Solo travel is like the spin class you peer into through the gym window, watching shiny happy people ride in unity to the beat of Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies.” It looks fun-ish, but oh God, by yourself?! Doesn’t that require coordination and stamina only Beyoncé herself possesses?
You imagine standing alone in front of the Eiffel Tower for your selfie while couples gaze lovingly in each others’ eyes. Or even worse, eating alone while groups share hearty laughs and giant paellas overflowing with saffron rice and fresh seafood right there out of reach on the next table in Barcelona.
Take a breath, my friend! Yes, traveling independently can feel awkward at times. You may accidentally end up at a romantic lookout point on the Amalfi Coast that no singleton should suffer through. But flying solo also means taking yourself on the trip of a lifetime and discovering that you enjoy your own excellent company!
In this post, we won’t sugarcoat the initial terror of stepping out–more like wobbling out–to see the world on your own.
From budgeting to eating alone without shame, we’ll cover all the nitty-gritty nervous questions. Our tips will have you feeling excited and oh-so worldly as you scout the best sidewalk cafés suited to a party of one searching for beauty, adventure, and maybe even an epic BFF meet-cute! Bon voyage!
Choose only one location
When you're traveling alone, it can be daunting trying to figure out where you want to go. Instead of trying to plan the perfect trip that includes ten different locations, choose one place and make the most of it. This will also allow you to become extremely familiar with this location and see all there is to see quickly without having too much ground to cover.
Stay near transportation or public transit accessibility
One important thing about solo travel is staying within easy access to transportation or public transit systems like subways, buses, etc., especially if you're not used to speaking the language or don't feel comfortable with the area you're visiting. This will make getting around much easier and less risky.
Book a hotel in the city center
City centers are always a good idea when traveling solo, as they are typically filled with more people and offer more to do than other areas of town. It's also advisable to stay in a hotel as opposed to a hostel; hotels typically provide more security and privacy.
Arrive during daylight hours
If at all possible, try to schedule your arrival during daylight hours so that you can get oriented without having to wander around in the dark. This is especially important if you're traveling to an unfamiliar place.
Make copies of important documents and keep them with you
It's also a good idea to make copies of your passport, driver's license, and other important documents and keep them in a separate pocket from the originals. This can be useful in case a bag is lost or stolen.
Stay in a hotel if you're not familiar with the area
If you don't feel comfortable speaking the language or aren't familiar with the area, it's generally advisable to stay in a hotel if possible. While hostels are much more cost-efficient for solo travelers, hotels offer security and much better comfort, making them preferable for first-timers who aren't sure what to expect from their trip.
Get an international credit card & converter
In addition to making copies of your major documents mentioned above, it's also a good idea to get an international credit card and currency converter. This will make it easier to pay for things while you're on your trip, as well as keep track of the exchange rate.
Research your destination in advance
In order to make the most out of your trip, it's important to do some research in advance about the city or town you'll be visiting. This includes learning about popular attractions, restaurants, and nightlife spots. It's also helpful to know what the typical prices are like for things like food, transportation, and lodging so that you can budget accordingly.
Download a translation app
If you're not familiar with the language spoken in your destination country, download a translation app onto your phone before you leave. This can be extremely helpful for translating menus, signs, and other important information while you're on your trip.
Make friends with locals
One of the best ways to get to know a new place is by befriending locals. Not only will they be able to show you around their hometown, but they can also give you invaluable tips about the best places to eat, drink, and sightsee. Plus, making friends with locals is a great way to meet new people and make some long-lasting connections.
Bring a battery pack, power bank or any other portable charger
Make sure to bring along a portable charger for your phone or other electronic devices. This will come in handy when you're out and about exploring all that your new destination has to offer and want to take pictures, check your map, or use apps that require an internet connection.
Don't go out alone at night
While it's good to stay active as much as possible while you're traveling solo, don't venture out alone at night. This will reduce the chances of getting lost or mugged and allow you to enjoy all the exciting things that are due during the day without having to worry about anything else.
If you see something, say something
If you see someone suspicious (an elderly person with a suitcase looking confused, etc.), say something! There's no harm in asking if they need help or want suggestions on where they can go for assistance. You never know what could happen, so it's better to be safe than sorry.
Go to sleep early and wake up early
Finally, try to go to sleep and wake up early whenever possible while you're on your trip. This is the best way to make the most out of every day by seeing as much as you possibly can without having too many late nights or wasting time in bed trying to catch some extra shut-eye.
Enjoy yourself!
Above all else, remember that this is an exciting new experience for you! It's okay if you get homesick at times or want to talk with someone who understands what it's like being away from home for the first time. You'll always have fond memories of this trip, no matter what. Have fun, take lots of pictures, and enjoy every minute!
