Have we got a trip and tips for you!

Published: Mon, 03/04/19

TIP OF THE MONTH

Solo Traveler Turns 10

We're Celebrating with a Huge Giveaway!

April 30th will be the 10th Anniversary of Solo Traveler, but this prize is so amazing we wanted to get the celebration contest out to you early.

We have a very special trip to give away thanks to Adventure Canada. One lucky person will travel aboard an expedition ship from June 9-20, 2019. This trip is valued at US$11,595.00! This giveaway is open to readers anywhere in the world and you can enter once a day until March 11th.

Visit Solo Traveler to guess the secret destination and enter.

The Solo Traveler Advisory of Deals

Arriving in your inbox one week from today!

GREAT TRAVEL LINKS

Vacation rentals are charging extra for what? Apart from cleaning fees and insurance, vacation rentals used to be one of the last all-inclusive travel products. You could count on utilities, wireless Internet, cable TV and other basic amenities being included. Not anymore. According to consumer advocate Christopher Elliott, here's what vacation rentals are charging extra for, why it's happening, and how to avoid surprise extra fees on your next trip.

Explore the World Travel Podcast Hosted by travel blogger Matt Long, this new podcast features interviews with top travel experts, destination reviews, practical travel tips, and more. Matt has a passion for travel and wants to help as many people as possible learn how to get out there and experience the best the world has to offer. You can access the podcast on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher and on Matt’s blog, Landlopers.

How to Be a Green Traveler You may live a sustainable lifestyle at home, but what about while on vacation? From New York Times Travel, here are some practical steps you can take to limit your impact on the environment while you’re traveling.

The most clicked-on link last month:

Comfort of a camper. Convenience of a car. Mad Campers has created New Zealand’s first single berth self-contained campervan especially for solo travelers. The MAD1 was designed to help you have a better vehicle experience whilst saving money and reducing your impact on the environment. It comes outfitted with everything you need to be able to drive, cook, eat, and sleep on your road trip. Find out how you can explore New Zealand solo in comfort and style.

Thanks for the great feedback on our Wits and Wonder Travel Course!

The information you presented was invaluable. There were things that I would never have thought about on my own. Thank you.

So helpful, so inspiring, educational, encouraging! Well done!

Sign up for the Wits and Wonder Travel Course,

especially for solo travelers.

Congratulations to

Encounter Travel

Winners of the 2018 Solo Travel Award for

Solo Only Tours

Encounter Travel was founded on a simple idea: that solo travelers could join travel groups with like-minded travelers without being on the fringe of groups made up of couples. Back in 2006, they stepped in to fill the void for solo travelers, launching a travel company dedicated exclusively to solo travelers. They offer tours, cruises, resorts packages, and walking tours. Their travel offer includes age-matched groups primarily serving solo travelers 45+ but they also have offerings for under-45s as well as a ‘solos mix’ offer with an open age range for all solo travelers.

The 2018 Solo Travel Awards were sponsored by World Nomads, a fast-growing online travel company that provides inspiration, advice, safety tips and specialized travel insurance for independent, volunteer and student travelers traveling and studying most anywhere in the world.

READER PHOTOS

We love to publish travel photos submitted by readers. Join our community of more than 240,000 travelers from around the world: simply "like" our Solo Travel Society Facebook page and you're in! Upload photos any time, along with a caption telling us a bit about what is in the picture. Click on last month's photo below to get the full effect and see where it was taken.

TOP POSTS ON SOLO TRAVELER

Here are the top new articles published on Solo Traveler in February.

Solo Travel Mistakes + Travel Money Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Traveling solo is a wonderful experience but you, alone, are responsible for your safety. Here are over 40 travel and money mistakes and how to avoid them.

Do I Need Travel Insurance? Top Bloggers from 6 Countries Respond

I’m frequently asked: Do I need travel insurance? My answer is yes. But I also offer you the thoughts of 6 bloggers from 6 different countries.

Cheap Access to Lounge Luxury: 5 Tips

How do you get that lounge luxury when you fly economy? Here are 5 tips for getting cheap access to airport lounges.

Why Do You Travel? A Question Worth Reflecting On

When I was unexpectedly asked, “Why do you travel?” I consulted the Solo Travel Society for their thoughts. Here are the themes that emerged.

And the #1 most-read post in January overall?

Best Budget Destinations for Solo Travelers: the 2019 Shortlist

I’ve scoured many lists of budget destination recommendations and come up with a shortlist of top destinations for safe, budget solo travel in 2019.

DESTINATIONS

In February, we featured destinations in Ecuador, Ireland, Japan, Jordan, and all around Europe. Have you traveled solo to a destination that you loved and would recommend to fellow travelers? Consider submitting your story and photos via our easy online form. We love to publish your stories!

Discovering Irish Whiskey

While discovering Irish whiskey on a recent trip to Ireland, I try my very best to become a whiskey drinker. The results were mixed, at best.

Solo Travel Destination: Galapagos & Quito, Ecuador

Taking walking tours in Quito, Ecuador and day trips to the Galapagos Islands helped this Solo Travel Society member see a lot while keeping costs down.

Going to the Spa Solo: Favorite Water Treatments Indoors and Out

Going to the spa solo is a fabulous experience. Here are a few water treatments I’ve experience solo in Canada, Japan and Jordan.

Solo Travel Europe: 32+ Tips You Need To Know

So you’re going to Europe solo. What do you need to know? Here are the basics with great tips from readers of Solo Traveler.

And the top 2 destination posts read by our readers in February?

Water Destinations for a Happier You

Water destinations are some of the best places to travel alone and find a happier you. Here are some great options from which to choose.

Solo Travel to the United States: What You Need to Know

Solo Travel to the United States of America: tips and advice that will get you there, get you around, and help you get the most out of your stay.

This is an ad. If you click and buy we'll receive a small commission. You'll pay the same, you'll be secure when on public WiFi and you'll support Solo Traveler. ~ Janice

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I use StrongVPN. Click, sign up and enter Solotraveler as your coupon code and you'll save 15% on the annual plan.

If you want more information about VPNs read VPN for Travel: What, Why and an Easy Setup Guide.

Going Somewhere?

If you're traveling soon, don't forget...

Going Alone? Travel Insurance is a Must - why I never travel without insurance, how I've used it to recover losses, and how to buy it.
Bare Minimum Packing: Here’s Your Packing List - our ultimate packing check list which I continue to use for every trip.
Five Top Travel Apps Plus a Few More I'd Never Travel Without - These make travel easier.
Readers chose Booking.com as their favorite travel brand in our 2017 reader survey. You can support Solo Traveler by booking your hotel, hostel, B&B or inn through Booking.com here.