Considerations for a solo traveller in a growing world

On a global scale the number of people travelling each year is growing exponentially.

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) estimates that internationally there were 25 million tourist arrivals in 1950. Fast forward 68 years and this number has increased to 1.4 billion international arrivals per year, that’s an increase of 5500%.

With a greater number of travellers on the ground and in the air, there are new risks that materialise. It’s important to have a brief knowledge of risks that you may face while travelling, especially if you are navigating the globe by yourself. Flying solo or traveling on your own enables you to meet different people and experience the space through a different lens. Some destinations are more suited to solo travellers than others.

We were introduced to the team at Curiocity through our partners on the Travelsure team at Old Mutual Insure. Curiocity says, “Solo travelling is something everyone should experience in their lifetime. It’s a liberating, eye-opening experience that stretches your comfort zone and shows you just what you’re capable of.”

Earlier in the year we checked in with Magcino Gule, where she shared some personal travel tips for first time travellers. Magcino highlights the below points:

• Take care of the paperwork
• Ask, read and get recommendations
• Travel insurance is as important as your cellphone
• Prepare for the flight
• Google the currency of your destination

You can read the full blog here.

As a solo traveller it is even more crucial to ensure that you have sorted out your travel insurance prior to your departure. You can now purchase travel insurance online or by using an insurance broker. Magcino says, “While I haven’t had to claim on any of the trips I have been on, having a policy with comprehensive worldwide cover keeps my mind at ease as I board the plane. It is also usually needed when applying for a visa.”

With an increased number of travellers in the world, the way we travel is also changing. One of the business models that is driving disruption in the travel space is Airbnb. Since its launch in 2008 its listed properties have hosted over 400 million guests in 191 countries.

As things change, as a traveller you want to control the elements you can control. In the digital age, we rarely leave home without a laptop or smartphone. Have you ever considered the amount of information these devices hold? Or the possibility of them being hacked while accessing free Wi-Fi in an airport or coffee shop?

So, just like you book your accommodation through Airbnb or make a mental note not to do any internet banking while on an open Wi-Fi network, you can make the sensible choice and check your travel insurance before you head off on your journey.

Travel is constantly shifting and with 195 countries in the world we are sure it is going to continue growing. As part of selecting a travel insurance policy for your next trip you should consider the duty of care that the provider is able to offer you. Check that your insurer has relationships with local service providers in your destination city to give you the appropriate care if things go wrong.

Travel insurance companies are continuously looking at the design of their products to suit the needs of the modern traveller. Old Mutual Travelsure has some innovative and holistic offerings, so before your next travel adventure head over to the Travelsure website to check them out. Include a travel insurance check in your travel plans going forward so you are ready for the growing world.