Musings of a Solo Traveller

Key Takeaways

• 1. Solo travelling gives you the freedom to explore the world in new ways.
• 2. Preparation and planning is key to having a successful solo trip.
• 3. Citi Credit Cards make travelling solo even easier.

Why I like travelling solo

“Mmm, a potent concoction!” I mused, gazing down at the Beefeater gin-based cocktail I'd just selected from the quirky menu at one of Soho’s best bars, Disrepute. The cocktail menu was more a book of short stories than a drinks list, with each libation created as a homage to Soho’s illustrious history.

After a long day in downtown London, the drink provided welcome respite, as did the establishment. Located in the swanky London suburb of SoHo, the dimly lit basement bar exudes quiet luxury with plush sofas and muted gold touches. I'm told by the bartender Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn once visited it.

The conversation was free-flowing with my neighbour at the bar, a well-dressed gentleman who’d just finished work and was waiting for a friend. Upon learning I was a tourist, he delighted in recommending a few more speakeasies to check out before my vacation was over.

This is just one example of why I love solo travelling – getting to know the locals and the local haunts. Other joys include exploring new places and hidden gems, operating without a planned schedule, meeting unique people in unexpected places and gaining experiences that are exclusive to me.

I first began travelling solo in my twenties, after graduation. Back then, my adventures involved a backpack, hostels and plenty of hours sleeping at airport gates waiting for my connecting flights.

Now that I’m in my thirties, with a family and a secure, well-paying job, my travel tastes have changed. I’ve begun to appreciate a slower pace and a little more luxury. I still love travelling solo, but I don’t have as many opportunities as I used to, and these days it’s often when I’m combining a holiday with a work trip. Because of this, I always try to make the most of my time abroad, whether I’m revisiting a familiar favourite or have the chance to explore somewhere new. And that's where my previous experience comes in handy. Here are a few travel tips I have learned over my years of solo travelling, which help me achieve a smoother, more enjoyable experience.

Planning your solo trip

When planning a solo trip, I start by looking at flights. Timing is important, so I try to find flights that arrive at the destination in the middle of the day. That way, I have plenty of daylight to get my bearings and settle into my hotel. I also look out for business class deals, especially if I’m flying for more than five hours – those long-haul flights are no joke! When paying for flights, I make sure I use my Citi PremierMiles Card because I can earn miles, fast! Plus, if you charge your flights to the card, you get up to S$1 million in insurance coverage.

For trips that require connecting flights, I’m a big fan of airport lounges. You can fuel up on food and relax in a quiet atmosphere while you wait for your connection to be called. Plus, they are a godsend when it's late at night and all of the airport eateries are closed! You don't have to be a frequent flyer to access lounges, either. Citi PremierMiles Credit Cardmembers get two complimentary visits every year to airport lounges worldwide.

Next, it’s time to research hotels. Choosing the right hotel is about more than just price. I make sure to check out a hotel's online reviews to see what other travellers (particularly solo tourists) have said about the facilities. Location is also important. Taxi fares can add up when you're travelling on your own, so I like to book centrally located hotels within walking distance of cafes, restaurants and public transport. Plus, as a Citi Prestige Cardmember, I get access to free airport transfers, which makes getting to and from the hotel a breeze.

These days, I often base myself in a city and take day trips out to explore the surrounding areas. It means I don’t have to keep checking in and out of hotels or worrying about what to do with my luggage while I wait for my room to be made up. And with my Citi Prestige Card, I can take advantage of their complimentary night stay, available when I book four consecutive nights at one of hundreds of hotels worldwide.

Enjoying your solo experience

People often ask me if I get lonely when I travel alone. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. At home in Singapore, my days are filled with work and family commitments, so I relish the times I get to throw away the schedule and have the freedom just to explore.

Whether it's waking up at 11 am and taking a leisurely brunch in a trendy café in London or throwing on my dancing shoes and heading out to experience the hip nightlife in Berlin, as a solo traveller, I'm free to be spontaneous. It’s even easier when you’re not worrying about foreign transaction fees or having enough local currency. With the Citibank Global Wallet feature on my Citi Debit Mastercard, I enjoy zero foreign currency fees on all my overseas point-of-sale transactions. ATM cash withdrawals are automatically debited from my foreign currency account (as long as there is sufficient balance), so there are no additional foreign currency conversion or admin fees, and if it’s from a Citibank ATM, I enjoy fee-free withdrawals.

As for lonely? Hardly! I meet many people and make new friends along the way, whether on group tours or just chatting at a bar. In fact, I find people are more likely to strike up a conversation with me when I travel alone. Even a simple “Hi!” to a fellow hiker coming towards you on a rainforest walking trail reflects the simple joys of travel. The important thing is to get out there and explore. The concierge at your hotel is usually a great source of information about sightseeing tours, theatre or concert venues and – if you’re a foodie like me – all the top restaurants in your area.

Another hot tip? Check your credit card rewards program before you leave for any current offers exclusive to your travel destination. I’ve had the opportunity to sky dive in New Zealand, enjoyed a 4-course meal in a restaurant with a prized Eiffel Tower view, and purchased suits made-to-measure in London, all thanks to the freedom solo travelling with Citi affords me. There’s also the added benefit that every S$1 spent in foreign currency earns you 2 Citi Miles with the Citi PremierMiles Card.

What I’ve learnt from my travels

Of course, planning for every eventuality is impossible, and sometimes things happen outside our control. I remember one disastrous trip where I was stranded at Munich airport for a day because the airline staff went on strike! Luckily, the Citi Prestige Concierge was able to help me secure a hotel room for the night though I wasn't that worried as I know the card would have given me access to the Priority Pass airport lounge where I can shower, get food and even rest in comfort if needed. Thankfully, my flight was rescheduled to depart the next day but the lesson here is to be prepared for the unexpected.

I like to keep a spare phone charger in my travel bag, so I can top up my battery charge if I’m running low. I also make sure I pack hand sanitiser, sunscreen, and a book for company when I’m dining alone. Speaking of packing, I like to pack a backup credit card, which I keep separate from my wallet (usually in the hotel safe or secured in my luggage). That way, if my wallet gets stolen, or my ATM card gets declined, I still have access to money during my travels. Also, if you lose your card, protect your account by using the card lock feature via the Citi Mobile^® App. There’s also the mass messaging chat to get access to a customer service officer when overseas.

Of course, the most important thing you can do to protect yourself as a solo traveller is to get travel insurance. Citi Travel Insurance provides comprehensive protection against travel inconveniences like baggage loss, flight delays, trip cancellation, medical emergencies and more.

Ready to go solo?

If you find yourself itching for a solo getaway of your own, perhaps start with somewhere familiar where you’ve been before to ease yourself in. When you do embark on your solo adventure, make sure to try new things – food, places and experiences – along the way. And don’t forget to use your Citi cards to earn credit card miles or points to fund your next trip. Bon voyage!

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