Solo Travel Tips
Tips to make solo travel a little easier!
Traveling solo can be a great adventure, but also a little intimidating. Solo travel is one of the most liberating and important things i’ve ever done for myself! If you’ve been holding back, these tips will make it easier for you to head out alone. You’ll learn how to deal with three of the most common concerns.
Coping with Loneliness and Boredom
You may wonder about whether you’ll get lonely if you travel alone. The truth is that learning to enjoy your own company makes solitude rewarding. On the other hand, when solo traveling you’re almost guaranteed to meet like minded people also on their solo journey. This is a great opportunity to make life long friends!
1. Engage fully. Be mindful of your surroundings. Getting caught up in new experiences as you travel will leave little time for boredom. Be open to meeting new people while out on tours, at bars or restaurants, etc.
2. Take a tour. A day tour is ideal for meeting new acquaintances. It’s easy to strike up a conversation when you share the same interests with others and you’re away from your usual routine. Tours are a sure fire way to meet like minded people on the same adventure you’re on!
3. Dine out. Look for places with communal tables or ask your hotel to recommend them. Eat at the bar if you feel conspicuous at a table.
4. Stay at a hostel. No they are nothing like the scary movies you’ve seen haha! At hostels, there’s always other solo travelers looking to meet awesome like minded people to make friends with. Hostels usually always have activities to get their guest to mingle and interact with each other (Things like beer pong, tours, and so much more!)
5. Explore local businesses. Experiencing the local culture and businesses never gets old! You’ll get a true insight of the culture of whatever country you’re exploring and get a chance to truly interact with the locals.
6. Talk with new people. Your hostel is the best place to start! But if you decide not to stay at a hostel, check out tripadvisor or any other review website for hot nightlife gathering spots or maybe even look online for solo travel events!
7. Do volunteer work. Sign up with a non-profit organization and perform group volunteer work. For example, sign up for a volunteer Group Trip to Cambodia and help build schools for The Hearts Company!
8. Pursue solitary activities.Visit an art museum or lie on the beach with a good book. Enjoy the peace and relaxation you get from being alone.
Protecting Your Safety
Security is an important concern for any traveler. Some basic precautions will reduce your risks.
1. Blend in. Looking like a tourist may leave you vulnerable. The first red flag that will make you a target is looking lost or like you have no idea where you are. Having your phone map already open and the directions ready.
2. Be alert. Observe what’s going on around you and be conscious of those around you. Ask your hotel to advise you about where it’s safe to walk. If you’re near an unsafe area, avoid unnecessary risks by taking a cab or Uber to your destination.
3. Watch your money. I always keep cash on me incase card is not accepted, but be sure to always have your cash in somewhere zipped. Whether that mean a zipped pocket or at the bottom of your backpack zipped up and our of reach. Solo travelers are often the perfect target for pickpockets.
4. Always have google translate available. You’re most likely not going to know the local language, this can be an issue in emergencies or when simply needing to ask questions. Make sure to have google translate or something similar dowloaded on your phone to translate to eliminate that language barrier.
5. Gather your documents. Always have a copy of your passport on your phone or somewhere accesible It may also be wise to have a second copy with loved ones at home.
6. Check in at home. Speaking of home, give your full itinerary to at least one person. Call or text them every few days to let them know you’re okay. There have been way too many instances of travelers disappearing on a trip and nobody realizes it for quite some time.
7. Pack light. Leave your valuables at home. Traveling with minimal baggage increases your comfort and your ability to move quickly. Leave anything you’re not wiling to lose or get damaged at home!
Sticking to Your Budget
You may run into what’s called “single supplements” on cruises and tours. This is when the venue charges single travelers extra to try and make up for the lack of a second customer. Still, there are plenty of ways to vacation affordably on your own.
1. Save up in advance. Put money aside gradually. Small amounts add up over time.
2. Be flexible about timing.You’ll tend to find the best deals at the last minute or several months before your departure. Be open to traveling during the off-season for further monetary savings.
3. Look for special bargains. Check discount travel sites and look for deals. Some venues may even be willing to waive the single supplement.
4. Accept roommates. Hostels are the cheapest accommodations that you’ll find across the world! They also offer private rooms and have many benefits such as making new friends and group activities.
5. Breakfast included. Find hotels or hostels that offer breakfast included in the price! This eliminates the cost of one meal each day!