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SOLO: A Down to Earth Guide to Travelling the World Alone
Are you all alone? Trapped in a dead-end job? Life going nowhere?
Time for an adventure!
For more than five years, Aaron Hodges has journeyed the globe alone, visiting everywhere from Istanbul to Argentina. Honest and insightful, SOLO is packed with his personal travel tips and humorous stories. Learn about the ups and downs, the triumphs and the pitfalls of venturing off the beaten path. Follow his guidelines for exploring the world alone and be inspired to take the trip you’ve always dreamed of.
Discover the world of solo travel.
Go Solo!
Time for an adventure!
For more than five years, Aaron Hodges has journeyed the globe alone, visiting everywhere from Istanbul to Argentina. Honest and insightful, SOLO is packed with his personal travel tips and humorous stories. Learn about the ups and downs, the triumphs and the pitfalls of venturing off the beaten path. Follow his guidelines for exploring the world alone and be inspired to take the trip you’ve always dreamed of.
Discover the world of solo travel.
Go Solo!
- GenresTravelNonfiction
160 pages, Kindle Edition
About the author
Aaron Hodges
50 books214 followersAaron Hodges was born in 1989 in the small town of Whakatane, New Zealand. He studied for five years at the University of Auckland, completing a Bachelor's of Science in Biology and Geography, and a Masters of Environmental Engineering. After working as an environmental consultant for two years, he now spends his time traveling the world in search of his next adventure.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 4, 2020
Thank you very much to Rachel of Rachel’s Random Resources for sending me a free copy of Solo in return for an honest review.
Solo: A Down to Earth Guide for Travelling the World Alone by Aaron Hodges is the perfect guide for anyone considering solo travel.
In 2014 after the end of a three year relationship, Aaron Hodges decided to quit his job and travel the world. While travelling, he published his first novel, Stormwielder, and has continued to write and travel ever since. In this short non-fiction book (it’s about 130 pages), Aaron shares the lessons he’s learned and his ‘must see’ places to visit in Southeast Asia, Mexico and Central America, and South America.
At the start of the book, Aaron says that most people who are considering travelling around the world solo are single and have recently gone through a break up. I have to admit, this fits me perfectly! In August, my partner and I of six years broke up and I had to move out of our home. This has changed my life in many ways, and has made me think about my life and my future — in particular, I have been thinking about travelling!
My passport expired nine years ago and I haven’t renewed it since. I had originally planned to renew it this year and travel, but obviously, 2020 hasn’t made that possible. So I was very excited to read Aaron’s book for his tips and travel advice. I have had several holidays solo (including three weeks in California just before my passport expired), but actually travelling abroad alone with a backpack is a totally different experience.
I have read one of Aaron’s fantasy fiction books before, so it was great to learn more about him as a person. His writing style is very casual and relaxed, and made me feel like I was reading a letter from a friend.
Solo covers Aaron’s top tips for packing your bag and the essentials you should bring, as well as tips for while you are there, getting around and finding suitable hostels. While I want to travel, these are the sort of practical things that I worry about and Solo this has really helped to put my mind at ease.
Aaron also shares some of his favourite memories and lessons learned from his travels over the past five years. There are also accompanying photos of the places he talks about which really brings these memories to life and shows off the beauty of these places. His tips and advice on places to visit while in specific areas was really helpful! I think the only thing that seemed to be missing was a guide of ‘must sees’ in Europe and Australia — Aaron’s guides cover Southeast Asia, Mexico and Central America, and South America.
Overall, Solo is a fantastic ‘quick start’ guide for anyone who is currently considering travelling the world on their own. The combination of Aaron’s writing style and his personal experience makes this an incredibly enjoyable as well as an informative read. I will certainly be dipping back in and out of this when planning my trips, making sure I incorporate some of his helpful travel guides in my own journeys (hopefully in 2021!).
Solo: A Down to Earth Guide for Travelling the World Alone by Aaron Hodges is the perfect guide for anyone considering solo travel.
In 2014 after the end of a three year relationship, Aaron Hodges decided to quit his job and travel the world. While travelling, he published his first novel, Stormwielder, and has continued to write and travel ever since. In this short non-fiction book (it’s about 130 pages), Aaron shares the lessons he’s learned and his ‘must see’ places to visit in Southeast Asia, Mexico and Central America, and South America.
At the start of the book, Aaron says that most people who are considering travelling around the world solo are single and have recently gone through a break up. I have to admit, this fits me perfectly! In August, my partner and I of six years broke up and I had to move out of our home. This has changed my life in many ways, and has made me think about my life and my future — in particular, I have been thinking about travelling!
My passport expired nine years ago and I haven’t renewed it since. I had originally planned to renew it this year and travel, but obviously, 2020 hasn’t made that possible. So I was very excited to read Aaron’s book for his tips and travel advice. I have had several holidays solo (including three weeks in California just before my passport expired), but actually travelling abroad alone with a backpack is a totally different experience.
I have read one of Aaron’s fantasy fiction books before, so it was great to learn more about him as a person. His writing style is very casual and relaxed, and made me feel like I was reading a letter from a friend.
Solo covers Aaron’s top tips for packing your bag and the essentials you should bring, as well as tips for while you are there, getting around and finding suitable hostels. While I want to travel, these are the sort of practical things that I worry about and Solo this has really helped to put my mind at ease.
Aaron also shares some of his favourite memories and lessons learned from his travels over the past five years. There are also accompanying photos of the places he talks about which really brings these memories to life and shows off the beauty of these places. His tips and advice on places to visit while in specific areas was really helpful! I think the only thing that seemed to be missing was a guide of ‘must sees’ in Europe and Australia — Aaron’s guides cover Southeast Asia, Mexico and Central America, and South America.
Overall, Solo is a fantastic ‘quick start’ guide for anyone who is currently considering travelling the world on their own. The combination of Aaron’s writing style and his personal experience makes this an incredibly enjoyable as well as an informative read. I will certainly be dipping back in and out of this when planning my trips, making sure I incorporate some of his helpful travel guides in my own journeys (hopefully in 2021!).
November 27, 2020
All my reviews can be found at: http://jessicasreadingroom.com
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This review will appear on my site on December 4, 2020 as a part of the blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources.
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This is an A+, 5 star memoir by Aaron Hodges about traveling solo. He has traveled solo for over 5 years and gives many pointers for the new and yet-to-travel solo traveler. Hodges talks directly to the reader and yes, DO heed his plethora of advice! If I was still at this part of my life to travel solo, I would have been taking notes! Yes, I would have taken Hodges advice as he makes solo travel seem possible for everyone. I also looked back at my time when I turned 30 and traveled the Northern US and Canada with a tour group. In some ways I was solo, and in some ways I wasn’t. Traveling solo does NOT mean you are always alone! But I was solo in New York City alone for several days and had a great time!
Hodges talks directly to the reader giving his first hand insight and experience. He comes off like a really good friend conversing with you. He gives you a starting point to plan your solo trip. He gives suggestions on where to go (or not go) for some countries and a variety of traveling tips including where to sleep which tends to be hostels for a variety of reasons that he goes into.
This is a very entertaining and informative memoir definitely recommended for the solo traveler of the past, present and future. Take a chance and travel solo!
~~~~
This review will appear on my site on December 4, 2020 as a part of the blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources.
~~~~
This is an A+, 5 star memoir by Aaron Hodges about traveling solo. He has traveled solo for over 5 years and gives many pointers for the new and yet-to-travel solo traveler. Hodges talks directly to the reader and yes, DO heed his plethora of advice! If I was still at this part of my life to travel solo, I would have been taking notes! Yes, I would have taken Hodges advice as he makes solo travel seem possible for everyone. I also looked back at my time when I turned 30 and traveled the Northern US and Canada with a tour group. In some ways I was solo, and in some ways I wasn’t. Traveling solo does NOT mean you are always alone! But I was solo in New York City alone for several days and had a great time!
Hodges talks directly to the reader giving his first hand insight and experience. He comes off like a really good friend conversing with you. He gives you a starting point to plan your solo trip. He gives suggestions on where to go (or not go) for some countries and a variety of traveling tips including where to sleep which tends to be hostels for a variety of reasons that he goes into.
This is a very entertaining and informative memoir definitely recommended for the solo traveler of the past, present and future. Take a chance and travel solo!
December 15, 2019
This book is a must read if you wish traveling solo and get tips. Or if you want to travel solo and still hesitate, you will be convinced that it is one of the best experience in a lifetime!
I traveled solo a lot and this book reminds me so much of my thoughts, good memories and experiences when I traveled. Be ready to travel and dream with this book!
I traveled solo a lot and this book reminds me so much of my thoughts, good memories and experiences when I traveled. Be ready to travel and dream with this book!
December 3, 2020
Wow! That was such fun. Just like having a personal adviser to answer all your travel questions. Great job, Aaron!
With info based on actual experience - I, for one, love an expert - peppered with funny anecdotes, it's impossible not to get the travel bug after reading this gem. Delivered with a personal touch, the author treats the reader like a friend with his chatty, conversational style. You can tell this author writes fiction too, as he doesn't just tell you what you need to do, he shows you - warts and all!
Whatever your age or budget, travelling solo is an option open to everyone (once the world gets back on its vaccinated feet, that is) From the planning stages right through to arriving at your destination and moving around, the authors inspires and encourages with suggestions and tips specific to many countries.
If this doesn't give you itchy feet, then nothing will.
¡Buen viaje!
With info based on actual experience - I, for one, love an expert - peppered with funny anecdotes, it's impossible not to get the travel bug after reading this gem. Delivered with a personal touch, the author treats the reader like a friend with his chatty, conversational style. You can tell this author writes fiction too, as he doesn't just tell you what you need to do, he shows you - warts and all!
Whatever your age or budget, travelling solo is an option open to everyone (once the world gets back on its vaccinated feet, that is) From the planning stages right through to arriving at your destination and moving around, the authors inspires and encourages with suggestions and tips specific to many countries.
If this doesn't give you itchy feet, then nothing will.
¡Buen viaje!
November 12, 2020
I am sure most of us have dreamed of leaving our day-to day to answer the call of the wild. Many of us can envision running out of the office and blowing like a dandelion through Europe, to Asia, South America, Africa, through jungles, up mountains, to gorgeous tropical beaches. But we never seem to get beyond the “chatting with friends at the bar” stage.
That was the best part of Author Aaron Hodge’s book for me. He makes backpacking travel, even solo travel, seem so possible and do-able. His relaxed, wry and witty writing style is just like talking with a friend. Yes, he shares many practical tips. But he also shares many memorable travel moments- and one of his experiences might just be the one to get you going!
He recommends carrying a small backpack, free walking tours in the cities you visit, keeping a relaxed schedule (remember you left the office rat race!). He gives great advice on how to make friends, the best back backing routes, and how to keep your clothes clean! This book is a great starting place to envision how you will leave your current life and given in to your wanderlust.
I do have one idea to suggest to the author. He tends to divide travelers by generation, suggesting the places that are more appealing to young travelers and hinting that young travelers may not want to go where there are lots of older travelers. Which is fine- but please remember that it is the older generation that will be more than happy to buy a drink(s) for you and your pals, and we will also gladly listen to all your stories. (Also, and this is my inner-Mom coming out, is drinking, sex and partying the main reason to travel?)
All in all, a good and encouraging book, with plenty of first-hand insight. Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for an advance review copy. This is my honest review.
That was the best part of Author Aaron Hodge’s book for me. He makes backpacking travel, even solo travel, seem so possible and do-able. His relaxed, wry and witty writing style is just like talking with a friend. Yes, he shares many practical tips. But he also shares many memorable travel moments- and one of his experiences might just be the one to get you going!
He recommends carrying a small backpack, free walking tours in the cities you visit, keeping a relaxed schedule (remember you left the office rat race!). He gives great advice on how to make friends, the best back backing routes, and how to keep your clothes clean! This book is a great starting place to envision how you will leave your current life and given in to your wanderlust.
I do have one idea to suggest to the author. He tends to divide travelers by generation, suggesting the places that are more appealing to young travelers and hinting that young travelers may not want to go where there are lots of older travelers. Which is fine- but please remember that it is the older generation that will be more than happy to buy a drink(s) for you and your pals, and we will also gladly listen to all your stories. (Also, and this is my inner-Mom coming out, is drinking, sex and partying the main reason to travel?)
All in all, a good and encouraging book, with plenty of first-hand insight. Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for an advance review copy. This is my honest review.
December 4, 2020
Reading travel books when you’re stuck in quarantine, and in the country no one wants visitors from, but the truth is Solo: A Down to Earth Guide for Travelling the World Alone, is so breezy and engaging that reading it gave me hope for a future when travel is easy and accessible again.
In this book, which is aimed at a demographic I’m not in (I’m a good twenty years older than the author, and very, very married), author Aaron Hodges theorizes that his readers share something in common with him – they have boring desk jobs, they’re restless, or they just ended relationships. This latter, he specifically mentions as one of the things that pushes people to stop dreaming about travel and actually do some.
A lot of this book is aimed at adventure-travellers – people who want to backpack through Europe and stay in hostiles – or at least engage in rugged activities. While that’s never been my thing (I’m much more into museums and cute shops with the occasional beach day and maybe time on a rented ocean kayak) Hughes friendly style makes these things seem appealing and even exciting.
He even made me consider where I’d go if I were travelling without my husband. (In truth, I’ve done this to a point. On trips where he was working I hired local guides and wandered on my own.)
Hughes makes good points about language barriers being daunting to some, and about choosing your destinations wisely, but more than that, he is all about living your dreams instead of waiting for someone to hand them to you.
If you’re planning a trip, or even just wishing you could get up and go, this is the book for you.
Goes well with a local dish you’ve never heard of in a hole-in-the-wall cafe in a foreign country.
In this book, which is aimed at a demographic I’m not in (I’m a good twenty years older than the author, and very, very married), author Aaron Hodges theorizes that his readers share something in common with him – they have boring desk jobs, they’re restless, or they just ended relationships. This latter, he specifically mentions as one of the things that pushes people to stop dreaming about travel and actually do some.
A lot of this book is aimed at adventure-travellers – people who want to backpack through Europe and stay in hostiles – or at least engage in rugged activities. While that’s never been my thing (I’m much more into museums and cute shops with the occasional beach day and maybe time on a rented ocean kayak) Hughes friendly style makes these things seem appealing and even exciting.
He even made me consider where I’d go if I were travelling without my husband. (In truth, I’ve done this to a point. On trips where he was working I hired local guides and wandered on my own.)
Hughes makes good points about language barriers being daunting to some, and about choosing your destinations wisely, but more than that, he is all about living your dreams instead of waiting for someone to hand them to you.
If you’re planning a trip, or even just wishing you could get up and go, this is the book for you.
Goes well with a local dish you’ve never heard of in a hole-in-the-wall cafe in a foreign country.
December 4, 2020
Today is Solo: A Down to Earth Guide for Travelling the World Alone’s birthday and I am taking part in the blog blitz thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and Aaron Hodges.
Reading this book wasn’t like reading at all, it felt like I was sat chatting to a friend and them giving me advice and sharing their travelling stories.
I agreed to take part because, like many this year, I have felt stuck and contemplative and wanting to escape ‘life’. Travelling the world has been something that I have always dreamed of but felt like something that was out of reach for me personally.
The idea of backpacking my way around the globe is something that brings me a lot of anxiety but reading this it eased those thoughts. It sounds like too good an opportunity to let worry get in the way.
Aaron shares his experiences of over five years of travelling solo. He gives practical advice from what to pack, ‘planning’ your trip and what to do/expect once at your destination. He also shares experiences of travelling in specific places, such as Southeast Asia, Central America and Mexico and South America.
I really enjoyed reading this. And I hope that one day I can use Aaron’s advice and find the courage to go travelling.
Reading this book wasn’t like reading at all, it felt like I was sat chatting to a friend and them giving me advice and sharing their travelling stories.
I agreed to take part because, like many this year, I have felt stuck and contemplative and wanting to escape ‘life’. Travelling the world has been something that I have always dreamed of but felt like something that was out of reach for me personally.
The idea of backpacking my way around the globe is something that brings me a lot of anxiety but reading this it eased those thoughts. It sounds like too good an opportunity to let worry get in the way.
Aaron shares his experiences of over five years of travelling solo. He gives practical advice from what to pack, ‘planning’ your trip and what to do/expect once at your destination. He also shares experiences of travelling in specific places, such as Southeast Asia, Central America and Mexico and South America.
I really enjoyed reading this. And I hope that one day I can use Aaron’s advice and find the courage to go travelling.
November 30, 2020
I have to admit that I have never been one to want to travel. I love my home and staying away from people. I’m really leery about being on my own in a strange country. But I do enjoy watching travel shows on television and reading about them. So I figured that I would give Solo a try.
Aaron Hodges has traveled the world for the last five years and has written a guide for anyone who wants to travel but is by themselves. I enjoyed how he shared his different stories of his adventures. It was just like talking to a friend over a beer/glass of wine. But the thing I really liked was the tips he had for travelers. Where to eat and sleep, how to stay clean, and all of those little things we don’t always think about when we plan trips like this.
If you like travel, want to go on a world trip, or just like the idea of escape, I recommend checking out this book. Aaron is a delightful author and I would love to sit down with him and share more stories. I think I just may want to go for a trip sometime in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
Aaron Hodges has traveled the world for the last five years and has written a guide for anyone who wants to travel but is by themselves. I enjoyed how he shared his different stories of his adventures. It was just like talking to a friend over a beer/glass of wine. But the thing I really liked was the tips he had for travelers. Where to eat and sleep, how to stay clean, and all of those little things we don’t always think about when we plan trips like this.
If you like travel, want to go on a world trip, or just like the idea of escape, I recommend checking out this book. Aaron is a delightful author and I would love to sit down with him and share more stories. I think I just may want to go for a trip sometime in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
January 5, 2021
I think the cover for this one sums it up perfectly. I always enjoy reading travel guides, and I thought this sounded unique and different so I wanted to give it a try. It certainly is a down to earth, realistic travel guide that I have enjoyed reading and devoured quickly.
Aaron provides lots of helpful hints and tips for wannabe, and newbie, solo travellers. He takes into consideration budget and other circumstances in order to weigh up and describe a range of options that are open to solo travellers.
Though I dream of escaping reality and not hearing someone scream “Mummy” every 5 seconds, solo travel is not on the cards for me at the moment due to two little people who need me. However, this guide definitely promotes, and provides important advice for prospective solo travellers.
This has been a quick, informative read that I would recommend to anyone considering backpacking, especially if they think they would like to do it solo!
Aaron provides lots of helpful hints and tips for wannabe, and newbie, solo travellers. He takes into consideration budget and other circumstances in order to weigh up and describe a range of options that are open to solo travellers.
Though I dream of escaping reality and not hearing someone scream “Mummy” every 5 seconds, solo travel is not on the cards for me at the moment due to two little people who need me. However, this guide definitely promotes, and provides important advice for prospective solo travellers.
This has been a quick, informative read that I would recommend to anyone considering backpacking, especially if they think they would like to do it solo!
December 3, 2020
Solo is a travel guide aimed at students and young adults in their 20s. At the start of the book the author provides some background into why he decided to go travelling alone. Aaron then goes on to challenge the reader to think about their own reasons for wanting to travel. Yes it can be amazing fun, and an adventure even life changing, but it can also be exhausting, uncomfortable and at times dangerous.
The book then moves on to provide some useful recommendations for planning, booking and packing for a trip. I really liked the 'Pro Tips' that pop up throughout the book. These are great snippets of advice, that Aaron shares from his own experiences, that will save the reader time, money or hassle.
Aaron's writing style is very relaxed and friendly, it's like listening to him chat with a group of friends over a beer (or two).
The book then moves on to provide some useful recommendations for planning, booking and packing for a trip. I really liked the 'Pro Tips' that pop up throughout the book. These are great snippets of advice, that Aaron shares from his own experiences, that will save the reader time, money or hassle.
Aaron's writing style is very relaxed and friendly, it's like listening to him chat with a group of friends over a beer (or two).
January 10, 2021
As someone who has travelled alone I was really looking forward to reading this book.
From my own personal experience travelling solo was a real joy. The freedom to do what you want, I found liberating.
So if you are thinking of travelling alone I really recommend this book. It is full of useful information and experiences of the author.
If you are in two minds about doing it, don’t. You won’t regret it.
From my own personal experience travelling solo was a real joy. The freedom to do what you want, I found liberating.
So if you are thinking of travelling alone I really recommend this book. It is full of useful information and experiences of the author.
If you are in two minds about doing it, don’t. You won’t regret it.
August 30, 2020
A meaningful trip with the author through many countries. Where to go on vacation, what to pack, where to stay and many, many more useful places to go and do. When to use travelling tips and good recommendations for the best places to sleep. Making friends along the way and helping each other when on the road. Very good instructions for everyone.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews