How to solo travel? This might be the question you are asking yourself as you contemplate taking that plunge. Read these expert tips on how to solo travel.
Are you looking for tips on how to solo travel? Have you been thinking about traveling solo for a while but do not know how to start? These pro tips will help you feel safe and ready to take that next step in traveling.
You are going to learn about the do’s and don’t of solo travel as well as tips on how to feel comfortable and safe. You will also feel excited and ready to go out of your comfort zone with these tips on how to solo travel.
This post is all about how to solo travel.
13 Expert Tips on how to solo travel
1. Mindset
First up is getting your mindset in the right space for solo travel. There will likely be people that are against you traveling solo. You need to do what you want because this is your life! You deserve to be happy and live your best life. People travel solo for many different reasons. You reason might be to get out of your comfort zone, you love traveling, you love doing things on your own, or you have to for work/family reasons. Whatever the reason may be, do not let others discourage you. You can do anything you set your mind to. A lot of people were once in your shoes and nervous to travel solo. Many of these people now enjoy and even prefer to travel solo.
A way to get your mindset right is by limiting who you tell your plans to. If you have a family member or friend that is a pessimist and finds the negative in every situation, do not tell them during the planning phase. Unfortunately, many of us have a couple of those people in our lives and if someone popped in your mind, that is your negative person.
Meditate, journal, talk to someone that knows you and lifts you up. Mindset is an important factor in everything you do. There is something empowering about living your life on your terms and not waiting for anyone. Think positively, write down all the wonderful places you want to experience, and get excited. Create a travel bucket list, or better yet a solo travel bucket list. Do what you set out to do and stick with it. This is your year! 🙂
2. Research
Next up is research. Prior to traveling solo, conduct research on places you want to travel. Ensure these places are safe (especially if you are a woman). There are still countries and cities that are not the safest to go to. If an unsafe place is high on your bucket list, save this place for that group trip. On the other hand, there are many places that are very safe to travel to. A lot of people travel solo and see a bunch of different places. Conducting research will also make you feel secure and at ease while planning.
3. Network
Third is networking with other travelers. There are many different groups on social media and online nowadays. These travel groups are amazing opportunities to connect with solo travelers. In addition, these travelers could you give advice and let you know about their experiences. If you want some company for all or part of your trip, some of these travelers will meet up with you depending on when or where you go. If traveling is a passion of yours whether you decide to travel solo or not, it is beneficial to network. The tips and experiences these fellow travelers share is unmatched.
The best way to find these groups is simply search “travel groups” or “solo travel groups” into the search bar on social media. Also, you could Google some groups online and connect with travel lovers. Some of these groups you will need to be invited by an admin, but some are public. The private ones are usually the best as they are closely monitored and people that are truly passionate about the topic.
4. Buddy System
It is vital to have a buddy system while traveling solo. What this means is to have someone that knows where you are going and where you will be staying. For example, pick one – two people that you trust and will check up on you and give them your itinerary. Ensure the itinerary is detailed with contact information of your accommodation and where your destinations are. Check in with them during your trip to ensure you are safe. This will also give you a sense of peace to know someone back home is checking in and looking out for you. Safety should always come first so the buddy system is something you need.
5. Power Bank
Fifth on the list is having a power bank with you at all times. A power bank is a portable charger that you could bring with you while you are outside walking around that gorgeous city or resort. It will charge your electronics while you are out and about. Often times while traveling, you will be on your phone more than usual. Or being in roaming could cause your battery to drain faster. A power bank will ensure you are reachable at all times for your buddy or buddies. In addition, it is important to have your phone charged for transportation reasons. You want to ensure you are able to look up a bus/train schedule or use your GPS. Also, you need your phone charged for all those amazing pictures you will be taking.
6. Transportation
Next up is your form of transportation for your solo trip. When you are looking into how to solo travel, you want to find the best and safest form of transportation. Keep in mind this could vary from city to city. For example, just because a bus might be the best and safest form of transportation in one area, does not mean will be for the next place you travel to. Research is vital for every trip!
7. Itinerary
For your first solo travel trip or maybe you have been on a few already, have an itinerary. It will make you feel at ease to have everything planned out ahead of time. This includes having your transportation from the airport booked. If you decide to take the train or bus, look at the schedules ahead of time. Buy the tickets in advance if you can. The more you have planned out, the easier and more relaxed you will feel.
8. Preparation
A theme here is being prepared prior to that solo trip. Below is what you need to be prepared prior to leaving for your trip.
- Packing: Ensure you have everything packed and ready to go will also put your mind at ease. If you are one that is usually borrowing your sister’s hair tools and never pack your own, this tip is for you! Have a travel packing list handy for every single trip. You do not want to miss those important items.
For some tips on packing and for the ultimate travel packing list, you will love this post: Ultimate travel packing list | What to pack for vacation list
In addition, if you are in need of a travel packing checklist for all your trips, enter your email at the bottom of this post. This free travel packing checklist PDF is customizable and will keep you organized for every trip!
- Appointments: Any appointments that you need to book do them weeks in advance. These appointments include any doctors, hair, nail, spa, or waxing appointments. Organization, relaxation, and preparation is key to feeling stress free before that solo trip.
9. Excursions
Book excursions and day trips where you are staying. For example, if you are staying at a resort, excursions are a great way to enjoy your time and be around other travelers. Book a massage at your hotel or resort for a day. There are usually many different excursions to choose from depending on where you go. Also, some accommodations are exclusive for solo travelers. This is why it is vital to do research ahead of time. This is an excellent way to network and meet fellow travelers. Many travelers meet lifelong friends or new travel buddies this way. 🙂
10. Budget
Your budget is vital!! You might be used to splitting everything with a group of people but this is your trip. As exciting as it is to solo travel, you need to be prepared for paying for yourself. The price of a trip will likely increase unless you go for a shorter period of time. Understand and know your budget while planning out this trip. The last thing you want to do is go on the trip and be stressed out about money. Always overbudget when you are planning so you are not stressed.
For additional budget travel tips, check out this related post: 9 Life-Changing hacks to Budget Solo Travel | Travel Budget Tips
11. Entertainment
Eleventh is staying entertained while you solo travel. What this means is having plenty to occupy your time. While it is wonderful taking in the scenery in somewhere new, it is important to have entertainment too. This is especially important if you are nervous or feeling anxious about this solo trip. Some entertainment to bring with you are, laptop (for work, side hustle, movies), books or Kindle, new downloaded playlist, download movies, and drawing pad. Keep in mind you might not have service where you are going so you should download your favorite movies, shows, or books prior to your trip. It would be a shame to come prepared and not be able to use that entertainment.
12. Safety First
Ensure you are aware of your surroundings at all times. If an area looks unsafe to walk down, listen to your gut and do not do it. Your safety and wellbeing is more important. Be careful in common areas too. For example, if you are in bar or restaurant enjoying a drink, watch out for how many drinks you have. You do not want to be in a situation where you are intoxicated and by yourself. In addition, watch your drinks when they are handed to you. Do not trust anyone. No matter how nice the locals are, you do not want to take drinks from anyone. Even if you met them online, or the day prior, do not do it! You are important and your wellbeing is super important. You could still have a great time with a drink limit.
13. Curfew
Give yourself a curfew. Did you ever hear the phrase, “Nothing good happens after 2am.” Or is it 12am? Regardless, give yourself a curfew and stick to it. Late at night there are less people out and more drunks and drugs out. Again, your safety is more important. Go back to your hotel, enjoy a nice cup or tea or wine, and reminisce on the day. You will feel at ease and well rested for the next day. These are especially important tips for traveling alone as a woman.
Reminder: This is YOUR life. No one else’s. You do what makes YOU happy and will bring YOU joy. You will likely encounter one or more people that have a negative outlook on your traveling solo. Ignore them. Other people are likely jealous or too scared to take the plunge. You can be safe and have an amazing time traveling solo. This could be the beginning of a beautiful travel journey. In addition, this is the beginning of you getting to know yourself better. You deserve the best and to make your travel dreams come true.
Happy and safe travels! xx
Related posts you will love: 11 Secrets On How To Travel The World On A Budget
This post was all about how to travel solo.
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