Ten Tips for Traveling Solo

Traveling solo offers you a sense of freedom that you can't experience when you travel with someone else. Your solo trip is all about what you want to do, what you want to see, and the experiences you desire to have. You can cross goals off your bucket list, explore deep within yourself, or simply immerse yourself in another culture. The sky's the limit, and the decisions are yours. If you're new to solo travel, and you're wondering how to make your first trip a little easier, check out these 10 tips for a successful solo travel adventure. 

Learn From People, Not From a Guidebook 

While it's important to research your chosen destination, there's only so much you can learn from a guidebook or website. The only way to capture the true essence of a place and find the most unique local hangouts is to ask the locals themselves. Striking up a conversation with a stranger might be challenging at first, but you'll find that most people are willing (excited even) to tell you about their city and the places you should explore. 

Step Outside of Your Comfort Zone 

When you're traveling, it's important to do things you normally wouldn't and explore new adventures without fear standing in your way. Take a dance lesson, go bungee jumping, go snorkeling, or spend a day "lost" in the city. Whatever it is that fills you with excitement and anticipation, do that. Solo travel is all about new experiences and discovering yourself. Take advantage of the opportunity. 

Make Friends Along the Way 

One of the greatest parts of solo travel is that you have the opportunity to open yourself up, meet new people, and make new connections along the way. Traveling with friends or a partner makes you more closed off to the people around you, whereas solo travel makes you far more approachable. Don't let this frighten you. The majority of people in this world are good and kind, and they crave connection just like you. Of course, you should always trust your gut, but don't assume everyone is out to get you. If you convince yourself that everyone you meet is dangerous, your trip will be filled with nothing but fear and paranoia. Instead, keep an open mind and enjoy making new connections with fellow travelers and the locals. 

Know Your Limits 

Drinking in excess is never a smart idea when you're traveling solo. By all means, you should go to a local bar and enjoy the city's nightlife if that's your thing, but you should do so in a responsible manner. When traveling solo, you don't have a designated driver or a friend to watch your back. It's just you. So drink and enjoy the night, but stop before you push yourself too far. 

Be Safe 

You shouldn't let fear and paranoia control you on your solo adventure, but you should take steps to ensure your safety. Let friends and family know your plans and where you're staying. If plans change, send them a quick text to update them. Post on social media often to let people know your location and that you're doing well. Have scheduled check in times, and don't forget about them. You don't want to send your friends into a panic because you're having so much fun you forgot to send an "I'm okay" message. 

Learn the Language 

If the locals who live in your chosen destination speak a different language than you, you should learn at least a few phrases to help you communicate more efficiently. You don't need to become fluent, but you should know how to ask for directions, ask for help, order common items, or seek out the location of a restroom. You should also learn the words 'please' and 'thank you'. It's always important to be polite. 

Skip the Hotel 

Staying in shared housing options like Airbnbs or hostels not only saves you money, but it can help combat the loneliness you might experience if you stayed in a large hotel room all by yourself. Staying in shared housing provides you with opportunities to talk with locals and other travelers. You can share your travelling stories with them and listen to a few of theirs as well. Who knows, they might even provide you with insider tips on where you should visit next. Hostels and Airbnbs are popular destinations for solo travelers and generally very safe, but you should always do due diligence before booking your stay. Look up safety ratings, not only for the hostel or Airbnb, but also for the part of the city you'll be staying in, and read as many reviews as you can. 

Plan, but Don't Over-Plan 

Chances are, if you're traveling to a specific destination, you have a few ideas about what you want to do and see while you're there. Having a plan is good, but you shouldn't make the mistake of planning your entire trip. Leave some things to chance. Wander around the city, get 'lost' for an afternoon, and pick your lunch spot impulsively. Instead of planning your entire adventure, live it freely, deciding as you go. Traveling this way will keep you open to new and exciting adventures and opportunities you might miss with an intensely detailed itinerary. Embrace your freedom, and see where it takes you. 

Don't be Afraid 

And if you are afraid, do it anyway. One of the most common reasons people who want to travel solo never do, is fear. They don't think they have what it takes to step out into a grand adventure alone, and they miss out on amazing opportunities because of it. Don't let fear steal your experiences and dreams. Be bold, be brave, and embrace the adventure. Even if it scares you. You won't regret it. 

Pack Light 

You're on your own when it comes to carrying all your luggage, so pack as little as possible. Try to avoid checking a bag at the airport and simply bring a carry on. It'll be a lot easier to keep track of one suitcase or backpack when you're navigating through a new city. And the less luggage you have to store in the hostel (should you choose to stay in one) the easier your trip will be. 

If you've always wanted to travel but have no one to go with, go anyway. Traveling solo is a rewarding experience that will teach you about other cultures, help you see more of this wonderful world you live in, meet new people, and discover things about yourself you never knew. Solo travel is freedom, pure and simple. And traveling on your own could be the most liberating and exciting adventure of your life. Don't let fear stop you. Book the flight, pack (lightly), and go explore all that awaits you on your journey.