The 25 Best Road Trips in the World

Ed Perkins On Travel: Solo Travel – Difficult But Improving

Travel is geared mainly to serve customers as couples. But for a variety of reasons, lots of travelers are not in a coupled relationship. In my case, I'm a widower; others include the never married, the divorced or separated, and even couples with diverse interests. Over the years, the travel business has given short shrift to these travelers, but suppliers have recently taken a closer look at what they see as a big potential source of business.

For years, some tour operators and cruise lines have been positioning themselves as "singles travel" specialists, but mostly their approach has been to match up singles into couples. True solo travel is different—true solo travelers do not what to share accommodations with strangers or even with friends who they might want to consider. They want sole occupancy of whatever arrangement they make.

If you're traveled at all, you've seen that a lot of pricing is based on "per person, double occupancy," or PPDO:

Most modern hotel rooms are designed to accommodate at least two people with two single, double, or queen beds; hotels charge the same rate for either one or two occupants.

Similarly, the vast majority of cruise cabins are set up to accommodate up to four people – two comfortably in separate small beds, combinable into a double, and two more uncomfortably in pull-down bunk beds.

Railroads charge each traveler the same for basic rail fare, but for compartments on overnight trains such as Amtrak's long-distance trains, the price is the same for one as for two.

Although not promoted as such, rental cars are de facto PPDO: Adding a second passenger (or more) adds nothing to the daily or weekly rent.

Even with the prevalence of PPDO pricing, solo travelers have reasonable options:

Hotels. Although most new or recent hotels are designed for couples, small, older hotels in Europe often have single rooms designed for just one occupant, as do small Japanese business hotels. Daily rates are usually substantially less than but more than half the double-room rates. On my recent trips, I've found comfortable single rooms at small family-owned hotels in Brussels, Grindelwald, and Rothenburg ob der Tauber, as well as in Japan. But most of the time, I have to settle for the usual double rate.

Tours. Despite a growing number of self-styled "Solo" tour operators, most fall back on the formula that "we'll match you with a suitable roommate, and we won't charge extra if we can't find one." But if you really want accommodations by yourself, you pay a single supplement. What may be close to everybody's favorite tour operator, Road Scholar ( roadscholar.Org/); formerly Elderhostel but open to travelers of any age) posts a pull-down options menu that includes "solo travelers only" filter. The choices are limited, but they're genuinely for solo travelers. Google "solo travel" to find other outfits worth a look.

Cruise. For a long time, cruise lines ignored the solo traveler, relying instead on stiff single supplements for double cabins. But some of the newer liners feature cabins designed for one person. The good folks at Cruise Critic have compiled and posted a list ( cruisecritic.Com/articles/which-ships-have-solo-cabins ) of cruise lines and cruise ships with true single cabins. Norwegian leads the pack in number of rooms and number of cabins per ships, but the other lines are catching up. Carnival, the biggest player, seems to be lagging the trend, but it does have a few on Cunard. Unfortunately, other than Cunard, no high-end lines yet make the list.

Trains. I don't know any way to hack PPDO compartment prices on Amtrak, and Amtrak seldom puts them on sale. Sorry.

No Supplement Deals. Historically, tour operators and cruise lines have charged solo travelers the dreaded "single supplement" to occupy an accommodation designed for a couple. The supplement usually ranges from 50 percent more to double the PPDO rate. They've catered to solo travelers mainly through occasional "no single supplement" promotions, often for departures they believe are not likely to sell out – which means the best deals are last-minute deals. You can still find those.

(Send e-mail to Ed Perkins at eperkins@mind.Net. Also, check out Ed's new rail travel website at www.Rail-guru.Com.)

16 Fun Things To Do Alone: Solo Ideas For At Home & Outside

Friends? Great. Families? Love 'em. But I get it: Sometimes you need some alone time. Same. Hanging out by yourself gives you the opportunity to recharge your battery, do all the things you want to do and learn how to become more independent and self-sufficient. On top of those benefits, according to a 2017 SUNY Buffalo study, spending time alone can strengthen your imagination and creativity. Whether you're well-versed in solo outings or you're a devout extrovert trying to dip your toe in solitude without feeling overwhelmingly bored, here are 16 fun things to do by yourself.

The 3 Best Ways for Introverts to De-Stress, According to Science

Fun Things to Do Alone Outside the House

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1. Go to the Movies

If you're anxious about going solo to a place where most people will be in groups, a movie is an awesome place to start, since it's super dark and anonymous and you don't have to share your popcorn. Bonus: not having to convince anyone to go see that cheesy rom-com with you for the fourth time at 9 p.M. On a Tuesday.

2. Volunteer

Raise your hand if you frequently think to yourself, I should really give back more, only to let other things take priority. I'm definitely guilty of this one. Finally make good on your promise and spend some time helping people who aren't as fortunate as you are. Check out Volunteer Match, a volunteer engagement network that can help you find opportunities to give back in your area. (A quick scroll in our zip code found listings for helping seniors care for their dogs and becoming a reading partner for a local child.)

3. Go to a Group Fitness Class

OK, stay with me. Yes, group fitness classes are intense and usually packed with people. But, if you're working hard enough, everyone in class will be too busy catching their breath in between reps to have to talk to one another. On top of that, you'll feel like a total badass once the workout is over.

4. Go on a Vacation

While a rambling Eat, Pray, Love-style journey of self-discovery is the dream, even a one-night solo stay at a fancy hotel can feel restorative. Check an app like Hotel Tonight, which can make staying at a high-end spot near you a little more affordable. If you're nervous to go it alone, start small by building a little on-your-own time into group vacations. (Getting away from meddling Aunt Marcia is never a bad thing, lest you forget.)

5. Be a Tourist in Your Own City

If you don't have any kind of vacation on the horizon, take a solo day trip instead, and rediscover your own city or state. Living in a place, you rarely see it the way outsiders do, so try to mimic the tourist experience and get a new perspective on the sights that surround you. If you're in the tristate area, check out a new museum exhibit at the Guggenheim or spend a couple hours in that part of town you always stay away from because it's "so touristy" (cough cough, SoHo)—that's kind of the point with this one.

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6. Try Mindful Running

You've tried to meditate, but there's just something about sitting still for 20 minutes that doesn't click with your on-the-move personality. Here's something that might be more your speed (literally): mindful running. The basic concept is similar to mindfulness meditation, or using focused attention to reduce stress, improve sleep and heighten focus and creativity. The only difference? It's a little less stationary. To try it, go for a run like you normally would but make a concerted effort to clear your mind and focus on your breathing. You can run without headphones and be totally alone with your thoughts or listen to calming music (you know, the kind without words). If you're NYC-based like I am, I highly recommend going on a mindful run in Central Park or Prospect Park and taking in the sights and sounds while getting your heart rate up. This is another totally free option, which is always a win in my book.

7. Go to a Fancy Restaurant

Guys, dining alone is awesome. First of all, there's no pressure to make small talk, meaning you can just chill out and enjoy your rigatoni. Secondly, you can actually focus on eating mindfully—chewing and enjoying what's on your plate. Thirdly: people watching.

8. Go Window Shopping

Obviously, you can shop-shop, but that route is a bit less wallet-friendly. But still, think about how fun it is to online shop and add things to your cart with no intention of buying them. This is the IRL version of that, with the added bonus that you can actually try things on. (And get an Auntie Anne's pretzel on your way out.)

Fun Things to Do Alone at Home

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9. Have a Self-Care Day

A spa day with your pals is great, but I'm all about embracing the "self" part of self-care. Here's the best part: Pampering yourself sounds fabulous in theory, but prioritizing your mental and physical health can get expensive. But luckily, it doesn't have to cost anything. The next time you want to relax without spending any money, consult this list of totally free ways to practice self-care. Think: Taking a long, luxurious bath; giving yourself an at-home manicure; or doing a YouTube yoga class.

10. Start Learning a New Language

The benefits of this one are threefold. First, learning a new language stimulates your brain in a really healthy way (it's a type of brain gym, which you can learn more about here). Second—and somewhat superficially—it's cool and cultured to be able to speak more than one (or two or three) language. And third, it's the perfect excuse to reward yourself with a trip to the country whose language you're learning once you reach a certain level of fluency.

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11. Cook an Elaborate Meal

If you're not totally on board with the whole going to a restaurant alone thing (totally fair), challenge yourself to make your own Michelin-worthy meal. Pull out your fanciest cookbook—or browse a site that's teeming with delicious dinner options for one—and choose a dish that looks incredible, but that you might normally overlook as being too involved. Then, go to the grocery store, put on your favorite playlist and get to work. If it turns out great, you'll be thrilled to have made Ina Garten proud. If it doesn't, there's always Indian takeout. (Bonus points if you bake something delectable to devour after the main course.)

12. Organize Your House

OK, so I know this isn't fun for some people, but if you're someone who finds joy in tidying and reorganizing, go wild and deep-clean you're living space. Even if you don't delight in doing house chores, you'll feel infinitely better when they're done.

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13. Finally Get Around to Meditating

At this point in the Golden Age of self-care, you're pretty well-acquainted with the many benefits of meditation—and it's such a no-brainer of a thing to do by yourself. For example, according to a 2018 study published in BMJ Open, anxiety may increase the risk of developing cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. Meditation—which has been shown to help control anxiety—could potentially reduce this risk. Another small Harvard study in 2018 found that meditation was linked to a meaningful decrease in blood pressure. The beauty of meditation is that it can pretty much be done anywhere—at any time. Here's what you need to know to get started.

14. Put Your Phone on 'Do Not Disturb'

If only for an hour, spending time without texts, emails and Instagram stories looming over your head is so refreshing.

Kathrin Ziegler/getty images

15. Read a Great Book

Book clubs aside, reading is an activity best done alone. Whether you curl up in bed with a cup of tea on a rainy day or head to a local park, digging into that new book you've had on your shelf for ages is equal parts relaxing and mentally stimulating. Not sure where to start? Find book recommendations for every kind of reader right here.

16. Have a Solo Dance Party

You + your empty house + Beyoncé's greatest hits = unbridled joy.

Summary

Even if you're an extrovert through and through, there are tons of fun things to do alone, as proven by the above list. Whether you want to stay in or go out, there are countless options when it comes to keeping yourself entertained and busy without needing to phone a friend. Whether you start small by going to the movies alone or take the plunge and book a solo trip to an exotic locale you've always wanted to visit, being comfortable in your own company is a valuable skill and, once you've done it enough times, a really delightful experience.

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Solo Sojourns: Read These Travel Memoirs Of Self-discovery

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What's the story

Traveling alone can be a transformative experience, offering deep insights into one's character and the world. Memoirs of solo travel often capture this journey of self-discovery, blending adventure with introspection. The following books provide a window into the minds and experiences of those who have embarked on solitary explorations, each narrative rich with personal revelations and the joys and challenges of independent travel.

'A Walk In The Woods'

Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods recounts his attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail. With humor and wit, Bryson navigates not only the physical challenges of the trail but also reflects on America's history and environment. His observations about nature's beauty alongside his personal growth make this book an engaging read for anyone interested in trekking or self-reflection.

'Wild'

In Wild, Cheryl Strayed shares her poignant journey of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail alone. After facing personal losses, she embarks on this challenging trek, confronting her past with addiction and seeking healing. Strayed's narrative is a raw testament to the power of solitude in overcoming life's hurdles and discovering one's resilience amidst nature's demanding presence.

'Eat, Pray, Love'

In Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert recounts her post-divorce journey seeking equilibrium within three distinct cultures. She indulges in Italy's rich cuisine, embraces India's tranquil spirituality, and enjoys Indonesia's uncomplicated joys. Gilbert's pursuit of self-acceptance after her marriage ends is a compelling narrative that echoes the sentiments of many who search for deeper meaning in their lives.

'The Art of Travel'

Alain de Botton's The Art of Travel offers an intellectual perspective on travel experiences. Rather than focusing solely on his own journeys, de Botton delves into philosophical questions about why we travel and how we can learn from our surroundings. This book encourages readers to think deeply about their own travels and find value beyond just sightseeing.

'Tracks'

In Tracks, Robyn Davidson chronicles her formidable solo voyage across 1,700 miles of the Australian Outback, accompanied only by four camels and a dog. She endures the brutal elements and overcomes intense feelings of isolation, demonstrating remarkable endurance. Over nine months, her memoir vividly portrays the internal and external challenges faced, encouraging readers to tackle their own fears and find solace in solitude.

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