BN1 Magazine

“YOU’RE CRAZY!”

This is the response all solo travellers have almost definitely heard at least once.

The thought of exploring the places you’ve always dreamed of going, working entirely to your own agenda and doing everything you want when you want sounds ideal – but how are you realistically going to achieve this with a group of friends in tow?

Even the most likeminded friends will be forced to compromise on some aspect of their trip, and when it comes to satisfying our wanderlust we’re all a little selfish aren’t we?

Welcome to solo travel, the perfect solution to all of these problems, except so many people are reluctant or out-right refuse to do it.

Another thing I’m used to hearing is, “I’d love to travel, but I’ve got no one to go with.”

This excuse is fairly understandable for those who only require a few weeks away lounging by a  pool in the Mediterranean, but if you recognise the feeling of touching down on home ground and immediately Googling where to go next, then you can’t wait around.

If you still feel too daunted at the thought of travelling completely on your own, group tours are a great introduction to solo travel.

Booking a holiday like this means you still have the freedom to choose your  own agenda by selecting a trip that fulfils all your travel wishes, and you’ll be in the company of other likeminded travellers. This eliminates the sometimes terrifying process of attempting to befriend strangers in youth hostels, relieves stress as your itinerary and transport is all sorted and included in the price of the trip.

Solo travel is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people from all corners of the globe, explore the world on your own terms, boost your self-confidence and experience real independence.

So… what are you waiting for?

TOP SAFEST COUNTRIES FOR SOLO TRAVEL

JAPAN

The truly unique culture of Japan makes it one of the most exciting countries to visit. The hospitable and exceedingly polite locals make trips here a dream and its lively capital Tokyo is considered one of the safest cities in the world.

ICELAND

It may cost a few pennies but its volcanic hot springs, geysers and mesmerising Northern light displays more than make up for it. With a population of just over half a million, crime is practically non-existent in this Nordic nation.

CANADA

Unlike it’s American cousin, violent crime in Canada is extremely rare particularly in popular tourist spots. Whether you go for the skiing, shopping, hiking, National Parks or even grizzlies you’ll feel welcomed by the Canadians, famed for their endearing politeness.

NEW ZEALAND

Half the world away in the Pacific Ocean lies these  extraordinary islands. Famed for its adventure sports that lure adrenaline  junkies from all corners of  the globe, New Zealand also features white, sandy beaches, beautiful wildlife and Hobbiton itself.

COSTA RICA

Listed as the safest country in Central America, Costa Rica’s democratic republic has enjoyed political stability for many years.  It is also a advocate for ecotourism and the lush greenery, turquoise plunge pools and exotic wildlife will melt every heart.

Cherise Wolas, The Family Tabor (Borough Press)

Wolas now builds on the success of her debut novel The Resurrection of John Ashby with her new compelling mystery-drama The Family Tabor.

The Tabor family gather in Palm Springs to celebrate Harry Tabor, who’s about to be named Man of the Decade. But over the course of a single weekend, conflicts appear in their seemingly enviable lifestyles as they’re each forced to confront uncomfortable truths.

If you’re looking for an addictive page-turner to read on the beach – this is it.

Khaled Hosseini, Sea Prayer (Bloomsbury)

Legendary author Khaled Hosseini is back with a short work of fiction capturing the refugee crisis, that he was compelled to write after images of a 3-year-old Syrian boy washed up on a beach in Turkey were broadcast across the world.

Told in a series of letters from a father to his son, Sea Prayer reflects on the family’s life in Syria before the war, the city’s descent into violence and the perilous sea-crossing that awaits them.

Hosseini’s illustrated book is suitable for all ages and is a tribute to the millions of families torn apart by the current war in the Middle East, with all proceeds being donated to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHRC).

Leila Slimani, Lullaby (Faber)

“The baby is dead. It took only a few seconds.”

Hailed as ‘the next Gone Girl’ after its sensational publication in France, French-Moroccan author Leila Slimani’s haunting thriller is coming to the UK on 26 Jul.

Inspired by the real-life murders of Leo and Lucia Krim in 2012, Lullaby is a tense and chilling novel told in reverse from multiple-perspectives that has already won the praise of President Macron and is about to shake up the British literacy scene.

John Boyne, Ladder to the Sky (Transworld) 

Would you sacrifice your soul to gain everything you want in the world?

These questions plague the protagonist of John Boyne’s latest novel due for publication on 23 Aug.

Wannabe writer Maurice Swift believes stories can be found anywhere you’re willing to look, and after a brief encounter with a renowned author with a tale to tell, Maurice achieves fame telling other people’s stories but at great personal cost.

This psychological drama is sure to get your heart racing and keep you hooked until the end.

David Wardale, Wasting your Wildcard: The Method and Madness of Fantasy Football (Yellow Jersey)
The nation was swept up in World Cup fever this summer as England made its first semi-final appearance in 28 years.

In his new book, David Wardale – creator of the UK’s top Fantasy Football site, Fantasy Football Scout – delves into the weird, mad world of fantasy football.

From humiliating defeats to glorious victories, Wardale explores the crazy lengths managers will go to win.