Roam Alone

A unique title from Bradt, showcasing a brand new collection of remarkable travellers' tales with a different slant, following on the heels of To Oldly Go!, one of the UK's best-selling travel titles of 2015. All the contributors were initially reluctant solo travellers, apprehensive about taking the plunge to go it alone after years of travel with a partner or friend. Some have embarked on the trip of a lifetime, walking or cycling alone through potentially hostile countries, but finding only kindness and hospitality - with a few hairy adventures thrown in.

One story is by Bradt founder Hilary Bradt, who confronted her fears and set out to fulfil a childhood dream to ride a horse through Ireland shortly after her marriage broke up. Others are widows and widowers in their later years who were anxious about joining an organised trip on their own or who wanted to make a difference in the world by volunteering their experience and knowledge.

Many ages, many personalities, one goal: to travel, and one stumbling block: anxiety. Part literature, part guide, with tips for successful solo travel. Reassuring, entertaining and inspiring.

About the Authors

This book was partly inspired by Hilary Bradt, founder of Bradt Travel Guides, who describes her solo travels as 'certainly reluctant' . She made her first trip through South America alone when her travel companion dropped out at the last moment; the subsequent journey through the Andes was unfortgettable and set her up for the solo trip of a lifetime, described in this book, of riding a pony a thousand miles through Ireland. The anxiety of planning the journey was offset by the serendipity of being able to take each day as it came and the intensity of the experience. Of travelling alone, Hilary Bradt says 'there's no doubt that it's more fun to plan a trip with a like-minded companion, but I have learnt to confront my fears and indulge my passion for travel, knowing that the solo traveller will be richly rewarded, from meeting the locals to discovering a new inner confidence.'

Jennifer Barclay is an editor and writer who has enjoyed travelling alone in many countries. She has written three travel books about travelling alone: Meeting Mr Kim, which details her adventures travelling solo around South Korea, and Falling in Honey and An Octopus in my Ouzo, both of which describe her move - on her own - to a Greek island.