Lettie Goes Travelling

I’ve been travelling solo for a number of years now, so you could call me an old hand. And I do consider myself a pretty safe pair of hands these days.

Even on organised group trips with on-site reps, I’ve occasionally suggested tweaks to itineraries that have ended up improving things for everyone — much to the relief of the rep.

So what I’m about to say might sound a little odd… but bear with me.

I have a trip booked in July to Puglia — an area of Italy I haven’t visited before and already know I’m going to love. It’s a big region, there’s a lot to see, and I knew which parts mattered most to me.

So it all came down to the itinerary.

I did my research properly. I wanted to get this right.

First I found a small-group tour with a local guide. The itinerary was packed — busy, but perfect. It included everywhere I wanted to see. But once I added flights and accommodation, it was just too expensive.

Then I found a solo travel company offering almost the exact same itinerary.

Flights from my local airport.

Dates that worked.

Good reviews for both the company and the hotel.

So I booked.

Just over 24 hours later, I got an email saying my departure airport had changed.

I rang them and asked if I could switch dates so I could still fly from my original airport.

“Of course,” they said.

“That’ll be a £50 admin fee.”

I don’t think so.

So I kept the booking and accepted the less convenient airport.

Now if this had been one of my first solo trips, I would have been completely thrown. I’d have panicked.

Instead, I’m mildly dreading the journey — but it’s a quiet dread, not a stomach-knot dread.

Since that call, I’ve heard nothing from the company apart from payment reminders.

And I know I’ll still have a great time. It’s Italy — how could I not?

But that confidence doesn’t come from them.

It comes from experience.

From building travel confidence slowly, trip by trip.

Now compare that to my next trip — a long weekend in Gibraltar — booked through more traditional travel services.

Completely different feeling.

More personal.

More responsive.

More reassuring.

And that difference matters more than people realise.

I’ll report back after both trips. But in the meantime —

If you’ve got an itinerary, booking link or screenshot that’s giving you a little gut wobble, DM me CHECK and I’ll tell you what I’d look for.

https://www.instagram.com/lettiegoestravelling