Single occupancy is the term used within the travel industry to refer to accommodations geared toward single–ahem–solo travelers. Formally defined, single occupancy is “a type of travel accommodation, as at a hotel, for one person in a room.”
In the beginning, it was just me on my own, a newbie blogger trying to navigate a new hobby. And heck, I thought the name of the blog was kinda cute. In the last year, since launching the blog as a self-hosted site, I’ve learned some things about blogging, I’ve learned some things about the web, and I’ve learned some things about myself. And, honestly, I’m just not sure that the term “single occupancy” still represents what this site is supposed to be about. I’m not sure if it ever did.
I’m just as likely to be in a hostel dorm room with seven roommates or a tent at a campsite as I am to be in a formal “single occupancy” room, so it makes little sense for the site to be defined by the term. As for the “single” part–well, I may not be single forever.
So I’m going to do what I should have done a while ago. I’m asking you to help me choose the name of the site. Should I keep the “Single Occupancy” name or should I change it to a name that’s been growing on me for a while?
If you’ve been reading the blog for a while, you probably remember the (soon-to-be-relaunched) Weekend Wanderlust for One series I started in the summer. Wanderlust (a strong, innate desire to rove or travel about) is the word that most accurately defines my need to travel and honestly, I’ve been sitting on the WanderlustforOne.com domain name for about a year. So after thinking about it for a while, I’m considering making Wanderlust for One the site’s official name.
Got any thoughts or comments? Let me know below. Or, if you like, cast your vote over on my Facebook page. I’d really love hearing what you have to say.
I’m probably too wishy-washy myself to weigh in on this, but I will anyway. 🙂 I like Single Occupancy Blog well enough, but Wanderlust for One definitely rolls off the tongue more easily and your argument for making the change is sound. I definitely like the Weekend Wanderlust for One series. However, Tann raises a good point: There are a lot of other “wanderlusters” out there, and you’d need to do some work to differentiate yourself from them. As long as you’re prepared for that, then I think the new name is very cool. And whatever you do, don’t get rid of your tagline–it’s terrific!
Thanks for chiming in, Gray. I know you understand and deal with some of the challenges of running a travel blog. Everyone’s given me so much to think about , but I’d like to make a decision, one way or the other, by the end of the first quarter of 2012. As for the tagline…it most likely isn’t going anywhere, either way. 🙂
I like Single Occupancy. Although your other option is catchy, I’ve seen other blogs that contain “Wanderlust” in the name. However, if you feel strongly about changing, then do so. Your readers support you either way.
Good point…would the Wanderlust for One name get lost among the others….food for thought. Thanks, Tann and for your support. I so appreciate it! 🙂
Originally when I first read this I thought you should keep the name you’ve got. But I’ve slept on it and I think Wanderlust For One would work great too. It’s more catchy and delineates solo travel a little better than Single Occupancy does. After all you can be “single” yet travel with others whereas with Wanderlust For One there is no doubt what the blogs about.
Thanks, Matt. Your thoughtful comments are always appreciated. Still deciding which way to go.
I like your current blog name. I never found it to be confusing, I think your tagline is a really cute summary of what your blog is about. But to play devil’s advocate the Wanderlust For One name is really catchy, and would also work great. I think either option could work.
Alouise–
I really could keep the tagline…I dunno, the whole “occupancy” thing just reminds me about lodging, and the site is (I hope), so much more than that.
I really like your current title but it is up to you. If you feel strongly about the new name (and seemingly you do as you have had the domain name of a year, go for it. Wonderlustforone.com is good. Do what you think is right.
I know, Rhona. We’ve been “single” twins…I’m still not sure about which way to go so we’ll see. Thanks!
I say change it, I know, I flip-flopped
😛
I like the name you have now. I think that at this point, it’s your brand. Unless you’re changing your niche, I’d keep it.
Hmmm…it is my brand, but I don’t think it’s so well established that I couldn’t change it. But your comments have given me something to think about. Thanks, Monique.
I like Wanderlust for One too – its catchy enough to be easy to remember and gives you a bit more flexibility as your life changes in the future. Good luck with the changeover!
It does roll off the tongue better, doesn’t it? I feel like the Wanderlust name feels less restrictive. Thanks for chiming in!
I like Wanderlust for one! But I fear the work you have to do to switch it over 🙂 haha
Thanks for your input, Cailin! Yeah, I know I’d have some work ahead of me to switch over, but the name change would be worth it for me, personally. 🙂