Traveling alone was so intimidating to me before I tried it, but since I’ve started it’s changed my life. Solo travel has quickly become one of my favorite form of travel. I’ve traveled solo to countries in Africa, Latin America, and Europe. I’ve compiled these experiences to share with you my tips for solo travel. After reading this you’ll be better equiped to make your dreams of seeing the world come true, no matter if noone can join you. Who knows, maybe you’ll fall in love with it like I did.
Did you know that most of the solo travelers in the world are female. That fact makes me so happy. Despite the everyday safety concerns women face, we’re still the dominant group of solo travelers. More and more women are choosing to explore the world on their own terms. Now, I’m not saying that you won’t be scared during the trip. I’ve definitely felt nervous before trips before. But by doing research and trusting your gut, you can have incredible experiences without needing anyone to ‘protect you’.
If you’re in the process of planning your trip. Make sure to check out my other blog posts. They’re seperated into different countries and topics so you can find all the information you need. I hope you have the best trip ever!
While traveling alone can be an empowering and rewarding experience, it also comes with its own set of challenges and risks. In this blog post, I’ll explore some tips and tricks for solo travelers.
General Travel Advice
1. Plan Ahead
When you’re traveling on your own it’s important to plan certain things ahead to ensure your trip to safe and enjoyable. I recommend researching your destination, at least a little bit. Look into accomodations for the trip and book in advance. Something to be aware of is your arrival time. If you arrive into an area late at night it’s worth it to look for accomodation close to the station/airport or research transportation options. I always try and arrive before sunset if possible, it makes the transit process much smoother and simpler.
2. Your Intuition is Your Best Friend
Trust your instincts and be aware of your surroundings. If something doesn’t feel right, remove yourself from the situation. Never aplogize for trusting your gut.
3. Stay Connected
Staying in touch with friends and family back home will keep you safe and give you peace of mind. Make sure to keep loved ones up to date on your location and check in regularly. You can even choose to share your live location with people so they can help in the case of an emergency. I’ve never had anything bad happen, but it’s reassuring to know there are people looking out for you. They also make gps devices you can bring with you, seperate from your phone. If you’re very concerned about safety, I’ll share some safety tips later in the article.
4. Pack Smart
Packing efficently and avoiding bringing too much makes a BIG difference in your solo travel experience. You’ll be the only one available to carry them on travel days, so it’s important not to bring more than you can carry. Besides avoiding overpacking, it’s important to bring gadgets like a portable charger, locks for your belongings, and a travel pillow. It’ll ensure you have the best experience possible.
5. Embrace the solo travel lifestyle
While it’s important to plan ahead for certain things when traveling alone, it’s also important to embrace the freedom of solo travel. I try and find the accomodations I would like to stay at before my trip starts, but I usually only book about 1 or 2 weeks in advance. Of course, that tip is different if you’re traveling somewhere during high season and places may sell out. Lean into the flexibility and spontanaeity of traveling alone. Make the most of every opportunity. And finally, do whatever YOU want to do.
6. Connect with other travelers
Traveling solo doesn’t have to mean being alone. When you’re staying at hostels you’re bound to make friends. Especially if you’re staying in a dorm. I also recommend participating in the hostels events, I’ve met such great people that way! You can also make friends taking cooking classes, going on walking tours, and using online groups. Looking for the perfect hostel? Check out my guide to the BEST hostels around the world!
7. Be respectful of local customs
It’s important to be respectful of local customs and dress appropriately. Do your research ahead of time and be mindful of cultural differences. In some places you may need to cover your shoulders and knees. There also may be cultural norms surrounding the way different groups interact with each other. It’s best to know these before going somewhere.
Solo Trael Safety Tips
- Share your location with at least one person back home
- Make sure to arrive during the day, unless when it’s unavoidable
- Use ridesharing apps (Uber, Grab, DiDi) when possible. The ride information is tracked and verified.
- Don’t tell random people that you’re traveling alone. Mention meeting a friend or waiting for someone.
- Stay connected, use wifi or get a local data plan so you can get help if needed.
- Download the language of your destination of Google Translate so you can always understand what’s going on.
- Trust your gut and get out of situations you’re unsure about.
- Be careful when you’re going out drinking. Always have a plan for getting home.
- Research safety concerns and common scams of the country you’re visiting.
Solo travel is my favorite way to travel. In order to have the best experience it’s important to plan ahead, stay safe, and embrace the opportunities that come your way. By following the solo travel tips and tricks I mentioned above, you’ll be well on your way to a successful solo adventure. Until next time,
Kails xx
kail of the wild 