia and the site itself and the surrounding nation will remain an awe-inspiring lesson for all who have the privilege of walking amongst its history.
Discovering the Temples of Angkor Wat
While the grounds of Angkor Wat are the most famous, there are several other temples on the grounds that are certainly worth a visit. Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer empire, is famous for its temple gates and Bayon temple. Ta Prohm is unique because it has been left to the forces of nature with enormous trees growing directly out of the ruins. There are also many other smaller temples in the area definitely worth checking out. The entrance fee into the temple complex is US $20 for 1 day, US $40 for 3 days and US $60 for 1 week. While many people try and see the whole of the temple complex in one day we think it is definitely worth taking your time—each temple is unique and worth spending some time to explore and soak in the atmosphere. A 3 day pass or week pass is quite good value (note the pass is not just for Angkor Wat but the whole complex) and allows you the flexibility to take your time and avoid the crowds. If you are not staying in one of the hotels that provide free bicycle use to guests, the best way to get to the temples is by tuk-tuk. Prices are quite flexible and depend on the distance, your haggling skills and the number of people. The Small Tour (covering the most famous and central temples circles) it is about 17km round trip and would normally cost about US $10. A tuk-tuk to Rolous group or the more remote temples will cost more. Make sure you arrange a time and place for the driver to pick you up as it’s very common to come out of the east gate of Angkor Wat hot and tired after a long day and have no ride home.
Trekking through the Himalayas in Nepal
But alas, Nepal is among a lot of establishing nations and with globalization becoming hard to halt alterations are an location. Recently road construction has been going on around the nation, opening up many areas to the outdoors world this really is not all negative as much more Nepalese will have easier access to schools and hospitals, on the other hand trekkers must be speedy if they would like to view these untouched parts of Nepal ahead of it becomes just another location to go hiking.
When on trek in this country, it truly is a humbling knowledge to find out how the indigenous people today reside. Most Nepalese individuals reside in remote mountain villages exactly where they practice an easy and virtually self-sufficient lifestyle. Households is going to be typically created from the nearby elements and livestock are kept within a lower floor such as location in the property to ensure that their physique heat assists to help keep the loved ones warm in the course of the cooler months. Find out this website with its local of this in the hospitality sector. This way of life might seem rough to outsiders, but Nepal includes a incredibly low crime and unemployment rates so it’s functioning for them. Throughout your trek it can be probably you’ll keep in nearby tea houses run by the Sherpa folks. Here you may have an opportunity to attempt the regional Sherpa food.
There are a number of reasons that trekking in the Himalayas of Nepal is actually a future destination for backpackers of most ages. The key one would be that no matter what sort of trek you choose, you’re confident to determine an area of the nation that’s untouched by tourism or Western influences. The varied cultures, abundant wildlife and friendly people living standard can provide the traveller encounters and sights that happen to be quite unimaginable. Throughout your trek you are able to cross pristine rivers by means of swinging suspension bridges, travel through narrow gorge and valleys precisely where the dense forests are alive with monkeys, birds as well as the elegant musk deer. Or for those which have an adventurous streak, why not attempt to ascend one particular of numerous minor peaks or a trekking peak? And for the true nature lover, these trails are a genuine Shangri-La! Also viewing the terraced farmlands and diverse ethnic group’s people today working within a timeless style supplies you proof that somewhere during that time, you have indeed passed through the looking glass and stepped into another land!
Experiencing the Tranquility of Bali
But, what truly defines Bali is the spirit of the Balinese people; when the island is visited, it is the people that will inevitably leave the most lasting impression. On entering the village of Amlapura in East Bali, it is as though time has stood still. Despite a devastating earthquake in 1963 and modern Western influences, enchanting villages and undisturbed local customs still abound. Step into the hubbub of a Bedugul market, and you may think you have been transported to pre-colonial Central Java. Everywhere else – from the tiny coastal village to the hot, dusty Angsri in the island’s far west – there is always a spirit of communal effort and an exuberant sense of life. This is perhaps the single most attractive feature of Bali, the element that makes it quite different from any other tourist destination and a factor that has contributed to Bali becoming what it is today.
Bali is a spiritual haven with a distinctively singular identity that encompasses the whole of its small, magical and well-loved island. Bali is an exotic island, a perfect tourist destination known for its enchanting culture. The island is an idyllic holiday destination with something for everyone. Bali offers great beaches, countless waves for surfing and wonderful natural sites to visit and explore, colourful ceremonies, and gifted artists. There is an unbelievably wide range of hotels and accommodation, restaurants, spas and world-class activities and shopping – all within close distance and at very fair prices. Choose from basic home-stays run by friendly Balinese families, 5-star beach resorts or luxurious, or privately-serviced Bali villas with your private pool.
South America: Untouched Beauty and Adventure
Marveling at the Majesty of Machu Picchu
South America is a continent that contains the most exotic and exciting experiences in the world. Although there is no way to exhaust the regions of South America in a single chapter, I will seek to highlight some of the continent’s most pristine locales. One of South America’s most alluring features is its status as having the world’s richest and most biologically diverse continent. This biological wealth is epitomized by a trip into the Amazon Rainforest. The best locale to access the Amazon is from Ecuador or Peru. In these areas, tours are widely available to take travelers into the jungle and on treks that explore forest diversity, function, and form. The next destination is for those with a liking for an energetic cultural experience. A trip to Buenos Aires can be the answer for those wishing to happily exhaust themselves with dance and music while experiencing an incredibly European influenced South American city. Brazil is known for its energizing and colorful culture, and Salvador or Bahia are the ideal spots to be immersed in the lively Afro-Brazilian drumming and dance for which the country is famed. Though perhaps not intuitive, Machu Picchu, with its inspiring mountain backdrop and well-preserved Incan architecture can be another culturally rich experience, especially when one reads up on Incan history before exploring the site.
Exploring the Amazon Rainforest
There are a number of possible ways to gain access to the Amazon, but international flights from Europe and America tend to be expensive and have to stop in Lima or Quito. So often it is best to buy a cheap return flight to one of those cities and then get a local flight to one of the more remote jungle towns. The most popular entry town on the Peruvian side is Puerto Maldonado. However, Rurrenabaque, on the other side of the Andes in Bolivia, is cheaper to get to and also has very cheap jungle tours. The cheapest way to see the rainforest is to do a tour from a small jungle town, with the most popular choice on the Bolivian side usually being a pampas tour. These tours tend to be very cheap and are an excellent way to see wildlife. When on the tour, you can organize to be dropped off at a jungle lodge. Our pick is an eight-day tour from Rurrenabaque to an animal refuge and then on to the Madidi National Park. Although it is far more expensive, the absolute best way to experience the rainforest is to go to an ecolodge for a week or two. There are many stunning ecolodges throughout the Amazon in places such as Peru’s Tambopata or Manu national parks and in the Brazilian Amazon. These lodges offer an amazing wildlife experience and often fund local conservation projects.
Soaking in the Sun on the Beaches of Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is a city that is renowned for both its authenticity, its gorgeous natural setting, and its beaches. A city that never sleeps, you will have an eventful vacation, whether you choose to relax and soak up the sun, play a game of beach volleyball, or just people watch. Rio’s beaches are a melting pot of cariocas (Rio natives) and visitors, of different social backgrounds, who all gather to enjoy the scenery, the sun, the music, and the caipirinhas. Note that not all of Rio’s beaches are safe, and it is a good idea to inquire which are okay to go to, and which are best avoided. You should never take any valuables to the beach. A common sight on many Rio beaches are football matches. These can be great fun and a good chance to interact with the locals, but be very watchful of your possessions and only join in if you are confident of your surroundings.