THE SOLO TRAVELLER
Your world. Your way.
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James Bustar is an entertainer whose work has taken him around the world for more than 20 years. Photograph courtesy James Bustar.
Between the stage and home
James Bustar is a comedy juggler and entertainer whose work has taken him around the world for more than 20 years, performing on cruise ships and at corporate events and festivals. Travelling solo has become an ordinary part of working life, with unfamiliar cities, changing schedules and long stretches away from home woven into the job.
“Travelling solo has just become part of the job,” James tells The Solo Traveller. “I’ve had missed flight connections, landed in countries I’d never been to before with no idea where I was going, and figured it out as I went. I wouldn’t have it any other way; it’s given me experiences I never would have had otherwise.”
There has been plenty of comedy offstage too, from juggling props confiscated at customs to considerably less amusing encounters involving sharp equipment and official paperwork. But after two decades of travelling alone, James is reconsidering what he wants from the years ahead and whether he wants to spend quite so much of them on his own.
How do you balance the demands of work with the opportunities for personal exploration?
The performance always comes first, but if I’ve got a few hours free I’ll head out for a walk, grab a coffee somewhere local or just wander around and see what I find. When you travel for work you don’t really get a holiday, so I’ve learned to appreciate the little moments. Sometimes those end up being the best memories from the trip.
Are there habits or rituals that keep you grounded, healthy, and well when you’re travelling for business?
Without question, staying connected with home. When you’re travelling on your own for weeks or months at a time, it’s really easy to feel disconnected. A quick phone call or video chat with family or mates can completely change your day and remind you what you’re working for. I’ve also learned that getting enough sleep before a performance, staying organised and slowing down whenever I get the chance makes a huge difference.
What are the greatest advantages of travelling for work on your own?
Solo travel teaches you to be adaptable and self-reliant. It builds confidence because every decision – from navigating airports to solving unexpected problems – is yours to make. It also gives you the opportunity to meet people you probably wouldn’t have spoken to if you were travelling with others.
… and the biggest challenges?
Everything is your responsibility. If a flight is cancelled, luggage goes missing or plans change, there’s no one else to sort it out. People often think entertainers are surrounded by people all the time, and we are, but it’s a different kind of company. You can perform in front of a packed theatre, get a standing ovation, then head back to your hotel room by yourself. After a while you realise that the places are amazing, but sharing those experiences with people you care about is what really matters.
Is there a city or destination that surprised you, either personally or professionally?
Japan had a huge impact on me. I first travelled there by myself when I was about 20 years old to perform. I didn’t know anyone, couldn’t speak the language, and suddenly found myself having to adapt my comedy to a completely different culture. It challenged me as a performer, but it also made me better. By the time I left I’d made friends I’ll have for life. It taught me that if you’re open to new experiences and new people, travelling solo doesn’t have to mean being alone.
Another experience I’ll never forget was travelling to Singapore during the pandemic to perform on a cruise ship. We were among the first entertainers returning to sea. Everything was heavily regulated and there wasn’t much opportunity to socialise, so it felt surprisingly lonely. As restrictions eased, the atmosphere onboard slowly came back to life, and it really made me appreciate how important human connection is.
What is one item you never travel without?
A good pair of noise-cancelling headphones … and plenty of movies downloaded for the long flights.
Photographs courtesy James Bustar.
How has solo work travel changed your perspective on your personal and professional life?
Looking back, I’ve spent more than 20 years travelling on my own. I wouldn’t change it because it’s given me an incredible career and opportunities to perform all over the world. But it’s also made me realise I don’t want to spend the next 20 years doing the same thing. These days I appreciate being home far more than I used to. Life’s too short. I still love performing and travelling, but I’d much rather share those experiences with the people I love than collect another passport stamp on my own.
Professionally, travelling solo has made me resilient, adaptable and confident. Personally, it’s reminded me that success isn’t measured by how many countries you’ve visited, but by the people waiting for you when you get home.
What advice would you give to someone just starting to travel solo for work?
Be organised, but don’t expect everything to go to plan because it won’t. Talk to locals. Get out of the hotel when you can and explore. Most importantly, remember that everywhere you go you’re representing yourself. Be someone people enjoy working and travelling with, because your reputation travels just as much as you do.
Photograph courtesy James Bustar.
Can you share your top 3 tips for solo travelling success?
1. Pack smart. Travelling is so much easier when you’re not dragging half your house through an airport.
2. Stay connected with home. Regular phone calls or video chats with family and friends make a massive difference when you’re away for long periods.
3. Leave room for the unexpected. Some of my favourite memories happened because plans changed, flights were delayed or I ended up somewhere I never expected.
To connect with James, visit his website, and enjoy learning more about his travelling live show Chaos Meets Circus.