AE Australia 1/2121 - Solo traveling

[jabrown40]

I saw this as a Facebook advertisement, and have been considering an Australia trip for a few years. I initially thought of going on a cruise, but this sounded so much better. Unfortunately, I lost my husband a year ago and would be doing this probably on my own. It is an adult exclusive trip, but will I feel out of place as a solo traveler? Does adventures by Disney charge double occupancy, like several cruise lines?

 

[sayhello]

I've taken 11 ABDs as a solo traveler. I've never felt out of place. Sometimes there are other solo travelers, sometimes not, but I've always felt welcomed, both on Adult Exclusive trips and on Family trips. I honestly prefer the dynamics on the Adults Only trips, because the Adults seem to feel they can be more child-like when they don't have to Adult for the kids. But they're both great. The Adventure Guides really work to make the group feel like a family. Occasionally, I've ended up on my own during on your own times, because everyone else had set plans, or wanted a little family time, but I'm perfectly fine with that. Most times, folks will include you in their plans if they can. I *HIGHLY* recommend doing an ABD as a solo traveler. It's a fabulous way to travel as a solo. It's also really nice to have people who expect you to be at a certain place at at certain time. I feel MUCH safer that way. I say GO FOR IT!!! (The Australia trip is on my bucket list as my retirement trip in a few years!!)

Sayhello

ETA: After re-reading your post, I wanted to add a couple of things. First, I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. But I applaud you for wanting to travel, even without him.
Secondly, Adventures by Disney *does* charge a single supplement, but it's not double occupancy like for cruises. The single supplement for most trips is an additional 40%. The exceptions to this are the cruise add-ons, which don't have a single supplement, because your room (cabin) is not included, you have to book that separately. Also, the river cruises *are* double occupancy (100% single supplement) *unless* you can snag one of the single cabins on the Seine or the Rhône river cruises. The boats they use for the Danube and Rhine do not have single cabins.

Please let me know if you have *any* questions about solo traveling or ABD in general!!

 

[OhanaCuz]

Sorry about your husband. I always love sharing this article to solo travelers: https://www.today.com/money/disneys-group-tours-grow-more-popular-adults-892837

 

[abdgeek]

I too travel solo exclusively and mainly with Disney (ABD, DCL). I mainly do the family ABD trips because they are during the times of year when I can travel. I also did the Australia ABD solo a couple of years ago and had a wonderful time. To date, it is my favorite ABD. At no time have I ever felt out of place as a solo traveler and never with ABD/DCL. As a solo traveler, I have come to grips with having to pay the single supplement of up to 100% depending on the type of trip I’m taking. Although it’s inconvenient, it’s a small price to pay to be able to see the world on my terms. Good luck with your decision and you have my condolences.

 

[Lawyer Mommy]

You should definitely go! I've never gone solo on an ABD, but I've done both Adult Exclusive and Family ones. On either people will definitely make you feel welcome. In particular, I highly encourage you go on this trip. I've done the Australia ABD, and it's one of my very favorite ones, and the guide Amber is amazing. You will love it. I'm sorry about your husband's passing, but like others here, I'm glad you are venturing out and continuing to live. I'm sure that's what he would have wanted for you. Take the plunge!

 

[Grifdog22]

I saw this as a Facebook advertisement, and have been considering an Australia trip for a few years. I initially thought of going on a cruise, but this sounded so much better. Unfortunately, I lost my husband a year ago and would be doing this probably on my own. It is an adult exclusive trip, but will I feel out of place as a solo traveler? Does adventures by Disney charge double occupancy, like several cruise lines?

I wholeheartedly endorse this trip - it is better than it sounds. I have a detailed trip report posted, but never finished it. If you go during our summers, consider staying an extra day for whale watching. We were in nearly constant contact with humpbacks and calves once we got well underway. Spectacular add on that we recommend. We had issues with getting to Australia, that's in the report as well, so we STRONGLY recommend at least one pre-day in case of transport problems. You could spend an extra week in Sydney and still never want to leave. Not only will the ABD group serve as a second family, but you will never really be alone in OZ as the people are off the scale in their friendliness and helpfulness. GO! You will be so happy that you did. Please let us know what you decide and tell us about your adventure.

 

[jabrown40]

Thank you all! It's a little daunting to consider traveling alone, but I think this type of trip might work for me. Your words are encouraging!

 

[OhanaCuz]

Thank you all! It's a little daunting to consider traveling alone, but I think this type of trip might work for me. Your words are encouraging!

It'd be hard for me to think of a better way to travel solo. On the river cruises they invite the solo people to eat with the captain at the captain's table on the first night of the cruise. Totally optional but it gives you a chance to meet the other people in a similar "boat".

 

[sayhello]

It'd be hard for me to think of a better way to travel solo. On the river cruises they invite the solo people to eat with the captain at the captain's table on the first night of the cruise. Totally optional but it gives you a chance to meet the other people in a similar "boat".

They didn't do that on my Danube River Cruise. I'd've loved to have dined with the captain!

Thank you all! It's a little daunting to consider traveling alone, but I think this type of trip might work for me. Your words are encouraging!

OK, so I'm really, really serious about this question. I'm assuming I just had an unusual upbringing or something, but what do you find daunting about traveling solo? Or do you mean traveling really alone? I have never hesitated to travel solo, and love doing it on ABDs. People tell me I'm so brave to travel solo (even when they know I'm on a tour) and that's always puzzled me, because it doesn't seem to me that I'm doing anything particularly brave or that I've had to gird my loins to work up the nerve to do it. I'm not sure what it is I'm "supposed" to be afraid of here.

Again, this is a serious question. I've wondered this for a while, and this just seemed like a good opening to ask the question.

Thanks!
Sayhello

 

[2-pointdoe]

You solo travelers need to get a site together and try and do some "solo" trips together and save each other some money!

 

[OhanaCuz]

They didn't do that on my Danube River Cruise. I'd've loved to have dined with the captain!

Now that I think about it that happened on our Rhine cruise, which was Amawaterways only. I thought it was a brilliant idea.

 

[dt14890]

They didn't do that on my Danube River Cruise. I'd've loved to have dined with the captain!

OK, so I'm really, really serious about this question. I'm assuming I just had an unusual upbringing or something, but what do you find daunting about traveling solo? Or do you mean traveling really alone? I have never hesitated to travel solo, and love doing it on ABDs. People tell me I'm so brave to travel solo (even when they know I'm on a tour) and that's always puzzled me, because it doesn't seem to me that I'm doing anything particularly brave or that I've had to gird my loins to work up the nerve to do it. I'm not sure what it is I'm "supposed" to be afraid of here.

Again, this is a serious question. I've wondered this for a while, and this just seemed like a good opening to ask the question.

Thanks!
Sayhello

I am going to speak just from my own experience as a solo traveler for about a dozen years now. My first solo trip was with ABD back in 2007 on what was titled Southwest Splendors. Leading up to it I was constantly asked why was I traveling solo? Why can’t you find someone to travel with you. The idea was being put in my head that it was showing the sad state of my life that I had no friends to travel with. I fought thru that and eventually dumped those people from my life as I don’t need their negative energy. I enjoy traveling on my own. I do take precautions like staying at nicer hotels for better security. Now, when someone says that crap to me I tell them if I waited for someone to have the money to take some of the trips I take I would never get to go anywhere. That shuts them up very quickly.

 

[Solo I Know]

First time solo travelers can experience anxiety over numerous aspects of their trip. Probably the most common is "fear of the unknown." Unless they have some prior travel experiences from which to draw upon, they can feel worried that they'll find themselves overwhelmed by circumstances beyond their control. Travelling to another country would just compound the issue. As for being on a tour, you are quite right. Being on a tour reduces the uncertainly to almost nothing. But it also then introduces other factors, like the perceived stigma (for lack of a better word) of travelling alone. Dt14890 notes it correctly. People worry that they will be perceived by others in the tour as pathetic, or friendless. Fortunately - and I say this for any potential solo traveler that might read this - all your fears will evaporate on your first trip. All those butterflies that you're feeling will disappear and you'll enjoy yourself more than you thought possible.

 

[dt14890]

I am going to speak just from my own experience as a solo traveler for about a dozen years now. My first solo trip was with ABD back in 2007 on what was titled Southwest Splendors. Leading up to it I was constantly asked why was I traveling solo? Why can’t you find someone to travel with you. The idea was being put in my head that it was showing the sad state of my life that I had no friends to travel with. I fought thru that and eventually dumped those people from my life as I don’t need their negative energy. I enjoy traveling on my own. I do take precautions like staying at nicer hotels for better security. Now, when someone says that crap to me I tell them if I waited for someone to have the money to take some of the trips I take I would never get to go anywhere. That shuts them up very quickly.

One further thing. On that trip in 2007, the group was mulling around the Phoenix airport waiting for the rest of the tour group to arrive. One couple said to me in a surprised tone ‘are you traveling by yourself?’ Without missing a beat I said no, I am traveling with my 16 new friends (the group was 17 in total including me). The entire trip I ate one meal solo; by choice. Each morning it was like a mad dash to make meal plans with me. I never felt more welcome.

 

[sayhello]

Now that I think about it that happened on our Rhine cruise, which was Amawaterways only. I thought it was a brilliant idea.

It really is. I'd love to have that! Our first night on the Danube, the staff escorted everyone in and sat them, so I was sat with other people. Captain's table would also have been cool!

I am going to speak just from my own experience as a solo traveler for about a dozen years now. My first solo trip was with ABD back in 2007 on what was titled Southwest Splendors. Leading up to it I was constantly asked why was I traveling solo? Why can’t you find someone to travel with you. The idea was being put in my head that it was showing the sad state of my life that I had no friends to travel with. I fought thru that and eventually dumped those people from my life as I don’t need their negative energy. I enjoy traveling on my own. I do take precautions like staying at nicer hotels for better security. Now, when someone says that crap to me I tell them if I waited for someone to have the money to take some of the trips I take I would never get to go anywhere. That shuts them up very quickly.

I actually got a comment like that from someone on facebook recently, that maybe if I made some friends, I'd have people to travel with. I'm with you. If I waited for friends to prioritize the funds to travel, I'd never go anywhere. And that so wasn't going to happen. Southwest Splendors was my first ABD, also, in 2008. But it was not my first solo trip. I've traveled solo on & off since 1979. And my father really, really loved to travel, and I guess that's one of the reasons it's a priority and a pleasure for me.

First time solo travelers can experience anxiety over numerous aspects of their trip. Probably the most common is "fear of the unknown." Unless they have some prior travel experiences from which to draw upon, they can feel worried that they'll find themselves overwhelmed by circumstances beyond their control. Travelling to another country would just compound the issue. As for being on a tour, you are quite right. Being on a tour reduces the uncertainly to almost nothing. But it also then introduces other factors, like the perceived stigma (for lack of a better word) of travelling alone. Dt14890 notes it correctly. People worry that they will be perceived by others in the tour as pathetic, or friendless. Fortunately - and I say this for any potential solo traveler that might read this - all your fears will evaporate on your first trip. All those butterflies that you're feeling will disappear and you'll enjoy yourself more than you thought possible.

You know, now that I read your post, it does make sense. Fear of the unknown is a powerful thing. I remember the first solo trip I took (two weeks before starting as an exchange student) the loneliness and uncertainty was so bad that if I could have gotten on a plane & turned around & gone back, I would have. But luckily, that only lasted for one day, and then I was fine. I met up with others going to the same college, and was able to either travel with them, or at least check in, in between day trips. But the whole experience ended up being so positive, I guess that squashed my fears. But thanks for reminding me of this.

One further thing. On that trip in 2007, the group was mulling around the Phoenix airport waiting for the rest of the tour group to arrive. One couple said to me in a surprised tone ‘are you traveling by yourself?’ Without missing a beat I said no, I am traveling with my 16 new friends (the group was 17 in total including me). The entire trip I ate one meal solo; by choice. Each morning it was like a mad dash to make meal plans with me. I never felt more welcome.

I love your answer! ♥ And I love how welcome you were made!

Sayhello

 

[OhanaCuz]

I actually got a comment like that from someone on facebook recently, that maybe if I made some friends, I'd have people to travel with.

Good lord that is a tacky comment for someone to make. I can't believe they said that to you. There's nothing wrong with solo travel!

 

[jabrown40]

The daunting part is just being alone - I'm comfortable on my own, not afraid to venture out or just relax and read. I agree that there is that stigma of being by yourself, and I love the answers that were provided above. As most of you know, ABD is expensive, so I really can't think of anyone close to me that could give up the kind of time needed for this trip, as well as the cost. It's this kind of support that makes it seem more possible.