Crafting the perfect solo trip, especially a maiden voyage, is all about getting the balance right between the security and comfort of a plan and the excitement and sense of possibility that a bit of flexibility can offer. My top tips for anyone heading out with just me, myself and I are as follows:
Solo doesn’t mean lonely – It’s easier to make friends and meet new people than you might imagine. Be sure to stay in hostels that have a good reputation for their sociable atmosphere and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet fellow travelers. Alternatively, sign up to Couchsurfing to meet and stay with locals for a really authentic experience. Not only will you get a warm and welcoming stay, but you’re also more likely to get an inside scoop on things to do and see that may be a little more off the beaten track.
Pick up the local lingo – Traveling without companions is possibly the best opportunity you’ll have to learn the local language. With plenty of opportunities to meet and interact with locals and perhaps more motivation to do so when you’re on your own, you will have plenty of time to practice with and learn from the best. This will give you the confidence you need to get off the tourist trail and embrace the culture you’re in.
Preparation is key – Don’t leave everything to the last minute. Arm yourself with as much information as you can and book ahead to secure accommodation and activities in your priority locations. Don’t worry, you don’t have to hold all of this information in your head or carry it around in a bulky guidebook. There are so many fantastic online resources you can make use of and the Culture Trip App allows you to capture ideas, save places and book your perfect trip in advance and on the go.
Cassam Looch, Director of Content at Culture Trip
Start Small
I recommend new solo travelers start small with an overnight trip to a city within driving distance. This is a great way to step gently outside your comfort zone and practice things like navigating unfamiliar roads, checking into a hotel solo, and walking around a city alone. You don’t have to jump straight into a long solo trip abroad in a country where you don’t speak the language. You can work your way up to that. Even just taking yourself out to dinner or to the theater alone is practicing for solo travel!
Safety Devices
One of the big fears keeping many women from traveling alone is safety. I like to bring along flight-friendly safety devices like a doorstop alarm and safety whistle. You can also gain some confidence by taking a self-defense course.
Michelle Joy, Editor of Harbors and Havens
Let Someone Know
You should always share your itinerary with someone you trust, whether it’s a parent, sibling, or trusted friend. A lot of people like to spontaneously travel, and that’s fine, just make sure that someone knows where you are going and has access to copies of your important documents in case something happens. I personally like to use the free app Notion to store all my information since the app allows you to share with anyone, updates in real-time, and is quite customizable.
Apple Tag
My second tip is to share your location via an apple tag. Even if you are traveling light and don’t need it for a checked bag, carrying an apple tag in your personal bag is a second layer of safety in case your phone gets stolen. It ensures that at least one other person knows where you are.
Kristin Lee, Owner of Global Travel Escapades
Don’t Be Distracted
Having your head buried in your phone is one of the worst things you can do as a solo traveler. You could be hit by traffic, or your phone could be whisked right out of your hand before you can react. There are just lots of things that can go wrong when you’re distracted.
Keep Friends Informed
It may be a good idea to send a copy of your itinerary (or at least hostel names and contact info) to your friends or family in case of an emergency. If nothing else, it’ll at least help your parents worry less if you keep them in the loop!
Travel By Day
This one isn’t a hard rule, but in some places it’s definitely smarter and safer to arrive at your destination during the daytime. Whether it’s an airport or a train station, if you arrive during the day you’ll be more alert, there will be more people around, it will be lighter, and you’ll be safer overall.
Start Out Small
Do some solo traveling around your state (or nearby states) for a few days to get some practice. It’s good to get acclimated to this before you solo travel in another country.
David Leiter of The World Travel Guy
Find Your Tribe At Hostels And Walking Tours
Traveling alone might seem intimidating and lonely at the start. Hostels are great places to find other solo travelers to hang out with and explore the city together. The reception deals with so many travelers everyday, and are also good sources of information to get some useful information about the destination. Most hostels also collaborate with free walking tours which are a good next step to both knowing the city deeper and maybe meeting other travelers.
Rax Suen of NomadsUnveiled
Don’t Walk Alone At Night
Rather connect with other travelers in your accommodation and e.g. go out for dinner together. Also, listen to your gut feeling and instincts and avoid dark alleys and dodgy areas.
Leave Valuables Locked In Your Room
Such as your passport and credit cards except when you actively need them.
Store Funds in Different Places
While traveling from one place to the next, store your credit cards and cash in different places in your luggage, so you always have a money source left in case you get mugged.
Wear Long Clothes
Especially in more conservative and strictly religious areas, wear long clothes. People may not be used to seeing lightly-clothed women even if it’s completely normal for us back home. This way you avoid any unnecessary provocations. Besides, it’s also a way to be a respectful traveler.
Gilian Manassee, Owner of Jillonjourney
Visualize The trip you want. Research the opportunities before you go.
Learn To chat with strangers. Starting conversations with strangers can be a challenge, however, these conversations can be trip-changing, if not life-changing.
Tap The experience of others. As a solo traveler, you’ll meet more travelers and locals than those who travel with a partner.
Be Flexible When suggestions or opportunities arise from these chance encounters, be flexible enough to act on them.
Be Patient It can be difficult arriving in a new city alone. Take your time.
Be Proactive And ask for help. Standing around looking dazed won’t get you where you want to go and it may get you noticed by the wrong people.
Try The local cuisine and shop local!
Take Day tours and classes. Adding tours and classes create ways to better experience your destination and be social.
Plan For great evenings out. Traveling solo doesn’t mean you have to stay in at night with a book. You have many options. If you’re in a country where you don’t speak the language, music is a good bet.
King of Solo Traveler World
Adaptors And Converters
Solo travel is a very liberating experience! When traveling abroad, make sure you can stay connected with family and friends with the right equipment. Most travelers assume they only need an adaptor, but converters are important too. The adapter is the form, or shape, of the plug used to connect to an outlet. The plugs used in America can also be used in Canada, Mexico, and Japan (in some cases). However, other countries will require a different adapter. A converter is used to transform the power of electricity (voltage). If the device that you are using has a different voltage than that in a foreign country, it will result in a safety hazard. Having an adapter with a built-in converter will allow you to transition more easily while traveling.
Tanya Taylor of Travels and Treasures
Take a moment to look at this.
