Have you ever dreamed of travelling to a faraway destination but don’t have a companion to join you or are filled with trepidation? 

Well, worry not as according to Kilkenny native Éabha Sloyan, a seasoned traveler, solo travel is a fantastic option and means you don’t have to compromise on travel plans, can create your own schedule and pack in all the things you want to do, when you want to do them.  
 
Éabha, who departed Ireland to work with Emirates in Dubai in 2022 is no stranger to solo travel and says that once you decide to do it, travelling alone can be the most exciting decision and exhilarating experience of your life. 

“Solo travel offers a unique opportunity to explore the world on your own terms, allowing you to go where you want, when you want and how you want,” says Éabha.

“And while I love travelling with my fellow crew to amazing destinations, the benefits to travelling solo are countless.”

So, whether you’re a seasoned solo traveler or planning your first independent trip this year, check out Éabha’s tips to help transform your travels.  
 
Flexibility is your friend: When booking accommodation, consider paying a little extra so that you can cancel or amend your booking without penalty. This added flexibility is invaluable and means you can embrace delays, detours and unexpected opportunities with total peace of mind.  Many hotels will allow you to cancel up to 24 hours before check-in, so always check-out the T&Cs before booking.  

Avoid supplements: Take the time to explore accommodation options that offer discounts for solo travellers rather than imposing single supplements, which are the bane of every solo traveller’s life. Opt for properties that offer inclusive rates that cover amenities such as Wi-Fi, gym access, and breakfast. By proactively researching and selecting hotels with no surprise supplements, you’ll ensure a budget-friendly and hassle-free stay during.   

Food for thought: One of the finest benefits to travelling solo is that you get to decide when and where you eat, and Eabha says that when travelling solo she follows her tastebuds. “While I love traveling with friends, you have to be mindful of the other person’s preferences and someone always has to compromise when it comes to food.  On a recent visit to Japan, I loved being able to explore the food markets at my own pace. The energy, fresh food and exquisite flavours made for an unforgettable experience. I spent my evening tucking into sushi in the famous Tsukiji Market in Tokyo and I know that this wouldn’t appeal to all my friends, so it was a wonderful indulgence.”  

Tourist Trap: If exploring a new town or city, avoid using your phone to consult online maps when walking around, especially at night. It’s a sure sign that you are not only a tourist, but a tourist that is lost. Plan your route before hitting the streets and if you do get stuck, pop into a local café or shop to check your location.  

Lost in translation: Brush up on some local ‘must know’ phrases that may come in handy, particularly if travelling alone.  Simple greetings and expressions of gratitude go a long way in fostering connections and showing respect for the local culture.  Éabha finds that apps such as Duolingo are a really easy and useful way to learn basic phrases before she travels and advises that being able to communicate, however elementary it might seem, will make you feel more comfortable on your solo endeavours. “My training as Emirates cabin crew has equipped me with the confidence to communicate with people from diverse backgrounds and take guidance from locals and fellow travellers when exploring new cities,” she says.  

Freebies: Research free activities in a city before solo travel helps maximise your experiences while optimising your expenses. Éabha recommends keeping an eye on the Emirates website, which often has offers that allow travellers who are flying to or through Dubai to enjoy free tickets to two of Dubai’s biggest attractions – the Museum of the Future and Atlantis Aquaventure. “I recently visited Sydney and I got to wander through the Royal Botanic Gardens where the lovely landscapes and vibrant flora offered a tranquil escape from the busy city streets. I also recommend embarking on a solo hike on the picturesque Bondi to Coggee Coastal Walk. It was the perfect leisurely stroll with breathtaking ocean views.” 
 
There are a number of practical tips that Éabha says everyone should consider when travelling and while they might seem obvious, not everyone remembers to do the following:  

Keep your cash, debit and credit cards in different pockets and use bags that can be completely sealed so nothing will fall out or be stolen.  

Share a photo of your passport, driving license and any bookings or flight tickets with a family member or trusted friend before heading away, it will make things easier for you if you happen to lose your essential documents. 

Make sure a parent or sibling has a general outline of your proposed itinerary, including accommodations and transportation details, to facilitate communication and assistance if needed during your travels. 

For those aspiring to blend solo travel with a fulfilling career, you could of course consider a career as Emirates cabin crew.

Emirates offers its cabin crew a range of benefits including annual leave tickets and deeply discounted flight tickets for themselves – to solo travel to their hearts’ content – and for their family and friends so that they can travel together too.

For more information head to www.emiratesgroupcareers.com/cabin-crew