Travelling alone is gathering momentum. Whether you’re a strong independent woman, are business travelling or need some “alone time”, check my list of 10 tips for solo travel that will give you the confidence to make the most of that solo escape.
Travelling alone is gathering momentum, with research showing more advocates. Whether you’re a strong independent woman, are business travelling or need some “alone time”, travelling alone can be an enriching experience both at a personal and professional level. Instead of staying home because you fear travelling by yourself or think it won’t be fun, check below my list of 10 tips for solo travel that will give you the confidence to make the most of that solo escape.
One of the best ways to uncover your potential strengths, weaknesses and options in life is to travel alone
The Alchemist Traveler
Table of Contents
1. Seek Solo Travel Destinations
Some destinations are more suitable for solo travellers than others. For instance, Southeast Asia is a popular destination for backpackers travelling solo. However, not all solo trips need to be about finding yourself on a long getaway. A short city break can be just as rewarding and fun.
Have you considered Porto or Lisbon in Portugal for a short solo trip? The country’s biggest cities offer a hub of culture and entertainment combined with sunny beaches and friendly people. What’s more? Excellent value hostels make it easy to enjoy your staying while meeting other travellers.
2. Stay in Solo-Friendly Accommodation
When you’re travelling alone, you want to meet like minded people. When looking for accommodation, book a hotel, hostel or B&B that is particularly good for solo travellers. Usually that comes up as “Best for Solo Travel Accommodation” somewhere in Booking.com comments section.
Also make sure you check the age group – if you’re over 30, probably don’t want to end up in a party hostel but still want to connect with people that have the same experience.
Booking.com3. Stay Open to New Cultures
Stay open to new cultures and international people ? . Travelling is much more than visiting nice places or eating in fancy restaurants. When you open to other cultures you become a conscientious global citizen and see life through other perspectives. You’ll bring home valuable ideas and understandings that you can share.
The good news are when you travel solo you feel more drawn to chat with strangers as you don’t have that “friend barrier”.
4. Join Organised Tours
Join the tours organised by your hotel or hostel, if there is this option. Most of them will work cheaper if you go in a group and on top of that you’ll make connections that may last for the rest of your trip. I did this a couple of times and ended up meeting people that joined me in other locations.
Alternatively take day tours and classes, to better experience your destination and have some social time.
Don’t be afraid to Initiate conversations with people and ask about their plans and suggestions.
5. Make Some Research
Make a little bit of research about the places and safety measures beforehand, as you don’t want to end up in a situation that will ruin your trip. Things like travel insurance, travel vaccines and even money protection are worth considering. As you travel solo, risks should be calculated beforehand.
6. Buy Travel Insurance
If you thing you don’t need it, think again! Buy travel insurance. It happens often that luggage gets lost or your flight get’s cancelled. There’s the option of getting that money back if you buy a Single Trip Travel Insurance. If you’re looking for travel healthcare insurance, Genki has an option for digital nomads.
7. Take a First Aid Kit with You
Depending on where you go, taking a first aid kit is a must have. If you’re backpacking in Southeast Asia for example you need a first aid kit as well as mosquito repellent! It all depends on the destination and whether you’re going to remote areas where there’s no pharmacies or hospital facilities. Nomad has some customised Medical Kits according to your needs. Remember to backpack smart and wear comfortable clothes.
8. Be an Early Bird
Start your day early! For solo travel, there are plenty of opportunities to sightsee alone and be completely safe if you visit a large, bustling city. Getting up early also makes it easier to avoid the crowds at popular attractions once families and those night owls leave their hotel for the day.
9. Travel on Your Own Terms
When you travel alone, you get the chance to travel on your terms. You can do what you want when you want. You can connect with people if you wish or avoid them if you prefer to stay on your own. Those are the obvious benefits for going solo as a traveler.
10. Rest and Have Fun
Remember to have fun but also rest. Travelling solo can feel more draining than going with a friend, because you have to make all the decisions by yourself, carry your own bags and so on.
So, my advice is that you have fun but always bear in mind that you’re responsible for yourself. Other than that, travelling solo can be a lot of fun since you’ll be doing things that you normally won’t do with others as well as meeting other travellers.
You may also like: Thailand: First Female Solo Travel Experience
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