Meaningful Travel Experiences for Adventurous Solo Travellers

What is a meaningful travel experience? Simply put, this type of travel will push you out of your comfort zone and leave you feeling fulfilled. Recent surveys show that 74% of travellers would like to travel “more meaningfully” on their next holiday. Plus, these types of trips can be enjoyed as a solo traveller and you can experience different cultures in a respectful way.

From hiking across volcanic terrain to volunteering in another country, see what meaningful travel experience should be at the top of your bucket list…

Making the Most of Solo Travelling

Travelling alone can be daunting but it is also extremely rewarding. Going abroad on your own means that there is no pressure to be outgoing. Equally, you don’t have to spend your whole holiday in your hotel room! Travelling solo is a great way to meet like-minded people and step out of your comfort zone for a different travel experience.

When travelling alone, consider staying in a hostel. Hostels are dormitory-style accommodations, but you can opt for a hostel with a private room or bathroom. These types of stays often have communal areas where you can spend time with fellow travellers, at your own pace. Most also have a list of activities that you can sign up for, which is a great way to get yourself into the action. Plus, because of the communal facilities, hostels are normally cheaper than mainstream hotels.

Let’s look at some meaningful travel experiences you can try…

Have a Wild Travel Experience in Kenya

Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, is the perfect place to get that meaningful travel experience. Here, you will find the Giraffe Centre, a sanctuary that is home to a resident herd of wild giraffes. Whilst here, you can feed the giraffes and learn more about how you can help these endangered animals. You can also stay nearby and if you’re lucky, you will find the giraffes greeting you at breakfast, as they often peek their heads through the windows! This is a unique travel experience, but although the giraffes are accustomed to guests, it is important to remember that they are still wild animals.

While you’re here, you should visit the Nairobi National Park, which is host to a number of animal species, including lions, rhinos and hippos. Take a safari tour to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. You will be taken around in a 4×4 jeep, so you can experience everything from a safe environment. Plus, with our Longstay & Backpacker policy, if you book the safari prior to booking your trip, you are covered as standard.

Another great way to experience the culture in a meaningful way is to head to the Bomas of Kenya. This tourist attraction aims to preserve and promote the different cultures within Kenya, and you’ll learn a lot here. As well as viewing recreations of authentic homesteads, you can catch daily shows where members of various ethnic communities perform traditional dances.

Learn a New Skill in the Italian Dolomites

The Italian Dolomites are a beautiful mountain range in northern Italy and are a recognised UNESCO World Heritage site. The highest peak is the Marmolada, which sits at just over 3,300m – if you are feeling adventurous, there are several routes to hike this mountain. There are also many other activities that you can do in the Dolomites, so there will be something for everyone. Travelling here is a great way to get out of your comfort zone and have a new travel experience.

The Dolomites are home to the largest network of ski lifts and slopes, so it is the ideal place to learn a new skill. Learn to ski in this one-of-a-kind location and don’t be afraid – they have courses for everyone. Whether you’re a complete beginner, young or fully grown – it’s never too late to try something new! Plus, you will be surrounded by other people all learning the same thing as you, so you can get to know like-minded travellers.

For a more relaxed travel experience, the Dolomites host Christmas markets every year. Take a stroll through these venues to check out the local crafts and delicacies, and watch some of the exciting performance artists. The markets often have fire-eaters, knights and much more, so this is a great way to experience some festive culture.

Volunteer in Costa Rica

You could spend two weeks in Costa Rica doing a mix of volunteering and exploring. Some highlights of this trip include learning Spanish, working with the locals and learning about their customs. One example, volunteering with local schools, will give you an insight into the Costa Rican way of life. It won’t feel like working, as you’ll have done something meaningful with your time there. You can also add on many optional activities, like scuba diving or yoga, so there is something of interest for every traveller.

Alternatively, Costa Rica is known for its national parks and wildlife. So, if you want a more adventurous travel experience, you could go rafting down the Pacuare River. We even have a specialist Adventures policy that can cover this. Or why not try tree camping in the rainforest? You’ll stay in a tent suspended from the forest floor, but don’t worry as protective gear is provided and professional help is nearby, just in case! This is the perfect way to have a meaningful experience surrounded by nature.

Sail Over to Lake Bled, Slovenia

Head over to Lake Bled in Slovenia for a meaningful travel experience. Lake Bled is a beautiful setting for any traveller, featuring a castle on a cliff and a church on its own tiny island. Even if you’re travelling on your own, there are many different activities to choose from. Take a day trip to ring the Wishing Bell – it is said that ringing it three times will make your wish come true! The Wishing Bell is located at the top of the church in the middle of the lake, so you will have the best view of your surroundings. You’ll have to climb nearly 100 steps to reach the top, but this is a sacred part of Lake Bled’s history, so it’s worth the trip.

For a close-up experience, try your hand at paddle-boarding. The lake has dedicated swimming areas, so you can propel yourself across the water and enjoy the views by hiring a paddle board. There are options to have a guided tour of the lake, so if you are travelling alone but want some company, this would be an ideal way to explore.

Finally, immerse yourself in nature by visiting the nearby Vintgar Gorge. With many waterfalls and rapids, this is a beautiful place to explore and learn more about Slovenia’s unspoilt landscape. It is possible to rent a bike to explore the area if you want to get around quickly. Alternatively, you can borrow an audio guide or go through a tour group, where a local expert will teach you interesting facts about the Gorge.

Experience Authentic Japanese Culture

In Kyushu, Japan, there are many meaningful travel experiences on offer, whether you’re a solo traveller or in a group. Once here, head to the bustling city of Kumamoto, where you can follow local traditions by crafting your own metal artwork. This activity dates back to the 16th century, when skilled artisans used to make exquisite swords, so it has been around for a while! Learn how to carve your design and engrave it – the activity organisers will send the finished piece to your home address in the UK in a matter of weeks.

For a more adventurous travel experience, follow a guided route through the Kunisaki Peninsula. Along the trail, you will find many traditional temples and stone statues. You will also learn more about Kyushu and get to join in with a cultural Himeshima fox dance. Plus, learn how to cook a traditional dish. What better way to learn the true character of this place than by diving right into it?

To top off your meaningful trip, take part in a tour of Kumamoto. Spend some time learning how to make traditional sweets and drinks. You could also visit a dojo, a place of learning where you’ll learn the ancient local art of Kyudo archery. Travelling solo will allow you to step outside of your usual bubble and try something new, so why not start today?

Insure Yourself Wherever You Go

Travelling can be daunting whether you go it alone or with others. At P J Hayman, we can cover you whether you’re an individual, a couple or a family. Our Longstay & Backpacker policy can cover you to travel for up to 18 months so you can travel from place to place and do as many experiences as you can.