Tucked away on Stafford Road in Bournemouth’s city centre, Frieda’s Tearoom is a charming hidden gem where solo travellers can enjoy a quintessentially British afternoon tea experience. Since 2011, this small, family-run tearoom has been delighting visitors with homemade scones, fresh cakes, and carefully brewed loose-leaf tea, all served in a cosy 1950s-inspired setting. For anyone planning a solo day trip to Bournemouth, Frieda’s is more than just a stop for tea and cakes,

The travel industry has a new buzzword that’s music to solo travellers’ ears: “wonky holidays.” Inspired by the supermarket trend of wonky vegetables; oddly shaped carrots and imperfect potatoes that taste just as good but cost less, wonky holidays embrace the unconventional to deliver substantial savings. For solo travellers, especially those travelling independently, this trend offers an accessible approach to affordable adventure without compromising on quality. Unlike cou

Choosing the right backpack can make solo travel significantly easier. Whether you’re heading off on a weekend break, a city escape or a light long-haul trip, your backpack needs to be comfortable, easy to manage alone and versatile enough for different types of journeys. For solo travellers, a backpack isn’t just a bag; it’s your carry-on, your day bag and your main piece of luggage all in one. That means weight, comfort, organisation and security matter far more than they m

Solo travellers face risks that couples or groups often avoid. If you become ill or injured, there is no one to assist with communication, transport or logistics. Your belongings may be more vulnerable, and trip delays or cancellations can be more expensive when you are covering all costs alone. For solo female travellers, additional considerations include personal safety, emergency support and the ability to make quick changes if a situation feels unsafe. The best travel ins

When I browse travel websites and social media, I notice something: nearly every image shows couples sharing sunsets, families building sandcastles, or groups of friends at dinner tables. Solo travellers? We're largely invisible in travel marketing. This is puzzling when you consider the numbers. The global solo travel market  was valued at £482.34 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach £1.07 trillion by 2030. That's substantial growth for a demographic that barely feature

In January, when snow blankets the Highlands and the crowds disappear, a 12-hour tour reveals the raw beauty of Skye and why sometimes the best time to visit is when everyone else stays at home. I am standing in falling snow at the base of the Old Man of Storr, one of Scotland’s most photographed rock formations, and there is nobody else here. In summer, this spot is crowded with visitors jostling for the perfect Instagram shot. Today, it is just me, fifteen other travellers,

Looking for Christmas travel gifts for someone who travels with just a backpack? Or hints for what you actually want this Christmas? Forget novelty passport covers and scratch-off maps - here are practical Christmas gifts for travel lovers who have limited time off and real budgets. This gift guide covers travel essentials under £20, quality gear under £50, and investment pieces under £100. Everything here is designed for solo travellers who pack light, travel frequently (but

I squeezed in one last day trip before Christmas, and Chester UK was absolutely worth the journey. With its Roman walls, Tudor façades, and Christmas markets, Chester offered the perfect mix of history and festive atmosphere. Here's my complete guide to visiting Chester on a budget, including transport costs, what to see, and whether it's worth the trip from Southern England. Why Visit Chester UK? Chester is one of England's best-preserved historic cities, and it deserves mor

Wondering what to wear on a night bus for maximum comfort? After countless overnight journeys across Europe and the UK, I've learned that the right clothing can transform a cramped 8-hour bus ride from miserable to manageable. Night buses are one of the most budget-friendly ways to travel - perfect for solo travellers looking to save money on both transport and accommodation. Whether you're catching a National Express from London, a FlixBus across Europe, or any overnight co

Planning a festive getaway shouldn't feel like a second job. If you're scrolling through travel blogs that recommend £400 boutique hotels and first-class train tickets, you've probably started to think Christmas city breaks aren't for people with actual budgets. Here's the reality: you can have a brilliant festive weekend away for £100–250 per person. You just need to be strategic about it. This guide is for UK travellers who want a proper Christmas escape—whether that's Manc

It’s 3 AM on Black Friday 2025, and half the country is awake.Not because they want to be, but because they’re refreshing their browsers, chasing deals like their lives depend on it. But here’s the thing: I’m not playing this year. And if you’re reading this, I’m betting you’re tired of it too. The Black Friday Trap We All Know Too Well You know the drill. Seventeen tabs bookmarked. Alarms set. Waiting rooms joined. And for what? A discounted suitcase you don’t need for trips

Photo by Tobi After years of solo travel across Europe and beyond, I've learnt that the secret to stress-free adventures isn't packing more—it's packing smarter. Whether you're planning a day trip or a week exploring European cities via FlixBus, having the right backpack and knowing exactly what to pack makes all the difference. In this guide, I'll share my tried-and-tested packing lists for three types of trips: day adventures, weekend escapes, and longer journeys. No fluff,

There's a particular kind of magic in the countdown to a holiday. You've researched flights, compared flight tickets across dozens of websites, saved for months, and finally clicked "confirm booking." The anticipation builds with every passing day. You've told your colleagues, briefed your neighbours about watering the plants, and packed your bags with the kind of meticulous care reserved only for trips that matter deeply. And then, 24 hours before departure, you do what ever

When most people think of Bournemouth, they picture sun, sand and seafront strolls — but for those exploring solo, there’s so much more waiting to be uncovered. This coastal town is filled with creativity, stories and independent spirit, making it a perfect destination for those who love to wander on their own terms. Here are ten Bournemouth things to do that go beyond the beach — experiences that capture the town’s personality and prove there’s more to this seaside escape th

When most people think of culinary travel, they picture bustling restaurants, food tours, or street markets. But for me, some of the best foodie adventures happen somewhere unexpected: the supermarket. For a vegetarian traveller, supermarkets abroad—and even at home—are lifesavers, treasure troves, and cultural experiences all rolled into one. According to Skyscanner’s 2026 Travel Trends , 43% of travellers plan to explore local supermarkets abroad. In the UK, 73% of travelle

I’ve loved travelling for years, and usually my anxiety hasn’t stopped me from exploring the world. But recently, while planning a trip to Mexico, I noticed something different: reading endless articles about petty crime, scams, and safety tips for women suddenly made every choice feel loaded with risk. From where to stay, to which streets to walk, even which cafés to visit—safety became a constant consideration. This wasn’t about losing my love for travel. It was about seein

Photo from Shutterstock It’s not often I get a full morning to myself. My weeks are usually packed, and even weekends rarely leave room for indulgence. So when I finally had a rare day with a bit of breathing space, I decided to treat myself to something special. Breakfast has always been my favourite meal of the day, and this time, I wanted more than just my usual coffee and toast at home. I wanted an experience, something that felt luxurious yet grounding. That’s how I foun

As a wine enthusiast living in Bournemouth, I’m always on the lookout for unique wine experiences that go beyond simply sipping a glass....

If you’re in Poole and looking for a Sunday roast that goes beyond the ordinary, Riggers Restaurant at RNLI College  is the place to be....

In recent years, the rise of day trips—and particularly extreme day trips—has transformed the way many people travel. The promise is...