Solo travel is an exhilarating ride. It’s all about learning about who you are and facing the world on your own. But let’s be honest, being independent comes with challenges. In this article, we’ll go into some extremely useful tips for travelling alone that seasoned solo travellers vouch for. From cultural immersion techniques to safety advice, this advice will help your solo travel experience be both effortless and unforgettable.
How to travel alone
Embarking on a solo trip can be both exhilarating and daunting, but with the right mindset and preparation, it can also be incredibly rewarding. Solo vacations offer a unique opportunity for self-discovery, allowing travellers to chart their own course and fully immerse themselves in new experiences. When travelling alone, it’s essential to prioritise safety, independence, and flexibility. Firstly, research your destination thoroughly and familiarise yourself with local customs and emergency contacts. Pack light and efficiently, ensuring you have all the essentials while remaining nimble on your journey. Embrace spontaneity and allow yourself to deviate from your itinerary to explore unexpected treasures. Finally, trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to seek assistance or connect with fellow travellers along the way. By following these key points, solo travel becomes not just a journey but a transformative adventure of a lifetime.
Get organised
Research the place you’re going to and organise the basics in advance, such as where you’ll be staying and how to get there. Make sure you know how to get from your arrival point to your accommodation. Winging it can be fun in certain situations, but when you just land and are tired, you want to know where you’re going! But remember that just because you make plans doesn’t mean you have to stick to them. Give yourself permission to be spontaneous. There will undoubtedly be new plans you make because of the people you meet or the things you discover. But at the very least, book accommodation for the first few days of your trip and have a few fun things you want to do in mind.
Pack what you can carry
Please! Do not overpack! Remember, you’ll be carrying it all alone. Less is more when it comes to packing your things. Bring only the essentials and be thrifty with your things. Leave out the ‘what if’ items; as long as you have the basics, you’ll be alright.
If you need help packing, read this article.
Sort out your phone
If you’re flying overseas, get a local SIM card so you don’t have to rely on Wi-Fi. This will make it easier to call for help in case of an emergency. If your regular SIM is fine for calls, then at least use Wi-Fi to download offline Google Maps of the city you’re going to. Don’t forget to pin your accommodation so you can get back to it from any place you go to. You can also share your Google Maps location even without data, so if anything happens, your family and friends can know where you are.
Find where to meet new people
Find out where the locals in the area hang out; this can be social events, pubs, or even on the street. Walking tours, food tours, and bar crawls are great ways to meet people when you first visit a place. Walking tours are usually free in many cities, especially throughout Europe; just do a Google search before your trip. Don’t forget to talk to people! Strike up a conversation on the bus. Try things you wouldn’t normally do. Solo trips offer a huge chance for growth.
Stay in a hostel
Even if you have the funds for a hotel, consider staying in a (highly rated) hostel. Most have options for private rooms as well as dorms. Finding a good hostel is the best because if you feel like you need to socialise, you can easily do so, but if you want some alone time, you’re completely in control. Try to find places with a bar or a good common area; that way, you can hang out with the people there.
Take advantage of free walking tours
Taking part in free walking tours is not only a cost-effective way to explore a city but also a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow travellers and gain valuable insights into the local culture. Not only do these tours provide a glimpse into the highlights and hidden gems of a place, but they also offer a communal experience that often leads to forming new travel friendships. If you’re shy, just ask someone for a lunch spot they’d recommend; the conversation will flow from there.
Minimise your valuables
Leave your valuables at home, and don’t wear anything flashy that will get you attention. At your hotel or hostel, keep your passport in a safe place and consider bringing a padlock with you. Most hostels provide lockers, but providing the padlock is your own job.
Dress like the locals
One of the immediate benefits of dressing like the locals is the sense of blending in seamlessly with the community. As a solo traveller, this blending can be particularly comforting in helping you avoid standing out as a tourist and potentially attracting unwanted attention. As a general rule of thumb, most locals dress very casually.
Learn some basic phrases
No one’s expecting you to form full sentences, but it’s nice to make an effort. Basics like ‘hello’, ‘goodbye’ and ‘thank you’ will help a lot in shops, cafes, and transport. Going the extra mile to learn some basic words and phrases will boost your confidence when asking for directions or ordering something at a restaurant. The locals will also really appreciate it!
Walk with purpose
Confidence is important, so look people in the eye and keep your head up when you meet them on the street. Being confident serves as a deterrent, reducing your susceptibility to possible dangers. Walking with purpose can also deter people with bad intentions, even if you’re actually unsure of where you’re headed. Avoid using headphones and avoid looking at your phone when you’re walking to be better aware of your surroundings. Increased vigilance reduces your vulnerability to distractions and lessens the likelihood that pickpockets see you as a target.
Know your limits
Getting wasted or pushing yourself to the brink is just not a smart move, especially when you’re travelling solo. It’s crucial to know your limits, especially when you’re the one looking out for yourself. Going overboard with booze or exhausting yourself isn’t only risky; it can lead to some serious trouble. And when you’re on your own, being responsible for your own well-being becomes a top priority. So, skip the extreme antics, be aware of how much you can handle, and make sure you’re looking out for yourself!
Ask for help when you need it
Asking a friendly face for help, whether in a new town or an airport, can save a lot of time compared to trying to solve the problem yourself or sifting through pages of results from Google. It’s a good idea to follow the Rule of Three. If you’re looking for directions, ask three locals rather than one. If at least two of the three give you the same answer, you know you’re going in the right direction.
Ask your accommodation for places to avoid
This one is especially handy for nighttime adventures. When the sun sets, the dynamics of a place can shift, and there might be areas you’d want to steer clear of. The staff at your hostel or hotel are your go-to allies in this – they can clue you in on spots that are best avoided. If you’re heading out after dark, consider teaming up with fellow travellers for some company. Trusting your gut is key when you’re on the road. If a place feels off, especially when you’re alone, it’s likely best to trust that instinct of yours.
Invest in a portable charger
There is nothing worse than your phone dying on you, especially when you need it most. So invest the £30 in a portable charger to throw in your bag or pocket. Whether it’s for safety or trying to get from one place to another, the last thing you want is a dead phone when travelling alone.
Save copies of your travel documents
Send digital versions of your passport and travel visas to your family’s email address as well as your own. If the originals are misplaced or stolen, this guarantees a speedier replacement process. Also, give a trusted contact back home important trip details, like flight times and hostel names. With this extra precaution, your solo travels will be even more secure, and your family back home will have fewer worries.
And perhaps the most important of all: Book the trip to travel alone!
You’ll be waiting forever if you’re waiting for someone else to join you. Plus, having the freedom to follow your own path rather than attempting to please everyone else is liberating. If you’re not used to spending time alone, it can feel intimidating, but we promise you, it’s one of the best things you will ever do for yourself. Travelling alone is something everyone should try at least once in their lifetime. Even if you’re in a relationship or have kids, you can and should plan a solo trip. You discover a whole lot about yourself, and it makes you a stronger person. It’s one of the most fulfilling experiences you can ever have. So go on, book that trip!
