Bits & Bobs: Get Yourself on a Boat

Bits & Bobs are my strategies for keeping solo travel as wrench-free as possible.

Got myself on a boat in Lisbon

As a water lover, one of my favorite activities to do no matter where I am is to be on a boat. Whether on a sailboat, semi-rigid, yacht, or ferry, I love seeing a new place from a different perspective—its shore. When I look back on my travels over the last decade, I see a few patterns, but none as repeated as getting myself on a boat.

Got myself on a boat in Calvi

To state the obvious, not every place has a boat to get on. Some of my favorite places are boatless: Salamanca, Sintra, and Venaco won’t provide you with this option. But since many cities, towns, and villages were built near water, it’s usually pretty easy to get yourself on a boat.

Got myself on a boat in Sardinia

What are the advantages of getting yourself on a boat? Let me spell out why this solo travel strategy is so useful and repeatable:

1. Boats come at various price points. Whether your budget is $15/day or unlimited, there is a boat for you. From a simple water taxi to an hour-long cruise of the local bay to a day-long private excursion with catering and water sports, you can tailor the boat to your means. Some of my favorite experiences on boats have been the simple ones: a sunset aperitif tour in Corsica, a catamaran excursion in Ibiza, and a day-long trip around the northeastern Sardinian islands. A simple search will provide your with more options than you might expect.

2. Other people will be on the boat. Just because I am on a solo trip doesn’t mean my social life needs to end. As an extremely extraverted person, I am energized by being around other people. Being on a boat is a great way to meet new people and figure out if you want to pursue a longer friendship with them. Since being on a boat is a time-boxed activity, you can decide at the end if you never want to see them again. Best case, you walk away with great conversations and dinner companions for later.

3. Being on a boat gives you new perspective and knowledge. Seeing where you’re staying from a different angle can literally give you a different perspective of it. In my experience, seeing a place from the water makes it seem smaller, similar to seeing a place from an airplane window. Additionally, many boat-based activities come with some sort of guided information. On a recent boat in Corsica, I learned a lot about the history of Calvi that I wouldn’t have otherwise gathered.

4. Being on a boat is fun. Rarely have I stepped off a boat and thought that was no fun. Being outside in fresh air, meeting new people, and sometimes having a glass or two of rosé are three things that I love to do.

Got myself on a boat to Aegina and grabbed a magazine.

Tips for getting yourself on a boat:

1. Always read the descriptions and reviews. Ensure that the experience you expect is the experience you’ll get. This includes knowing what kind of boat you’re getting on, if they are serving food, if there are stops, what you’ll need to bring, and what type of clientele there will be. Will there be music? Do you want music? Any boat can turn sour if it’s not what you thought you were signing up for.

2. Schedule your boat right. In my experience, getting on a boat is a great activity to do in the beginning of a trip. It’s usually a relaxing thing to do that pairs well with jet lag. Additionally, it’s a great way to get situated in your new place.

3. Interact! Recently, I was on a boat in Corsica that included some guided information of the surrounding area. The one issue was that it was done only in French. My French listening and speaking proficiencies are still novice-level, so I only caught parts of what the guide said. The other patrons were French-speaking, and although some English was spoken, I was the sore minority. I didn’t let that stop me from interacting, though. When I knew how to respond in French, I did, even if it was imperfect. Instead of sitting alone in my own world, I kept myself engaged and had a great few hours both practicing French and learning about Corsica.

Got myself on a boat in Annecy

Although this is a personal preference, and not everyone likes being on the water or has the sea legs for it, getting myself on a boat has produced many unforgettable experiences for me. Like my other solo travel strategies, getting on a boat is something I return to over and over.