Experience Each issue we chat to a solo traveller about their experience going it alone, this time Leah Stockford shares her thoughts a er heading to the Arctic with Aurora Expeditions

EXPERIENCE

Leah Stockford, 43, London

Each issue we chat to a solo traveller about their experience going it alone, this time Leah shares her thoughts after heading to the Arctic with Aurora Expeditions

Travelling with Aurora Expeditions was not my first time travelling solo. Having made my first solo travel trip when I was 17 to Australia and Asia and then multiple trips thereafter you actually get the bug of going by yourself. As much as I love travelling with friends and family there is nothing better than going into the unknown when you actually end up meeting more people by yourself. I have made some very dear friends over the years and I enjoy having the freedom to do what I want when I want – it’s so very invigorating.

For this specific trip I chose the Arctic as I had always wanted to see Greenland’s ice shelf, polar bears and experience the magnitude of icebergs. My friend wanted to come but couldn’t make it work so I decided I would go regardless. It was a lifelong dream, so nothing was going to stop me fulfilling it – I’m so glad I made that decision. It was a bit nerve-racking going on a ship by myself, which I hadn’t done before, but everyone was very friendly.

Since the Arctic trip I have actually booked with Aurora Expeditions again to go to Antarctica in 2021 by myself again. Before joining the trip I had a few worries about whether I might get on with people on board – you are on the ship for a long time.

I was more used to travelling from destination to destination rather than being in one place, so to speak, and I was a little nervous about my roommates. What would they be like? Especially as I don’t like to share!

But you then realise you are worrying about nothing. And I had the best two roommates you could hope for – you just respect their space and they respect yours. I was unsure about whether the age group

would be too old, but how wrong I was? The group was all different ages and although I was among the younger ones on board, the majority of them were so much fun and I made some great friends.

The staff on board were also delightful – very informative and everyone was attentive with whatever your needs were. A big thumbs up to Angela who was our kayak guide who had us up at the crack of dawn every day but always with a smile – we laughed a lot and I was fortunate to have such a brilliant group of people out on the water every day. I loved the daily talks, too, whether they were about flora and fauna or climate change or tips on photography.

One thing about traveling solo is that you get to talk to everyone and everyone is always welcoming especially at dinner and at drinks – and very supportive when kayaking, doing that solo can be hard work! Sometimes after kayaking I would sneak off for a power nap before the next paddle and I didn’t need to bother anyone – I just had myself to think about, which was great.

I would say to anyone who is nervous about travelling solo: don’t overthink it, just do it. If you want to experience a great adventure don’t wait for people, live your dream. You really have nothing to worry about. Remember you are not alone and it’s a great confidence booster. I would highly recommend it!