7 solo travel lessons plus 7 tips for solo travel with one bag

Today's thoughts on solo travel come from The Travel Belles and the Wise Bread   website.
 

 The Travel Belles post on 7 solo travel lessons is filled with luscious photos of the Loire Valley in France that I've borrowed (with permission) to use here. I practically cry, wondering how I could get my photos to look as stunning. 

Her tips are good too. For instance: "Always leave room for a change of plans. They are going to happen anyway."

So true. Everyone had told the writer she needed to get to the Chateau de Chenonceau first thing in the morning. As soon as it opened.

She made plans to do so. But her innkeeper told her it wasn't necessary and that she should relax and take her time and go to the chateau at lunch when everyone was outside in the garden.

That she should visit the local market in the morning instead. It turned out to be a worthwhile change of plans. Would a travel partner have tried to talk her out of it? Would she have caved if she weren't solo? See other tips, and especially, more photos, at The Travel Belles blog.

As for tips for single-bag travel, many of the tips are common but it's worth a read to be sure you know them all. 

The writer's reasons for why to take only carry on luggage had me nodding my head in agreement. 

"No more long lines to check bags, no more wondering if your luggage will get lost along the way, no more waiting in line at baggage-claim areas, no more keeping track of large bags and small bags and no more fees."

Amen to that. I've had bags not show up. For days. At least twice while on vacations and once while on a business trip. One bag was lost for all time.

I used to check bags because it was easier than lugging my stuff through airports. The point is, then, to take less stuff. I get better and better at it. So can you.

So pack well and pack small. Save a lot of aggravation both coming, going and when the credit card bill comes. And the baggage fees are missing.

Photos: By Margo Millure, The Travel Belles

Vendor at Ambroise Market.  Chateau de Blois

 

 

 

 

  

Comments

[Margo Millure]

Thanks for the nice mention of my post and The Travel Belles, Ellen. Uh... kind of ironic alongside a packing in one bag post. I still have a ways to go in working towards that one! :)

[Ellen]

Hi Margo,

Well, read and learn! As I will continue to try to do with that packing thing...

E

[Smarty]

This is a good read for people like me who loves to travel solo most often than not especially if I want to break away from my daily hectic schedules.

I specifically agree on do not be too rigid about your travel schedules or itineraries. I always leave a room for changes of directions. I really feel excited when I do some detours because as per experience, it always leads me to discovering new places, new things and meet interesting personalities.

There was one time that I was traveling down south in a tropical country and instead of going to the resort that I usually stay, I decided to follow the promo I read in a brochure when I was in the bus. I never had a single regret because it led me to discover a new relaxing paradise that has a spa services which were very affordable and truly rejuvenating. So, I have learned that one should be spontaneous, from time to time, to be surprised with other things unplanned.

As for choosing the travel bag, I suggest that purpose should be over fashion. While you really want to look good with your pictures with your getaway bag, it is important that you should be comfortable so that you won't encounter hindrances if you go spontaneous or decide to have change of plans.

I go for backpack or carry on luggage that is not bulky but with many pockets or compartments to accommodate a lot of little things I need. This is my travel bag principle. I don’t want to experience the mistake that I had wherein I brought a big one and I was not able to wear all the clothes I brought – because I decided to change my travel plans midway :-)

[Ellen]

Smarty,

You sound like a very enthusiastic solo traveler. I like your style!

Ellen