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Travelling alone is a huge endeavour with everlasting positive effects. Though, it’s not uncommon to feel scared, nervous and discouraged when thinking about being alone in a new country. Indeed, there are some alarming risks, but I can wholeheartedly say that the pros always outweigh the cons. As an avid solo traveller, I wanted to share my best solo travel tips and advice so you too can feel confident travelling the world alone.
Before we get into the full list, there are a couple notes to keep in mind before your solo journey around the world.
Solo travel is not a fairytale adventure 24/7.
In fact, exhaustion and other travel predicaments and obstacles happen often.
However, after flying alone you will have enough excitement to get you through it. Even the inevitable loneliness.
If you are wondering which countries are best for solo travellers, Austria, Canada, and Thailand are some of the best solo destinations.
Also note that the Czech Republic, Greece & Italy are great for independent travellers too. Although it can feel a tad more lonely when you don’t have someone to share all the amazing experiences with.
Nevertheless, if you are prepared, then travelling alone will be a breeze. More importantly, you will know how to travel like a pro with these 25 tips!
It is incredibly important for someone to know where you are just in case something happens to you. Of course, hopefully nothing ever happens to anyone on their travels, but things do happen sometimes. In that case, it is better for someone to know your whereabouts during your trip. Also, always keep in touch with friends or family for journey updates. Staying in touch is also great for overcoming any homesickness or loneliness while away.
If you are wondering how to travel alone, this is a huge factor that I take into account. Knowing how to get around is crucial to the success and ease of your travels. Luckily, there are many resources that will tell you exact routes and options for public transportation and car service apps. Also, if you look like you know where you are going, there is less of a chance of being stopped by taxi scammers (seriously!). This is a huge plus in many major cities.
Whether you’re a beginner or expert traveller, doing your homework is always a good idea. Especially for solo travelling, having a plan helps minimize any uneasiness and nervousness. Moreover, researching any destination gives you an idea of what to expect. Note that you can never do too much research. And don’t worry, you will still be filled with surprise and excitement when you get there. See this pre-travel checklist to be 100% ready before leaving.
Central accommodations are best for getting around, finding attractions, and staying safe. Now, I know it is common knowledge that tourist areas are targeted more for scamming and theft. However, if you are smart, aware, and on-guard you will probably be okay. In many major cities, sites and attractions are condensed to one large area, so when you travel outside these areas, you might walk into run-down or more dangerous neighbourhoods. Of course, this is not always the case, but there have been a couple of times where I found myself in not so nice areas away from the city centre. In my honest opinion, paying a little bit more for a central stay is totally worth it.
Try to blend into the crowd by wearing neutral colours, walking at the same pace, and doing what everyone else is doing. Undoubtedly, blending in is one of the easiest ways to feel more comfortable in a new place without feeling like a target. That said, avoid revealing clothes, talking really loud, or listening to loud music. When you are alone in a new city, the last thing you want is unwanted attention, so be aware of you and your actions in public.
At least not until you are comfortable in the city. When you have your headphones or airpods in you end up in your own world not paying too much attention to your surroundings. As a result, this leaves you vulnerable in an unfamiliar place. Additionally, listening to music closes you off to the world and you don’t get the same experience in that destination. Take the time to really hear the sounds, smell the smells, and witness the true way of life. This way, you can immerse yourself further and be a lot more knowledgeable about the city.
If you have taken the time to know your surroundings and want to listen to music, by all means, put on your favourite playlist! I personally love wandering and listening to my music, but I only do so after a few days after arriving when I feel comfortable. That being said, I suggest putting together a playlist of songs you love, and new music to listen to. The great thing about listening to new music is that when you play those songs later, they will remind you of your travels! If you need some inspiration, check out Arrival Plans on Spotify for destination inspired playlists and artists.
This important solo travel tip is very useful for everyone. Wherever you go, make sure to walk with purpose, like you know exactly where are going and why. For instance, keep your head up and don’t stare at your phone. Most of the time, people won’t bother you if you look busy. Even if someone does try to get your attention, just say “I’m sorry I have to be somewhere” and point in any direction. Being “busy” is the key to being left alone.
Before jetting off to a new country, you might wonder about the culture, standards, and overall vibe. It can be overwhelming being halfway around the world where there is a language barrier. If you’re scared or nervous, the best thing to do is familiarize yourself with the culture and customs beforehand. The more you learn, the more comfortable and excited you will be when you’re there. For instance, read books, watch videos, and learn a couple phrases like “hello” and “thank you”.
It’s always good to have some cash on you for emergencies, cash-only stores, and to avoid hefty bank fees. But you should not bring as much as you need for your entire trip. Because at the end of the day, it is better to use an ATM than lose all your money from theft or by accident (I lost my wallet once and it was awful!). As a rule, I think enough for a few days or even up to a week is good to have. Although, if you plan on bringing quite a bit then separate the cash into two or three concealed and safe places – just in case!
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As much as we want to believe that everything is going to be fine and people are innately good, sometimes that just isn’t so. Especially as a solo traveller, a heightened sense of awareness is important. Being alone not only tells people that you are independent and courageous but also that you have no one to help you. Without trying to alarm you, just be extra cautious and don’t accept drinks from strangers or go anywhere alone with someone. Even if you might be fine, the risk of something happening is there.
Indeed, you should be wary but you should also not be afraid to make friends. Because in most cases, there are others like you who are travelling and looking to experience a new part of the world. Besides, if you meet like-minded people doing the same things you are, or are also tourists, or who are staying in your same accommodation then you might end up making friends. In fact, those social interactions are going to be some of the most memorable experiences you have.
Being in tune with yourself and your feelings is so useful when you’re alone. If something feels wrong, don’t do that thing! Without a doubt the best thing about being alone is being able to call the shots. Do not let anyone make you do something you do not want to do – trust your initial instincts. On the other hand, if an opportunity arises that you like or feel good about, don’t hesitate to take it.
Travelling by yourself is great but what’s not great is lugging all your stuff from one place to the next. With each trip, I have packed less and less to make my life easier – and it has! Once I figured out how to pack minimally, my travels have been much more enjoyable, and less expensive! Undoubtedly, a day of travelling to your next destination can be exhausting, and heavy baggage only makes it worse. Also, do not worry about forgetting anything, you can always buy what you need there and it could be considered a souvenir!
Confucius said “wherever you go, go with all your heart”, and that is exactly what you should do when travelling. When you travel deeper and see how others live, you find appreciation, and compassion for others. So get to know the language, speak to many people, and discover the real essence of that destination. It will be appreciated, and you will have more meaningful experiences – sometimes more so than if you weren’t alone.
After diving into how you should solo travel through immersion, you might be wondering what are the benefits of travelling alone? Other than going at your own pace and following your own interests, you will develop skills and abilities that are the foundations for your newfound independence. For instance, higher confidence, courageousness, and self-reliance. Of course, the list does not end there, there are many reasons why travel is good for you. With this in mind, take the plunge – your future self will thank you.
Always know where the nearest hospital is and what the local emergency numbers are. This might also include calling codes to dial out if you are abroad. Also, be sure to know fire escape routes in your accommodation. Again, hopefully nothing bad happens on vacation but if you are solo travelling then you want to be more than prepared for any situation.
You want to be able to enjoy your adventure knowing you’ll be taken care of in case of an emergency. Such as getting very sick, being in an accident, or worse. That is exactly what insurance is for and more so it’s important to look at plans (especially the fine print), use a reputable company, and protect yourself when abroad. Note many travellers trust and use Safety Wing (myself included) for travels abroad.
All your valuables and essentials should be secure and stored properly to ensure a low risk of theft. Particularly phones, money, and ID’s should be hard to reach. To clarify, use zippers and locks on your bags, suitcases, and purses. Furthermore, don’t leave your belongings unattended in a public space.
This tip is one I always mention for travelling alone, saying no. In a lot of tourist places, you will be stopped to sign something, buy something, or offered something, and it usually isn’t for good reason. That is why saying no is something to get comfortable with. A simple no thank you will suffice, and not a hand-in-the-face (as the above picture suggests).
There are many reasons to solo travel but in the end, the adventures and feelings are yours and yours alone. Thus, to keep yourself engaged and entertained it’s best to search for the things that you love. For example, finding the best view, the best food, beaches, historic sites, or whatever interests you. These are the things that will keep you excited and motivated to travel. Also, make sure to do your research and find relevant tours to join. Trust me, the experience will be one hundred times better if you make your trip your own.
Planning is essential. but a full schedule will overwhelm and disappoint. Always leave free time to wander, explore, and discover hidden gems. On top of that, be flexible. If something better or more interesting comes along, go with it. Travel should be fun and all about exploration. That said, the best memories are ones that start with you being open to something new.
Something will go wrong, that’s a fact, but it’s usually not a big deal. But it definitely feels like it is when you’re alone and not sure what to do. Here is where problem solving comes into play. Which by the way, is something you will develop quickly after solo travelling. If something goes wrong, just take a moment to figure it out and move past it with as much calm and understanding as possible. Do not panic, as it will only make the situation worse.
With the ultimate freedom of being alone you have to make sure to enjoy every moment. Including the people-watching, the resting, the waiting, and all the small moments in between. Many thoughts will go through your mind when you’re exploring, so it’s important to free your mind of plans and worry. Take it all in because what you’re doing takes guts, and many want to be your position.
This isn’t absolutely necessary in some situations but it will help, A LOT. Feeling stronger and having more energy is a nothing but a positive. Especially if you are carrying a lot and travelling a lot. That is why working out before a trip is ideal. That being said, staying in shape will alleviate that extra physical exhaustion. As well as make your journey a tad bit easier overall. Also, if you’re planning excursions such as hiking, biking, climbing, etc.. it’s good to challenge yourself, but you must be mindful of your limitations too.
Not too much fun! And by that I mean, don’t put yourself in risky situations, don’t overdo it, and know your limits. This goes for everything, but specifically when it comes to partying or outdoor adventures. Just be safe and make good decisions, that’s really it. Live out those solo travel dreams and come home with only inspiring stories to tell.
If you made it to the end, thanks for reading and I hope you’ve gained a new perspective with these solo travel tips and advice from my travels!
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