Solo travel, especially for a female, can be daunting, but it also can be the most amazing, fun, freeing experience ever in my opinion! As a flight attendant I find myself not only traveling for my job, but also using my off time to set off to wherever my heart desires. So whether I am on a layover for work, or spending my vacation time in a new country, I love to travel on my own. For a people pleaser like me, this is a great way of escape and to really get to do what I want to do and experience the world how I was to see it. Often, this consists of choosing whichever place is next on my list and setting off for that destination after making a somewhat thought out plan. I’ve solo traveled to several countries by myself at this point aside from work and I have gathered tips from my own experiences and other travelers that I have found work well for me. I hope to share these with you so that you can incorporate them into your own travel and set off on a solo journey. Whether you are a beginner just dipping your toes into the idea of traveling on your own, or a seasoned professional just looking for some fresh ideas, this post is full of my favorite tips to keep making your solo trips even more magical!
1. Choose from the heart
The key to solo traveling in my opinion is to pick a place that YOU have always wanted to go to. It doesn’t matter whether it’s trendy, or where your family or friends want to go. The only thing that truly matters is that it’s a place that is in your heart. Maybe it’s a place that you’ve always drempt of since you were a child or somewhere you’ve seen in a movie, or a country your ancestors immigrated from. Whatever it is, I think it’s important to go with the destination that you not only have in your head, but in your heart. This will ease your mind at the thought of setting off to a new destination and any guilt associated with it because it will feel right in your heart.
2. Research thoroughly, then research again
With that said, equally important is to thoroughly research your destination. In my opinion safety is the utmost important characteristic, especially for a first time solo trip. I would suggest making a list of your dream destinations and rating them based on your desire to visit, safety, cost and the activities you hope to do there. Once you have it narrowed down to a few of your favorite places, research those destinations in more detail. Something to consider include transportation from the airport to the city and cost. For example, while many European airports have direct easy access public transportation, getting from the airport into some US cities can take over an hour by car. Also consider whether public transport at your destination is widely used and accessible. Although you could consider renting a car, I suggest taking advantage of public transport for the ease and safety for solo travelers.
3. Safety is first priority
Keep safety at the forefront of your mind. When traveling, part of the fun is letting down your guard and enjoying the moment. However, when you are on your own, you are completely responsible for keeping yourself safe. One of the most important tips I’ve received is that you do not owe anyone anything. So if someone asks you a question, do not feel pressure to answer back directly. You could instead pose a question back to them. I feel that this is one of the best approaches and much better than simply lying, which you should also feel completely empowered to do when your safety is concerned. Keep your guard up and try to make it look like you know what you are doing. If someone approaches me and asks me my plans, I always tell them I am meeting a friend later so that they do not know I am traveling alone.
4. Be sure someone knows where you are
Share your location or itinerary with someone who cares about you. I love independent travel more than anything. Although sharing your location with someone may seem to take some of the freedom out of the experience, it can also relieve you so much. It is important that at least one person in the world knows where you are or where you are planning on going roughly in the event that anything crazy happens. I usually share my location with my mom and I find this very freeing as I know she’ll keep a gentle eye out for me and I don’t even have to think about it. I get to just focus on my plans and enjoy my day.
5. Check in during daylight hours
Whenever possible, plan to get to your accommodation during the day. In many cities, I feel completely safe being out at night. However, arriving late to your accommodation at dark could be a recipe for disaster. Arriving during the day allows you time to view your accommodation, make sure you feel comfortable there or pursue finding another option for the night in the event it is not what you expected.
6. Be as self reliant as possible
Carry everything you need with you when you are out for the day. When you travel on your own, you are completely responsible for not only your own enjoyment, but also your own needs. It is tempting to carry a cute tiny purse along with you while you are out exploring a city, but in reality, I find that a simple tote bag is best for my needs. This allows me to carry my water bottle, wallet, copy of passport, phone, keys, an extra layer, Advil or medications as well as any snacks or souvenirs I may pick up along the way. I’d say the most important thing in my bag is a charge battery pack or extra phone charger. As much as I love just getting lost in a city, it is essential to have my phone to map myself back to my place, as well as to take photos. I have forgotten my battery pack several times and it always ends up being an expensive mistake for me because I end up buying a charger and finding a place like Starbucks when I know I can charge my phone. Pack light so you have less to worry about, but make sure you have everything you need.
7. Plan loosely
Make a plan to give you structure, but keep it flexible. Part of the fun of traveling alone is getting to do whatever you want, when you want. I find that for me, I travel best when I write up a loose day by day itinerary on my computer. This is helpful to help me broadly plan my trip so I know where I need to book accommodation on which dates, train times and flights to book and any attractions that I know book up in advance. Then I make a list of the main sites I want to see in each place and just plug those in whenever I have time at the destination. I think planning out the big details, but not stressing about the small details contributes to you being able to see what you want to see, while also leaving enough room in your trip to actually live life. If you meet a good group of friends at your hostel, you have the flexibility and time to go out with them.
8. You don’t have to be alone the entire time
You are never alone while traveling unless you want to be. For me, often when I solo travel, it’s because I love wandering and exploring on my own terms. However, for some and myself when I am in the mood for it, solo travel is a time to meet new people, There is absolutely no shortage of opportunities to meet fellow travelers and get to know them while traveling, I have met people just while walking at some of the famous tourist sites, asking another visit to take my photo for me or one of the very best options is when you are at your hostel. Hostels often have central areas that they provide breakfast or dinner. These common areas are also great places to relax and meet people or get some work done. Most hostels also have bars or put on bar crawls and events to help visitors meet each other, so you’ll never be out of chances to meet someone new.
9. It’s OK if it’s not what you expected
It’s not for everyone. Some people absolutely love being alone and thrive in this scenario. For myself, as a people pleaser, I find solo travel a release and way to do exactly what I want, when I want to rather than having any extra pressure or concern to make sure my travel partner is having fun. For others however, solo travel may not only be daunting, but also just not desirable. I think it’s important to know that if you are a big people person, solo travel may not be for you. This doesn’t mean that you are any less of an experienced or skilled traveler, but it may just not be the style of travel you prefer.
10. Just try it out!
My most important tip is to just go for it if you have even the smallest desire to go on a trip by yourself. Even if you have fears or concerns about traveling alone, you have to try it because it will always be on your mind otherwise, You can start small just by going to a nearby city and eating by yourself, You could join a tour group in another country and then plan a few days after your tour on your own. There are so many ways to pursue this dream. Listen to podcasts and read posts by other solo travelers explaining how and why they do things and it will help to reassure you that you are making the right decision and that you are not the only person with this desire by far!
