This summer, have you considered traveling alone? If so, you're not the only one.
According to online searches, 2023 is a popular year for solo travelers, which explains why.
When it comes to traveling the world, more and more people are leaving their friends or family behind and going it alone.
Compared to five years ago, the number of people searching "solo travel" on Google has nearly doubled this year.
On social media, the situation is similar; in the past three years, solo travel on TikTok has increased by almost ten times.
Why then are more people making the independent decision?
"It's 2023. You're doing it wrong if you still rely on your friends to book flights. ".
After embarking on his first solo trip in May, 23-year-old Islam Fessih told his TikTok followers as much.
According to the content creator, he chose to travel alone to Morocco in order to "broaden his horizons and see the world a little bit differently. ".
When it comes to solo travel, Reading-based content creator and podcaster Rosie Breen has a little more experience.
She claims that she has traveled alone to Italy, Vietnam, and Thailand because she "loves herself" enough to do so.
It compelled the 26-year-old to become "comfortable with spending time alone," she claims.
"Even the act of making the flight reservation and departing is almost like giving myself a small award to say congratulations on a job well done. ".
However, despite many positive experiences, there are many things people may want to think about before embarking on their first solo trip.
Rosie, Islam, and a few other seasoned solo travelers were interviewed by BBC Asian Network to get their best advice.
The best course of action, according to Rosie, is to simply "turn up, leave your room at the hostel, and just say hello to someone" if you're shy about striking up a conversation with strangers.
Aiz Hussain, a passionate solo traveler, agrees that it all comes down to being open-minded and having the right questions.
"Even simple inquiries like 'where would you recommend to go next?' to wait staff.
And you simply discover that you enjoy going on these crazy adventures. ".
It can be quite expensive to travel alone, but Islam advises that planning your itinerary in advance can help you save money. .
"I was able to budget more when I knew what I wanted to do on the trip, such as the restaurants and attractions I wanted to visit.
Aiz, a native of London who now resides in Australia, concurs but adds that it's critical to allow for spontaneity so that you don't miss out on enjoyable experiences.
He believes that everyone should have a separate fund set aside for situations like these.
It can be frightening to travel alone in a foreign country, especially if you're a woman, according to Rosie.
She says that just having her own hand-held alarm on her gave her "peace of mind." It "makes a huge siren noise.".
You have to be "so much more alert and conscious of your safety" as a woman, according to Rosie.
"Don't walk back to your lodging if you think someone might be following you.
"Walk a short distance or spend a few hours in a restaurant. ".
In September, Leicester native Shayla Rathod will resign from her position in order to travel alone through 12 different Central and South American nations.
One piece of advice, according to her, is to always be aware of the nearby hostels.
So you can mention that one without revealing your actual lodging if someone asks you where you're staying. ".
You must be able to pack lightly if you plan to visit several different nations.
Islam, a native of south London, asserts that "you want to constantly be thinking about the clothes you want to wear.".
Rosie says she overpacks and that getting ready for her backpacking trip to Bali was her biggest challenge.
She suggests that you "pack everything you think you need, then cut each category in half.".
"You can always purchase clothes wherever you are in the world. ".
Islam advises travelers to start journaling so they don't lose any original ideas or thoughts while they're away.
He downloaded an app that creates a book out of all of his journals.
I made a small solo trip book out of about 15 to 20 journals that I did one just for my solo trip, he says.
"It's so energizing to look back on because you realize that as you travel to these various countries, you're going to learn a lot and consider things you might not have considered before. ".
Check out the complete interviews on. Presenting Asian Network News. BBC Sounds, a.
Observe Newsbeat on. Twitter. and . YouTube.
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