Travels

The Perfect Guide to Planning a Solo Trip

Published

12 months ago

31 July 2025

There’s a quiet kind of thrill that comes with travelling alone. You pack your bag, close the door behind you, and step out knowing that every decision from here on is yours alone. No need to explain your choices. No one to negotiate with about food, routes, or rest stops. It’s freedom in the rawest form. But to really enjoy a solo trip—and not just survive it—you need more than courage. You need a bit of planning, some common sense, and the willingness to be surprised along the way.

Pick a Place That Suits Your Energy

Don’t follow the crowd. This isn’t a group holiday. It’s your escape, so choose a place that fits what you’re craving. If you need peace and time to think, go somewhere quiet—a coastal village, a small wine town, or the mountains. If you’re looking for energy and new faces, aim for a city that makes you feel alive. Maybe Durban’s beachfront buzz, Accra’s music scene, or even a weekend in Maputo. What matters is how the place makes you feel, not how many people have posted about it.

Know Enough, but Leave Room to Roam

You don’t need to plan your days to the minute. But at the very least, know where you’re sleeping, how to get around safely, and what areas to avoid. The rest? Let it unfold. Some of the best travel memories come from small surprises—a hidden café, a street performance, a stranger who becomes a temporary friend. You’re not clocking off a to-do list; you’re exploring.

Be Aware, Not Anxious

Travelling alone means staying sharp. Know the basics—who to call in an emergency, where the nearest clinic is, and how to avoid dodgy situations. Keep your valuables out of sight. Trust your gut. But also, don’t let fear lock you into your hotel room. Most people you’ll meet on the road are just like you—curious, friendly, and willing to help. Just be smart, not scared.

Pack Light. You’ll Thank Yourself Later

If your bag’s too heavy for you to lift alone, it’s already too full. Keep it simple: a few outfits you can mix and match, comfortable shoes, toiletries, a backup charger, and copies of your documents. You don’t need six outfits for three days. You need space in your luggage and peace of mind when you’re on the move.

Say Yes to What Feels Right

You’re allowed to say yes to random adventures. Join that walking tour. Accept that invite to a local music spot. Try something new, even if it scares you a little. These are the moments that stay with you. But if your body or your gut says no—listen. You don’t owe anyone an explanation. Your boundaries are part of the journey too.

Be in the Moment

You don’t have to capture every minute. Take your photos, sure. But also put the phone away sometimes. Let yourself notice the light in a new city. Watch people pass. Sit alone at a table without pretending to scroll. That’s what solo travel is about—being where you are, without needing to prove it to anyone.

Final Thought

Your first solo trip might feel strange at first. That’s normal. But give it time. You’ll realise you can figure things out. You’ll learn to enjoy your own company. You’ll stop rushing and start noticing. And by the time you return, something in you will feel different—in a good way. Not because the trip was perfect, but because you did it all on your own. And that’s something to be proud of.

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Travels

Why Solo Travel Could Be the Best Decision You Ever Make

Published

5 days ago

11 July 2026

Fadire Olusola

Photo: Getty Images

What if the best travel companion you could have is yourself? The idea of exploring a new destination alone feels intimidating, but for many travellers, it can be one of the most rewarding ways to experience a destination. Travelling alone allows you to face your fears and learn about the world. It can change the way you view the world around you.

Complete Control Over Your Experience

An advantage of solo travel is the freedom you enjoy. You do not have to adjust your plans based on another person’s interests. You can choose where to go and what activities to try. Most decisions, from where to eat to what attractions to visit, are entirely up to you. This level of independence allows travellers to enjoy a personal experience and focus on what interests them.

Confidence

Photo: Getty Images

Solo travel challenges you to handle situations better. You can walk around unfamiliar streets, and speak to people. When travelling alone, you learn to make decisions on your own. You take decisions that you believe are in your best interests.

You Learn About Yourself

Being away from familiar places gives you time to reflect. You get to avoid distractions and have a clear head. Asking for directions and interacting with locals, all of which can build confidence. You discover what excites you and how to pursue your aspirations. The experience allows you to improve your self awareness.

You Build Connections

Photo: Getty Images

Travelling alone allows you to meet people. In many situations, solo travellers are likely to interact with other travellers. Travelling alone encourages independent decision-making and greater self-reliance. Many solo travellers find they have more time to think about their personal goals and priorities. Solo travel often helps you recognise your strengths and identify areas where you can grow. People travelling with friends can also make new connections, though solo travellers often have more opportunities to interact with locals and fellow travellers.

Adaptability

When travelling, one might face different problems. You may experience delayed flights and missing luggage. When travelling alone, you learn how to solve these issues on your own. These experiences improve your ability to remain calm. Adaptability is a skill that everyone needs in their life.

Travel Safely

Photo: Getty Images

A little preparation can make your solo stress-free. Research your destination before you leave, including local laws, customs, transport options, and safe areas to stay. Share your travel itinerary with someone close to you. Keep copies of important documents, stay aware of your surroundings, and avoid displaying valuable items. Respect local customs and trust your instincts if a situation feels unsafe.

Lasting Memories

Travelling alone often makes the experience feel more personal because every choice is your own. You will remember that local food you ate and the stranger that helped you when you were lost.

For many people, a solo trip is a learning experience. It shows maturity and that you can stay outside their comfort zone with confidence. Solo travel is a journey of discovery, and personal growth.

Travels

Gabrielle Union Can’t Get Enough of South Africa

Published

2 months ago

25 May 2026

Tega Ekeri

Gabrielle Union - Instagram

Actress Gabrielle Union has once again returned to South Africa, continuing a relationship with the country that has become increasingly visible over the past few years.

Union first visited South Africa in 2022 alongside husband Dwyane Wade and their daughter Kaavia during a wider trip across Africa tied to her 50th birthday. Parts of the journey later appeared in her BET+ docuseries, Gabrielle Union: My Journey to 50, which followed her travels through countries including Ghana, Namibia, Tanzania and South Africa.

Photo – Instagram

Her recent return to the country was documented across social media, where she shared moments from Cape Town and the Western Cape. The actress visited restaurants, beaches, vineyards and local fashion spaces while also highlighting several Black-owned businesses during the trip.

One of the locations she featured was Klein Goederust in Franschhoek, one of the few Black-owned wine farms in the region. Union praised the owners during her visit and shared clips from her time at the estate.

Photo – Instagram

She also spent time exploring South African fashion and design spaces, including references to designer Thebe Magugu, whose work has gained international recognition in recent years.

Another moment from the trip gained attention online after Union joined a karaoke sing-along of Mariah Carey’s “We Belong Together” while out at a Cape Town venue. Videos from the evening circulated widely on social media, with many viewers reacting to the relaxed atmosphere of the interaction.

Photo – Instagram

Throughout the trip, Union appeared to embrace both the social and cultural sides of Cape Town, sharing clips from nightlife spots, restaurants and local attractions.

In previous interviews linked to her docuseries, Union spoke about wanting travel experiences centred on people, culture and connection rather than traditional tourism. That approach has continued to shape her visits to South Africa.

Her latest posts suggest the country remains one of her favourite destinations on the continent, particularly for its mix of scenery, fashion, food and music.

Travels

6 National Parks to Visit in South Africa This Autumn

Published

2 months ago

9 May 2026

Fadire Olusola

Photo: Getty Images

South Africa’s national parks are great to visit during autumn. This season runs from March to May. The cool cooler temperatures during this time makes it perfect to visit. Whether you want to spot lions, enjoy peaceful nature escapes, or capture stunning autumn views, these national parks deliver unforgettable adventures.

Kruger National Park

Photo: Getty Images

The Kruger National Park should appeal to lovers of wildlife. Visitors can see lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo around rivers . The weather encourages animals to be active during daytime. Entry fees for South African adults are R134 and children pay R67.

Table Mountain National Park

Photo: Getty Images

Table Mountain National Park offers visitors a great view of mountains and ocean. Autumn is one of the best times to hike at this part because temperatures are great. Trails across Table Mountain become more enjoyable without the intense summer heat. The season provides excellent visibility for photography. Entrance into this park costs R110 for South Africans.

Addo Elephant National Park

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The Addo Elephant National Park offers excellent wildlife exploration. Besides elephants, there are lions and hyenas. Accommodation and meals are not pricey. It Access cost around R110.

Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Photo: Getty Images

Golden Gate Highlands National Park has excellent sandstone formations. The cool temperature makes hiking more comfortable at this park. There are zebras and various bird species. To gain access, adults will pay R73 while children will pay R37.

Pilanesberg National Park

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Pilanesberg National Park has beautiful hills and waterholes. Autumn offers excellent game viewing due to its sparse vegetation. The park houses lions and rhinos. Johannesburg is close which makes it a perfect weekend destination. With just R168, you can have a good time.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park

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iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will find many beaches and coastal views. Autumn weather is ideal for exploration. There are several sightings of hippos and crocodiles. You can enjoy all these and more for R66.

Autumn is the best time for parks visiting. The weather conditions are moderate and you can find many animals during the day. .