Solo Travellers
8 Reasons Why Monsoon Could Be The Ultimate Solo Travel Season In India – Bombay Times
Solo Travellers
A pristine alternative to the Channel: long-distance swimming in Croatia | Swimming holidays
From the port of Stari Grad, one of the oldest towns in Europe, we slip into the water and begin swimming out of the harbour, past the church of Saint Jerome and around a pine-clad headland to a nearby bay on Hvar’s northern coast. We emerge like an amphibious invasion force – about 160 swimmers, making our way to the hotel pool bar where drinks await. So far, so civilised. But this is only a warm-up …
On 24 August 1875, Captain Matthew Webb became the first person to swim the Channel, slathered in animal fat to fend off the cold. At the time, it was heralded as a feat of near-superhuman endurance. One hundred and fifty years later, I signed up for a modern take on the 33.3km (21-mile) swim (the shortest distance across the Channel, although Webb was blown off course and ended up swimming something like 63km). This Croatian adaptation involves swimming between islands off the Dalmatian coast, is split across four days and includes a welcoming hotel (the three-star Places Hvar by Valamar) to recuperate in at the end of each day. And thankfully, neoprene has replaced tallow.
The trip is run by UltraSwim 33.3, a new company named after the Channel stretch, offering multiday swim challenges in spectacular locations – Croatia, Montenegro, Greece and Switzerland – with an emphasis on comfort and support.
“The Channel is the Everest of swims,” says Mark Turner, UltraSwim 33.3’s co-founder. “But the window to do it is short, it’s expensive, and – let’s be honest – not a particularly appetising stretch of water. With us, you get the same distance in beautiful surroundings, without having to rough it.”
I’ve been on swimming holidays before with companies such as SwimTrek and Strel Swimming Adventures, and I’ve swum up to 5km a day, but with breaks for drinks, lunch and soaking up the sun. UltraSwim takes a more structured, challenge-oriented approach. Each day begins early – we are in the water by 8am, before boat traffic picks up – and swimmers go up to 12km without pausing for more than a quick pit stop.
A detailed training plan landed in my inbox after I’d signed up and I quickly realised I wasn’t fit enough, or perhaps was mentally unprepared, for the full 33.3km swim. Thankfully, there were two shorter options available: the 11.1km “Discovery” and the 22.2km “Build” packages, both nodding to the Channel challenge.
On the first day, we set off from a jetty close to the hotel and, within minutes, I spot an octopus waving lazily from its underwater garden. I’d love to linger, but time and tide wait for no swimmer. Several kilometres later, I stumble out of the water on to the beach at Uvala Veli Dolac, exhausted but elated. We are greeted by a spread of high-energy snacks and a lot of talk about carb loading – a far cry from Webb’s fuelling strategy of beer, brandy and beef tea.
According to the Channel Swimming and Piloting Federation, Webb’s swim has now been repeated 3,250 times. The endurance trend is visible in other areas, too, from ultramarathons and multiday cycling tours to open-water relays. Increasingly, it seems, people want to return from holiday not rested but with a sense of accomplishment.
On days two and three, we tackle some proper “Channel” swims across 2-3km stretches of open water, from the Kabal headland to Stiniva beach, and Cape Pelegrin to Palmižana. On the map these are marked as ferry routes, but the views I enjoyed from the deck when I arrived in Hvar – all pine-studded islands and turquoise waters – feel very different when in the water: a distant headland to aim for, choppy seas and the occasional jellyfish.
I’ve never attempted anything quite like this before, and it’s not a challenge I relish. But I put my head down and try not to think about how far I am from dry land. There’s a GPS tracker in my tow float, kayakers on either side, and a clear course to follow – thankfully more straightforward than the one Webb swam, where strong tides dragged him way off course, turning a 21-mile crossing into a 39-mile slog.
As I swim for just over two hours, I find it hard to fathom how he kept going for nearly 22. I distract myself by recalling snapshots from the trip: the 16th-century Tvrdalj Castle in Stari Grad, where the poet Petar Hektorović once lived; and the Diocletian’s Palace in Split, where I spent a relaxed day exploring its golden alleyways and multiple layers of history, from the Roman and Venetian empires to Yugoslavia and the past 30 years of an independent Croatia.
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Once we complete the open-water channels, we circle back into gentler waters around the Pakleni archipelago, covered with the pine, wild rosemary and lavender that flavours the local honey. The name “Pakleni” comes from paklina, a pine resin once used for boat building.
Our 160-strong group is made up of swimmers from across the globe, from as far and wide as Brazil, Dubai and Australia. There are almost equal numbers of men and women, with ages ranging from 20 to 73. Some are training for an actual Channel crossing, others just want a challenge.
“It’s type-two fun,” Joe from Dublin tells me. “The kind that’s only fun after it’s over.” I think I’m more of a type-one (enjoying things at the time) person, but I do enjoy swimming across the sun-dappled kelp forests, the calm rhythm of stroke after stroke, and the quiet pride of finishing each day’s swim.
“We find that people surprise themselves,” says Turner. “The way we structure it with pacing and support, swimmers who’ve never gone beyond a few kilometres leave feeling they’ve done something extraordinary.”
Non-swimming partners aren’t left out. They can follow by boat, cheer from the shore or explore Stari Grad and Hvar. One non-swimmer told me he’d racked up a fair few kilometres on an ebike, visiting lavender farms, vineyards and sleepy fishing villages. “Other than a brief dip, swimming’s not really my thing,” he shrugged. “But my girlfriend loves it, so we’re both happy.”
On the final day, we aim for the bell tower of St Stephen’s Cathedral and swim the last few kilometres into Hvar’s harbour, emerging beside the Venetian arsenal to a glass of champagne, handed to us after we pass the finishing posts, to bemused stares from regular tourists.
A few hours later, after a soothing massage in a spa hotel, I’m wandering Hvar’s labyrinthine streets, stopping to enjoy fresh fish and Croatian wine, with no more talk of carb loading. I didn’t win anything. I didn’t swim the full 33.3km. But I completed the 11.1km course and tasted something akin to what Captain Webb must have felt: the slow, steady triumph of body over distance, albeit without the freezing water of the Channel, or the beef tea. And, instead of the pale grey cliffs of Cap Gris-Nez to signal the end, the golden limestone of Hvar.
The trip was provided by UltraSwim 33.3. Packages from €1,800pp for four nights (in a group of four, the fourth swimmer goes half-price), including hotel accommodation, breakfasts, post-swim lunches and guided swims. The next Croatia dates are in 2026 but places are available this year on trips to Montenegro, Greece and Switzerland
Ohitorisama. This Japanese word means “party for one” – a celebration of being solo.
And, with the rise and rise of the solo and single traveller, the Japan National Tourism Organisation sees the synergies.
For it is perfectly acceptable – normal – to venture alone into standing sushi bars, stay in small single rooms in capsule hotels and even sing “karaoke for one”.
A JNTO spokesperson says: “The concept of spending time alone has been somewhat of a cultural evolution in Japan, spurred by younger generations and a nation with one of the world’s highest rates of single-dweller households.
“This is the ultimate destination for independent travellers keen to embrace the Japanese version of ‘me time’.
“For solo travellers ready to combine cultural immersion and superb scenery with a journey of self-discovery, personal freedom and the chance to pursue their passions, Japan ticks all the boxes.”
And the JNTO team has identified these seven reasons that Japan is ideal for solo travellers, in their own words …
It’s super safe
Japan consistently ranks among the top 10 countries in the world for safety, and with a lively entertainment scene and fantastic public transport, you won’t be alone exploring after dark or travelling by train.
Cute capsule hotels
Don’t need much space? Just somewhere clean, compact and convenient to lay your head? Then check out one of Japan’s many capsule hotels, which often also include communal spaces to connect with fellow solo travellers, speedy wi-fi, luggage storage spaces and tasty snacks. There are also female-only capsule hotels or female-only floors in both capsule and more conventional hotels for women travelling independently.
Adventures after dark
From tachinomi (standing bars) serving local beer, sake and affordable snacks, to the rise of single-person karaoke parlours such as 1Kara in response to growing demand from those who want to belt out a tune or two on their own terms in the privacy of their own booth, Japan’s nightlife offers diverse options for individual travellers. independent travellers.
Memorable meals
There’s no stigma attached to dining solo in Japan, in fact, there are style of dining specifically designed for it. From standing sushi bars, known as tachigui, where solo diners can enjoy authentic, affordable sushi to ramen restaurants where diners sit side-by-side between partitions watching the chefs in action, there’s no need to miss out on a magnificent meal if you’re travelling solo. Even yakiniku restaurants have evolved to welcome solo diners by adding personal grills at the counter to cook your own sizzling cuts, whilst conveyor belt venues make it easy to mingle with fellow diners.
Slick public transport
Japan’s train network is second to none: clean, reliable and on time, literally down to the second. You can easily navigate to the right station entrance with Google Maps and pay using your phone by downloading the Welcome Suica Mobile app (iPhone only).
Cultural experiences
From art galleries and museums to temples and creative classes in everything from calligraphy and lacquerware to silk painting and sushi-making, there are endless cultural and historic activities to enjoy as a solo traveller, and many are free.
Wellness for one
Onsen bathing is delightful as a solo activity, providing an opportunity to enjoy the serenity and focus on self-care and wellness. Most onsen offer single-sex bathing options, and some ryokan and onsen towns also allow bathers to book a kashikiri buro (private bath) for the ultimate solo soak. If you have a tattoo, no worries, there are tattoo friendly onsens too.
japan.travel/en/au/
When I heard that my favorite cousin was planning a family reunion halfway across the country, I was super excited to RSVP “yes.” My only hesitation: I’d just welcomed a baby four months earlier, and I wasn’t ready to leave him behind. I knew it would take planning and preparation to pull off traveling with a baby by myself.
Enter eight life-saving travel companions that helped me fly from Florida to Chicago on my own with an infant and as few bumps in the road, er, sky as possible. As a mom of six, I had some ideas about what I’d need: a car seat travel bag that didn’t break the bank (or my back), a truly fashionable (I swear!) nursing tank I wore throughout my entire trip, hair products that pulled together my look (even when I only had one free arm), and more. I highly recommend checking out these must-haves for the next time you take a trip with a tot sans an extra set of helping hands.
Infant Car Seat Travel Bag
Amazon
I decided my baby would travel as a lap child, since he’s so small and I was likely to hold and breastfeed him often during the flight. I checked my car seat—there was no way I could carry it on my own to the plane, especially with the base, and we’d need it for transport from the airport to where we were staying.
This universal infant car seat travel bag was easy to use and stood up well to the bag-checking process at the airport on both sides of our journey. The low price is also a win, since I don’t know if I’ll end up reusing it.
Infantino Flip Advanced Baby Carrier
Amazon
I wasn’t feeling the vibe of using a travel stroller on my own, so I used this baby carrier that I’d recommend to any parent. First, consider that the Infantino Flip Advanced Carrier is a serious bargain at under $50, when many carriers are prohibitively expensive.
Weeks later, I’m still having flashbacks to my kid’s spit-up and diaper accidents, but they’re not evident on the carrier, which is machine washable. It also features multiple positions I could use when my guy was sleeping, and when he wanted to face out and do some people watching at the airport.
HelloBaby Video Monitor
Amazon
This video monitor packed up well and had good range when I was on the patio enjoying a meal while my baby slept inside my cousin’s home. Although I brought the charging cord on the trip, it also features solid battery life.
I agree with one reviewer who said, “Love this monitor. We bought it to use around the house and while traveling. Very easy to set up, picture quality is good. And we can hear the baby clearly.” What more can you ask for?
Knuckleheads Infant Baseball Cap
Amazon
I can’t say enough good things about this alternative to a bucket hat for a baby’s sun protection. The adorable trucker hat stays on so much better than any other hat I’ve tried, fitting securely over my little one’s head while keeping him safe from the sun, and even a sprinkle of rain.
We got several compliments on the hat while traveling. I’ll also assure parents that the hat washes well since I learned it is possible for my son to get spit up on his head.
Skims Fits Everybody Maternity Nursing Tank
Skims
I live in these things, if I’m being honest, and own several colors. So naturally, I brought several of my Skims breastfeeding tanks on my trip, and wore them under jackets and button-downs. I was able to nurse my baby on the plane, and everywhere in between, discreetly and without sacrificing my style, since the tanks are seamless and don’t show under clothing.
P.S. They are also comfortable for working out and sleeping in!
Primasole Fold-up Yoga Mat
Amazon
I love this find so much, I bought one for my sister who travels a lot with her small kids. Why? The mat, which comes in a variety of fun colors, folds up small enough to fit in a carry-on bag, and offers a convenient solution for a busy parent like me who still wants to fit in a workout.
Pro tip: The mat also doubled as a play mat for my baby to roll around on when we were away from home.
DAE Styling Cream + Frizz Taming Hair Wand
Amazon
During the trip, I didn’t have much time to shower or get ready (although plenty of relatives offered to hold him at various points, I was still short on alone time). This sweet-scented taming wand saved me for a dressy family party. It’s small and provides quick polish to any style, even when you only have one hand to work with, while the other wrangles a drooly baby!
Not Your Mother’s Dry Shampoo
Amazon
During my trip, I ended up buying dry shampoo after it proved to be so challenging to get time to wash my hair. I love this well-priced and pleasantly fragranced option by Not Your Mother’s. I achieved clean hair even though all I had a chance to do was rinse off in the shower while an aunt got in her baby cuddles. While I bought a full-size bottle, it comes in a mini, travel-friendly option that I plan to purchase ahead of my next adventure.
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